Weekly Waxhaw Feb. 21, 2020 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Want a senior discount? Ask for one • Page 1B

THE WEEKLY

BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY

Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 • Vol. 1 • No. 7

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com unioncountyweekly.com

ELECTION 2020

Democrat hopes to add fresh perspective to county commission by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

Christopher Renaud Insurance Agent Medicare and Long Term Care Specialist Bankers Life

10706 Sikes Place, Suite 300 Charlotte, NC 28277

Direct: 980-245-5290 Office: 704-541-9592 Cell: 704-891-1325

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Water rates Leader explains why a hike is needed, 2A

Town hall Commissioner sought pay decrease, 3A

MONROE – The Union County Board of Commissioners has long been comprised of Republicans. As Democrat Marty Moffat enters the race, he hopes to change that dynamic with a non-critical approach. Moffat was contacted six months

ago by the Union County Democratic Party, who asked him if he would consider running for local office. Though Moffat had volunteered throughout election cycles with the party, his background is in business, not politics. Once leaders from the party explained the concerns they had with the current board, Moffat felt motivated to run.

“

BAND

We’re using instruments to teach things like loyalty, dedication, attention to detail and striving to work toward 100% of a goal, not just getting by with mediocre."

Dynasty Cavs win fourth state track title, 4A

Todd Ebert has built Cuthbertson program into a powerhouse by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

WAXHAW – The Cuthbertson Band started when the school opened in 2009 with only one class of 20 musicians. Eleven years later, the program spreads across Cuthbertson middle and high schools with nearly 500 students involved, earning awards and accolades along the way. High school band director Todd Ebert has been with the program since day one. He directs the high school students, while his wife directs the middle school program. Now that the program has grown so big, a third director was brought in a few years ago for both of the schools. While a typical class practice includes going over new music and practicing until it sounds perfect, a significant part of the program is intended to teach beyond the music. “We’re using instruments to teach things like loyalty, dedication, attention to detail and striving to work toward 100% of a goal, not just getting by with mediocre,” Ebert said. see BAND, Page 5A

by Andrew Stark

INDEX Loud&Live.............................................................4B Classifieds..............................................................5B Senior Living..................................................... 1B Calendar................................................................... 6B In the Know......................................................... 2A Sports.............................................................................. 4A Dining Scores..................................................4B Puzzles.........................................................................4B

Todd Ebert, who directs the band at Cuthbertson High School, said teamwork and other life lessons are embedded in the program. Such as, if multiple students play at less than 100%, that could throw off an entire tune. Kayla Berenson/WW photo

Parkwood wrestlers' bond leads to title wins

Senior expo

66-year-old is elite tennis player, 1B

see MOFFAT, Page 3A

Marty Moffat doesn't want to enter the county commissioner race as a critic, but he wants to offer some new ideas. Photo courtesy of Marty Moffat

MAKING THE

• Todd Ebert

Hall of Fame

“They’ve had the same guys on that board for a long time and they pretty much all think the same way,” Moffat said. “In some people’s opinions, they haven’t done a really good job of managing the growth in Union County. I’m not running as a critic, but as somebody that hasn’t been involved and

andrew@cmgweekly.com

Parkwood freshmen duo Aurora Efird (left) and Savannah Bramhall both won state wrestling titles on Feb. 8. The pair's friendship and competitiveness helped each other get to where they are. Andrew Stark/WW photo

MONROE – Less than a week before her first Valentine's Day as a high school student, Aurora Efird had already felt all of the love she was going to need for the week. Efird and her freshman cohort Savannah Bramhall had just won state wrestling championships and they were getting the royal treatment Feb. 8 as they pulled through Rough Edge and into the Parkwood High parking lot, led by county sher-

iffs with their lights on escorting the newly crowned champs home. “Our whole team got a police escort coming in,” Efird said. “When we got off the bus, our friends and families were all there and they painted the rock for us. It was just so cool. I’ve never felt so loved.” A budding friendship, rivalry Knowing Efird and Bramhall, it’s not shocking by any means that the two have see WRESTLING, Page 5A

Residents can be involved in Marvin documentary by Kayla Berenson

kayla@cmgweekly.com

WAXHAW – Residents will have the opportunity to see their history on the silver screen in the near future. They may even get to see themselves, too. Gene Stowe, a former reporter from Monroe, wrote a series of newspaper articles detailing the his-

torical events that brought all races from the Village of Marvin together to live in peaceful, happy unity. He furthered his research on the matter and published “Inherit the Land” in 2006. Union County Weekly previously reported Stowe’s work with filmmakers Cylk Cozart and Jim Johnson to convert the film into a documentary, complete with inter-

views from descendants of historical figures and reenactments of historical scenes detailed in the book. Cozart and Johnson will be in Union County from Feb. 21 to 23 to talk to as many residents as possible. They hope to find people to cast in the reenactment scenes or contribute donations and invest in the film. Cozart, the film’s director, was

drawn to the story of “Inherit the Land” after Johnson, the film’s producer, brought it to his attention. Stowe visited the two in Knoxville, Tenn., where they spoke for hours about how they could convert the film into a documentary. In 2019, Cozart and Johnson visited Marvin for the first time and were amazed see DOCUMENTARY, Page 2A

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Page 2A • Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 21, 2020

IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK STAY CONNECTED • Instagram: @weeklywaxhaw • Twitter: @weeklywaxhaw • Like us on Facebook • Web: www.unioncounty weekly.com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

CONTACT US PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen rjensen@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Rebecca Jensen, business manager for Charlotte Media Group, recently gave birth to her third child, Alistair. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Jenson

MOST POPULAR STORIES • Orchard Creek sours some residents • UCPS promotes college readiness • Pure CBD strives to educate customers in boutique setting • Track: Cuthbertson shines at Charlotte City Championships • Signing Day 2020 includes area schools

TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “Counselors at MRMS are sponsoring weekly workshops on managing stress and anxiety. Today the school Social Worker, Ranayda Drayton, lead the students in ways to protect themselves from feeling anxious by developing coping skills.” – Marvin Ridge Middle (@MarvinRidgeMSNC) • “Students in Mr. McLamb’s Law and Justice class simulated being stranded on a deserted island and creating their own society with limited resources and their own systems of law and order.” – Cuthbertson High (@CHSCavaliers) • “Congratulations and good luck to Caleb Simpson, Amir Joseph, Cody Hardy, and Daniel Morrison for all qualifying to the state wrestling tournament this weekend.” – Parkwood High School (@ParkwoodHS_NC)

NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com CONTENT PRODUCER Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb Julie Foras adsales@cmgweekly.com PRESS RELEASES justin@cmgweekly.com LETTERS TO THE EDITOR justin@cmgweekly.com

UPCOMING EDITIONS • Feb. 28: Arts & Entertainment • March 6: Summer Camps #2 • March 13: Home Improvement

VOLUNTEER NOW!

THE QUEEN’S CUP STEEPLECHASE SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020

The facts behind rising utility rates by Jerry B. Simpson County Commissioner

If you are old enough to remember comedian Joan Rivers, you will recall her classic opening line, “Can we talk?” A lot has been said in the news and on social media in recent weeks concerning the Board of County Commissioners' decision to raise utility rates and I, like Joan, would like to set the record straight on the logic behind this decision. Having a historical perspective regarding water in Union County is necessary to understand where we are now. Union County’s population surge began in the Simpson 1970s. From 1970 to 1990, the population increased by 40% from 55,000 to 85,000 people. Similar trends were occurring in other counties surrounding Charlotte as well as throughout the state in the Triad, Raleigh and coastal counties. Half of Union County’s 14 municipalities have only gained incorporation since 1994. The majority of the growth since 1990, nearly 150,000 people, has been through in-migration. People move to a state, a county, a community for a variety of reasons. Low taxes, cost of housing and living, educational and/or economic opportunities, climate, or in many cases to follow family. In response to this growth and in anticipation that it would continue, Union County entered into a partnership with Lancaster County, S.C. to build a water treatment facility along the Catawba River near Van Wyck. This plant went on line in 1993 producing 12MGD (million gallons per day), was increased to 18MGD in 1998 and to 36MGD in 2003. With the exception of 3MGD from Anson County, this has served as the primary source of water for most of Union County. The City of Monroe has its own sources and treatment system. Critical to this discussion is Union County’s topography. Unlike Robert Redford’s movie, Union County does not have a river that runs through it. Every drop of rain that falls in Union County drains into the Catawba River in South Carolina or the Yadkin-Pee Dee River via the Rocky River which empties into the Pee Dee River in Stanly County. Two-thirds of the county is in the Yadkin basin while one-third empties into the Catawba. Water use in America is regulated by federal and state governments. In order to remove water from a basin, it must be permitted by the authorities. In addition, that water must be returned to that same basin except through an agreement known as an Interbasin Transfer. After numerous lawsuits over who controls the water across state lines, Union County has a grandfathered 5MGD from the Catawba River. Union County removes 18MGD from the Catawba (half of 36MGD-half goes to Lancaster County), and uses it in both basins. 5MGD can remain in the Yadkin while any additional use must be returned to the Catawba. At this point we have maximized the use of our current capacity from the Catawba in the Yadkin basin. The need for a Yadkin basin water source is not a new idea. This need has been a part of the discussions of numerous boards since the early 2000s. As a commissioner, I consider it my responsibility to protect the public health and safety of Union County citizens and provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure economic security. With that in mind, and beginning with my election in 2010, the board of county commissioners began efforts to secure a permanent water supply for that portion of Union County in the Yadkin basin. After nearly nine years, hundreds of hours of consultant, staff and engineering time,

DOCUMENTARY (continued from page 1A)

Volunteering at the Queen’s Cup is a fun way to enjoy the races and support the Alzheimer’s Association of Western North Carolina. All volunteers get a T-shirt, lunch, drinks, and the chance to win some great prizes from our volunteer raffle. We have approximately 10 Friday set-up positions and 260 race day positions. Most positions require that one be mobile and out in the elements, and all volunteers must be 16yrs or older.

VISIT QUEENSCUP.ORG TO SIGN UP

by the love and unity between people of all colors, as Stowe described in the book. Growing up in the South in the 1970s, Cozart said he experienced a lot of racism. He said when he was 12 years old, people hung his dog because Cozart had danced with a white woman. Cozart also experienced racism when he moved to Hollywood to pursue directing. “I’ve seen some pretty horrible things,” Cozart said. “But in Marvin, everyone loves each other. They eat together. They go to church together. It was the way things are supposed to be.” With recent events that have happened in the country, Cozart said he believes releasing this documentary is more important than ever. He hopes to show audiences that people can coexist peacefully and lovingly. An important part of the documentary

several lawsuits and several million dollars, that source is nearing reality. An Interbasin Transfer from the Yadkin via Lake Tillery of 23MGD is approved and will supply expected water needs through 2050. The necessary permitting (with the exception of the lake use permit pending through Duke Energy) planning, design and funding mechanisms are in place. Unfortunately, as we near the reality of this project, cost has become an issue. We find ourselves in a hyper construction economy and cost estimates have risen significantly. At a cost of $300 million, it is necessary to raise user rates significantly, 15.5% for the next two years to fund the project. From 2007 to 2017, the county’s water and sewer utility operated with no increase in rates. Beginning in 2017, rates were increased 6.5% annually in anticipation of the cost to maintain and expand the system primarily expansion of the Catawba plant, improvements to the 12 Mile Creek Waste Treatment Facility and construction of the Yadkin plant. I take no pleasure in these increases, understanding it will create a financial hardship for some, and were there a viable alternative I would certainly pursue it. With the necessary increases, Union County rates will still be consistent with other counties and municipalities in the region. A typical water user (5,000gal/mo) in Union County will see an increase in their water bill from $26.10/ month to $30.10/month in 2020 and to $34.76/month beginning in 2021. Contrast that with the cost of cell phone service or cable. Some want to frame this issue as another east vs west conflict. Those in the west who have county water will argue as to why they should be asked to pay for expansion designed to benefit eastern Union County. Those in the east are being led to believe this is all about fueling growth and high density development in the west and they will never benefit. Do a fact check, no Environmental Impact Statement has been done, no property has been sited or purchased, and no funding has been approved for the construction of a Lower Crooked Creek sewer plant! Sewer drives growth! From 1999 to 2007, Union County built 22 new school facilities primarily in the western edge of the county at a cost of $490 million. Add in the interest on the debt and the cost was well over $750 million. Those schools, and the cost of their operation, were bore by all citizens in Union County – east and west, newcomers and longtime residents, not just those whose children attended them. Water quality and quantity have long been an issue throughout Union County and the Yadkin Water Treatment Facility is my effort along with others to solve this problem for generations to come. This was, is, and continues to be the most reliable, efficient and cost-effective option for a safe and secure water supply for all of Union County. With this source firmly in hand we can begin to develop a means of delivery to all who want and need water cost effectively. There are always those who operate from a scarcity mentality. They believe there are a limited number of slices of the pie and promote the idea that some will benefit while others will get left out. All the stories about hidden agendas, threats on commissioners, staff corruption, developer payouts, polluted water, are nothing but fear tactics designed to influence public opinion. Union County continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family despite its growing pains. As your commissioner, I will continue to be more concerned about what is right than being right. The Yadkin project is the right thing to do for the longterm success of Union County. Jerry B. Simpson chairs the Union County Board of County Commissioners will be the reenactment scenes. Cozart said when he is in Union County, he plans to look for both professional actors and locals to participate in the reenactment of significant events as told in the book, such as the courthouse scene. “I think the look and the feel of the movie is the people that are from there,” Cozart said. “I think the community and the people there would be good for the film, and that’s why I want to meet as many people when we’re there that could be a part of this and be in action scenes.” Though the documentary does not have a website yet, more information on the film, including the trailer, can be found on its Facebook page, “Inherit the Land.” Those interested in meeting with Cozart and Johnson about donating to the film can attend the event at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at 120 S. Main St. in Monroe. Those interested in participating in the film’s reenactment scenes can attend the event at 5 p.m. Feb. 23 at 300 N. Main St. in Monroe.

Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 21, 2020 • Page 3A

How a neighboring newspaper company's bankruptcy affects us Justin Vick Managing Editor

Fifteen years ago, I got into a heated exchange with my boss on the first day of a new job while we waited in line for our burgers to cook at some fast food joint. For the rest of the day, I worried my next meal was going to be at the soup kitchen. I remember telling him that I didn't agree with our newspaper having veteran editors overseeing lifestyle-oriented content when we could use those resources for local news reporters. My boss countered that those editors were award-winning. I didn't dispute that. They were very talented, but to a recent business graduate, the idea of a daily metropolitan newspaper with more than 200 editorial people on staff publishing generic content ran counter to our core competency – local news. But I had no influence four days removed from answering phones and nine months removed from graduating college. Part of my 40 deadlines a week were typing up school lunch menus and compiling listings for a

twice-a-week section. I worked full-time at the Charlotte Observer for about 18 months – long enough to work for two executive editors, two publishers and two ownership groups. Surprisingly, I left on my own volition. I enjoyed working there, but a lot of my older, more established coworkers seemed stressed about their careers. I wasn't surprised to hear the Charlotte Observer's parent company, McClatchy, filed for bankruptcy. The buyouts, layoffs, production scale-backs and the sale of its Stonewall Street office served as clues this would eventually happen. I believe the Charlotte region can sustain a daily metropolitan newspaper in today's digital age. It just has to be operating under ownership with reasonable financial expectations, as well as a respect for the local market and journalism. Over the years, I've come across people that confuse our newspapers with the Charlotte Observer. Even when we were in that magazine-ish format, some people thought we were a branch of the Charlotte Observer. We're not. This newspaper is part of Charlotte Media Group, which is a much smaller company. Our editorial staff (me, Karie, Andrew and Kayla) produce four print newspapers, three websites and more than 20 social media channels.

MOFFAT (continued from page 1A)

has a business acumen and a track record of excellent performance running businesses.” Moffat’s slogan is, “Working Together to Make Union County Better.” He does not want to fight with the board, but rather work together and bring in a fresh perspective with his business background. One of his biggest goals is to get a better grasp on managing Union County’s growth. “You can’t just simply keep adding big housing neighborhoods or communities into this county without thinking about roads and infrastructure and water supply and all of the things that surround that growth,” Moffat said. “It’s got to be done in a way that the infrastructure keeps up with the growth. Marty Moffat said county commissioners I don’t see that as the way it’s happened so could benefit from new perspective. Photo courtesy of Marty Moffat far.” If elected, he hopes to work with the board the fact,” Moffat said. “Your hands are kind to plan for the future. He believes Union of tied at that point.” Moffat said he has noticed problems with County will continue to grow and the board needs to plan accordingly before giving de- the roads in Union County, particularly velopers the green light to put in new neigh- Rocky River Road and Old Charlotte Highway. borhoods. “They’re building neighborhoods right on “I recognize they’re looking for tax money coming in, that’s what growth is all about so Old Charlotte Highway and they’re going to they can support other things,” Moffat said. dump out onto that little, two-lane road,” “But you’ve got to do it in an orderly, man- Moffat said. “It’s going to be an issue.” As a Democrat, Moffat hopes to add some aged way and planning, to me, is the most critical issue that appears to have not been diversity in opinion to the board. He said while he looks like the curdone as robustly as maybe rent board, his new perthey could have.” Moffat said one example I’m not running as a critic, spective could add something diverse. of infrastructure that could but as somebody that He also believes that help manage the growth is hasn’t been involved and because the current board the addition of options for has a business acumen members have held their residents who don’t want and a track record of positions for so long, an to travel to Charlotte to excellent performance outsider’s point of view do their shopping. He could be beneficial to both believes it would be bene- running businesses.” • Marty Moffat the board and the residents ficial to bring shops closer of Union County. to residents, which would Because Moffat is the only Democrat canalso increase the tax base. While growth is a challenge that Union didate, he does not plan to actively campaign County is facing, Moffat sees it as a positive until after the March primary. He hopes voters, regardless of political challenge for now. “It’s not like you’re scraping the bottom party, consider his business experience and of the barrel for the last nickel to keep the track record when voting. “If any of the voters are concerned or discounty alive,” Moffat said. “This is the opposite of that. It’s kind of like a company satisfied with the way things are going, then that’s flooding with sales because they’ve got why not try somebody new to be included a great product. I think this is a fairly posi- on the board that might offer up some newtive challenge that we’re experiencing, but it er ideas or some more defined management could turn more serious if we don’t manage techniques that we could use to manage the county,” Moffat said. “I’ve got a proven track it properly.” He believes the recent controversy sur- record of managing a business for a long time rounding rising water rates in Union County and that’s what I’m offering up to the comis a direct result of not strategically planning munity of Union County, is that experience and expertise and knowledge to the board of ahead for growth. “It’s hard to come at that issue way after commissioners.”

“

Oh, how I wish I had the resources of the Charlotte Observer, but I enjoy doing what we do here. For the record, we're a community newspaper delivered free to people's homes. We're not equipped to chase ambulances, track court cases and launch conspiracy investigations, but we do try to help keep the community updated on major issues. Do we cover this community like a blanket? No, but putting in the work week after week to get to that editor's utopia is what makes my job rewarding. The very last time I saw my parents smile was in regards to my newspaper work, so this job is much more to me than a means to buy Cadbury Eggs, though I do buy an awful lot of those. Another reason I hated to see the news of McClatchy's bankruptcy filing is that I had to read the same obituary for newspapers that I've been reading for the past 20 years. My take is that they're not dying. They're evolving. Twenty years ago, journalists worried about losing their jobs often stressed over having skills that could be utilized in other industries. But guess what is happening now. I'm seeing larger companies act very similar to newsrooms when it comes to promoting their brands. But that's a topic for another time. For now, just know that we are growing more efficient by the day and our resolve to produce newspapers that add value to our communities will not waver.

From the Publisher This week, I have been fielding a lot of phone calls regarding the bankruptcy filing of The Charlotte Observer. Most of these calls are from our readers wondering if we, too, are in the same financial peril. My response is simple. No one has more respect for the journalists at the Charlotte Observer than we do. Local journalism is at the heart of what we do. Our commitment to connecting the communities we serve to information and local news has only strengthened over the past several years. Our commitment to that trend is so strong, in fact, that we launched a fourth newspaper in January of 2020. We believe hyper local news coverage is vital. The stories that the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, South Charlotte Weekly, The Weekly Waxhaw and Indian Trail Weekly cover affects all of our day to day lives. Our company is growing and our staff is committed to providing solid, trustworthy content to our readers along with a targeted reach to our advertisers for years to come. – Adrian Garson

Lee attempts to cut town commissioner pay by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

WAXHAW –Town commissioners' workloads have been slightly altered, but their stipends will remain the same. The surface-level and behind-the-scenes work of the board was discussed at its Feb. 11 meeting after motions were passed to create an organization advisory board and rescind the board’s liaison policy. The creation of the organization advisory board will relieve the staff of the responsibility of recruiting qualified applicants for various committees. Commissioner Anne Simpson said while the board would make the final decision of who to appoint, the organization advisory board would provide another layer of vetting and screening candidates, as it would meet with the candidates and provide them with a better understanding of the role before meeting the board of commissioners. Meanwhile, the decision to rescind the board liaison policy, in the majority of commissioners’ opinions, will allow the town’s committees to feel less intimidated by the presence of board members at their meetings. Commissioners still have the opportunity to attend the meetings, as they are open to the public, but they will do so on a voluntary basis. With the seemingly reduced responsibilities, Commissioner Kat Lee motioned to reduce commissioners’ stipends to reflect the new workload. “Given the fact that we have just reduced the workload to this board by, my back of the napkin math says 20%, I make a motion that we reduce the elected officials' stipend by a commissionary 20%,” Lee said. Mayor Pro Tem Brenda McMillon immediately took issue with Lee’s suggestion, stating the board still has increased responsibilities, like overseeing the other committees. She said the board is still meeting, still working and still traveling to attend various events around the town for businesses and organizations. “We still have additional workload and

additional responsibility and things that are coming up that we are working on that are not reducing our workload,” McMillon said. “That 20% that you’re talking about can be increased by another 40% or 50% on top of what we are doing right now that isn’t clocked.” Commissioner Tracy Wesolek agreed with McMillon, citing the time commitment the board has made to conduct its search for a new town manager. Wesolek said she’s had to take time off from her day job to attend meetings related to the search, which she estimates has increased her time commitment by 20%. The search for a town manager is some of the behind-the-scenes work the board does, according to McMillon. McMillon said board members are working with the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, the Centralina Council of Governments, the North Carolina League of Municipalities and other organizations on the town’s behalf. “We have a lot of people who are doing outside things for the Town of Waxhaw that may not be clocked, that maybe some of the people sitting here or who are online do not see, but we are working behind the scenes and we are doing it on a daily basis,” McMillon said. Mayor Ron Pappas joined the conversation before the vote, stating that though he does not see his position as one with an hourly rate, he spends a significant amount of time and effort fulfilling his responsibilities as an elected official. “It does include a great deal of my time, and a great deal of time and effort in connecting and communicating with the community, with the board of commissioners, with other leadership in the town,” Pappas said. “I would say that this is going to be able to free us up to spend even more time and more effective time on our use to bring forward the things that we need to bring forward and not be mired down in the work that somebody else should do.” Lee was the only one to vote in favor of the motion, with all other commissioners in opposition.

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Page 4A • Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 21, 2020

GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

Cuthbertson girls win fourth straight indoor track crown

dream of being a successful coach, I never got this far,” Allen said. “To go four straight and to be as dominant as we were when we already had the most dominant team ever last year with 102, which is the most ever in an indoor meet. This year we scored 106.5. “Never in a million years would I dream it has gotten to this point, and now with outdoor as a chance to get the triple crown. It would be the first girls team to do it from what I’ve looked at. “This year, we’re loaded.”

by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

WINSTON-SALEM – The Cuthbertson girls indoor track and field team scored in every event except for shot put and broke last season’s record-breaking performance as they cruised to their fourth straight 3A title Feb. 14 at the JDL FastTrack. Three school records fell as the girls dominated the 4x200 and 4x400 relays and Victoria Teasley in the 55-meter dash. In addition, Ava Studney won the pole vault title. Teasley is one example of how this team has peaked at the right time as she’s broken the school record in the 55 each of the past three meets. The dominating Cavs also got top-five performances from a host of individuals. Studney won the pole vault; Madeline Hill placed second in the 1,600; freshman Lillian Nasta was second in the 3,200; Mackenzie Townsend was third in the 1,600 and fifth in the 300; Teasley, another talented freshman, was third in the 55; Jade McLain was third in the long jump; Addison Benz placed fourth in the 300; and Presley Worf placed fourth in the 1,600. Cuthbertson's new school records came in the 4x200 (Teasley, Townsend, Benz and McLain) and in the 4x400 champions (Townsend, Caroline Palmer, Worf

The Cuthberston girls indoor track and field team just won their fourth consecutive indoor track and field title in dominating fashion. The Cavs scored 106.5 points overall to break last year’s meet record they set. Photo courtesy of NCHSAA

and Benz), both races the Cavs dominated. 4x200 (1:43.19) is ranked 35th nationally while the 4x400 (4:04.42) is now 20th in the country. The 4x800 team set the state record last year, but strategically Allen decided not to run them, even though they were back on the team this year.

“We could have taken a shot with the girls 4x8, but we decided not to,” Cuthbertson coach Dustin Allen said. “We set the state record last year, we returned all four of those girls, but we didn’t run any of them in the 4x8. We used the freshmen and a couple other girls who’ve gotten better as the year’s gone on. We won by 60, but going into it, it never looks like you’re

going to win by 60. We wanted to save them in their individual events. Even if we went from fifth to first, it’s only four points so we wanted them fresh.” The Cavs set a state record with their 106.5 team points and showed dominance in 17 of the 18 events. “It’s beyond what I ever dreamed of when becoming a coach. In my

Other top teams The Cavs dominated the meet, but several schools took in top four finishes individually including: • Marvin Ridge: Cara Salsberry won the shot put; Emma Stone was second in the pole vault; Isabel Crandall placed third in the pole vault; and the Mavs were second in 4x800 (Kayla Basinger, Riley Basinger, Lindsey Czaniecki and Caroline Blanton). • Weddington: Jordyn Case placed second in the 55; Elizabeth Starkie finished second in the 500; Emma Jones was fourth in the 3,200; and the Warriors were third in the 4x800 (Case, Madison Moraja, Clara Root and Starkie). Overall, Cuthbertson scored a state-record 106.5 points and was followed by Parkland (47), Marvin Ridge (45, third), Weddington (39, fifth), Piedmont (3, 30th) and Charlotte Catholic (1.5, 34th).

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL TRACK

Weddington takes third straight boys title: McNally, Cavs 2nd by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

WINSTON-SALEM – Aidan McNally led the Cuthbertson boys track and field team by winning a state title in the 300 and helping the Cavs to a pair of relay titles, but Weddington claimed their third straight title Feb. 14 at the JDL FastTrack. McNally was fantastic as he set the school record in the 300 and was the anchor of the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. In addition, Christian Phelps took third in the triple jump and was fourth in the long jump; Jacob Koerner placed third in the 300; and Justin Sluiter placed third in the high jump. The 4x200 (McNally, Koerner, Zachary Ross and Ari Richards) and 4x400 (Ross, McNally, Ryan Kobziak and Koerner) relays were both state champs. Weddington, however, was too strong. The Warriors got individual state titles from Alec Mock in the shot put, Nick Callis in the pole vault and Jake Tomey, who took gold in both the

1,600 the 1,000. Peter Dejonge placed second in the 500; Kam Tuttle was second in the long jump; Wesley Larson finished third in the 1,600; and Chase Barajas placed third in the 1,000. The Weddington boys were also second in the 4x800 (Michael Paxton, Joseph Lowther, Krystopher Durham and Toomey). Marvin Ridge’s Ethan Basinger finished third in the pole vault, Quinn Cokley placed fourth in the high jump and the Mavs were third in the 4x800 relay (Jackson Colling, Cole Jackson, Jeffrey Thompson and Gunner Hogston). Parkwood’s Marcus Hesske placed second in the pole vault. Sun Valley’s Zachary Moore won the 55 wheelchair and took second in the wheelchair shot put. Weddington won the race with 95.5 points followed by Cuthbertson (61, second), Marvin Ridge (39, fourth), Sun Valley (14, 12th); Parkwood (8, T-22nd) and Piedmon (8, T-22nd).

Weddington was too strong for Cuthbertson to overcome as the Warriors ran to their third straight team title. Jake Toomey won two of Weddington's four individual state titles. Photo courtesy of NCHSAA

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BAND (continued from page 1A)

Another important lesson Ebert teaches is teamwork. He said while many parents would be elated if a child came home with a 95% grade on a test, it would not be the same in band because they are working together to achieve a goal. “We build a lot of teamwork into the program because everybody has to succeed,” Ebert said. “If everybody in band gets a 95, that means everybody made five mistakes. Well, if you have 70 people in class make five mistakes, you can imagine what that sounds like. So, we really build that teamwork of striving to get 100%, no mistakes. Everything is perfect.” Ebert said there have been studies that show the lessons taught in high school band programs are part of the reason why students in these programs perform better on college entrance exams. He said band programs are one of the only types of programs that have these life lessons built into them. The intensity and difficulty of the program does not veer students away; it draws them in. Ebert said many of the students start the program in middle school and grow within it through their senior year of high school. Some have gone on to teach music after graduating college. Because the band meets so frequently and travels to competitions and performances together, Ebert said there is definitely a social aspect of being in the band program. Beyond that, he believes so many students stay in the program because of the freedom of emotional expression. “Very few places do students get to explore and experience emotions in a safe environment,” Ebert said. “If we’re working on a happy piece,

of course we’re going to discuss happy emotions and talk about things that make us happy and try to portray that emotion to the audience.” On the opposite side, if the students work on a more somber piece, they are given the opportunity to explore deeper emotions. Ebert said when students worked on a piece about the Soviet invasion of Prague, they discussed emotional topics, like how it would feel if their homes were invaded. “We explore those emotions in a safe environment in the band room and they learn to cope and understand what those emotions are so then they can portray them to the audience in the musical performance,” Ebert said. “They understand that it’s a journey and they want to go on that journey, so I think that keeps them there. Constantly wondering what’s going to come next.” Nyah Woland is a sophomore French horn player in the Cuthbertson band who is also involved in some of the smaller chamber groups. Her father and stepmother, Aaron and Suzanne Woland, encouraged her to join the Cuthbertson band, despite the fact that she transferred from Parkwood Middle School and had not been involved since the beginning. Suzanne Woland said since joining the band, Nyah has fallen in love with music all over again. “At Parkwood, she felt like she was going to stop playing music,” Aaron Woland said. “We convinced her to give Cuthbertson band a try when she got to high school … Now, she lives and breathes it again and just loves music. It’s just such an incredible program and they really put a lot of focus on it. As difficult as the program is, it does a lot to drive her love for music.” Suzanne Woland also said Ebert’s program has taught Nyah how to work even harder to accomplish

WRESTLING (continued from page 1A)

already climbed to the highest echelon of girls wrestling. When it comes to competing, they’ve always pushed each other. “We’ve known each other since sixth grade, and it’s always been something,” Bramhall said. “We played on the same soccer team and she was more experienced with soccer, but I would get so mad because she knew more than I did. It also made me better because she was my practice partner. But, we’ve always been very competitive.” Efird said she recalls another set of common occurrences after she was getting the better of Bramhall on the soccer field. “I remember every day after practice she’d always say, ‘Let’s race. Let’s race.,” Efird said. “I was like, “OK, fine, but when are you going to stop asking me?’ She used to always say whenever she could beat me was when she’d stop, but that’s just her.” Efird laughed and said that Bramhall never did beat her in the post-race sprint sessions, but the two developed a lasting bond during the process. Plus, a rivalry that has carried over onto the mat. “They’re really good practice partners, but at the same time, they’re rivals in everything that they do,” Parkwood wrestling coach Chris Linthicum. “That’s a big reason why they got to the podium together. It’s a rivalry,

Though the band program is challenging, students are motivated to work to achieve 100% of their goals as a team, instead of settling for mediocrity. Kayla Berenson/WW photo

her dreams. She said Ebert is not afraid to challenge his students to get the best out of them. “I think that really helps with Nyah striving to be better and keep trying to get better,” Suzanne Woland said. “I’ve never heard someone be more into the symphony and the orchestra and wanting to see it at the Blumenthal than Nyah, and that’s all because of Mr. Ebert and his program.” Watching students get better and excel at their music performance is one of Ebert’s favorite parts of the job. He believes students must learn how to fail before they can succeed. When they fail, he encourages them to use those lessons to get better. The program’s challenging method works. The Cuthbertson High School band has previously been

but it’s a good rivalry. There’s no high school girl drama, but they push each other and we hope that continues.” Riding the girls wrestling wave Parkwood’s Amber Parker, now a freshman softball player at Western Carolina, won the school’s first state title last year, the first season girls had their own wrestling division. “She gave us a name here at Parkwood,” Bramhall said. “Being the first state champion at Parkwood, Amber Parker is Parkwood. Now when they see Parkwood girls wrestling they know we’re doing something right.” While the Rebels have developed a knack for producing girls state champions, these two have come from different backgrounds to reach their goal. Efird has a mixed-martial arts background and came up through the Parkwood Middle School feeder program. She went 17-3 this season wrestling at 120 pounds most of the year, although she decided to move up to 126, which girls can weigh up to 130, in the state tournament. “The way I feel, this is my first year,” Efird said. “I feel like this is the year I’m learning new information and able to put moves together. I didn’t really have that much background. I had jiu-jitsu, but this has helped me out a lot.” Bramhall has older brothers who wrestled at Parkwood and has wrestling in her family, although she’s new to the sport, only taking to the mat about a year ago.

selected to perform at state convention, in the honor band at the University of South Carolina and the University of Georgia, as well as the National Band Concert Festival, which is one of the top performing events in the country. This year, the band was recognized by the Foundation for Music Education as a mark of excellence program. Ebert said they are the only band in North Carolina to receive the commended winner designation. The band was recently named a semifinalist for The American Prize, a nonprofit that puts on a large-scale competition for the arts. They will also perform by invitation at a national chamber and percussion festival in Indianapolis later this year. With so many awards and recognition, Ebert said it can be challenging to find a place to go from here.

Still, she won the Holy Angels title (Efird was third) and went 16-5 at 152 pounds this year. The Holy Angels was one of a handful of tournaments in the area to have girls-only tournaments of their own, something that is very new and even more exciting. “The really cool thing is we’re hitting women’s wrestling at a really cool time,” Linthicum said. “Last year, we had Amber Parker win states, and she had all of her matches except two or three against guys. This year, they went to three girls tournaments, and that’s where they got most of their matches. They only had probably five or six matches against boys all year. It was mostly them wrestling girls. It was awesome, and it really got them ready for the state tournament.” Their time to shine The state tournament is unlike anything the girls see all year in terms of size, fan volume and expectations. Bramhall got a first-round bye, won by pin and then an 8-3 decision to get to the finals, where she faced Montgomery Central’s Jamira Jackson, her biggest rival. The two had wrestled two close matches already this year, and the final was no difference with Bramhall taking a razor close 9-8 decision to claim the title. Efird didn’t have any familiar faces or girls to overcome, since she had just moved up a weight class for the final. “I ended up having all new girls,” she said.

“In my opinion, it was more difficult to wrestle up. I didn’t know any of the girls and I didn’t know what to expect. It was a whole new experience. Everything was new.” She handled it well. Efird had two falls in under 1:11 and a 12-4 major decision to reach the final. There, she pinned Richland’s Shelyn Williams in 1:42 to claim the title. With the titles, Efird and Bramhall will get to walk with all of the boys and the other girl champions next week at the Parade of Champions in Greensboro, a huge honor. “It’s a new experience,” Efird said. “It’s odd, but it’s also special. We were partners and now we’ve won states together. That’s what shocks me the most. We pushed each other all season, every practice.” Even when they were mad at each other or getting annoyed with the results that day, they kept at each other, Bramhall said, making their championship that much more special. With three years left of high school wrestling and a new generation now looking up at the Rebels’ newest state champs as inspiration, they hope to continue pushing each other to be great wrestlers and role models. “This is my first year, but I’m hoping to win all four years and go to college to wrestle,” Bramhall said. “I also want to get my sister started. She’s in sixth grade and she looks up to me, she looks up to (Efird) and she looks up to Amber. She’s starting so early and she can do so much better than I did as a freshman. I want her to have a good opportunity and I want to help provide that here.”

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He always strives for the band to go above and beyond. Moving forward, he hopes to work with composers so students can play original music. However, this will take sponsorships and funding in the future. While he is proud of his success as the high school band program’s director, Ebert is even more proud of his students, who have achieved their own success as well. One of his students, a drum major from the school’s marching band, was recently accepted to march in the Rose Bowl with the National Ensemble. Ebert hopes to provide more opportunities for student in the future and find ways to highlight the hard work they are putting into their passion for music. “These students work so hard and they do such a great job,” Ebert said.

Page 6A • Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 21, 2020

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THRIVE OVER 55 Regional Section • Feb. 21, 2020 • Page 1B

Senior discounts are a perk of aging As people reach or near their retirement years, getting the most out of every dollar becomes more critical than ever. If they aren’t careful, the savings that took decades to accumulate can quickly evaporate. Fortunately, aging comes with at least one financial advantage – senior discounts. If they know where to look, older adults can get a break on prices for everything from a haircut to a fastfood meal to a seat on an airplane.

“Taking advantage of these opportunities is a smart move for seniors and their families looking to stretch their dollars,” said Chris Orestis, president of LifeCare Xchange. “Plenty of opportunities exist out there to shave a little or a lot off what you pay. Unfortunately, many people don’t take advantage of these discounts as often as they should. In many cases, that could be because it just doesn’t occur to them to bring it up. In some cases, it may be because

they have a hard time thinking of themselves as seniors.” In scouring for discounts, he says, a few things to keep in mind include: • Don’t assume you’re too young for a senior discount. At what age do these discounts kick in? Is it 65? 60? 55? “Every place is different, and in some cases, you may already be eligible for a discount at a business you frequent and you see DISCOUNTS, Page 6B

The key to learning about senior discounts is to just ask. UCW file photo

Chance encounter leads to N.C. Tennis Hall of Fame by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

The North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame recently recognized Fred Robinson for his decades-long dominance on the court that includes an enviable laundry list of accomplishments such as being ranked No.1 in the world for his age group on multiple occasions in both singles and doubles. But, unlike most top senior-level players he’s competing against, Robinson didn’t get his start dominating through the high school and college ranks. In fact, Robinson had never picked up a racquet until a chance encounter on the campus of Manatee Junior College changed his life forever. He was 21, teaching martial arts and fresh out of the 101st Airborne. Robinson was tough, cocky and intrigued when he saw tennis players trying out for the college team. Growing up in Vermont, he knew nothing about tennis. However, when a buddy told him there were college scholarships available and open tryouts for walk-ons coming up in just a few days, Robinson vowed to try out for the team. “I was Happy Gilmore times 10. I didn’t play any junior tennis at all,” Robinson said. His buddy lent him a racquet, but Robinson was so unused to the sport he swung it at first with the press still attached to his wooden racquet. His buddy laughed, told him the right way to swing and Robinson was ready to make things happen. He showed up at the tryouts a little disheveled and wearing attire not fit for a future hall-of-famer.

Fred Robinson was recently inducted into the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame. The 66-year-old businessman has been ranked first in the world in both singles and doubles on multiple occasions despite getting a late start in the sport. Photo courtesy of Cindy Johnson

see TENNIS, Page 2B

Justin Vick Managing Editor

Wave hello to your neighbors

rowing up, I had a grandmother in North Carolina and a granny in South Carolina. When my grandmother died, my family moved into her house. The first night I slept there, I had a dream she spit at me like a cat. It didn’t take long for me to notice there weren’t any other children on the block. Just about everyone who lived on our street had white hair. Looking back, I realize I gave everyone who lived on that quiet street a reason to hate us. I would fire several rounds from a toy machine gun (I was a Rambo fan) or bounce a basketball for about 90 minutes a day (I was a Tar Heel fan). No matter how loud it got at the Vick house, we’d always wave when neighbors drove past the house or stopped to talk when they went for walks. Eventually, neighbors started warming up to us. I had to interview a grandparent for a school project. Since I didn’t have any grandparents nearby, Mrs. Morris stepped in to answer all my questions about what it was like to grow up without a TV. “We had to make our own fun,” she told me. That didn’t sound fun to me at the time. Mr. Patterson would let me earn money by cutting his grass. I was too intimidated by his riding lawnmower, so I chose to use his push mower even if it meant a couple extra hours of work. Mrs. Ellis would bake us desserts and send me birthday cards. see VICK, Page 6B

Never too late: 5 tips for starting a business in midlife Starting a business is risky, and the conventional wisdom is that it’s riskier for someone in their 40s, 50s or 60s than for a younger person. After all, older people are closer to retirement and typically have more to lose financially if a venture goes south. But a study conducted by the Census Bureau and two MIT professors found that entrepreneurship later in life isn’t as risky as most think. In fact, the study reported that entrepreneurs in their 40s and 50s are two times more likely to run a successful startup than founders in the 25 to 30 age range. One big plus for those middle-aged entrepreneurs is life experience, says Deni Sciano (www.ScoreGameDayBag.com), a former teacher who launched her own entrepreneurial career as founder of Score! Designs LLC,

a designer handbag company based in San Antonio, Texas. “Gathering your many years of varied experiences, from relationships to problem-solving, prepares you well to execute the idea,” Sciano says. “Your resilience and patience have grown and helped prepare you for the up-and-down ride that owning a business can be. You’ve had the time to get ready financially. You have perspective that comes with time, and you know better how not to waste time.” Sciano offers five tips on how middle-aged entrepreneurs can overcome start-up challenges and run a successful business: Plan well financially.“The biggest obstacle for many midlife entrepreneurs is money,” Sciano says. “You have to do an honest bud-

get and stick to it, knowing where you can trim expenses. Minimize debt. Ideally, you’ll have a good amount saved for your venture, giving yourself a foundation to absorb the inevitable early business struggles. You may not be able to pay yourself initially as you try to establish traction.” Reach out to your networks. Someone starting a business in their 40s, 50s or 60s has likely built an ample network of professional and social contacts. “You absolutely need to reach out to people you know to help get your business off the ground,” Sciano says. “Then see who they know, and network with people in your field. Ask them how they got started, about problems they encountered and extend your education by getting involved with the local small business

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community.” Prioritize, organize and execute. Create a monthly goals and duties checklist. “Begin each month with an overview,” she says. “Setting it in motion, with a prioritizing checklist, helps you to stay on task and prevent the forgotten duties from escaping.” Be innovative with your marketing plan. Marketing through various social media platforms can make an impact in the early going, but it has to be a consistent, aligned effort. “Improve your social media presence through Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google business,” Sciano says. “Do research to find marketing companies that understand your goals see BUSINESS, Page 6B

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Page 2B • Regional Section • Feb. 21, 2020

Purple Charlotte Steppers offers free dance classes by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – There’s no magic pill that reduces stress, increases energy, expands mental capacity and improves flexibility, strength, balance and endurance, but there is dance. Just ask Calann Little, of Matthews, who recently did the cha-cha and the grapevine in a soul line dance class hosted by the Purple Charlotte Steppers Club at Crews Recreation Center. “We being seniors, it helps us challenge ourselves,” Little said. “Every time we go to the doctor, they say we need to move more and walk more, so this is a fun way to do that. It wakes up every muscle in your body.” Plus, the music is upbeat and infectious. “It gives you that rhythm, so you really want to move,” she said. Purple Charlotte Steppers Club is a social organization that has been hosting professional dance classes, sponsoring local and national events and initiating programming in the community since 2005. They recently started offering soul line dance classes on Mondays at Crew Recreation Center and “Ballroom Made Easy” classes on Wednesdays at Matthews Community Center. Both are free and open to the public thanks to a partnership between the Purple Charlotte Steppers, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, the Town of Matthews and the Arts and Science Council of Mecklenburg County.

TENNIS (continued from page 1B)

That day, one of the coaches told him to come to the lower court to hit a few balls for the open tryout. Robinson didn’t know what he was doing, but he was “a pretty good hitter” on the baseball diamond, so he promptly parked two of them over the fence. As the guys already on the Manatee JC tennis team laughed, Robinson bowed up with his military background and challenged them. “I was teaching at West Point when I was 18, and I was one of the youngest sergeants there, so I was pretty intense, to say the least. I was Gomer Pyle in your face. We were pretty bad @$$,” he said. “I hadn’t adjusted to this whole civilian thing, so I start walking to them thinking I’m in my beret and ‘OK, you guys are laughing at me? This will not work.’ When I said I walked across the courts, I walked right in front of where people were playing. Etiquette was like a foreign word to me. It didn’t mean anything to me.” Robinson didn’t make the team that summer for obvious reasons. He didn’t know what the lines on the court meant, how to keep score, how to hold a racquet properly, where to hit the ball and he had a bit of a “John McEnroe-like” anger issue to work on for starters. He has worked on all of that and perfected his game. Robinson has gone on to win two sportsmanship awards, which are his proudest accomplishments, when he was crowned National Gil Roberts Sportsmanship Award and the National Armistead Neely Sportsmanship Award winner. “I’m most proud of those hands

These ladies were feeling the rythmn in the soul line dance class. Karie Simmons/UCW photo

Demond Carter, founder of the Purple Charlotte Steppers, said the soul line dance class had a small turnout at the first session on Jan. 6, when Gail Goldberg, of south Charlotte, was the only attendee. Goldberg was teaching a tai chi class at Crews Recreation Center earlier that day and saw Carter setting up. She decided to stick around, not knowing she would be getting a private lesson. “It was so much fun, so I told everyone about it,” Goldberg said. “The dancing is easy, but it uses a lot of energy. The music is great. Anytime they play any song, you can

down.” he said. “Last year I received the Armstead Neely, and he’s a personal friend of mine. He’s a very accomplished, highly respected player so to win that trophy with his name on it, it’s by far the coolest thing that I have.” He’s in the hall of fame for more than his sportsmanship, Robinson has perfected his game literally from the ground up. After that inauspicious debut at the college tryout, the coach explained that Robinson needed an understanding of the rules, but mostly he needed lessons. He got lucky when he was recommended to Mike DePalmer Sr., a renowned coach in the Bradenton, Fla. area and a former legendary head man at the University of Tennessee. With his guidance, Robinson began to enter professional tournaments - with no experience - getting beat 6-0, 6-0 routinely. “I never played novice, intermediate or anything,” he said. “I just went out there and got whacked.” But, he figured he should learn from watching the best rather than play with average competition, so he took his lumps and took them hard. Slowly, though, he was getting better. “I wanted to watch good players, see how they stroke the ball and let them be the example,” he said. “That was going to be the way I learned. I didn’t want to learn from my friends. They were all nuts.” Eventually, Robinson started winning. He doesn’t remember his first win, but his list of accomplishments is strong. Robinson, 66 years old, is a 76time World and U.S. champion, a U.S. National Grand Slam title holder in both singles and doubles and an eight-time Atlanta Senior Invitation-

move to it, you can cha-cha.” Word has spread since then, thanks in part to Goldberg. More people showed up to the soul line dance class on Feb. 10 and Carter said many of them were familiar faces. Carter has been teaching the classes himself with the occasional help of other Purple Charlotte Steppers instructors. He said people seem to be enjoying moving their bodies while stimulating their minds by keeping rhythm and remembering steps. He said it’s important that everyone is moving and having a good time. He also wants the routines to be challenging.

al pro tournament singles champ. He’s been ranked the No.1 singles and doubles in the United States senior division multiple times, was recognized as player of the year in the men’s open in North Carolina and Florida and is an eight-time undefeated champion in the ITF World Team Competition. He also holds an ITF World Champion title in both Austria and South Africa. During his 30-year career, Robinson has been recognized as a twotime winner of the USTA Southern Slew Hester Player of the Year and as the best senior tournament player of the year. This season, Robinson is 29-3, his best mark ever, in the men’s 65-and-older division. Through Olde Providence Country Club, where he is a member and just one of a half-dozen N.C. Hall of Fame members, there are six to 10 guys who have moved up together and become friends, although they are each other’s biggest competitors. He also plays with people much younger. When Robinson goes to tournaments, which are year-round, his dominance is due to other factors as well. “I go to tournaments, walk on the court and the guy I’m playing will run until he goes dead,” Robinson said. “Now, unfortunately, sometimes the guy is 20 pounds overweight, he’s not in shape and he hasn’t been practicing. He didn’t have the will to train that I do. Now once he shows up, he’s going to try as hard as he can, but that’s the difference. Some guys go to compete for the competition and the social, and that’s great. But there’s some guys who are there to contend who contend for a title. That’s a little group of four to six guys and it’s a

“I think sometimes we look at our older population and we put limitations on them that don’t exist,” he said. “We have a woman who comes every week who is in her nineties and I don’t change the routine for her. We can certainly adapt a move if someone needs that, but we don’t change the song.” Ruby Alston, of Matthews, loves to dance and was having a hard time finding anywhere to dance before Purple Charlotte Steppers began offering free classes. “I just had a barrel of fun and I feel good about what I did – even though I stumbled around a lot – it’s good exercise,” she said. She likes how Carter breaks down the moves and reviews the steps to make sure everyone is on the same page. Even if it’s your first class, Alston said you won’t feel like you’re behind. That safe, welcoming environment is what keeps people coming back. Alston said it’s less threatening than the gym and dancing is a good activity for people who don’t enjoy other types of exercising or aerobics. “Everyone loves music,” she said. “It touches their soul and they want to move.” Want to go? Soul line dance classes are Mondays from noon to 1 p.m. at Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road. “Ballroom Made Easy” classes are Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at Matthews Community Center, 100 E. McDowell St. Both are free, open to the public and run through the end of June. Visit www. purplecharlotte.com for details.

Fred Robinson plays tennis at Olde Providence Country Club, but he’s also a 76-time world and U.S. champion. Photo courtesy of Cindy Johnson

little, small group.” Robinson is certainly among the latter crowd. The N.C. Hall of Fame player is currently playing some of his best tennis as he wears his opponents down on a regular basis. He’s looking forward to the Category 2 Nationals which are coming up, followed by the National 65+ over in Mission Hills, Calif., but Robinson spaces six to 10 tournaments in a year strategically to maximize his training and minimize burnout and injury. Robinson also owns Body Helix, a veteran-owned, U.S.-based and manufactured, medical compression

company that produces compression sleeves and wraps to the highest standard. He’s owned that company since 2008, and many top players and athletes around the world are clients. Robinson is too, but when he steps on the court, he’s only there for one reason. “I don’t really focus on details, but instead I focus deeply on the process,” he said. “That’s where all of my attention and focus goes. I’ve been ranked No.1 in the country and had a buddy talking about the rankings. I didn’t know I was No.1. I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on my training and doing the work.”

Regional Section • Feb. 21, 2020 • Page 3B

2020

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HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

LILLIAN ANDERSON CUTHBERTSON BASKETBALL

Cuthbertson senior Lillian Andereson had quite a week. In a game this week, she scored 19 points to break the 1,000 point barrier. Last week, Anderson became the Cavs’ all-time leading rebounder as well. Are you a coach and know an incredible athlete you’d like us to feature? email us at Andrew@cmgweekly.com

Page 4B • Regional Section • Feb. 21, 2020

Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants Jan. 31-Feb. 13:

Lowest Scores

cold enough; and shelving needed cleaning.

• Waffle House, 13727 E. Independence Blvd. – 90 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road – 96 • Zaxby's, 13967 E. Independence Blvd. – 94

Indian Trail

Matthews (Meck.)

• Waffle House, 13727 E. Independence Blvd., Indian Trail – 90 Violations include: Certified person in charge wasn't available; chili and gravy not held hot enough; diced ham, cut lettuce, hashbrowns, and sliced tomatoes weren't held

Crossword 31 Danson of “The Good Place” 34 Birdlike 36 A very long time 38 Neighbor of Pennsylvania 39 Netflix or YouTube 42 Online option that turns into “show” when clicked 43 Absence of complication 44 Profess 45 Sun or moon 46 UPS competitor 47 The longer of the two Morse symbols 49 “Hey” alternatives 50 Restaurateur Lagasse 53 Part of a headset 55 It settles a case 61 Classic hit 62 Catcher of counterfeiters, in old lingo

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE L I M I T

P R A D A

A R I D

R O D E

M C A T

E L L E

S A K B I N S E E R H E R L G U E O G O Y S K E N A D I N O V I W E S N S E

L A T K E S O U T C A S T

T R A I L B O R A T

O N Y X L E D T O P H D S

F O R D S

S E M I P R O

• Carnitas Mexican Guanajuato, 7900 Stevens Mill Road – 97 • Chick-fil-A, 6390 Weddington Road – 96 • Harris Teeter (restaurant), 1351 Chestnut Lane – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (meat & seafood), 1351 Chestnut Lane – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (meats & seafood), 15080 Idlewild Road – 100

• Americana Restaurant, 1628 • China II, 5850 U.S. 74 E. – 98.5 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 96.5 • First China, 6640 Old Monroe • Best Wok II, 1819 Matthews Road – 90.5 Township Pkwy. – 96.5 • Food Lion (meat market), 5850 • El Valle Mexican Restaurant, 305 E. U.S. 74 – 100 W. John St. – 94.5 • Food Lion (deli), 5850 E. U.S. 74 • First Watch, 1701 Matthews – 99.5 Township Pkwy. – 95 • Golden Key European Food • Food Lion (market), 9848 MonMarket, 1001 Van Buren Ave. – 92 roe Road – 98 • Harris Teeter (deli), 6610 Old • Metro Diner, 10412 E. IndepenMonroe Road – 99.5 dence Blvd. – 93.5 • Moe's Southwest Grill, 6443 Old • Miki's Grill, 10416 E. IndepenMonroe Road – 94.5 dence Blvd. – 96.5 • Sonic Drive-In, 14315 E. Indepen• Outback Steakhouse, 9623 E. InTheBlvd. New Sales Corporation dence – 96York Times Syndication dependence Blvd. 10018 – 92.5 620 308 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. • Subway, Unionville-Indian • Primavera Pizza, 1319 MatTrail Road – 93.5 For Information Call:thews-Mint 1-800-972-3550 Hill Road – 95.5 • Subway (Walmart), 2101 Younts For Release Tuesday, July 9,Bakery 2019and Cafe, 11100 • Tropical Road – 98 Monroe Road – 95

• Crossroads Grill, 315 N. Broome St., Waxhaw – 90 Violations include: Employee was eating in kitchen; raw pork, raw chicken, raw fish and shell eggs were stored together in walkin cooler and freezer; dishes were stored unclean; chemical spray bottles weren't labeled; and food was stored on floor.

ACROSS 1 “We should totally do that!” 5 Key of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7: Abbr. 9 Ain’t I a stinker? 14 Energy field, in holistic medicine 15 Made-up story 16 Rub the wrong way 17 Metal that rusts 18 Coup d’___ 19 What a tabloid may be sued for 20 Need for targeted advertising 23 Medium for modern matchmaking 24 Ghost in a haunted house, e.g. 25 ’60s conflict site 28 “That sounds painful” 30 Ozs. and lbs.

Matthews (Union)

R O G E R

A G L C O H O W O L O U S E M I Y N C

E M O T E S

F A I R S H A K E E M C O E R E S O N

E L S E

R I M S

E V E R

D E N Y

M A I N E

E S T E E

63 Retort to “Are not!” 64 Investigator 65 [Same source as before] 66 Like drone bees 67 Pizza size 68 Disadvantages found in this puzzle’s three longest Across answers … 69 … and advantages found in them DOWN 1 Concerning the nonordained 2 $ : dollar :: € : ___ 3 Disney sci-fi classic 4 Eldest Stark daughter on “Game of Thrones” 5 “Resume normal speed,” in a score 6 Each animal in Noah’s Ark had one 7 First thing in the morning? 8 Like 747s 9 Beauty parlors 10 Butter spreader 11 “Occasion” celebrated 364 times a year in Carroll’s “Through the Looking Glass” 12 “The First ___” (carol) 13 “South Park” boy 21 Leading by a single point

Monroe

• Bojangles, 2303 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 94 • Chick-fil-A (Monroe Mall), 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Crossroads Diner, 4218 N.C. 218 E. – 97.5 • East Frank Superette and Kitchen, 209 E. Franklin St. – 98 • Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, 2833 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Fox's Alley, 1901 Skyway Drive – 100 • Hampton Inn Breakfast Bar,

Edited by Will Shortz 1

No. 0604

29 36

23 25

48 53

Road – 99.5

Stallings

Want to see more? Visit www.unioncountyweekly. com for more dining scores.

• Athens Pizza, 2920 Old Monroe

PUZZLE BY JAKE HALPERIN

52 Something to bend over backward for 54 Athlete’s leg problem 55 West Virginia resource 56 Gymnast Korbut 57 Bigheaded 58 Actor Sharif 59 Scandinavian capital founded in the mid-11th century 60 Enemies

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.

• Bojangles, 1325 N. Broome St. – 91 • Crossroads Grill, 315 N. Broome St. – 90 • Harris Teeter (meat & seafood), 8157 Kensington Drive – 100 • Pizza Hut, 703 W. S. Main St. – 100

Weddington

• Jersey Mike's Subs, 13651 Providence Road – 98.5

Wesley Chapel

• Dunkin', 6312 Weddington Road – 98 • Sabor Latin Street Grill, 5945 Weddington Road – 95.5

Feb. 21

Feb. 27

• Amos’ Southend: Anything Goes • Fillmore: Subtronics; Wallows • Goodtimes Bar: TARGeT • Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne); Thirsty Horses • Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Rob Matthews • Middle James Brewing: Christopher Michael • Moochies Tavern: Delta Fire • Neighborhood Theatre: Carbon Leaf • Queens South: Troublemaker • Southern Range: RJ Adams • Spectrum Center: Marc Anthony • Stooges Pub: Right Turn Clyde • Trail House: Pluto for Planet • Vintner’s Hill: Rod Cailloueta • Visulite: Cosmic Charlie

• Amos’ Southend: Brit Drozda • Bistro D’Antonio: Will Lee • Fillmore: Young Dolph & Key Glock • Knights Theater: Old Crow Medicine Show • Lake View Grill: Jade Moore • Seaboard Brewing: Abbey Elmore

Feb. 22

Waxhaw

LOUD&LIVE

22 ___ Rizzo, hustler 37 How a in “Midnight smartphone Cowboy” knows where it is, for short 25 Cheesy snack 38 De-squeak 26 French “to have” 40 So-called “architect of 27 Tough puzzle India” 29 Accepting destiny 41 TV programming filter 32 Mi-mi-re-re-do, in a children’s 46 Option with a song trash can icon 33 College 48 Making ___ accommodations 51 Host’s task, 35 Got full, say informally

2368 Roland Drive – 97.5 • Jugos y Antojitos Jalisco, 1806 Walkup Ave. – 93.5 • Kentucky Fried Chicken, 2021 Roosevelt Blvd. – 94.5 • Logan's Roadhouse, 2336 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 94.5 • Mr. G's Grill, 427 Morgan Mill Road – 93 • O'Charley's, 2412 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95.5 • Roughedge Trading Company, 5310 Lancaster Hwy. – 96 • Showmars, 2398 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95 • Sonic Burgers, 1243 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 94.5 • T&M Food Mart, 2000 Lancaster Ave. – 94 • Taqueria La Unica, 1621 WalkUp Ave. – 98 • Taqueria Los Altos, 813 E. Roosevelt Blvd. – 93.5 • The Spot, 1513 Concord Ave. – 98.5

• Amos’ Southend: Killakoi • Beantown Tavern: Coconut Groove Band • BOplex: Lauren Daigle w/ Johnnyswim • Fillmore: Queensryche • Pour 64: Jason Brigner • Southern Range: Analog Crash • Stooges Pub: Bending Fate • Trail House: Unknown Artist • Treehouse Vineyards: Karaoke w/ Marty Vanderlip • Visulite: The Mystics’ Ball - Southern Gothic

Feb. 23 • Amos’ Southend: Cody Canada and the Departed • Beantown Tavern: Jade Moore; Tim Apple • Visulite: Ruston Kelly

Feb. 24

Venues Charlotte • Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St. • BOplex: 2700 E. Independence Blvd. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne): 13900 Conlan Circle • Knights Theater: 430 S. Tryon St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Seaboard Brewing: 213 N. Trade St. Mint Hill • Pour 64: 4410 Mint Hill Village • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Monroe • Goodtimes Bar: 1905 Dickerson Blvd. • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St.

• Fillmore: Allen Stone

Feb. 25 • Fillmore: Dermot Kennedy • Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Matone • Milestone Club: The Almas • Neighborhood Theatre: Junior Brown w/ Jim Garrett

Feb. 26 • Fillmore: Trippie Redd • Milestone Club: Dihyo • Trail House: New Local

Pineville • Middle James Brewing: 400 N. Polk St. • Shake Shake: 9925 Leitner Drive Stallings • Lake View Grill: 9750 Tournament Drive Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio: 3909 Providence Road S. • Queens South: 1201 N. Broome St.

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DINING SCORES

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Regional Section • Feb. 21, 2020 • Page 5B

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• Vol. 12

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Page 6B • Regional Section • Feb. 21, 2020

Feb. 29

THINGS TO DO Feb. 21 Food Truck Cousins Maine Lobster rolls into Southern Range Brewing. 704-706-2978 5-9 p.m.; 151 S. Stewart St., Monroe Treehouse Trivia Treehouse Vineyards invites teams of up to eight people to play Masquerade Treehouse Trivia. Admission is free. 704-283-4208 7:30-9:30 p.m.; 301 Bay St., Monroe

Feb. 22 Plant Sale Master Gardeners of Union County presents a Seedling & Fruit Plant Sale at the Union County Agricultural Center. www.mastergardenersunioncountync.org 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 3230 Presson Road, Monroe Book Signing Sarah Bowlin signs copies of her book “Cricket Catches the Travel Bug” at 4th Corner Bakehouse. 704-256-3753 1-3 p.m.; 205 Salem St., Waxhaw

Feb. 23 Literary Knitters Literary Knitters offers needlecraft and conversation at the Monroe Library. 704283-8184 2-4 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe Pub Poker Deuces Pub Poker organizes Texas Hold'em games at The Trail House. 7-10 p.m.; 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

Feb. 25 Book Club The book club at the Monroe Library discusses A.J. Hackwith's “The Library of the Unwritten” in the Hunley Room. 704-283-8184 Noon; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe

Art Programming The Monroe Library presents From Plantation to Art Museum: Still-Life Painting in the Style of Clementine Hunter in the Hunley Room. Children, ages 8-12, learn about her painting techniques. Register in advance. 704-2838184 4 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe Fat Tuesday Queens South Bar and Grill hosts a Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Party with live music and Cajun food. 704-256-4626 6:30 p.m.; 1201 N. Broome St., Waxhaw

Feb. 26 LEGO Safari Children, ages 3-6, build a LEGO animal and learn about wildlife at the Indian Trail Library. 704-283-8184 3:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Manga Club Children, age 13 and older, discuss manga and anime at the Manga Club at Monroe Library's Steam Lab. 704-2838184 4 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe Car Show Classic Cruisers of Monroe holds its Wednesday Nite Cruz In at Poplin Place. 5:30-8:30 p.m.; 2889 W. U.S. 74, Monroe

Feb. 27 Computer Class The Indian Trail Library offers one-on-one assistance for 30 minutes. Register in advance. 704-283-8184 ext. 5222 3-5 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail Food Truck Cousins Maine Lobster rolls into DreamChaser's Brewery. 704-843-7326 5 p.m.; 115 E. N. Main St., Waxhaw

Polar Plunge The 2020 Special Olympics Union County holds a Polar Plunge at Cane Creek Park. Register in advance. Registration costs $30 for minors and $50 for adults. https:// bit.ly/38zsrgr 9:30 a.m.; 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw Farmers Market Buy fresh-from-the-farm goods, unique crafts, artisan foods and specialty items from local vendors. www. waxhawfarmersmarket.org 10 a.m –12 p.m.; 27290 Waxhaw Pkwy., Waxhaw

March 3 Business Expo The Matthews Chamber of Commerce presents the Greater Matthews Business Expo at CPCC Levine Campus. www.matthewschamber. org 4-7 p.m.; 2800 Campus Ridge Road, Matthews

March 14 Farmers Market Buy fresh-from-the-farm goods, unique crafts, artisan foods and specialty items from local vendors. www. waxhawfarmersmarket.org 10 a.m –12 p.m.; 27290 Waxhaw Pkwy., Waxhaw

March 20 Senior Expo Charlotte Media Group presents the Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo at Christ Covenant Church. The free event features more than 60 vendors, free food and opportunities to connect with community resources and agencies serving older adults. Register through www.eventbrite.com or by calling 704-849-2261. Email adrian@cmgweekly.com to become a sponsor. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 800 Fullwood Drive, Matthews

Want to submit? Send all calendar events to Justin Vick at justin@ cmgweekly.com.

DISCOUNTS (continued from page 1B)

just don’t realize it,” Orestis said. AARP membership starts at 50 and comes with numerous discounts built into the membership. So, if you’re 49, those particular senior discounts are just one year away. For others, you may have to wait. For example, Chili’s restaurants offer a 10% senior discount to those 55 and older. At the other end of the scale, Taco Bell will give you a free beverage, but not until you are at least 65. • When you go can make a difference. Sometimes discounts happen on a particular day of the week. Just as an example, some Captain D’s restaurants offer a “Happy Wednes-

day” discount where once a week seniors can choose from among eight meals at a reduced price. “You might not want to schedule your entire life around discounts, but for some individual things – such as a night at the movies or dinner out or even a shopping trip to a retail store – it’s worth knowing that going a day earlier or a day later can make a difference,” Orestis said. • Sometimes you don’t even have to be a senior. Plenty of opportunities exist to save money whether you’re advancing in years or not, Orestis said. Many stores offer store “memberships” that come with a discount with each purchase. Also, the American Automobile Association is another organization whose

VICK (continued from page 1B)

My mother died a few days before my high school graduation and it was comforting to see Mrs. Ellis and her son there to support me. In today’s world, it is so easy to feel dis-

BUSINESS (continued from page 1B)

and have a plan to improve your bottom line. Update your website with an easily navigated platform for desktop and mobile phones. Add fresh content, pictures, new products and company updates.” Save time by outsourcing. Pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses within yourself, company, and team, Sciano says. “Consider outsourcing your most time-consuming projects or tasks in which you, and your staff, are low in expertise or time,” she says. “This allows you to focus on more sales,

members enjoy a number of discounts in much the same way AARP members do. “Individually, some discounts might amount to just a dollar or two,” Orestis says. “But as you take advantage of more of them, those savings can grow. When you’re on a fixed income – or just want to get the most out of every dollar you have – the difference can be significant.” About Chris Orestis Chris Orestis, known as the “Retirement Genius,” is president of LifeCare Xchange and a nationally recognized healthcare expert and senior advocate. He is the author of the books, “Help on the Way” and “A Survival Guide to Aging.”

connected and like you just want to be left alone. But I speak from experience how even the smallest of interactions or gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life. While I was bummed at the time not to have anyone my age to fire my machine gun at, I feel really fortunate to grow up on that particular street with all the people with the white hair. creating new direction, excellent customer service and decluttering your daily duties.” “Don’t forget the other rewards you get from owning a business,” Sciano says, “like the satisfaction of being your own boss, doing work that energizes you, and doing it with people who make your life richer. As you get older, you appreciate those entrepreneurial things more.” About Deni Sciano Deni Sciano is the founder of Score! Designs LLC, a women-owned designer handbag company based in San Antonio, Texas. Visit www.ScoreGameDayBag.com for details.

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