South Charlotte Weekly

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Vol. 16 No. 2 January 8, 2016

Jan 14th

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Canceling I-77 work could halt I-485, U.S. 74 projects

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Breaking a contract to install toll lanes along 26 miles of Interstate 77 could not only result in a heavy financial penalty, but also halt projects designed to relieve traffic congestion on I-485 and U.S. 74.

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) convenes Jan. 20 to discuss the I-77 project and consider Gov. Pat McCrory’s request to reaffirm the region’s managed lane strategy. “If CRTPO votes to no longer follow a strategy of managed lanes,

there is a consequence,� said Ned Curran, chairman of the board for the N.C. Department of Transportation. “The consequence is that the projects that incorporated a managed lane element do not go forward.�

The CRTPO approved a 10-year transportation plan in August that included managed lanes for I-485, U.S. 74 and the Lake Norman portion of I-77. Momentum continues to build against I-77 tolls, even though construction began two months ago.

This prompted Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson to release a statement in November noting that if the CRTPO were to vote to cancel the project, the NCDOT would work with local leaders to do so. (see Toll Lanes on page 11)

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 8 | Faith 10 | Calendar 12 | Sports 13 | Classifieds 15

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Page 2 | January 8, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

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South Charlotte Weekly | January 8, 2016 | Page 3

City considers getting outside opinion on SouthPark

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Charlotte leaders are considering getting guidance outside the city when it comes to addressing the challenges posed by SouthPark’s growth.

Charlotte City Council will decide Monday, Jan. 11, to allow the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to launch a panel that will recommend development, transportation and investment strategies for SouthPark.

A panel of six to eight experts will visit Charlotte for a week in March. They’ll research the issues, interview stakeholders and present recommendations at the end of the week.

The city will receive a more detailed report a few months later.

City leaders expect the effort to cost about $250,000, which includes $135,000 for the panel contract and $115,000 for seed money to carry out some of the study’s recommendations.

Charlotte would pay $60,000. Mecklenburg County will be asked to pay $30,000.

The private sector could support the remainder of the $250,000. This would include developers, landowners, property managers and business owners. One corporation in the SouthPark area has already chipped in $10,000.

The city has sought counsel from the ULI before for ideas on the West Trade Street and Beatties Ford Road corridor, as well as mass transit in the Independence Boulevard area.

New funding strategies and updated policies could emerge from the panel’s recommendations at a time when the area is continuing to de-

velop more urban characteristics associated with had to reluctantly approve viable redevelopment mixed-use projects, according to Ed McKinney, projects, despite the promise of increased traffic the city’s interim planning director. congestion.

“All the interest and investment we’re seeing in “I continue to struggle with our infrastructure SouthPark is pretty unprecedented,” McKinney investments and balancing those with the consaid. “It’s a good opporgestion that we’re going to tunity now for us to take experience in these areas,” City to pursue $40M that energy, rethink and City Councilwoman Vi transportation grant give us sort of an opportuLyles said upon approvThe city is applying for a $40 million nity to look at the future ing two mixed-use projgrant that could help Charlotte overof SouthPark in a way we ects on 82 acres off Provicome transportation challenges. haven’t had a chance to dence Road in October.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently.”

McKinney said the Kenny Smith, who rep- is awarding the Smart City Challenge ULI plan won’t replace Grant to the city that best addresses resents SouthPark on the the SouthPark Small Area issues outlined in the Beyond Traffic Charlotte City Council, Plan, but will provide a 2045: Trends and Choices report. has been advocating for jumpstart to hone in on a revised small area plan CATS CEO John Lewis and Darcy Ever- things that have changed, since he was first elected ett, the city’s sustainability coordinator, or focus on new considerbelieved the city should submit a proin 2013. ations that are important Small area plans serve posal after attending a grant workshop. to the council.

The proposal is due Feb. 4. as guide for how land can “With the rewrite of be developed throughout The USDOT will award $100,000 to five zoning ordinance comCharlotte. City staff ofing up, the resources finalists to support planning over six ten compares how rezon- months. One of the finalists will receive probably just aren’t there ing requests match up to $40 million to carry out a project over to do a comprehensive three years. a small area plan in their plan review,” Smith said. recommendations to the “So as a second option, I council. think this is as good as it’s going to get.”

The SouthPark Small Area Plan was last reCouncilmembers Claire Fallon and LaWana vised in 2000. Since then, rezoning requests for Mayfield have expressed concern about pending mixed-use projects have come before the council rezoning requests potentially conflicting with the that are not compliant with the plan, but are de- results of the ULI panel. sirable because they promote walking, improve Mayfield also wants to ensure the city isn’t crethe street network or broaden the tax base. ating another study that sits on a shelf.

Then there are occasions when the council has McKinney said a moratorium on rezoning

projects isn’t necessary since proposals before the council are similar to the kind of density and mix of development city leaders anticipated in 2000.

“The question that is before us now is, given the pace of that activity and given the change in development trends that’s happened in the last 15 years, do we need to reassess the long-term vision for the SouthPark area?”

While it seems like there’s not a lot of land left to develop in the SouthPark area, Smith said the horizon for redevelopment is imminent within the next five to seven years. He points to older buildings along Rexford and Fairview roads.

Councilwoman Julie Eiselt mentioned adding affordable housing to the discussion, while Mayor Jennifer Roberts hopes the panels considers how development would affect school enrollment in the southern end of the county.

Mayfield hopes the panel keeps the focus on the types of development that are grounded and within reach of Charlotte and comparable cities, not pie-in-the-sky dreams.

Smith expects the collaboration with the private sector during the process will help keep the goals for SouthPark development within reach.

He said the private sector’s expectation is to have a map on how to proceed with repurposing property that works with the city’s goals.

Smith described trying to figure out what’s best for all stakeholders, including the development community and neighbors, as a herculean task, but it’s one he’s excited to participate in.

“I think SouthPark’s best days are left to come,” Smith said.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 4 | January 8, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

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Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following restaurants from Dec. 25 to 31, 2015:

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Unsatisfied with the progress of fixing up the old Cone Mill, Pineville offered to acquire the 28 acres from its owner, clean up the site and put the property back on the market.

Pineville Town Manager Haynes Brigman said the strategy allows the town to have input in how the land is redeveloped, which could increase property values and potentially transform downtown.

Brigman sat down with South Charlotte Weekly to answer questions about the project.

Has the town acquired the land?

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Has a timeline been set to clean it up?

Cleanup of the property is two-fold. There is the cleanup of the hazardous materials onsite, and then the cleanup of the debris piles and crumbling buildings throughout the property.

The town's first priority is to clean up the hazardous materials on the property. The previous property owner had an open case with the EPA requiring cleanup and removal of these hazardous materials, and the town will assume those cleanup responsibilities. This will include the removal of chemical materials, as well as asbestoscontaining materials throughout the site.

We are currently collecting bids for this cleanup and will proceed with the hazardous material cleanup once quotes have been received.

The cleanup of the debris piles, or extensive cleanup of the entire property, will likely come later, as a more detailed plan on the redevelopment/sale of the property is determined.

The town also plans to immediately address small efforts to improve the looks and security of the property.

How much interest have you received from developers?

We have received a lot of interest from developers since it was announced the town intended to acquire the property. The amount of interest shows that the site can be a valuable asset to the community, just as the town council envisioned it being when they made the decision to acquire it.

The recent focus of the town has been acquiring the property, and now that we have secured the site, staff and council look forward to marketing the property for the right type of development to take place.

Will the Cone Mill dominate 2016?

The acquisition of the Cone Mill property is certainly one of the biggest projects the town has taken on in some time.

The Cone Mill represents a core piece of history for our community, but also one that has seen decades of deterioration and vacancy.

We believe the redevelopment and revitalization of the property will be a benefit to every Pineville resident and business owner, and will certainly be impactful to the residents immediately surrounding the property.

While a timeframe is unknown at this point, the cleanup and revitalization of the Cone Mill property will be the number one priority for the town in 2016.

We look forward to the process, and hope that residents remain patient with us as we carefully determine the future of the site.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly | January 8, 2016 | Page 5

Yamaha music program reaches out to young musicians

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

It’s widely believed that preschoolers and kindergarteners are like sponges, using their five senses to soak up everything around them as a means of learning more about the world. That includes music, according to Connie Cooper, owner of Ballantyne School of Music.

“The listening skills are very strong in (kids) 3, 4 and 5 years old,” Cooper said. “But it can be really difficult to get them reading music because they don’t all know what the letters are.”

That’s why Ballantyne School of Music has turned to Yamaha for a program specifically designed to teach music to young children in a way they can understand.

The school will host free trial Yamaha Music Classes for prospective students on Saturday, Jan. 9, at its 11318 N. Community House Road location. The Junior Music Course, for 4- and 5-year-olds, will meet from 9 to 10 a.m. The Young Musicians Course, for 6- and 7-year-olds, will meet from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

“It’s an opportunity to do a meet and greet and gives us great exposure,” Cooper said.

Yamaha Music Classes officially begin Tuesday, Jan. 12, and run 18 weeks. The weekly one-hour course consists of classes of up to 12 students and a qualified instructor. Students develop and strengthen ear training by hearing music and repeating it back. They also learn signs and symbols of written music, such as “rest” signs and how much weight to give them.

Students also are exposed to different musical instruments, including their own voices, keyboards – which they can set to mimic the sound

of many different horned and stringed instruments – and various percussive instruments.

“They can set the keyboards to different sounds, so when everybody’s maybe playing a song you’ll have all of these different (instrument sounds) working together at once,” Cooper said.

“It gives them that exposure of listening to the orchestra.”

The Young Musicians Course is slightly more advanced than the Junior Music Course, Cooper said. For example, 4- and 5-year-olds in the Junior Music Course might learn how to play a song on the keyboard using their right hand only, while 6- and 7-year-olds in the Young Musicians Course typically learn to play with both hands at once.

The Yamaha Music Classes also give students the chance to meet Yamaha-affiliated musicians from time to time. Yamaha-endorsed jazz keyboardist Keiko Matsui will be on site during Saturday’s free trials.

Cooper said she’s already seen heightened interest in the show, as Ballantyne School of Music is the only Yamaha Music School in the Carolinas. She expects to have students who travel from as far as Greensboro.

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Page 6 | January 8, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

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

Advertising Charlotte Conway Andrea Mounts

News Briefs Second annual Ballantyne Ball to benefit nonprofit The Sandbox The second annual Ballantyne Ball will take place Feb. 13, a Saturday, at 6 p.m. The black-tie optional masquerade ball will raise money for 501©(3) nonprofit The Sandbox, which financially and emotionally supports children and families battling life-altering illnesses. The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions, music and dancing. This year’s theme is, “Fall in love with believing.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www. ballantyneball.org. Contact Allen Starrett at allen@ballantyneball.org for more information on the ball. Contact Stephanie Melish Neuman at stephanie@ballantyneball.org for more information on sponsorship opportunities.

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

“We are very grateful for our donors who play a vital role in helping save local lives so we are excited to give people a chance to win this set of Carolina Panthers’ tickets,” said Kim Jones, director of recruitment and retention at CBCC, in a news release. “With the busy holidays and cold and flu season, our blood supply tends to run lower than other times of year. Our goal is to help keep our blood supply strong as there is always an ongoing need for blood. We encourage people to donate life-saving blood to support local patients and our home team.”

Morrison Family YMCA to host ‘Safe Sitter’ certification class Morrison Family YMCA will hold a “Safe Sitter” certification class on Jan. 25, a Monday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for kids 11 to 14 years old in the Thompson Family Community Room.

The course will teach pre-teens and teenagers about taking care of young children, basic first aid, behavioral issues and leadership skills.

Girl Scouts can earn their babysitting badge through the program. Certified wellness and fitness directors will lead the class.

Cost is $65 for YMCA members and $95 for nonmembers.

Morrison Family YMCA is located at 9405 Bryant Farms Road. Visit www.ymcacharlotte. org/morrison for more information.

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

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

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

This year’s Ballantyne Ball will raise money for nonprofit The Sandbox.

CBCC to give away Carolina Panthers playoff tickets CHARLOTTE – Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) blood donors will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win two tickets to the Carolina Panthers NFC Divisional Playoff game on Jan. 17, a Sunday, at Bank of America Stadium. Tickets are located on row 12 of the home side 50-yard line.

All donors who donate blood or platelets at any of CBCC’s blood centers or mobile blood drives through Jan. 14 will be entered to win. Visit www.cbcc.us to schedule an appointment.

DMV to increase fees statewide Driver’s license fees have increased across the state beginning this year. Driver’s licenses fees increased from $32 to $40 and vehicle

registration has increased from $28 to $36.

The new fee structure was passed by the General Assembly and approved by Gov. Pat McCrory in last year’s budget.

Visit www.ncdot.gov/dmv for more information.

Ballantyne Briefings to host Jim Dunn of Dunn Enterprises Sales guru Jim Dunn, of Dunn Enterprises, will present at the next Ballantyne Briefings on Jan. 26, a Tuesday, at 5 p.m. His presentation, “No Guts, No Gain: The Art of Closing More Deals” will discuss how to strategically boost sales and revenue. Visit www.bb 012616.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Ballantyne Briefings will take place at Aloft Hotel Ballantyne, located at 13139 Ballantyne Corporate Pkwy.

Contact Allen Starrett at ars@starrettlaw firm.com for more information

The Weekly

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Just by happenstance I ran across your article (in the Jan. 1 issue). It was the title that caught my eye. Now here’s someone trying to write something positive for a change! What a great job you did of putting all our trials and tribulations into better perspective. I strongly believe as you do that the media, perhaps out of necessity, clearly accentuates the negative and down plays all the positive aspects of our lives. As you aptly stated, there are so many good things currently happening in this world that get little to no attention from the media. Thanks for your uplifting, superbly written article. I believe you found your niche in life. Keep writing!

Harvey Morford Dear Editor, Thank you for writing a hopeful column for the New Year. You are right, there is so much bad news in the media that you would almost think that's the norm.

Bob Burns

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South Charlotte Weekly | January 8, 2016 | Page 7

Opinion

2016: Resolve to watch the change in who we elect If you’re like me and forgot to make a resolution for 2016, not to worry. I’ve got you covered.

Here’s the first thing you need to know.

Weight rooms are for chumps. I stay away from them because I’m stronger than all those people. Cardio?

It’s for losers. I don’t Jonathan McElvy even worry about eating healthy because there are very few people in the world who are as dietarily perfect as me. And I don’t even care if “dietarily” is or isn’t a real word, because when I say things, people just love it. They respect it. Look at the polls.

Sorry, I got carried away for a minute. I’ve been watching the star of the presidential debates too much.

Let’s get back to that New Year’s resolution I mentioned: Resolve to pay better attention to this year’s presidential campaign than any current event you have ever observed in your entire life.

Why? Because this year could be the culmination of a decade of change in your parents, in you and in your children. It has nothing to do with Donald Trump. It doesn’t even have to do with Hillary Clinton, though most are still trying to figure out what she has to do with anything. This has everything in the world to do with us.

Once upon a time, presidential candidates

were accountable for what they said. Just four years ago, GOP sheetrock candidate Mitt Romney told a group of supporters that 47 percent of all voters don’t pay taxes and every single one of them would vote for President Obama. That comment derailed Romney’s campaign, costing him the ever-important independent vote.

Earlier in that campaign, quirky Texas Gov. Rick Perry, smartish glasses and all, bumbled his way through a series of dumb comments. He didn’t know the age of voters (18, not 21), he said Turkey’s leaders were Islamic terrorists (wrong) and he could only name two of the three federal agencies he wanted to cut. Gone.

Even George H.W. Bush’s words had consequences and accountability with American voters. His “No new taxes” pledge lost the 1992 election to a philandering governor from Arkansas.

It’s easy to look back on presidential campaign history (even modern history) and realize voters have an uncanny ability to quickly discard candidates who make statements that are either inane or inaccurate.

So assume you’ve lost all recollection of the past eight months and listen to these comments from a presidential candidate: “I mean, she’s a woman, and I’m not supposed to say bad things, but really folks, come on. Are we serious?”

“He’s not a war hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

“When Mexico sends its people … They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re

rapists…”

“We will have so much winning if I get elected you may be bored with winning. Believe me. We are going to start winning big league.”

“I will build a great wall – and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me – and I’ll build them very inexpensively… and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words.”

Let me make something clear, before the people who love Trump (and purportedly, there are lots of them) start sending hate mail. I kind of like the guy. He’s built and rebuilt a lot of things, and I admire successful people. He’s also a ray of light in a political climate that looks like big-city smog.

But his comments… What happened? What happened to an electorate that, just four years ago, cast away candidates who made childish, frivolous statements? What happened to voters who hold candidates for the most important office in the world accountable when they don’t sound like the statesmen we once required?

I’ll tell you what I think happened, and it has nothing to do with the static answers we always hear. Yes, he’s a breath of fresh air. Yes, he says things a lot of people think. Yes, he’s against the establishment, and so are many of us. Yes, he’s just being himself, and we desperately want someone who doesn’t have a steel rod implanted in his or her backside.

There’s something else, and it has nothing to do with Trump’s qualities. It has to do with ours.

We’re in an age of quick social media. In part, we’ve replaced traditional media with our own stories. We take to Facebook and Twitter to tell

the world how smart and perfect and witty we are. We make up stories, we say things that aren’t – you know – factually correct.

The Pew Research Center says more than 200 million Americans use social media today. At the start of Obama’s 2009 presidency, fewer than 80 million people used it. And one of the defining traits of social media is that we react quickly to stories, but just as quickly, we tend to forget about them and move on.

You know how it goes. You post a beautiful picture of your daughter and you get 139 likes.

Tomorrow, that picture is old news. Nobody likes the picture – everyone moves on and forgets about you.

Donald Trump’s campaign might be the greatest barometer of our culture and our complete loss of perspective. He knows he can say something, have the media storm him, and then watch that same media move on to something completely different the next day. You can’t make comments about women, veterans, Mexicans and utter a completely inane comment about being such a wonderful winner (whatever that means) and be taken seriously, can you?

Today, apparently, you can. Our consumption of news and information has changed so drastically that the accountability we place on others – even the person we might elect to the highest office in the land – is only good for a day. And that makes it worthless.

Email jonathan@carolinaweekly newspapers.com

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Page 8 | January 8, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

Education

When It’s Time For A Move To Senior Living,

Trust 65 Senior Street CMS paves way to ‘talk it out’

about underage drinking

tive influences,” she said.

Approximately 63 percent of high school and middle school students state that their families Nearly two-thirds of middle school- and high have “clear rules” about alcohol and drug use, school-aged youth know people their age who according to the 2015 Youth Drug Survey conhave tried alcohol, according to the North Caro- ducted by the Center for Prevention Services and lina Alcohol Beverage Control (NC ABC) Com- Community Advocacy Research and Evaluation Consulting Group. mission.

However, some worry there is still disconnect About 10 percent of 12-year-old children say between parents and stuthey have tried alcohol dents. and, by 15 years old, the By the numbers Ten high schools, number jumps to 50 persix middle schools and 14 cent.

Northwest School of the The average age most youth try alcohol In North Carolina, one for the first time.

Arts piloted the program person dies every week as during the fall semester a result of underage drink94 and the site had more ing, which spurred the The percentage of North Carolina’s than 7,000 hits, Bode NC ABC Commission youth who say underage drinking a said. South Charlotte to start “Talk It Out” – a problem. schools Myers Park High campaign that encourages School, Collinswood 15,600 parents to talk with their The number of violent crimes, such Language Academy and children about underage a rape, robbery and assault, in 2012 Community House drinking. incited by underage drinking. and Alexander Graham Charlotte-Mecklenmiddle schools were pilot burg Schools wanted to 63 support that effort in the The percent of middle and high school schools.

Brook Goodrum, athclassroom through an students who reported their parents letic director at Alexander have “clear rules” about alcohol and online interactive alcohol Graham, said she felt the drug use. awareness program. program gave a “realistic” North Carolina High Information courtesy of Talk It Out NC perspective of underaged School Health Teacher and the 2015 Youth Drug Survey. drinking. of the Year Mary McGoodrum said the Carley, of Hawthorne school doesn’t try to “sugarcoat” the effects of Academy of Health Sciences, and Bill Bode, of drugs and alcohol and the program brought lePerformance Learning Center, developed online gitimacy to teachers’ scenarios and discussions. modules for sixth-through-ninth-grade students Many parents appreciated the structured to complete as part of the health and physical avenue to discuss underage drinking and peer education classes. pressure, Bode said, which gave them a chance The modules are interactive homework asto address “the elephant in the room” and outsignments for parents and students to complete lay expectations.

Some parents voiced a concern together. Each module provides a scenario for that starting to talk about underage drinking in parents and students to discuss, and the consesixth grade was too early, but later expressed the quences of various decisions regarding peer presmodules are age-appropriate and address pressure and underage drinking. Scenarios seek to sures before a student may experience them. be a starting point for parents to discuss family Bode’s hope for the program is that students expectations about underage drinking. Parents begin having conversations with trusted adults work through the modules with their child, who about alcohol and drug use. then debriefs in a journal entry.

“Surveys say that when (students) know the Bode said the modules not only discuss peer expectations of their parents, they’re less likely to pressure and underage drinking, but also the efdrink.

The No. 1 reason they choose not to drink fect drinking can have on interpersonal commuare the family expectations,” he said. “We don’t nication and relationships, as well as regarding think we’re going to solve underage drinking risky behaviors after drinking. completely, but we hope that it can curve these “We considered all types of parents (when numbers.” making the curriculum). Even for uncomfortMcCarley believes the program sets an annual able parents, it allows parents to say, ‘If you’re in conversation about underage drinking and gives this scenario, here’s the expectation,’” McCarley students a chance to practice how to handle peer said. pressure situations before they face them in real Center for Prevention Services Executive Dilife. rector Jane Goble-Clark believes some parents She hopes the program can be carried out feel if they talk to their children about drug use, through the district and ultimately the state. Mcthey’re more likely to go out and try drugs, but Carley said a principal in Union County has alshe argues the more knowledge parents give chilready approached her regarding the program and dren, the better. feels the program can be tailored statewide.

“Knowledge is power and with more knowledge (students) are more powerful to resist negaby Courtney Schultz

courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The 65 Senior Street Process 65 Senior Street is a free service to help families find the right senior living, assisted living or dementia community to meet their unique needs. Just call or email us and an advisor will meet with you in person to discuss your situation. We’ll discuss your physical need, personal interests, budget and family concerns before identifying communities in the area that can best meet your need. You can be sure the community you choose meets your expectations, lifestyle and care needs now and when needs change.

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South Charlotte Weekly | January 8, 2016 | Page 9

The Weekly

Education Briefs Ardrey Kell senior earns U.S. Naval Academy appointment Ardrey Kell High School senior Annalise Heyward received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where she will follow in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather, father and brother as a midshipman.

“Being part of a Navy family of four generations, I am surrounded by the Navy, whether it is attending football games or seeing my dad’s Naval Officer Sword and Scabbard hanging on the wall,” Heyward said in a news release. “It would be an absolute honor to be the first female in my family to attend the Naval Academy, graduate and serve my country.”

Annalise is the daughter of Doreen and Alexander Heyward and lives in south Charlotte.

“What an amazing legacy,” U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger said in the release.

“America is blessed to have families like the Heywards who are committed to defending our freedom. We are proud of Annalise and congratulate her on this achievement.”

Pittenger formally nominated 44 students for appointments to West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy earlier this month.

Students interested in attending a United States Service Academy can contact Pittenger’s Charlotte office at 704-362-1060 for

more information on the nomination process.

South Charlotte students ace NCASA Twelve State finals The North Carolina Association for Scholastic Activities held the Twelve State finals last month and south Charlotte schools made top marks.

Randolph Middle School tied for first in the competition with Ligon Middle School, of Raleigh. Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy took second place and Jay M. Robinson Middle School took third.

Randolph’s winning team included Timmy Deng, Ishaan Maitra, Sreyas Adirajo, Anna Demelo, Anna Hallihan, Alex Read, Sushrut Jog, Bella Mason, Alex Nipp, Stefan Cox, Christine Mendoza and Sam Quarles. Randolph science teacher Jordan Stanton coaches the team.

In the Twelve high school division, Myers Park High School placed fifth and Ardrey Kell High School took sixth place.

Twelve is the third of 23 competitions that will lead the best high school and middle school in the state to the NCASA Scholastic Cup and the NCSSM Challenge Cup. Jay M. Robinson is currently first for the NCSSM Challenge 2A Cup and Myers Park is first for the NCASA Scholastic 2A Cup. Visit ncscholastic.org for more information.

will be facilitated by Diversity Administrators from Country Day, Providence Day, Charlotte Latin, and Trinity Episcopal schools will focus on teaching opportunities at the respective schools and are looking for candidates of color interested in working in independent schools, according to a news release.

Educators can learn how diversity among faculty and staff members is important to the four institutions, and attendees can learn about the schools and programs.

Attendees can bring copies of their resumes to share with schools. Dress code is professional.

Participants can register at www.charlotte countryday.org/diversityjobfair.

Third-grader to represent home-school community Third-grader Ella Shimkoski will represent the home-school community in the Observer Bee in February.

The home-school bee was held at Carmel Baptist Church on Dec. 10, where the 8-yearold beat 18 participants.

Independent schools host diversity job fair at CCDS Area independent schools will host prospective teachers and personnel at the third annual Diversity Job Fair on Sunday, Jan. 10, at Charlotte Country Day School.

The job fair, which was planned by and

Every child will ‘succeed’ with new Every Student Succeeds Act Education leaders across the country applauded as President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) into law on Dec. 10 to replace the No Child Left Behind law.

No Child Left Behind was designed in 2002 to bring attention to struggling students through accountability measures, but the test scores did not meet the proficiency the law mandated, which caused some states, including North Carolina to rearrange academic standards so more students could pass, according to state Sen. Joyce Waddell.

The new legislation allows greater flexibility for teachers and state leaders through placing less of an emphasis on testing.

The act requires standardized testing in math and English for third-through-eighthgrade students, but state have greater flexibility about how and when the tests are administered. States will lose federal funds if they don’t attempt to improve the bottom 5 percent of schools but states can set accountability goals under federal guidelines.

A provision in the act aims to increase funding for “experienced educators,” according to a news release, and North Carolina will receive an additional $24 million annually for professional development and retention of teachers.

The law will take effect in 2017.

Send education news to courtney@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Ella Shimkoski

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CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road Name: Rabbit ID: A1099720 Breed Mix: Shorthair Age: 1 year Weight: 3 lbs

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8315 Byrum Drive / animals.cmpd.org ADOPTION FEES RANGE FROM $63 TO $103

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Page 10 | January 8, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

Faith

The Weekly

I gave myself an early Christmas gift this year

by Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

For 18 years, my mother has lived with me.

Just over three years ago, she slipped getting out of bed. We took her to the hospital. Fortunately, she Rev. Tony Marciano didn’t break anything. There would be home recuperation.

My mother has dementia. When she came home from the hospital, we set up her living quarters with a hospital bed to assist with her home recovery. It is up against the wall on one side and bed rails on the other. When she tried to slip out the bottom of the bed, we put up a big board to prevent that. She wasn’t going anywhere.

In addition, we use a seat alarm for the times during the day when she sits in her chair. We have baby monitors in the house so we could hear her wherever we are. One is located downstairs and one upstairs in my

bedroom. There is always someone home with her 24 hours a day.

This worked well for the first two years. As my mother’s dementia worsened, she started calling for her mother. She told us her mother needed her home. We’ve assured her all is well; however, she still calls out for her in the middle of the night. Since the baby monitor was in my bedroom, I would sit up straight in bed. Getting back to sleep took some time.

I found myself exhausted – bone tired exhausted. Even though I faithfully used my C-Pap machine, I was exhausted during the day. I was like a rechargeable battery that had limited shelf life and didn’t hold a charge for long.

I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until a day I was attending Rotary.

The speaker began his presentation and I fell asleep. I fell sound asleep five times. I was dreaming. I woke up and looked around. No one was staring at me. Good. I tried to stay awake but found myself sleeping and dreaming the second time. I woke up.

I dodged that bullet. No one saw me.

I smiled at the speaker, looked at the PowerPoint – again, I was sleeping and dreaming a third time. I looked at the Rotarian next to me. She hadn’t

A Brief History of Church and State from Constantine to Rick Santorum Wednesday, January 20th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Waltonwood Providence Theater Presented by Hugh Goforth, M.A. Adjunct Lecturer, UNC Charlotte, Departments of History and Religious Studies $10 donation encouraged to benefit UNCC Student Programs

Join us and learn something new!

elbowed me yet so she had no idea I was sleeping. I stay awake for a little while, but again, I was sleeping and dreaming a fourth time. I had 10 minutes left. I thought I could make it, but once again, I was sleeping and dreaming for the fifth time.

It wasn’t the speaker’s fault.

Later that day, my wife commented that when my mother called out in the middle of the night, I sat straight up. I don’t remember doing that. I realized at that moment I was like a couple with a newborn baby; I wasn’t getting any sleep. I was exhausted.

Knowing my mother was safe on all four sides in the hospital bed, I moved the baby monitor out of my bedroom to the bonus room where my wife and daughter spend most of their time. I got a full night’s sleep. The same happened the next night and the next.

Jesus reminds us to love our neighbor as ourself. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of my neighbor (or my mother). When I’m tired, I’m short with the people I love. I’m not myself.

There were two gifts given in early December. I am getting a full night’s sleep and my mother got a well-rested son who is better prepared to take care of her.

Faith Briefs

St. Matthew Catholic Church to hold ‘Meet the Authors’ event Jan. 24 St. Matthew Catholic Church will celebrate the parish library’s 10th anniversary with an author discussion and book signing event on Jan. 24, a Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. Kelly Buckley, author of “Gratitude in Grief” and “Just One Little Thing,” as well as Fred Berretta, author of “Flight of Faith: My Miracle on the Hudson,” will be on site to discuss and sign their works. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Discussion begins at 2 p.m. with door prizes and an open house following at 3 p.m.

The event will be held in St. Matthew Catholic’s Banquet Room.

Trinity Episcopal School to host Temple Beth El’s Rabbi Judy Schindler Trinity Episcopal School will host Rabbi Judy Schindler to present, “Five Steps for Loving Your Neighbor: Using Your Voice to Effect Change,” on Jan. 21, a Thursday, at 7 p.m.

Schindler is the senior Rabbi at Temple Beth El in Charlotte. She serves on the Interfaith Advisory Council of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and is co-chair of the Education Equity Committee of the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice.

The program is part of the school’s annual Freedom Fete, which is held in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. RSVP at www.

TEScharlotte.org/freedomfete. The presentation will take place in the school’s gymnasium.

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South Charlotte Weekly | January 8, 2016 | Page 11

Leaders in Mecklenburg and Union counties have panned the 50-year con(continued from page 1) tract the NCDOT signed in June 2014 to Union County commissioners were told allow a Spain-based company to operate that the CRTPO would have to approve I-77 tolls. In contrast, the state will opera new 10-year transportation plan with ate the other tolls. projects needing to be analyzed for air But Curran said the state worries the quality and vetted by the state. same last-minute second-guessing of toll “If we’re asked to cancel that contract, lanes could occur again as work on I-485 we can,” Curran said. starts next summer “If that’s the will of and U.S. 74 some Proposed toll lanes the people, we will. time after. in Charlotte It will not come inexWarren Cooksey, Here are interstates identified for pensively.” community outHow much is un- widening with toll lanes. These will al- reach director for clear. Curran pointed low drivers on general-purpose lanes to the NCDOT, has to one legislative re- pay a fee to drive at a guaranteed 45 to given presentations 50 mph during rush hour. port identifying the throughout the fall in • I-77, from Exit 11 at Brookshire cost of breaking the southern Mecklenburg contract as high as Freeway to Exit 36 in Mooresville (under and western Union construction) $300 million. There counties. Cooksey’s • I-485, from I-77 to U.S. 74 (planning are other costs, as presentations have stage) well, such as the loss focused on how manof money already aged lanes can make • U.S. 74, from I-277 to Wallace Lane spent on the project. for more reliable trips (planning stage) Charlotte City than merely adding • U.S. 74, from Conference Drive to Council is expected open lanes.

I-485 (planning stage) Monday, Jan. 11, to “When there’s nothdirect its CRTPO deling that manages a egate how to vote. Charlotte carries about lane, there’s nothing that keeps traffic 45 percent of the vote, which is deter- flowing when everyone wants to get from mined by population. point A to point B at the same time,” Mecklenburg County commissioners Cooksey said. directed their CRTPO representative to Efforts are underway to replicate oppovote in favor of pulling out the I-77 proj- sition to toll lanes in the southern end of ect from the 10-year plan and see if NC- the county.

DOT could come up with a better proThe South Mecklenburg Alliance for posal. If pulling the project isn’t feasible, Responsible Taxpayers is sponsoring a the delegate will vote against the managed citizen’s toll summit to discuss the I-485 lanes strategy. project at 6 p.m. Jan. 14 at Raintree Some Mecklenburg County commis- Country Club in Charlotte. sioners say opposing the I-77 project Mecklenburg County Commissioner shouldn’t mean the region has to abandon Jim Puckett, Matthews Mayor and CRTits managed lanes strategy. They contend PO Chairman Jim Taylor, and Open Our the I-77 project is fundamentally differ- Lane founder Rob Watson are billed as ent. presenters of the I-485 summit.

Toll Lanes

Toll lane opposition gets personal toward Curran Ned Curran is no stranger to the spotlight, ber’s mission as serving one square mile of but his role as chairman of the N.C. Depart- downtown. ment of Transportation puts him front and Curran describes the chamber as an ecocenter in one of the region’s hot-button is- nomic engine for the region, noting its memsues. bers in a dozen counties have been working Curran, of Charlotte, has worked as presi- on a transportation system that benefits the dent of The Bissell Companies since 1997 and entire area. became CEO of the BallanCurran has also had to tyne-based development defend perceived misdeeds Part of the motivation firm in 2007. He also chairs of NCDOT’s past, such as for me to be on this the Charlotte Chamber of sending gas tax revenue to Commerce. board of transportation projects in less-congested, Mecklenburg County rural areas of the state. Curis frustration that for Commissioner Jim Puckett, ran has told elected leaders who represents the Lake years, for decades, this in Mecklenburg and Union Norman area, questioned counties that the NCDOT area of the state has Curran’s interests as chairuses a new methodology to not gotten its share of score projects that’s more man of the Charlotte chamresources commiser- fair. ber and NCDOT during a public meeting.

“Part of the motivation for ate with growth.

Puckett also questioned me to be on this board of the chamber’s interests in transportation is frustration regionalism, when the toll lanes under con- that for years, for decades, this area of the struction along I-77 will give wealthier people state has not gotten its share of resources the choice to bypass the towns of Hunters- commiserate with growth,” Curran said. ville, Cornelius and Davidson to get to downtown Charlotte. He characterized the cham-

“

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Page 12 | January 8, 2016 | South Charlotte Weekly

The Weekly

Calendar January

8

Carolina Women’s Expo

Beasley Media Group presents the Carolina Women’s Expo at the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge. The event will feature vendors showcasing women’s health, beauty and business. Entrance is free. Designer handbags will be raffled off every 30 minutes.

5 to 9:30 p.m.; Ballantyne Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

9

Betty Bingo in Ballantyne

Betty Bingo will host the “Betty Bingo Show” at the Ballantyne Art Center. The event will include bingo, karaoke, dancing and prizes. Cost is $20 and tickets are buy one get one free if purchased before the show. Visit www.kelsterbrockman.wix. com/bettybingo for more information.

7 p.m; Ballantyne Art Center, 11318 N. Community House Road

9

David R. Cross book signing

Author David Cross will be on hand to sign copies of his latest book, “Finding Freedom.”

The book discusses life’s purpose, freedom in Christ and God’s calling in seven steps.

2 p.m; Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road

10 Diversity Job Fair

Charlotte Country Day will host its third annual Diversity Job Fair, planned by diversity administration at Country Day, Providence Day, Charlotte Latin and Trinity Episcopal schools. The fair will focus on teaching opportunities at each school for multiple ethnicities. Educators are invited to join representatives of the four Charlotte independent schools to learn how diversity among faculty and staff members is important to the institutions. Attendees will meet with administrators to learn about the schools and their programs.

Bring resume copies.

3 to 5 p.m.; Charlotte Country Day Hance Fine Arts building, 1440 Carmel Road

Montessori 10 Anami School Open House Anami Montessori School will host a “dropin” open house for perspective parents to meet school staff and explore the facility. The school began about 30 years ago and has two primary classes for children 3 to 6 years old and children 6 to 12 years old.

Families can RSVP for the event at www. anamimontessori.org/event/open-house-18.

1 to 3 p.m.; Anami Montessori School, 2901 Archdale Drive

11 Homosexuality workshop at RTS Reformed Theological Seminary will hold a workshop aimed to equip the Charlotte community and engage residents with the culture around them. The workshop will be presented

by Dr. James White and will include two lectures: “Homosexuality and the Bible” and “Homosexuality and Culture.” White is the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apol-

ogetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Register in advance at www.rts.edu/charlotte.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; RTS Charlotte Chapel, 2101 Carmel Road

11 Eat Better, Feel Better

Can holistic nutrition and lifestyle changes produce real and lasting results? Attendees will learn what chronic inflammation can do to your body, which foods can cause inflammation, and everyday changes you can make in your life to reduce your toxic overload. The program is open to adults 18 years old and older. Registration is required by calling 704-416-6600.

6:15 p.m.; South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road

12 Relay for Life kickoff

Relay for Life of Ballantyne will hold a kickoff as the first event leading up to Ballantyne’s June Relay Event. The kickoff will feature food and prizes.

6 to 8 p.m.; Bravo Cucina Italiano, 9824 Rea Road

14

Harris Preschool Academy Tour

Harris YMCA will hold a tour for attendees who want to learn more about its preschool programs. Attendees will tour the campus and meet the director and teachers of programs for kids 16 months to 5 years old. Contact Celeste Bailey at 704-716-6851 for more information.

10 to 11 a.m.; Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road

Art Dealer and 15 The Economics of Art Friends of the Mint Museum will host a pre-

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sentation by Jerald Melberg, director of the Melberg Gallery in Charlotte. The presentation is titled, “An Introduction: The Art Dealer and the Economics of Art.” Coffee will be served at 10 a.m. with the presentation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The program is free with museum admission.

10 a.m.; Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road

Holiday Prayer 18 MLK Breakfast The Greater Charlotte YMCA will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its annual MLK Holiday Prayer Breakfast. Malcolm Graham, former state senator, will serve as the keynote speaker.

Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the McCrorey Family YMCA. 8 a.m.; NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. Martin Luther King Blvd.

and 19 Depression Suffering: Finding Hope Reformed Theological Seminary will hold a seminar on depression and suffering, presented by Executive Director of Center for Christian Education and Foundation David Powlison, who will use scripture to help those suffering, and help those whose loved ones struggle with depression. Powlison is the editor of The Journal of Biblical Counseling, and has served as a counselor for more than 30 years.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; RTS Charlotte Chapel, 2101 Carmel Road

Send calendar events to hannah@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

ISSUE DATE: • February 5 & 19 • March 4 & 18 • April 8 & 22

C G Charlotte Media Group

Circulation: 24,000 Readership: 54,675

Circulation: 17,000 Readership: 38,475

Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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South Charlotte Weekly | January 8, 2016 | Page 13

Sports

Charlotte Christian basketball shows growth

Chargers win Hoodie’s House Hoops Classic, Dotson goes down

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Providence Day had a choice to make when it lost sophomore point guard Devon Dotson, who sustained a left ankle injury in the finals of the Hoodie’s House Hoops Classic against Norcross Dec. 30.

The Chargers, who were clinging to a 48-46 lead with 7:27 remaining in regulation when their floor general went down, elected to come together and persevere, outscoring the Blue Devils 18-10 down the stretch to win 66-56.

“When Devon went down all I thought was, ‘we’re going to win this for him,’ because he’s a big part of our team,” Providence Day senior forward Isaac Johnson said.

The loss of Dotson, who scored 19 points, left a gaping void, but guards Trey Wertz, Scott Peterson and Kyle Wood filled in admirably.

Providence Day also had strong performances from senior forwards Grant Williams (14 points and 11 rebounds), Isaac Johnson (12 points and nine rebounds) and Josh Howard (12 points and seven rebounds), who overcame a 22-point performance by highly touted junior forward Rayshaun Hammonds.

“Guys stepped up,” Providence Day coach Brian Field said. “These are all guys who love to play together. They’re proud to play for Providence Day. They step up when they need to. There’s no doubt

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

It came in the form of a 54-50 loss to Butler (12-4, 4-0 Southwestern 4A) in the Hoodie’s House Hoops Classic Dec. 30, but Charlotte Christian (6-8) showed signs of improvement.

Freshman combo guard J.C. Tharrington, who made the all-tournament team, scored 18 points in the loss, while junior swingman Rob Peterson added 12 points.

Coach Shonn Brown said the Knights are at the corner, but have yet to turn it.

Brown wants to see his team get better at executing the little things that in the long run can be significant. For example, the Knights need to get more fluid on offense, comfortable cutting, meeting the ball and catching. Those are simple things, but are important.

“Early on I’m practically coaching effort,” Brown said. “You really don’t want to have to do that, but some of these guys are so young you really have to show them what working hard on the court is.

“For us, I think the improvement will have to come on offense, but the better our defense continues to grow that’s going to create offense for us.”

For Charlotte Christian to make the strides it needs to make, the Knights don’t necessarily need talent. They already have that. The key ingredients to get them over the hump are effort, work ethic and putting in the extra time to improve.

The Knights biggest obstacle is the learning curve due to a lack of experience. Of the 13 players on the roster, only five saw extensive action at the varsity level last season.

Tharrington and Peterson are providing significant production as scorers.

Peterson also offers meaningful experience, leadership and versatility.

Sophomore combo guard Terrelle Brown is driving the ball and getting to the rim well, while sophomore guard

having experience in these kind of games helped us there.

“He’s (Williams) a winner. He loves to compete, and he loves to compete at the highest level. He stepped up big when we needed him. I thought everybody did really. Josh had a few really big baskets.

Isaac had some great defensive plays.”

Providence Day, which struggled against the Norcross 1-3-1 zone defense in the first half, found the holes in it that led to scoring opportunities down the stretch, enabling the Chargers to create the separation they needed to pull away at the end.

Defense, which was an area of concern and frustration for Field early in the season, became a point of strength for Providence Day against the Blue Devils, as the Chargers made critical stops in the final minutes.

Johnson attributes Providence Day’s success to the strong communication he and his teammates have on the court, which is an integral component to playing good team defense and finding the open man on offense.

However, he’s quick to admit they have room to grow and improve as a team if they want to achieve their championship goals. Providence Day will need Dotson back if it hopes to make those dreams come true.

The Chargers (16-3) host Christ School (10-6) Friday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

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“All those guys add value and contribute in different ways, and we keep encouraging them to keep bringing your gift every day, put your hard hat on and let’s go to work, and if they all do that collectively, we’ll be fine,” Brown said.

Charlotte Christian has the pieces to be competitive this season, which makes for a promising future for years to come as these players develop, learn what it takes to be successful, work and understand what Brown and his staff are preaching and teaching.

The Knights aren’t in it for instant gratification – they’re in it for the long run, which takes a daily collective effort and commitment to excellence and to the system that has produced an impressive history of success over the years.

Charlotte Christian hosts Ravenscroft (12-3) Friday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

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