Editor: We want to strengthen ties to town • Page 2A
THE WEEKLY
BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY
Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 • Vol. 1 • No. 1
Rediscovering smiles
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261
Banchiks provide free dental care to breast cancer patients
justin@cmgweekly.com unioncountyweekly.com
by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
WHAT'S INSIDE:
WAXHAW – Olya Banchik watched her mother battle breast cancer in 2005. The treatment took everything away from her, including her smile. The grueling side effects of chemotherapy impact many breast cancer patients’ oral health. Banchik said treatment can cause oral sores, tooth decay and infection in roughly 40% of breast cancer patients and survivors as they neglect their dental care for financial reasons.
Though her mother survived, Banchik, who co-owns Reafield Dental in Waxhaw with her husband, Leon Banchik, wanted to find a way to help others. Banchik’s mother-in-law is also a breast cancer survivor. The two dentists looked for a foundation to donate see SMILES, Page 5A
Left: Reafield Dental doctors Leon and Olya Banchik’s mothers battled breast cancer. Now, the Banchiks are helping those affected by breast cancer through Smiles for Survivors. Photo courtesy of Olya Banchik
'Fake news' Rumors spread about water rate hike, 3-4A
SAY HELLO TO
Ongoing stories 5 storylines to watch unfold this year, 1B
New vision for Waxhaw
FRESH
Campaign 2020 County races will see familiar faces, 5A
Ron Pappas will pull from his experiences planning communities in his new role as Waxhaw mayor. Kayla Berenson/WW photo
The intentional store's design features five aisles filled with the most popular products in the most commonly purchased sizes. Check it out at 2909 Providence Road S. Kayla Berenson/WW photos
ALDI adds more grocery shopping options by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
Back to hoopin' Cuthbertson among area contenders, 2B
Tassel turn Grads ready for next chapter, 4B
WAXHAW – Shoppers around the country can expect to see more ALDI stores in the future as the grocery store retailer continues its national expansion. Its newest location opened Dec. 19 in Waxhaw. ALDI touts high-quality groceries at low prices, attracting many shoppers daily. Salisbury division vice president for ALDI Krysta Cearley said the location at 2909 Providence Road South was ideal. “When it comes to choosing store locations, we look at many factors,” Cearley wrote in an email. “We want the best sites that are closest to our shoppers and can support a high daily traffic volume. As the demand for ALDI grows, so do our real estate options. Bottom line, we want to be conveniently located for our shoppers, and Waxhaw was a natural fit.” Waxhaw residents were excited about the store’s grand opening, which allowed customers to speak with store managers, sample some of the food and receive a free ALDI bag and quarter holder, two see ALDI, Page 5A
Real estate MillBridge dominates home sales, 6A
INDEX Crime................................................................................ 6A Classifieds..............................................................5B Calendar................................................................... 6B Loud&Live............................................................ 6B Education................................................................4B Sports..............................................................................2B Puzzles........................................................................ 6B
Outgoing leaders impart their wisdom by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
WAXHAW – Before swearing in a new mayor and new board members Dec. 10, departing members on Waxhaw’s Board of Commissioners bid farewell and reflected on their time serving the town. Candace DeFinis said although her term was short, she was proud of what she and the board were able to accomplish in the six months she served as commissioner. She said they were able to review and approve zoning requests, approve ordinances and create a transparency policy. DeFinis said there were more things she would have
liked to do, but they were “put on pause by other distractions that needed to be addressed.” She said moving forward, she hopes the board appreciates diversity in thought and once a decision is made, she hopes the board will move forward in support of that decision. She also encouraged Waxhaw citizens to get involved in the town’s happenings as they are “the largest and most critical part of our puzzle.”
Burns
Pappas enters role of mayor with immediate goals by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
WAXHAW – On Election Day, Ron Pappas said he believed Waxhaw had fallen off of its tracks. Now that he’s been sworn in as mayor, he wants to move the town in the right direction. Throughout his campaign, he met friendly and excited people who also felt concerned about Waxhaw. However, he met many new people in the town, offering a new perspective on the issues. “There seemed to be a fresh version of what might have been here in the past,” Pappas said. He said residents were concerned about the building and development in Waxhaw, along with the traffic. He told them the town needs to work with surrounding municipalities, the county and the state to manage its growth and roadways. Pappas said surrounding municipalities’ ratios of residential development to other development is 75-25, with some at 50-50. He said Waxhaw’s ratio is 93-7. “We need to try to move the needle a little bit back, and it’s going to take some effort,” Pappas said. “There just seems to be a lot of initiatives in the town that we do study after study after study and then, nothing happens. That is the feedback that I got from some of the residents that I’ve talked to.” Focusing on commercial development rather than residential development is one of Pappas’s biggest goals for his term. He also hopes to work with his board to bring back a sense of unity to the town commission and staff. The commission is comprised of Brenda McMillon, Kat Lee, Pedro Morey, Anne Simpson and Tracy Wesolek. “I’m feeling really good about where we’re going,” Pappas said. “I’ve met with all of our department heads and a lot of our staff and the other leadership in town, and I’m feeling that we’re more unified than
DeFinis
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Page 2A • Weekly Waxhaw • Jan. 10, 2020
IN THE KNOW THIS WEEK IN HISTORY Residents packed the Waxhaw Elementary gym on Jan. 6, 2007, to speak out about a proposed Walmart at Jackson Station. Three days later, town leaders denied the r etailer’s petition to put a 190,000square-foot store almost a mile from downtown. Alison Woo/WW photo
STAY CONNECTED • Instagram: @weeklywaxhaw • Twitter: @weeklywaxhaw • Like us on Facebook • Website: www.union countyweekly.com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers
CONTACT US PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com
NEWSMAKERS OF THE DECADE
BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen rjensen@cmgweekly.com
We’re finishing up a feature for next week in which we highlight the 100 biggest newsmakers of the past decade in Indian Trail. Have any ideas? Send them to justin@ cmgweekly.com. Here are some no-brainers for that list: • Rob Jackson: The Cuthbertson High School staffer was named the state’s top principal in 2011. • Mike McLaurin: Waxhaw’s first town manager retired in April 2014. • Steve Smith Sr.: One of the greatest Carolina Panthers players of all time continues outreach in the community.
MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
TWEETS OF THE WEEK
SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com
• “The Carolina Panthers just paid $70M to hire a college coach that never once beat a ranked college opponent.” – BB (@GigsandSwigs) • “#UMatterinUCPS! If you or someone you know is in need of help please reach out to a school counselor, administrator or use one of our anonymous reporting systems. Visit the UCPS homepage, click on ‘I Want To’ and select ‘Submit a Tip.’” – Union County Schools (@UCPS_MonroeNC) • “In the month of December, 60 animals were adopted at the Animal Shelter! We could not do this without our awesome adopters! Thank you for opening your hearts & homes.” – Union County NC (@UnionCountyNC)
CONTENT PRODUCER Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb Maya Cann adsales@cmgweekly.com
UPCOMING EDITIONS • Jan. 17: Thrive Over 55 • Jan. 24: Arts & Entertainment
The Trail House remains on Queen's Feast roster INDIAN TRAIL – Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns Jan. 17 to 26 with more than 140 restaurants, including The Trail House, offering three-course dinners for $30 or $35 per person. The Trail House will give diners their choice of entrees, including Filet Medallions, Salmon, Shrimp Scampi Fettuccine, Winter Pork Chops and Trail House Pasta, which includes blackened chicken, roasted vegetables and Cajun cream sauce. Appetizers include Pimento Cheese Balls, Cheesesteak Eggrolls and Fried Pickles. Mason Jar Desserts will be available at the end of the meal. Since 2008, the semi-annual promotion has helped introduce foodies to restaurants across the region, including establishments in Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Rowan, Iredell, Lincoln, Gaston, Catawba, Lancaster and York counties. Charlotte Restaurant Week is designed to drive trial business at mid- to high-end restaurants by extending a good value to diners as incentive to experience their menus. The 10-day promotion helps the restaurant industry during normally slower periods.
The Trail House has been a regular on the Charlotte Restaurant Week roster. Kayla Berenson/WW photo
The January 2020 event features more than a dozen first-time Queen’s Feast participants, including Sensi Italian Restaurant in Rea Farms, Indaco in South End and La Belle Helene in Uptown Charlotte. Other participating restaurants include: • Ballantyne/South Perimeter/Waverly: 131 Main (Blakeney), Bonefish Grill, Burtons Grill & Bar, Civetta Italian Kitchen + Bar, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Gallery Restaurant, Mickey & Mooch (Arboretum), New South Kitchen & Bar, Queen City Craft and Gourmet, Sensi Italian Restaurant, Stone Mountain Grill, Ted's Montana Grill, The Porter's House & Via Roma. • Indian Land: Red Rocks Cafe. • Matthews: Bonefish Grill & Sante' Restaurant.
• Sardis Woods: Rios Brazilian Steakhouse. • SouthPark/Foxcroft: 131 Main (SouthPark), Aqua e Vino, BAKU, Bar Marcel, Bulla Gastrobar, Corkbuzz Restaurant & Wine Bar, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House, Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (SouthPark), Harper's, Maggiano's Little Italy, McCormick & Schmick's Steaks & Seafood, Oak Steakhouse, Red Rocks Cafe, Ruth's Chris Steak House, SouthPark Grill, Toscana Ristorante Italiano, Upstream & Village Tavern. Diners can visit www. CharlotteRestaurantWeek. com to view the list of participating restaurants and their Queen’s Feast menus. Reservations are strongly recommended to ensure seats during prime dining times.
Waxhaw readers, give me a hug (I showered today) Justin Vick Managing Editor
A
s word started to spread that Charlotte Media Group was launching two new weekly newspapers in Union County, I received some feedback from folks wondering what exactly would go on the front page of a Waxhaw newspaper. Some genuinely wanted to know what the issues are in Waxhaw. Others wondered if the town could generate enough news to fill a newspaper. It's easy for people to think that if the news they consume comes solely from large metropolitan newspapers or television stations in Charlotte. The recent opening of the ALDI store in Waxhaw or the work Olya and Leon Banchik do to help people fighting breast cancer may not lead the evening newscasts, but they are
everything to us and the people of this community. Growing up, I wanted to become a daily newspaper reporter. I never really gave much thought to working for a weekly newspaper until my job laying out newspapers was relocated to a design center in a city I didn't want to live. Fortunately, I found a job close to home writing for weekly newspapers in the Lake Norman area. Readers were much more invested in these newspapers and I found the work to be extremely satisfying. The best experience of my career was launching a weekly newspaper 10 years ago in Mooresville, the same community Interim Town Manager Erskine Smith oversaw for many years. I really enjoyed building something from the ground up. I'm looking forward to developing this newspaper here in Waxhaw. We have a great team that's full of ideas. We resolve to strengthen connections that residents have with the town. We intend on following the people, places and events that shape this community.
Want to get involved? You can send me submissions or story ideas at justin@ cmgweekly.com. You can also follow us at @ weeklywaxhaw on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. We'll pop up on more platforms, too. You can find news online from The Weekly Waxhaw, Union County Weekly and Indian Trail Weekly at www.unioncountyweekly. com.
event so we can order enough food for breakfast and lunch. We like to feed expo-goers. Email rjensen@cmgweekly or call 704-8492261 to register. We'll publish a special edition on the same day as the expo with content focused on older adult issues. Email adrian@cmgweekly. com if your company or organization would like to advertise in that edition or have an expo booth.
Connecting older adults Charlotte Media Group is registering people and vendors for our next Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo, which is scheduled for the morning of March 20 at Christ Covenant Church in Matthews. The expo is an opportunity for residents to connect with companies, nonprofits and agencies that serve older adults in Mecklenburg and Union counties. In addition to dozens of booths, we'll have breakout sessions in which seniors can get more in-depth information about topics such as finances, health or travel. We have attendees register for the free
Celebrating business A few issues ago in Union County Weekly, we profiled several finalists from our company's 2019 Small Business Person of the Year campaign. Finalists span the region, but Waxhaw has a few in Dr. Susan Bonilla of Passionate Paws, Nikki Bourgeault of Brush’d Salon and Dr. Shane Markey of Three Leaf Orthodontics. We'll be selecting a winner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Hampton Inn and Suites - SouthPark at Phillips Place in Charlotte. The public is invited to attend the informal celebration. Tickets are still available at http://cmgweekly.com/store.
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Weekly Waxhaw • Jan. 10, 2020 • Page 3A
County leader invokes ‘fake news’ during water discussion Editor’s note: Last month, Union County commissioners approved a 15.5% water and sewer rate increase for the next two years. The rate increase will support the Yadkin Regional Water Supply Project, which is designed to meet the county's water needs into the future. Commissioner Frank Aikmus read these remarks during a discussion about water at the Jan. 6 board meeting. The county's video feed of the meeting begins in the middle of the conversation, so the context of the discussion isn't known at this time. Commissioner Stony Rushing has been critical of the rate increase on his Facebook page, going as far as picking winners and losers in the Yadkin Project, which he described as a “boondoggle.”
county looked at no less than 11 other options, including Anson County, groundwater and Alligator Water. Two important things to mention here are Over the past few weeks, they weren’t cheaper and they wouldn’t be there’s been much talk on owned by the ratepayers of this county. You social media about water may think, ‘well, who cares if you own the and sewer rate increases and water plant?’ Well, the answer is simple: We what is considered and what all should. is being done. And I think to Aikmus By owning the water source, we control quote Donald Trump, much the rates, the cost of future implementation of it is fake news. There was an allegation that staff isn’t and direct where it goes. I believe that the doing anything or what they are doing are people of Union County who own the water things that haven’t been directed by the and sewer rates are better served in owning board. That just isn’t accurate. In fact, I call the commodity rather than simply leasing it or renting it. We must remember that water it fake news. The board provided direction in the form is just that – a commodity. It’s very similar to oil. When the U.S. was of two votes on Aug. 1, 2016, for the wastewater plant and the water plant. Commis- dependent on foreign countries to provide sioner (Stony) Rushing, who happened to be that commodity, we paid more. When the chairman at the time, Commissioner (Rich- U.S. started drilling and providing our own ard) Helms, Commissioner (Jerry) Simpson oil, prices went down. Water is no different. Do you want to own your own or be deand former Commissioner Lance Simpson voted in support. I was absent from that pendent on a neighboring county or a business to provide it? Owning a life-sustaining meeting. The direction was very clear when that commodity like water is the right answer, in vote was taken on an interim solution that my opinion. I’ve noticed that every time an election would be moved on with and the long-term approach for the lower Crooked Creek plant is looming, there is talk of getting water to was clear. There should be no confusion longtime residents of Union County. By the comments I’ve seen on social media, this has about what direction staff was moving in. Additionally, in 2016, and multiple oth- been an empty promise for decades. I’m proud to say that I’ve never made that er times, staff has made it clear that there would have to be short-term improvements promise, but I’m delighted to be part of a with a long-term approach being targeted for solution that will give us the resource to start six to eight years. In other words, the 2024 making that a reality. It is curious to me that to 2026 time frame. This approach was im- the commissioner who made the promise most recently is the one most adportant based on cash flow and the amantly opposed to doing so desire to keep rate increases to a now. minimum. So here we are again at I believe this is what staff There was an allegation election time and one of has done, and the recent that staff isn’t doing my colleagues is stating decisions that have been anything or what they that no work is being made were necessary for are doing are things that done to provide water moving our system forhaven’t been directed by to existing residents of ward. Allow me to provide the board. That just isn’t Union County. Yep, you some historical perspective. accurate. In fact, I call it guessed it – fake news. In March 2019 at a public For more than 10 years, fake news." works retreat with this board, water and sewer rates were unstaff moved forward in changing the changed in Union County. Let’s stop for a minute and be very clear: We are short-line water extension program. We entalking about water and sewer rates here, not gaged Wootton and Associates and Barry Gullet. They provided a review of the shortthe tax rate. Again, some of the fake news sources are line program and shared opportunities for telling folks that their tax rate is going up. expanding water lines throughout the counThat simply is not true. The rates that were ty’s unserved areas. A deadline of October was established increased will only be paid by those who curand that deadline was met. There were sevrently use county water and sewer. eral updates from the consultants and staff So again, let me give you a bit of history. In 2011, staff recommended that water/ throughout the process, and we took action sewer rates should increase 7% in 2012, an to eliminate the short-line extension backlog additional 7% in 2013 and an additional over the next three years at $5 million a year. Beginning in 2022, there will be a new 7% in 2014. The board of commissioners, instead, increased it by 7% in 2012, 3.5% in short-line extension process that this board has approved, and budget decisions will be 2013, 3.5% in 2014. In 2014, staff recommended that water/ made on an annual basis based on the applisewer rates be increased by 8% in all three cation process. Staff has indicated a prelimiyears of 2015, 2016 and 2017. The board nary capital budget numbers that $5 million of commissioners approved 6.5% for each of could be allocated going forward if needed. Additionally, beginning in 2023, staff has those three years. In 2017, staff recommended 7% for the shown $5 million per year for water main years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The board of extension. This is work being done now for commissioners approved 6.5% for each of the 2050 comprehensive plan and an anticipated water/sewer master plan. those years. We will finally have the water that we own I liken this to my financial planner telling me to save 18% annually for my retirement and are now working on creating the plan to and me only deciding to save 10%. Who do I distribute it. All these components are directly related get to put the blame on when my retirement to providing water to existing residents. We is not fully funded? Nobody but myself. The fact that we did not fully fund the are projecting that 30 miles of water pipe be recommendations, and I voted not to fully laid in Union County over the next three increase the rates at that time, only served years. That is a significant accomplishment. To dispel another rumor, the statement to kick the can down the road. Well, now it’s time to pay for the water plant and we’ve that this board approved spending over run out of road to kick the can any further. $900 million, again fake news. The board That’s why we have a 15.5 water percent in- approved spending $305 on primarily the Yadkin water project. Had we approved crease these next two years. This isn’t about paving the road, no pun $900 million, the rate increase would be far intended, for future growth or to benefit more than 31%. None of us like higher rates, but when the some national developer. This is about providing water for every resident of Union rates are associated with providing families County that is here today and has been here safe drinking water, I could not and did not vote against it. for many years. Do I wish that we had planned better 20 This is about continuing works that were started in 2011 and work that we have al- years ago? Yes. Did we? No. Unfortunately, if we want to have a longready spent approximately $27 million on. The rate increases provide a clean and safe term solution to water in this county, we water solution to Union County for existing have to pay for it. As (Leonardo) da Vinci and future residents. Is the county growing said, “In time and with water, everything now? Yes. Is it going to continue to grow? I changes” and the time is now. In closing, I’m reminded of what Mark think we can safely say it will. It’s been said recently in social media there Twain said, “Whiskey is for drinking; water are other alternatives that would be less ex- is for fighting over.” I realize that we do not pensive and do more. Again, this simply isn’t always agree on issues that come before us as a board; however, what I would hope is accurate. Let’s call it fake news. All of these alternatives that have been that we would respect the decisions that are spouted on social media have been vetted. made and move forward in a concerted efBefore it was decided in 2011 to move for- fort for the betterment of the county that we ward with the Yadkin water project, the all claim to love. by Frank Aikmus
County Commissioner
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Stony Rushing (right) has been critical of the water rate increase. Paul Nielsen/WW photo
Rushing responds to Aikmus's 'fake news' remarks Editor note: Union County Commissioner Stony Rushing responded to Commission Frank Aikmus's fake news remarks at the end of the Jan. 6 board meeting. by Stony Rushing County Commissioner
We talked about kicking the can down the road, how we’ve been kicking the can. The can has not been kicked down the road by this board, nor has the funding Rushing been kicked down the road by this board or any previous boards. In 2019, we were told that the Yadkin project had gone up in price by almost $100 million. It went up from approximately $200 million to approximately $300 million. It’s not about kicking the can. It’s about sticker shock. We weren’t told those many years ago when we were making these increases, so how could we have known because none of us knew the price tag was going up on this board. A few of us asked questions about it. Why did it go up? What are we doing? Chesterfield and Anson counties have pipes of water to the Union County line in several locations. They have water countywide. They’re low-wealth counties. We asked and was told by Tommy Tucker and Dean Arp to ask. Said there is money available for you to get money throughout the county. Go to Alligator Water. Talk to Alligator Water. Ask them if they can provide water and if there’s monies available through the bonds to help Union County. Our staff didn’t vet those options. We were told in that meeting in November – that two-day workshop – that if we had found another source of water that we would lose interbasin transfer, which would make the Yadkin project less feasible than it already is. You have voted for $900 million. You have voted for more than $900 million. I predict it will be well over $1 billion. The first time I heard the $900 million figure was not from our staff. It was from Alligator Water. The engineers they were talking to told them, “Hey, $600 million is not what it’s going to be. It’s going to be well over that. It will be well over $900 million. That’s the first time I heard it and that was the beginning of last year. We had developers that sued Union County over impact fees and they won. The potential exposure was $50 million. What’s to say they’re not going to sue us again and win? And all these impact fees that we raise on them, too – or system-development fees – are also in potential to be taken back, which
will cause the cost to go up even more. You’ve already heard – this doesn’t include the sewer plant that the manager says is going to be necessary to treat the water eventually. The staff presented a $122 million sewer plant on Crooked Creek. It’s not even in the 33%. We’re talking about the water project. It’s going to drive it 33%. So the fake news that Commissioner Aikmus was talking about, those soundbites sound really good, but it’s not conservative to raise water rates 33%. It’s not conservative to raise taxes. It’s not conservative to put a burden on the school system of $300,000 more a year unless we are going to fund it out of taxes. We don’t fund it out of the enterprise fund. It’s not fair and God bless them, Wingate may not have to pay it. I don’t know. I’ve asked (Assistant County Manager) Brian Matthews to get that information to us and hopefully he’ll come up with something soon. But Wingate may not have to pay the 33% and they’re the only other entity on the interbasin transfer. So I don’t appreciate the fake news comments. I think that you’ve ignored a lot of information that we have been given. I don’t really appreciate the way this was handled, Mr. manager and tonight. I think it could have been handled a lot better, but I’ve been asking hard questions, so I don’t mind getting hard questions. Thank God, I’ve got a good memory.
Aikmus gets the last word Editor's note: Here's what Commissioner Frank Aikmus had to say in response to Commissioner Stony Rushing's remarks toward the end of the Jan. 6 meeting. I’m reminded of Ronald Reagan in the debate when he simply said, “There you go again.” More fake news. You approved a $900 million bond. No we didn’t. Fake news. We didn’t kick the can down the road. Had we approved the rate increases that were given to us at the time they were given to us at the level they were given to us, we wouldn’t be faced with a 15.5% increase for the next two years. So again, fake news. You might not like it, and maybe you don’t like the way this was handled tonight, but I can tell you this, the rest of colleagues on this board don’t like the way you’ve handled spreading lies and misinformation. So your memory might be good in your opinion, but the information that you are sharing is not factual.
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Page 4A • Weekly Waxhaw • Jan. 10, 2020
PAPPAS (continued from page 1A)
what might have been perceived in the past.” One strength of this board in his eyes is the mix of experienced and new board members. He believes this will be an advantage because they will not be as mired in some issues as previous boards. Pappas believes previous boards were interested, well-intentioned people who made an effort and did what they were used to, but he believes this fresh start will allow the town to get back on track. “We have a really good start here,” Pappas said. “We still have a couple of experienced board members on there, which is helpful to guide us through. One of the platforms I ran on is that in my professional life in the real estate business and home-building business, I think I can bring perspective on how we might be able to shape the town going forward. I’m really excited for it.” Pappas said during the transition period, former mayor Stephen Maher was very helpful in identifying the objectives his board
LEADERS (continued from page 1A)
Brenda Burns, who served on the board for four years, said many decisions were made in her term that were not easy. However, she said all of the decisions she made were with citizens’ best interests at heart. Burns said she appreciated debating and collaborating with the board and said she felt good about what she had accomplished. Though she was not reelected, she recently learned she will be a grandmother and is excited to move into a new phase of life. She will continue her service to the town. “As I continue my volunteer work in a different direction, my hope for Waxhaw is that all decisions by all future boards … will be made with
tried to achieve and introducing Pappas to important figures in the town. One of his short-term goals is to hire a town manager for Waxhaw. Erskine Smith serves as the interim town manager. Pappas said the commission is interviewing potential town managers and hopes to have one picked within the first 90 days of their term. He said the commission also needs to hire a new finance director. “If we can achieve those, we’ll have hit a big milestone,” Pappas said. Long-term goals as a commission still need to be identified. Pappas said he would like members to see what their real, attainable goals are. “We’ve got a lot of moving parts,” Pappas said. “Things change. It just seems like, what I hear from people in the town and staff as well, they’d head out in one direction and then it never gets changed. So they put a lot of time, energy and effort into an initiative, but it never happens. And they’re expected to do their regular job, if you will, and move things forward and keep things up, and that’s a lot to ask. So I’d like to see that change as well.”
the citizens of our community as a priority,” Burns said. Former mayor Stephen Maher said writing his parting remarks was difficult because of “too many recent situations where hurtful, untrue things were said over the last couple of months about the town to other people and the town’s work was judged based on those statements.” However, he said as an elected official, he has taken the high road and focused on his accomplishments. Maher thanked the board and staff for their commitment to Waxhaw. He cited examples of the town maintaining its “small-town moments.” As he prepared to leave office, Maher asked town staff how they thought he did. He said their response was the highest compliment he could have received. “They shared, ‘You were our cham-
Two challenges he sees moving forward are staffing and residential development. Pappas said he wants to look at how the town can be more efficient in its staffing and where it needs to bolster a lot of people in its staff, especially in the parks and recreation and event planning departments. “We have a lot of things to do,” Pappas said. “If you just look at parks and rec or the event planners, they undertake a big job every year, so do we have enough people to run those?” When it comes to residential development, Pappas said the town does not profit from it very much. He would like to correct this in the future and look at other areas of efficiencies. Though there will be challenges, Pappas sees a lot of strengths in Waxhaw, particularly its downtown. “It’s charming, it’s quaint, it’s everything everyone wishes they had in their hometown, but they don’t,” Pappas said. “Even in some of the surrounding communities, there’s very little left after the area has evolved. It can be almost a ghost town in other areas where the buildings are abandoned. I think we have a
pion. You took what you were given and made Waxhaw a place with a vision and for all of our challenges and even all of our flaws, Waxhaw has recognized that we’re striving to move forward in an intentional manner. You gave us hope that we are truly becoming the town our vision statement describes,’” Maher said. Maher offered advice to Ron Pappas, suggesting the new mayor keep the town informed in person, rather than on social media. He told the incoming board that changing their attitude toward their work makes the biggest difference. “We don’t have to do something; we get to do something,” Maher said. “And that simple change from ‘have to’ to ‘get to’ allowed me to realize what a sincere privilege it has been to get to serve the town of Waxhaw and its citizens.”
lot to build from.” Pappas said another strength of the town is its people. He said there are new people bringing new ideas to the town, giving them “a whole menu to choose from” regarding which direction the town can go in. He hopes to engage more with Waxhaw residents throughout his term. Pappas plans to hold a community discussion one night a week in which he or a commissioner will answer residents’ questions and address their concerns. He said this will be a great way to get back to residents on things they may have brought up in a public forum but could not get an immediate answer. He said at these community discussions, he will give the best answer he has at the time. As he begins his term, Pappas hopes to see more community involvement in the future from all areas of Waxhaw. “I’d like to see people feel comfortable and I want to make sure we’re approachable to them and everybody can be heard,” Pappas said. “It doesn’t mean everybody’s going to get their way, including me, but I think there’s a willingness to come forward now. I’m hoping to enjoy that.”
“
We don’t have to do something; we get to do something. And that simple change from ‘have to’ to ‘get to’ allowed me to realize what a sincere privilege it has been to get to serve the town of Waxhaw and its citizens.” - Steve Maher
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ALDI (continued from page 1A)
items that are essential to the ALDI shopping experience. Shoppers could also enter to win a year’s supply of ALDI produce. The first 100 guests at the grand opening were awarded store gift cards. Bonnie Roth considers herself and her husband avid ALDI shoppers. She was happy to have a store that is close to home. “We like everything about ALDI – their prices, their friendliness,” Roth said. “It seems like I can sometimes find more things at ALDI than I can anywhere else.” The store also commits to making grocery shopping “smart, fast and easy” for its customers. This can be seen in the layout and design of the store, as well as the product selection. “The new Waxhaw ALDI store delivers on our customers’ desire for a modern and convenient shopping experience with a focus on fresh items, including a robust produce section,” Cearley wrote. “The new Wax-
haw location also features open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally friendly building materials, such as recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting.” The Waxhaw location will play a role in ALDI executives’ plan to become the third-largest grocery store retailer by store-count in the U.S. by the end of 2022. They also plan to add 25,000 jobs in stores, offices and warehouses by that date. ALDI has more than 1,900 stores in 36 states, and it is still growing. Cearley said the company is on track to reach its 2022 goal. “We’re investing more than $5 billion to remodel 1,300 existing stores and open hundreds of new stores across the country,” Cearley wrote. Want to go? The new Waxhaw location is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 2909 Providence Road S. Visit www.aldi.us/ for details.
SMILES (continued from page 1A)
to, but realized they could have a more tangible impact as dental professionals. They started the Smiles for Survivors Foundation in Las Vegas before moving to Waxhaw. “It’s one thing to donate to an organization, but it’s another to take a person who has been through these treatments and actually give them back something they had lost,” Banchik said. Smiles for Survivors provides dental care at no cost to patients who have undergone or are undergoing breast cancer treatment. At first, Banchik and her husband were solely running the operations of Smiles for Survivors. But soon, many dental professionals contributed their time to the foundation. Because the foundation does not hold fundraisers, contributions are made through service.
Every ALDI store is easy to navigate while offering ample refrigeration to accommodate the recently expanded fresh and healthy food selection. The company is in the process of adding 25,000 new jobs in stores, warehouses and offices across the country by the end of 2022. Kayla Berenson/WW photo
“We had oral surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, all that came together and said, ‘If you have a patient that needs our help, we’ll help,’” Banchik said. “We came together as a community to help care for these patients and we’ve been doing it since 2010.” Banchik said the first Smiles for Survivors patient was a young, single mother whose family had died in a car accident. The foundation was able to help her get the dental treatment she needed as she battled a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer. “We just feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to put a smile on her face and do something for her that nobody else could do,” Banchik said. “That’s one story that sticks out in my mind, but there have been many others since.” Since moving to Waxhaw, Banchik has seen local patients through referrals from local hospitals and cancer centers. She said patients apply for the program by filling out a short application describing their situation.
Breaking down the 2020 ballot Aside from races like governor or President, Union County voters can elect school board members, county commissioners and state legislators in the 2020 election. Here's a look at who has entered local and state legislative races. County Commissioner • At-Large: Scarlett Hollingsworth (Dem) Marty Moffat (Dem), Frank Aikmus (Rep), Richard Helms (Rep) & David Williams (Rep) Frank Aikmus and Richard Helms have served as county commissioners since 2012. Their seats on the commission are the only ones up for grabs. Indian Trail residents and David Williams, as well as Monroe resident Marty Moffat, are running for the seat. County Office • Register of Deeds: Crystal Gilliard (Rep) Crystal Gilliard's tenure as register of deeds dates back to 2004. No one is running against her. UCPS Board of Education • District 1: Candice Sturdivant (Dem) • District 2: Matt Helms (Rep) • District 5: Joseph Morreale (Rep) Candice Sturdivant, Matt Helms and Joseph Morreale were elected in 2016. They are running unopposed. • At-Large (2 seats): Claudia Sandoval (Dem), Sarah May (Rep) & Todd Price (Rep) At least one new face will join the school board as Christina Helms is not running for a third term. Todd Price, who was appointed in 2019 to replace Union County Commissioner Dennis Rape, hopes
They also need a letter of recommendation from a healthcare professional. Most of the patients in the program have a financial need for the services. Patients in Smiles for Survivors are seen during Reafield Dental’s regular hours and are treated no differently than the office’s ordinary patients, Banchik said. In addition to Smiles for Survivors, Banchik and her husband support many community organizations. “We moved to Waxhaw because we wanted to be a part of a small community and we wanted to help the community grow and be better than it was when we got there,” Banchik said. “We see our patients everywhere we go and it’s important to give back and care for the community that welcomed us when we first moved here.” The community has recognized Reafield Dental and the Banchik family for their service to Union County. After only being in practice for a year, the Union County Cham-
ber of Commerce presented Reafield Dental with the 2019 Community Impact Award. “Drs. Leon and Olya Banchik understand the importance of giving back to the community and encourage that culture of community service in their practice,” Chamber President Pat Kahle wrote in an email to The Weekly Waxhaw. “The Union County Chamber membership consists of businesses of all sizes that positively impact the quality of life in our community through their contribution of time and funding. Reafield Dental is a great example of this. The Banchiks saw a need and have worked diligently to meet that need.” Banchik hopes to see Smiles for Survivors grow and help more patients. “I know once the word really gets out, there’s going to be more patients than a single small practice can help,” she said. “We would love other dentists and specialists to join that would be willing to work with our patients.”
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N.C. Rep. Mark Brody considered running for lieutenant governor last year, but he's opting for a fifth term in the House of Representatives. Paul Nielsen/WW photo
to return. Waxhaw residents Claudia Sandoval and Sarah May are vying for seats. N.C. House • District 55: Gloria Overcash (Dem) & Mark Brody (Rep) Mark Brody has served four terms. He'll face Gloria Overcash, of Peachland. • District 68: Ericka McKnight (Dem) & David Willis (Rep) Craig Horn has served five terms, but he did not file for reelection. David Willis, a Waxhaw small business owner, and Ericka McKnight, a Realtor who ran for Waxhaw mayor in 2019, hope to succeed Horn. • District 69: Pam De Maria (Dem) & Dean Arp (Rep) Dean Arp has represented the district for four terms. He'll face Pam De Maria, a former YMCA leader that ran for Indian Trail town commissioner in 2015. N.C. Senate • District 35: Jose Santiago (Dem) & Todd Johnson (Rep)
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Todd Johnson defeated Caroline Walker in 2018 to claim the seat. He'll face Monroe resident Jose Santiago. • District 36: Marcus Singleton (Dem) & Paul Newton (Rep) Paul Newton earned the seat in 2016 by defeating Kim Hargett and reclaimed it by beating Mark Shelley in 2018. He'll face Marcus Singleton, a minister and veteran from Concord. Council of State • Superintendent of Public Instruction: James Barrett (Dem), Constance (Lav) Johnson (Dem), Jen Mangrum (Dem), Michael Maher (Dem), Keith Sutton (Dem), Craig Horn (Rep) & Catherine Truitt (Rep) Mark Johnson has served as state superintendent since 2016, but he is not seeking reelection. Constance Johnson, principal of the Johnson Burton Learning Center in Charlotte, is one of five Democrats in the race. N.C. Rep Craig Horn, of Union County, is running on the Republican side.
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Page 6A • Weekly Waxhaw • Jan. 10, 2020
December 2019
Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com
Home Sales DATE SOLD
ADDRESS
Ladera 1215 Ladera Drive
28173 Anklin Forest 4121 Hoffmeister Drive Dec. 31 4124 Hoffmeister Drive Dec. 16
$445,000 $470,000
Charlton Oaks 6014 Bryant Lane Dec. 30
$238,000
Chatelaine 821 Beauhaven Lane Dec. 13
$730,000
Conservancy at Waxhaw Creek 7009 Steele View Circle Dec. 6 $330,000 Cortona 2014 Trindle Vine Lane Dec. 20
$364,178
Cureton 2816 Arsdale Road
$455,000
Dec. 30
Drayton Hall Estates 8520 Cheverny Drive Dec. 16 Firethorne 1016 Spyglass Lane Highclere 105 Grantham Place 109 Highclere Drive
Dec. 4
$620,000 $650,000
Dec. 31 Dec. 27
$745,000 $869,582
Hunter Oaks 1305 Iveyridge Drive Dec. 16 8904 Long Needles Ln. Dec. 11 8911 Long Needles Ln. Dec. 6
$472,000 $428,000 $450,000
Inverness on Providence 156 Barclay Drive Dec. 20 $521,000 Ivy Hill 7325 Ivy Hill Lane
Dec. 12
DATE SOLD
ADDRESS
SALE PRICE
$426,000
Kensington Place 845 Garrison Grove Lane Dec. 5 $547,000
Dec. 2
SALE PRICE
ADDRESS
$1,005,000
Lawson 2649 Southern Trace Dr. Dec. 20 2217 Deer Meadows Dr. Dec. 19 2520 Surveyor General Dr. Dec. 16 4808 Congaree Drive Dec. 9 2210 Deer Meadows Dr. Dec. 5 1613 Maize Court Dec. 3
$354,000 $472,000 $450,000 $477,500 $490,000 $729,373
Magnolia Ridge 4708 Magnolia Ridge Dr. Dec. 18
$269,000
Marvin Creek 4004 Autumn Blossom Ln. Dec. 30 522 Briar Patch Terrace Dec. 6 2024 Groves Edge Ln. Dec. 5
$750,000 $754,000 $575,000
MillBridge 4060 Shadowbrook Dr. Dec. 31 4053 Shadowbrook Rd. Dec. 31 4080 Henshaw Road Dec. 30 4021 Petersburg Drive Dec. 30 1112 Eddisbury Cove Dec. 27 4040 Shadowbrook Rd. Dec. 27 4016 Shadowbrook Rd. Dec. 27 1017 Augusta Drive Dec. 27 1101 Eddisbury Cove Dec. 27 1008 Burton Point Ct. Dec. 27 4057 Shadowbrook Dr. Dec. 20 1016 Burton Point Court Dec. 20 5042 Lily Pond Circle Dec. 20 5005 Shadowbrook Rd. Dec. 20 6012 Petersburg Drive Dec. 19 4049 Shadowbrook Way Dec. 19 3019 Burton Point Ct. Dec. 19 1633 Ridge Haven Rd. Dec. 19 1200 Ridge Haven Rd. Dec. 18 1001 Winnett Drive Dec. 18
$409,956 $432,013 $394,990 $446,850 $292,900 $374,465 $380,981 $455,630 $308,899 $342,337 $419,120 $302,975 $357,845 $442,836 $555,867 $404,370 $402,848 $369,000 $310,000 $285,000
New Towne Village 4707 Sandtyn Drive Dec. 18 1415 Lonan Drive Dec. 13
$308,000 $327,500
DATE SOLD
SALE PRICE
Oak Brook Estates 9105 Oak Bluff Court Dec. 4
$675,000
Oldenburg 1123 Grand Oak Drive Dec. 19
$957,849
Park Providence 2432 Logan Field Drive Dec. 30
$349,900
Prescot 8000 Kew Gardens Ct. Dec. 12
$345,000
Providence Downs 1506 Churchill Downs Dr. Dec. 20 9029 Unbridle Lane Dec. 13 1404 Churchill Downs Dr. Dec. 13 9104 Unbridle Lane Dec. 11 8825 Kentucky Derby Dr. Dec. 10
$1,005,000 $785,000 $1,131,500 $932,860 $1,180,000
ADDRESS
DATE SOLD
1712 Askern Court Dec. 19 2010 Wesley Landing Rd.Dec. 17 1907 Ealand Court Dec. 9 1919 Ealand Court Dec. 9
SALE PRICE
$406,144 $501,125 $491,020 $451,335
The Courtyards at Marvin 1309 Haywood Park Dr. Dec. 13 $343,000 The Gardens on Providence 1024 Sherringham Way Dec. 16 $845,000 The Gates at Ansley 703 Giacomo Drive Dec. 4
$715,710
The Oaks on Providence 7808 Spanish Oaks Dr. Dec. 30 $317,500 7808 Forest Oaks Lane Dec. 23 $280,000 7706 Spanish Oaks Dr. Dec. 10 $275,000
Providence Downs South 10014 Strike The Gold Ln.Dec. 3 $1,500,000
Tuscany 2009 Madeira Circle
Providence Glen 7806 Montane Run Ct. Dec. 13
$352,000
Victoria Lake 8300 Victoria Lake Dr. Dec. 11
$813,200
Shannon Vista 1707 Palazzo Drive Dec. 3
$389,900
Somerset 8920 Waltham Forest Ct. Dec. 27 223 Tyndale Court Dec. 9 8925 Whittingham Dr. Dec. 5
Walden Pond 2030 Sandy Pond Lane Dec. 23 9117 Yellow Pine Court Dec. 16
$520,000 $1,200,000
$379,500 $343,000 $372,000
Weddington Chase 7902 Rockland Trail Dec. 30 8323 Woodmont Drive Dec. 30
$587,500 $542,000
Southern Estates 4524 Linda Kay Drive Dec. 3
$200,000
Weddington Trace 1209 Crooked River Dr. Dec. 13
$500,000
Stonegate 6108 Lost Gate Lane Dec. 27
$402,500
Wesley Oaks 619 Springwood Drive Dec. 12
$395,000
Summerhill Estates 8832 Summerhill Drive Dec. 11
$154,900
Willow Oak 1908 Grigg Lane 8506 Royster Run
Dec. 27 Dec. 6
$420,000 $385,000
Wyndmoor 202 McNeil Court
Dec. 27
$715,000
The Courtyards at Wesley Chapel 2006 Wesley Landing Road Dec. 30 $494,570
Dec. 4
$525,000
CRIME SCENE The Union County Sheriff's Office reported these incidents Dec. 20-Jan. 2:
Waxhaw
Animal Call Bite • 8200 block of Lancaster Highway Break-Ins, Vehicles • 1200 block of Crooked River Drive • 8900 block of Snapfinger Court (3 cases) Disorderly Conduct • 1400 block of Cuthbertson Road Obtaining Property by False Pretenses • 4300 block of Applewood Lane • 6600 block of Wycliffe Avenue Property Damage • 4200 block of McCain Mill Road Property Damage, Nature • 5300 block of Nesbit Road
Possession of Controlled Substances • 1400 block of Cuthbertson Road Possession of Marijuana • 4900 block of New Town Road Possession of Weapon on School Property • 1400 block of Cuthbertson Road Thefts • 6900 block of Nesbit Road
Marvin
Break-Ins, Vehicle • 1000 block of Seminole Drive • 1300 block of Larkridge Court • 9400 block of Belmont Lane (2 cases) Drive After Consuming • 9800 block of New Town Road Property Damage • 900 block of Rising Road
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REGIONAL Regional Section • Jan. 10, 2020 • Page 1B
Justin Vick Managing Editor
Looking back
What happend to last year's storylines?
H
indsight is 20/20 when looking back at predictions. Last year, I outlined storylines in Union County Weekly that would linger into 2019. Here’s what happened to some of them.
Congressman Dan Bishop discusses issues at the polls heading into last year’s Republican primary. Paul Nielsen/CMG photo
Five storylines to follow in 2020 by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
You don’t need force powers to predict some of the biggest storylines of 2020 for southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties. Several seeds were planted over the course of 2019 that will begin to bear fruit this year. Light rail The Charlotte Area Transit System has laid a lot of groundwork on fine-tuning a regional transit plan. The LYNX Silver Line, originally slated to be a Matthews-to-Uptown Charlotte route, could be extended to span from Indian Trail to Belmont. This represents 26 miles across three counties. Plans are also in place to extend the LYNX Blue Line beyond its I-485/South Boulevard stop to Carolina Place Mall in Pineville, where it will shift east to the Ballantyne Corporate Park. Charlotte has contracted out pre-development work for the Silver Line to determine the scope and cost of the project. CATS will engage the public more in 2020 to build consensus for its regional transit plan. Both lines will be huge for Union County commuters. If each transit line has its own dedicated right of way, then residents could drive to a park-and-ride station, hop on the light rail and get a predictable ride to uptown over many years. Leadership Incumbents typically go into elections with huge advantages, but voters wanted to go in a different direction in 2019 with races in Monroe, Stallings, Waxhaw and Wesley Chapel. Will Wesley Chapel Mayor Jan Smith, Weddington Councilwoman Anne Pruitt, Stallings Councilwoman Heather Grooms
Todd Barber spent much of the 2019 election season talking about what he hopes to accomplish on the Indian Trail Town Council. Justin Vick/CMG photo
and Monroe Councilwoman Angelia James live up to voters' expectations? The magnifying glass will also be focused on Waxhaw Mayor Ron Pappas and Indian Trail Councilman Todd Barber, who were newcomers that ran against other challengers. I'm also looking forward to the 2020 election to see whether county commissioners Frank Aikmus and Richard Helms pay for the votes of their board colleagues on not-so-favorable rezonings in western Union. Republican National Convention All eyes will be on Charlotte in August as the Republican National Convention convenes to award the party nomination to President Donald Trump. What will he say? What will he tweet? Gulp.
The goal of Ballantyne Reimagined is to set a new standard for sense of place while continuing to be an economic driver for the entire region. Photo courtesy of Northwood
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The Charlotte Area Transit System gauged interest from the community in the spring about extending light rail to the Ballantyne area. CATS will continue getting feedback this year about regional transit efforts.
Congressional drama What I said Two months after the 2018 general election, the region didn’t have a representative in Congress amid allegations of voter fraud in Robeson and Bladen counties. I mentioned the importance of a congressional office in helping residents cut through federal red tape and teased we could see a lengthy investigation. What happened The state elections board concluded its investigation in February, setting dates for a new election. Mark Harris bowed out, citing health concerns, allowing prominent Republicans like Stony Rushing and Fern Shubert to run for the seat. N.C. Sen. Dan Bishop emerged from the primary to defeat Dan McCready in September with campaign support from the White House. Express lanes What I said Following the opening of the Monroe Expressway, 2019 was going to mark the opening of the I-77 express lanes and the start of construction for the I-485 express lanes. What happened I-77 arrived late, but drivers are using it. Some people criticize the Monroe Expressway and I-77 projects because they don’t see that much traffic on them. Growth will take care of that. People soon will be handing their grandchildren pieces of candy and telling them how cheap the first tolls were and how few people wanted to pay them. County leadership What I said I was curious about how the leadership dynamics would play in Union County with new County Manager Mark Watson, as well as group dynamics with the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners being comprised entirely of Democrats. What happened Within 30 days of becoming county manager, Watson restructured the government by empowering three of his top staffers to take on more operational control. He appears much less tense than his predecessor was at meetings. In Mecklenburg County, commissioners have nuanced discussions of issues, such as the decision to put a quarter-cent sales tax increase on the ballot to benefit the arts. School safety What I said I expected Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Union County Public Schools to request more help from their counties to ensure schools remain safe. These efforts were ongoing well before the fatal shooting at Butler High School. What happened Mecklenburg County’s budget allocated $5.7 million for mental health support staff, including 27 social workers, 10 psychologists and 10 counselors, as well as $4.6 million for school security enhancements. UCPS added nine social workers and five mental health therapists through a partnership with Union County. see LAST YEAR, Page 3B
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Page 2B • Regional Section • Jan. 10, 2020
BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Contenders emerge from holiday hoops layoff
T
he rush of the holidays from Thanksgiving through the New Year always seems to fly by, especially with young children and my family’s annual road trips to (not-so) sunny Syracuse, N.Y. It’s the same way for many of our hoops teams, who played in tournaments over the holidays. Some were local, but many others were held from Florida to Georgia and everywhere in between. As we close the book on 2019, here’s a rundown of where we stand on the hardwood when games tipped off this week. - Andrew Stark
BOYS Southern Carolinas: • Biggest surprise: Cuthbertson. The Cavs really struggled to start the season as they opened the year with an 0-6 record. Since, they’ve gone 6-2 and are just one game out of the conference lead. Star JP Haggarty and the Cavs will have to keep this momentum going through a tough league, but they’re off to a nice start. • Watch out for: Sun Valley. Led by Justin Morton’s 15.4 points per game, the Spartans have four senior starters who average double figures and three or more others who play big minutes nightly. Coach Keith Mason is a great X’s and O’s guy, and with this many players so familiar with his system, expect them to stay in the mix. • Breakout star: Kyle Frazier, Weddington. After averaging 4.0 points and 2.5 rebounds as a freshman last season, Frazier is averaging 11.0 points and 5.3 rebounds this year. His jump, along with fellow super-soph Chase Lowe, have the Warriors atop the standings for now. Standings: Weddington (9-4, 4-0) Charlotte Catholic (9-3, 3-1) Cuthbertson (6-8, 3-1) Sun Valley (9-6, 2-2) Marvin Ridge (4-9, 1-3) Piedmont (3-10, 1-3) Monroe (2-5, 1-3) Parkwood (1-9, 1-3) Others • Biggest surprise: Forest Hills. The Yellow Jackets graduated Union County’s most decorated senior class last season after
a wonderful four-year run. This season, Alec Topper, Dilon Wright and Jalen Huntley have the Jackets right on that level. Their start is also a testament to coach Matt Sides, one of the best in the biz. • Watch out for: Porter Ridge. Coach Garrett Malone is in turnaround mode with the Pirates in just his second season. Last year Malone led the Pirates to a 12-12 record – their only non-losing record in the past 10 years. Junior point guard Marcus Willis averages over 18 points per game and is among the county’s top players. • Breakout star: Camden Johnson, Metrolina Christian. Johnson averaged about six points per game as a freshman last season but has flourished this year. He’s the Warriors' leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points and five rebounds per game, and seems to have a bright future.
Cuthbertson stars Maddie Dillinger (left) and Lillian Anderson have the Cavs off to an impressive 12-1 start. While the Cavs have played well, four Southern Carolinas teams are within two games of Cuthbertson in the league standings. Andrew Stark/CMG photo
Standings: Forest Hills (12-0, 1-0) CATA (0-12, 0-2) Metrolina Christian (7-11, 1-3) Union Academy (7-3, 1-0) Porter Ridge (7-6, 1-2)
Cuthbertson junior forward JP Haggarty leads the Cavs in scoring and rebounding this season, helping them fight back from an 0-6 start to within one game of the conference lead. They travel to Weddington on Jan. 10 in a key showdown. Andrew Stark/CMG photo
GIRLS Southern Carolinas • Biggest surprise: Parkwood. The Rebels won just four games last season but have turned the corner under second-year coach Jesse Boyce. Parkwood is led by sophomore Shimiya Taylor and freshman Jade Washington, but with their supporting cast, the Rebels are back to being relevant in league play. • Watch out for: Weddington. Charlotte Catholic and Cuthbertson duked it out in the league standings last season, but there are new players this year including the Warriors. Led by Karrah Katzbach, one of the conference’s top talents, this team has some staying power for the second half of the season. • Breakout star: Regan Iovino, Cuthbertson. The freshman has
added another dimension to the Western Regional champs with her long-range shooting. Iovino is averaging 11.3 points while shooting 47% from 3-point range. Standings: Cuthbertson (12-1, 4-0) Charlotte Catholic (8-3, 3-1) Parkwood (10-4, 3-1) Weddington (10-2, 2-2) Marvin Ridge (6-5, 2-2) Piedmont (5-4, 1-3) Sun Valley (4-11, 1-4) Monroe (0-7, 0-4) Others: • Biggest surprise: CATA. The Cougars already have four wins in 2019, which is a sign that times are changing. CATA hasn’t won more than four games since 201415, but freshmen Zoie Jordan and Sarah Gamble have them ready to far succeed that in 2020.
• Watch out for: Forest Hills. Last season, coach Marc Richardson led the Yellow Jackets to 17 wins, their most since 201213. They started 2019 with a 1-4 record, but have been playing much better of late behind stars Hope Benson and freshman Jamyah Blakeney. • Breakout star: Jyana Salton, Porter Ridge. The freshman point guard is having an immediate impact for the Pirates. This year, she leads the team with 12.3 points per game, but does everything well as evidenced by Salton’s 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3.0 assists per game. Standings: Forest Hills (5-6, 1-0) CATA (4-6, 1-0) Metrolina Christian (5-9, 3-1) Union Academy (6-4, 1-0) Porter Ridge (4-8, 1-2)
Andrew Stark is sports editor at Charlotte Media Group, which includes The Weekly Waxhaw, Union County Weekly, Indian Trail Weekly, Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly and South Charlotte Weekly. The father of three has worked for several other newspapers around the region. Follow Andrew on Twitter @AndrewStark66 for insights into local, state and national sports.
28th Annual
UNION COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS January 17th 2020 11:00am - 6:30pm
CHARLOTTE MEDIA GROUP
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Union County Agricultural Center 3230-D Presson Road, Monroe, NC Music provided by Village Green Southern Express Bluegrass playing in the evening Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization of citizens against in Union county. Law Enforcement Officer to be presented for 2020 Honor Guard Sponsored by Sam F. Keziah American Legion Post 535 Unionville, N.C.
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Invocation.......................................Phillip Brooks Welcome..............................................Reid Helms Union County Crime Stoppers President
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Presentation
We’d like to thank our sponsors and volunteers for making this event possible.
2020 Union County Crime Stoppers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award
Special Guests
Union County Commissioners Alexandra Badgett Miss North Carolina 2020
Eddie Cathey
Union County Sheriff
Trey Robinson
Union County District Attorney
Dan Bishop
U.S. House of Representatives
From concept to completion we offer design & printing services that include everything from business cards, signage, promotional items, magazines, brochures, rack cards, and postcards. for more information call 704-849-2261 or email kate@cmgweekly.com
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Regional Section • Jan. 10, 2020 • Page 3B Piedmont wrestling coach Jamie Belk was named the NCHSAA Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to the 3A title. With star Tripp Collins, the Panthers will compete again this season. Photo courtesy of Union County Public Schools
2020 (continued from page 1B)
People are hoping the potential for controversy or drama is restricted to the stage. What makes a lot of people nervous is how Trump supporters will react to Trump protesters and vice versa – all under the watchful eyes of the national media. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will work with neighboring law enforcement to ensure the convention area is safe and secure. I think a lot of locals will avoid Uptown due to the traffic, as well as the potential for protests and anti-protests.
A rundown of the county's top wrestlers by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com
Last season, Union County wrestlers claimed 11 NCHSAA regional championships highlighted by Piedmont’s Tripp Collins and Josh Blatt winning individual state titles and leading Piedmont to the team title. This year the Panthers, led by Collins, are strong again but many teams have guys making big early-season waves. Below is a team-by-team breakdown of who the county’s top grapplers are. All records are through Jan. 1. • CATA is coming in strong once again this season, and the Cougars have several wrestlers who will compete for regional and state titles. Some of the early standouts to this point include: Aiden Nasta (17-5 individual record at 106 pounds), Grant Haney (18-3 at 113), Kyle Montaperto (17-1 at 120), Elijah Harris (20-2 at 126), Preston Scarborough (20-5 at 138), Jake Dodson (20-1 at 145), Brady Ross (22-2 at 152) and Aiden Curry (21-4 at 160). Curry, Montaperto and Scarborough are returning regional champions for the Cougars. • Cuthbertson junior Jack McDermid is 18-4 on the season at 160 pounds. Senior William Swan, who is also listed at 160, is 15-4 while senior Leander Chance is 16-7 at 145 to lead the way for the Cavs. Ryan King and Noah Zandy have 13 wins each. • Sam Bartholomew is currently Marvin Ridge’s top grappler, as the sophomore is 16-7 at 160 pounds to date. Dylan Kelly and Logan Fite also have 11 wins for the Mavs. • Metrolina Christian is off to an impressive start. They are being led by AJ Hoyle (11-1 at 132 pounds), Niles Debnam (122 at 152), Bryce McFerson (12-3 at 170), Joshua Fahrenkrog (11-3 at 145) and Christian Palmer (10-4 at 120). Eighth-grader Connor Bellew is 5-0 at 145 pounds. • Monroe doesn’t have much match ex-
perience, but the Redhawks have some big kids who are having success. Montavious Waters is 4-3 at the heavyweight (285 or above) spot, but the Redhawks also boast 222-pound Josiah Lumpkin, who is 5-3, and Bryzekeil Redfern, who is 4-2 at 182 pounds. • Parkwood, meanwhile, has a lot of matches under its belt already and several guys are having strong starts to their season, including Caleb Simpson (26-9 at 138 pounds), Amir Joseph (23-5 at 195), Daniel Morrison (23-3 at 285), Cody Hardy (193 at 220) and Isaac Edward (16-6 at 160). Freshman Savannah Bramhall is 11-3 at 152 pounds and one of the county’s top female wrestlers. • Sensational junior Tripp Collins leads defending state champion Piedmont with a 29-1 record at 126 pounds. Among coach Jamie Belk’s other standouts are defending regional champ Jake Cauble (26-4 at 113), Colby Locklear (24-8 at 152), Ryan Whetzel (19-9 at 220), John Lewis (19-13 at 152) and freshman Noah Coble (15-10 at 106). • Porter Ridge is led by Ryan Blanchard, who has posted a 21-7 record at 120 pounds. Joshua Burns is 20-14 at 160 pounds, Nathan Carnes is 18-6 at 220 and Nathan Carnes is 15-7 at 195. • Sun Valley heavyweight Charles Smith has started the season with an 18-5 record to pace the Spartans, but 220-pound Andrew Macchiavello is 15-4 and on his heels for the team’s wins leader. Jared Hough (135 at 132) and Lucas Cheek (10-6 at 182) are also having nice seasons. • Union Academy is led by Isaac Williams, who has gone 13-3 at 152 pounds. Josiah Hemphill and Spencer Truesdale each have eight wins so far as well. • Joe Zovistoski is 9-1 at 182 pounds to lead a core group of Weddington wrestlers that includes Devin King (13-9 at 132 pounds), freshman Luke Ries (12-5 at 106), Cian Nolan (12-5 at 152) and Janyd Houghton (12-10 at 170).
Density for retail Northwood Office spent this past year holding a series of community meetings to engage the public on its Ballantyne Reimagined concept. The firm plans to convert the giant business park into a more urban, walkable community – similar to a town square. Yep, it’s another live-work-play concept that’ll feature elevated dining and shopping options. With Waxhaw really hurting for a more balanced residential to commercial tax base, could town leaders sacrifice density in the form of townhomes and apartments if it means getting more upscale shopping experiences? Or could we see them go in a totally different direction, such as allowing more light to heavy industrial uses?
LAST YEAR (continued from page 1B)
Republican National Convention What I said I speculated the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department would request more funding to work the Republican National Convention. President Donald Trump’s remarks, however, would be a wildcard heading into the event. What happened Some Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department staff received pay raises in the budget, but nothing major related to the RNC. Police Chief Kerr Putney announced he was retiring Jan. 1 and resuming duties to oversee the RNC, but
The Republican National Convention will put Charlotte on the global stage. Kayla Berenson/CMG photo
MLS Soccer The region is still buzzing after Major League Soccer confirmed Charlotte would get a franchise, starting in spring 2021. I’m most excited about the sense of community pride the MLS team will bring to the region, as well as our youth having more role models to look up to. I expect the Charlotte City Council will have public discussions about rezoning the former site of Eastland Mall for the team’s headquarters and practice facilities, as well as details about the nature of the public-private partnership. Then there will be announcements about the name, branding and personnel. he wisely put off retirement until after the convention. In July, Charlotte City Council condemned Trump’s “racist and xenophobic social media tweets and comments” in a resolution. Municipal elections What I said After a strong 2018, I wondered if Democrats would continue to gobble up elected seats. I also pondered if longtime leaders like Mint Hill Mayor Ted Biggers and Indian Trail Mayor Pro Tem David Cohn would run again. What happened Several towns had new faces elected to their boards, but there weren't large Democratic gains. Biggers and Cohn chose not to run for reelection.
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Dolores is a gentle girl. She needs some leash work but she does mind her manners and can entertain herself with toys. She likes car rides, cuddles, and is good with other dogs. She does have a lot of energy so she’d make a great walking partner. She’s heartworm positive but this is treatable.
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Joseph was timid when he first arrived, but he is much more open and loves everyone. His owner passed away so he’s patiently waiting for his new home where his owner will give him the time adjustment he needs… and a warm lap or dog bed to lay in.
8315 Byrum Drive / animals.cmpd.org / ADOPTION FEES RANGE FROM $63 TO $103
Page 4B • Regional Section • Jan. 10, 2020
>> Health care was common thread ICYMI at Wingate commencement this week’s
WINGATE – Phyllis Wingate told those crossing the Cuddy Arena commencement stage that they should not let their circumstances limit their vision or success. The daughter of a small-town Baptist minister and a mill worker went on to become Atrium Health’s northern division president. “They had seven children and very little wealth,” she said of her parents. “But they instilled in their children a belief that education makes you a better person and gives you a better life.” Health care was again front and center in Wingate University’s third fall commencement. Of the more than 230 students walking across the stage to receive their diplomas, 91 had earned physical-therapy or physician-assistant degrees. Before diplomas were handed out, three Union County physicians received honorary doctorates for their service to the medical community. Phyllis Wingate has also devoted her working life to providing healthcare to the masses, though on the administration side. She spent 20 and a testament to their lives well lived,” she addyears in healthcare roles in Virginia and Mary- ed, referring to honorary degree recipients Edland before joining Carolinas Healthcare System ward Bower, John Vick and Lane Ormand. Ormand was Union County’s first board-cerin 2002. The division she heads includes three hospitals. She said her career has given her many tified OB/GYN specialist. He was instrumental in creating the Union County Division of Public opportunities to help others. “That’s why a lot of people enter healthcare, Health High Risk Maternity Clinic. The Monroe to serve,” she said. “For these healthcare-field Women’s Clinic was renamed the Ormand Cengraduates, you will learn to understand this truth ter for Women in his honor. Bower introduced highly specialized surgical by simply doing your job and doing it well. If you are entering a non-healthcare field, such as techniques to Union County and established the wound-care center at Atrium Health education, business/finance or sports Monroe. He was named Union management, there will still be ocCounty Man of the Year in 2007 casions for you to be of service.” and received the Governor’s When those occasions arise, Medallion Award for Volunshe offered this advice: “Give teer Service. back what’s on loan to you: Vick joined Union Famiyour talents, your time, your ly Practice in 1982. He has resources. Your life will be been the driving force bericher, fuller and bolder for hind the practice’s rural resiit, and you just might find dency program, which allows true success.” doctors to complete their resi“There is much research that dency requirements by providing shows that people who give of themcare to the medically underserved. selves, their talent and resources are Wingate University Wingate President Rhett Brown more likely to be satisfied with their recognized more than life,” Phyllis Wingate said, citing 230 graduates Dec. 14 called the three physicians the the generosity of celebrities such as at Cuddy Arena. Photo “founding fathers of modern courtesy of Wingate healthcare in Union County.” Bono, Bill Gates and Oprah WinIn addition to the three honorfrey as well as local examples with ary degrees, the university awarded 49 Master of whom she shared the commencement stage. “The physician honorees today are being rec- Physician Assistant Studies degrees, 42 Doctor ognized for their service. It is part of their legacy of Physical Therapy degrees, 11 MBAs and six
Wingate University fall graduates by hometown Wingate University recognized more than 230 graduates during fall commencement Dec. 14 at Cuddy Arena. Among them were several from the western Union County area: Doctoral graduates • Matthews: Elen Balasanyan Gay, physical therapy. • Mint Hill: Erica Carol Hitch, physical therapy.
Phyllis Wingate leads a division at Atrium Health that includes three hospitals. She shared insight with graduates during their fall commencement. Photo courtesy of Wingate University
Master of Arts in Sport Management degrees. Eighty-nine undergraduates were also presented with their diplomas. Rosalyn Robinson, of Rock Hill, earned a bachelor of science in biology. Wingate's health sciences reputation attracted her to the university. “I want to become a sonographer and then get into neuroscience,” said Robinson, who began her studies in pre-pharmacy, but preferred biology to chemistry. “There were still a lot of programs here with medical, so I knew it was a good choice. The teachers were able to know me and know what I needed help with.” Michela Verpelli, a tennis All-American with a 4.0 GPA, earned the H.K. Helms Award, presented annually to the graduate achieving the highest scholastic average. The award honors the memory of former Wingate mayor H.K. Helms.
Master’s degrees • Indian Trail: Katelyn Dorothy Lustig, educational leadership; Austin McCully Marie Brown, sport management; and Heather Couzen, elementary education (K-6). • Marshville: Rebekah Randall Mathis, physician assistant. • Matthews: Karim Abdel Mahmoud, physician assistant. • Waxhaw: Teresa Gayle Bliven and Denise Schmidt, elementary education (K-6); Shannen Elizabeth Box, Shelby Jean Nassar and Larson Thomas Vickery, physician assistant; and Manideepa Bhowmik, business administration. • Wesley Chapel: William Charles O’Connor Jr., physician assistant. Bachelor’s degrees • Indian Trail: Joy Daniels Bailey, environmental biology; Eric Steven Jackson, organizational communication & management; Raeann Elizabeth Lytle, educational studies in humanities; and Shane Craig Rich, communication sport broadcasting. • Matthews: Perita Adams, organizational communication & management; and Madilyn Claire Rodriguez, human services. • Waxhaw: Leigh Anne Lee, human services; Haley Elizabeth Joy Matson, political science; and Lauren Elizabeth Small, psychology.
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Page 6B • Regional Section • Jan. 10, 2020
THINGS TO DO Jan. 11
De-Stress Yoga Children (ages 9-12) learn yoga techniques to take the edge off at Union West Library. 704-821-7475 2 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Food Truck Jon G's BBQ rolls into Southern Range Brewing Company. 704-7062978 4-8 p.m.; 151 S. Stewart St., Monroe Bluegrass Concert Carolina Homestead, Goldline Bluegrass Band & The Gospel Plowboys perform at Pickin' for Faith at Antioch Baptist Church. The event raises money for someone diag-
nosed with breast cancer. The event includes $3 hot dogs and a silent auction. 704-753-4977 4-8:30 p.m.; 6223 Love Mill Road, Monroe
Jan. 12
Family Storytime The Monroe Library offers a family storytime in which children can build a snowman & decorate a snowflake. 704-283-8184 3 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
ACROSS
109 Figs. that Root site average 100 14 Chitchat 13 Sam played one 16 St. ___, only in “Casablanca” nation named for a woman 14 Skye of “Say 17 Anything 1968 Clint…” Eastwood 15 Border western with six nooses on its 16 It has spots poster 18 “___ #1!” 18 Much-trapped animal in 19 Like a fox wilderness 20 Fertile soil America 21 19 Jackson It’s hardlyofa Champagne country music cooler 22 It has spots 20 “Why ___?” 26 Title song on 21 Highest peak in the N.Z.Beatles’ final studio album 22 “Sick, dude!” 29 Mob 23 Cheer at a Texas 30 Vicinity football game
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Jan. 14
Book Club The book club at Monroe Library discusses Fredrik Backman's “A Man Called Ove.” 704-283-8184 5:30 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Digital Painting The Monroe Library offers Digital Painting with Bob Ross for Adults. Register in advance by emailing Kristie.Hill@unioncountync.gov. 704283-8184 4 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Relay for Life Relay for Life of Union County holds a kick-off for the 2020 season at the Monroe Fire Station. www.re layforlife.org/unionnc 6-7:30 p.m.; 3903 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe
Jan. 14 & 15
Storytimes The Waxhaw Library holds storytimes for toddlers (birth to 36 months) at 10 a.m. and preschool youth (ages 3-5) at 11 a.m. at the
620 Eighth Avenue, Texas Hold'em games at The Trail New York, N.Y. 10018 Team Trivia House. For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 Team Trivia Charlotte presents 7 p.m.; 6751 Old Monroe Road, ForRelease ReleaseThursday, Tuesday, April 9, Hickory 2019 For 2019Tavern. 704teamApril trivia 11, at Indian Trail 238-9111
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ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE L A M B S D K A E U W B E R T TI P S S A Y R
Paws Awhile Children (up to age 12) build literacy skills by reading to a therapy dog during Paws Awhile to Read at Union West Library. 704-821-7475 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Dragon Talk Children learn about dragons and create crafts at the Monroe Library. 704-283-8184 Pub Poker 4 p.m.;Sales 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe The New Times Syndication Corporation Deuces PubYork Poker organizes
Edited by Will Shortz
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7-9 p.m.; 6455 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
Jan. 13
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JOE DEENEY PUZZLE BY BRIAN THOMAS
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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.
American Legion Post 208. 704-8433131 10 a.m.-noon; 801 E. S. Main St., Waxhaw
Jan. 15
Computer Classes Adults can get 30-minute oneon-one computer help at Monroe Library. Register in advance. 704283-8184 ext. 5222 3-5 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe Car Show Classic Cruisers of Monroe holds its Wednesday Nite Cruz In at Poplin Place. 6-8 p.m.; 2889 W. U.S. 74, Monroe
Jan. 16
Lava Lamps Children (ages 6-10) make a lava lamp at Union West Library. 704821-7475 4-5 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian
Trail Road, Indian Trail Lobster Truck Cousins Maine Lobster rolls into Southern Range Brewing. 704-7062978 5-9 p.m.; 151 S. Stewart St., Monroe Business Awards Charlotte Media Group recognizes 2019 Business Person of the Year finalists and announces the winner at Hampton Inn and Suites – SouthPark at Phillips Place. Get tickets at www.cmgweekly.com/store. 5:30 to 8 p.m.; 6700 Phillips Place Court, Charlotte Comedy Night Jeremy Alder and Gabby Moore perform during DreamChaser's Brewery's comedy night. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door. They are available at www. eventbrite.com. 704-843-7326 7:30-9:30 p.m.; 115 E. N. Main St., Waxhaw
LOUD&LIVE Jan. 10
Jan. 15
• Amos’ Southend: Pinkest Floyd • Beantown Tavern: Jade Moore • Comet Grill: The Lenny Federal Band • Coyote Joes: Tracy Lawrence • Evening Muse: Kuf Knots, Christine Elise, I,Star; Revel in Romance • Fillmore: Shoot to Thrill • Heist Brewery: Hope Massive & Rastacoustic • Mac’s Speed Shop: Matt Walsh & The Movers • Milestone Club: Divine Treachery w/ Living In My Shadow, Written In Gray & A Young Man’s Burial • Moochies Tavern: Next O’ Kin • Neighborhood Theatre: Sticks N Thorns • Petra’s: Kelsey Ryan, David Taylor & The Tallboys, & Sissy Brown • Resident Culture: Jazzy Trinity • Stooges Pub: U-Phonik • Thirsty Beaver: Justin Wells & Adam Lee • Trail House: Coconut Groove • Vintner’s Hill: Kris Anderson
• Evening Muse: Kevin Daniel and The Bottom Line & Seth Power • Milestone Club: Paint Fumes w/ The Cavemen & More • Trail House: Rod Fiske
Jan. 11 • Amos’ Southend: 84 • Comet Grill: Hard Cider • Evening Muse: The Eskimo Brothers; Slade the Supreme, Dre of the East & XBrodie • Fillmore: Sugar; All Signs Point to the End: SUGAR; Strength Beyond Strength; & Grits and Biscuits • Milestone Club: The Flight Risks w/ Hang The Hipster, Middleasia & Dr. Keyboardian • Petra’s: Triangle Afrobeat Orchestra w/ Sweat Transfer • Pour 64: Nate Randall • Stooges Pub: Bout Tyme Band • Trail House: Travis Grubb and the Stoned Rangers • Treehouse Vineyards: Karaoke w/ Marty Vanderlip • Visulite: Unknown Hinson
Jan. 12 • Petra’s: Bill Hanna
Jan. 13 • Belk Theatre: Albert Lee w/ The Cryers
Jan. 14 • Comet Grill: Red Rocking Chair
Jan. 16 • Bistro D’Antonio: Will Lee • Comet Grill: Mike Strauss Trio • Evening Muse: The End of America, Stoll Vaughan & Dan Tedesco • Fillmore: The Disco Biscuits • Lake View Grill: Jade Moore • Milestone Club: Strike The Tower w/ Drowned Out, Messy Stains & Valar Morghulis • Neighborhood Theatre: Molly Hatchet • Petra’s: Goalkeeper, Come Clean, Deaf Andrew & Home for the Day • Seaboard Brewing: Kris Atom
Venues Charlotte • Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St. • Belk Theatre: 130 N. Tryon St. • Comet Grill: 2224 Park Road • Coyote Joes: 4821 Wilkinson Blvd. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Heist Brewery: 2909 N. Davidson St. • Milestone Club: 3400 Tuckaseegee Road • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Petra’s: 1919 Commonweath Ave. • Resident Culture: 2101 Central Ave. • Thirsty Beaver: 1225 Central Ave. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail/Monroe/Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio: 3909 Providence Road S. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St. Matthews/Mint Hill • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Rd. • Pour 64: 4410 Mint Hill Village Lane • Seaboard Brewing: 213 N. Trade St. • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Stallings • Lake View Grill: 9750 Tournament Dr.
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