South Charlotte Weekly & The Pineville Pilot Dec. 18, 2020 by Charlotte Media Group

& THE PINEVILLE PILOT Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 • Vol. 20 • No. 51

Mayor joins effort to overcome vaccine hesitancy

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

WHAT'S INSIDE:

David Flower/City of Charlotte

End is near?

Novant Health is partnering with Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles to encourage community members to get vaccinated as soon as supply allows. The announcement follows recent national polling that shows a large number of citizens will opt out of getting vaccinated, citing concerns ranging from the vaccine being rushed to the vaccine

having ulterior motives to its inequitable distribution. “As a leader, and a person of color, I believe it’s important to declare my commitment to get the vaccine because I am confident that it is safe and will be effective,” Lyles said. “And while I will get my vaccine after healthcare workers, first-responders and our community’s most vulnerable

Atrium Health has COVID-19 vaccine, 2A

citizens, I am making my plans known today in an effort to help others have the same confidence in the science.” With the procurement and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine imminent, Novant Health and Lyles are calling on community leaders and health-care see MAYOR, Page 5A

Justin Vick Managing Editor

CMS botched joint meeting with county

Big gift United Way invests $21.7M locally, 2A

C Realignment

see FRIES, Page 5A

see VICK, Page 5A

Not so hard to find

Prep teams shaken up a bit, 3A

What The Fries opening brick-and-mortar location

Older adults

What The Fries will open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in early 2021 at 10707 Park Road. The 3,420-square-foot space, a former CiCi's Pizza, will have an anticipated seating capacity of 100. It will allow for socially distanced dine-in and carry-out, as well as hands-free (digital) payment options. “We are in the process of removing the buffet areas and the pizza ovens,” said

Thriving in a year of strife, 1B

From the food truck, What The Fries serves an average of more than 100 customers daily using 200 pounds of potatoes, equating to 800 pounds weekly and 3,200 pounds monthly. Brick and mortar is a natural progression for What the Fries, which had to adjust its business operations earlier this year due to COVID-19, including condensing the menu, adding online ordering via Toast and Street Food Finder, and identifying new service locations. What The Fries has seen consistent growth since March, as sales are up 33% over 2019. “This is a long time coming,” Barnes said of

harlotte-Mecklenburg Schools went into a joint meeting with county commissioners last week like the know-it-all kid that shows up for a mid-term exam after skipping several days of class. The school board seemed caught off guard by county commissioners wanting to hear specific steps they were taking to improve performance among Black students. County commissioners were looking for a plan. School board members could only provide data and goals. A few members alluded to a 2024 Strategic Plan but they didn't elaborate during the meeting. I looked at the plan after the meeting. It has some great ideals to put on a vision board, but it lacks the tactical strategy commissioners wanted to hear. The problem with the school board, and perhaps CMS administrators, is that they focus too much on trying to provide context about why schools are failing instead of explaining what they're going to do about it. District leaders blame the community for its problems. They blame parents for not being involved. They blame county and state leaders for not giving them enough money. What county commissioners, and the community at large, want to see is some accountability. CMS says it cares about equity, but leaders can't demonstrate what they're doing to promote it. The only steps I heard after much prying from county commissioners is that the district wants to hire better teachers, streamline curriculum and invest in more training. Sounds pretty routine to me. People want to see more urgency. An achievement gap exited before the pandemic and has gotten worse due to remote learning. The time is now for

chef Greg Williams, who founded What The Fries in 2015 with best friend Jamie Barnes. “We are changing the game area to a space to sell and promote local authors, vendors and artists, and we’re having a mural painted. This space will be us: hip-hop, family-friendly, welcoming and fun.” Over the past five years, the pair have created one of the most popular food truck concepts in the region

Giving back Helms fosters service, protects history, 2B

Peter Taylor Photography

Above: Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes hold the keys to the new home of What the with loaded Fries on Park Road. Photo gourmet fries, courtesy of handmade tots What the and other fun Fries dishes.

Teen shines a light in a year of darkness When Lucas Boyle began making a few holiday stars to hang in the trees in his yard for Christmas two years ago, he never imagined it would turn into a thriving business that would light up his whole neighborhood. His idea has lit up many other south Charlotte communities. Lucas began with a few small stars fashioned out of bamboo, strings of Christmas lights and plastic ties. He hung them as high as he could in the trees in his front yard. Neighbors in his Park Crossing neighborhood starting asking him about them. Working out of his garage, with the help

of sister Jill, brother Sean and neighborhood friends, his bright idea has taken off. “It has been a challenging year for all of us in so many ways, and hopefully these stars are a small light of inspiration,” Lucas said. He now has a website where he offers large (six feet), medium (four feet) and accent stars, along with instructions to make your own stars. Drive down any street in Park Crossing and you can see all of the stars – some as high as 75 feet. Lucas is now starting to see the inspiration in other neighborhoods, including

Cameron Woods and Montibello. He also has seen orders from Lake Wylie and Hilton Head. The Charlotte Catholic High School senior has donated a portion of the proceeds from all of last year’s stars to fund the new Performing Arts Center at the high school, where he is a captain of the debate team and drum major for the marching band. Although it is fun to drive around the neighborhood and see all the stars, Lucas really enjoys making the stars and installing them for some of his older neighbors. On the web: https://www.charlotte starcompany.com/

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Page 2A • The Weekly •Dec. 18, 2020

Atrium Health administers COVID-19 vaccine STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/car olinaweeklynewspapers

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NEWSLETTER

Dr. Katie Passaretti, medical director of infection prevention at Atrium Health, was the first in North Carolina to receive the FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer. Atrium Health was the first health system in the state to administer the vaccine, which the health system says is the best way to prevent infection from COVID-19. “This is a moment of hope as this vaccine has the potential to change the course of where we are with the pandemic,” Passaretti said Dec. 14. “I couldn’t be more excited. I feel perfectly fine and I haven’t had any issues or complications with the vaccine. I would highly encourage everyone to talk with your doctor and consider getting vaccinated when it is available for you.” Pfizer reports its vaccine is 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 among people who had no evidence of prior infection. Due to limited initial supply and based on national and state guidance, the first batch of the Pfizer vaccine is being given to Atrium Health staff in high priority, patient-facing areas, such as the emergency department and medical intensive care unit, and areas where health-care workers are at a higher risk for COVID-19 exposure. “Today, my spirit is certainly lifted with the vaccine arriving and Dec. 14 will be a historic day I will remember for the rest of my life," said Eugene Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health. “This has been a year that has tested all of us, and after fighting in the trenches 24/7, I am so happy that the cavalry is finally starting to arrive. Teams have been working around the clock at Atrium Health to prepare for vaccine distribution, and while we still have some months of heavy lifting, our frontline heroes have started to get the protection they deserve as we continue to provide health, hope and healing to each com-

COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer is stored at Atrium Health. High-priority patient-facing staff will be among the first in the nation to receive Pfizer vaccine. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health

munity we are privileged to serve.” Atrium Health said it remains critical for everyone to continue wearing a mask, social-distancing and handwashing, before and after having been vaccinated. To date, Atrium Health has conducted 10 clinical trials to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Atrium Health also opened a voluntary vaccine research registry, which allows people to learn more about vaccine research and development. People who take part in the registry may be invited to participate in COVID-19 vaccine trials in the future and will be provided with convenient access to trials should they be interested. Partic-

ipating in clinical trials is a way for people to receive potentially lifesaving medications before they become FDA available. Novant Health's vaccine efforts Novant Health has been working with federal, state and county officials to develop and align allocation and distribution plans for the vaccine. This includes a four-phase vaccine prioritization framework, which begins with patient-facing health-care workers and first-responders, longterm health facility workers and residents, as well as adults with more than two chronic conditions. On the web: NovantHealth.org/Coronavirus

United Way of Central Carolinas announces $21.7M investment Subscribe to our free DAILY email newsletter to stay on top of everything we are publishing in print and online, as well as what we’re sharing across our social media platforms. Visit one of our websites for a link to subscribe.

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United Way of Central Carolinas is investing $21.7 million into communities across the Charlotte region. The nonprofit is awarding grants to more than 100 agencies in five counties that are building stronger neighborhoods, improving racial equity, boosting economic mobility and helping people meet basic needs in the pandemic. Thanks to thousands of corporate and individual donors, the investment includes $10.7 million for United Way initiatives and partner agencies in fiscal year 2021. The funding includes a $1 million contribution from Mecklenburg County to expand United Way’s Unite Charlotte initiative to improve racial equity, which was seeded by Wells Fargo in 2016. United Way also broadens its reach by welcoming 36 new partners with first-time grants to programs aligned with its mission. The investment also includes $9.2 million for agencies providing relief for people facing hardships due to the pandemic. The money, which began going out in July, is part of the COVID-19 Response Fund co-launched in March by United Way in partnership with Foundation For The Carolinas. The remaining $1.7 million represents additional United Way community investments and donor-directed funding for nonprofits. “United Way continues its evolution toward taking on this community’s highest priority needs, and there’s no question the pandemic and the urgent cry for racial equity top the list,” President and CEO Laura Yates Clark said. “At the same time, we continue our focus on fueling economic mobility in a city that lags behind in creating opportunity for those living in poverty. And that work begins at the ground level with empowering neighborhoods.” United Way’s Board of Directors boosted the 2021 funding by committing up to $3 million from its reserves to keep the overall funding pool for agencies the same as last year’s. Without dipping into reserves this year, overall grant funding would have declined due to a decrease in community contributions. United Way has awarded 127 grants totaling $10.7 million in partner funding to 119 agencies beginning in January. Highlights include: • $1.1 million will dramatically expand the Unite Charlotte effort, going to build capacity and fund 33 grassroots organizations working to advance racial equity and create opportunity. Grants range from $15,000 to $40,000 and recipients include such groups as Our Turn, Profound Gentlemen and Southside Rides, most of them led by people of color. • $800,000 will continue funding for United Way’s United Neighborhoods program. Grants will go to 16 groups and eight neighborhood ‘quarterback’ organizations that work together to identify – and address – specific needs within their communities. • $8.8 million in Community Impact Grants will go to 70 agencies, ranging from $6,250 to $777,500, in Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg and Union counties. Recipients include longtime partners such as Roof Above and Mental Health America, as well as new partners such as Socialserve,

Time Out Youth and Promise Resource Network. United Way also played a role in the COVID-19 Response Fund for emergency relief in the pandemic. United Way and Foundation For The Carolinas partnered to raise funds, assess needs and distribute grants beginning in March as North Carolina’s economic shutdown began. The Charlotte region responded to the call for help, with more than 1,100 donors contributing $23.6 million throughout the year. Grants flowed to agencies on the frontlines based on decisions made by a special grants committee of community leaders. United Way also helped find housing for residents of the Lake Arbor apartment community after owners decided to sell the property – leaving more than 300 low-income families without homes. “United Way has always functioned as the go-to agency when our community is in need, but what this organization has done in 2020 is remarkable and unprecedented,” said Scott Vaughn, chairman of United Way board Chair and a partner at McGuireWoods. “United Way is far more than a funding organization; it’s a convener and leader with a vast network of partners that together make a collective impact in our community far beyond what agencies might do individually.” Select Union County agencies and funding Community Health Services of Union County ($90,000) Council on Aging in Union County ($35,625) HealthQuest of Union County ($17,325) The Arc of Union/Cabarrus ($53,000) Turning Point - 97,500) Union County Community Shelter ($90,000) Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry ($109,375) Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity ($40,000) Select Mecklenburg county agencies and funding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas ($165,000) Care Ring ($410,000) Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center ($325,300) Child Care Resources ($495,550) Communities In Schools of CLT-Mecklenburg ($423,750) Crisis Assistance Ministry ($164,500) Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont ($131,000) Mental Health America of Central Carolinas ($225,520) NC MedAssist ($327,000) Roof Above ($300,000) Safe Alliance ($443,500) Salvation Army - Charlotte Area Command ($777,500) Urban League of Central Carolinas ($171,750) YMCA of Greater Charlotte ($100,000) Young Black Leadership Alliance ($100,000) YWCA Central Carolinas ($445,000)

The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 3A

NCHSAA realignment brings sweeping changes Schools in Mecklenburg, Union counties affected by adjustments to 2021-24 plan by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

Every four years, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association takes a look at conference boundaries and schools' average daily membership (enrollment) numbers to realign its member schools into conferences – oftentimes moving schools up and down from classifications based on enrollment. Last week, the NCHSAA came up with its first of four drafts of its conference realignment plan that would go into effect beginning Aug. 1, 2021, and running through August 2024. The second draft is set to come out in mid-January, and there is an appeals process for schools who wish to make their case heard with potential concerns about the changes. However, if the past three realignments serve as any indication, there will not be many if any changes made from this point forward. The final draft is set to come out in March, but if the state stays closely to what it’s proposed, there’s going to be some major changes coming to the schools in our coverage area. 4A The first big change comes in Union County, where Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Piedmont, Sun Valley and Weddington move up to 4A after previously competing in the Southern Carolinas at the 3A level. They will join “Conference 58” with Porter Ridge, who remains in the 4A classification but leaves the Southwestern 4A Conference they have been a part of for the past eight athletic seasons. This new conference should remain a highly competitive league across the board. That’s not the only big change, however. Former Southern Carolinas stalwart Charlotte Catholic is taking the step back into 4A themselves

and will provide a shot in the arm to the Southwestern 4A, bringing with them a strong athletic pedigree in football, tennis, swimming and diving and soccer. Other members of that league, dubbed “Conference 59” on the state’s draft, include long-time SW4A members Butler, Independence, Rocky River, East Meck and Myers Park. Providence will move back into this league, after the Panthers have spent the past eight in the So. Meck Conference. That’s where we move next, and that conference will see some pretty big shifts as well. Entitled “Conference 49,” the league will feature mainstays Ardrey Kell and South Meck along with Olympic, Harding and Berry as traditionally has been the case. That conference, presumably still the So. Meck, also includes newly minted 3A schools West Meck and West Charlotte, who drop from 4A. NCHSAA Commissioner Que Tucker said the state’s new realignment plan is not shying away from creating mixed-classification leagues as they did for the past four years. "The number of split conferences in this alignment draft represents the realignment committee’s desire not to limit those,” she said. “It also takes into consideration the protection of natural rivalries and strongly considers geography and travel time. Of course, this means the way of getting into the playoffs must be reviewed and updated. That will come later.” 3A The So. Meck is one of many conferences across the state’s four classifications to have shared-class leagues. “Conference 44” is basically the old Rocky River 2A/3A. It will house Union County schools Central Academy and Parkwood as 3A members along with 2A teams Monroe, where the Redhawks

Butler (above) could be playing the likes of Providence and Charlotte Catholic (below) within its conference in addition to familiar foes Myers Park, Independence and Rocky River. CMG file photos

move down from 3A, and Forest Hills, who stays in 2A. Anson and West Stanly, a pair of 2A schools, round out the blended conference. 1A/2A Union Academy stays in the 1A classification, but is in a mixed league featuring 1A opponents Albemarle, Apprentice Academy, Gray Stone Day, South Stanly and 2A foes Jay M. Robinson, Mount Pleasant and North Stanly. The conference will be different after moving out of the Big South for the Cardinals, but they will again be traveling long distances to road conference games. Overall, it seems the NCHSAA is even further trying to cut down on travel time to away games and keep group like-sized schools together. It seems strange, though, that Ardrey Kell, typically one of the state’s largest and most overcrowded schools, would be in a blended league with a pair of 3A

schools, but sometimes it’s unavoidable like in Union Academy’s case. Either way, it should make for

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Page 4A • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020

McElvy: Government must fix the gaping PPP problem by Jonathan McElvy CEO of McElvy Partners

One of the most effective tools implemented by the federal government in the fight against this enemy called McElvy COVID was the Paycheck Protection Program. If you haven’t followed the specifics, this program allowed small businesses to apply for a “forgivable” loan that would offset payroll and other operating costs, and it was a raging success. Businesses were able to pay employees during the worst five-month span since the Great Recession. Expenses such as rent, utilities and telephone were offset with proceeds from the loan. The Paycheck Protection Program could come back to haunt small businesses when they see how impacts taxes. There are different analyses on the topic, but the Small Business Administration estimates 51 million jobs were spared thanks to the dissemination of PPP funds. I will openly admit that our company’s ability to secure PPP funds saved the jobs of nearly half of our employees. That’s the good news, and anyone who reads this should understand how important the Paycheck Protection Program was to millions of small businesses across the na-

tion. Today, however, the federal government seems destined to ruin the very businesses it rescued seven short months ago. If you are a small business owner, or if you work for a small business (under 500 employees), or if you know someone who fits in that category, which means all of you, please take the time to understand how this piece of federal legislation, known as the CARES Act, could completely backfire on small businesses. Please make sure you are educated on how the same government that sought to prop up businesses now could force the same businesses to lay off millions of people. You’ll have to excuse this brief lesson on business finances, but there’s no other way to explain it. You own a business called Barry’s Boxes. Obviously, you sell boxes. Unfortunately, you don’t have a contract with Amazon. In 2019, before the world came crashing down, you had a good business bringing in $1 million a year in revenue. You had 10 employees (including yourself ) each earning a $40,000 salary, and your total expenses for the year (payroll, rent, boxes, etc.) were $900,000. That means your business showed a profit of $100,000 in 2019, and you had plans to open a second location in 2020. Except that never happened because of COVID. When the federal government

Stith is new leader of state community college system by Julie Havlak Carolina Journal News Service

The N.C. Community College System elected Thomas Stith III to lead it through the coronavirus pandemic and steep enrollment losses. Stith will become president of a system of 58 community colleges that enroll about 700,000 students a year. He now serves as district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration, a federal agency that secured more than $16 billion in coronavirus relief for N.C. small businesses. Stith also was chief of staff to former Gov. Pat McCrory from 2013 to 2017. He succeeds interim president William Carver and former President Peter Hans, who

passed the CARES Act, and when banks said they were finally accepting PPP loan applications, you did all the calculations, which were fairly simple. Your total salaries in 2019 were $400,000, and if we avoid all the math, it means you were eligible to receive a PPP “forgivable” loan of $83,300. Within a week of your application, your bank deposited $83,300 into your account, and you breathed a huge sigh of relief. While your business was still open, you only had 70% of the customers you had in 2019, and you projected revenue to drop to $700,000. Before getting the loan, you considered laying off five of your employees just to make it through the year. Immediately you put a plan in place to spend the money the right way. You kept your employees paid. You caught up on your rent checks. You paid for the power and your internet connection. Today, most of those PPP funds are long gone, and you used the money exactly as the government told you to use it. That’s a good thing, because the government promised the loan would be forgiven if you played by the rules. As Barry’s Boxes nears the end of this year, the business made some needed adjustments, used the PPP money, and will still show a loss. You did $700,000 in revenue (down 30%), and you were able

left in August to become president of the University of North Carolina System. As president of the community college system, Stith will help determine North Carolina’s comeback from the coronavirus shutdowns. But he faces a stark challenge. Stith will have to define his presidency against the pandemic and expected funding shortfalls from the economic downturn. He begins Jan. 11, three days after Gov. Roy Cooper’s coronavirus curfew is set to expire and months before vaccines can achieve herd immunity. “My vision for the North Carolina Community College System is guided by the principle that education translates into opportunity,” Stith said in a news release. “The North Carolina Community College System will lead our state’s economic recovery by providing education and training for our diverse population. The system will become a national model for

to cut almost every other expense in your company, allowing you to spend $730,000. In other words, you only lost $30,000 this year, which you offset with the money you made last year. So much for expanding your location, but at least you’re still in business. I imagine if you surveyed 1,000 small businesses, that wouldn’t be far off from the reality of what has happened to most of them. They’re going to show a loss this year, but the government’s stimulus plan (PPP) allowed them to stay open, and hopefully, regroup once the world reopens. Except that’s not what will happen. There’s a problem with the way the government defined “forgivable.” You see, Barry’s Boxes is going to have to take the $83,300 it received from the government, and when Barry determines if he made money (thus paying taxes) or lost money (not paying taxes), he has to reduce his expenses by the amount of the loan. Based on the language of this federal legislation, Barry has to reduce his $730,000 in expenses by $83,300, which means his actual expenses were $646,700. All of a sudden, Barry’s financials show he actually made a profit in 2020, even though we all know he didn’t. That’s right. The way the legislation currently reads, Barry now has to pay taxes on $53,000 in profit. And while that doesn’t sound like a

educational excellence.” Stith will have to grapple with the dramatic drop in enrollment that community colleges face across the country. The pandemic upended hands-on learning, restricted colleges’ ability to offer classes and slashed the budgets of low-income students and adult learners. “Working adults are struggling right now, and lower-income students are struggling in their ability to go to college this year,” said Scott Ralls, Wake Technical Community College president. “His challenge is to help us make sure we have some level of budget-enrollment stability, so we’re able to deal with the economic-recovery issues once the pandemic moves out of the forefront.” But to do that, Stith must also take on longstanding problems that stand in the way of recovering the enrollment growth of the past year. Community colleges have long struggled

lot – maybe he only has to pay 21% – that means he has to write a check for $11,000. And guess what, Barry is like every other small business out there, and he only has $25,000 left in his business account. The numbers get bigger as the companies get bigger, but the reality is the government is coming back to recoup a chunk of the money most small-business owners thought was forgivable. And I can promise there are thousands upon thousands of business owners who are at the end of their ropes, are considering closing down for good, and who will opt to throw in the towel if they have to part with much more of their remaining cash. I know this seems technical, but it’s vitally important that politicians on both sides of the aisle fix this problem. If they saddle small businesses with a tax that goes against the intent of the legislation, the loss of jobs will impact the people you know and love. Please consider emailing your U.S. senators and representatives. Ask them to fix this legislation before even more jobs are lost. Jonathan McElvy is the CEO of McElvy Partners. His company includes the Greensheet, The Leader, Fort Bend Star, Charlotte Media Group, Coastal Bend Publishing and Texas Printers. He has managed and owned small businesses for 20 years.

to recruit teachers from industries that offer higher wages. Lower teacher pay has left community colleges hard-pressed to offer students a way into growing industries. “Stith takes the reins at a critical time for the N.C. Community College System,” said Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation director of education studies. “Stith’s most formidable task will be to find a way to boost investments in high-demand programs without sacrificing affordability.” Stith doesn’t have a strong background in higher education, but that’s relatively common within the system. Past presidents often had political backgrounds that bolstered the community colleges’ relationship with the legislature. Stith spent five years as economic development program director at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Scouting endures during pandemic

City picks chief sustainability and resiliency officer Sarah Hazel will be the City of Charlotte's first chief sustainability & resiliency officer. Hazel has worked in the Charlotte City Manager's Office for six years, and for the past four years as an assistant to the city manager, where she’s worked on special projects, strategic initiatives, and policy and program development. She will oversee the city's Office of Sustainability & Resiliency.

The deadline to apply for COVID-19 utility relief through Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership has been extended to March 1. More than $24 million of financial assistance through the federally funded program is available to residents within Charlotte city limits who meet the requirements. Funding will run out, so residents should apply soon. As of Oct. 31, more than 55,000 Charlotte Water customers have past due balances – a 3% increase over September. The average delinquent bill is currently $459. Call 311 during business hours or visit www.charlottewater.org for details.

(continued from page 1A)

the restaurant. “Being in one spot — and not on the truck — will give us a chance to spread our wings from a culinary perspective. Our goal is for people to taste our food and walk away with the feeling that they have to come back again because the food was so distinctive. Now they won’t have to find the

Sarah Hazel has been a leader in the city's efforts toward sustainability. David Flower/ City of Charlotte

CIAA cancels basketball seasons, tournament for 2021

Charlotte Water extends deadline for utility relief

FRIES

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has canceled the upcoming men’s and women’s basketball seasons, including the 2021 CIAA Basketball Tournament, due to growing concerns related to COVID-19. The CIAA's board of directors also voted to cancel the women’s volleyball season. Some events that have become cornerstones of tournament week, such as CIAA Fan Fest and the CIAA Step Show, will go virtual. More details, including a full schedule of events, will be released at a later time. Visit www.thecharlotteweekly.com for more

truck, they can find us in the same spot.” Some of the popular items on the menu include shrimp and steak hibachi fries, lobster mac and cheese fries, house-made tots, burgers, bread pudding tots and Yum Yum Sauce, a secret sauce created by What the Fries and available by the bottle. The truck will take a temporary hiatus from moving around the city when the

VICK (continued from page 1A)

transformational leadership. I'm not convinced we'll get that from CMS. I wonder what would have happened if CMS entered that joint meeting with a worksheet that outlined the 20 most common reasons students can't read, do math or graduate. And under each reason, they listed three ways they are try-

new restaurant opens in early 2021. Want to learn more? Jamie Barnes and Greg Williams launched the food truck after the duo made it to the final rounds of auditions for Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.” What The Fries was featured on The Cooking Channel’s “Southern and Hungry” in 2018. On the web: www. whatthefriesclt.com

ing to overcome it with the resources they have available now. Then they could explain a proposed program for each reason that leans on a community partner for support or requires more funding from the county and state. I think county leaders would feel more comfortable giving CMS millions of dollars. But CMS focused too much of its message on the context of why they are failing rather than offering solutions to succeed.

Boy Scout Troop 8, based out of St. Matthew Catholic Church, recently wrapped up its Christmas tree fundraiser, a tradition spanning more than 25 years. Selling trees, wreaths and poinsettias not only subsidizes a lot of its character-building programming for the coming year, but the fundraising also puts a cap on an interesting year nearly soured by COVID-19. Troop 8 transitioned to virtual programming through platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Webex once COVID-19 began to spread in the region. At the very least, patrols would convene online so the boys could see each other. Scoutmaster Scott Kennedy describes patrols as the building blocks of a troop. These small groups had more autonomy to get together when they could at a safe distance. “We had a bunch of new scouts that had just crossed over from the Cub Scout pack, so tying to keep them interested in scouting and trying to keep everyone interested in scouting was hard,” Kennedy said. “We made any changes we could to keep them all involved.” Virtual programming allowed for patrol leaders to demonstrate skills and scouts to document activities. Merit badges continued to be earned, prompting some scouts to ad-

MAYOR (continued from page 1A)

workers to lead by example and make their intentions to get vaccinated known. “On the heels of a summer fraught with protest and injustice in our black communities, I understand that the mistrust of our public institutions is not just one of

I've been critical of county commissioners in the past, mostly for professionalism, but I think they did a great job of holding CMS accountable. George Dunlap, Mark Jerrell, Leigh Altman and Vilma Leake were especially good in this meeting. Dunlap explained they were only bringing up concerns raised by their constituents. Issues of equity are nothing new for city and county commissioners. They've been demanding it for

vance in rank. Troop 108 congratulated its 146th Eagle Scout in March and its 151st Eagle Scout in October. “Becoming an Eagle is a great thing, but it's not about that,” Kennedy said. “It's about that young man's journey.” Since August, the troop has been meeting in-person outside. They've been following COVID-19 protocols like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing. A few dozen scouts attended summer camp at Camp Raven Knob in Mount Airy. The troop also holds monthly camping trips, in which a lot of the expenses are paid for through the holiday fundraiser. “It also provides scholarships for those families that are in need, because we don't like to turn away any scout that wants to participate,” fundraising chairman E.J. Pezold said. “We want to make sure finances are not a reason they can not participate.” Pezold is among 44 adult leaders involved in the troop. He has continued to stay involved in scouting even after his sons went through the program. “I feel that Boy Scouts serves a critical need in today's youth,” Pezold said. “They teach citizenship. They teach duty to God, duty to family. We teach all kinds of life skills that today's youth just are not getting in schools.”

legacy, it is rightfully being felt today,” said Jesse Cureton, chief consumer officer of Novant Health. “Yet we need all of our communities to know that we are in the business of saving lives, not doing harm.” Novant Health has been working closely with federal, state and county officials to develop and align allocation

years. There have been times when city or county staff offered a solid plan and elected leaders pressured them to do more. The difference between our government leaders and school board is that city and county leaders can point to actionable steps toward equity. School board members can't communicate that. Perhaps the school board should develop elevator speeches that quickly convey what steps they are taking

and distribution plans for the vaccine. This includes a fourphase vaccine prioritization framework, which begins with patient-facing healthcare workers and first-responders, long-term health facility workers and residents, as well as adults with more than two chronic conditions. On the web: Novant Health.org/Coronavirus

to improve educational outcomes for Black students, Hispanic students, low-income students, disabled students, Matthews-Mint Hill students, south Charlotte students, all students. Right now, the message is clunky and getting lost. I get the impression that CMS wants to drive the bus when it comes to the equity issue. CMS, you are not ready to drive. Instead, focus on things you can control … like test scores.

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Thrive over 55 The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 1B

Egbe Monjim bo (left) raised more than $7 while Helen ,600 during th Wright’s Mem e Walk to En ory Team (top Photos courte d Alzheimer’s right) hauled sy of Alzheimer , in at least $2 ’s Association ,300. - Western Caro lina Chapter

Thriving during a year of strife Charlotte Media Group committed in January to publishing a monthly section dedicated to issues of interest to older adults. We branded “Thrive Over 55” to match our biannual senior expos. As a precursor to next week's special edition outlining 2020's biggest newsmakers, we thought we'd walk through memory lane to highlight some of the biggest issues affecting older adults this year. The nature of events change Charlotte Media Group postponed its Thrive Over 55 Senior Expo from March 20 to May 16 (eventually getting canceled) shortly after Gov. Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency March 10 in response to COVID-19. This was before we would see Cooper's mass gathering restrictions and Dr. Anthony Fauci's warnings to wears masks. At that time, COVID-19 was assumed to affect mostly older adults, so we didn't want to put our readers at risk. Shortly after, other events and large gatherings began getting postponed or canceled. Soon, events like the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, went virtual. That particular event raised $577,000 despite the pandemic. Eventually, the Levine Senior Center, Matthews Rotary Club, Town of Waxhaw and other organizations began holding drive-thru events to distribute food and supplies to older adults and veterans. Counties identify outbreaks at nursing homes Nursing homes in Charlotte, Matthews, Monroe and Pineville

were among the first in the region to report COVID-19 outbreaks of two or more positive cases in April. Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties guided prevention as well as containment. Many of these places instituted strict safety protocols among staff, ensuring the most vulnerable weren't exposed to the virus. North Carolina required biweekly COVID-19 testing at nursing homes in August. Patriotism reverberated through neighborhoods Steve Davis, a retired Air Force staff sergeant, stood outside his Matthews home and played “Taps” for Memorial Day, but the salute to the fallen became a daily ritual beloved by neighbors. Members of the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 rolled up their sleeves to restore the veterans memorial at Stumptown Park in Matthews. Led by Commander Mark Tofano, they sought to give a proper tribute to fallen heroes. The post showed off its work during its annual Veterans Day observance. Indian Trail and Waxhaw held virtual events to honor veterans. Waxhaw unveiled a new patriotic sculpture for American Legion Post 208 at the Waxhaw Military Wall of Honor. Towns saw more senior housing projects Cities, towns, villages and unincorporated areas continued to see high demand from the development community for age-targeted and age-restricted housing projects. Developers even touted

Waltonwood Cotswold, a senior living community in the Charlotte area, thanked staff during National Nurses Week by placing signs around the community depicting staff in superhero garb. Photo courtesy of Waltonwood Cotswold

a new form of a housing in Matthews – the unbundled senior living experience. These types of projects saw the most resistance in the western portions of Union County, where higher density projects were proposed just outside of town boundaries. Southminster opens doors to $120 million expansion Southminster welcomed new residents in the fall to a new hybrid villa concept and unveiled a 200,000-square-foot health center with four skilled nursing neighborhoods as well as assisted living apartments. These enhancements to the south Charlotte campus were part of a $120 million expansion. A tour of the expansion revealed large open floor plans with the feel of a custom home and a connectedness to amenities in the health center.

Happy trails Some of the Charlotte region's most powerful leaders decided to leave the limelight in 2020. • Roland Bibeau: Bibeau closed the book on 12 years of growth and community involvement as chief operating officer for Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. • Kathy Bragg: The CEO of the Community Shelter of Union Coun-

Above: The apartments at Southminster Terraces ranged from 1,400 to 2,000-plus square feet, giving downsizing older adults more space to breathe. CMG file photo Left: Neighbors in Country Place enjoyed listening to Air Force veteran Steve Davis playing “Taps” in his yard. Photo courtesy of Anna Marie Neubert

ty passed the torch to Chief Operating Officer Melissa McKeown after 10 years of expanding building capacity and programming. • Tim Ledford: As chief of the Mint Hill Police Department for 12 years, Ledford was known for being approachable in the community. He's riding off into the sunset later this month. • Kerr Putney: Putney retired in July as police chief of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department after more than 30 years of service to the city.

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Helms promotes service, protects history thews a better place through service. Helms was the 2016-17 recipient of that justin@cmgweekly.com very award. The Matthews Human Services Council has When Bill Helms took an early retirement been working to improve the quality of life from Wachovia, the corporate leader wanted in the region for 25 years. A celebration was to give back to the community. scheduled to mark its silver anniversary, but He got involved with his homeowners assoCOVID-19 threw a wrench in those plans. ciation as well as organizations like the MatThirty-four nonprofits are part of the counthews Historical Foundation and the Matthews cil. They meet once a month to find ways to Human Services Council. He's served on the help people. board of directors for both organizations. “It really is a unique organization in terms As president of the Matthews Human The New York Times Syndication Corporation of nonprofits working Sales together for a common Services Council, he recently presented 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 cause for the community,” Helms said. “I look C.O.S.Kids Executive Director Sue Sproat For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 for opportunities probably at least every other with the Nancy Glenn Community Servant For Release Tuesday, February 4, 2020 month to bring another large organization, Award. It goes to someone who makes Matby Justin Vick

Crossword ACROSS

29 Trip through the bush 1 Diving gear 31 *Decorative 6 Home to seven garden feature “-stan” countries with fish 10 Drive-up bank 33 Many an adopted conveniences pet 14 Wagner on a very 36 Star pitchers valuable baseball 37 *Almost-identical card pair, figuratively 15 James of Her Majesty’s Secret 41 ___ Sea (mostly dried-up lake) Service 42 Country on an 16 Actress Patricia isthmus of “Hud” 43 *It flows through 17 *Currency Turin replaced by the euro 46 Big name in sunglasses 19 ___ a soul (no one) 50 Clinch victory in 20 G.O.P. fund51 Result of a coup raising org. 54 Top-notch 21 Makes a boo-boo 55 Preachers preach 22 Apply suddenly, it as brakes 57 Oodles 24 Not go bad 59 Periods after the 26 Just one small fourth qtr. bite 60 Duchess of ___ (Goya subject) 28 Pigeon’s sound

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE A I M S

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61 Common New Year’s resolution -- as hinted at by the answers to the four starred clues 64 “Dear Santa” requests 65 Like 2, 4, 6, 8 … 66 The mermaid in “The Little Mermaid” 67 Magnetite and cassiterite 68 Common first word 69 “___ after class” DOWN 1 Neglects, as responsibilities 2 It’s reshaped by Lasik surgery 3 Humanitarian org. since 1946 4 Clear tables in a restaurant 5 Tennis’s Arthur ___ Stadium 6 Call off, as a mission 7 Composer whose work might be appropriate during March Madness? 8 Alternative to an Airbnb 9 Supplements 10 Elsa’s sister in “Frozen” 11 Fans of Conan O’Brien, colloquially 12 Cast away, like Crusoe 13 Subtle acknowledgments

maybe in Charlotte or another small town, to tell us what we can do and see if there's ways we can partner and interact with them to help us or them.” Helms is also involved in the Matthews Historical Foundation, which manages the Matthews Heritage Museum and the Reid House. The foundation has been upgrading the Reid House by adding a back patio and disability ramp, for a better gathering experience once COVID-19 subsides hopefully in the spring The Charlotte Regional History Consortium recognized Helms last year with the Dandelion Award for his work in preserving area history.

Edited by Will Shortz 1

22 26

Charlotte (28209)

46 52

54 58

39 Limited, as a search 40 Doctors’ org. 41 Thank you, in Tokyo

49 Big name in chocolate and bottled water 52 Zapped at a riot, perhaps

44 Eggs on sushi

53 Kagan on the bench

45 Like some teeth, pork and punches

56 Comment at a bridge table

47 Get down on the dance floor

62 Egg cells

48 “God Save the Queen,” for one

• Burton's Grill and Bar, 1601 E. Woodlawn Road – 95 • Reid's Fine Foods, 4331 Barclay Downs Drive – 96

PUZZLE BY EVAN KALISH

18 Give kudos 23 Floral necklace 25 Sentence shortener 27 Yarn purchase 30 Gym lifter’s unit 32 Tropical fruit with orange flesh 34 Mafia bosses 35 Olympics chant 37 Like the French and Italian flags 38 Silently bids adieu

Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Dec. 4 to 10:

• Thai House, 110 S. Sharon Amity Road – 90 Violations include: Employee didn't wash hands after cracking eggs and employee turned off faucet with bare hands; raw eggs were stored above raw lettuce in walk-in cooler; two containers of red curry, yellow curry and green curry didn't meet cooling parameters; and several items didn't have date labels.

DINING SCORES Lowest Score

30 33

No. 1231

Bill Helms presents the Nancy Glenn Community Servant Award to Sue Sproat. CMG file photo

58 Herbal brews

63 Emotion that’s “raised”

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

Charlotte (28210)

• H.A. Pigsmiths Southern Science, 7224 Park Road – 98.5

Charlotte (28211)

• 131 Main, 5970 Fairview Road – 96 • 7-Eleven, 801 N. Wendover Road – 98 • Eddie's Place, 617 S. Sharon Amity Road – 97.5 • Thai House, 110 S. Sharon Amity Road – 90 • Toscana Ristorante, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 94.5

Charlotte (28226)

• Blanchard`s Deli, 5721 Carmel Road – 95 • Bonchon, 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Chili's Grill & Bar, 8302 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 3333 Pineville Matthews Road – 97 • It's Just Great Food, 4519 Providence Road – 99 • Tacos4Life, 3351 Pineville Matthews Road – 95.5 • Trio Restaurant, 10709 McMullen Creek Pkwy. – 95.5

Charlotte (28227)

• Aggies Restaurant, 7209 E W T Harris Blvd. – 94.5 • Big Air Trampoline Park, 2408 Sardis Road N. – 98.5 • Circle K, 8910 Albemarle Road – 96 • Halal Food Cart, 7308 E Independence Blvd. – 93 • Mi Barrio's Halal Food Cart, 7308 E Independence Blvd. – 94.5

Charlotte (28270)

• Best Wok, 1717 Sardis Road N. – 95 • Subway, 1816 Galleria Blvd – 96.5

Charlotte (28277)

• A Worthy Dog (mobile Food), 8140 Providence Road – 100 • Bamboo 7 Asian Cuisine, 15025 Lancaster Hwy. – 95 • Big View Diner, 16637 Lancaster Hwy. – 95 • Bojangles, 6308 Providence Farm Lane – 97 • Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, 9820 Rea Road – 96.5 • Chick-fil-A, 11530 Waverly Center Drive – 98 • Chick-fil-A, 10001 Rea Road – 97 • Chipotle, 7800 Rea Road – 96.5 • Dakshin Indian Grill, 16640 Hawfield Way – 90.5 • Domino's Pizza, 6420 Rea Road – 99 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 9720 Rea Road – 99 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 16625 Lancaster Hwy. – 99 • King Kabab, 14027 Conlan Circle – 98 • Nothing But Noodles, 7930 Rea Road – 98 • On The Border, 10710 Providence Road – 93 • Pizza Hut, 15105 John J Delaney Drive – 94.5 • Queen City Craft and Gourmet, 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. – 97 • Switchin Kitchens, 8025 Ardrey Kell Road – 97.5 • Tazikis Mediterranean Cafe, 7107 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95.5

see DINING, Page 4B

OF THE

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The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 3B

SCORE Charlotte elects three new leaders Helen Ruth Harwell and Danny Fischer were elected president co-chairs of SCORE Charlotte, an organization of active and retired executives who provide free mentoring to small businesses. The role of president was split into two cochairs to handle the numerous and growing responsibilities of the position. The organization also has a new treasurer in Carolyn Clarke. Due to COVID-19, SCORE Charlotte has set-up remote mentoring sessions via phone, e-mail and videos for small business owners or those wanting to start, expand or reopen an existing business. SCORE Charlotte partners with the Small Business Administration. Its offices are within SBA offices in the SouthPark area. Helen Ruth Harwell Harwell has been president and owner of Harwell Law Firm PA since 2007. The firm focuses on transaction legal matters including business law, estate planning and Harwell administration, and probate administration of estates. She has over 20 years of experience in corporate and transactional law, estate planning and probate administration of estates. She moved to Charlotte in 1998 after graduating from law school and worked for a law firm. Harwell has been active in SCORE Charlotte since 2014. Besides SCORE Charlotte, Harwell is active in numerous organizations, including the National Association of Women Owners and the Matthews Women’s Club Service League. She is a member of the North Carolina Bar and Mecklenburg County Bar Association. Danny Fischer Fischer is a consultant for DBFI LLC in Matthews and a travel advisor with Cruise Planners-Journeys with Juli.

He has worked as a project manager, data quality analyst, divisional operational manager, portrait studio owner, franchise specialist, funding consultant and entrepreneur Fischer over the span of 30 years. Fischer joined SCORE Charlotte in 2015. He received his second Distinguished Service Award in 2018 for his support of the chapter across the different client areas. He is also involved in the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. Carolyn Clarke Clarke joined SCORE Charlotte in May after retiring. Her career spanned 32 years in finance, accounting and auditing. She began her career in Clarke New Jersey with AT&T as a senior internal auditor in 1988, advancing to district finance manager in 1999. Clarke moved to the area in 2007. She joined Belk Corporate Offices in 2008 for five years, first as an internal audit manager, then advancing to interim chief audit executive and director of internal audit. She later became an engagement director in Charlotte with Clifton, Larson, Allen Custom Accounting Solution Team. In 2016, she became a senior consultant (director) of audit with Lincoln Financial Group in Greensboro. Her other volunteer organizations include immediate past chair, chair and board treasurer for Dress for Success from 2011 to 2019.

STUNNING NEW HOMES

at Windsor Run

Want some mentoring Small businesses that want to talk or be assigned a mentor served by SCORE Charlotte can download a “Mentor Request Form” at www.Charlotte.SCORE.org or www.score. org. This can also be done by emailing char lottescore47@cltscore.org or by calling 704344-6576 and leaving a message.

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C G Charlotte Media Group

Page 4B • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020

Rev. Tony: You knew I was having a tough day when… Tony Marciano Reverend

et me take you back to August when my wonderful assistant, Pam, started receiving emails about our Thanksgiving Food Box outreach campaign. Those individuals were so excited about blessing a neighbor with a complete Thanksgiving meal! Families in need are given a frozen turkey along with all the fixings, which includes dressing, string beans, cranberry sauce, yams, dessert and so much more. Each year, we receive more and more requests for food boxes. Although we had commitments for food boxes, we were run-

ning short on turkeys. Each day, Pam reported that more and more people were committing food boxes without turkeys making the number of turkeys needed fall shorter and shorter. Eleven days before Thanksgiving, we created a media event where I wore a turkey hat while asking the community for turkeys. Five TV stations showed up and the turkeys began to come in. The Friday and Saturday before Thanksgiving brought over 500 vehicles onto the campus of Charlotte Rescue Mission delivering food boxes and turkeys. We had so many turkeys we had to build a wall at the back of the freezer truck to contain them. The Monday before Thanksgiving is our big Thanksgiving Food Box giveaway. Our partnering agencies come to pick up the food and deliver it to our most fragile neighbors. One problem, Pam was out. She is the queen of our Thanksgiving Food Box pro-

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• Ted's Montana Grill, 7404 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95 • The Fresh Market (deli & cheese), Providence Road – 95.5

Indian Trail

Mint Hill

(continued from page 2B)

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virus. It became more than a statistic; it was a real person whose life was taken from this world. I needed peace. Not just calm, I needed an inner-peace in this storm of life. I now must wear a mask and put a bag over my hand every time I pump gas. None of this surprised God. This Christmas, you will hear phrases such as “Peace on Earth.” As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, may we be ever reminded that true peace begins in our heart. When I was 15, someone handed me a Billy Graham track titled, “Steps to Peace with God.” It took me through the process of turning my life over to God, trusting the one whose death on the cross could let me know I was “good with God” not because of what I did or would do with my life, but because of what Jesus did – dying for my sins. Once I have peace in my heart, I can share that peace with others. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.

Road – 96 • Miki's Restaurant, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 95.5 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 94.5 • Stacks Kitchen, 11100 Monroe Road – 96 • The Portrait Gallery, 118 E. Charles St. – 96

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gram. Another staff member agreed to take on the task. By the time we were done, we distributed 5,100 Thanksgiving food boxes and 7,221 turkeys. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving was my day to catch my breath. I was so very grateful that God did what He always does – He showed up. Once again, He moved the hearts of so many people to make Thanksgiving a memorable day. We calculated that the program served over 20,400 individuals. Just one problem… (And please forgive me, I’m not trying to use seventh-grade bathroom humor). I’m in the bathroom of the Rescue Mission’s Community Matters Café. I looked down and saw the tag on my underwear. “That’s strange,” I thought. “The tag is supposed to be in the back.” It is then I realized that I had my underwear on backward for several hours and didn’t know it. I laughed. What was I going to do? I also realized that I was tired and not just from Thanksgiving. 2020 has been a year that will go down as one of the most bizarre years of my life. COVID-19 hijacked so many plans. The virus changed how all of us do business. I lost a friend and a co-worker due to the

• 100 Main Beef And BBQ, 7878 Idlewild Road – 95.5 • Chinatown Buffet, 140 U.S. 74 E. – 93 • First China, 6640 Old Monroe Road – 98 • Food Lion, 5850 E. U.S. 74 – 100 • Johnny K's, 138 N. Indian Trail Road – 98 • Omega Coney Island Family Restaurant, 3901 Old Monroe Road – 97.5 • Panera Bread, 14035 U.S. 74 – 97 • Popeyes,13800 E. Independence Blvd. – 95 • The Bridge, 5902 Indian Trail-Fairview Road – 98.5 • The Trail House, 6751 Old Monroe Road – 99 • Your GG's Kitchen, 5719 W. U.S. 74 – 99.5

Matthews

• Cantina Do Brasil, 4709 Margaret Wallace Road – 97 • Fujisan, 1801 Windsor Square Drive – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (meat & seafood), 3100 Weddington Road – 98.5 • Jersey Mikes, 3116 Weddington

• Circle K, 9201 Lawyers Road – 95.5

Monroe

• Culver's Butterburgers And Frozen Custard, 5122 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 96.5 • Dairy Queen Grill And Chill, 400 W. Roosevelt Blvd – 97 • Franklin Court Grille, 232 E. Franklin St – 98.5 • Golden Corral, 2507 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 • Logan`s Roadhouse, 2336 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 • Waffle House Monroe, 1229 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97

Pineville

• The Chefs, 10725 Pineville Road – 96.5 • Chick-fil-A, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 99.5 • Hilton Garden Inn, 425 Towne Centre Blvd. – 96.5 • McAlisters Deli, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98 • Ruby Thai Kitchen, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 95

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• Sarku Japan, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 95.5 • Sbarro Italian Eatery, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 95 • Waldhorn Restaurant, 12101 Lancaster Hwy. – 98.5 • Wasabi Sushi, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98 • Wingz American Grill, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 92

Stallings

• Emerald Lake, 9750 Tournament Drive – 93.5 • Mario's Pizza Italian Restaurant, 2925 Weddington-Matthews Road – 93

Waxhaw

• Broome St Burgers, 203 N. Broome St. – 97.5 • Frontier Meats, 8303 Lancaster Ave. – 100 • Ming Fu, 8139 B Kensington Drive – 93 • South Main Street Barbeque, 116 E. South Main St. – 97

Wesley Chapel

• Harris Teeter (deli), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (meats/seafood), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 • Harris Teeter (produce), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5 • Hot Wok Restaurant, 5943 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5

The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020 • Page 5B

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. MISCELLANEOUS 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 844-4323281 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: 877661-6587 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 1-877666-2821 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 1-855784-9695 FDA-Registered Hearing Aids. 100% Risk-Free! 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- 866744-6150 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 1-855528-4962 MAKE A Connection. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1-888-909-9978 18+.

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DeMARZO

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rusT

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BF Construction Services

or call Betty

Your Health & Safety is Our Priority!

Call Bill

Your Best “STOP” For A Drip From a drip to a leak, turn to the Weekly Classifieds to turn those headaches off. Call to advertise

(704) 849-2261

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

SENIOR MOVE MANAGEMENT

EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION 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

HELP WANTED PART TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED - Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings. Must be able to pass DMV background check. For more information, please contact: adsales@ cmgweekly.com

NOW HIRING Delivery Drivers! For our Union County Routes. Weekly Routes Available.

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Charlotte Media Group

Page 6B • The Weekly • Dec. 18, 2020

When every day can be a challenge, we’re here to give you strength. Cardinal Innovations Healthcare is a specialized health plan designed to coordinate care for North Carolinians in 20 counties with complex health needs. We serve those who receive Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured, and need treatment for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders. Our mission is to improve the health and wellness for these residents whose circumstances present enormous challenges every day – made more so by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to improving how we operate and partner within each county, and how we listen and respond to consumers in order to protect and preserve their safety and wellbeing. We have developed a new action plan that focuses on: •

Supporting children and families through an entirely new child welfare program

•

Expanding our network of providers for more choice and quality

•

Improving access to care and services for all members

•

Reducing Emergency Department utilization and partnering more effectively with hospitals

•

Improving how we interact, engage and support our members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities

In addition, Cardinal Innovations recently launched **ASK, which can be dialed from any mobile phone during a mental health emergency for immediate help and resources. And we are proud to be one of six health plans in the country chosen to work with the Center to Advance Consumer Partnership, through a grant funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to strengthen the way we engage and support our members with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We have never been more determined to find solutions that bridge gaps in care, cut through red tape and overcome obstacles for our members. It is a new era for Cardinal Innovations as we work with counties and the state to enable better, longer, happier and healthier lives for those we care for.

For more details and to provide feedback, visit:

cardinalinnovations.org/aNewEra