Inside: Robotic lawn mowing proves cutting edge • Page 1B
Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 • Vol. 21 • No. 5
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Jackson targets U.S. Senate seat
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Two weeks after chatting with Matthews leaders about their state legislative goals, N.C. Sen. Jeff Jackson announced he will campaign for a Jackson U.S. Senate seat in 2022. Jackson released a video Jan. 25 announcing a 100-county campaign. “We know how divided we are,” Jackson said. “That's why we have to go everywhere and talk to everyone: rural, urban, red, blue.” Jackson, a Democrat, hopes to replace Republican Sen. Richard Burr, who has held the seat since 2005. First, Jackson must distance himself from 2020 Democratic candidate Cal Cunningham. Cunningham's campaign unraveled in the final stretch when allegations of an extramarital affair surfaced. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis ended up keeping his seat. N.C. Sen. Erica Smith announced her intent to run for the 2022 seat on Jan. 9. Smith also ran in 2020, losing to Cunningham in the Democratic primary. The day Jackson announced his candidacy, Smith tweeted: “We cannot continue to go back to the SAME playbook & expect different results. It is time for a new kind of politics & a new kind of leadership. Together, we can bring about the change we need.” Tom Wigginton, press secretary for the North Carolina Republican Party, labeled Jackson as “Cal Cunningham Jr.”
Shots for all Waltonwood vaccinates residents, associates, 2A
Time to collect State overpaid some unemployment, 5A
Does color really matter? Black animals get a bad rap due to our subconscious superstitions and beliefs, but the truth is they're just as adoptable as their lighter counterparts, Page 4A
Coming soon 5 restaurants, breweries opening in 2021, 1B
@southcltweekly
City council vacancy attracts many applicants
see JACKSON, Page 5A
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
Leapin’ lizards Honk if you like dinosaurs, 1B
Larken Egleston will take a chance and run for an at-large seat on the Charlotte City Council. If successful, he'll go from representing a single district to all of them. CMG file photo
Feelings... Rev. Tony explores love so you don't have to, 1B
Self-care 6 steps to boost your well-being, 2B
PLUS: Clean slate Eateries perform well on inspections, 6B Puzzle time Put your thinking cap on for this crossword, 6B
The Charlotte City Council is engaged in issues that could drive the region for decades and many people want to help. As many as 143 people have applied for the at-large council vacancy created when James Mitchell resigned earlier this month. Mitchell's term ends in December. The city planned to review the applications Jan. 27 and invite those eligible to participate in a public forum at 11 a.m. Jan. 28, in which they'll have two minutes each to address the council. see VACANCY, Page 5A
Jeff Jackson, a Democrat, has served in the N.C. Senate for nearly seven years. Prior to public office, he served in the Army and worked as an assistant district attorney. Photo courtesy of Jeff Jackson
Harris YMCA Chalkettes bring home many medals The YMCA of Greater Charlotte gymnastics coaching staff led the Harris YMCA Chalkettes to the season’s first competitive meet this month in Spartanburg, S.C. Following the cancellation of all meets in spring 2020, the majority of team members had not competed in a sanctioned meet for almost an entire year. In spite of the break, the team members were more than ready to shake off their nerves and do what they do best – compete. By the time the three-day Furman Classic was over, they had swept the meet, earning several accolades. Twenty-five members of the Harris YMCA Chalkettes, led by gymnastics director Marta Clarkson, walked away with 25 first-place medals, 27 second-place medals, 20 third-place medals and 15 gymnasts placing in the top three all around for their division. The silver team took second place while the gold and diamond teams took third place. Annie Lapiana was able to compete in her first USAG meet as a senior. She is competing in Level 9, which requires hard work and constant access
The Harris YMCA Chalkettes include (from left) Audra Potter, Leiana Cure, Chelsy Marsh, Margaret Larsen, Charlotte Rhodes, Bennett Rhodes, Savannah Jewell, Lauren Pike, Isabel Tobin, Lauren Potter, Layla Rosario and Miyah Ellis. Photo courtesy of YMCA of Greater Charlotte
to gymnastics equipment to ensure she can safely perform her skills. She successfully completed all her routines at the meet to earn first place in the all around for her division. She also qualified for the state meet, which entitles her to scholarship
opportunities. She has been a member of the YMCA's competitive team for seven years. Over the past year, Coach Clarkson has worked to keep families’ minds at ease while ensuring each gymnast’s safety.
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Page 2A • The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021
Hayes among North Carolinians to get pardon by Andrew Dunn
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NEWSLETTER
Carolina Journal News Service
Through one of Donald Trump’s final acts as president, former N.C. Republican Party chairman Robin Hayes became one of the most prominent North Carolinians to receive a presidential pardon. The White House announced more than 140 pardons and commutations Jan. 20, hours before the inauguration. Hayes was one of several Republican political figures to get a pardon. Hayes, who also served as a U.S. representative in the 8th Congressional District from 1999 to 2009, pleaded guilty in 2019 to lying to federal investigators. He was being questioned in a case involving insurance magnate and political donor Greg Lindberg, who was accused of trying to bribe Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey to try to get him to replace regulators who worked with his company. Lindberg was found guilty last year and sentenced to seven years in prison. Under the plea, Hayes was sentenced to one year’s probation. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, a Republican, and several members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation “strongly supported” Hayes’ pardon, the White House said. Presidential pardons carry few limitations, though they can only apply to federal crimes. “The presidential pardon power is a sweeping power, and when it is exercised it can fully restore a pardoned person to full legal rights enjoyed before conviction,” said John Dinan, a professor of politics and international affairs at Wake Forest University. The list of people receiving pardons is typically filled with people who have committed relatively low-level crimes. North Carolinians who have received pardons were convicted of crimes ranging from drug offenses to moonshining to embezzlement.
There have been few prominent North Carolinians who have received pardons, and few noteworthy cases, N.C. State political science professor Andy Taylor said. One exception is Rick Hendrick, the NASCAR team owner from Warrenton convicted of mail fraud in 1997. President Clinton pardoned him in December 2000. Hendrick’s nephew James Hayes was pardoned by Trump on Wednesday as well, after being convicted in an insider trading case a decade ago. North Carolinians were included in the mass pardons issued to Confederate soldiers after the Civil War, issued by President Andrew Johnson, and to Vietnam War draft dodgers, issued by President Carter.
Waxhaw man gets pardon Trump also pardoned Carl Andrew Boggs III. Court records said the Waxhaw man's company, Boggs Paving, fraudulently obtained federally and state-funded construction contracts, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Boggs was sentenced in November 2015 to 30 months of prison, two years of supervised release and a $15,000 fine for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Senior living community vaccinates residents 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.
Waltonwood Cotswold recently offered residents and associates the COVID-19 vaccine. The family-owned senior living community, located at 5215 Randolph Road, worked with CVS, local health officials and the CDC to prepare for the vaccination. While the vaccine was optional, the community had 100% participation from residents. Many of them described the opportunity to receive the vaccine as a “dream come true.” Photos courtesy of Waltonwood Cotswold
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The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021 • Page 3A
NEWS BRIEFS CATS CEO joins Novant Health Charlotte Area Transit System CEO John Lewis has joined the board of trustees for Novant Health. Lewis manages the transit system while advancing its long-term transit plan. Since joining CATS, Lewis led the opening of the 9.3mile LYNX Blue Line light rail extension and launched the bus system redesign initiative, Envision My Ride.
Matthews continues financial award streak for 22nd year
Senior Planner Bjorn Hansen showed this slide demonstrating annual average daily traffic increases by year along U.S. 74. Photo courtesy of Union County
Union County supports Marshville Bypass serves. “I think Union County's done our part justin@cmgweekly.com as far as the turnpike authority goes and Union County leaders not only support I would like for our road money to come the inclusion of the Marshville Bypass into rather than the chance of another toll the Charlotte Regional Transportation road,” Rushing said. Commissioner Dennis Rape doesn't bePlanning Organization's long-range plans, but leaders have also requested the N.C. lieve Union County has the leverage for Turnpike Authority study the project's vi- that kind of power play. “I think if we don't support the toll part ability as a tolled road. Senior Planner Bjorn Hansen told com- of it, it will be a kiss of death and the state will go somewhere else,” Rape missioners Jan. 19 that the said. Monroe Expressway has Commissioner David Wilincreased traffic along U.S. 74, particularly around I think if we don't liams reasoned that informaMarshville, and that tolling support the toll part tion is power when it came to the study. on the bypass could help of it, it will be a kiss “I share the frustration of get the expensive five-mile of death and the probably all the commissionproject funded faster. state will go ers in terms of the history of County commissioners somewhere else." getting funds from CRTPO unanimously supported for our transportation needs the idea of adding the by• Dennis Rape but this is simply to my mind pass to the CRTPO's 2050 Transportation Plan, but Stony Rushing just approving a study that we don't have and Richard Helms weren't so keen on the to pay for,” Williams said. The study doesn't commit Union Countolling piece. Rushing described the Monroe Express- ty to more tolls, but it evaluates how much way, which has a tolled Express Lane, as an revenue could be generated from them. Marshville took similar action at its town asset to the county, but he urged colleagues to take a stand against tolls and fight for council meeting earlier this month, Hanthe transportation funding the county de- sen said. by Justin Vick
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Assistant Town Manager Becky Hawke pulled the latest Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the wall to present it to a staff member virtually during the Jan. 25 town commission meeting. The Government Finance Officers Association recognized the town’s finance department for its comprehensive annual financial report for the 22nd consecutive year. “Accounting gets this bad rap of being kind of stuffy and boring,” Senior Finance Specialist Lindsey Wiggs said. “I can say working for the Town of Matthews is never boring. The board, the manager's office and our lovely auditors always keep me on my toes.”
Union County Public Library wins awards for programming The North Carolina Public Library Directors Association recognized the Union County Public Library for winning two programming awards among large library systems during the 2019-20 year. Gypsy Houston's Black History Arts Reception and Amy Helms' Creating and Publishing a Graphic Novel program were honored during the association's annual meeting on Dec. 10.
The Homeowners Impact Fund donates to three charities The Homeowners Impact Fund has made the second round of donations to three agencies. A total of $52,500 was given to A Roof Above, Charlotte Family Housing and Safe Alliance from funds raised in 2020. The Homeowners Impact Fund was launched in July 2020. The vision is to collect funds from every real estate transaction from all participants. This would include the agents, buyer, seller, closing attorney, broker, etc. If every person involved gives a minimum of a $10 donation, it will add up to over $2.4 million annually in just the Charlotte area alone. On the web: https://www.homeownersim pactfund.org/
Mecklenburg to count homeless population Mecklenburg County planned on counting homeless people on Jan. 27. The Point-in-Time Homeless Count captures the number of people experiencing “literal homelessness” in the community. The count is mandatory to receive federal homelessness assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Speedway becomes mass vaccination site Atrium Health administered more than 16,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to people who are at least 65 years of age from Jan. 22 to 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was the first of two announced mass vaccination sites at professional sports venues. Bank of America Stadium plans to have one this weekend. Both events were by appointment only. Honeywell, Atrium Health, Tepper Sports & Entertainment and Charlotte Motor Speedway announced a public-private initiative Jan. 14 with a plan of distributing 1 million doses of the vaccine by July 4.
Union Academy lauded for character Union Academy has been designated a 2021 State School of Character by Character.org. Character.org noted that nationwide only 76 schools and one district were recognized and are now eligible to be considered as a National School of Character. UA is one of only two schools in North Carolina to receive the honor. The school also earned the State School of Character and National School of Character titles in 2016 which is a 5-year certification. “Being recognized for a second time as a State School of Character is a testament to the families, staff and students who consistently live out our noble mission,” Head of School John Marshall said.
Two elementary schools move to remote learning Union County Public Schools closed Weddington Elementary from Jan. 25 to Feb. 5 and Benton Heights Elementary from Jan. 25 to 29 due to COVID-19. Five Weddington Elementary students have tested positive for COVID-19 prompting the move to remote learning until the school reopens Feb. 8. In-person learning will resume at Benton Heights on Feb. 1 after several teachers and staff were “impacted by COVID-19,” according to UCPS.
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Page 4A • The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021
Black dogs and cats just need a chance by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com
February is Black Dog and Cat Syndrome Awareness Month, but unlike seemingly made-up “holidays” like National Weatherperson’s Day (Feb. 5), National Umbrella Day (Feb. 11) and National Banana Bread Day (Feb. 23), this month brings attention to a real, subconscious human behavior. According to Charlotte Black Dogs founder Donna Peters, Black Dog and Cat Syndrome is a phenomenon in which dark-coated pets are passed over for adoption in favor of lighter-colored animals. It happens usually due to people’s beliefs, superstitions and associations – black dogs are often portrayed as aggressive and dangerous in pop culture and media, while the color black can be tied to evil and superstitions. “Black dogs get it bad, but black cats are worse because of the superstition around them,” said Peters, who started her nonprofit in 2013 to promote awareness and education about Black Dog Syndrome. Peters said people are also less comfortable around darker dogs because their breeds are often labeled as “dangerous,” such as Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Pit Bulls, Chows and even black Labradors. It doesn’t help that their color also makes their facial expressions harder to read. Peters said she has experienced this when walking two of her own dogs, Teddie and Eddie. “When I walk my white dog, Eddie, people want to come up and touch him and he doesn’t really like people,” Peters said. “My 2-year-old black dog, Teddie, wants to be touched but people are hesitant. You can’t really see his expression at all.” Holly Rogers, of Rover's Rescue & Retreat in Waxhaw, said whenever she holds adoption events and brings black dogs, people tend to stray away. She doesn’t think they are truly aware of why they don’t
choose a black animal, but it’s happening nonetheless. “When people see a black dog or black cat they think evil, but it’s subliminal and subconscious,” Rogers said. “You think of Halloween or the superstition of don’t walk in front of a black cat.” Rogers said it’s easier to find homes for black dogs when they’re puppies. She recently took in a black lab, Zelda, who was found pregnant in an abandoned home in Rutherford. Zelda had seven puppies – six black and one grey – that will be available for adoption sometime in February. Black animals in shelter and rescue situations can sometimes take longer to be adopted than their lighter-colored counterparts because they’re more difficult to see in their crates and cages, Peters said. They also don’t photograph as well as those with white, cream, brown or specked coats, so pictures for online listings aren’t as eye-catching. Melissa Knicely, communications manager at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Animal Care and Control, agreed lighting and photography play a big role in how much attention an animal garners online. “The black animals and even darker animals like brindle (brown) are not going to show up as good with the lighting in photos than in person, but there’s certain things you can do,” Knicely said. She said workers at CMPD’s shelter in west Charlotte use special methods to help black animals stand out such as dressing them in colorful sweaters, placing them in kennels with better lighting and using high-quality cameras and brighter backdrops for pictures. The shelter just hit 90% live release rate, which means most of the animals are leaving the facility in a positive way either through adoption, transfer to another shelter or agency or they are returned to their original owner. Knicely said it was a record year propelled in part
Rover’s Rescue & Retreat in Waxhaw has one grey and six black lab puppies available for adoption in February. The mom, Zelda, was found pregnant in an abandoned home. Photo courtesy of Rover’s Rescue and Retreat
by more people staying at home during the pandemic and wanting to adopt a pet. “It’s a huge gold star for Charlotte,” Knicely said. “But we’re just one small piece of the puzzle. It takes the whole community.” Approximately 11,085 animals (cats, pig, goats, birds, rodents, dogs and rabbits) passed through CMPD’s shelter in 2020. Out of those, 2,724 were labeled black as their primary color and 1,659 of them were black dogs. Knicely said the most common reason animals come to the shelter is they are lost or picked up as a stray. Their length of stay has more to do with their health and behavior than their color, although she knows Black Dog and Cat Syndrome exists. She said the shelter’s success rate with black animals is really a tip of the hat to the workers and volunteers. “It’s all really about how the shelter showcases them,” Knicely said.
Charlotte Black Dogs holds several events throughout the year to promote awareness of Black Dog Syndrome and help animals in need find homes. The largest of these is Paws in the Park, which features dog rescue groups and shelters with dogs available for adoption, and annually draws thousands of attendees to Pineville Lake Park. The nonprofit also hosts food and supply drives for area shelters, partners with pet stores like Pet in the City on Monroe Road and is one of the sponsors of Canine Commons Dog Park at Pineville Lake Park.
“It’s really satisfying to help the animals, especially the black ones,” Peters said. “Black dogs are just like any other dog. They get overlooked because they’re misunderstood, but they’re just as loving and as in need of a home as other dogs,” she added. “If you’re looking at adopting a dog, take a look at the black dogs. They just need a chance.” Get involved Follow @charlotteblackdogs on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.charlotteblackdogs.com to learn more about the nonprofit.
Above: Charlotte Black Dogs Founder Donna Peters said her 2-year-old dog, Teddie, loves attention but people are sometimes hesitant to pet him. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Black Dogs Left: Holly Rogers of Rover's Rescue & Retreat in Waxhaw said it's easier for her to find homes for black dogs when they're puppies. Photo courtesy of Rover's Rescue & Retreat
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The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021 • Page 5A
VACANCY (continued from page 1A)
The state has noticed overpayments in unemployment in just the last four months.
N.C. looks to recover more than $69M in unemployment overpayments by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor
(The Center Square) – The North Carolina Division of Employment Security overpaid more than $69 million in unemployment benefits in 2020, officials said. The state agency has received an unprecedented number of claims because of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing the potential for fraud, misrepresentation and errors, NCDES Assistant Secretary Pryor Gibson said. "Not only did we have more money going into the regular [Unemployment Insurance] system," Gibson told the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Unemployment Insurance on Tuesday. "We also had many more programs in place that constituted more overpayment scenarios." Since March 15, the NCDES has paid $9.6 billion in unemployment benefits from nine state and federal benefit programs, agency reports show. The NCDES issued $8 billion in state and federal benefits in 2020. In 2019, the agency paid $160 million in benefits, including $6.9 million in overpayments, reports show. A majority of overpayments in 2020 were discovered in the last four months of the year. About $45 million was overpaid from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. The federal program provided jobless workers with an additional $600 a week. Gibson said stress and a lack of familiarity with the process caused some workers to make errors on their applications. The law calls for the money to be repaid to the NCDES for accounting by the federal government. The agency has been able to recoup some of the overpaid money by offsetting benefit payments and offering payment plans. The NCDES also can intercept federal or state tax refunds or seek legal action. About $20.5 million, or 29% of the $69 million in overpayments in 2020, have been recovered. Committee Co-Chairperson Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Henderson, condemned those who abused the system and empathized with those who received the overpayments
in error. Many workers faced long wait times for the benefits while facing uncertainty amid business shutdowns and closures, he said. Several oversight committee members received calls from constituents concerned about their ability to repay the misappropriated benefits. “They found a check that they had been waiting on. They went and cashed that check, bought Christmas presents, paid their bills, and now there's a level of concern,” Edwards said. “They're being asked to return those funds in a variety of ways.” It is unclear how much of the overpayments were a result of fraud. North Carolina had an unemployment fraud rate of about 3% in 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Gibson said more than often, the NCDES can track down and recover money from cases of wage and earnings fraud. This type of fraud usually happens when a worker withholds financial information or makes false statements about their earnings, such as failing to report a new job or being rehired. Identity theft and imposter fraud, however, are more difficult to solve, which Gibson said is most often a result of a data breach. Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill in July allocating $2 million in coronavirus relief funds to fight unemployment fraud. The legislation also allowed the NCDES to contract the Government Data Analytics Center to increase cybersecurity and data monitoring. The U.S. Secret Service issued a warning in May 2020 about a possible attack on the state's unemployment program by a Nigerian fraud ring. Through the legislation, the agency has developed various alerting tools, new analytic rules and a fraud scoring model, officials said. “I believe that it is the responsibility of everyone here to protect all of our taxpayers' dollars, both federal and state,” Edwards said. "I believe that the folks that have committed fraud certainly need to be discovered, and we need to get those funds back for the taxpayers. This should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The council hopes to have someone appointed by Feb. 1 and formally sworn in by Feb. 8. There has been some discussion among council about whether it is appropriate to appoint someone who plans to run for the same seat in the November election. Some worry it gives the appointee an unfair advantage. Some residents have already declared candidacy for one of the three at-large seats up for grabs in November. Among them is District 1 Councilman Larken Egleston. “Serving you as an atlarge council member will give me the opportunity to tackle the biggest issues facing Charlotte such as con-
tinuing to shape CMPD into a department that provides public safety in a way that builds trust throughout the city, increasing the availability of affordable housing, fulfilling our vision for a comprehensive, multi-modal transportation network, tackling the challenges of climate change, and making sure everyone in our city has the opportunity to thrive regardless of their color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or zipcode,” he wrote in a message to voters. Egleston has served as a district rep since 2017. But campaigning for an at-large seat does come with risk. LaWana Mayfield had served multiple terms as District 3 rep when she ran for an at-large seat in 2019. Mayfield lost that race, but she has announced that she will campaign for an at-
JACKSON (continued from page 1A)
while also referencing Cunningham's campaign playbook. Jackson and Cunningham both have military, law and state senate backgrounds. Jackson's introductory campaign video, however, established his family as a focal point and vowed to create an agenda based on town halls that's tailored to the state, not donors or Washington, D.C. “We as a family want to campaign in a way that raises your expectations,” Jackson said. “I want to be a senator that makes you proud to be from North Carolina. We’re going to campaign from the heart, and I want you to be a part of it.”
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large seat again in 2021. New candidates will emerge like Curtis Hayes Jr., who rose to prominence from a viral video in May in which he mentored a young man during the George Floyd protests to be part of the change in this country. Hayes owns World Class Property Maintenance LLC and has worked with community groups in creating more support for youth. "We must bring a calm respectful dialogue to find meaningful solutions for the people of Charlotte,” he said. “Let's cut the drama and cut the privileged.” In unrelated news, Dimple Ajmera,who serves as an at-large councilmember, announced this week that she and her husband are expecting their first child in the summer. Ajmera ran for state treasurer in the 2020 election cycle.
Four things to know about Jeff Jackson • Became the second-youngest senator in the N.C. General Assembly in 2014. • Enlisted in the military after the Sept. 11 attacks, trained at Ft. Bragg and served in Afghanistan. • Serves as a captain in the Army National Guard and actually was called away for training in the final weeks of his re-election campaign. • Lives in Charlotte with wife Marisa and three children Haden, 12, Owen, 5 and Avery, 2.
We know how divided we are. That's why we have to go everywhere and talk to everyone: rural, urban, red, blue.” • Jeff Jackson
Jeff Jackson has been through some tough battles, but the national stage of a U.S. Senate campaign will be unlike anything he's experienced. Photos courtesy of Jeff Jackson
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Community The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021 • Page 1B
Tony Marciano Reverend
Love is more than a feeling
W Kiel Arrington, founder of Vaulted Oak Brewing, looks over plans for the brewery he’s opening in a former BB&T bank building on Monroe Road. Crews have been renovating the space for several months but kept some of the bank’s features, like the vault door. Amelia Winchester photo
COMING SOON-ISH
Five businesses slated to open sometime this year Vaulted Oak Brewing 3726 Monroe Road, Charlotte @vaultedoakbrewing Crews are almost finished turning a former BB&T building in east Charlotte into a new brewery called Vaulted Oak Brewing. According to the Charlotte Observer, former bank teller windows will become a walk-
up window for patrons and the drive-thru will serve as outdoor patio space. The bank’s vault door will add to the decor, as well as the pneumatic tubes. Vaulted Oak is expected to have several house-made beers on tap once open, plus rotating guest ciders, kombuchas, seltzers and see SOON-ISH, Page 3B
Photo courtesy of Vaulted Oak Brewing
Dinosaurs to roam speedway More than 70 dinosaurs are ready to return from extinction to invade Charlotte. The Jurassic Quest Drive Thru, the nation’s largest touring dinosaur exhibit, will migrate to the Charlotte Motor Speedway from Feb. 12 to 21 after welcoming legions of guests to sold-out weekends across the country. The exhibit will transform the outdoor parking area of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s zMAX Dragway into an interactive drive-thru experience, featuring more than 70 moving and life-like dinosaurs, as well as a 50-foot-long megalodon. Jurassic Quest's herd of animatronic dinos are displayed in realistic scenes that allow guests to experience them roaring and moving as they drive through the tour. Although the drive-thru experience means visitors will stay safe inside their vehicle, they’ll still
A stampede of prehistoric raptors from Jurassic Quest Drive Thru descends upon a shopping center. The COVID-19 compliant family attraction features over 70 life-like animatronic dinosaurs experienced from the safety of your vehicle. Photo courtesy of Jurassic Quest
need to avoid the swinging tail of a 50 foot-long spinosaurus. More than 300,000 vehicles and 1.5 million people have attended
the Jurassic Quest Drive Thru since the national tour launched in mid-July with stops in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Boston,
Philadelphia, San Antonio, Dallas, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Houston. Guests will be among the first in the nation to go on a quest with an adventure-for-all-ages online audio tour that will lead them through a dinosaur safari. The audio tour is available in English and Spanish, and special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired. For $49 per vehicle (eight people or less), your dino crew can time-travel and enjoy about an hour-long ride back in time. Visit www.jurassicquest.com for tickets. Jurassic Quest collaborated with paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur was replicated in every detail, depicting how we understand dinosaurs looked and moved. Guests will leave with a photo from the experience.
e are about to enter the wonderful month of love called February. Everything turns pink and there are red hearts everywhere. I can remember being in third grade and distributing Valentine’s Day cards to my classmates. As you got older, you were too cool to pass out Valentine’s cards to your classmates. In high school, I found myself being “twitterpated” when a certain girl walked in front of me. I was too scared to ask her out. In fact, I never did. We move into adulthood and hope to find that special someone. We ride on those warm, funny, fuzzy feelings that were never there with anyone else. But the hormones tend to tire in 18 to 24 months and those feelings go away. David Pomeranz wrote the song, “Trying to get the feelings again.” It was performed by Barry Manilow. The feelings wane, we “fall out of love” and find someone else to give us those feelings. It happens again for 18 to 24 months. Then the feelings go away again. What is love? Is it a feeling? Yes, there are feelings that accompany it. If it were based on feelings, I would have been married and divorced five times. What is love? If it's more than a feeling, what is it? It is an act of the will. It is when we choose to love someone even when they are unlovable or can’t return the love back to us. On Dec. 23, I saw love. My wife put my elderly mother to bed. By now, she was 45 pounds and very gaunt. There was nothing attractive in her that would have drawn my wife to her. My mother was very incoherent at this stage of her life due to Alzheimer’s. Yet, as my wife gently put her in bed, I watched her kiss my mother on the forehead. Let me challenge you that love is more than a feeling. It is an act of the will when we choose to love, especially when that person is unlovable or cannot return the love back to us. But isn’t that what God in Christ has done for us? I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. The Rev. Tony Marciano is the president/CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. Visit www.charlotte rescuemission.org for details.
INCOME Robotic mowing firm could disrupt lawn care CLEAR industry S T R A T E G I E S
Michael and Tricia Finkelstein are bringing a cutting-edge national franchise to the Charlotte region. The Finkelsteins are deploying small lawn mowing robots, which operate with battery power, GPS technology and artificial intelligence, in local yards. No driver needed, just the bots zipping around the yard daily giving a consistent, healthy cut. More homeowners, more people spending time at home and more money spent on home improvement created the opportunity to bring Mowbot to the Charlotte market.
“The pandemic is a disrupter, but in some cases, disrupters lead to opportunities, which is what I think is happening with Mowbot,” Tricia Finkelstein said. “People are taking more of an interest in their homes, the environment and how robotic technology can make their lives easier. Charlotte is the right location for this brand.” At the start of the pandemic, the ad agency where Finkelstein worked took a hit, and she was forced to go part time. Her husband began searching for new opportunities for her when he stumbled upon
Mowbot. The brand clicked with them. “While I was working from home, I began to notice there were lawn crews everywhere in the neighborhood,” Finkelstein said. “It seemed every time I was on a call, a lawn crew would start up and it was very noisy. Mowbot offers lawn upkeep that is quiet and environmentally friendly. It’s perfect for where we are in society right now.” North Carolina-based businessmen Tony Hopp and Jeff Dudan founded Mowbot because they see the robot revolution that is coming. They also wanted to offer a hightech environmentally friendly alternative to
G R O U P
the lawn care industry. “This is the right place and right time for Mowbot to be introduced in south Charlotte,” said SHopp, Mowbot CEO. “We are T R A T E G I E S G R O U P very excited continue bringing this worldHelpingto you Cross the Bridge to Retirement class technology to new areas and welcome QUESTIONS FOR ANY RETIREE Michael3 and Tricia Finkelstein to the Mowbot family.” Are you interested in protecting your retirement savings from market The Charlotte-based company usesvolatility? HusqDo you want an income that you could varna robotic lawnmowers. Mowbot of never outlive? South Charlotte serves most of Waxhaw, BalWould you be satisfied with a reasonable lantyne, Weddington and Indian Trail. rate of return (4 - 7%) with no downside On the market web: https://www.mowbot.com/srisk? charlotte-nc/. If these questions are important to you,
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Page 2B • The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021
Stay safe from COVID-19 vaccine scams by Josh Stein N.C. Attorney General
Over the past few weeks, North Carolinians have begun receiving long-awaited COVID-19 vaccines. This is a significant milestone in our fight against the viStein rus, and it means we’re one step closer to the end of this pandemic. But as always, scammers will appear out of the woodwork to take advantage of North Carolinians, and we’re seeing more reports about vaccine-related scams. Here’s what you need to know about the vaccine. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has made it clear that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for free, regardless of whether you have health insurance. If someone contacts you via a phone call, a text message, social media or email and says that you can reserve a vaccine by paying a small fee, it’s a scam. Vaccines cannot be sold, and you cannot buy one. These scammers will take your money and leave you no closer to getting vaccinated. You also cannot get a vaccine mailed to you. Right now, vaccines are only being administered at health care locations or designated vaccine administration sites. Anyone telling you that you can order a vaccine is attempting to take your money. No one can guarantee you a spot on a vaccine waitlist or help you get the vaccine early. NCDHHS, county health depart-
ments, hospitals and health care providers are all coordinating to help ensure the vaccine is administered in a rollout that prioritizes higher-risk communities in our state. There is no way to buy your spot in line. Be careful of scammers using the vaccine to try to get your personal information or financial data. Do not fall for fake websites that resemble legitimate health department or health care provider websites. Make sure the website you are using is legitimate – look for the lock icon and a URL beginning with https in the address bar. To register to get the vaccine with a legitimate entity, you absolutely do not need to share your bank account, Social Security or credit card number. We are all eager to get vaccinated and protect ourselves from a virus that has upended our lives for nearly a year. But we cannot let our guard down against scammers threatening to take our hard-earned money or personal information. Watch out for suspicious messages or calls and get the facts about vaccines from credible sources. You can stay up to date on North Carolina’s vaccine rollout and learn more about how to get your vaccine at covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines. If you or a loved one has questions about a possible scam or fear you’ve been victimized, contact our office’s Consumer Protection Division at ncdoj.gov/complaintor 1-877-5-NO-SCAM. Josh Stein serves as North Carolina attorney general.
You probably shouldn’t believe a mysterious person from your email inbox claiming that you won the lottery or that they can give you the COVID-19 vaccine for a fee. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health
Simple steps to better self care by Angela Patterson MinuteClinic at CVS
As the world continues to work through the health challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is even more important to focus on routine health care needs and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your daily well-being this year. Here are some easy ways to focus on better self care (and, some you can even do them at home!): • Stop Smoking: The sooner you stop smoking, the sooner your body can begin to heal. There are a variety of possible customized smoking cessation plans which could include over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy, supportive counseling and options for prescription medications for those struggling to quit. • Lower Your Numbers: Need help managing long-term conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes? Now is the perfect time to start. Start with a simple evaluation and blood test to determine the right medication to reduce your numbers and effectively manage your condition yearround. • Sleep Soundly: Is snoring keeping you awake? Health conditions like sleep apnea could be the cause. You may be eligible for a home sleep test to see if you have this common, but potentially serious, condition. • Make Healthy Choices to Lose Weight: Trying to lose weight but not certain where to begin? Get some valuable nutritional advice and follow a plan like the DASH for Health diet to reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. • Overcome Depression, Stress and Anxiety: You’re not alone. These are challenging times and a third of your fellow Americans are struggling with their mental health. A healthcare provider can talk to you about how you’re feeling and even prescribe medication, if clinically indicated.
Photos courtesy of CVS
• Refill Your Rx: Don’t run out of your routine medication – if you’re in a jam, resources such as MinuteClinic can help you get a refill of your prescriptions. MinuteClinic inside select CVS Pharmacy stores provides support for all of these services and treatment options in-person in a safe and convenient setting, while also providing many of these services from the comfort of your own home through telehealth. Visit MinuteClinic.com for details. Angela Patterson serves as chief nurse practitioner officer for MinuteClinic at CVS.
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The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021 • Page 3B
SOON-ISH (continued from page 1B)
wine by the glass. Blue Door Deli & Market 202 W. North Main St., Waxhaw @bluedoordeli After several months of construction, Blue Door Deli & Market should be opening in downtown Waxhaw in the next few weeks. The deli, started by husband and wife, Frank and Marcella, will serve breakfast, lunch, grab-and-go food, hot and cold sandwiches, soups, salads, baked goods and paninis. The Jimmy 2839 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte @thejimmyclt A French-Italian restaurant called The Jimmy is supposed to open this winter in the former Nolen Kitchen space in Myers Park. Created by restaurateur Jim Noble (King’s Kitchen, Noble Smoke and Rooster’s), The Jimmy will offer coffee and fresh pastries from Copain in the morning, light Mediter-
ranean-inspired fare at lunch and housemade pastas, pizzas and simple entrees for dinner. In July, the Charlotte Agenda reported the 3,600-square-foot restaurant would seat approximately 90 inside and 50 outside, depending on capacity limits at the time of opening. However, The Jimmy has not posted any updates on Facebook or Instagram since then. What the Fries 10707 Park Road, Charlotte @whatthefriesclt One of the area’s most-popular food trucks, What the Fries, will serve its loaded gourmet fries, handmade tots and other fun dishes in a brick-and-mortar location. 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 dinein 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,� Chef Greg Williams said in December. Williams 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.� Bitty & Beau’s Coffee Location TBA @bittyandbeauscoffee Fingers crossed that Bitty and Beau’s Coffee will be opening somewhere in Charlotte this year. The Wilmington-based coffee shop franchise hires employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities and has been featured on “The Today Show,� “Rachael Ray,� CNN, “Good Morning America,� “Dr. Oz� and HLN, as well as in People Magazine and Southern Living Magazine. In December, the Charlotte Observer reported franchisees Amie and Vic Cennamo were in the process of finalizing Bitty & Beau’s Charlotte location and would make an announcement soon. The shop’s planned opening in mid-2021. Right: Blue Door Deli & Market has its signs up in downtown Waxhaw. Photos courtesy of Blue Door Deli
PROGRESS ON INSTAGRAM “Our blue chairs are in! đ&#x;˜?Thank you for your patience, as we get closer to opening. Rome wasn’t built in a dayđ&#x;˜ ...as all good things take timeâ?¤ď¸?.â€? @bluedoordeli Dec. 15, 2020
Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes hold the keys to the new home of What the Fries on Park Road. The duo launched their food truck after making it to the final rounds of auditions for Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race.� Photo courtesy of What the Fries
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Page 4B • The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021
Fun with Bernie
Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has popped up more in the Charlotte region in recent days than he ever did when he campaigned for President of the United States. That's because people are incorporating his popular inauguration meme into photos of local interest. Sanders, bundled up with a mask and mittens fashioned out of a thick sweater, has popped up at Bank of America Stadium, a Charlotte Checkers game and even in the studio with “WCCB News Rising” host Derek James. Matthews Parks and Recreation, Mint Hill Roasting Company, Frutta Bowls in Indian Trail, Humane Society of Charlotte, Indian Trail Parks and Recreation and Charlotte Area Transit System were among those who participated in the fun.
Medicare
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The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021 • Page 5B
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NOTICE OF HEARING IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION 20 JT 45 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, FORSYTH COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: STELLA BRIDGE PICKLER, A minor child. TO: JERRY WAYNE PICKLER, Respondent TAKE NOTICE that a hearing has been scheduled for the week of February 22, 2021, at the Forsyth County Hall of Justice, Courtroom 4A, 200 N. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC (specific date to be set at Calendar Call on February 16, 2021), at which time you may appear. The nature of the hearing is the termination of parental rights of the minor child. Jon B. Kurtz Jon B. Kurtz, Attorney 119 Brookstown Ave., Suite 400 Winston Salem, NC 27101 (336) 768-1515
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EDUCATION & INSTRUCTION FALL REGISTRATION Sharon Baptist Church Weekday School, www. mysharon.org, 6411 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210 is now registering for their Fall 2021 Preschool Program. Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy: Sharon Baptist Church Weekday School admits students regardless of race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administrations of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs.
Page 6B • The Weekly • Jan. 29, 2021
DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Jan. 15 to 21: Charlotte (28209) • Clean Catch Fish Market, 2820 Selwyn Ave. – 98.5 • Mocco Bistro, 4004 South Blvd. – 96 Charlotte (28210) • Canopy By Hilton, 4905 Barclay Downs Drive – 93 • Circle K, 6500 Fairview Road – 98.5 • Harpers Restaurant, 6518 Fairview Road – 97
• Jimmy John’s, 4717 Sharon Road – 99 • Park 51 Cafe, 10703 Park Road – 96 • Tienda Mexicali, 10403 Park Road – 92.5
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• Mike's Vegan Cookout, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 96 • Panera Bread, 4400 Sharon Road – 98.5 • The Improper Pig, 4422 Colwick Road – 98 • The Pizza Peel & Tap Room, 4422 Colwick Road – 98.5
Charlotte (28227) • King Crab Juicy Seafood, 7401 E. Independence Blvd. – 94.5
Charlotte (28211) • Bojangles, 4435 Randolph Road – 93.5 Charlotte (28226) • Bruegger’s Bagel, 106 S. • Harris Teeter (produce), Sharon Amity Road – 96 4100 Carmel Road – 100 • Kool Runninz, 3500 Latrobe • The Lodge, 7725 Colony Drive – 97 Road – 96 The Mama’s New York York Times Syndication Sales Corporation • Little Italian Kitchen, • Los Paisas Restaurant, 8318 The New Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Eighth Avenue, New New York, N.Y. N.Y. 10018 10018 620 York, 4521 Sharon Road – Avenue, 95 Pineville-Matthews Road – ForExpress, Information Call:98.5 1-800-972-3550 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 • Mandarin 4400 For Release Release Monday, Thursday,March March16, 5, 2020 2020 For Sharon Road – 95.5 • Papa John's Pizza, 7741 Col-
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ony Road – 98.5 • Quick Wok, 8328 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98 • Starbucks, 4100 Carmel Road – 98
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Charlotte (28270) • McDonald’s, 1620 Sardis Road N. – 96 Charlotte (28277) • 131 Main, 9886 Rea Road – 97.5 • Asian 1, 16646 Hawfield Way Drive – 95 • Bagel Bin & Deli, 16709 Or-
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PUZZLEBY BYBRUCE EMILY CARROLL PUZZLE HAIGHT
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2021 Marketing Grant Program
Matthews • Adam's Mart, 11130 E. Independence Blvd. – 92.5 • Best Wok II, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 96
• Chicken Salad Chick, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 98 • Harris Teeter (deli), 1811 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 96 • Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 1811 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 99.5 • Mr Tokyo, 10412 E. Independence Blvd. – 96.5 • South 21, 11450 E. Independence Blvd. – 98.5 Monroe • Buffalo Wild Wings, 2109 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5 • Edible Arrangements, 3306 U.S. 74 W. – 95 • Firehouse Subs, 2319 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 • Panaderia El Quetzal, 1900 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 92.5 • Taco Bell, 2104 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Taqueria Monarcas, 402 Patton Ave. – 92.5 • Tavern 74, 2116 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 • Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 2335 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 100 • Wingstop, 2521 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 93.5 Pineville • Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 97 • Krispy Krunchy Chicken, 12740 Lancaster Hwy. – 96 • Triveni Supermarket, 300 S. Polk St. – 98 Stallings • New York Pizza Express, 4520 Potter Road – 98.5 Wesley Chapel • Kami Chinese Thai And Sushi, 5922 Weddington-Monroe Road – 94
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CHARLOTTE MEDIA GROUP
Indian Trail • Dunkin Donuts, 14055 U.S. 74 W. – 95 • Food Lion (deli), 7876 Idlewild Road – 98 • Food Lion (meat market), 7876 Idlewild Road – 98.5 • Little Caesars, 325 Unionville-Indian Trail Road – 97.5
70 59
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chard Stone Run – 99 • Bradshaw Social House, 8440 Rea Road – 94 • Cantina 1511, 12330 Johnston Road – 95.5 • Chef KWO, 15105 John J Delaney Draive – 98.5 • Civetta, 7828 Rea Road – 93 • DB's Tavern, 8155 Ardrey Kell Road – 97.5 • Farley`s Pizzeria, 15025 Old Lancaster Hwy. – 97 • Five Guys Famous Burgers & Fries, 9820 Rea Road – 100 • Harris Teeter (bakery/deli), 10616 Providence Road – 96 • Hilton Garden Inn, 7415 Waverly Walk Ave. – 98 • Ilios Noche, 11508 Providence Road – 94 • La Victoria, 16139 Lancaster Hwy. – 98.5 • On The Border, 10710 Providence Road – 94 • Poke Cafe, 11318 N. Community House Road – 97.5 • Riccio's Italian Restaurant, 9213 Baybrook Lane – 97 • Starbucks Coffee, 7922 Rea Road – 98.5 • Sunflour Baking Company, 14021 Conlan Creek – 97.5 • Super G Mart, 7323 E. Independence Blvd. – 95.5
Chicken Salad Chick in Matthews serves 12 types of chicken salad. The Southern-inspired fast casual eatery scored a 98 on its recent inspection. Photo courtesy of Chicken Salad Chick
Helping Small Businesses is our Passion In honor of 2021, Charlotte Media Group launches a $21,000 Marketing Grant Program to help small businesses in the communities we serve. We know local small businesses have taken the hits of COVID19 harder than most. It is our goal by launching this marketing grant program that we can assist the #SMBs who need it most when it comes to creating visibility and driving traffic back into their stores, restaurants, and offices. We will be awarding 10 local businesses with grants of $2,100 to use on marketing platforms with Charlotte Media Group and it’s family of digital and print products. Each of the businesses that are chosen will be assigned a dedicated marketing consultant to work with them on the best ways to use the grant to harness their advertising messaging, create visibility, and ultimately drive traffic back to their business. What’s in it for us? We believe in our ability to leverage the audiences we’ve built over the past decade to connect the community with the small businesses around it. When a business is chosen to receive one of these grants, our team will walk beside them for the duration of the grant flight time and help them track and measure any changes or growth that are coming from the marketing we invest for them. We believe in what we do and we are willing to invest in small businesses in our markets who could use a program such as this right now. - Adrian Garson/Publisher
C G Charlotte Media Group
If you are interested in being a participating business in this unique grant program, please visit this link:
https://charlottemediagroup.org/smb-resource-center