South Charlotte Weekly May 7, 2021 by Charlotte Media Group

Inside: Police respond to shooting at mall • Page 4A

Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, May 7, 2021 • Vol. 21 • No. 18

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Jones releases budget of resiliency, recovery by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – COVID-19 arrived in Charlotte just two months after City Manager Marcus Jones finished what he considered one of the best city council strategy sessions he'd been a part of in terms of development, transportation and opportunity.

The pandemic put a choice before Charlotte leaders: move forward with city strategies or focus on core services and keeping employees healthy. Jones said city leaders were able to do both. “We were able to continue to work on those very visionary projects as well as keep see BUDGET, Page 5A

Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones presented a fiscal year budget that addresses economic recovery from COVID-19 while also moving forward with council priorities. David Flower/City of Charlotte

Driggs sorry for 'dumb people' quip

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Protests Bill cracks down on downtown rioting, 2A

Portofino’s Ristorante Italiano e Pizzeria on Park Road overcame 63 other restaurants to win South Charlotte Weekly's Munch Madness: Road to the Final Fork bracket challenge. Karie Simmons/CMG photos

Park Road restaurant wins Munch Madness challenge by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

On track Light rail checks off another funding box, 4A

CHARLOTTE – There’s a reason customers have been dining at Portofino’s Ristorante Italiano e Pizzeria on Park Road – some several times a week – for the past 20 years. Maybe it’s the fresh mozzarella and thin crust of the Margherita pizza, the spicy marinara sauce on the shrimp fradiavolo or the friendly cooks and waitstaff who make everyone feel welcome. Ask any of Portofino’s longtime customers and you’ll hear it’s a combination of good food, good service and a family-like atmosphere that makes the Italian restaurant a household name. That’s why they voted week after week for Portofino’s to win our Munch Madness: Road to the Final Fork competition.

“We were very excited to hear we won,” said Luigi Villano, who owns the restaurant with brother and sister Giosue and Carmela Coppola. “The customers support us a lot.” Portofino’s has been in Charlotte for decades, but its origin story actually began years earlier in Italy. Villano and Giosue Coppola were childhood friends in Naples and immigrated to the United States when they were very young – Coppola to the North and Villano to the South. When their paths crossed again, they saw an opportunity to work together and opened Portofino’s in east Charlotte (3124 Eastway Drive) in 1991. Then came the second location on Park Road in 1996, followed by see PORTOFINO'S, Page 5A

CHARLOTTE – Ed Driggs apologized May 3 to colleagues on the Charlotte City Council for comments he made during a Mecklenburg County Young Republicans meeting in which he said “smart people can outmaneuver dumb people.” Driggs made the comments during a discussion about the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. He and fellow Republican Tariq Driggs Bokari are outnumbered by Democrats on the 11-member council but they have been successful in slowing the plan down. Axios reporter Michael Graff quoted Driggs in a story about what Republicans really think about the plan. Driggs didn't realize Graff was in the room. He told Graff afterward that he was “just trashtalking” and he “wasn't intending to call people stupid,” according to the Axios story. Driggs addressed the story at the end of the council's May 3 budget workshop. “I did say those things and I think it comes from a passion that we all feel for our work,” Driggs said. “I believe, we all experience a sense of frustration at times, and this was an occasion that which I vented.” He explained that you can still be relevant on the council – even if you are a member of the minority party – when you have good ideas. “I made a contrast between good ideas and bad ideas,” Driggs said. “It's not meant to reflect on people. It has more to do with just trying to do the right thing, and I'm concerned about this now because I don't want a rift among us as we work to finalize this plan. I think we all have a goal of adopting a plan that is workable and good and achieves its purposes.”

CMS: No parents allowed for theater show by Justin Vick

Bingo JustServe encourages service in May, 1B

Appreciation Teachers inspire so many of us, 4A

justin@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – Parents are disappointed with a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools decision that prevents them from watching their children perform in the Providence High School theater production of “Spamalot” later this month. The decision to restrict audiences of end-of-year celebrations to staff and students comes out of concern for community spread of COVID-19, but parents say CMS is treating theater productions differently than sporting events and graduation.

Students have been rehearsing indoors for months. Aside from wearing masks and maintaining distance on stage, plans were to allow families in pods to spread out across the auditorium, according to Mitzi Lynch, president of the Providence High School Theatre Booster Organization. “They are following every single safety protocol that has been set forth by the state,” Lynch said. “Even in planning for audiences, we were looking at way less than what has been advised. At this point, we really just want families to be able to see all the hard work their see THEATER, Page 5A

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Providence High School theater students have already delayed their production of “Spamalot” from April 23 to late May. Now they're being clumped in with end-of-year celebrations that are not allowed to let parents in to watch. Photo courtesy of PHS Theatre Booster Organization

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Page 2A • The Weekly • May 7, 2021

House won’t move the Save Women’s Sport Act by John Trump Carolina Journal News Service

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RALEIGH – The N.C. House is not planning to move the Save Women’s Sports Act (H358) this session, according to North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore. In an interview with the Associated Press, Moore said votes are not needed at this point. The bill would apply to college, middle and high school sports and would require that sports be designated co-ed or specifically for males or females. The bill reads: “Athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls shall not be open to students of the male sex. (c) Sex shall be recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.”

The bill’s primary sponsors are all Republicans, led by Rep. Mark Brody (R-Union) and while the Republicans have majority control over the legislature, it is not a veto-proof majority and Gov. Roy Cooper would be likely to veto such a measure, given his public support for and from LGBTQ interest groups. A companion bill to the Save Women’s Sports Act was not filed in the N.C. Senate. A survey out this week finds that 53% of likely voters would support a bill that “prevents students that were born male, but who now identify as female from playing on allgirls sports teams,” while 37.8% of respondents said they would oppose such legislation. About 8.5% were unsure or had no opinion. Conducted by Spry Strategies,

merits of either piece of legislation, there was no chance that either would become law. The only certain outcome would have been protests and criticism. The backlash would have distracted lawmakers from addressing more pressing priorities.” “Perhaps the situation would have been different if North Carolina had widespread evidence of problems linked to transgender students competing in school sports programs,” Kokai added. “But as the speaker reportedly told a news outlet, he and his colleagues aren’t hearing real-world complaints.” According to the Save Women’s Sport Organization, Similar bills have been filed in 32 states this year and become law in Tennessee, Arkansas, West Virginia and Mississippi.

Bill cracks down on rioting, property damage by John Trump Carolina Journal News Service

RALEIGH – Republican leadership in the General Assembly has introduced legislation to increase penalties for rioting across North Carolina. House Bill 805 would establish a new level of felony penalties for rioters who cause property damage or serious bodily injury or death to others, including physical violence to first-responders. The bill allows business owners who sustain damage, or people physically harmed, to sue the perpetrators for up to three times the actual damages sustained, in addition to legal fees. “Riots and looting devastated many North Carolina downtowns last year at a time when many small businesses were already struggling,” said H.B. 805’s primary sponsor, House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland. “This legislation will seek to deter future riots and increase penalties on those who engage in this anti-social anarchy.” “The destruction we saw last year cannot be repeated,” said Rep. John Sauls, R-Lee. “Peaceful protesting is important and protected by the Constitution, but those who destroyed downtowns were not interested in making a political point. Instead, they were acting lawlessly and often minority-owned businesses were the hardest hit.” H.B 805 is expected to be on the House floor

Uptown Charlotte businesses took precautions last spring as late-night protests became violent. CMG file photo

as early as next week. Anti-rioting legislation is being run while lawmakers continue to debate bills to both support law enforcement and shore up accountability for policing. House Bill 436 would require mental health

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the survey polled 700 likely voters who voted in at least two of the last four Republican primaries, with a margin of error of +/- 4.4. Moore said in the interview that the bill was a solution in search of a problem that is not yet widespread in North Carolina sports. Currently, the North Carolina High School Athletics Association says that participation in interscholastic athletics is open to all people regardless of gender identification. “Speaker Moore’s announcement about the school sports bill represents a clear-headed assessment of facts on the ground, much like the Senate’s earlier decision to stop a bill addressing transgender medical treatments,” said Mitch Kokai, John Locke Foundation senior political analyst. “Regardless of the

4/27/2021 9:49:57 AM

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The Weekly • May 7, 2021 • Page 3A

Former mule barn transforms into artisan market es on the upper level, with creative spaces comprising the main level. From the front entrance visitors are greeted by The Baker’s new shop filled with artisan breads that are handcrafted using ancient European techniques. Already open for business, crowds arrive daily to treat themselves to culinary art in the form of delicious breads, croissants and coffee. Also located on the main level is Darren Bowen Photography and Portrait Studio, whose creativity extends beyond the camera to staging photographic events in his space. Just past the bakery, visitors can shop the Mule Barn Mercantile which offers locally and regionally sourced goods, curated gifts and artistic treasures all proudly made in America. The mercantile is a joint venture operated by the Union County Entrepreneurs and Maplehurst Auctions, with purchase

proceeds going back into the community to support UCE programs and local business incubations, in addition to working with local nonprofit organizations. “We’re thrilled to partner with Mark and support his vision and plans for this historical property,” said Karen Johnson, director of Union County Entrepreneurs. “Our organization is all about helping innovative business thinkers bring their ideas into prosperous realities, and Mark’s project with this building embodies that mission.” Adjoining the mercantile is the Artisan Market that showcases the works and craftsmanship of local fine artisans including pottery, wood, glass, jewelry and even antique tools of the trades. The Artisan Market features individual maker spaces designed and built by Hernig to resemble the barn’s original stalls, shaped

board-by-board using reclaimed wood from the original structure itself. Adjacent to the market is Hernig’s own shop, Brooms on Broome, where he handcrafts and sells “corn” brooms inside his late 1800's era workshop with period accessories and a collection of older machinery. Hernig’s shop will also host guest artisans each month for live demonstrations. Want to go? The community is invited to visit the restored Historic Collins Barn during an open house event on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., for the grand opening of the Mule Barn Mercantile and Artisan Market. The Baker will also be open during its regular operating hours. Visitors are required to wear masks. Historic Collins Barn is located at 121 S. Broome St., Waxhaw.

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WAXHAW – Mark Hernig (Collins) has spent the last five years breathing life into his vision for the renovation of his great-grandfather’s old mule barn situated in the heart of downtown Waxhaw. With just a few final touches remaining, Hernig is ready for the upcoming reveal of his project that blends modern commerce with his family history and the bygone days of the hometown he loves. “It’s been a long road with this barn transformation, and I’m glad to finally see it all come together,” Hernig said. “My goal has been to preserve the history of the barn’s early days as a livery stable, while bringing the building into modern use for local artisans and small businesses that will also support and enhance our downtown Waxhaw community.” The newly restored 1932 Collins Barn is now home to a mix of private small business-

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-Part B, Public Law 108.446) Project is presently being amended. The Project describes the special education programs that Socrates Academy proposes for Federal funding for the 2021-2022 School Year. Interested persons are encouraged to review amendments to the Project and make comments concerning the implementation of special education under this Federal Program. All comments will be considered prior to submission of the amended Project to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IDEA-Part B Project is open to the public for review and comments from May 15th through May 22nd in the office of Lindsay Alpaugh located at 3909 Weddington Rd Matthews, NC.

Page 4A • The Weekly • May 7, 2021

Teachers: be that child's someone

AROUND THE REGION Refinements approved for LYNX Silver Line project CHARLOTTE – The Metropolitan Transit Commission voted April 28 to adopt refinements to the proposed LYNX Silver Line light rail project. With this adoption, the LYNX Silver Line project will advance to 15% and 30% design levels, which is required prior to being eligible for federal funding. As the project advances in design and engineering, there may be additional refinements to the alignment and station locations. In addition to advancing the project to 15% design, project staff will begin work to identify transit-oriented development opportunities along the LYNX Silver Line corridor. They'll work with community members to identify opportunities for station locations and establish a plan for future implementation. The Charlotte Area Transit System is also slated to host a peer advisory review of the project and will participate in an independent Urban Land Institute economic development study.

Football playoffs: 3 teams lose, 1 advances CHARLOTTE – Four high school football teams from southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties entered the regional finals April 30 with hopes of advancing to state championship games, but only Charlotte Catholic survived. Catholic defeated Monroe 24-14 in the 3A bracket. The Cougars (9-1) will advance to play Havelock (10-0) in the state championship at 7 p.m. May 7 at N.C. State University's Carter-Finley Stadium. Monroe finished the season with a 7-3 record. Butler lost to undefeated Grimsley 28-21 in 4A action. Butler ends the season with an 8-2 record. Myers Park lost to crosstown rival Vance 42-7 in 4AA. Myers Park drops to 9-1 for the season.

Trio of 49ers sign with NFL teams as undrafted free agents CHARLOTTE – Charlotte 49ers Ben DeLuca, Tre Harbison III and Romeo McKnight signed deals as undrafted free agents with NFL teams on May 1, following the completion of the 2021 NFL Draft. DeLuca, a four-year starting safety and twotime team captain, was one of 10 undrafted free agents that signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. Running back Harbison III and defensive end McKnight, who both played one season with the 49ers, signed undrafted free agent deals with the Cleveland Browns. Jaelin Fisher, a three-year starter and 2020 team captain, has been invited to the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp.

Three injured in U.S. 74 shooting MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is investigating a road shooting that left three people injured. Patrol officers were dispatched to the intersection of East Independence Boulevard and Sam Newell Road at 3:09 a.m. May 2 regarding information that a person had been shot. They were directed to Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. Once officers arrived at the hospital, they learned three victims were involved. One had received a direct gunshot wound, one had

by Melissa Merrell Union County Board of Education

Editor's note: Melissa Merrell shared these remarks with finalists for Union County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. We're sharing them with you in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week from May 3 to 7.

The Charlotte Area Transit System shared renderings of the future LYNX Silver Line. been grazed by a gunshot and the third received injuries due to breaking glass. Detectives determined the vehicle the victims were traveling in was stopped in the eastbound left turn lane of East Independence Boulevard at Sam Newell Road waiting to turn southbound onto Sam Newell Road. An unknown suspect from a vehicle traveling westbound on East Independence Boulevard fired multiple gunshots at the victim's vehicle as it went through the intersection. The suspect vehicle is described as a blue Chrysler. Police say this was an isolated incident. Contact Detective Lori Valdes at 704-8416717 or lvaldes@matthewsnc.gov if you have information regarding the case.

Pineville Police respond to shooting at mall PINEVILLE – The Pineville Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred May 1 at Carolina Place Mall. Officers began evacuating the mall as they searched for victims around 5 p.m. They found one victim who was transported by Medic to a local hospital. A short time later, a second victim arrived at Atrium Health Pineville with a gunshot wound. Police said their injuries were not life-threatening. Police obtained arrest warrants for Kevion Donshare Harris, 32, and Jamie G’Vantay Williams, 24. Both individuals shot one another after an altercation inside the mall, leading to injuries for both of them, according to police. Warrants were for the following charges: possession of firearm by convicted felon and assault with deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury.

Indian Trail renews sheriff's office contracts INDIAN TRAIL – Town council voted April 27 to renew two contracts for four years with the Union County's Sheriff's Office. In the first, UCSO agrees to continue staffing its Indian Trail division. Assigned county deputies patrol the town, but may also be pulled into other jurisdictions as necessary. Indian Trail pays 90% of the costs associated with this agreement, including training, insurance, salary and equipment like cars. In the second, the town agrees to continue leasing the office on Blythe Drive to county staff for $1 a year, as well as pay for operating costs like water, sewer and power. Indian Trail and Union County regularly re-

PROTESTS (continued from page 2A)

organizations that certify local law enforcement to search a national database of de-certifications – maintained by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training – before certifying the officer. On the Senate side, Senate Bill 300 is a broader effort that includes many of the Republicans’ priorities listed above. “It’s not an either-or question,” Moore said. “We can pass legislation to crack down on rioters and looters and those who hurt law enforcement

new these agreements every few years.

Charlotte man claims $250,000 scratch-off prize CHARLOTTE – Anthony Williams, of Charlotte, scratched a $5 lottery ticket to reveal a $250,000 top prize. Williams bought the winning 20X The Cash ticket from the GA Mart on Wilkinson Boulevard. He took home $176,876 after taxes April 29 at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. The 20X The Cash game launched in February with 10 top prizes of $250,000. Three top prizes remain as of April 30.

Garden tours provide fun way to support Union Symphony MONROE – The Union Symphony League will host a Symphony of Flowers art, music and garden tour May 15 and 16 to support the musical arts in Union County. The tour will consist of nine private gardens, nine concerts and nine artists over two days: May 15 (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and May 16 (from 1 to 5 p.m.). The gardens are spread throughout downtown Monroe and the Rolling Hills neighborhood. Tickets cost $50 and can be purchased at Dandelion and Friend Mercantile at 105 S. Hayne St. in Monroe or from a Symphony League member. Tickets are tax-deductible. The league is also planning a finale event with limited capacity. Symphony Under the Stars will serve as an outside celebration May 16 at a private estate. The evening will include live music, garden tours and a gourmet coursed dinner. Tickets cost $150 and are tax-deductible. The dress is garden spectacular.

Matthews Police find 'disgruntled customer' MATTHEWS – One day after the Matthews Police Department asked for the public's help in identifying a “disgruntled customer” threatening Kohl's staff with a gun, the woman turned herself into Mecklenburg County jail. The store, located at 9617 E. Independence Blvd., had been evacuated when officers arrived around 5 p.m. May 3. No one was injured in the incident. Officers determined she had left before officers arrived. Yolanda Cunningham, 39, of Charlotte, turned herself into the jail after police took out warrants for communicating threats and going armed to the terror of the public.

officers while also ensuring police are trained to prevent abuse and that the few officers who have abused their authority are held accountable.” Democrats are pushing a series of bills. During a news conference May 4, Democrats previewed a number of the bills they are running, including legislation to create a public database of police infractions, ban chokeholds, increase racial diversity in recruitment of police, modify laws on releasing police bodycam footage and prohibit no-knock warrants. “These are difficult issues. We don’t expect to get them right today or tomorrow,” said House Minority Leader Robert Reives, D-Chatham. “But you’ve got to keep having the conversation.”

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Yesterday, I was out walking, trying to get my 10,000 steps in and my little neighbor ran out to join me – in flip-flops. Last March, when we Merrell were all sent home, she and I became reading buddies because I was no longer able to go to Benton Heights (Elementary School in Monroe). So I adopted my little neighbor as my reading budding. This year, she is in kindergarten and so I proceeded to ask her, 'How is school going this year? Are you enjoying being in big school? What do you enjoy most about your school?' My little neighbor looked at me with the biggest smile and she told me all about her beautiful big school. She said there was a big playground and a little playground. And that she had to take an extra set of clothes to school today because they might get wet from all the fun things that they were going to be doing outside. She let me know that she was now reading all by herself and that her teacher is Mrs. Redding and that she really knows that her real name is Emily. We both agreed that Emily was a very cool name but she needed to stick to Mrs. Redding. I share this with you tonight because you will always be someone's Mrs. Redding, someone's very first teacher, someone's favorite teacher, someone's mentor, someone's encourager and sometimes you might be that shoulder to cry on. And yes, hopefully you will be someone's favorite memory. Let us never fail to be that someone. For me it was Mrs. Andrews, my second grade teacher. She was my someone and I know each and every one of you here tonight is now thinking of their someone and that someone that made you want to become a teacher. On behalf of the board of education, I do want you to know how very, very proud we are of our teachers. We recognize that you are the backbone of our school district and our students and parents look to you to find direction, hope, trust and to discover their child's potential. Yours is a huge responsibility – a guiding light that many do not have the courage or stamina to pursue, but you did it and you are doing it. So best wishes to each of you as we begin our announcement tonight and know that our board of education values your talent and your expertise as you gift each and every one of our students and our district every day. Melissa Merrell chairs the Union County Board of Education.

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The Weekly • May 7, 2021 • Page 5A

THEATER (continued from page 1A)

kids have put in.” CMS sends mixed messages CMS announced Jan. 27 that it was allowing students to participate in sports and after-school arts activities as Mecklenburg County's health directive expired Feb. 2. Parents had to grant permission for their students to participate in theater programs. The district said protocols for the art would mirror those of sports, but a decision on performances would be made at a later time. That decision came April 28 as CMS ruled only students and school staff may attend in-person end-of-year celebrations,which included arts performances. Other visitors were not allowed. CMS said staff felt it was too early to relax COVID-19 safety protocols. “As a parent, I would love to see my children perform and be recognized at their school. As a district, we are committed to us all being able to do this as soon as possible. We can't risk

moving backward at a time when our schools are developing a rhythm of in-person teaching and learning,” Superintendent Earnest Winston said in a statement posted on the CMS website. “This course of action prioritizes the well-being of our students, enables them to experience celebrations and activities while allowing our school personnel to responsibly manage operations at the school level." Parents say the district has been sending mixed messages. CMS profiled the Providence theater program's rehearsals of “Spamalot” in February on the district's social media. District staff interviewed theater arts teacher Rick Turski about the importance of students being able to express themselves. CMS has also applied different rules for sporting events and graduation. The district has allowed people outside of students and staff attend games and will allow four guests per student to attend graduation ceremonies. “We're not trying to put the arts against athletics or anything like that,” Lynch said. “We just are trying to understand how you

can have people in a gym watch basketball, you can have four family members at the arena to watch graduation, but you can't have family members in an auditorium to watch a performance.” Town reaches out The Town of Matthews has offered the theater program access to the Matthews Community Center. The town has extended that offer to students at all schools in Matthews who are unable to hold performances, award programs and club functions at CMS facilities. They still have to follow Gov. Roy Cooper's latest COVID-19 restrictions. “Students have been working hard all year in these various clubs and programs and to not have a place in their school to perform or receive recognition for their efforts in front of their families is a shame,” Mayor John Higdon said. “Arts programs are important for student development and growth, and we want to make sure our students know how much we value their work. We believe the

right thing to do is provide equitable access to performance venues in Matthews for all students.” Commissioner Ken McCool is excited the town can offer its facilities to students since arts is an important part of their education. “In a year of so much hardship and turmoil, we should help give some more joy to our community,” McCool said. Jessica Daitch said the Providence High School Theatre Booster Organization is grateful to Mayor Higdon and the town for recognizing the importance arts plays in student development. But they're still hoping CMS changes its mind. “At this time, we’re still hoping CMS will let us advance with our original plans to open on our 'home court' auditorium where we already have sets, technology and more set up,” Daitch said. “It’s not seamless to move fully prepped production. Our kids remain in rehearsals and hopeful they can raise the curtain in front of family and friends, similar to how sports welcomes people into the gym and stadiums.”

PORTOFINO'S

BUDGET

(continued from page 1A)

another at the Arboretum (8128 Providence Road) and one in Indian Land, South Carolina (9716 Redstone Drive), for a total of four across the region. The restaurant is named after the city of Portofino on the coast of Northern Italy, where food, wine and la dolce vita (the sweet life) are a way of living. The goal of Portofino’s Ristorante Italiano e Pizzeria is to bring la dolce vita to customers whenever they dine there. Villano said the food at Portofino’s plays a huge role in that. The restaurant offers thin crust pizza and classic Italian dishes like chicken piccata, pasta puttanesca, bolognese and manicotti, as well as wings, salads, seafood and subs like cheese steaks and meatball parmigiana. The Margherita (tomatoes, basil and mozzarella) and fiorentina (chicken, spinach, ricotta, pesto and mozzarella) are the most popular pizzas. Customers also love the chicken parmigiana, shrimp fradiavolo (shrimp and clams in a spicy marinara sauce over linguini) and lasagna (served with a side salad and hot Italian bread). “Everything’s fresh here,” Vil-

employees safe and maybe just as important provide exceptional core services to our community,” Jones said. Jones described the theme of his proposed budget for the next fiscal year as “resilience and recovery, volume two.” He said the budget takes care of employees, maintains core services, invests in council priorities and continues strong financial management without raising property taxes or using fund balance. Jones also shared ideas on how to fund capital projects that may please south Charlotte residents. He outlined how the city would spend $792 million over four bond cycles on the Capital Improvement Plan. This would allow to construct two new roads ($140 million), two intersections ($51 million) and infrastructure investments ($401 million). The plan also calls for funding a record $50 million for sidewalks in 2022. “What we're trying to do … is set aside 20% of it for suburban areas,” Jones said. “What we're

Diners enjoy lunch at Portofino's on Park Road. Karie Simmons/CMG photo

lano said. “We make everything everyday.” But Portofino’s isn’t just known for its food. Villano said some customers come to the restaurant on certain nights just to see their favorite waiter or waitress, most of whom have been working there for years. “People stay for a long time,” he said. “It’s more like family.” At the end of the day, Villano said winning Munch Madness is a testament to the customers, more than anything. Villano said they’re the ones who have kept Portofino’s on top and allowed the restaurant to expand over the years, and they didn’t let up when dine-in was

closed during the pandemic. He said the Park Road restaurant saw an enormous amount of to-go orders, with lines often stretching outside and around the building. “I was surprised to see people waiting, especially in January and February when it’s cold,” Villano said. “They are very dedicated. They’re good people.” Want to go? Portofino’s Park Road, located at 5126 Park Road, is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Call 704-5270702 or visit for details.

finding is it's very difficult for some of the suburban areas to score high enough to have sidewalks but by setting aside 20% of this $50 million in the 2020 bond, we believe we can make progress there.” Another $10 million within the 2022 bond is designated for projects that target traffic congestion in south Charlotte, Steele Creek and University City. City council will spend the next several weeks vetting the 400-page budget proposal. A public hearing is set for May 10, followed by budget adjustments on May 19 and straw votes on May 26. The plan is to adopt a budget in June. Mayor Vi Lyles, a former budget director for the city, likes what she sees so far. She said the budget demonstrates the depth and breadth of building community and making a difference in the lives of citizens. “I think one of the hardest jobs in the world is listening and you guys have really listened well and accomplished a lot as we're doing this,” she told Jones. Visit thecharlotteweekly.com for more highlights from the budget.

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Page 6A • The Weekly • May 7, 2021

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Community The Weekly • May 7, 2021 • Page 1B

Private sector supports the arts CHARLOTTE – Foundation For The Carolinas announced $7.2 million in commitments from five corporations toward its goal to raise $18 million in support of local arts organizations. The campaign, which just launched, looks to match $18 million in City of Charlotte funding for the arts for a total of $36 million over three years. Bank of America, National Gypsum/C.D. Spangler Foundation and Trane Technologies committed $1.8 million each. Barings and JELD-WEN each committed $900,000. “A vibrant arts culture strengthens com-

munity vitality, making Charlotte attractive for the recruitment and retention of top talent,” said Tom Nelson, CEO of National Gypsum Company. “We look forward to joining with others to collectively rise to the challenge.” The fund will support numerous cultural nonprofit organizations that, combined, have an audience participation of citizens and visitors of more than 2 million per year. The cultural sector employs thousands of full-time workers and generates an annual economic impact of $360 million. Its education programs for children and youth are

nationally recognized. Once the matching goal is reached, the city plans to double its current level of public funding for arts, science and history organizations. Together, an annual grants pool of $12 million in public/private dollars will help revive and sustain cultural organizations crippled by $50 million in lost revenues suffered during the pandemic. A citizen-led grant-making board will be appointed by the city council and Foundation For The Carolinas to distribute these resources. “I am very excited about this plan as it shows how a great public/private partnership

can unlock the transformative power of the arts and cultural community to serve all our citizens,” Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt said. FFTC agreed to lead the campaign after it was recruited by the city to serve as the third-party administrator for the multi-year arts funding plan. “Charlotte’s long history of partnerships has grown and sustained our vibrant arts community. In this tradition, we kick off a new campaign with great generosity from five flagship corporations and foundations,” FFTC CEO Michael Marsicano said. “We have enjoyed national acclaim for our investments in a robust cultural community in the past. I am inspired to see this spirit of generosity come forward once again.”

Faith Tony Marciano Reverend

A deal based on the reputation of your word Some of the ways you can help others is writing letters to troops or send supportive cards to cancer patients. Visit the JustServe Charlotte Facebook Group (@JustServeCharlotte) or email oliviadial@justserve.org for details. Photos courtesy of JustServe Charlotte

JustServe Charlotte encourages service through month of May by Kristen Anderson Contributor

Tying blankets for newborns, delivering a meal to a youth crisis center, picking up trash along a greenway – these are just some of the service opportunities available in this year’s JustServe May Family and Friends Service Challenge. JustServe Charlotte initiated this month-long contest during the COVID-19 lockdown last May as a way of encouraging families to spend the extra time they had together serving their community in safe and meaningful ways. Although Charlotte is not as closed as it was a year ago, spending quality time together with those you love is always a good thing and there continues to be a need for volunteers in our community. “I am excited to see people participate in the challenge again this year,” said local JustServe director Olivia Dial. “When we serve in our community, we make a big difference, especially when our efforts are joined together.” JustServe.org is a website and app that matches organizations looking for volunteers with those looking to serve. These organizations can be nonprofits, churches, schools or civic groups. JustServe is a free service for both the listing organizations and the users of the platform. It is available in cities across

hen I came to Charlotte 25 years ago, we invited my widowed mother to move in with us. We built a home with a full in-law suite. The developer used a local family-owned contractor to install the HVAC system. I had them perform its maintenance. I appreciated their responsiveness to my calls. Twelve years later, the system stopped working. The owner’s son came out and looked at it. Most HVAC systems only last 12 years. He could have said it had seen its useful life. Instead, he pointed out that a bug crawled into a switch and got “zapped.” I asked how much the switch was. It was $400. The system continues to run another 12 years. When the system reached 24 years old, I knew it was time to replace it. I spoke to the owner’s son and he came out to the house to look at the unit. He called back and gave me a quote for a new system. We agreed on the unit and the price. I asked if he was going to send me a quote that I could sign. He said, “No. I’ve been working with you so many years. We don’t need that.” The price he quoted included tax, permits, etc. A few days later, his crew arrived and installed the unit. I was expecting them to give me the bill so I could pay them. No bill. The owner’s son arrived a few days later for a final inspection. I asked for the bill. He said the office was mailing it to me. Still, no bill. Finally, the bill arrived. It was in the exact amount he originally quoted me. This deal was based on the reputation of both of our words. There was no email, no text, no voicemails from me accepting the price. Our conversation was over the phone, voice to voice. He quoted me a price for a

see SERVICE, Page 2B

see FAITH, Page 2B

Rogers: Solving the digital divide for older adults by Richard Rogers Contributor

When people were asked to shelter in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year, it was taken for Rogers granted that modern broadband technology could serve as a bridge to normalcy. We quickly discovered that this wasn’t the case. The bridge wasn’t wide enough or strong enough to meet the social and medical needs of those who needed it the most. While we have one of the lowest fatality rates in the country with COVID-19 itself, the pandemic

disproportionately affected older people. While we were sheltering at home, our older population fell off the schedules of their doctors and other medical providers, fearful of contracting the virus. Other ailments and illnesses went untreated due to either lacking broadband or lacking Internet speed to successfully run teleconferencing programs such as Zoom or FaceTime. North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the United States. Almost 40% of our state’s population lives in the state’s 80 rural counties. Many families are multigenerational – the grandchildren need the Internet to learn, and the grandparents need it for telehealth. For those alone or living in

congregate situations, access to the Internet is a lifeline for mental health. People need each other, and people need to see each other, even if only through face-timing a loved one. Hindsight as it is, having appropriate technology for the most vulnerable populations would have helped many better survive the tribulations of COVID-19. To its credit, the legislature continues to seek successful ways to address the issue, but there is no onesize-fits-all solution. “Last mile” internet providers are the harbingers of comprehensive broadband, and an emphasis on providing funding and allowing the market to provide opportunities for these local companies to provide reliable

service remains imperative for our in many parts of the state can be state. We will see several innovative so costly that people on fixed ininitiatives to come, including aerial comes cannot afford it. The cost of wireless broadband among other high-speed internet needs to be in technologies. lineS Twith R A the T E cost G I EofSbasic G Rutilities O U P On the surface, North Caroli- such as water and power. Affordna's broadband situation is not ter- able, reliable access to the internet rible. Roughly 95% of the state's should be made available to our elpopulation has access to at least derly population, who live on fixed basic high-speed service (25 Mbps incomes. S T R A T E G I E S G R O U P download, 3 Mbps upload). How-HelpingWhatever form the next crisis you Cross the Bridge to Retirement ever, much of this service comes takes, we must ensure that no one FOR ANY with an outdated and unreliable 3 QUESTIONS is on the wrong side RETIREE of a digital diinfrastructure. Less than 40% of vide, especially our older people. Are you interested in protecting your retirement savings the state has access through fiber We can, and we from must.market volatility? technology, which is the best way Do you want an income that you could outlive? to continue ramping up speeds as never Richard Rogers serves as executive Would a reasonable the modern internet becomes more directoryouofbethesatisfied Northwith Carolina Rerate of return (4 - 7%) with no downside demanding. tired Employees’ AsmarketGovernmental risk? For retirees, high-speed service sociation.

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Page 2B • The Weekly • May 7, 2021

DINING SCORES

Public Notice The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-Part B, Public Law 108.446) Project is presently being amended. The Project describes the special education programs that Monroe Charter Academy proposes for Federal funding for the 2021-2022 School Year. Interested persons are encouraged to review amendments to the Project and make comments concerning the implementation of special education under this Federal Program. All comments will be considered prior to submission of the amended Project to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, North Carolina. The IDEA-Part B Project is open to the public for review and comments during the weeks of May 9-15, May 16-22 and May 23- 29 in the office of Ashleigh Lanzone, EC Director at 200 Tomberlin Street, Monroe, NC 28112.

Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from April 23 to 29:

Lowest Score

• Tienda Y Antojitos Mi Pais, 4200 South Blvd. – 80 Violations include: Person in charge didn't have certificate; employees didn't wash hands properly; raw shell eggs were stored above readyto-eat produce, pico de gallo and other foods in walk-in cooler; rice at steam table was at 94 degrees; and no date marking on items at start of inspection; and sanitizer, supplements and cleaning products were stored with food on shelving.

All Scores

Charlotte (28209) • 7-Eleven, 2601 South Blvd. – 96 • Greystone Restaurant, 3039 South Blvd. – 91 • Taco Bell, 1800 E. Woodlawn Road – 96.5 • Tacos Garcia, 4640 South Blvd. – 94 • The Flour Shop, 530 Brandywine Road – 98 • Tienda Y Antojitos Mi Pais, 4200 South Blvd. – 80 • The Traveling Comida Show, 4151 Park Road – 97

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• Viva Chicken, 4500 Park Road – 100

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Charlotte (28210) • Harris Teeter (deli/coffee), 8538 Park Road – 94 • Salsaritas Fresh Cantina, 8400 Park Road – 98 • Wolfman Pizza, 8504 Park Road – 97

Charlotte (28227) • King Crab Juicy Seafood, 7401 E. Independence Blvd. – 92.5

Charlotte (28211) • Chickpeasy On Wheels, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98 • Food Lion (deli), 931 N. Wendover Road – 99 • Food Lion (market), 931 N. Wendover Road – 98 • Mandarin Express, 4400 Sharon Road – 94.5 • Mister Greek, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98.5 • Nori Japan, 4400 Sharon Road – 93 • The Pizza Peel & Tap Room, 4422 Colwick Road – 98 • Poppy's Bagels And More, 2921 Providence Road – 97.5 • Rollicious Ribs & More, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 94 • Vito's Pizza, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98.5 Charlotte (28226) • Harris Teeter (meat market), 4100 Carmel Road – 99 • Mr. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 95.5 • Outback Steakhouse #3463/Tender Shack, 8338 Pineville-Matthews Road – 95.5 • Panca Peruvian Street Food, 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Tacos4life, 3351 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96 • The Wine Shop At Foxcroft, 7824

new HVAC system which I accepted. I saw no paperwork or model information. I had worked with him for 24 years and knew his word was good. I trusted that the unit would do what I needed it to do. He also trusted me. I could have accepted this quote and then said I thought it was lower than that and argued with him over the price of the unit. I offered to give him a deposit and he declined. The work was done because of 24 years of working with me and knowing that I always paid my bills fully and on time. This is not how this world operates. We have contracts that have lots of fine print. There is a deposit that is required. Just before the technician leaves, the final bill is presented with the expectation for full payment to be made. What’s missing in this relationship

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Indian Trail • First China, 6640 Old Monroe Road – 97.5 • Great China, 610 S. Indian Trail Road – 98 • Hickory Tavern, 6455 Old Monroe Road – 94.5 • Market Express/The Koop, 4303 Old Monroe Road – 96.5 • Moe's Southwest Grill, 6443 Old Monroe Road – 91.5

(continued from page 1B)

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Charlotte (28277) • Bojangles, 6308 Providence Farm Lane – 95 • The Fresh Market (meat & seafood), 10828 Providence Road – 90.5 • Get Fit Foods, 14825 Ballantyne Village Way – 98 • Harris Teeter (deli), 7852 Rea Road – 97 • Poke Cafe, 11318 N. Community House Road – 97.5 • Regal Stonecrest 22, 7824 Rea Road – 98.5 • Sunflour Baking Company, 14021 Conlan Circle – 100 • Ted's Montana Grill, 7404 Waverly Walk Ave. – 90 • Tipsy Taco, 7708 Rea Road – 91 • Tony's Pizza, 14027 Conlan Circle – 97 • Tsuki Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar, 3429 Toringdon Way – 96 • Whole Foods Market (Kei Jei Kitchen), 7221 Waverly Walk Ave. – 97.5

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(continued from page 1B)

the United States, as well as a few other countries like Canada and Mexico. JustServe makes it easy for individuals, families or groups to find nearby opportunities to help those in need and to improve their community. There are currently over 100 organizations in the Greater Charlotte area that share their volunteer needs through JustServe.org. Fifteen of those organizations are featured in this month’s service challenge. For example, participants can volunteer at the Common Heart Food Pantry, make enrichment toys for birds at the Carolina Raptor Center, or sort socks for the homeless with The Odd Sock. Many of the service challenges are new this year; previous participants will find new ways to volunteer. Everyone is invited to join

Matthews • Birra Burger, 929 Park Center Drive – 96.5 • Greco Fresh Grille, 3335 Siskey Pkwy. – 93.5 Mint Hill • Food Lion (deli/meat/seafood), 6275 Wilson Grove Road – 98 • Food Lion (produce), 6275 Wilson Grove Road – 100 • Harris Teeter (deli), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 97 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 99 • Harris Teeter (produce), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 98.5 • Publix (deli And Cheese), 6828 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 99 • Publix (meat Market), 6828 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 98.5 • Publix (seafood), 6828 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 100 Monroe • Jade Kitchen 2, 1849 Dickerson Blvd. – 95.5 • McAlister's Deli, 2803 W. U.S. 74 – 98 Pineville • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 99 • Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 10015 Lee St. – 97.5 • Triveni Supermarket, 300 S. Polk St. – 98.5 Wesley Chapel • Hickory Tavern, 6400 Weddington-Monroe Road – 95 • Kami Chinese Thai And Sushi, 5922 Weddington-Monroe Road – 90

is trust. There is no trust that the other party will do what it said it will do. Therefore, it requires a lot of paperwork, a deposit and final payment when the work is completed. I think the same can be said of the Christian faith. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, God says to the serpent that I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” God never broke His promise to us. He was true to His word. He sent Jesus to fulfill that promise. Today, He can still be counted on to be true to His word. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/ CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www. charlotterescuemission.org for details.

the JustServe Charlotte May Family and Friends Challenge either as a family or as a group of up to six friends. Participation is simple: 1. Look over the “SERVE Board,” (included with this article and posted on the JustServe Charlotte Facebook Group) and decide which five activities you would like to complete. At least two of the activities need to be JustServe.org community service opportunities. There are both in-person and “serve from home” options to choose. 2. Take pictures of your team participating in the challenge and either share them on the JustServe Charlotte Facebook Group or email them to oliviadial@ justserve.org, making sure to include which box they represent on the board. Activities must be completed and pictures submitted by June 1. 3. For every five challeng-

es completed, your team gets one entry into the contest to win free JustServe T-shirts. Three teams will be randomly chosen as winners. Teams that complete every challenge on the board will automatically earn shirts. Charlotte resident Julie Gustafson and her family completed every box in last year’s JustServe challenge. “It was a great way for our family to connect with each other and come together to serve the members of our community. We looked forward to participating in the various activities throughout the month. We highly recommend the challenge to all!” JustServe.org is always looking to develop new partnerships with organizations needing volunteers. If you want to volunteer or know an organization that needs volunteers, visit justserve.org or reach out to Olivia Dial at oliviadial@justserve.org.

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The Weekly • May 7, 2021 • Page 3B

Charlotte Media Group's

Pet Hall of Fame We are collecting the cutest photos of pets in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties for Charlotte Media Group’s Pet Hall of Fame. Unlike other Hall of Fames, we plan on adding to it frequently. Email photos of your cute pets to justin@ cmgweekly.com or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for consideration. We’ll recognize new inductees each week! Our social media handles are @mmhweekly, @southcltweekly, @ucweekly, @itncweekly and @weeklywaxhaw.

ACROSS 1 French Open court material 5 One thing … or a twosome 9 Alfred Nobel or Anders Celsius 14 McDonald’s arches, e.g. 15 Model/actress Delevingne 16 Ebbed 17 Historic town in Veszprém county, Hungary, noted for its baroque architecture 20 Short line at the top of a column, in typesetting 21 Turn out 22 + or – atom 23 Thigh-baring dress feature 25 Spore-producing plant 27 Soldier clad in gray, for short 30 Bisected 33 Start of Caesar’s boast

36 “It’s about time!”

63 Village between Kruszyna and Jacków in Silesian 39 Fits of anger Voivodeship, Poland 40 Left tributary of (pop. 305) the Vitim River in Irkutsk Oblast, 66 TV newsman Russia Willie 43 Only ape to orbit 67 Janis’s partner the earth (1961) in the comics 68 Knoll 44 ___ sequitur 45 Colombia’s capital 69 Retort to “Are too!” 46 Went by taxi or 70 One of the train Lennons 47 From Florence or 71 Numbered Pisa composition

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No. 0401

38 A Stooge

49 Like a 1960s-’70s TV “squad” 50 One-size-fits-all garment 52 Opposed to, rurally 54 Piñata smasher 56 Board a moving vehicle 59 Part of a suspension bridge

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ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

Tony the Maltese, of Waxhaw, enjoys dressing up for casual relaxation around the house as well as admiring the lilies around the neighborhood. Photo courtesy of Priscilla Montreuil

Edited by Will Shortz

Crossword

45 48 52

49 53

DOWN 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 1 End of a hammer 2 Greiner of “Shark 63 64 65 Tank” 3 Like Gruyère or 66 67 68 Grandpa 69 70 71 4 Idiots 5 R.N.’s workplace 6 What the Lord PUZZLE BY JOHN FICARRA AND PATRICK MERRELL sometimes does, in a classical 26 Enjoying the 41 The Rockets, on 57 Some fundexpression great outdoors … raising grps. scoreboards indoors 7 Land o’ 42 Classic camera leprechauns 27 Less cooked 58 People eater brand 8 Sober-minded 28 Prefix with org. 48 Cooking oil -centric 60 Sonar signal option 9 Criticism that 29 Laundry problem might be 51 Butler of fame for Dracula? 61 Doozy made behind 53 Kind of chip someone’s back 31 Chorus of approval 62 Serpentine 10 Ashen 54 Nickname for swimmers major-league 32 “Hahaha” 11 Scotty’s domain baseball’s Angel on the U.S.S. 34 Unfamiliar with Stadium, with 64 Letters on a Enterprise “the” brandy bottle 35 Feels down 12 Brief how-to 37 Where icebergs 55 “Uh … excuse 13 Where fruit65 Bridge limit unit are found me” picking originated? Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past 18 Wise-looking puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). 19 Gym clothes holder Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. 24 Aim

Pandemic Wind-Down – Get Your Legs Back Into Gear Many of us have spent the past year dealing with lockdowns, school closures, “social distancing”, and altered work patterns. With all of these changes it has been easy to put health maintenance and medical issues on the back-burner. Thankfully it appears that pandemic numbers are trending in the right direction. Now is the perfect time to assess your health and wellness priorities, and get your legs back into shape. Lockdowns: A Double-Edged Sword In response to the Covid-19 pandemic Federal and State government agencies in the US (and many countries across the world) imposed various degrees of physical lockdown. Although well-intended these lockdowns are a double-edged sword, with a range of consequences that have negatively affected large portions of our population. Financial Consequences: A major consequence of lockdown has been financial devastation for millions of businesses and individuals. If your business (or place of employment) has closed, or had its hours restricted then you’re acutely aware of the financial hardship that comes with sweeping lockdowns. Psychological Consequences: Multiple studies are now shining a spotlight on the adverse psychological consequences of both lock-downs and school closures. These consequences are widespread, significant and span the full spectrum of the population; students, adults, and the elderly have all been adversely affected. School-aged children are particularly vulnerable to social isolation, and many students have experienced impaired cognitive and psychosocial development. Increased rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide have also been reported. Physical / Health Consequences: Lockdowns have had an adverse effect on various preventative health endeavors. For example, fewer people have been attending cancer screenings (mammograms, colonoscopies, etc) Another health issue worsened by lockdowns is vascular disease and vein problems. During lockdowns people have been watching Netflix like crazy, and doing a lot of sitting around. Vascular problems occur more frequently in people who are overweight, obese and inactive. How does being inactive worsen vein problems? Every time you take a step you’re using your leg muscles. When your calf muscles “contract” they squeeze the veins, which helps shunt blood back to the heart. This squeezing function actually has a medical name; the “calf-muscle pump”. When

you spend long portions of your day sitting around the calf muscles have less need to contract, and vein blood can pool in the lower part of your leg. Four Things You Can Take to Minimize Vein Problems Today 1. Time to get moving Simple activities (like walking or cycling) help circulate the blood in your legs. A reasonable target is 30 minutes of brisk walking 3-5 times per week. 2. Keep your weight under control Dust off those scales. A commonly used value to determine if you are overweight is the Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI = your weight in kg divided by your height in meters (squared). If you are overweight or obese your BMI will be higher than normal. An ideal BMI is generally in the 20-25 range. 3. Elevate your legs A simple thing you can do is elevate the legs. Remember if you can get the calves slightly “higher than your heart” gravity will be on your side! 4. Try Compression Hose Medical-grade compression hose can help alleviate swelling and symptoms in the lower legs. Medi USA is the market leading vendor for compression hose. https://www.mediusa.com Bottom Line: It’s time to get moving and get active. We can’t control everything, but we can control decisions we make about our activity level and health decisions. Now is a great time to take advantage of outdoor activities our beautiful state offers. North Carolina is home to some amazing natural beauty and State Parks. If your legs are bothering you it might be related to prolonged inactivity during the pandemic. It’s also possible it could be the result of underlying vein problems. If you’re experiencing unexplained leg pain, swelling, leg cramping or leg restlessness you should get your legs evaluated by a vein specialist. Dr. Peter Ford at Vascular Solutions (Arboretum, South Charlotte) is a board-certified vascular surgeon who specializes in the treatment of varicose veins and vein problems.

Dr. Peter Ford www.vasc-solutions.com 704-544-7535 7800 Providence Road, Suite 209, Charlotte, NC 28226

Choose a doctor that trains other doctors! Proud to be Charlotte's Medtronic Center of Excellence

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Page 4B • The Weekly • May 7, 2021

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library spreads literacy Call us today to receive a complimentary market analysis of your home. Sign with us and receive a $500 credit at closing.

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CHARLOTTE – Amid the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Mecklenburg County has continued to mail children enrolled in the Charlotte area a free, high-quality, age-appropriate book to their house each and every month. The organization delivers free, age-appropriate books to over 27,000 Mecklenburg County children each month, an 864% increase since Smart Start of Mecklenburg County began facilitating the program in 2017. The Imagination Library recently announced a new way to spread the word about the book-giving program and get books into the hands of families in the community by partnering with various MECK Pre-K classroom locations. The program has purchased recycled newspaper bins to be used as Little Free Libraries. Area locations include: • Cadence Academy Ballantyne, 14325 Ballantyne Meadows Drive, Charlotte • Early Foundations Academy, 7727 Sharon Road, Charlotte • Smart Kids CDC 7, 1208 Sam Newell Road, Matthews “These libraries will allow us to distribute new books directly to children and help us

educate parents about this opportunity for their family,” said Champagne Selman, literacy coordinator. Any family with children ages 0 to 5 is eligible to sign up at no cost. Reading initiatives like this are imperative, especially during times such as these, to encourage early literacy within the community, according to The Imagination Library. The parents enrolled in DPIL reported an increase in children reading daily from 50% to 72%. Daily shared reading is a strong indicator of early literacy, which is foundational for school success. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, no matter their family’s income. Since expanding to Mecklenburg County in 2017, the Imagination Library now delivers free, age-appropriate books to over 27,000 local children each month. That’s over 324,000 books. Smart Start of Mecklenburg County funds or administers nearly 30 programs, including MECK Pre-K, The Basics Mecklenburg, Guiding Parents to Services, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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The Weekly • May 7, 2021 • Page 5B

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards. MISCELLANEOUS Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-888-9278649 SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 855-993-0514! (M-F 8am8pm Central) DISH Network. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855-419-7188 Donate your car, truck or van. Help veterans find jobs or start a business. Call Patriotic Hearts Foundation. Fast, FREE pickup. Max tax-deduction. Operators are standing by! Call 1-844-982-2392 Become a published author! Publications sold at all major secular & specialty Christian bookstores. CALL Christian Faith Publishing for your FREE author submission kit. 1-877-484-4025 HughesNet Satellite Internet - 25mbps starting at $49.99/mo! Get More Data FREE Off-Peak Data. FAST download speeds. WiFi built in! FREE Standard Installation for lease customers! Limited Time, Call 1-855-942-3256 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-866-6946148 www.dental50plus. com/southern #6258 GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-833-953-0224 Special financing for qualified customers. SERIOUSLY INJURED in an AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us fight for you! Our network has recovered millions for clients! Call today for a FREE consultation! 1-888-409-1261 Guaranteed Life Insurance! (Ages 50 to 80). No medical exam. Affordable premiums never increase. Benefits never decrease. Policy will only be canceled for non-payment. 1-866-915-2530 The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-855-913-2156 Applying for Social Security Disability or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-844-408-7325 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)] A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR, RUNNING OR NOT!! FAST FREE PICKUP. Maximum tax deduction. Support United Breast Cancer Fdn programs. Your car donation could save a life. 855-7016346 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: 877-925-9682

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Page 6B • The Weekly • May 7, 2021

from

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