Inside: Deputies catch suspected bank robber • Page 2A
THE WEEKLY
Arts Entertainment BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Flip to page 1B
BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY
Friday, Feb. 28, 2020 • Vol. 1 • No. 8
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com unioncountyweekly.com
Marvin Ridge schools see less housing pressure by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
WHAT'S INSIDE:
MONROE – Union County Public Schools put residential development within the Marvin Ridge cluster under the microscope Feb. 19 as the school board's facilities committee continues to study future growth trends. Don Ogram Jr., planning manager for the school district, has identified 314 units wait-
ing to be built from 13 active developments and two planned projects in the cluster. The two subdivisions in planning are Oakton (a 55-and-older duplex project with 46 units) and Towns at Audrey Park (a 30-unit townhome project). “If you look at the number to be built, that's an order of magnitude less than what we have seen in the Sun Valley, Porter Ridge see SCHOOLS, Page 2A
Union County Public Schools isn't as concerned about development pressures in the Marvin Ridge area compared to other clusters as most of the housing is on one-acre lots. WW file photo
Early start Begin planning for St. Paddy’s, 1B
Thirsty for a change
Water rate debate continues
Water rate hikes prompted Williams to run for office by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
Inside: Stony Rushing, Rick Becker weigh in see pages 4A & 5A
Building schools UCPS hasn’t ruled out 2020 bond, 3A
Main Street award from the American Planning Association. White worked alongside analytics firm Buxton in an effort to recruit the kind of upscale retailers that residents had grown tired of driving to Charlotte to experience. One of the key findings from
David Williams never saw himself running for office. But after the Union County Board of Commis- Williams sioners voted to increase water rates, Williams knew he had to step in. When Williams learned of the vote Dec. 2, he assumed another Republican would step up to challenge incumbents Richard Helms and Frank Aikmus in the March 3 primary election. He called the Union County Board of Elections daily to find out if any Republicans filed. He stopped by the office after work to ask one last time on Dec. 20. “When the clerk said no, I hesitated and I said, ‘all right, well let’s do this,’” Williams said. With frustrations rising regarding increasing water rates and growth throughout the county, Williams believes he has a good chance in the election. “These issues are coalescing into a perfect storm,” Williams said. “We have the primary on March 3. Water rates increased Feb. 1 and they’ll increase again Jan. 1 of next year. So really, the political dynamic couldn’t be better for a candidate that is challenging two incumbents in a primary.” Williams said people in the eastern and central parts of the county have waited on county water for “decades.” He said they have been bypassed in favor of more residential development, which frustrates residents. As a result, residents in the Rocky River Basin have relied on private wells that contain arsenic and contaminated stormwater. Williams said these people have been told they are not going to get county water. Williams said he has done his research to find a better alternative than raising water rates. He said the current plan the commissioners rely on, the Yadkin Plan, would not bring water to the county until 2024 at the earliest. He believes his ideas will bring the county water sooner and cheaper. If elected, his first order of business would be to request an increase in the county’s interbasin transfer (IBT) allowance from the state’s water regulator. He said the state water regulator approves the transfer of water between basins,
see VICK, Page 2A
see WILLIAMS, Page 4A
Love thy phone Defining your relationship, 6A
Guardian angels Director nearly dies in accident, 4B
OPINION
Literary journey Son inspired author to write, 4B
Vick: A millennial leaves town Justin Vick Managing Editor
Burps not barks Brewery grains become dog treats, 6B
INDEX Readers Respond.................................. 3A Classifieds..............................................................5B Roll Call....................................................................... 3A Calendar....................................................................3B Athlete of the Week.......................... 4A Arts & Entertainment....................... 1B Dining Scores..................................................2B Puzzles.........................................................................3B
O
ne area the Town of Waxhaw doesn't get the credit it deserves is the hiring of talented staff, including town managers, department heads and the people that work directly with the citizens. I want to take an opportunity to highlight Curt White, who served nearly five years as downtown development manager. He left Waxhaw this month to begin the next phase of his career, working as assistant director of operations at SouthPark Mall. Downtown Waxhaw is similar to a mall when you consider the 103 businesses, of which 45% are
As Waxhaw’s downtown development manager, Curt White could often be seen celebrating the milestones of local businesses. WW file photo
restaurants, in just a 0.11 square mile. I'm taking these numbers directly from the Downtown Economic Impact Report that White drafted last year. He tracked vacancy rates, oversaw grants to enhance walkability and developed strategies to make downtown more of a destination. In 2018, the town won a Great
CMPD Animal Care & Control
Orphaned Animals Available for Adoption
8315 Byrum Drive animals.cmpd.org
FREDDY
Name: Freddy ID: A1163679 Age: 2 years Weight: 48 lbs Sex: Neutered Date of Arrival: 1/7/2020 Adoption fee: $10 Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations
COSITA
Name: Cosita ID: A5095315 Age: 5 years Breed: Shorthair Sex: Neutered Date of Arrival: 1/24/2020 Adoption fee: $10 Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations
CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event
the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road
Page 2A • Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 28, 2020
NEWS BRIEFS
IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK STAY CONNECTED
NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
WAXHAW – Dryer Vent Wizard of Waxhaw Ballantyne awarded a $500 grant to both the Wesley Chapel and Charlotte fire departments for their work toward fire safety and public awareness about the dangers of fires. Franchisees across the country also have the opportunity to nominate local fire departments for exceptional community fire prevention programs and services. Thirty-one $500 grants were awarded this year. Grants will be used for fire prevention education for school-age children in Wesley Chapel and enhancing the middle school education program, props, student incentives and an evaluation tool to improve the program in Charlotte. “We are thrilled to present these grants to both the Wesley Chapel and Charlotte Fire Departments for all the work they do to provide community outreach and educate our residents about fire safety and prevention,” said Megan Lavalle, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard of Waxhaw Ballantyne. “As an organization dedicated to the safety of our local community, we’re proud to award this grant to further residents’ awareness toward fire safety.”
SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com
Optimist Club of Weddington sponsors oratorical contest
• Instagram: @weeklywaxhaw • Twitter: @weeklywaxhaw • Like us on Facebook • Web: unioncountyweekly. com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers
CONTACT US PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy
Three Union County homeschool youths placed at the Christians in Theatre Arts Secondary Festival recently at Anderson University in Anderson, S.C. Mary Elizabeth Johnson and Caleb Wheeler (center) won gold medals for their Duo Musical Theatre presentation of “Anything You Can Do” from “Annie Get Your Gun.” Mary Elizabeth won a gold medal for her Musical Theatre Solo work and a silver medal for her Shakespearean monologue from “The Taming of the Shrew.” Devon Bradford (left) won a bronze medal in Musical Theatre Solo work. All three perform in the musical “Holiday Inn” with Eagles’ Wings Studio on Feb. 28 and 29 at Halton Theatre at Central Piedmont Community College.
MOST POPULAR STORIES • Simpson: The facts behind rising utility rates • Cuthbertson’s band program is hitting high notes • Democrat hopes to add fresh perspective to county commission • Residents can be involved in Marvin documentary • Lee attempts to cut town commissioner pay
TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “Our Lady Cavs b-ball team won the conference championship! Coach Joel Allen was named Coach of the Year & Maddie Dillinger was named Player of the Year! All conference players included Maddie, Lily Anderson, & Ruby Williams. Congrats to all! #BeTheBest” – Cuthbertson High (@CHSCavaliers) • “A LOT of phenomenal teams from @UCPS_MonroeNC will be ready! Let’s go! – NCHSAA final high school basketball playoff pairings released #TeamUCPS" – Andrew G. Houlihan (@AGHoulihan) • "@AGHoulihan has asked @NewTownES 3 G Ss to tackle affordable housing in Waxhaw but using area to design and build tiny House building prototypes in STEAM.” – Bryan McKenzie (@McKeduc8or)
PUBLISHER Adrian Garson BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen rjensen@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@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
RSVP TODAY
S P E C I A L E VE N T I N VI TAT I ON
Taste of Waltonwood March 26th, 1 - 3 p.m. Join us for a first-class dining experience featuring fun and interactive cooking demonstrations and tasting stations that highlight Waltonwood’s culinary program and seasonal spring menu. Complimentary take-away for all guests.
P ROVIDENCE
Dryer Vent Wizard honors fire departments with grants
RSVP for you and a friend today! 704-753-7045
Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com
WEDDINGTON – The Optimist Club of Weddington is encouraging area students to speak their minds about the topic “Just Imagine a World without Boundaries” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for 2019-20. The club will judge speeches based on content. Three winners will receive cash awards and have the opportunity to advance to more competitive rounds culminating in the world championship at Saint Louis University. The club contest for Weddington will be held March 26 at Siler Presbyterian Church in Wesley Chapel. The deadline to register is March 12. The contest is open to students under age 19 as of Oct. 1, 2019 Students can learn more about the contest by contacting their school or event chairman Greg Babineau at gregbabineau@gmail.com. “As they prepare for their future, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience,” Club President Bill Deter said. “The oratorical contest challenges them to do just that and also offers an opportunity for scholarships. In this way, our club hopes to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future.” The Optimist Club of Weddington has been participating in the Optimist Oratorical Contest for over 25 years.
UCPS addresses bullying MONROE – Union County Public Schools is rolling out its Bullying Prevention 101 series at multiple schools. Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said the forums will educate stakeholders, including parents, teachers, students and community members, about bullying and social-emotional health similar to its forums on opioid abuse in 2018. Presentations will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 5 at Forest Hills High, March
SCHOOLS (continued from page 1A)
and Weddington clusters,” Ogram told the committee. “The active subdivisions, for the most part, do not have a lot of houses left in each of them,” he added. “In most of the cases, those subdivisions are building out fairly slowly.” The largest active subdivision is Oldenburg, a 122home neighborhood within the Marvin Elementary boundary. It has 102 homes left to build, according to Ogram.
10 at Sun Valley High, March 12 at Parkwood High, March 17 at Cuthbertson High and March 19 at Piedmont High. Each presentation will be the same.
ATI Specialty Materials support United Way MONROE – ATI Specialty Materials won a Spirit of North Carolina Award for its support of United Way’s work. A panel of 25 judges representing United Way organizations across North Carolina reviewed more than 40 nominations to select this year’s winners, who were recognized at a luncheon Feb. 19 in Pinehurst. Other Charlotte-area winners were City of Charlotte, GreerWalker LLP, Harris Teeter and Regions Bank. “The Spirit of North Carolina Award recognizes the exemplary collaborative partnerships that United Way of Central Carolinas builds with its supporters,” said Clint Hill, chief development officer. “These organizations have gone above and beyond to help us address the growing challenges around economic mobility in our community.” ATI Specialty Materials also received an Excellence in Community Spirit Award, a special recognition for setting high standards for community engagement and change.
Sheriff's deputies nab bank robbery suspect INDIAN TRAIL – A Charlotte man accused of robbing the SunTrust Bank is in Union County Jail. David William Plyler, 59, of Charlotte, faces a number of Plyler criminal charges, including common law robbery, following the Feb. 20 robbery, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office said the suspect entered the bank at 4 p.m. wearing a hat, sunglasses and possibly a fake beard. Deputies found his gray Nissan Versa near the scene and attempted a traffic stop but Plyler fled, officials said. The chase went through I-485, Pineville and U.S. 521. It ended in Lancaster County when Plyler rammed a patrol car with his vehicle, officials said.
Sheriff’s office investigates threat after social media post INDIAN TRAIL – The Union County Sheriff’s Office met with a teen referenced in a social media post, as well as her family, regarding a kidnapping and verified she was safe. The sheriff’s office described the incident as a “custody issue” not a kidnapping.
AARP discusses changes to driver licenses, ID cards MONROE – The Union County AARP Chapter 5164 convened Feb. 25 to discuss the state’s new driver licenses and identification cards. A guest from the local DMV explained where to go, what to take and when to do it. Future meetings will be held on March 24, April 28, May 26 and Aug. 25 Call President Bea Colson at 704-221-0192. Want more news briefs? Visit us online at www.unioncountyweekly.com.
He also shared current enrollment data and building utilization for schools within the cluster: • Marvin Elementary: 768 students, 105% utilization, 0 mobile classrooms • Rea View Elementary: 688 students, 95% utilization, 3 mobile classrooms • Sandy Ridge Elementary: 678 students, 96% utilization, 3 mobile classrooms • Marvin Ridge Middle: 1,445 students, 103% utilization, 5 mobile classrooms • Marvin Ridge High: 1842 students, 100% utilization, 0 mobile classrooms He's not as worried about
VICK (continued from page 1A)
that partnership is while the Waxhaw area certainly had a desirable level of wealth, it didn't quite have the daytime traffic a lot of its targets were looking for. White was the influencer behind the town's millennial task force, a group charged with finding out what would lure and retain a younger demographic – pretty cutting edge stuff for a town the size of Waxhaw. Among the findings from his 2016 report was that Waxhaw should build on its strengths, such as historic downtown and downtown dining, to develop a sense of place. It also called on the development of “third places,” which are venues outside of home and work for people to hang out. While this particular millennial left Waxhaw for an exciting career opportunity, his work helped make downtown a better place. Road survey is promising I was very encouraged to see the survey the
this cluster, however, because fewer students are enrolled at the earliest grade levels. For example, kindergarten has 150 fewer students than fifth grade and 12th grade. “As the smaller cohorts move through, it does appear at this point again with the reduced development pressure, the Marvin Ridge schools should go in the trend [enrollment consultant] Dr. [Jerome] McKibben forecast two or three years ago,” Ogram said. “It is going to go down. I think we are in relatively good shape with Marvin Ridge in the future.”
town put on its website in preparation for developing the Waxhaw Master Transportation Plan. Yeah, yeah … I know what you're thinking ... Waxhaw and its plans. But this one could create some healthy debate based on some of the questions on the survey. The survey asked residents to prioritize the top five unfunded or underfunded roads: Rehobeth Road and N.C. 75, Waxhaw-Marvin intersect, Waxhaw-Marvin widening, Waxhaw Parkway East, Waxhaw Parkway West and downtown improvements. It later asks if Waxhaw should take a bond for transportation or establish a transportation reserve account, as well as if the county should put a quarter-cent sales tax referendum on the ballot or ask the state to assess a $25 registration fee to go toward transportation improvements. Summoning Marvel villain Thanos to snap his fingers to rid the universe of developers is not going to fix congestion in Union County given the growth coming to the Charlotte region. But if he were to delete half the universe again …
Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 3A
READERS RESPOND
Reactions to stories recently published in Weekly Waxhaw Parkwood wrestlers’ bond leads to title wins (Feb. 21)
Union County Public Schools will be considering mobile classroom needs for the upcoming year, as well as the cost and time it takes to move them. WW file photo
School board hasn't ruled out asking for bond referendum by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
“Great article! Aurora has trained for years in various martial arts but found her base ln wrestling. Tommy Morrison and Bryan Simpson were great coaches and really helped her bridge over from martial arts to wrestling. Her biggest drawback her first two years was only having boys to practice with. They either took it easy on her or went full force so they didn’t look bad. Neither gave her the training partner she needed. Savannah joining the team and working together as partners has finally given Aurora the proper training she needed. The fact that they both made state shows how well they train and push each other. As a dad, I could not be more proud!” – Landon Efird via web “Savannah is our granddaughter and we are so proud of – not just her win – but the young lady she has become. She is very much like her mother was at this age and is driven by her passion for this sport. Aurora and Savannah have been longtime friends and we are so happy that they can celebrate this milestone together.” – Ron & Gail Clouse via web “Rocked it!! Way to represent!!” – Barbara Anne Kernan Ballew via Facebook
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
“
Dynasty
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
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
by Andrew Stark
Register for March 20 event, 3B
INDEX
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
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."
Cavs win fourth state track title, 4A
66-year-old is elite tennis player, 1B
see MOFFAT, Page 3A
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
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.
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
Kim Venable - The Stoner Venable Team Fairway Mortgage 13700 Providence Rd Ste #102 | Weddington, NC 28104 NMLS ID 94235 Mobile 704-641-3661 kvenable@fairwaync.com | www.loansbykimv.com | Kim’s Zoom Room: Https://zoom.us/j/3144006122
MONROE – Union County Public Schools could ask county commissioners to not only offer more flexibility for next year’s fiscal budget but also to place a bond referendum on the November 2020 ballot to address future construction needs. The school board and county commission held a joint meeting on Feb. 24 to discuss UCPS’s budget, but Superintendent Andrew Houlihan explained how there are still a lot of unknowns thanks to the state. “We are operating under a very challenging time – a historical time – in this state due to the lack of a new budget from the state that is reflective of the current needs Houlihan of school systems,” Houlihan told commissioners. School board members have been lobbying state lawmakers and the governor to strike a budget compromise that would give the district more financial clarity. In the meantime, UCPS is operating on last year’s state budget. The district is dealing with increases in services, enrollment and staffing as it absorbs increases in costs such as benefits and retirement. And they’re not hearing much from Raleigh about next year’s fiscal budget, Houlihan said. “We have been working this year internally to make some hard decisions and have been very aggressive about saving as much and being as conservative as we can with our budget,” Houlihan assured commissioners. Union County Public Schools operates with funding from the county, state and federal governments, so if the district could eventually request more from the county to bridge any gaps. “We’re not here today to tell you that we need something but going down this road even further may put us in a situation where we need to make that request,” Houlihan said, noting this hasn’t gotten to crisis mode yet. UCPS also shared an outline of its 10-year capital needs with commissioners, prompting County Manager Mark Watson to ask if the school board projected the need for a bond referendum in November. “We would like to begin having discus-
“
Heintel
Merrell
Watson
sions about a referendum whether it's this year or two years,” school board member Kathy Heintel replied. Watson cautioned the school board about making the request too late in the year. “Planning is everything,” Watson said. “As soon as we can have those numbers and know the desire of the board of education, the sooner we can begin our preparation for what we need to do, which is going to be extensive on our end. The board of commissioners needs to also have the opportunity to evaluate those recommended requests.” School board chairwoman Melissa Merrell mentioned the long-range needs of the district haven’t changed since last year. She remembers the school board discussing the need for the $54 million bond in April and May 2016, as well as asking the county to put the referendum on the November ballot in June of that year. “We are getting ever so close to finishing those seven projects that were on the bond in 2016,” Heintel said “Within budget,” Merrell added. The school board is likely to focus a bond referendum on some of the county’s aging high schools. Mark Strickland, assistant superintendent for administration and operations for UCPS, explained that school staff felt upgrading high schools to be among the greatest longrange needs because they are big-ticket items that aren’t getting cheaper. “Several of our high schools are 60-plus years old and have had various renovations and additions over the years,” Strickland said. “They are not comparable to the five newer high schools.” Strickland told commissioners there was some concern over the timing and costs of future construction as a couple of North Carolina school districts have experienced higher costs than anticipated for their projects. County Commissioner Stony Rushing said it’s important to examine the enrollment projects, particularly on the western part of the county.
We are operating under a very challenging time – a historical time – in this state due to the lack of a new budget from the state that is reflective of the current needs of school systems." • Andrew Houlihan Superintendent of Union County Public Schools
Call us today to receive a complimentary market analysis of your home. Sign with us and receive a $500 credit at closing.
Text UCWEEKLY to
980-553-1530 for details!
KIMBERLY BUDD & HOLLY DANNEKER 980-553-1530 - Call or Text keytothecarolinas@gmail.com www.keytothecarolinas.com
Each Keller Williams Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Cuthbertson’s band program is hitting high notes (Feb. 21) “Katie Ebert has also been with the Cuthbertson band program since day one. She indeed leads the middle school program, which means she teaches students to play their instruments, love music, and feel pride in their accomplishments so they are motivated to continue in high school. She is an accomplished musician and teacher in her own right, and deserves to be mentioned by name as essential to the success of the Cuthbertson band program, which the
Eberts have built together." – Susan Messina via web
Simpson: The facts behind rising utility rates (Feb. 21) “Thank you. This is great and valuable information. Every citizen of Union County should read this.” – David Whitley via web “Time to get some competition for those BOCC seats and vote out ALL incumbents folks ...” – Tim Staiano via web
ROLL CALL Here’s a look at what schools have been doing through Feb. 23, according to the web, email and social media: • Cuthbertson High: The Cavs for a Cure, a club that raises awareness and money for cancer research, donated blankets to the Levine’s Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. • Cuthbertson Middle: Ling-yu Liao’s Chinese class showcased their conversational skills in skits based in the setting of a restaurant. • Kensington Elementary: Fifth-grade AIG students wrote Valentine’s Day cards to a 104-year-old World War II veteran in an assisted living center in California. • Marvin Elementary: The
school held its annual book fair, as well as donated books to Benton Heights Elementary in Monroe. • Marvin Ridge High: Students explored an exhibit showcasing items created by African American inventors in observance of Black History Month. • Marvin Ridge Middle: Social worker Ranayda Drayton was among staff sharing ways to cope with stress or anxiety. • New Town Elementary: Ashley Hayes welcomed patent lawyer Nichole Hayden to her classroom to talk about her work. • Rea View Elementary: Who says teachers aren’t fun? They dressed up and gave demonstrations and
shared ideas with administrators much like entrepreneurs do on the hit TV show “Shark Tank.” • Sandy Ridge Elementary: “Love” and “Determined” were some of the messages promoting self-esteem spelled out on bracelets constructed by the school’s beading club. • Waxhaw Elementary: The school announced a “sprucing up event” for April 9 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m.). Visit the Facebook page to sign up to help paint. • Western Union Elementary: The Parent Teacher Organization worked to build interest en route to securing $25,000 in pledges for the school’s fun run fundraiser.
Hornets Nest endorses Aikmus
The Hornet’s Nest Republican Men’s Club has endorsed Frank Aikmus for re-election to the Union County Board of Commissioners. Aikmus Aikmus was first elected as a commissioner in 2012. He has chaired the board on two occasions. “Knowing many in this group personally and their commitment to conservative values, I am honored that they chose to endorse me,” Aikmus said. Aikmus has spent the past 22 years of his career in the banking and finance industry. He serves as the senior vice president at American Bank located in Monroe. “Frank has depth and breadth of knowl-
edge and experience on the issues facing the citizens of Union County,” said Dan Barry, president of the Hornet’s Nest Republican Men’s Club. He recently sponsored the resolution to declare Union County a Second Amendment Sanctuary County. The club also valued his support to reduce the size of county government and advocacy for tax cuts. Other endorsements The club has announced other endorsements, including Thom Tillis (U.S. Senate), Tim Hoegemeyer (state auditor), Mike Causey (insurance commissioner), Jim O’Neill (attorney general), State Rep. Craig Horn (superintendent of public instruction) and Casey Viser (superior court judge).
GO AHEAD & SMILE! 10% OFF ALL DENTURES
OR
$100 OFF EACH FULL SIZE IMPLANT
JOHN STUART WILLIAMS, DDS GENERAL DENTIST AFFORDABLE DENTURES & IMPLANTS- MONROE 2897 W. HIGHWAY 74 MONROE, NC 28110
FOR MORE INFO CALL
855.840.2516 EXPIRES 4.30.2020
01319- 1 Offer good only at designated location. Save 10% on any Denture purchase (Replacement or Package Dentures) OR Save $100 on the cost of each denture implant. Coupon must be presented at time of initial payment. The 10% off Denture offer & $100 off Implant offer cannot be combined together or with any other coupon, discount, package price, insurance program or prior order. Offer may change or end without notice. *Minimum estimated value of Consult and X-Ray is $75 and covers a traditional 2-D X-Ray. Limit one coupon per person. Additional fees may be incurred depending on individual cases. Advertised fees effective through 4/30/20.
AFFORDABLE DENTURES.COM
FREE
DENTURES
FOR NEW DENTURE PATIENTS.
FOR UPPER OR LOWER ECONOMY DENTURES
CONSULT & X-RAY*
STARTING AT
$375
Page 4A • Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 28, 2020
WILLIAMS (continued from page 1A)
which, in this case, would include the Catawba River Basin and the Rocky River Basin. Currently, Union County operates on a 5 million gallon per day IBT from the Catawba to Rocky River. “That is an incredibly small IBT allowance,” Williams said “This is shocking, but Union County has never petitioned our state water regulator for an actual, honest-to-goodness interbasin transfer from the Catawba to the Rocky River. We’re operating on a grandfathered IBT that’s been around since the 1970s or the 1980s. Union County has done a lot of growing since then.” Union County would not be the first to request an increase. According to Williams, the state water regulator approved an increase of 14 million gallons a day to Mecklenburg County and increases to Concord and Kannapolis. He would like to request an allowance of at least 10 million gallons a day. He said this would allow the county to bring its water from where it has it to where it needs it. Getting approval for an IBT of this size is a process that takes three to five years, possibly longer, according to the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality's website. Union County has considered requesting an IBT allowance increase in the past but did not see it as a “sustainable, viable option,” said Hyong Yi the county's public works administrator. Yi said there are many state and federal regulations, and the Catawba River is a “highly stressed resource” because 18 public water utilities in the Carolinas use it as their source for drinking water, including
Waxhaw 1315 N. Broome St. 704-243-2024
Matthews 11100 Monroe Rd. 704-841-2025
Charlotte. Yi also said the current Yadkin Regional Water Supply Project is a more sustainable project in the long-term to meet the county’s current and future water demands, and the 2020 and 2021 water rate increases are being used to fund the project because no tax dollars are used for public utility projects. Williams also hopes to address and manage the growth in Union County. Though he is not against growth, he would like to see the county support more commercial development so that residents can live, work and spend their money in the county, rather than traveling to Charlotte to do so. Though there are challenges in the county, Williams still sees its strengths. He said there is a lot of talent in Union County and it has a rich history and heritage. He said this provides a good balance when looking toward the future. While Aikmus and Helms have previously served on the board, Williams believes his experience as a lawyer and a former investment advisor separate him from the two. Williams said he can not only read and understand contracts, but also interpret financial statements, which allows him to ask valuable questions. “I’m not saying these gentlemen don’t have experience and don’t bring a lot to the table in terms of understanding county business, but I think I bring a very different kind of perspective and a different background, which is sorely needed,” Williams said. “We very much need a commissioner who will ask great questions, and I am very well prepared to do just that.” Want to learn more? Visit www.citizensforwilliams.com or his Facebook page, Citizens for Williams.
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Amir Joseph PARKWOOD WRESTLING
Joseph became the first boy wrestler in the nearly 60 years of the school to win a state wrestling title. Joseph went 51-6 overall at 195 pounds this season.
Don’t drink the Kool Aid when it comes to water rates by Rick Becker
Reader submission
As with almost anything political, [Jerry] Simpson's diatribe contains some truth along with a whole lotta misdirection and spin. Simpson is correct that the utility rate increase really is much less of a “big deal” than certain people are making it out to be. Since this huge and growing system operated for 11 years with no increases and then only 6.5% annual increases for three years and a future 31% for the next two, the total increase of 50.5% actually will have occurred over a 16-year period, for an average annual increase of 3.16%. That's actually fairly reasonable. Now, Simpson has been on the board of county commissioners since 2010, so why he sat back and allowed zero rate increases for seven years isn't adequately explained in this manifesto, so "inquiring minds" might need to ask: Since you're now so gung-ho to raise rates now, where were you while costs were increasing and not being addressed, Mr. Simpson? But the bottom line is, the big "sticker-shock" rate increase really isn’t what its critics make it out to be; it is simply a political "red-herring" thrown out to confuse voters to back another one of “Stony's Cronies,” candidate [David] Williams, who is running on this issue as Rushing's handpicked puppet. Yes, I admit it: I actually agree with Simpson on something. There is where my agreement ends, though. Simpson keeps talking about excessive and irresponsible growth in Union County, even claiming that the 40% growth between 1970 and 1990 (2% per year … we should be so lucky to only be seeing 2% per year noawdays) was the problem when the real problem started around 1990 with the election of developers, Realtors, builders, land investors and other members of the “development food chain” to the board of county commissioners and to a few municipal boards. I moved to Union County in 1987, buying an existing house on 3.5 acres in the woods at a time when most of Union County still stuck to its 1-acre minimum lot size and didn't provide massive water and sewer infrastructure so that developers and land investors could get rich by building massive high-density subdivisions on one-10th-acre lots. It was an OK place to live then, and development still took place – for a while – on large “country” lots with lots of charm. And while Simpson himself didn't become part of the problem until 2010, he's certainly signed on to exacerbate the problem, approving high-density rezonings of county-regulated land like the recent abomination of a 600-house disaster on Potter Road between Wesley Chapel and Mineral Springs. That mess is just the tip of the iceberg, though. Union County has been approving high-density rezonings for years,
and all of the current BOCC members have been on board this "No Developer Left Behind" runaway freight train. And while some municipalities – specifically Waxhaw and Indian Trail – shoulder quite a bit of blame for some of the WORST overdevelopment disasters in the past 20 years where Union County didn't control the zoning, the BOCC made dang sure that it sent massive water and sewer lines into those municipalities to allow the municipalities to rezone for their developer cronies (usually big campaign donors). Union County has been guilty of gross malfeasance in its development policies, and for Simpson to put the innocent look on hie e-face and ask "who, me???" when confronted with condemnation by a rightfully enraged public is misleading spin (to put it most kindly). His whine about the $750 million Union County (taxpayers) spent on all those shiny new schools in the west is just more spin: I live in "the west" and none of that $750 million flowed into schools serving my town (not that I would have wanted it to), yet my neighbors and I have been paying on those bonds for 20 or 30 years while the people moving here and filling up those schools are just paying for their first year! Our schools were fine in 1990 and they would have remained fine if the Union County Board of County Commissioners hadn't turned our county into a developer-feeding trough. So let's not let David Williams and Stony Rushing deflect citizens' attention into a made-up “scandal” over water and sewer rates, but neither should we fall for Simpson's claim of all innocence and purity like yesterday's new-fallen snow. The problem is, Union County taxpayers have been stuffing money into the pockets of developers and land investors for decades, and Union County commissioners have been the ones shoving their hands into our pockets and pulling out those piles of money to hand to their developer cronies. The cost of the new schools, the devastating traffic congestion, the declining environmental quality and – worst of all -- the massive property tax increases over the past 30 years could have been less severe if only Union County commissioners had been looking out for county residents instead of developers and land investors. Now we have commissioners like Simpson telling us that there's nothing they could have done to prevent this growth and expecting us to relieve him of responsibility for the resulting problems … while he's still approving even more rezonings for more irresponsible high-density development. An old expression about me feeling water hitting my leg while he's telling me “it's raining” comes to mind. Rick Becker wrote this in reply to a Union County Weekly Facebook post promoting Union County Commissioner Jerry Simpson’s article, “The facts behind rising utility rates.”
2020
THRIVE OVER 55
Senior Expo
March 20th, 2020 • 9am-12:30pm Christ Covenant Church FREE Breakfast and FREE Lunch Free Admission • Door prizes and giveaways! Food, Fun and Fellowship REGISTER TO ATTEND
BY EMAILING US AT KATE@CMGWEEKLY.COM
OR CALL US AT 704-849-2261
Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 5A
A response to Simpson's 'facts behind rising utility rates' Union County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Jerry Simpson recently wrote to the Union County Weekly about “The facts behind rising utility rates.” I would like to examine some of those facts and respond. - Stony Rushing, Union County commissioner In his letter, Chairman Simpson wrote: “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.” Not true. Rates have been raised annually since 2012 not 2017.
Chairman Simpson then wrote: “Union County rates will still be consistent with other counties and municipalities in the region.” Not true. We will have one of the highest rates in our region. Well above Anson, Cabarrus and Mecklenburg counties.
Chairman Simpson wrote: “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!” Misleading. To serve 23 million gallons of new water, a sewer plant will be required to return that water to the Rocky River Sub Basin. New sewer capacity will also be required to meet the growth projections promised to the Environmental Management Commission to obtain the Yadkin Inter Basin Transfer. If we do not meet those projections, we can lose the IBT. UCPW has estimated the budget for this plant at $122 million. The recently passed increases will cover the cost of the sewer plant.
Follow us on instagram
@weeklywaxhaw
Chairman Simpson also informed us that: “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.” Very true! UCPS built 22 new school facilities for almost half the projected cost of the Yadkin Project and other associated sewer infrastructure. Yet Chairman Simpson is opposed to school bonds and has voted against them. How many new schools will be needed to support thousands of new homes built in northwestern Union County where the Yadkin water will be pumped and Lower Crooked Creek Sewer Plant will be built? Will Chairman Simpson support new school bonds? The one fact that I have learned from six years dealing with the Yadkin project is that it is rooted in deception. From those who it was intended to serve, cost of the project, the timeline of completion, available alternatives and with several other factors, nothing has been factual. Which brings me to the untrue statement that we will own the source. We will only own hundreds of million dollars in infrastructure that if the Environmental Management Commission “determines that information in the record relied upon in making its Findings of Fact, pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-215.22L(k), was erroneous, incomplete, or otherwise contained material misrepresentations, misstatements, or misinterpretations” we can lose the ability to draw water from Lake Tillery.
Page 6A • Weekly Waxhaw • Feb. 28, 2020
What type of relationship do you have with your phone? Whether you’re married or single, chances are there’s another significant other in your life you engage with even more regularly – your phone. A growing number of people consider their phone an extension of themselves. For others, their device is more like a best friend or even a soul mate. For the rest of us, our device functions as a kind of semi-sentient presence we happen to spend a vast amount of time with. if you’re curious about your relationship with your phone, T-Mobile shares five common types: 1. The Codependent Partner Consider this: nearly three out of every four Americans keep their phones within five feet at all times. What’s more, one study found that 46% of us check our phones before we get out of bed in the morning, and 75% keep our phones powered up 24 hours a day. It’s no wonder then that many people separation anxiety when they’re away from their phone. A classic symptom of codependency. 2. The Nagging Spouse It’s time to wake up. Your conference call is coming up in 10 minutes. Time to stand up and move a little. Reminder: Pay utility bill. Your screen time is up 50% from last week. With the constant barrage of alarms, reminders and notifications our phones deliver each day, you’d think we’d been married to them for years. But unlike an actual nagging spouse, you can always turn notifications off or manage them to mitigate stress. 3. The Love/Hate Smartphones. We hate them when they take so much of our attention and love them for making our lives endlessly easier the next. This love/hate relationship can serve as a source of both stress and serenity, loneliness and connection. Like any relationship that pings from one extreme to the other, for this to work in the long run, it’s important to remember you need a steady dose of good to balance out the bad, and even search for middle ground when possible. (That’s what “silent mode” is for, right?) 4. The On-Again, Off-Again In an attempt to be more present, you’ve probably ditched your phone before, or at
nced ts e i r e Exp sistan s A / s ech Vet T Fear Free Certified Integrative Medicine Team Focused Private Practice Modern Design Award Winning Benefits
ates
soci ce As
ervi
tS Clien
ts
tylis S t e P
We wake up to our phones, we eat with our phones and we talk to our phones. Does that mean we are life partners with our phones or are they merely an extension of ourselves? We prefer the romantic view of man-to-mobile phone relations. Adobe Stock
least tried. Maybe you lasted a full 44 days phone-free. Maybe it was a weeklong separation, a weekend away or simply a phonefree dinner out with friends. Whatever your breakup history, chances are you and your phone have gotten back together again — likely many times. Don’t feel like a failure! While it’s nearly impossible for many of us to call it quits with our phones for good, there are a few healthy steps you can take for a digital detox every so often. Plus, as they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder! 5. The (Almost) True Love Our phones are easy to fall in love with — who else answers any and every question we may have, helps us find rides, order food, play music and seemingly exist to endlessly entertain us? But there can be such a thing as too much phone love, especially when it interferes with real human relationships. As much as we rely on our phones, making sure they don’t take priority over the people we love means that any relationship you have with your device will be a healthier one. Remember to use that phone for its primary purpose — connecting with others.
APPLY NOW Please email cover letter, resume, & references to: hello@passionatepaws.vet Call (704) 256 - 7576 for more information www.PassionatePawsAnimalHospital.com
WINTER FURNITURE
CLEARANCE SALE
UP TO 65% OFF MSRP ON CLEARANCE BEDROOMS, DINING ROOMS AND LIVING ROOMS! EXCLUSIVE OFFERS! Limited time. Items may vary by location. Call for details. Many items sold in sets only.
SHOP ALL FLOOR SAMPLES AND MANY ONE OF A KIND ITEMS!
BERNHARDT 5 PC DINING ROOM
CENTURY OUTDOOR SOFA & CHAIR
Beautiful Bernhardt Criteria 3 Piece bedroom group. Bed and 2 night stands. Many items are sold in sets only. See store or online for details. FAMILY OWNED
Huge Markdowns! **12
goodshomefurnishings.com FOLLOW US
BARCLAY BUTERA 3-PC BEDROOM
FINANCING AVAILABLE
DESIGN SERVICES
11735 Carolina Place Parkway 704.910.4045
Hickory Furniture Mart 828.322.910.3471
Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 7 pm Sunday noon - 6 pm
Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6 pm Sunday Closed
Months Special Financing available for qualified buyers with $3,500 or more purchase. Call or see store for details. Some items may vary by location.
Arts Entertainment t to you By h g u Bro
Regional Section • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 1B
8 ways to celebrate
Saint Patrick’s Day You can bet your lucky charms that restaurants and bars across the region will serve green beer and Irish-inspired dishes in honor of St. Patrick's Day. But you can also find more immersive experiences that promote community and culture. Here's a heads up on eight major events and festivals being planned for St. Patrick's Day.
UCW file photos
Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade Jim Mannix, president of the Notre Dame Club of Charlotte, will serve as the grand marshal for the 24th annual parade. He'll be joined by pipe bands, dancers, drum lines and beauty queens. More than 135 entries will participate. The parade starts at North Tryon and 9th streets. It continues south to 3rd Street, where it takes a left and marches down 3rd Street to Caldwell Street. • When: 11 a.m. March 14 • Where: Uptown Charlotte • Details: www.charlottestpatsday.com
Shamrock Crawl We haven't received anything official about the sixth annual festival, but hot spots along downtown Matthews, such as Carolina Beer Temple, Seaboard Brewing, The Loyalist Market and Grace O'Malley's Irish Public House, are already making plans in anticipation for the celebration. The Carolina Beer Temple, Seaboard and The Loyalist will have Irish brews, while Grace O'Malley's will have DJ Moe rocking the patio. We'll keep you updated as more details emerge. • When: Times vary March 14 • Where: Downtown Matthews • Details: www.facebook.com/MatthewsSham rockCrawl St. Patrick’s Weekend Party Details are beginning to form like a beautiful glass of Guinness in regarding Mary O’Neill’s annual St. Patrick weekend. Lipstick on a Pig and Smokin' Gunn are among bands that will be rocking the Irish pub. South Charlotte Dog Rescue will be among the vendors at the event. • When: March 13 and 14 • Where: 116 W. North Main St., Waxhaw • Details: www.maryoneills.com
Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Festival Come for the parade but stay for the festival. The Charlotte Goes Green/St. Patrick’s Day Festival features more than 60 vendors selling arts, crafts, food and drink. The event includes live music, Irish dancers and a Celtic Kidz Zone. • When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 14 • Where: South Tryon Street from 3rd Street to Levine Avenue of the Arts, Charlotte • Details: www.charlottestpatsday.com Murder Most Green Murder Mystery The Charlotte Murder Mystery Company brings a fun whodunit to Treehouse Vineyards. Make your reservations today to help solve the mystery of who killed Patrick Flaherty, the owner of a 100-year old plant nursery. Tickets cost $20, which include a drink. • When: 3:30-6 p.m. March 15 • Where: 301 Bay St., Monroe • Details: www.treehousevineyards.com Celtic Festival The eighth annual Celtic Festival attracts musicians, dancers, bagpipers and warriors. It’s a great place to check out historic encampments, as well as watch traditional competitive games. Food trucks and craft beer will be available. Admission costs $9 for ages 13 and older, $8 for ages 6-12 and 62 and older, free for ages 5 and younger. • When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 14 and 15 • Where: Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville • Details: www.lattaplantation.org
Green River Revival There's probably not a better venue to celebrate St. Patrick's Day than a green river, but that's one of several reasons to check out the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The festivities kick off with the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run. They continue with yoga and live music from Joslyn & The Sweet Compression and Lee Fields & The Expressions. • When: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. March 14 • Where: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy., Charlotte • Details: www.usnwc.org St. Paddy's Fest! You're going to get more than a night of green beer at a place named Grace O'Malley's Irish Public House. The restaurant is planning a week's worth of activities in celebration, including the Shamrock Crawl on March 14, a parking lot party with music and bounce house on March 15, Irish trivia on March 16, St. Patrick's Day Party on March 17 and the Whisk[e]y Club of Matthews tasting Jameson on March 18. • When: Various times March 14-18 • Where: 157 N. Trade St., Matthews • Details: www.gomalleys.com
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Regional Section • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 2B
DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants Feb. 14-20: Lowest Scores • Crossroads Grill & Bar, 5250 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe – 90 Violations include: Certified food protection manager wasn’t available; employee salad was stored above ready-toeat foods; microwave and meat slicers weren’t clean; lettuce and tomatoes in top of prep cooler weren’t cold enough; menu did not have proper disclosure statement; and foods in prep unit weren’t date-marked. • Tienda Y Taqueria Romeros, 405 Sutherland Ave., Monroe – 90.5 Violations include: Certified food protection manager wasn’t available; several pans of cooked meats and grilled onions/peppers in steam table weren’t held hot enough; several bags of previously cooked meats in cooler didn’t have date marks; and beef stomach chunks were thawing in pot stored directly on floor. Indian Trail • Chick-fil-A, 13801 E. Independence Blvd. – 99 • Panera Bread, 14035 U.S. 74 – 97 • Smoothie King, 208 Postage Way – 93 • Wendy’s, 13810 E. Independence Blvd. – 94 Matthews (Union) • Harris Teeter (deli), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99 • Harris Teeter (meats/seafood), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 100 • Hot Wok, 5943 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 Matthews (Mecklenburg) • Baltimore Crab Cake Company (mobile food), 131 E. John St. – 98 • Good Cup, 435 N. Trade St. – 98.5 • The Loyalist Market, 435 N. Trade St. – 98 Monroe • Claws, 812 N. Charlotte Hwy. – 93 • Compare Foods (meat market), 1600 Skyway Drive – 97 • Compare Foods (produce), 1600 Skyway Drive – 97.5 • Crossroads Grill & Bar, 5250 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 90 • Mr. Tokyo, 2239 W. Roosevelt Blvd. –96 • Papa John’s Pizza, 1620 E. Roosevelt Blvd. – 91.5 • Tienda Y Taqueria Romeros, 405 Sutherland Ave. – 90.5 Stallings • New Asia Market, 4400 Potter Road – 95 • New Asia Market (meat market), 4400 Potter Road – 99 Waxhaw • Cork & Ale, 113 E. N. St. – 98.5 • Frontier Meats, 8303 Lancaster Ave. – 98.5 • GRITS Home Cookin’, 7909 Lancaster Ave. – 94 • Harris Teeter (deli), 8157 Kensington Drive – 96
Above left: Tricia Green has brought new and refurbished furniture to her store, Magnolia on Main. Above right: The store, located at 130 S. Main St. in Monroe, features work by Maureen Boone, who makes items out of spoons. Lee Noles/UCW photos
Making old new again
Magnolia on Main focuses on new, refurbished furniture a color Green describes as farmhouse white. “I went to Sherwin-Williams and I told them what I wanted. No eggshell white, but white, white,” said Green, who trimmed the outlying walls with black and has a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. “It just works.” The rural theme continues in the store as Green used shiplap to decorate a back wall behind the cash register. The exterior siding is a nod not only to Joanna Gaines, who inspired Green with her television show of a modernized farmhouse-style, but also to Green’s grandparents. Green remembers driving to her family’s farm in Alabama from her native Ohio to spend time each summer walking the grand front porch, roaming the white farmhouse with its black shudders and eating meals at the nine-foot farmhouse table. “It’s something I never forgot about,” Green said. Green continues the strong family bond as her two sons are also involved in the business. Colin is 19 years old and manages Magnolia on Main. Chad, 26, helps on the weekends. The family even got the store ready as Colin painted and Coy placed the shiplap and laid down the flooring. Green’s mother, Ginger, came up with the name of the store. “It’s neat,” Green said of having her family in-
by Lee Noles Contributor
MONROE – Tricia Green loves doing what she calls “picking.” The Union County resident travels to flea markets, auctions and yard sales finding deals on old pieces of furniture she redecorates with energetic colors. Green recently brought her passion for making old things new again to Monroe by opening Magnolia on Main. The store brings an eclectic style of farmhouse and urban decorum that features new and reclaimed furniture as well as clothing and jewelry that Green says fit the small-town atmosphere Monroe exudes. “We are trying to give everyone a different style,” Green said. The store’s opening happened almost by chance when Green and her husband, Coy, stumbled upon the empty building after finishing dinner at a local restaurant. It was then, Green realized she had found the place to build her idea of combining urban farmhouse with a rustic vibe that defines her other business. Green started The Farmhouse Market in Indian Trail five years ago and wants her new business in Monroe to build on its popularity. She is doing it by matching urban themes of industrial lighting and weathered metal with walls painted
volved. “It’s nice to have your kids there.” The store features two artists in addition to Green’s refurbished furniture. Rustic Attitude was started by Maureen Boone, who creates necklaces, bracelets and other accessorized items from spoons. Lori Hofmeister is an artist who helps Green with painting the furniture as well as displaying her own work in the store. The two use Dixie Belle paint, which is supplied by Jill DeBerry, who runs the Willow Tree and Company out of Rockingham. Green not only sells the paint but she can also advise customers on how to apply it to their own furniture. Green has gotten the word out through Instagram, and her Facebook account has close to 500 followers since the store’s opening on Feb. 8. The buzz on social media is all well and good but Green is more interested in the face-to-face service she embraces. “It’s not just a customer coming through the door, but a repeat customer who becomes a friend,” Green said.
Want to go?
Magnolia on Main operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 130 S. Main St. Call 704-635-7057 for details.
VOLUNTEER NOW!
Love your life, On Your Terms! Connection isn’t our goal, it’s our promise.
THE QUEEN’S CUP STEEPLECHASE
We believe life is best lived among friends. Let us handle the cooking and cleaning to give you time to find passions and people that inspire you. Call or visit to let us show you what it means to live connected.
Call: 704-271-1190 CarmelPlace.net
Call: 704-498-4552
WillowGroveRetirement.com
©2020 Holiday AL Management Sub LLC, 2001009
Stop by at our Open House on March 14
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 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
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Page 3B • Feb. 28, 2020 • Regional Section $12 at the door and $10 online. Children 12 and under are free. www.charlottespringho meandgardenshow.com Various times; 800 Briar Creek Road, Charlotte
THINGS TO DO Feb. 28
Feb. 28-March 8
Community Theater The Union County Playmakers present “Bedtime Stories (As Told By Our Dad Who Messed Them Up)” at the Monroe Crossing Mall. Future shows are at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 29, March 6, March 7, as well as 2:30 p.m. March 8. Tickets range $1215. https://unioncountyplay makers.org/ 7:30-9 p.m.; 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe
Home Show The Southern Spring Home Feb. 29 Polar Plunge & Garden Show offers ideas The 2020 Special Olympics for enhancing your living environment on two weekends Union County holds a Polar at the Park Expo and Confer- Plunge at Cane Creek Park. ence Center. Show hours are Register in advance: $30 for 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and minors and $50 for adults. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. https://bit.ly/38zsrgr 9:30 a.m.; 5213 Harkey Sundays, Feb. 28 to March Syndication Sales Corporation Road, Waxhaw 1 The and New MarchYork 6 to Times 8. Parking 620and Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 costs $8 a concession Call: 1-800-972-3550 Grand Opening area will For sellInformation snacks and For Release Wednesday, July 10, 2019 Renew Med Spa celebrates drinks. Tickets for adults are
27 Not backing, in the backwoods
1 Variety show lineup
28 Loan letters
5 Home shopping channel
29 Arp and Duchamp output
8 Longtime product 31 In ___ of with a “Classic 32 Place for a pin White” variety 35 Popular lingerie 13 Weight of an item owned by HanesBrands empty container 36 Co-owner of the Pequod
14 Mideast federation, for short
37 Word with rain or rock 15 Ancient source of 38 Mellow R&B tune prophecy 40 Range org. 16 Exceed the capacity of 41 “I’d consider ___ honor” 18 Doze 42 Legal rights, in 19 2005 dystopian France novel adapted 46 Graffitist, e.g. into a 2010 film 48 Expanse far from 21 Pastries with a ports portmanteau 49 Monuments of name classical antiquity … or what 22 Intoned literally is missing from this puzzle 26 Tick off
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE L A I C
E U R O
T R O N
N A C H O
A V O I R
M I N D B E N D E R
C O A L
O L G A
S A A T N E S U M A P P O O A N T E N E E D H M E R C L U I E N T G E
M A T E
A L A R M
J E T P O F W A G E T P R A S E L D I L S I V T M A I B I C O N
S A L R O A N T S S O V C A H M I E P N D S
K N I F E
U N B I R T O H I D L A Y C R O A M M A P R
N O E L
K Y L E
E I E I O
D O R M S
O S L O
F O E S
March 1 Hunger Walk Common Heart holds its third annual Hunger Walk at Crooked Creek Park. www. CommonHeartHungerWalk. org or 704-218-9060. 1:30-4:30 p.m.; 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail Pub Poker Deuces Pub Poker pres-
Edited by Will Shortz
Crossword ACROSS
its grand opening with a celebration that includes demonstrations. Free tickets are available on www.eventbrite. com. 704 843-0226 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 408 E. S. Main St., Waxhaw
51 The People’s Princess, familiarly 54 English churchyard flora 55 Title girl in a 2001 Oscarnominated French comedy 56 Beehive State native 57 River of northern France 58 Big superhero film of 2017 59 It’s divided by the 38th parallel: Abbr. 60 Some fundraising grps.
1
2
3
4
5
13
7
8
14
16
20
21
22
26 29 34
51
39
41
42
47
52
53
25
36
38
46
24
31
35
40
12
28
30
37
11
23
27
33
10
18
19
32
9
15
17
49
DOWN 1 Without delay 2 Setting for a Pirates of the Caribbean ride 3 ___ Noah, host of “The Daily Show” 4 Wooed à la Don Giovanni 5 Participated in a bee 6 Low-lying areas 7 European of the Iron Age 8 Heavy ankle-high shoe 9 Danger in a uranium mine 10 Prefix with conscious or catastrophe 11 Landon who lost to F.D.R. in 1936 12 Surely, informally 15 Bad artist to re-sign to a record deal 17 Thrifty
6
No. 0605
43
44
45
48 50 54
55
56
57
58
59
60
PUZZLE BY RICH PROULX
20 Quick Draw ___ (Hanna-Barbera character) 23 Follow 24 Blade with a bell guard 25 Miraculously effective medicine 27 Brother of Moses and Miriam 30 Loud, as trumpets 31 Sour candy 32 Domain of the Queen of Hearts
33 Subdivision of a subdivision 34 “La Vie en Rose” singer 36 Raise 38 He said “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision” 39 Big name in customer satisfaction surveys 41 Stranded during the winter, say
43 Response to “Look!” 44 Mother of Calcutta 45 Gives some lip 47 Havens 48 Have a loan from 50 Three Stooges laugh sound 51 Counselor’s subject 52 “I love,” to a Latin lover 53 Like F.D.R.: Abbr.
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.
ents Monday Night Pub Poker at Lounge 74. 704-494-9445 7-10 p.m.; 6443 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
March 3-8 Consignment Sale The Green Jeans Consignment Sale returns to the Levine Senior Center. Sale hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Visit the website for special shopping events and discounts. www. greenjeanssale.com Various times; 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews
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 to attend through www.eventbrite.com or by calling 704-849-2261. Email kate@cmgweekly.com to become a sponsor. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 800 Fullwood Drive, Matthews
LOUD&LIVE Feb. 28 • Beantown Tavern: Mark Starnes and the Boys • Coyote Joe’s: Scotty McCreery • Fillmore: KRS-One; Gogo vs. Old School Hip Hop Bash ft. Kid Capri • Mac’s Speed Shop: McKinney Gap • Neighborhood Theatre: Reel Big Fish, Big D and the Kids Table & Keep Flying • Rooftop 210: Yo Gotti • Southern Range: Act Two and JJ Langes Beatz • Stooges Pub: Action Jaxxon • Trail House: U-Phonik • Treehouse Vineyards: Russell N’ Woods Duo • Vintner’s Hill: River Ratz • Visulite: Abacab the Music of Genesis
Feb. 29 • Belk Theatre: Diana Ross • Beantown Tavern: Apple Brothers • Fillmore: Yo Gotti • Kristophers: Karaoke • Mary O’Neill’s: Two of Us • McGlohan Theatre: Kindred Family Soul • Moochies Tavern: Coconut Groove Band • Neighborhood Theatre: Downtown Abby & The Echoes and Ellis Dyson & The Shambles • Pour 64: Karaoke • Rooftop 210: Fabolous; Trey Songz • Stooges Pub: Action Jaxxon, Smilin’ Dogs & Bakkwoodz • Sweet Union: Radio Flyer Bluegrass Band • Trail House: Kids in America • Visulite: The Dirty Doors
March 1 • Fillmore: Jacquees • Oak Room: Lil Boosie & Stunna • Visulite: Audrey Mika w/ Souly Had
March 2 March 3 • DreamChaser’s: Music Bingo • Fillmore: Rufus Du Sol • Whiskey Warehouse:Ellie Morgan
March 4
March 5 • Bistro D’Antonio: Will Lee • Carolina Beer Temple: Open Mic w/ Nathan Davis • Jekyll & Hyde: Jaxx & Jacks • Pizza Peel (Matthews): Music Bingo • Visulite: Jason Moss and the Hosses
Venues Charlotte • Belk Theater:130 N. Tryon St. • Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • McGlohan Theatre: 345 N. College St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Oak Room: 200 E. Bland St. • Rooftop 210: 210 E. Trade St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. • Whiskey Warehouse: 1221 The Plaza Indian Trail • Sweet Union: 13717 E. Independence Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Jekyll & Hyde: 316 N. Trade St. • Kristophers: 250 N. Trade St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Pizza Peel: 110 Matthews Station St. Mint Hill • Pour 64: 4410 Mint Hill Village Lane • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road • Vintner’s Hill: 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road Monroe • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St.
• Belk Theater: Joe Bonamassa
• Fillmore: Skillet
• Neighborhood Theatre: Trigger Hippy & Revelwood Mission • Visulite: Freekbass & The Bump Assembly
Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio: 3909 Providence Road S. • DreamChaser’s: 115 E. N. Main St. • Mary O’Neill’s: 116 W. N. Main St.
Home Care for Seniors by Seniors
(704) 573-6838
Follow us on instagram
seniorcarecharlottenc.com Our loving, caring, compassionate seniors are here to help. We offer all the services you need to stay in your own home, living safely and independently.
@ITNCWeekly
@weeklywaxhaw
A Family Focused Estate Planning Law Firm Estate Planning is Way More Than “Who Gets My Stuff?” We will help you:
ZACHARY B. SETZER
UNION COUNTY’S ONLY BOARD CERTIFIED SPECIALIST IN ESTATE PLANNING AND PROBATE LAW WEDDINGTON CORNERS 1940 WEDDINGTON RD WEDDINGTON, NC 28104
• Avoid the costly, public probate process • Minimize or eliminate taxes • Protect your inheritance from divorce, creditors, predators, outsiders, and bankruptcy • Establish a succession plan for your business • Preserve your special needs child’s eligibility for government benefits without disinheriting them • Make sure your minor children never spend a moment in the hands of CPS or foster care
Your te a d p U to d e e N lan? Existing Estate P
FREE In-Depth 2 Hour
Family Wealth Planning Session Call 704-288-4326 or visit ProvidenceWillsAndTrusts.com
Schedule a No Cost, No Obligation 50 Point Estate Plan Review Today! Call 704-288-4326 or visit ProvidenceWillsAndTrusts.com
704-288-4326
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Regional Section • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 4B
How my son inspired me to become an author by Dennis L. Morrow Contributor
The Breakaway Music Festival is coming to Charlotte later this year. Photo courtesy of Breakaway Festival
Breakaway Music Festival coming to Charlotte CHARLOTTE – The Breakaway Music Festival has announced its complete 2020 calendar, which includes a weekend in Charlotte (Sept. 11 and 12). The music festival offers attendees industry-leading headliners right into their backyards while providing a solution to rising festival prices. “Our mission has always been to provide real fans with a true music festival experience, at a price they can actually afford,” co-founder Adam Lynn said. Stay tuned for lineups and programming in the next couple of months. Past bookings have included Kendrick Lamar, Halsey, Khalid, Wiz Khalifa and Diplo. Visit www.breakawayfestival. com/ for details.
Museum explores African American history CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Museum of History presents more than 250 years of history and culture at the African American Heritage Festival. Aside from tours of the Alexander homesite, the community can watch demonstrations, musical performances and check out exhibits. Participants include A Sign of the Times, Opera Carolina and the gospel singer Jett Edwards. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 29 at the museum, 3500 Shamrock Drive. Visit www.charlottemuseum. org or call 704-568-1774
All my life, starting in elementary school, I struggled with reading. Much of the assistance available to children now was not available to me back then. I had no way to understand this issue and there was little to do to correct the situation. Because I couldn’t read very well, I directed my education to learning numbers and equations. Eventually finding my niche with engineering. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering. I finished my education with an MBA in sales and marketing. My reading skills never got better. I was a stranger to books. Finally, in my adult life I found the patience to read books like “The Hobbit,” and “Lord of the Rings” by J. R. Tolkein, “Centennial” by James Michener and other books. It was slow reading but I thoroughly enjoyed the books. I never dreamed of writing books. Engineering and then sales and marketing became my professional career. My son, Steven, sent me a couple of screenplays he had written. After reading them, I got interested in the art of screenwriting. I went to the bookstore and bought some books on how to write a screenplay and my writing career took off. I wrote a screenplay called “The Tree House,” eventually I renamed it “Alliance of the Quad.” I took it to a Screenwriter’s Convention in Hollywood and was told the ideas in the screenplay were unique, interesting and would make a terrific movie. However, the movie would be quite expensive so I would have to create an audience before a movie could be made. I needed the write the book (books). I went back to the bookstore
and bought some books on how to write books. I began the journey that eventually created the five-book series, “Alliance of the Quad.” Now I want to inspire young readers – the ones that can read well, but more importantly the ones who struggle with reading. “The Alliance of the Quad” is a book series that is mesmerizing and captivating. The young reader will get swept up into the story quickly and be transported to faraway places and distant times as they read. They will learn how magical, captivating and mesmerizing reading can be. They will also learn about life’s lessons. My ultimate hope is that I can invite, motivate, encourage, inspire and transport the young and old into a world of magic, time travel and excitement. At the same time imprint the values and importance of reading in their lives. One way I am trying to do this is to give lectures on reading and writing to middle school students. This has been received quite well and my hope is it will inspire the young people I come in contact with. I am forever grateful for this gratifying opportunity. Meet the author Author Dennis Morrow has a book-signing event scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. March 7 and 8 at The Book Lady, 3513 W. U.S. 74, Monroe. Call 704-2820646 for details.
Above: Author Dennis L. Morrow admits that reading didn't come naturally for him. Screenplays from his son inspired him to begin writing. Photo courtesy of Dennis Morrow Right: The cover of Morrow’s book, “Alliance of the Quad: The New Alliance Volume 1.”
About the series
Dennis L. Morrow's “Alliance of the Quad” is a five-book series about four 15-year-olds that learn they were born into a line of powerful wizards that have taken on the responsibility of defending the world against the tyrannical rule of the Evil Queen Torron of the underworld. The temptations of evil affect each of the four Alliance members as they prepare themselves to fight the impending battle for control of the world.
Montes continues directing despite near-death experience by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com
PINEVILLE – The phrase, “the show must go on” has never rung truer to Pineville Players director Eva Montes, who was hit by a car and hospitalized prior to her show’s opening. Three months after the accident, Montes is still in a wheelchair. She was walking and got hit by a car in November, causing her to fly 30 feet. Montes said she crushed her left arm and left leg and broke her back, vertebrae and ribs. “It’s a miracle I’m alive, let alone directing a play,” Montes said. Despite all of the injuries she incurred, Montes will be able to walk again. Her passion for directing and her love for the upcoming play, “Down To Earth,” kept Montes going throughout her recovery. “Down to Earth” is a comedic play set in the 1940s. It follows two angels who descend to Earth to pick up two elderly souls. Trouble ensues when a third angel tags along to cause some mischief. Montes said she knows audiences will enjoy the play and its surprise ending. She has directed hundreds of shows, but “Down to Earth” is the first she is directing a second time. Something drew her back to this play, even before the accident. “It’s a play about angels, and I really feel like in real life, my angels protected me because I should be dead,” Montes said. After the accident, one of the new actresses in “Down To Earth” asked Montes if the show would be canceled.
Directing “Down to Earth” hit home for Eva Montes. The Pineville Players production is about angels coming to earth to pick up souls. Montes was badly injured after getting hit by a car. Photos courtesy of Pineville Players
“I may not be able to walk, but my mouth still moves,” Montes told her. “I would have to be in a coma for me not to be directing.” The process of directing, however, has presented many challenges. Montes said she and her actors used the conference room at the rehabilitation center for rehearsals after the accident. She also can’t move around as much in the wheelchair and has people drive her to rehearsals. She has also put strain on her right arm from moving it so much without the use of her left arm, which is still broken. Montes said for other shows, she has been able to get the word out by driving to local businesses and nurs-
ing homes to advertise, but she has not been able to for this show. Through all of the challenges, she said the actors and members of the community have been “more helpful than ever.” She admitted there have been times she has broken down and cried about the situation. “It’s been challenging and humbling,” Montes said. “It’s been tough, but the show’s going to go on.” Want to watch? The Pineville Players presents “Down to Earth” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and 29, as well as 2:30 p.m. March 1, at The Hut, Johnston Drive. Tickets are available at www. pinevilleplayers.com.
Regional Section • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 5B
Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.
SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT
HELP WANTED Amko Software Solutions, Inc. (Charlotte, NC) has the following openings: Software Engineers to research/evaluate applications & services for end clients. Provide compliance monitoring/ investigations; vulnerability assessments/penetration testing for apps, services, networks, servers. Record/track IT security incidents. Research/characterize security threats. Oversee dev. of customized software/hardware req’s. Plan/implement sys. Automation. Req: Master’s degree in Info. Sys. or rel. 1 yr. related development exp. to include AR Frameworks (IDL, runtime, data flow, etc.); designing/building product metrics; React, React Native, React VR, and other exotic languages or frameworks. SAP Finance Analysts to analyze business processes from Finance (FICO) POV & customize in SAP. Conduct GAAP analysis, prepare functional spec. doc. for enhancement/ new dev., & setup org structure for FICO modules. Conceptualize/customize settings in FICO Enterprise structure, Controlling Area, Company Codes, & Business Area. Define general ledger account group, accounts payable vendor group, & accounts receivable customer group. Perform configuration and customization tasks and prepare blueprint documents, configuration rationale documents, and user training documents. Req: BS in Soft. Eng., Comp. Sci. or rel. 5 yrs exp. to include: SAP config. in FI/ CO & SD modules; Info. Tech. sys. analysis function. Full job description at http://www.amkosoft. com/careers.html. Travel to unanticipated client locations w/i U.S. No telecommuting benefit. Email resumes to lbull ock@amkosoftinc.com.
(704) 909-7561
Affordable Prices • Outstanding Customer Service Attention to Detail • Quality Workmanship
(704) 619-0253
Licensed & Insured Call today for a Free Estimate
US ABOUT1104
P.O. BOX NC 28106 Matthews, 61 (704) 849-22
• Vol. 12
y.com justin@cmgweekl lweekly.com matthewsminthil
toenails Reducing ls thick toenai Reducing and RN corns s calluse Dianne Nguyen, 957-5458 Cell/text: (704) FootCare.com eraTouch Web: www.Th Place, Suite 106 7928 Council s, NC 28105 Matthew
MATTHE
ORAL RAC WS MAY
INTERIORIOR AND EXTER PAINTING SERVICES
81 704-567-77 90 704-771-01
FALL ART CLAS SES INSI WHAT'S
by Kayla ekly.com kayla@cmgwe
see any Jants may not the town’s S – Reside MATTHEWcampaign signs liningthe mayoral on ski son Majew they will see his name ld, streets, but Oct. 8. from Fairfie primary ballotmoved to Matthews y fell in love Majewski a year ago and quickl al race to t mayor Conn., almos He entered the have his demotown. with the another option and I don’t give voters ented in office. three kids. those graphic repres old. I have rs or “I’m 38 years current commissione , even those the raphic that ski demog know that same vote,” Majew running meetpotentially tend to to give people s: have people that two reason those are people like me who ews onds said. “So, Mayor resp s in on about Matth and so that an option are very passionate y weigh Paul Baile ate,” a family and signs, 6A w candid campaign have a voice.”been called a “shado hopes to gain He has ee with. He his social and in doesn’t disagr which he h word-of-mouth votes throug Page 5A
Call Bill
ELECTRIC O L O S Licensed and Insured
rocks Freedom promotes
Service group
A
Vick by Justin ekly.com justin@cmgwe
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS FOR HIRE
FREE Estimates
704-622-0654
soloelectric214@gmail.com HELP WANTED Music/Choir Director Local Baptist church seeking part-time Music/Choir Director. Please send resume to: personnelcommittee70@gmail.com
HELP WANTED Intern Architect 2 in Charlotte, NC: Entry level, intern architect with focus on computational design. Apply knowledge of technological/computational data driven design to both actual projects and project pursuits. Includes both research and the exploration of architectural design and developing new computational design methodologies to leverage data and develop design solutions. Requires: Bachelors + 2 yrs exp. Please mail resume to: Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Inc., 615 S. College Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202, Attn: HR.
• Lawn mowing • Landscape design and installation • Core Aeration and over seeding • Fertilization and weed control • Clean ups • Mulch and pine needle installation • Leaf removal
clontslawncare@gmail.com
Piano Instruction -Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer -Ballantyne area
•Beginners thru college level •Creative and innovative techniques •Development of performance skills including performing opportunities •Accelerated Summer Study
Pat Moehring
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 1st Saturday-1st Saturday-1st Saturday! Sidewalk Sale! 1stSaturday of every month at Servant’s Heart! Don’t miss it! Rock bottom prices on a variety of items not usually carried in our shop! 10am-5pm 9229 Lawyers Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227
FINANCIAL Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.
704-254-1321
HEALTH & MEDICAL With Medicare, shopping around is key. Compare FREE Quotes from A-Rated Carriers to Save on a Medigap Plan Today! Get Covered and Save!! Call 855-3999915 Have a CPAP machine for sleep apnea? Get replacement FDA approved CPAP machine parts and supplies at little or no cost! Free sleep guide included! 855-8080483! Suffering from an ADDICTION to Alcohol, Opiates, Prescription PainKillers or other DRUGS? There is hope! Call Today to speak with someone who cares. Call NOW 1-877-753-4281
704-564-4275 HEALTH & MEDICAL
EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION
Attention: Oxygen Users! Gain freedom with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator! No more heavy tanks and refills! Guaranteed Lowest Prices! Call the Oxygen Concentrator Store: 855-338-5462 Lung Cancer? Asbestos exposure in industrial, construction, manufacturing jobs, or military may be the cause. Family in the home were also exposed. Call 1-866-7953684 or email cancer@ breakinginjurynews.com. $30 billion is set aside for asbestos victims with cancer. Valuable settlement monies may not require filing a lawsuit.
AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING – Get FAA Technician certification. Approved for military benefits. Financial Aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)724-5403
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AVON - Earn Extra $$. Sell online or in person from home or work. Free website included. No inventory required. For more info, Call: 844613-2230
Contact us for custom affordable ad opportunities.
Inside:
ABOU
Indian Trail
justin@cmgwe thecharlottew ekly.com eekly.com
ST, Page see PODCA
4A
E-taile
r brand
Friday,
s join So
704-4
58-93
89
cupcakedel irium.vpwe b.com/
Drigg s
uthPar k Mall
9 • Vol.
3A
BROUGHT
Line g
by Justi justin@cm n Vick gweekly.co m
• Page
Arts Entert ai
Nov. 15, 201
i, Driggs
Bokhari
balk at
19 • No.
46
ets ke y
$50M
pre-de ve
TO YOU
Flip to
lopmen t price
RAIL, Page
ion
Andrew Sports
:
2A
Christ ma
BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY
Save the
dates Six Chri stm you can’ as events t miss, 1B
Friends
for life Second -grader secu historic artifact, res 3A
Stark
Editor
Predicti the play ng offs
I
Supe
r7 Elite team s prep are for the play offs, 4A
THE WEEKLY
nmen t 1B
vote
FOOTBA LL S INSIDE
BY
page
the go-a CHARLO Charlottehead to move two cont TTE – The wanted ’s two distr forward, but south engineerinracts totaling city will enter more ict planning g firms for $51 million into They also wantspecifics on representatives portation coul with the d be diffe ed the publ funding sour now, such a light rail of the future pre-developme signi rent a as the onse nt require. ficant investmen ic to unde ces. cles. to Gast line that coul LYNX Silver t of auto decade from t the proje rstand on coun Line d span mated Tariq Bokh “What from Unio , The Char ties. ct will vehiari, who n 6, didn down the ultimately happ lotte City ’t want represents Council having $50 million ens is when we Dist gave staff without havin to approve the design go path first cont rict tion is [that conversat g a discu funding ion], that without ract gun had a coup mechanism ssion abou Anoth conversato our head le years from s. He er seas believes t the – a $50 milli now with a transon, an on gun other ce to our see
lebrat
WHAT'
Shop with s show 450 vendors holiday , 1B
BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY
Silver Bokhar
Vick by Justin ekly.com justin@cmgwe
it hot. Bailey likes S – Paul ra Dement MATTHEW s it cold. Barba is just fine o prefer Mark Tofan ut latte, while water. enjoys a hazeln n and John Urban an eptime to recordy's elecfor John Higdo taken the Hill Weekl Each has ews-Mint a Candidate.” The with isode of Matth seven to 15 st “Coffee tion podca ranging from r, Google es, first five episodbe found on Ancho can minutes, y. Garner, Spotif Renee and e Podcasts es will includ a taste of Future episod others, but here's have talkand ed so far Dave Bland ates featur episodes. tive the what candid their respec ed about on o Trade Mark Tofan Episode 1: t a house on Souththat inng Tofano boughbut a nearby rezoni promptd his home also saw Street in 2012, density aroun r. He creased the for commissione transparency run increased ed him to tunity for an oppor leaders. among town
T
P.O. BOX US Matthews, 1104 NC (704) 849-2 28106 261
adsales@cmgweekly.com or call 704-849-2261
versary e-year anni arks its on hospital m Mint Hill hospital, ent of the Hill only presid She's not president of the Mint r and her also erce. Greea at severbut she's of Comm in Chamber ers have pitched Servant's team memb in town, including Historint Hill arities h Mint
Call Anytime!
Give us a call to schedule you pre emergent and weed control applications!
or call Betty
man’s Coffee r at Brake by ski is a regula sometimes stops l. Jason Majew Matthews. He from schoo own his kids in downt to pick up his way photo there on on/MMHW Kayla Berens
SKI, see MAJEW
rusT
Licensed & Insured • Free estimates
• Trail Building • Light Grading FREE ESTIMATES • Tractor • Small Dump Truck • Skid Loader 980-240-7358 • Trachoe • Concrete Demo 704-622-6460 • Bush Hogging • Small Trees Cut **We are licensed and insured** • Footings **We have been in business for 20 years**
t foc Podcas ts on residen office for running
on Constructi 1B Stadium, Memorial
e
980-622-7833
BF Construction Services
DE
aking Groundbrestarts at
od
Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com
704-254-5381
ith Coffee w e at a Candid uses
mayor
n
Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • Roofing • Room Additions • Decks
Fully Insured • 20 Years Experience • Senior Discount
Matthews nger for with r, a challe episode Renee Garne r, recorded an Adrian Sept. 24. commissione Berenson on Kayla reporter W photo Garson/MMH
next become wants to Majewski Berenson
Your Home CONCRETE WORK Exterior •••I G W T ••• Specialists
Drywall • Painting • Decks • Windows • Doors Framing • Roofing • Gutters • Siding Water Damage & All Types of Flooring • Tile Work Plumbing • Electrical • House Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning
E
Higdon
980-253-9496
The handy Man
• No. 39
candidate Another mix enters the Bailey
CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES
Phone: (803)287-1971 | ptear50@gmail.com
Page 5A
A THIRD OPTION
• PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING
Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)
address ures to help es and proced in our community. ce g.” the iceber the violen the tip of said This is just r Vilma Leake Commissionebeen trying to tackle has they time and the board for a long job” when it Berenson this issue by Kayla on the ekly.com not “lazy were cmgwe ce. p kayla@ Dunla to gun violen unity imHarris is- came ah Cole, comm Health, cides in Alisah E – Homi 119% explore this . Atrium Harden to for LOTT excited g up CHAR are up Leake said he is with the help of others d pact officer is teamin g County inhospital r the most Mecklenbur That number has said the enburg County Public presented at the sue furthe of people have reache June. Health level last heard from Atrium “A lot statistics with Meckl “They’ve is the only ach the recent homicide help. Health because it The two out,” Dunlap said. creased since. to appro meeting. willing to road, After tryinga criminal justice per- board’s Sept. 17 to get to the root our cry and they’re 7A down this of orate CE, Page problem fromMecklenburg Board a plan to collab and establish a rec- And as we start calling on staff to see VIOLEN m try the the proble going to be policies, processspective, the issioners will action for of of we’re with course to develop County Commach, this time ommended p help us appro different rns in mind. en- board. George Dunla an conce Board Chairm public health ives from Meckl Representat Public Health and ty burg Coun
dmoore.com www.paintingan re@bellsouth.net paintingandmoo
704-918-6248 • mctoolmanservices@gmail.com www.mctoolman.com Roof to Floor and SO MUCH MORE...
Experienced s Insured s Reliable • ELECTRICAL • CERAMIC TILE • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS
38 Years of Experience
Commiss
Foot Care Nursing Trimming
Tony DeMarzo
Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed
Fully Insured
ce t on videolpaen rtment h ready to ac y leadkerrecsommendations from healt Countion ers see 27, 2019
. Friday, Sept
“Affordable” Custom Moldings Picture Hanging Drywall Repairs Light Electric & Plumbing Storage Solutions
HOME REPAIRS & IMPROVEMENTS
Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters
SATELLITE TV
or expo •
DeMARZO
Repair & Replacement of: • Roofing • Siding • Gutters • Deck & Patio Repair/Paint • Carpentry • Rotten Wood Repair
Paul Tant
DIRECTV SELECT PACKAGE! Over 150 Channels, ONLY $35/ month (for 12 mos.) Order Now! Get a $100 AT&T Visa Rewards Gift Card (some restrictions apply) CALL 1-877-6662821 DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-855-419-7188
t week’s seni
FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED
Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service
HELP WANTED
ister for nex
Veteran owned and operated
A+ BBB | DOT:A2998402 | NCUC: 4646 CALL TODAY FOR QUOTE! (704) 907-1777
Kelly’s Painting
Quality Assurance Engineer: Participate in the creation & implmtn of the QA & automation roadmap (both functional & performance); define automation process, standards, guidelines & checklists; drive the automation feasibility study & ROI data & participate in tools identification, POC, & selection process; dsgn, create, customize, & maintain hybrid testing frameworks for automation & performance testing; define standard operating procedures addressing the key tasks of creation, execution, risk assessment, report, maintenance, & reusability; define & doc automation strategies for new & existing applications at the enterprise level; provide support for the overall testing efforts & delivery of quality end products. Reqs a Bach’s deg in Comp Sci & Engr + 5 yrs’ exp as QA Automation Engineer/Test Engineer. Email resume to Andrea.Jackson@ baker-taylor.com, Baker & Taylor, LLC, Charlotte, NC 28217.
Inside: Reg
Organizing & Delivery Local & Long-Distance Moves Packing & Unpacking Junk Removal Veteran Owned & Operated We will do the packing and cleaning for you! Assistance with storage and organization.
f there were high scho a way to I would ol football bet on games, have mad people a weekly lot of money e a lot of predictio with
my gam my ns. Unfo because e picks were just rtunately, windfall. I sure could have for fun, used the All year most of long I’ve been winners the time – pick – at least the high and calling upse ing game scho ts But this ol landscape. around is playo shaking ff time, so it up. I’m Here are each area three quick I see it. game and the facts about outcome as No. 10 Vance Butler (8-2) at (8-3 No. 7 • Form ) back Aust er South Mec er for the in Grier is the k quarterlast week Cougars, who signal callbeen seedeby Hough or were upset wou d much • The higher. ld have the Cou last time these gars won teams met, 49, but Butler ownin a wild one ing won 50nine of s the series, hav11. • Butl Worthy er running back Jama the seasois 60 yards shy l of Bulldog n. He leads the 1,000 on downs. attack with run-heavy 13 touc hWinner: Vance No. 12 No. 5 ArdrIndependence • The ey Kell (10- (6-5) at straight Knights have1) to unde since opening won 10 with a claimed feated Wedding loss ton and conferen their second consecuti ce title. ve
Charlotte Chris senior scored tian receiver a touch Logan down in the Jones (1) and Knights’ quar state chamterback pionshipMatthew Tuom win over ala Christ (5) congratul School. ate Andrew JB Awolowo Stark/SCW after the by Andr photo andrew@ ew Stark cmgw eekly.com
New-loo k Knigh ts earn
three-p eat
CHARLO your typic TTE – This wasn football al Charlotte ’t made theteam, but in the Christian third straigmost of it and end, they won their ht title School by beati 38-2 ng Chri The Knig1 on Nov. 8. st hts having won 21 came into 2019 and two consecuti college-le state champion ve games on Satu vel talent who ships with rday now play Charlotte s. Chri season well, drilli stian started the open the ng Sun costly. er, but that gam Valley in e proved Char Starting lotte Chris Tuomala quarterback tian finish ed 2019 and star Matt later hand Henry with an running hew ed Rutledge 8-2 recor and the were ding back over to tight endthe quarterba d. Andre Knig w Stark cking Brett Both filled /SCW They first hts struggled. ed up, to losin photo in adm Adams. g Knights turned running irably, but ing last those 23 senio were to year. rs graduatAwolowo back/defensive receiver/ they wanted out of sync with the “Last year, to run what to offen end JB were limit every coul the offen sivel ed se and their quar not only by y, and thosed do it beca one knew terback the loss people, use we had we but also of all but we adjusting lost a of big see KNIGHTS,
Page 4A
Hundred Thunbe s rally behind rg to pr Greta otect see STAR
K, Page
by Kayla
Beren
5A
tag
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Regional Section • Feb. 28, 2020 • Page 6B
NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
Calvin’s Craft Cookies turns used brewery grains into dog treats by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Breweries only use grains like barley, oats, wheat, millet, rye and rice in the first step of the beer-making process – when they’re soaked in water to extract sugar. Some of what’s left is donated to local farmers, but a lot still goes to waste. Not any more. Eric Westerduin and Sheera Bursch, co-founders of Calvin’s Craft Cookies, are upcycling those grains into nutrient-packed treats for dogs. The Charlotte-based duo has been making the treats since January thanks to used grains donated from Pilot Brewing, Town Brewing Co., The Unknown Brewing Company, Divine Barrel Brewing and The Suffolk Punch. The treats are peanut butter flax flavor and made of brewer’s grains, unbleached all-purpose flour, peanut butter and cinnamon. There is no meat, fillers or preservatives. The next flavor for release is apples and cheese. Calvin’s Craft Cookies are packaged in recyclable aluminum cans that each contain approximately 45 cookies and retail for $8.99 online and at breweries, veterinary clinics, pet grooming salons and pet supply stores across the Charlotte region. Every month, 15% of proceeds are donated to a different local animal rescue group. Westerduin said he came up with the idea for Calvin’s Craft Cookies (named after his mini dachshund) after winning a contest to brew his own beer at Unknown Brewing Company. That’s when he learned about the beer-making process and what happens to all the leftover grains. “I thought, there must be a better way to reuse these grains and recycle them because they’re still so nutritious,” he said. An entrepreneur with a background in business and finance, Westerduin has started a handful of small businesses
over the years. He works at Suite Plants, a company he co-founded in 2012 that’s based in Charlotte and manufactures custom living plant wall systems for indoor and outdoor spaces. Bursch is the director of marketing at Suite Plants but was a veterinary technician and veterinary nurse for many years. Before agreeing to join Calvin’s Craft Cookies, Bursch said she took a hard look at the grains that would go into the treats from a veterinary health standpoint. “During the brewing process, they’ve taken out the sugar and what you’re left with are these really nutritious grains,” Bursch said. “They have protein. They have fiber. They have carbs. They’d be really good dog treats. Plus, the grains they get for craft breweries are such high quality.” As soon as Bursch and Westerduin got their hands on some brewer’s grains, they began experimenting in their own kitchens and testing variations of treats on their dogs. It didn’t take long to nail down the final recipe. “That was the key,” Bursch said. “If the dogs didn’t like it, it wasn’t going to work out.” When it came to packaging, they knew they wanted Calvin’s Craft Cookies to be different. Westerduin said most dog treats sold in stores are packaged in single-use plastic bags, which didn’t fit with their sustainable and eco-friendly brand, so they decided to do beer cans instead. Not only are the cans aluminum and recyclable, but they’re also eye-catching at local breweries and pet stores. “I think we’re in the position where if breweries had a box of Milk-Bones behind the bar, no one would care, but they see the cans and they’re like, ‘Oh my God!’” Westerduin said. Jeff Hudson, who owns Pilot Brewing in Plaza Midwood with his wife, Rachael, said grains are one of four main ingredients of beer. The grains are soaked in water to extract sugar and the sugary liquid is used later in the fermen-
tation process to make alcohol. After the liquid is drained, the grains are set aside and the beer-making process continues. Hudson donates his spent grains to farmers who use them to feed livestock, but he was happy to also give some to Bursch and Westerduin. “It really was no sweat,” Hudson said. “They only use so little, so it’s not hard to share it with people like that.” Bursch and Westerduin said the breweries have been generous, and that’s helped with production. Since starting Calvin’s Craft Cookies earlier this year, Bursch said they’ve been doing everything themselves, from picking up the grains to making, canning and delivering the treats. It’s manageable now, she said, but they may have to find a co-packing facility in the future to handle the demand. “Hopefully, we grow enough to need that,” Bursch said. “Charlotte is such a craft brewery and dog-friendly city, this should be a home run for us,” Westerduin said.
Above: Calvin’s Craft Cookies can be found at several locations across the region, including Baxter Veterinary Clinic (1152 Stonecrest Blvd., Tega Cay, S.C.), Mane Street Horse & Pet (7915 Lancaster Hwy., Waxhaw), Pet in the City (9600 Monroe Road, Charlotte) and Woof ‘n Hoof (7710 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill). Visit www.calvinscraft cookies.com for more locations. Below: Eric Westerduin (left) and Sheera Bursch (right) are the co-founders of Calvin’s Craft Cookies, a Charlotte-based startup that makes sustainable dog treats using spent grains from local breweries. Karie Simmons/UCW photos
On the lookout for happy campers?
2020
With the ever-increasing competition for children’s summer camp activities, get the competitive advantage by getting your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers. Each of our 4 Summer Camp issues will have dedicated editorial sections in all of our award-winning newspapers.
2020 Issue Dates •
March 6th April 3rd April 24th
C G Charlotte Media Group
Circulation: 20,900
Indian Trail
THE WEEKLY
BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY
BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY
Circulation: 6,000
Circulation: 10,000
Circulation: 13,000
Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@cmgweekly.com.com