South Charlotte Weekly Jan. 24, 2020 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Food, blankets sought for drives • Page 2A

Arts Entertainment BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Flip to page 1B Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 • Vol. 20 • No. 4

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261

Townhomes proposed for Providence Road West by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

justin@cmgweekly.com thecharlotteweekly.com

704-458-9389

cupcakedelirium.vpweb.com/

CHARLOTTE – A wooded 2.2-acre parcel fronting Providence Road West may be redeveloped into 21 townhomes if the Charlotte City Council approves the rezoning. A house sits on the property, which is between Lancaster Highway and Rothesay Drive. It's within a mile from Ballantyne Elementary School and the Publix at Ballantyne Town Center. The Charlotte City Council held a public hearing Jan. 21 for the rezoning. “As far as product, we don't commit to price points for housing,” said Collin Brown,

who is representing the development team. “Land costs in that area are such that these would not be affordable.” Cameron Wright told the council he was aware the property would eventually be redeveloped when he moved into the neighborhood. He's content with the project, noting it could be worse. “Would I rather have a nice natural park by itself? Sure that would be nice, but let's be realistic. It's not going to happen.” Matthew Skvoretz opposed the project for a few reasons, including insufficient road infrastructure, height of the buildings (40 see TOWNHOMES, Page 6A

Collin Brown described the site of a proposed 21-townhome community as a fast-growing area that people want to live. Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte

GETTING IN ON THE ACTION Myers Park grad finds her footing in film industry

WHAT'S INSIDE:

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Second chance Concussions nearly ended hoops career, 4A

Craft coffee Area roasters get a taste of growth, 1B

They're chilling Antarctic dinosaurs are coming, 4B

Top: Director Jamie Holt gives instructions to the cast of “The Filth.” Above left: Holt works with Cinematographer Jonathan Pope. Above right: Holt offers direction to “The Filth” actors (from left) Jay Lee (Danny), Chad Westbrook (Cory) and Jake Delaney (Max). Vatch Karagozian photos

CHARLOTTE – Jamie Holt is coming off her biggest and most fulfilling film project to date. The Myers Park High School alum spent two years developing, “The Filth,” a five-episode series that Holt now lives on YouTube. She served as executive producer and director of the series. “I'm so excited about it because this is the first project I've done that is a large-scale that I got to direct, cut my teeth and really show what I can do,” Holt said. “I think it's really reflective of my style as a filmmaker and as a storyteller.” “The Filth” follows two main characters. Stella is in the process of coming out to her family as bisexual as she falls in love with a little person. Her best friend, Max, has feelings for his roommate. Ten pages into reading the script, Holt knew she wanted to direct it. She's drawn to stories about marginalized people. “I was really excited about telling see FILM, Page 5A

2019 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON AWARDS

McClintock Heating & Cooling Education, training propel McClintocks to success by Justin Vick

Mobility

justin@cmgweekly.com

Alfaro helps seniors stay on the road, 3A

Expansion Assisted stretching is catching on, 6A

CHARLOTTE – Rob and Kim McClintock planned on going to a national conference in Orlando, Florida, but they canceled their trip after learning about a workforce development event scheduled for the same day at Ardrey Kell High School. The couple saw a greater opportunity to share with students and school staff the many benefits to working in the trades, particularly ones they specialize in at McClintock Heating & Cooling in Matthews. Their focus on the community is one of the many reasons why they received Charlotte Media Group's 2019 Small Business Person of the Year Award on Jan. 16 at the

HIGH SCHOOL

ATHLETE Waxhaw 1315 N. Broome St. 704-243-2024

Matthews 11100 Monroe Rd. 704-841-2025

OF THE

WEEK

Hampton Inn & Suites SouthPark @ Phillips Place. “One thing that stood out to us about this couple and their business is they were very committed to providing education resources to their staff, so much so that they have created an apprenticeship program to help showcase that trade schools are a viable option,” said Adrian Garson, publisher of Charlotte Media Group. see BUSINESS, Page 5A

Top right: Kim and Rob McClintock listen as they are announced winners of Charlotte Media Group’s 2019 Small Business Person of the Year Award. Justin Vick/SCW photo Bottom right: Michael Smith, of Carolinas Natural Health Center, celebrates with his staff. Kevin Young/The 5 and 2 Project

WILLIAM LOWERY MYERS PARK WRESTLING The Myers Park senior wrestler Will Lowery has already captured the King of Kings Invitational Champion and the Bearcat Invitational championships this season. Lowery is 21-8 at 160 pounds through Jan. 20. Are you a coach and know an incredible athlete you’d like us to feature? email us at Andrew@cmgweekly.com

Page 2A • South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020

NEWS BRIEFS

IN THE KNOW PHOTO OF THE WEEK

thriving live, work, play community is exciting to witness, and Ayrsley is at the epicenter of that transformation,” said Donald Santos, managing director of Alliance Residential Carolinas.

STAY CONNECTED • Instagram: @southcltweekly • Twitter: @southcltweekly • Like us on Facebook • Web: www.thecharlotte weekly.com • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

CONTACT US Kylie Sark has served as art director for Charlotte Media Group since March 2018. Learn more about her in our web series “Meet the Staff” on our YouTube channel. Justin Vick/SCW photo

MOST POPULAR STORIES • Bunch of Old Men softball league stays grounded in fun • Charlotte announces services changes ahead of MLK holiday • South Charlotte resident runs for governor with Constitution Party • Alliance Residential to build luxury community in Ayrsley • Open Streets 704 returning after record year

TWEETS OF THE WEEK • “Jan. 18 was a significant personal milestone for me. Two years ago, my wonderful surgeon replaced my jaw and other facial bones with my fibula. Incredible! Two years is extremely significant in cancer recovery, and I’ve been cleared ever since that day. I’m beyond grateful!” – Andrew Stark (@AndrewStark66) • “Lord, help me be the person I thought I could be when I bought all these resistance bands and smoothie ingredients #momlife” – Adrian Garson (@AdrianGarson1) • “Some may call it hoarding. I prefer collecting.” – Jimmie Johnson (xxxxxxxxxx)

UPCOMING EDITIONS • Feb. 14: Summer Camps • Feb. 21: Thrive Over 55 • Feb. 28: Arts & Entertainment

PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Adrian Garson adrian@cmgweekly.com BUSINESS MANAGER Rebecca Jensen rjensen@cmgweekly.com MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com SPORTS EDITOR Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com CONTENT PRODUCER Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark art@cmgweekly.com ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb Julie Foras adsales@cmgweekly.com

Warm your Heart at Waltonwood Providence

Tomato Soup Tours

Waltonwood Cotswold collects blankets for charity Last year’s Scouting for Food drive collected over 255,000 pounds of food to help feed hungry neighbors in need. Photo courtesy of Loves & Fishes

County boy scouts collect food for hungry CHARLOTTE – Scouts will go door-to-door in neighborhoods throughout Mecklenburg County on Feb. 1 collecting non-perishable food items for Loaves & Fishes. Priority needs include canned fruit, canned meats, canned pastas and cereal, especially low sodium, low sugar and low-fat items. The week prior to Feb. 1, Mecklenburg County Boy Scouts will distribute 170,000 Scouting for Food grocery bags provided by Harris Teeter in neighborhoods throughout the county. If you receive a bag, fill with non-perishable food items and leave outside your home by 9 a.m. for pick up by Scouts on Feb. 1. Drop off food donations at various Scouting for Food collection sites, Feb. 1 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Feb. 2 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.). Scouts will be on hand to collect donations at these locations: Arboretum Shopping Center (Providence Road and N.C. 51), Sharon Presbyterian Church (5201 Sharon Road), South Mecklenburg Presbyterian (8601 Bryant Farms Road) and Trinity Presbyterian Church (3115 Providence Road). Visit www.loavesandfishes.org for a list of collection sites.

Barreau earns Dick O'Brien Award from SCORE CHARLOTTE – SCORE Charlotte awarded its highest honor, the “Dick O’Brien Award” for 2019, to Gene ‘Eugene’ Barreau in recognition of his 16-plus years of service Barreau since joining the organization in 2005. Barreau, who lives in the SouthPark area, has over 50 years of experience in sales and information technology, including 28 years as part-owner of Heyward Incorporated of Charlotte. In 2017, Barreau was also awarded SCORE Charlotte’s first National Gold Member Award in recognition of his Exceptional Contribution and Meritorius Service to the SCORE Association. SCORE consists of active and retired business executives and business owners providing free face-to-face mentoring to small business, including start-ups.

Rea Farms school gets name

February 13th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. February is Healthy Heart Month. To celebrate we’re offering warm cups of tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. Stop in for lunch and enjoy a tour of our senior living community and learn about the lifestyle we provide.

RSVP today! P ROVIDENCE

704-753-7019

Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has named the new school in the Rea Farms area “Rea Farms STEAM Academy.” School board members also considered Providence South STEAM Academy and South Providence STEAM Academy.

Alliance Residential to build luxury community in Ayrsley CHARLOTTE – Alliance Residential has acquired nearly 15 acres at 2215 Silver Crescent Drive for the development of Broadstone Ayrsley, a walkable luxury multifamily community. Construction of the newest residential community in the Ayrsley mixed-use development will begin this year and finish in 2021. Broadstone Ayrsley will consist of 320 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes averaging 939 square feet. “Steele Creek’s evolution from suburb to a

CHARLOTTE – Waltonwood Cotswold is helping people stay warm at night by collecting blankets, quilts and sheets to donate to Crisis Assistance Ministry. Executive Director Nichola Johnson said the senior living community has hosted multiple drives benefiting nonprofits. “Giving back is something we pride ourselves in at the community,” Johnson said. The public is encouraged to drop off items from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday through Jan. 28 at the front desk, 5215 Randolph Road.

John Smaby, 2020 immediate past president of the National Association of Realtors, served as the installation officer for Maren Brisson-Kuester. Photo courtesy of NC REALTORS

Brisson-Kuester takes reins of NC REALTORS CHARLOTTE – Maren Brisson-Kuester, chief operating officer of HM Properties, was inaugurated as the NC REALTORS president during the 48,000-member trade association winter leadership meetings Jan. 16 at the Omni Charlotte Hotel. “2020 will be an exciting and eventful year for our association, our industry and our state,” she said. “I look forward to growing our association’s role as the voice of real estate in North Carolina and ensuring that we speak with one vision, one community and one voice.” Not only did Brisson-Kuester serve as a two-term president for Canopy Realtor Association in 2015 and 2016, but she also had leadership roles with NC REALTORS and the National Association of Realtors.

Brews & Bites returns to SouthPark CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Alliance offers an after-hours networking opportunity at Legion Brewing SouthPark. Brews & Bites takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Legion Brewing, 5610 Carnegie Blvd. Registration for the business after-hours event is free for members and $15 for others. Registration includes a drink and appetizers. Register at https://charlotteregion.com.

Homeless will have resources during extreme cold CHARLOTTE – Additional resources were put in place to expand capacity at the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte/Urban Ministry Center and Salvation Army Center of Hope in response to extreme temperatures projected Jan. 19 to 22. Both implemented a no-turn-away policy for eligible individuals seeking shelter. Men’s Shelter of Charlotte/Urban Ministry Center and Supportive Housing Communities/PATH – Homeless Outreach teams conducted outreach visits in the community to ensure awareness of available resources. Charlotte Area Transit System buses transported people to shelters free of charge Sunday through Wednesday during the day.

Call Today for a FREE Estimate

(704) 212-2379

CLOG-FREE GUTTERS GUARANTEED** SEAMLESS, ONE-PIECE SYSTEM KEEPS OUT LEAVES, PINE NEEDLES AND DEBRIS. ELIMINATES THE RISK OF FALLING OFF A LADDER TO CLEAN CLOGGED GUTTERS. DURABLE ALL-WEATHER TESTED SYSTEM.

Receive a $100 restaurant.com gift card with FREE in-home estimate!*

South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020 • Page 3A

2019 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR FINALIST

Ilderton Conversion helps people regain independence by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – For Mike Alfaro, working as the general manager of Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte is about more than just selling cars and vans. It’s about making a connection with his clients. Alfaro has worked at Ilderton for five years. He grew up in Waxhaw before moving to Florida, where he worked in the automotive industry. Eventually, an old boss asked him if he wanted to try something new in the mobility industry. It was then that Alfaro

found his passion. “I gave it a shot and I fell in love with it,” Alfaro said. “It was just what I was meant to do.” Because he wanted to raise his children in Waxhaw, he looked for jobs in the mobility industry in North Carolina and found Ilderton Conversion. He said the rest is history. “I got to move back home and I got to stay in the industry I love and here we are, five years later,” Alfaro said. The company, a family-owned business that has locations in Charlotte, High Point, Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Asheville,

specializes in wheelchair-accessible vans and his independence and go at his leisure. It was creating accessible adaptations to existing ve- a huge blessing for him to have.” hicles for people with disabilities. Another rewarding part of the job for him Ilderton Conversion is able to make vehi- is working with his staff, whom he treats cles more accessible by adding uplifts to help like family. He said his key to managing the drivers in wheelchairs get into their cars, pro- staff is communication. He encourages his viding locking devices to hold wheelchairs employees to always come forward with any down to the floor of the car and installing issues and work together to solve problems, hand controls for drivers who are not able to even if it is not their assigned job. use the traditional gas and brake pedals. “This is literally my second family, aside “It’s a very rewarding job,” Alfaro said. “It’s from my family at my house,” Alfaro said. giving people their independence back and “We have each other’s backs. If somebody getting them out to enjoy life.” needs help with whatever that may not be Alfaro said customers have a few options my job, I’m right on it.” when it comes to the process of choosing a He also treats his customers with the same vehicle. They can look online at the invento- regard. Alfaro said the company’s Google ry, come to the dealership in person or have reviews often cite the exceptional way cusa representative come out to the customer’s tomers are treated by their professional and location. friendly employees. For the last option, Alfaro “It’s easy to just leave a fivesaid a representative will have a star review, but when you go phone interview with the cus- We really treat to our reviews, it’s paragraphs tomer, then go to their location our customers of what has transpired and and give a presentation on the like family. That’s how they were treated and vehicle that would be best for why people keep what we did for them,” Alfaro them. said. coming back.” He said it is a very personalHe said the company serves • Mike Alfaro ized process. many members of the veter“It’s very detailed and it’s a very intimate an community and is involved with local transaction,” Alfaro said. “We’re really learn- charities. Recently, Ilderton started a new ing about the client as far as the nature of service called the Care Program, which Altheir disability. There’s different types of con- faro compared to AAA, but with even more. versions, so not every conversion is going to The service will pick up the Ilderton vehicle be the best fit for that one specific person.” in the event that it breaks down and send a Though Alfaro has many stories of cus- paratransit vehicle to pick up the driver and tomers who have been impacted by Ilderton’s transport them to wherever they need to go. services, he distinctly remembers delivering He said the company strives to go the exa vehicle to a grown man in tears when his tra mile in all aspects. vehicle arrived. “We really treat our customers like family,” The man said he was excited to finally be Alfaro said. “That’s why people keep coming able to go to the grocery store again. back.” “A lot of times, we take things for granted,” Alfaro said. “Even something as simple Want to learn more? as going to the grocery store to get out from Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte is locatthe house may seem minuscule to some, but ed at 1424 Archdale Drive in Charlotte. Visit was an eye-opener to see this gentleman it www.ildertonvans.com or call 844-327literally in tears just because now he can have 9400 for details.

“

Mike Alfaro’s favorite part of his job as general manager of Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte is being able to help disabled adults regain their independence through driving. Photo courtesy of Ilderton Conversion of Charlotte

INFORMAL PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO U.S. 74 (INDEPENDENCE BOULEVARD) FROM WEST OF IDLEWILD ROAD TO I-485

STIP NO: U-2509 The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold open house style informal hearings as shown below. Tuesday, January 28 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. CPCC Levine Campus – LVII Atrium 2800 Campus Ridge Road Matthews

Wednesday, January 29 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ovens Auditorium – Starlight Room 2700 E. Independence Boulevard Charlotte

The proposed project would upgrade U.S. 74 from west of Idlewild Road to I-485 by adding general purpose lanes, interchanges, bridges and an express lane in each direction. NCDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has published the Final U.S. 74 (Independence Boulevard) Improvements Environmental Assessment (EA). The EA contains a summary of the impacts associated with the project, including an evaluation and proposed finding of de minimis 4(f) impacts to several local park properties protected under the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. The Environmental Assessment (EA) document is available for review online https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-express-lanes/Pages /project-documents.aspx

Irish Highlights Self-Drive from $949 Whether you’re hiking through the forests of Connemara or chatting with locals in a quaint Galway pub, Ireland is sure to capture your heart and ignite your imagination. Save $50** per person on this trip when you call and mention promo code EXPLORE50! Call for more information.

Package Inclusions: • Round trip ﬂights between Dublin and New York* • 2 hotel nights in Dublin • 4 nights of open B&B vouchers • 4-day car rental • Breakfast daily • Taxes and surcharges *Other major US gateways are available and may have a supplemental fee. **Promotion is per person. Oﬀer expires on 3/31/20 at 11:59 PM PST and is valid for travel before 9/30/20. Promotion not valid on existing reservations or group reservations. Cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. Other terms and conditions may apply.

Book your dream Irish adventure today!

Call 844-990-0681

With the EA now available to the public, the formal review period has begun. The public hearings will provide an opportunity for the public to make comments that will be included in the project record. Comments on the EA and de minimis finding will be accepted until February 29, 2020. NCDOT representatives will be available in an informal, open house-style setting to answer questions and gather public input regarding the proposed project. The opportunity to submit written comments or questions will be provided and is encouraged. Citizens may attend either open house at any time between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. There will be no formal presentation. Project maps and other information can be found on the project website https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/us-74-express-lanes Maps and other information on Project I-5507 (the project to add express lanes on I-485) will be available at this meeting as well. For more information contact Wilson Stroud, with the NCDOT Project Management Unit wstroud@ncdot.gov or (919) 707-6045 NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who want to participate in this public open house. Anyone requiring special services should contact Diane Wilson at pdwilson1@ncdot.gov as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made. Persons who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800481-6494.

mecklenburg_south-charlotte-weekly_U-2509.indd 1

Aquellas personas que no hablan inglés, o tienen limitaciones para leer, hablar o entender inglés, podrían recibir servicios de interpretación si los solicitan antes de la reunión llamando al 1-800-481-6494.

1/10/20 4:03 PM

Page 4A • South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020

Kullick makes most of second chance in senior season Concussions nearly ended his prep hoops career in 10th grade by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – One of the ways reporters learn about subjects they’ve never met in person, but are about to interview, is to go through their social media accounts. If you were to pull up Charlotte Catholic senior Kevin Kullick’s Twitter account, the picture becomes quickly clear: This guy loves basketball. There are some political tweets, a few on silly high school humor, others on aviation (more on that later), but about 80% or more focus on hoops. It’s all kinds of basketball – from congratulatory tweets about his teammates, tweets about Kullick’s remarkable senior season and his thoughts on college and pro ball. The reason all of this is important is that two years ago, basketball was taken away from Kullick in a devastating turn of events. First, the Cougars were good. They were coming off a 25-4 season in which they went unbeaten in the Southern Carolinas Conference in their first season in the league. Better yet for Kullick, that team was losing nine seniors which included each of the team’s top six scorers and seven of their top nine points leaders. So, there was going to be a major opportunity for Kullick, who averaged just 1.5 points and 1.0 rebound as a reserve, but was primed for a big season in a much larger role. “It was our first AAU practice for the Charlotte Dragons after my sophomore season,” Kullick said. “We had nine seniors graduate that year, and I was a sophomore with a big chance. I knew I had a huge opportunity that year, but when I got my fourth concussion I knew I needed to step down. It was hard. I thought about my goals for the long term versus what they were in the short term and I thought it was the best decision. I knew that if I got another concussion and played it could be unpredictable. I could bounce back, or I could be out for a long time. I couldn’t risk it.” So, like many high school kids, Kullick took to social media. “A month ago, I received my fourth concussion,” he wrote on April 11, 2018. “I was faced with a decision to make – to keep playing the game that I love almost more than anything or to stop. With my goals and aspirations to come in the future, I have decided to stop

Charlotte Catholic senior Kevin Kullick is having a major impact on a team he thought he’d never get to play for again after suffering his fourth concussion just after his sophomore season. Now, Kullick and the Cougars are in line for their third straight conference title thanks in large part to his huge contributions. Andrew Stark/SCW photo

playing basketball in games and in contact.” Kullick had suffered a pair of concussions as a second-grader in back-to-back occurrences. That was significant with his brain still developing, but when he got his third concussion in the seventh grade, his mother and doctors knew another could be problematic. When it came in his first AAU practice, it was tough. But Kullick remained with the Catholic team, lifting weights with them just to keep himself in shape and by supporting them from the stands. “I would watch all of my friends playing on the court and I’d be in the stands. That was tough,” he said. “I always thought if only I could find a way to do it. I’d still workout with the team, but it wasn’t the same. I missed it.” Kullick used his time off from the game well. In addition to working, going to school and working out with the basketball team, Kullick honed in on his love of aviation, a passion only rivaled by his love of basketball. By 8 years old, Kullick knew he wanted to be an airline pilot. He took his first flight at age 13 and has been chipping away at the many tests, flight hours and other requirements needed to facilitate his dream of working for the airlines ever since. While away from the Cougars, and cleared medically, Kullick dove into his love of flying. “I would take a few flight lessons over the summer to build my hours up a little bit,” he said. “After I got my last concussion, I was cleared to do everything, but I did my first

NCDOT TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING THE PROPOSAL TO WIDEN N.C. 73 FROM DAVIDSON-CONCORD TO U.S. 29 IN MECKLENBURG / CABARRUS COUNTIES

STIP Project No. R-5706 The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting regarding the proposed widening of N.C. 73 from Davidson-Concord Road (S.R. 2693) to U.S. 29 (Concord Parkway North) in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus counties. The primary purpose of this project is to increase mobility between DavidsonConcord Road and I-85 and between U.S. 29 and I-85, reduce congestion at the intersections, improve traffic along N.C. 73, and provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

solo flight when I was 16, which was incredible. These past two summers I’ve been out to the airport almost every day. This summer I would fly in the morning, go to work out and work at night. I know a bunch of people say they want to become an airline pilot and get their license, but it’s one thing to say it and another thing to do it. Sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated, and especially when you’re flying everyday, but it’s something that means a lot to me.” As a junior in high school, Kullick did something few others are accomplishing. “In the end, I guess it was a good thing to take last year off because last summer I got my pilot’s license,” he said. “I was able to sit down and focus on what my long-term plans are of joining the airlines one day, and I focused hard and got it done.” Kullick was fully satisfied with that side of his life, but there was another hole missing on the hardwood. He started to notice Charlotte Catholic soccer players and their opponents using concussion guards during their play. Itching to get back on the court, Kullick began thinking, or more like dreaming, of the possibilities. “I really wasn’t even planning on coming back this year, but I started to see a bunch of these concussion guards,” he said. “I’d seen them for soccer and I thought maybe I could do it for basketball, too. I talked to my mom about it, I talked with my coaches and the doctors. They said it was up to me. The best way to heal concussions is time. I went a year

and a half without a concussion, so I thought I was OK to come back. When I decided I was coming back, I knew I could go out and play under the stress or I can play just for fun. I thought, ‘It’s my senior year so I’m going to just go out, play with my friends and have fun with it.’ That’s what I’ve been doing.” That approach has been working for Kullick and Charlotte Catholic, who improved to 13-3 overall after beating Piedmont on Jan. 21 and their seventh win in eight tries in conference, putting them a half game behind Weddington in Catholic’s quest for a third straight league crown. And Kullick has been one of the main reasons why. This season the 6-foot-5 senior is guarding Catholic’s best interior player defensively. On offense, he’s second on the team with 13.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 62% from the floor and 48% behind the 3-point arc. It seems his season away has not only rekindled his love of the game, but also given him a totally different perspective on the court. “During preseason workouts I decided I wanted to play one more year,” he said. “I think basketball is coming easier because for me. It’s really just going out, having fun and playing the game with my friends. I’ve kind of accepted my role as this is my last shot and I just want to have fun.” As the Cougars look for their third-straight league title this spring, Kullick is relishing in his role and his sudden stardom for a team that won it all in 2016. With their soon-to-be airline pilot helping to clear the path, the Cougars have similar aspirations this year. However they finish, though, Kullick is happy. He’s going to Auburn University next year as a student, but he’s relishing in his second chance to make a huge impression for the Cougars. “This means everything to me,” Kullick said. “Even the little things like being in the locker room with my friends, having the school behind us and just being out there on the court is incredible for me. Another shot at it has made me appreciate what I have. Sophomore year, I didn’t appreciate it because I knew I had two more years. Knowing this is my last chance and knowing that I got a second chance means everything to me. I’ll be walking out on senior night and knowing my name will be on the poster is stuff I’ve dreamed of as a freshman. This is it for me, and I’m so happy to be out there again playing with my friends.”

GUARANTEED Life Insurance up to $15,000.00 Modified Whole Life Insurance from Physicians Life Insurance Company

Cash to help pay your funeral, medical bills or other final expenses. • Guaranteed acceptance ages 45 to 85*

A public meeting will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 27 at Connect Christian Church, 3101 Davidson Hwy in Concord.

• No medical exam, no health questions

The purpose of this meeting is to inform the public of the project and gather input on the proposed design. As information becomes available, it may be viewed online at the NCDOT public meeting webpage: https://www.ncdot.gov/projects/nc-73-mecklenburg-cabarrus/Pages/default.aspx. Maps and information on R-5721/U-5765 (N.C. 73 Improvements from N.C. 16 to Northcross Drive) will also be available at this meeting.

• Lock in your rate for life Call for your FREE Information Kit

The public may attend at any time during the public meeting hours, as no formal presentation will be made. NCDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and receive comments. The comments and information received will be taken into consideration as work on the project develops.

1-877-631-0818 or go to life55plus.info/charlotte

The opportunity to submit written comments will be provided at the meeting or can be done by phone, email, or mail by Feb. 10, 2020. For additional information, contact NCDOT Project Management Unit Project Manager Theresa Ellerby, at 1595 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 276991595, (919) 707-6020 or tellerby@ncdot.gov. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Tony Gallagher, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1598, (919) 7076069 or magallagher@ncdot.gov as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. Persons who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1-800-481-6494.

cabarrus-mecklenburg_south-charlotte-weekly_R-5706.indd 1

12/27/19 1:29 PM

 Plus — you’ll also get a FREE

Final Wishes Planner just for calling!

6236

*Ages may vary by state. Guaranteed for one of these life insurance policies. Benefits reduced first two years. Insurance Policy L770 (ID: L770ID; OK: L770OK; TN: L770TN).

South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020 • Page 5A

FILM (continued from page 1A)

stories that were really fresh,” Holt said. “It captured so well, I think, the millennial experience, of kind of struggling to fit into mainstream society, having a day job, paying rent, and just the boring minutia of trying to be an adult, while at the same time, juggling dreams, figuring out who you are and exploring what it means to be a human.” She reached out to the writers and asked for a meeting. They thought she was going to offer suggestions to improve the script, but what they got instead was a presentation on why she should direct it. After convincing them to let her direct, they began manifesting their project into existence. “We started telling people it was happening, and from that momentum, it did,” Holt said. “People started believing in it, and before you know it, we were shooting it.” After getting good response from film festivals, the team decided to release the series on YouTube to capture the biggest possible audience. Though the project ended last year, its YouTube channel (The Filth Series) continues to attract new subscribers. Building momentum Growing up in Charlotte, Holt had dreams of becoming an actress. She was heavily involved in theater and Odyssey of the Mind, but she realized during her freshman year at UNC Greensboro that acting wasn't for her. “Being an actor is such a vulnerable thing,” Holt said. “You have to have this access to your emotions at the drop of a hat, and then you have to do it over and over and over again. I had a hard time accessing that vulnerability.” She ended up trying different majors, but it wasn't until her junior year studying abroad in Australia that she took her first film class. One class in particular, post-colonial national cinema, opened her eyes to stories told

from all over the world. “Through that experience, I started understanding how there was so much power in storytelling for identity, changing the world and speaking to these broader ideas that I was really interested,” she said. “Film connected everything for me.” She gravitated toward directing and producing. She earned a master's degree in directing and producing from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. While at USC, Holt had an internship with Suzanne Todd, a producer whose credits include the “Austin Powers” trilogy, “G.I. Jane,” “Memento,” “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “Bad Moms.” “That was the first time I was like, 'Oh, I'm in Hollywood. I have arrived,'” Holt said. “That was really cool because I got to learn so much just about the business side of filmmaking.” After graduating from USC, she worked for Catherine Hardwicke, who directed “Twilight,” Lords of Dogtown,” “Thirteen” and “Miss Bala.” “That was when I got to sink my teeth in and get into Hollywood,” Holt said. She directed and produced digital content for ABC for a while. She also worked with Justin Simian, a writer and producer of the Netflix series “Dear White People.” Working with talented people has helped refine her style as a filmmaker. Staying grounded Holt stays connected to Charlotte. Her parents, Harris and Lyn Holt, own Harris Holt Framing & Art Services. Holt and her boyfriend have each screened films at the Joedance Film Festival. She has a deep connection with the festival, because she was good friends with its namesake. The festival honors Joe Restaino, who died in 2010 at age 20 from health complications related to a rare form of bone cancer. It raises money for rare pediatric cancer re-

search and clinical trials. Holt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis around the same time Joe was diagnosed with cancer. “I felt so connected to him at the time because I didn't know anyone else who was ever dealing with anything like that,” Holt said. “I really looked up to Joe the way he navigated having cancer.” Holt described her multiple sclerosis diagnosis as a weird left turn, because the 16-year-old was driven and had a clear vision of how she thought her life would unfold. “Honestly, the trauma really was more like the loss of what I thought my identity was and my life was going to be and what I thought I knew,” Holt said. “But the beauty of it is gaining this whole new perspective and learning so many things through the course of just dealing with that diagnosis that has shaped me as a person.” She acknowledges the debilitating disease could eventually affect her career as a filmmaker, considering it's an extremely physical job, but she doesn't think about it daily. She takes the attitude of whatever happens, she'll deal with it. In the mean time, she is in talks about directing a new project. Did you know? Jamie Holt was an extra in the film “Miss You Already,” which stars Drew Barrymore and Toni Collete. Holt went in thinking her role was to control less experienced extras during a big dinner scene; however, director Catherine Hardwicke instructed her to say something funny. Holt, who purposely wore a bad wig from the prop department, hit the mark so well that she was in the film's trailer.

Right: The entire five-episode run of “The Filth” can be found on YouTube. The cast includes (from left) Alexandria McGaughey (Marcia), Jay Lee (Danny), Lauren Holt (Lydia), Jake Delaney (Max), Paige Hoffman (Stella), Chad Westbrook (Cory), Katrina Kemp (Jocelyn) and Nican Robinson (Xander). Nick Rasmussen photo

BUSINESS (continued from page 1A)

Education is a cornerstone of the business. It helped Rob McClintock transition from an HVAC expert to a business owner, just as training allows their technicians to understand emerging technology and develop customer service skills. McClintock Heating & Cooling serves Mecklenburg, Union and Cabarrus counties, but Rob McClintock also serves as president of the North Carolina Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contracting Association. One of the biggest challenges in their industry is the lack of trained workforce. It's why events like the one at Ardrey Kell High School are given greater priority over national conferences. “They understood from the beginning that having quality professional employees would set them apart from the competition,” Garson said. Charlotte Media Group's weekly newspapers began accepting nominations from readers in fall 2019 for Small Business Person of the Year. Newspaper staff and community partners evaluated nominees based on criteria that included the successful operation of the business, leadership and community contributions. Rising Stars Charlotte Media Group recognized several other business leaders during the Jan. 16 event. Dr. Susan Bonilla, Nikki Bourgeault and Laura Budd won Rising Star awards. Each opened a new business in recent years. Nominations described Dr. Bonilla, of Passionate Paws Animal Hospital in Waxhaw, as compassionate, caring and kind. She thanked her parents and husband, Stephen, who serves as hospital administrator. “When we first opened the hospital, I wanted all my ducks in a row,” Bonilla said. “My husband was like the ducks are in a pond. The ducks don't have to be in a row. Because of him, we wouldn't have the practice that we have today.” Bourgeault opened Brush'd Salon in fall 2019 within the Reafield shopping center in Waxhaw after years of doing hair and makeup, including New York Fashion Week shows. Her new venture helps charities that support cystic fibrosis research. Bourgeault held back tears as she credited her husband for his encouragement. “If you are starting your own business, the biggest thing I would say is to have patience,” she said. “ I have learned that along the way.”

Go Deeper More coverage of this story can be found on our social media platforms. Just search for @southcltweekly Facebook: An album of photos Twitter: Follow the hashtag #sbpoy for updates Pinterest: Pins added to Local Business board YouTube: Acceptance speeches from the winners

EASY ACCESS MEANS EASY LIVING.

Weaver | Budd Law formed in 2017 in Matthews. Outside of being the managing partner for the firm, Budd serves on the board of directors for Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association, where she's also coached. Other winners Kimberly Gossage, of Garrity and Gossage in Matthews, received the Community Impact Award for her work helping older adults navigate the legal system, as well as her involvement in organizations like the Matthews HELP Center. “It's such a tremendous honor,” Gossage said. “I'm so impressed by the folks in this room and I'm just so honored to have a chance to even stand up here at all, so thank you for the honor. Gossage not only took over as president of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce's board of directors, but the attorney also won the chamber's businessperson of the year award. Dr. Michael Smith, of Carolinas Natural Health Center in Matthews, was recognized for having the most nominations. Readers described him as a thoughtful, kind and charismatic leader that educates patients on wellness. Smith thanked his team while accepting the award. “They are the ones that really make the business run,” Smith said. “They make it a delightful place to work and a true experience for our members and the people we help.” Barry Steiger, of Mario's Italian Restaurant, received the Man About Town Award. He's active in the community through groups like the Matthews Rotary Club, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity and Matthews Chamber of Commerce. Julie Fox, of Fox's Alley Bowling Bar & Grill in Monroe, won Miss Congeniality. “When I read the nominations for this person, I felt like they all had a common thread,” Garson said. “They all spoke about how well loved she is in the Monroe community.”

50% OFF INSTALL* Schedule your free design consultation!

(844) 840-2657

*Limit one offer per household. Must purchase 5+ Classic/Designer Shelves. EXP 3/31/20.

Page 6A • South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020

2019 SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR FINALIST

StretchLab catching on across Charlotte region by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – StretchLab has been open in Charlotte for just over a year and a half, but the company has already expanded its footprint with plans of even more growth coming in the very near future. The concept is spreading as the company has its hold with new locations popping up around the United States. It’s already expanded in Charlotte, too, with the original location in SouthPark, located at 914 Old Sardis Road, and the newest location in Dilworth that opened last August which is located at 1235 East Blvd. “I think the biggest impact we’re making is at the individual, pain-relief level,” said Steve Hitzemann, co-owner of StretchLab’s Charlotte locations with his wife, Stacey. “People are feeling good from getting a good stretch and doing it consistently. We’re sticking to what we do with stretching, stretching and more stretching. We say we’re for everyone and for everybody. It’s regardless of physical shape or what kind of health you’re in, we’re here to help everybody.” Hitzemann hires and trains flexologists in the art of assisted stretching. Each flexologist comes with their certificates and receives many hours of training specific to assisted stretching. So, no matter which location or which flexologist works on customers, the experience is the same for everyone. Hitzemann said he’s seen all sorts of people, and StretchLab can help them all achieve their goals, no matter what those may be. “For a lot of people, it’s lower back pain,” he said. “That’s where this stuff starts as it sort of manifests over the years. You get the tight hamstrings and glutes in the lower back and that goes with it. But it can be anything. We’re here to help folks with customized stretching to whatever their needs are. We can customize to what each individual, regardless of what their needs are, is there to do. The end game is to make them feel better.” The people of Charlotte have been reaping the benefits of better health. Hitzemann says that between the SouthPark and Dilworth locations there are already around 550 full-time members, and that number seems to grow daily as word of mouth spreads. Hitzemann said he often hears referrals from existing customers. A customer on this day had come in because of good word-ofmouth advertising from a man’s sister-in-law, who was a regular and had recommended giving it a try. With quite a few members and walk-ins like that customer, plus the bustling population, Hitzemann said plans are in the early stages of expanding to the Huntersville area

StretchLab Charlotte owners Steve and Stacey Hitzemann already have two locations with plans on opening another location near Huntersville later this year. Photo courtesy of Steve Hitzemann

and possibly as soon as the second quarter of this year once he finds the right location. “The plan was definitely to grow across Charlotte,” he said. “We needed to know if the concept was going to take with people and it has. The reception continues to be really big for us.” Hitzemann said he knows how StretchLab can benefit people first hand. He first became interested in stretching after injuring his back. Traditional medicine and chiropractic care didn’t help the way stretching was and the idea of assisted stretching was starting to take shape so the fit was natural. Now, with two stores thriving in Charlotte and plans for more expansion already on the horizon, it’s clear the assisted stretching is here to stay and Hitzemann and his trained flexologists can help anybody with any type of pain. That certainly has some staying power. “I always hear from people that I feel better, I stand taller or I’m sleeping better,” Hitzemann said. “It’s a different experience from a chiropractor or a medical doctor. The community we’ve created and the way people are feeling coming out of there from a posture perspective. I always hear about that. People start to stand taller and then they’re also paying more attention to those things on a daily basis. They might be in there once a week, but now they’re thinking more about their posture and sort of the homework the flexologist has given them. “This opens the door if it’s just on a daily basis or if it’s so they can run longer, cycle further, walk their dog longer or just help them on a daily basis. That’s the nuts and bolts of why we’re here – to help people feel better.”

ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE

The Charlotte is redefining aging through healthcare and wellness.

Schedule Your Tour Today

(704) 710-6968

C Investments 5 LLC wants to develop 21 townhomes on 2.2 acres on the north of Providence Road West and east of Lancaster Highway. The area is zoned for single-family residential. Map courtesy of City of Charlotte

TOWNHOMES (continued from page 1A)

feet), overcrowded elementary schools and an abundance of urban housing in the area. Councilman Ed Driggs asked Skvoretz if he'd be opposed to any project involving townhomes there. Skvoretz replied no but 21 townhomes with three or four bedrooms each would be too much. “All the entrances onto Providence Road West and the nature of the traffic there is such that getting on and off of Providence Road is difficult,” Driggs said of feedback he's received from residents. “As we add more entrances, I've had frequent complaints about people in neighborhoods not being able to get out because of the traffic. I'd like to take a closer look at that.” Councilman Braxton Winston said it was ridiculous to have 89 parking spaces for 21 townhomes, especially when Charlotte leaders have concerns about traffic.

“If you want to develop and not have the type of congestion that we're dealing with, you can't build for cars,” Winston said. Councilman Larken Egleston said he was OK with the amount of parking in this case because each townhome had a two-car garage and a pad outside of the garage for two additional cars. He'd be concerned if there was additional surface parking. Driggs and Dimple Ajmera pointed out the lack of transit near the property. Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt said she'd like to see the parking reduced in favor of green space. “I'm not sure more parking spaces creates more traffic necessarily, but more parking spaces creates more impervious space,” Eiselt said. “That concerns me. As we pave everything over in Charlotte, the water has to go somewhere. I don't think that's something we pay enough attention to in our rezonings.” The council may decide on the rezoning as early as next month.

9120 Willow Ridge Rd. Charlotte, NC 28210 (704) 710-6968 Charlotte-Living.com Senior-Living-Communities.com

Arts Entertainment t to you By h g u Bro

South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020 • Page 1B

Five to try: Coffee shops If you do any traveling across the Charlotte region for work, I recommend identifying a coffee shop in each area you frequent in the event you run out of energy and need a boost. Sure, you could just ask Google or Siri to find the closest McDonald's, Dunkin' or Starbucks. But sometimes the mind needs to break free of sterile, corporate environments to reach optimal levels of creativity. Consider these five spots in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties:

CRAFT

COFFEE

Brakeman's Coffee & Supply This coffee shop pays homage to the region's rich railroad history with its branding. The building dates back to 1925 and offers several unique spaces to lounge and enjoy the company of others. Where: 225 N. Trade St., Matthews Details: 704-841-7867 or www.brake manscoffee.com Cathy's Coffee Cathy Shumway opened her own coffee shop in 2015 after years of working in now closed Caribou Coffee locations. The shop recently held a Small Business Saturday vendor event and introduced magpies to its menu. Where: 606 Indian Trail Road S., Indian Trail Details: 704-821-7375 Crossroads Coffee House Crossroads Coffee House ticks off all the boxes when comes to a fitting third place – that one place you want to be other than home or work. It's been a destination for caffeine cravers since 1999. Where: 112 N, Broome St., Waxhaw Details: 704-843-5667 or www.cross roads-coffeehouse.com Mint Hill Roasting Company This coffeehouse has been around since 2017. Something is always brewing at this micro-roasting spot, including pop-up shops, art classes and coffee with election candidates. Where: 7201 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Details: 980-875-9584 or www.minthill roastingcompany.com Mugs Coffee Located in the Park Selwyn Terrace Shopping Center, this shop not only supports local artists but it's a popular spot for writers and other creatives to converge. But anyone can feel relaxed lounging at its tables, couches and coffee bar. Where: 5126 Park Road, Charlotte Details: 704-733-9014 or www.mugsof charlotte.com/

Noah Setzer (left) and Chris Berger look over an assortment of preroasted beans they get from small farms that are involved in cooperative business practices. Lee Noles/SCW photo

SUGAR CREEK COFFEE ROASTERS

Coffee-roasting operation continues to grow across region by Lee Noles Contributor

INDIAN TRAIL – When many people were tearing into their presents on Christmas Day, Chris Berger was delivering them. Berger co-owns Sugar Creek Coffee Roasters with Noah Setzer. While the order for the specialty roast could have waited until after the holiday, that doesn’t fit into the business’s belief. “We want everyone to feel like they are the only ones we are dealing with,” Berger said. The compassionate attitude toward others is a trademark and cor-

nerstone of a company that had its genesis when Berger and Setzer met nearly five years ago. Berger had just moved to Union County and was at a local park with his daughters when he saw Setzer playing ultimate frisbee with a few of his friends. An avid player himself, Berger struck up a conversation with the group and then started joining them for games on the weekend. The friendship grew. At dinner with their wives, they discovered a similar passion for home-brewed coffee. It was then they began to lay down the building blocks for Sugar Creek, which was formed in 2016.

The business recently enjoyed an expansion by renting out space six months ago at Sweet Union Brewery in Indian Trail to accommodate a large commercial roaster they purchased. “It’s like we are riding a Harley,” Setzer said of the large roaster the business got in August 2019. “When I look back at pictures (of roasting at home), it was like riding a bicycle with training wheels.” The process takes constant monitoring as Setzer uses his background as a science teacher at Porter Ridge High to use convection, pressure see SUGAR CREEK, Page 2B

SOSPESO COFFEE ROASTERS

Sospeso helps Bakers put down roots in Waxhaw by Lee Noles Contributor

WAXHAW – Janet Baker doesn’t see coffee as some old school energy drink quickly concocted from hot water and prepackaged, store-bought beans. The way Baker views it, coffee needs to be handled the same way a vintner creates a fine wine or torcedor rolls a quintessential cigar. Patience, care and attention to detail are the traits needed, and they are the ones Baker and her husband, Kyle, pleasantly place into each cup at the Sospeso Coffee Roasters in Waxhaw. The Bakers began the business in 2012. They moved into their current location, a quaint wood building see SOSPESO, Page 2B

Emma VanBibber prepares one of the many grounds of coffee Sospeso offers from places around the world. Lee Noles/SCW photo

BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUGAR CREEK (continued from page 1B)

and temperature to create the assorted flavors. After picking and weighing the beans, they are then placed into a hopper while the machine heats to more than 400 degrees. Once the roaster is at the desired temperature, the beans are dropped into the machine and continually turned until their greenish and yellowish color starts to turn darker from the heat. When the beans become roasted, they are cooled before transitioning to a bucket where they are placed into a bag that can accommodate large orders or individual consumers. “You really have to stay on top of it,” Berger said. “A couple of seconds can determine if you have a good batch or a bad one.” Customers’ needs are essential to the two as they developed a website where people create the coffee they want based on the roast level and the type of ground. They also offer free delivery in the area. Customers pay for their own distinct coffee beans either as they go, or for a month’s worth in advance. “It’s your own personal coffee of the month,” Berger said. Not wanting to lose track of their product, Setzer and Berger keep distribution limited to coffee shops and breweries around the Charlotte and Monroe area. This allows direct contact with their sellers as well as keeping the batches fresh by replacing them monthly. Where the beans come from is just as important to Berger and Setzer as how they are roasted. Sustainable small farms that are involved in cooperative and fair-trade practices and organic are important factors in who the two will work with. Their enjoyment of coffee is what brought them together, but it’s helping others that drives them. They make sure 100% of their sales and profit from some of the blended coffee goes to a variety of nonprofit groups. Everybody Fed provides food, education and medical care to orphan children who live in Jinja, Uganda, and benefits from the generosity of Sugar Creek.

South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020 • Page 2B

“It goes back to a love for helping people,” Berger said. “And I have been blessed in my life, and to give back is very important to me.” Educating others about what goes into making coffee is another aspect Berger and Setzer enjoy. They have a large flat-screen television above their roasting machine so people can view the stages the process goes through. They also have tastings at coffee shops where they talk about the history of the drink and how they create their products. “People think coffee is coffee,” Setzer said. “But coffee to us is like a fine wine. You can get the typical flavor on top, but underneath there could be chocolates, or there could be almonds. All of these different flavors are right there, and we want to show them to people.” Want to know more? Sugar Creek Coffee Roasters is located at 13717 E. Independence Blvd in Indian Trail. They also sell their coffee at a variety of retail locations including The Loyalist Market and Pop the Top in Matthews, as well as East Frank Superette and Kitchen in Monroe. Visit www.sugarcreekcoffee. com for details.

The bags at Sugar Creek Coffee Roasters can be packaged for bulk or for individual consumers. Lee Noles/SCW photo

RIP to these coffee shops We're still pouring out liquor-flavored coffee for some of our recently departed shops, including Fabo Coffee Art Bar in Charlotte's Quail Hollow Shopping Center and Madison's Coffee in Indian Trail. Support local coffee houses before they lose steam.

Sospeso employee Andrea Abraham (right) helps customers Nusrat and Syrus Haq. The shop has been at its current location since 2018. Lee Noles/SCW photo

SOSPESO (continued from page 1B)

near a 19th-century cotton mill that now houses luxury apartments and an American-style tapas restaurant in 2018. “It’s a great place to come and visit,” Janet Baker said. “Family-oriented, and indoor and outdoor seating. People know they are going to get an amazing cup of coffee.” Baker never considered herself a serious connoisseur of coffee. Kyle claimed that title by meticulously learning to brew in the family kitchen while living in San Francisco. Their first roaster was an industrial heat gun Baker compared to an amplified hair dryer with a cylinder cover where the beans were placed. They eventually upgraded to a home roaster, but still considered it a hobby until Kyle’s marketing job relocated the family to Waxhaw in 2011. The couple chose Union County for its slower pace and resemblance to where Kyle grew up in Virginia, but quickly realized the area needed the specialty-style coffee they wanted to offer. A year later, the business was born as Janet and Kyle began selling their product at the Waxhaw Farmers Market. Kyle is involved with sourcing and selection of the organic beans by using direct trade and a coffee broker to import from small growers in Africa, Asia and South and Central America. This

allows the Bakers to keep ways give back,” Janet Baker the beans as fresh as possi- said. “And it will always be a ble by staying in direct con- core value for us.” tact with the farmers. Janet Baker also stays up with worked in public relations the latest trends the coffee for high tech companies and community goes through. brought her background in The days of corporate comcommunication to lead sales panies dominating the marand community outreach. ket have given way to coffee A connection to the com- following a similar path as munity is essential as Sospe- craft beers with homestyle so has young families with brewers developing signature small children, teenagers flavors like fruit or chocolooking for a social spot and late. The two crafts have beolder couples visiting the es- come even more intertwined tablishment. as the Bakers supply Frank Auriseveral brewerchio is a regies in the area ular. He said with coffee It’s a great place to the kindbeans to come and visit. Family ness Janet use as fladisplays is oriented, and indoor and v o r i n g . just as im- outdoor seating. People In turn, know they are going portant as Sospeso to get an amazing the abunhas develdance of cofoped its own cup of coffee.” fee options he bourbon-fla • Janet Baker enjoys on a weekly vored coffee by takbasis. Aurichio told a story ing empty liquor barrels they of Janet not only giving a received from a company in few quick lessons on how to Charlotte and regularly turn brew at home, she even sup- unroasted beans in them for plied some beans to use. several weeks until an en“Her (coffee) is still better riched bourbon smell is crethan mine,” said Aurichio. ated on the beans. “She puts a lot of effort into Sospeso has also benefitit, and she knows what she is ted from a business venture doing. I trust her opinion on with Baked and Tempered, a making coffee.” bakery run by the husband The ties to the communi- and wife team of Ben and ty are not just economical- Lauren Kallenbach, who ly driven. Janet Baker said have a combined 25 years the business gives coffee to of experience in the pastry the local elementary school industry. The two businesses when the teachers have pro- work together in the buildfessional development. They ing and have named their donate proceeds to local joint endeavor the 4th Corfood banks and give cof- ner Bakehouse and Coffee fee to a women’s shelter in Co. Monroe. The extra effort has paid “We look for ways to al- off for the Bakers as online responses include describing the coffee as incredible or delicious, and the store itself as inviting. “It means we are fulfilling the values of the business,” Janet Baker said of the accolades. “This is an inviting place for people to come and get a great product and for us to be an integral part of the Waxhaw community.”

“

Where to find it Sospeso Coffee Roasters is located at 205 Salem St. in Waxhaw. The store is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It is closed on Sunday and Monday. Visit www.sospesocof fee.com for details.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Page 3B • Jan. 24, 2020 • South Charlotte Weekly

Jan. 26

THINGS TO DO Jan. 25

Children's Storytime Barnes & Noble hosts a storytime and activities related to Adam Wallace's “How to Catch a Dragon” at its Arboretum (3327 Pineville-Matthews Road), Morrison Place (4020 Sharon Road) and Carolina Place (11025 Carolina Place) locations. Visit www. barnesandnoble.com for details. 11 a.m.; Various locations New Year Resident Culture Brewing Company presents a Chinese New Year Celebration with The Dumpling Lady and traditional lion dance (3 p.m.).

704-333-1862 Noon-6 p.m.; 2101 Central Ave. Author Talk Mark Warren talks about his Wyatt Earp series and Secrets of the Forest series at Park Road Books. 704-525-9239 1-3 p.m.; 4139 Park Road

Author Talk Cynthia Newberry talks about her latest book, “Tidal Flats” at Park Road Books. 704-525-9239 7-8:30 p.m.; 4139 Park Road

Jan. 27

Jan. 30

Trivia Night QC Pour House hosts “Parks & Recreation” trivia. 980-219-7303 6:30-8:30 p.m.; 200 W. Tremont Ave., Charlotte

Voting Machines The Mecklenburg County Board of Elections demonstrates new voting machines at Morrison Regional Library. 704-416-5200 3:30-7:30 p.m.; 7015 Morrison Blvd.

Bulldog Pageant Bullies 2 the Rescue holds its Book Sales Club TheBulldog New York Corporation Corporation 2020 BeautyTimes PageantSyndication at Foodie Book Club discusses 620Bark Eighth Avenue, York, N.Y. 10018 Lucky Dog & Brew Charlotte.New The Samin Nosrat's “The Best American The event isFor for ages 21 and older. Information Call:Food 1-800-972-3550 Writing 2019” at Park Road The cost toFor enterRelease a bulldogSaturday, costs April 13, 2019 For Release Monday, June 24, Books. 704-525-9239 $25. 704-333-4114 7-8 p.m.; 4139 Park Road 3-7 p.m.; 2220 Thrift Road

Jan. 28

27 to 36 Decide Put on anot black

coat?out take 37 Significant Guarantee 28 38 investment, Great Plains informally tribe 39 Oxymoronic “Start the 31 music!”condition … or skiing what one could 33 Golfs, for do to the finish example of the answer to each starred clue 34 Understand 41 intuitively Vaping device, informally 36 Dramatic 42 courtroom Full-time resident of a college outburst community 38 fairways 44 Like “___ you through?” may 39 Partygoers a kick out 45 get Belles at balls, of it informally 46 Goal *✓ of having 41 unread 48 no “The ___ & emails Stimpy Show” 43 of organizer 49 Bit Labor Chávez resistance 52 Some Resort workers with 45 mineral waters who stretch 55 plastic Like a gift from materials above

Jan. 31

Stage Play Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “Mamma Mia!” at the Matthews Community

Edited by Will Shortz

Crossword ACROSS ACROSS 1 Wideto open, as 1 “Go Hades!” the mouth 9 “Goodness me!” 6 Treaties 13 Wake-up call 11 “What ___ I say?”in Italy 14 XX, 14 “Goodness “Whoa, easeme!” up!” 15 15 Stan’s co-star in 16 Coleridge’s over 100 early “The Rime of film comedies the Ancient 16 Mariner,” Made-up story for 17 one *Government’s credit limit 17 Modest article 19 of Hubbub swimwear 20 with Like many infield a grounders portmanteau 21 name Lester Holt and Anderson Cooper 18 Medical 23 breakthrough Issa ___ of HBO’s “Insecure” 19 Sorority letters 24 Smith or Scialfa of rock 20 Pianist’s 27 finger-sliding Vienna’s home: Abbr. 22 Clickers? 28 *Beanbag 25 Major exporter juggled with the of feetartichokes and gold 32 Massage 26 Hit lists? intensely

Jan. 29

Author Talk Judy Goldman talks about her latest book, “Together” at Park Road Books. 704-525-9239 2-4 p.m.; 4139 Park Road

46 that 58 Freeze Reproductive

part of a flower extends out a in 60 from 18+, e.g., coastline order to be able

13 14

to vote Took in 61 *Much-visited 51 When to wear a site in Jerusalem 64 cocktail Sleuth, indress, slang traditionally 65 Bury, as ashes 52 in a film 66 Page Girl Scout guide cookie with a geographical 53 Adjust, in a way name 54 Trueheart 67 Cry of frightof the comics 68 Barely warm 55 69 Common “E” on a gas camping gauge 50

equipment

15 17

20 25

28 38

34 42

23 26 35

38 46

39 48

11 12

12 13

21 26

10 11

18 21 19

45 55

17 20 23

DOWN 1 Intense devotion DOWN 2 Little Actress 1 bitDavis of “The Accidental 2 Brought Tourist” back 3 Edwardto who 3 Ready move wrote “Who’s on Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 4 Eats like a bird 4 Capital Trail 5 and 5 largest Onetimecity police of officer East Timor 6 Dish made from ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 6 Joie de vivre taro root 7 after P M EA W A O F D C S AI TG H E A N CT A T 7 Remark None’s opposite an awkward A J E C N L E A W M D R DI G E A R R C U O RL EI 8 Medical facility silence R T U C A V S E A C B UL LA N C R A E U B C EL N A 9 Fork prong A G E D S TI D R AE SE T V EK RI AS W S AC N A M 8 Grand finale? 10 Motorized twoS HI O L E R N T TR CI B N E EP R A OL SI wheelers 9 Alternatives to K S E Y E R NI A M O N S O A U SI CE L AS W O N 11 tablets *Seafood topping I T D A W F LT AI SC KI N G T VI N E N that may be red 10 Computer T I S G U E G R A P R R O U O SF HI N G or white programs? I W R I C H E S R U E S H O P EI T P I C 12 Assistant of gas A D L I S ST TE R X A C N K C ZA EP R O O S 11 13 Patron Illuminating Scotland C N E N S AT E A R AE EL R A AT TE OT R O 18 Org. concerned A G FC C H N O O R R D TS H M D A ER BI U N N E K R 12 Places to lie with ecosystems M O M P M E A O N P LI AE R O E SI S M ES G A LE O 22 low Figured (out) A M S10.5 N -AI NLCHARLOTTE A B A TE S N EI LI 10 HI AXU R G NEWSPAPER 14 for 25 Cleaners, Language in N A T O N N TE O ET S TS Y I N F A S AL G Bangkok short

No. 0309 0520

27 32

37 45

47 58

50 60

51 62

52 64

54 67

44 53

PUZZLE PUZZLE BY BY SAM GARYTRABUCCO CEE

26 Certain Served raw, as 16 steakclub jazz 29 improvisation McKinnon of

35 Classic PracticesBritish épée, 28

e.g. two-seater 36 Autocracy Not us 29 “S.N.L.” 40 Deliberately Ticks off 30 18 Drink with 30 espresso Place for aand baby 43 underestimates “No surprise to to sleep cream whipped me!” the palm 32 Take 31 Beer barrels 47 Develops 35 John whoa glitch 21 “Guys the 1959 Dolls” 32 and Military program 50 wrote First full month best seller for coll. students composer/ of Major League “A Separate Baseball, often: 33 lyricist “Alternatively …,” Peace” Abbr. in texts 23 Escape ___ 37 51 Vanity Get thecase? suds out 34 *Part of a ship 24 Applied, as 40 Words of just above the 52 Post office hold purchase perfume enlightenment

53 Cyclops Person inand a 42

cockpit for two Beast,

54 Ease, as fears

Feb. 1

Elmo's Birthday Barnes & Noble hosts a storytime and activities related to Elmo's birthday at its Arboretum store. 704341-9365 11 a.m.; 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road

Feb. 4

Book Club Barnes & Noble's book club discusses Ann Napolitano's “Dear

Running

show, 55 the Concert proceeds informally

56 Double-curved

molding 47 Bunches

57 State bird of 48 Waldorf Hawaii Astoria

muralist

59 Did a backstroke, say 49 Personal 62 organizer Prefix withnos. state

63 Lost Conclusion 51 ___

subscriptions: Today’s Today’s puzzle puzzle and and more more than than 7,000 7,000 past past Online subscriptions: nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 ($39.95 aa year). year). puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords about and and comment comment on on each each puzzle: puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. nytimes.com/wordplay. Read about

Edward” at its Arboretum (3327 Pineville-Matthews Road), Morrison Place (4020 Sharon Road) and Carolina Place (11025 Carolina Place) locations. Visit www.barnesandnoble. com for details. 11 a.m.; Various locations Paws to Read Children boost literacy by reading to a volunteer therapy dog for 15-minute intervals at the Morrison Regional Library. Register in advance. 704-416-5400 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 7015 Morrison Blvd.

Want to submit?

Send calendar events to justin@ cmgweekly.com

LOUD&LIVE Jan. 24

Jan. 30

• Amos’ Southend: Deep Shallow w/ Matone • Beantown Tavern: Prodigal Sons • Coyote Joe’s: Chris Lane • Evening Muse: Desert Noises & Little Bird • Fillmore: The Devil Makes Three • Milestone Club: Buried in Roses w/ Wine Pride, Adam Cope & Nuns • Moochies Tavern: U-Phonik • Neighborhood Theatre: Unaka Prong, Vintage Pistols & Hustle Souls • Southern Range: RJ Adams • Stooges Pub: Black Glass • Temple Mojo: Two of Us • Trail House: Virginia Electric • Visulite: Yarn

• Amos’ Southend: Hands Like Houses, Dead American & Picturesque • Bistro D’Antonio: Will Lee • Evening Muse: Malcolm Holcombe • Lake View Grill: Jade Moore • Seaboard Brewing: Ryan Bailey

Jan. 25

Center. Tickets cost $22 for general admission and $19 for students and seniors. Future showings are 2 & 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sunday, and 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday through Feb. 9. 704-372-1000 7:30 p.m.; 100 McDowell St., Matthews

• Amos’ Southend: Danny Worsnop • Beantown Tavern: Jade Moore • Dunwellz: Music Bingo • Evening Muse: Joe Policastro Trio; The Freeway Jubilee & The Flatland Tourists • Fillmore: Matoma & Two Friends • Fox’s Alley Bowling: Monkey Time Band • Harris Teeter Wine Bar: Chuck Johnson • Mac’s Speed Shop: DistilleryCats • Neighborhood Theatre: Revelwood Mission • Pineville Tavern: Sons of Carolina • Steady Eddy’s: Nate Randall • Sweet Union: Yes Ma’am • Trail House: New Local • Treehouse Vineyards: Jacob and Forrest • Visulite: Allman Brothers tribute

Jan. 26 • Amos’ Southend: The Glorious Sons • Evening Muse: Lazer Lloyd & Zachary Scott Johnson

Jan. 28 • Evening Muse: Open Mic & JD Etheridge • Fillmore: Beartooth/Motionless in White • Mia Famiglia: Music Bingo

Jan. 29 • Beantown Tavern: Chuck Johnson Duo • Trail House: Omari Duo

Venues Charlotte • Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St. • Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd. • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • Milestone Club: 3400 Tuckaseegee Road • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Visulite: 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Indian Trail • Harris Teeter Wine Bar: 4701 Smith Farm Road • Mia Famiglia: 7870 Idlewild Road • Sweet Union: 13717 E. Independence Blvd. • Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road Matthews • Beantown Tavern: 130 Matthews Station St. • Mac’s Speed Shop: 142 E. John St. • Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road • Seaboard Brewing: 213 N. Trade St. • Steady Eddy’s: 2216 E. John St. • Temple Mojo: 195 N. Trade St. Mint Hill • Dunwellz: 7110 Brighton Park Drive • Stooges Pub: 13230 Albemarle Road Monroe • Fox’s Alley Bowling: 1901 Skyway Drive • Southern Range: 151 S. Stewart St. • Treehouse Vineyards: 301 Bay St. Pineville • Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St. Stallings • Lake View Grill: 9750 Tournament Drive Waxhaw • Bistro D’Antonio: 3909 Providence Road South

Charlotte Location

OPEN to the PUBLIC

SPECIAL SALE Our best prices on EVERYTHING in the Club.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020 • Page 4B

One chilling expedition

DINING SCORES

'Antarctic Dinosaurs' arrives at Discovery Place Science on Feb. 8

The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected these restaurants Jan. 10 to 16: 28134 • Auntie Anne's Pretzels, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 96.5 • Longhorn Steakhouse, 10605 Centrum Pkwy. – 97.5 • McAlister's Deli, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98.5 • Patel Brothers, 10701 Centrum Pkwy. – 91 • Sam's Club seafood & sushi, 11425 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 100 28209 • BurgerKing, 2901 South Blvd. – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 2717 South Blvd. – 95 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 2717 South Blvd. – 99 • Holler & Dash, 2725 South Blvd. – 81.5 • Nekter Juice Bar, 2725 South Blvd. – 96

Visitors to “Antarctic Dinosaurs will come face to face with a full-scale fleshed out replication of Cryolophosaurus. Photo courtesy of Blue Rhino Studio

28210 • Clean Juice, 8428 Park Road – 100 • Express Mart, 10222 Johnston Road – 96.5 • Harris Teeter (juice bar), 8538 Park Road – 97 • Jimmy John's, 4717 Sharon Road – 98.5 • Smoothie King, 4736 Sharon Road – 99 28211 • Alternative Chef, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97 • Bojangles, 4435 Randolph Road – 94.5 • Caring Hearts of America Catering, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97.5 • Chick-fil-A, 4431 Randolph Road – 98 • Dairy Queen, 108 S. Sharon Amity Road – 97.5 • Koishi Restaurant, 120 N. Sharon Amity Road – 95.5 • Nordstrom's E-Bar, 4400 Sharon Road – 99.5 • Phil's Deli II, 4223 Providence Road – 95.5 • Starbucks, 4400 Sharon Road – 99

The Cryolophosaurus skull fossil from the Field Museum’s collection that will be on display in the “Antarctic Dinosaurs” exhibition. It dates back to the Early Jurassic period, around 194-188 millions years ago. John Weinstein/Field Museum

28226 • Chili's Grill & Bar, 8302 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98.5 • Honey Baked Hams, 7649 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Thai House, 8706 Pineville-Matthews Road – 91 28277 • Co Restaurant, 7416 Waverly Walk Ave. – 96 • Harris Teeter (deli), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 97.5 • Harris Teeter (pizza hut), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 100 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 98 • Pio Chicken, 9816 Rea Road – 98 • Synchrony Cafe, 10840 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 96.5 • Tabla Indian Restaurant, 15025 Lancaster Hwy. – 96.5 • Whole Foods Market (meat), 7221 Waverly Walk Ave. – 97 • Whole Foods Market (produce bar), 7221 Waverly Walk Ave. – 98.5

Field Museum scientists Pete Makovicky and Nate Smith, William Hammer and Joshua Mathews from Augustana College, and Philip Currie and Eva Koppelhus from the University of Alberta. Photograph by Phil Currie

CHARLOTTE – “Antarctic Dinosaurs,” a new exhibition arriving at Discovery Place Science on Feb. 8, transports visitors back in time to discover what life was like in Antarctica 200 million years ago. The traveling exhibition was developed by the Field Museum in Chicago in partnership with Discovery Place, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the Natural History Museum of Utah. The exhibition guides visitors through what was once a lush, green and thriving continent where dinosaurs freely roamed. Guests will discover fossils from four Antarctic dinosaur species, including the 25-foot long Cryolophosaurus, and get hands-on experience with tools used by paleontologists to extract fossils from the now frozen landscape. “Antarctic Dinosaurs” also focuses on the working conditions of scientists in these expeditions to the continent today. “Working in Antarctica is like traveling to another world. You go into the mountains and you set up in the middle of nowhere on the ice,” said Nathan Smith, one of the researchers whose work is featured in the exhibition. “Folks going to do remote research in Antarctica have to complete survival training and what we call ‘snow school’ to ensure they are prepared in case they become stuck with no one able to reach them for a while.” The research and experiences featured in the exhibit also shed new light on the planet’s ever-changing climate and geology. “The dinosaurs may draw you into the exhibition, but you will quickly discover there is so much more to unearth, including a very real and important look at climate change,” Discovery Place CEO and president Catherine Wilson Horne said. “Discovery Place is proud to provide opportunities for these kinds of conversations in the Charlotte region.” Discovery Place staff began contributing to the exhibit's development in 2016. Staff supported the initial development phase then reviewed concepts, direction, prototypes and mock-ups of experiences and other elements of the exhibition.

Beyond the bones Several special events and activities will take place throughout the run (Feb. 8 to May 25) of “Antarctic Dinosaurs.” Feb. 8: Fossil Day Celebrate opening day of the exhibit with activities on fossilization, and cold weather exploration. Guests can excavate fossils, suit up in cold weather gear and meet research scientists from the exhibit and IMAX film. Ongoing: Sustainability Saturdays Join the museum in Explore More Life every second Saturday as it investigates a facet of sustainability. Feb: 21-22: An Extreme Overnight Adventure Adults (21 and older) are invited to spend the night at the museum as it embarks on an expedition. This twist on the monthly Science on the Rocks event will include lively Antarctic activities, including winter suit races and an ice luge. March 24: National Geographic Live Explore the polar extremes at “National Geographic Live: Into the Arctic Kingdom,” where photographer Florian Schulz will discuss his multiyear quest to document the Arctic. May 2-3: Antarctic Overnight Expedition Families are invited to spend the night at the museum with a sleepover tailored to give adults and children a glimpse into Antarctic expeditions. They'll learn about Antarctic dinosaurs and how the landscape of Antarctica has changed. Ongoing: IMAX film The IMAX film, “Dinosaurs of Antarctica.” explores a world of bug-eyed giants and egg-laying mammals, where survival means enduring the sunless, six-month polar winter surrounded by meat-eaters with night vision. Visit www.science.discoveryplace. org or call 704-372-6261 for tickets.

Opinion: Oscar nominations could use more women by Kayla Berenson kayla@cmgweekly.com

Forget winter, spring, summer or fall. Award season tops the list of my favorite seasons. From the red carpet glamor to the funny hosts and heartfelt acceptance speeches, award shows are some of the most entertaining content on television. “Snub” is heard just about every time Oscar nominations roll around. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has faced criticism in the past for its lack of diversity in nominees. It has definitely gotten better since the hashtag #OscarsSoWhite trended on Twitter, but there is still some major room for improvement, es-

pecially when it comes to female representation in top categories. The most talked-about snub in the 2020 list of nominations is the absence of a female nominee for the best director category. And it deserves to be talked about more. Though nearly one-third of nominees were women, none of them were in the director category. A film’s director oversees the entire production of the film, making sure it runs smoothly. They are the key person responsible for bringing a film from the script to the screen. It takes a good leader with a creative vision to do this job. It shouldn’t be taken lightly. Martin Scorsese (“The Irishman”), Todd Phillips (“Joker), Sam Mendes (“1917”), Quentin

Tarantino (“Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”) and Bong Joonho (“Parasite”) are all deserving of their nominations. But where is Greta Gerwig for “Little Women?” Where is Kasi Lemmons for “Harriet?” The list goes on of some of this year’s best films, all directed by women. You might say, “Kayla, a South Korean director is on that list, Doesn’t that make it diverse enough?” Yes, it is wonderful to have a foreign movie nominated and recognize the importance of great films in other countries. I think the Academy recognizing Joon-ho for his excellent work in “Parasite” is a great step in the right direction in diversifying the list of nominees

and he absolutely deserves to be on the list, but let’s not forget the wonderful, female-directed films of the year. The biggest disappointment for me is Gerwig getting snubbed for “Little Women.” As someone who read and adored Louisa May Alcott’s novel as a young girl, the film adaption meant a lot to me. Gerwig’s direction of the adaption was absolutely perfect and better than I could have imagined. I am glad two of the film’s actors were nominated for awards and the film was included in the “Best Picture” nominations, but the Academy ignoring Gerwig’s directing capability is inexcusable. Getting back to the bigger picture, only five women have ever

been nominated for this category. Only one woman has won. Something’s not adding up here. Female-driven stories are coming to light in media. Movies and TV shows like “Bombshell” and “The Morning Show” tell real stories of sexual abuse in the workplace. “Hustlers” followed a group of female exotic dancers who made a fortune by stealing from the club’s intoxicated patrons. “Harriet” told the story of Harriet Tubman. Though not all of these films and television shows were directed by women, they are empowering and paint women in a positive light. Hollywood’s creators are moving in the right direction when it comes to representation. It’s time for the Academy to keep up.

A Family Focused Estate Planning Law Firm Estate Planning is Way More Than “Who Gets My Stuff?” We will help you:

ZACHARY B. SETZER

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 704-288-0674 or visit ProvidenceWillsAndTrusts.com

Schedule a No Cost, No Obligation 50 Point Estate Plan Review Today! Call 704-288-0674 or visit ProvidenceWillsAndTrusts.com

704-288-0674

South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020 • Page 5B

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

SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT

Kelly’s Painting

MISCELLANEOUS

Professional Interior Painting and Handyman Service

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! FREE CONSULTATION 844-359-4330 A PLACE FOR MOM has helped over a million families find senior living. Our trusted local advisors help solutions to your unique needs at NO COST TO YOU! Call 844-432-3281 NEW AUTHORS WANTED! Page Publishing will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 844-660-6943 BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. EASY, ONE DAY updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877-6616587 Lung Cancer? And Age 60+? You And Your Family May Be Entitled To Significant Cash Award. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. For Information Call 855677-0507 Offer: Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates. Call today to learn more 1-855-6131407 Mon-Fri:10:00am to 7:00pm Sat & Sun: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (all times Eastern) DIRECTV CHOICE All-Included Package. Over 185 Channels! ONLY $45/month (for 24 mos.) Call Now- Get NFL Sunday Ticket FREE! CALL 1-877-666-2821 Ask Us How To Bundle & Save! DISH TV - $59.99/ month for 190 channels. $100 Gift Card with Qualifying Service! Free premium channels (Showtime, Starz, & more) for 3 months. Voice remote included. Restrictions apply, call for details. Call 1-855-784-9695 FDA-Registered Hearing Aids. 100% RiskFree! 45-Day Home Trial. Comfort Fit. Crisp Clear Sound. If you decide to keep it, PAY ONLY $299 per aid. FREE Shipping. Call Hearing Help Express 1- 866-744-6150 Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-528-4962 MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1-888909-9978 18+.

Affordable Prices • Outstanding Customer Service Attention to Detail • Quality Workmanship “Affordable” Custom Moldings Picture Hanging Drywall Repairs Light Electric & Plumbing Storage Solutions

(704) 619-0253

Licensed & Insured Call today for a Free Estimate

• Trail Building

• Small Dump Truck

• Bush Hogging • Small Trees Cut • Footings

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Bill

704-622-6460

or call Betty

P.O. BOX NC 28106 Matthews, 61 (704) 849-22

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

(704) 849-2261

FALL REGISTRATION Sharon Baptist Church Weekday School, info@sb weekday.org, 6411 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 is now registering for their Fall 2020 Preschool Program. Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy: Sharon Baptist Church Weekday School admits students regardless of race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administrations of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.

MATTHE

ORAL RAC WS MAY

• No. 39

INTERIORIOR AND EXTER PAINTING SERVICES

81 704-567-77 90 704-771-01

FALL ART CLAS SES INSI WHAT'S

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

t foc Podcas ts on residen office for running

wants Majewski Berenson

me next to beco

mayor

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. and the with another option 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 know that that same demog vote,” Majewski 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 throug votes Page 5A

aking Groundbrestarts at on Constructi 1B Stadium, Memorial

Service group tion, 2A

ST, Page see PODCA

980-622-7833

Fully Insured • 20 Years Experience • Senior Discount

704-254-5381

HEALTH & MEDICAL

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

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 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.

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

NOW HIRING Delivery Drivers! For our Union County Routes. Weekly Routes Available. Contact us at adsales@cmgweekly.com for details.

Inside:

ABOU

justin@cmgwe thecharlottew ekly.com eekly.com

Silver Bokhar

E-taile

r brand

Friday,

s join So

704-4

58-93

cupcakedel irium.vpwe b.com/

Drigg s

uthPar k Mall

9 • Vol.

BROUGHT

Line g

by Justi justin@cm n Vick gweekly.co

• Page

Arts Entert ai

Nov. 15, 201

i, Driggs

Bokhari

balk at

19 • No.

ets ke y

$50M

pre-de ve

TO YOU

Flip to

lopmen t price

RAIL, Page

ion

Andrew Sports

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

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 pred my gam ictions. Unfo with my 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, it up. so 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 would have d much • The higher. 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 (6-5 ey Kell ) at • The (10straight 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 rdays. now play Charlotte 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 people, use we had we but also loss of all but we adjusting lost a of big see KNIGHTS,

Page 4A

Hundred Thunbe s rally behind rg to pr G otect th reta see STAR

K, Page

Stark

Editor

Predicti the play ng offs

Supe

r7 Elite team s prep are for the play offs, 4A

Christ ma

nmen t 1B

vote

FOOTBA LL

THE WEEKLY

page

m 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 “What from Unio , The Char ties. ct will vehin 6, didn Bokhari, who 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 now with – a $50 transon, an million gun to a other ce our see

lebrat

S INSIDE

Shop with s show 450 vendors holiday , 1B

BY THE UNION COUNTY WEEKLY

T US

P.O. BOX Matthews, 1104 NC (704) 849-2 28106 261

WHAT'

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 Vick of Comm by Justin in Chamber ers have pitched ekly.com Servant's justin@cmgwe team memb in town, including HistorHill ies b. Health Mint al charit , the Mint

Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com

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 to 15 st “Coffee g from seven tion podca es, rangin Anchor, Google episod on first five can be found r, minutes, Spotify. Renee Garneof and e sts includ Podca es will a taste 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 bough rezoni Tofano but a nearbyhis home promptd Street in 2012, saw density aroun r. He also creased the for commissione transparency run increased ed him to tunity for an oppor leaders. among town

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

rocks Freedom promotes

Indian Trail

ith Coffee w e at a Candid uses

Higdon

candidate Another mix enters the Bailey

Call Anytime!

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers)

adsales@cmgweekly.com or call 704-849-2261

A THIRD OPTION

rusT

38 Years of Experience

Page 5A

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 “lazy on the ekly.com were not ce. kayla@cmgwe violen imDunlap came to gun Cole, community Harris , cides in this isAlisahah for Atrium Health E – Homi 119% Harden to explore . up excited g up is CHARLOTT others are officer Leake said he is teamin g County inthe help of reached pact hospital Mecklenbur That number has ted the most sue further with have said the enburg County Public Health presen ics at the level of people heard Meckl lot ’ve only from last June. Atrium “A statist with “They is the 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 this 7A down 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 going to be policies, processspective, the issioners will of the problecourse of action for we’re p with develo County Commach, this time ommended help us to appro mind. . e Dunlap different concerns in en- board Chairman Georg Board public health ives from Meckl Representat Public Health and ty burg Coun

dmoore.com www.paintingan re@bellsouth.net paintingandmoo

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

Call to advertise

Commiss

Foot Care Nursing Trimming

Gutter Cleaning • Gutter Guard Pressure Washing • Tree Work • Polished Gutters

From a drip to a leak, turn to the Weekly Classifieds to turn those headaches off.

ce t on videolpaen rtment h ready to ac y leadkerrecsommendations from healt Countion see ers

US ABOUT1104

Fully Insured

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

• Vol. 12

980-253-9496

Paul Tant

Your Best “STOP” For A Drip

EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION

27, 2019

CALL ANYTIME FOR FREE ESTIMATES

Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • Roofing • Room Additions • Decks

(704) 909-7561

EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION

. Friday, Sept

• PAINTING • ROT REPAIR • PLUMBING • FLOORING

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

980-240-7358

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

or expo •

Experienced s Insured s Reliable • ELECTRICAL • CERAMIC TILE • KITCHEN/BATH RENOVATIONS

Drywall • Painting • Decks • Windows • Doors Framing • Roofing • Gutters • Siding Water Damage & All Types of Flooring • Tile Work Plumbing • Electrical • House Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning

FINANCIAL

t week’s seni

Tony DeMarzo

The handy Man

AVON - Earn Extra $$. Sell online or in person from home or work. Free website included. No inventory required. For more info, Call: 844613-2230

ister for nex

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

**We are licensed and insured** **We have been in business for 20 years**

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Inside: Reg

DeMARZO

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

• Tractor

• Concrete Demo

FREE ESTIMATES • INSURED

Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed

• Light Grading

• Trachoe

Veteran owned and operated

A+ BBB | DOT:A2998402 | NCUC: 4646 CALL TODAY FOR QUOTE! (704) 907-1777

BF Construction Services and Light Grading

• Skid Loader

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.

by Kayla Berenson kay

tag

Page 6A • South Charlotte Weekly • Jan. 24, 2020

SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2020 11AM-4PM Charlotte convention center

FREE ADMISSION!

h t 9 y r a u r b e F January 31st – Tickets Available Now at

www.matthewsplayhouse get ready for your next vacation!

704-846-8343

.com

Great OFFERS, PRIZES & presentations on favorite destinations!

RSVP TODAY!

800.343.MANN (6266)

Thank You Mamma Mia Sponsors and Partners

www.manntravels.com

JANUARY

FURNITURE CLEARANCE SALE NOW THRU JANUARY 31 AS WE MAKE ROOM FOR MORE INVENTORY

BERNHARDT 3 PIECE BEDROOM GROUP

Limited time. Items may vary by location. Call for details. Many items sold in sets only.

BAKER SOFA

CHARLESTON FORGE COCKTAIL TABLE

PULASKI SETTEE

CENTURY NIGHT STAND

BERNHARDT OTTOMAN

HOOKER 6 PC. DINING ROOM

CENTURY WING CHAIR

FOUR HANDS BENCH

SMITH BROTHERS SOFA

CURREY & COMPANY CHANDELIER

FAMILY OWNED

Update Your Look! We deliver or you can pick it up.

**12

goodshomefurnishings.com FOLLOW US

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.