The Pineville Pilot

Home Sales in Pineville

20 to Treasure page 19

page 10 Volume 3, Number 1 • January 2015

Town takes action against owner of Cone Mill

The town of Pineville has filed a formal abatement against the owner of the cone mill to receive payment for fines and back back taxes. See Ryan Pitkin’s story on page 4. Ryan Pitkin/Pilot photo

Locally Owned & Operated www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Serving your community news

by Courtney Schultz news@pinevillepilot.com

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group seeks to serve the communities that we cover by providing hyper-local community news that matters to those communities.

In order to Courtney Schultz make sure we’re doing what we can to provide the best community newspapers, we decided go back to the basics and hone in on the individual communities we serve.

We’ve decided to operate under individual editors for each of our publications, as opposed to the past structure with one managing editor overseeing all four publications.

Each editor can dive into their (see Serving your community news on page 5)

Lewd conduct could receive harsher punishment Pineville to potentially crack down on ‘lewd conduct’ through town code amendment

by Courtney Schultz news@pinevillepilot.com

The Pineville Town Council took action at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to move forward with a town code amendment to alleviate a loophole in North Carolina state law regarding

lewd conduct and regulations of services provided by massage parlors and other related businesses.

Pineville Police Chief Rob Merchant requested the town consider adding additional language to the Town Code of Ordinance to allow the Pineville Police Department to regulate the types of services that can be provided by massage parlors and related businesses, according to a memo from town manager Haynes Brigman to the council.

North Carolina state law leaves a loophole that does not define areas of the body that can be massaged or touched by a service provider, making it difficult for the police department to charge violators.

The loophole also makes it difficult for police to charge violators with “lewd conduct” violations in any location because the law states that the violator must be of the opposite sex of the victim and the victim must be able to see (see Lewd conduct on page 12)

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime, 7; Home Sales and Restaurant Scores, 10 Education, 14; Faith, 16; Calendar, 17; Sports, 18

Page 2 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

news@pinevillepilot.com

News

Pineville rapper releases new album based on positivity, intellectual thought

by Ryan Pitkin news@pinevillepilot.com

While Pineville has been the birthplace of plenty of North Carolina history, one thing the town isn’t typically known for is being a breeding ground for rappers.

Nevertheless, longtime emcee Gator, who calls both Pineville and Charlotte home, is the exception to that rule. His newest album, “Doin’ It,” was released on Jan. 6, and he has since been touring his music around the country.

Gator first moved to Charlotte in 2000, then to Ballantyne in 2006.

Today, he splits his time between Ballantyne and his mother’s home in Pineville, which he uses as a base for the majority of his business operations.

Gator’s music is based around positivity, and his refusal to give in to the “negative energies” that he feels appear in much of today’s rap music, which has fared well for him; he currently has a following of nearly a halfmillion people on Twitter.

During a phone interview from California, where he has been playing shows through the first half of January, Gator said positivity plays a large part in the way he lives his life and

news@pinevillepilot.com

makes his music.

“Hip-hop has changed because the information has changed,” he said.

“Hip-hop started as a culture based on spreading information about positive vibes. The game has changed because the kids are only getting negative vibes

“It’s a lifestyle. You choose the way you live, either positive or negative,” he said. “My mind state and the way I talk is totally different from a normal human. Of the masses on Earth, there are people who understand or overstand; there are very few who

“ ” I don’t really make hip-hop...

I make life music that makes you feel good.

–GATOR

from the music.”

Gator’s new album aims to prove hip-hop can still be done right using talent, positivity and an eye on the history of the culture as a whole, he said.

One track, titled “Baby,” metaphorically compares hip-hop to a significant other, recalling Gator’s three-decadeold relationship with the genre.

Gator feels his music often takes on an intellectual tone, and speaks regularly about his “enlightenment.”

masterstand, and they are masters of their own plan.”

Gator said he has gone about “mastering his own plan” by learning every aspect of music production at a young age. He wrote and produced all the lyrics and beats on his first album.

He said his past as a violinist and his historical taste in music help him make music on a different plane from his peers. While he dislikes the term “inspiration,” saying that his music

stands on its own, he lists artists ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Curtis Mayfield to the Wu-Tang Clan that he listened to growing up.

“I don’t really make hip-hop, I make life music that makes you feel good.

It’s music that raises your intellect but still makes you feel good,” the artist said. “The way I see music and the way I write music is different than other artists. I have millions of sounds in my memory bank.”

Although hip-hop in Pineville, and the greater Charlotte area, has yet to hit the forefront of mainstream culture, Gator doesn’t believe in letting location define him. He believes his talent can transcend whether he lives in a hotspot, such as Atlanta or New York.

“It’s not about where you’re at, it’s about what you’re doing,” Gator said.

“If you open a specialty restaurant in Matthews or Mint Hill with quality food, people will come from Pineville, Charlotte and all around. I could be in a cave out in Timbuktu; the ability and the craftsmanship that I put into my work will bring people to me.”

Gator’s new 15-track album, “Doin’ It,” is currently available for purchase in the iTunes store, at www.amazon. com or at www.tatemusicgroup.com.

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 3

News Ryan Pitkin/Pilot photo

Town takes action against owner of Cone Mill

by Ryan Pitkin news@pinevillepilot.com

A disagreement between the town of Pineville and the owner of the Cone Mill has been brought to the courts, and won’t be settled for at least another three months, according to town officials.

The town has tried to clean up the land for nearly a year, since demolition work by the landowner, Fred Goldey, created a mess town officials say has become a safety hazard to the community.

The town recently filed a formal abatement forcing Godley to appear in court.

The town hopes he will be ordered to clean up the mess and pay the hundreds of thousands of dollars he has racked up in back taxes and fines.

Town officials say there is a dangerous amount of asbestos in the building, which has been partly demolished and is crumbling in other places. A government agency already removed toxic waste on the site within the last year.

Today, the mill is overgrown, and many of the walls are barely standing. Entire warehouse-sized rooms are exposed to the elements and filled waste-high with stone, brick, rotting wood and shattered glass.

Godley began moving ahead with plans to make the mill recognized as a historic site in early 2013, and was told that it would qualify if non-historical additions were removed from the building.

He then applied for a demolition license to remove these parts of the building, but neighbors began complaining to the town after demolition work on a windy day sent pieces of metal, wood and asbestos flying into their neighborhood, Travis Morgan, Pineville planning director, said.

Following this incident, the town sent in state and federal agencies to check the site for dangerous materials.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) representatives soon found oil drums full of an unknown chemical on the site and later testing found the drums were filled with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

PCBs are manmade chemical compounds that were once used as insulation material in electrical equipment. They were banned Page 4 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

in most areas during the 1970s and 1980s due to the dangers they pose to human health and the environment.

Pineville Mayor Jack Edwards said the town was open to the idea of making the mill a historic site.

“We went along with that and thought it was a great idea,” Edwards said. “That would add value to surrounding properties and be a great addition.”

It soon became clear, however, that the mill had become more of a safety hazard than a potential tourist spot.

“What we’re looking for now is we want it cleaned up,” Edwards said. “We’re not trying to be the bad guys. It’s been sitting there for too long. We need to take care of the citizens and we did everything we could to get it cleaned up. Now it’s in (Godley’s) court.”

Godley did not show up to his first court date in 2014, and was considered in contempt of court. He did appear in front of a district judge for his next court date on Dec. 2, 2014, and was ordered to have his issues with the property resolved within 14 days.

Godley could not be reached for comment before The Pineville Pilot press deadline.

Godley faces $103,500 in outstanding fines due to violations related to the current state of the mill, as of Jan. 16, Morgan said.

He also owed $221,000 in back taxes on the property, as of Jan. 1, according to Edwards’ letter to residents in the town’s winter newsletter.

“We are not asking him to pull down the mill by any means,” Morgan said. “All we ask is that all the debris from the previous demolition be cleaned up and the hazardous materials be disposed of properly by licensed organizations.”

Both Edwards and Morgan agree it will be at least 80 to 90 days until the courts set a new date.

“Hopefully we can get this resolved as quickly as possible for the best interests of (Godley) and the town,” Morgan said.

“But there will be appeals, and it will be a long process.” news@pinevillepilot.com

News Serving your community news (continued from page 1)

communities and become a better voice for each area.

At The Pineville Pilot, we seek every month to provide local and civic news and happenings that help the Pineville community stay informed about what’s coming and provide a look back at the wonderful events that make Pineville special.

Pineville is a quaint town that encompasses one of the largest shopping districts in North Carolina with the Carolina Place Mall, and is home to United States history at the James K. Polk Historic Site.

With the treasures Pineville holds, I am proud to take over as the managing editor of The Pineville Pilot.

Before arriving at Carolina Weekly six months ago, I was attending Campbell University in Buies Creek to pursue two bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science. I served as the editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper for two-and-a-half years, as well as freelanced for Christianity

news@pinevillepilot.com

Today. I graduated summa cum lade and then embarked on my journey into “the real world.”

Two weeks after graduation, I saw an ad for an opening at Carolina Weekly for a staff writer and jumped at the opportunity to serve the communities I grew to know and love during my high school years living in Mecklenburg County. Two weeks later, I was sitting behind a desk at the Carolina Weekly with a MacBook ready to share the inspiring stories of residents and the most current civic news.

Six months later, I’m ready to continue sharing Pineville happenings and giving updates on information Pineville residents need to know. Whether it’s updates on the Polk site or covering the Miss Pineville Pageant winners, I want to be here for the Pineville community.

I want Pineville residents to let me know what’s coming up in Pineville and to share with me what’s important to them. I encourage readers to reach out to me anytime with comments, suggestions and story ideas at courtney@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 5

News

The Pineville Pilot

News Briefs Public hearings lead to resolutions in February The Pineville Town Council held two public hearings at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that will lead to two separate resolutions at their Feb. 10 meeting.

The first public hearing discussed a suggested text change to the firearms ordinance in the town code. The proposed amendment would prohibit residents from discharging “any bow, cross bow or any other similar weapon within 300 feet of any occupied structure, public roadway, sidewalk, park, church, school or other areas frequented by the public,” according to a memo from town manager Haynes Brigman distributed to councilmembers at their Dec. 9, 2014, meeting.

Police would have the authority to penalize residents for the misuse of any weapon, the same way police currently regard the improper discharge of firearms.

Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Rogers Davis said she had concerns about the 300 feet distinction from an occupied structure rather than the property line. Brigman said the distance required would prohibit residents from being in too close proximity and wouldn’t cause an issue.

A representative from the Pineville Police Department also recommended the distance established in the proposed amendment be increased because he felt the bows can travel much farther than 300 feet. Brigman said the town council will consider comments and a resolution will be placed on the Feb. 10 agenda.

The second public hearing addressed a recommended amendment to the town charter that would allow councilmembers to serve four-year, staggering terms.

The current councilmembers and mayor will be up for re-election during the 2015 municipal election, according to Brigman. The two councilmembers with the highest votes in the election will serve the first four-year terms. The other two will serve two-year terms, with four-year terms beginning after the 2017

municipal elections.

“It is often difficult for councilmembers to enact any change in a two-year timespan,” Brigman said at the meeting.

He feels the amendment will bring more “continuity” to the board.

The mayor position will remain as a two-year term in the town.

“In North Carolina, it’s very common for a mayor to have a two-year term,” Brigman said. “Like with our board, the mayor is a nonvoting member unless there is a tie … since he’s a nonvoting member, (town staff) feels we should keep it a two-year term.”

A resolution regarding the town charter amendment will be included on the Feb. 10 agenda, Brigman added.

The council meeting will take place at The Hut, located at 413 Johnson Drive.

Council reappoints, appoints members to town boards

The Pineville Town Council voted at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, to reappoint and appoint various board members whose positions had expiring terms.

Councilmembers voted to approve Christopher McDonough to fill the vacancy on the town’s planning board after Jack Lee chose to no longer continue on the board. McDonough previously served as the board’s alternate.

Councilmember Les Gladden said he was not properly notified about vacancies on the boards and wanted to submit a candidate for the alternate vacancy on the planning board.

The board ultimately approved both Jennifer Braganza and Jerome Bell, Gladden’s recommendation, as alternates for the town’s planning board.

Councilmembers also chose to reappoint Mark Matthews to the town’s board of adjustment at Tuesday’s meeting. However, town clerk Barbara Monticello said she had not been in contact with Joe Yarber, whose three-year term expired at the end of 2014, on whether he desires to continue to serve on the board. The council decided to make a decision regarding his position on the board at the town’s next meeting on Feb. 10.

Terms for other positions all expired at the end of 2014, so the town voted to

appoint or re-appoint the following positions: Jennifer Braganza to the Citizens Transit Advisory Group; Kristy Detwiler to the Arts and Science Council; Gladden to Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO); Mayor Jack Edwards to the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC); Edwards to the Centralia Council of Governments (COG); Councilmen David Phillips to the Mecklenburg County Planning Committee; Edwards to Electricities; Mecklenburg County Tax Collector as the town’s tax collection agency; and Janelle Lyons as the town’s attorney.

Contact town manager Haynes Brigman at hbrigman@pinevilledsl.net or 704-889-4168 for more information about appointments.

‘Little free library’ coming to Pineville Pineville resident James Phillips plans to construct a “little free library” at the corner of Cone Avenue and Edin Circle, outside Phillips’s home, after the Pineville Town Council approved the construction at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

The library will be an extra-large box, where Pineville residents can borrow and return books of various age levels for personal use, Phillips said on Tuesday, during the public comment of the council’s meeting.

He plans to place Spanish-, Englishand French-language books in the library donated by neighbors and friends. The library will occupy about 2 to 3 feet of Pineville’s right of way.

The Pineville resident said the box can be moved at any time and he plans to build the library within the next month.

The box did not cost the town any funds, and Phillips and his wife Judy plan to oversee the library.

“You know how I feel about (the free library) because I’ve been trying to get (a library) here for years,” Mayor Pro Tem Melissa Rogers Davis said to Phillips at the meeting. “I am for it, and I think there are other residents who would be in favor of it, as well.”

Davis made the motion to approve Phillips’s structure, which the town unanimously supported.

DISTRIBUTION

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Courtney Schultz Features Editor Josh Whitener

10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 news@pinevillepilot.com

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Page 6 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers. com

Sports Editor Hannah Chronis Layout Editor

News Writer Ryan Pitkin A&E Editor Dee Grano Faith Columnist Rev. Tony Marciano

ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson

Manager Mike Kochy publisher

GRAPHICS

Associate Publisher Randi Trojan

Art Director Maria Hernandez

founder Alain Lillie

Liz Lanier The Pineville Pilot is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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News

The Pineville Pilot

Crime Blotter The following crimes were committed in Pineville between Dec. 8 and Jan. 4, according to the Pineville Police Department:

Property Theft

•10200 block of Johnston Road: Larceny shoplifting. Dec. 8 •14000 block of Green Birch Drive: Larceny. Dec. 8 •Sam’s Mart, 8924 Pineville-Matthews Road: Larceny shoplifting. Dec. 9 •Public Storage, 10811 South Blvd.: Larceny from motor vehicle.

Dec. 10 •Best Buy, 10600 Centrum Pkwy.: Larceny. Dec. 10 •Finish Line, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Dec. 10 •103000 block of Plum Creek Lane: Motor vehicle stolen during armed robbery. Dec. 11 •LAX Zone, 8700 Pineville-Matthews Road: Shoplifting. Dec. 13

news@pinevillepilot.com

•11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny by employee; obtaining money/ property by false pretense. Dec. 14 •11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny. Dec. 14 •410 block of Fisher Street: Larceny. Dec. 15 •11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. Dec. 15 •11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting; parole violations. Dec. 15 •Sears, 11033 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny. Dec. 16 •Toys R Us, 11300 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny by employee. Dec. 16 •1000 Johnston Drive: Larceny from motor vehicle. Dec. 17 •10400 block of Centrum Parkway: Larceny. Dec. 17 •The Laurels, 13180 Dorman Road: Larceny. Dec. 18 •11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. Dec. 18 •10600 Centrum Pkwy.: Larceny.

Dec. 18 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny by employee. Dec. 19 •Sears, 11033 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Dec. 20 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny by employee. Dec. 20 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny by employee. Dec. 20 •Sears, 11033 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Dec. 21 •11000 block of Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting.

•Aldo, Carolina Place Mall: Felony larceny. Dec. 23 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Dec. 23 •Children’s Place Retail, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny from a merchant. Dec. 23 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting; unlawful concealment.

Dec 23 •Macy’s, 11001 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Dec. 24 •Sears, 11033 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Dec. 26 •11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny by employee. Dec. 27 •11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. Dec. 27 •11000 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Shoplifting. Dec. 27 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny; trespassing; escape from

custody or resist arrest. Dec. 27 •ALDI, 10629 Park Road: Armed robbery. Dec. 30 •12500 block of Sabal Point Drive: Larceny. Dec. 30 •Body Central, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting; trespassing; grand larceny warrant service; communicating threats. Dec. 31 •JCPenny, 11017 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting; possession of stolen property. Dec. 31 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny. Jan. 1 •Sears, 11033 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Shoplifting. Jan. 2 •Macy’s, 11001 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny. Jan. 2 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny. Jan. 3 •1000 Johnston Drive: Larceny. Jan. 4 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.

Shoplifting. Jan. 4

Home/Business Break Ins

•10300 block of Osprey Drive: Burglary with non-forcible entry at home.

Dec. 9 •ForkLift Pro, 9801 Industrial Drive: Damage to property during a burglary with forcible entry at business. Dec. 10 •10600 McMullen Creek Pkwy.: (see Crime Blotter on page 8)

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 7

News

Crime Blotter (continued from page 7)

Items stolen during burglary at business. Dec. 15 •Sunbelt Rentals, 10627 McMullen Creek Pkwy.: Larceny during break-in at business. Dec. 15

Vehicle Break Ins

•Toys R Us, 11300 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Items stolen during vehicle break in. Dec. 20 •600 block of North Polk Street: Items stolen during vehicle break in. Dec. 24 •9600 Pineville-Matthews Road: Items stolen during vehicle break in. Dec. 26 •Hertz, 12632 Sable Park Drive: Items stolen during vehicle breaking and entering. Dec. 27 •9800 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Items stolen during vehicle breaking and entering. Dec. 28 •9800 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Items stolen during vehicle breaking and entering. Dec. 28

Vandalism

•8300 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Hit and run; property damage. Dec. 9 •Glitter, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Damage to personal property. Dec. 11 •10400 block of Willow Bend Circle: Damage to personal property during domestic disturbance.

Dec. 11 •Carolina Place Parkway: Damage to personal property. Dec. 12 •Luck Stone Center, 515 Town Centre Blvd.: Damage to personal property. Dec. 15 •McMullen Creek Parkway: Hit and run. Dec. 23 •10400 block of Centrum Parkway: Hit and run.

Dec. 23 •11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Damage to personal property. Dec. 24 •9800 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Vandalism; damage to real property. Dec. 27 •10600 block of Park Road: Damage to personal property. Dec. 27 •Barnes and Noble, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Damage to personal property. Jan. 4

Drugs

•8200 Trail View Drive: Possession of marijuana paraphernalia. Dec. 8 •Audio Advise, 11409 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Possessing and concealing drug equipment and paraphernalia. Dec. 10 •N.C. 51 near Park Cedar Drive: Possession of marijuana paraphernalia; simply possession of marijuana. Dec. 10 •11800 block of Downs Road: Possessing and concealing drug equipment or paraphernalia. Dec. 13 •North Polk Street: Using drug equipment or paraphernalia. Dec. 13 •110 block of Reid Lane: Possessing or concealing drug equipment. Dec. 14 •9100 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Possession of methamphetamines; suspicious activity.

Dec. 15 •N.C. 51 at I-485: Possessing/concealing drug equipment/paraphernalia. Dec. 16 •9400 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Possession of methamphetamine; possession of Alprazoum; possession of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 16 •9840 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Page 8 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

Possession of methamphetamine; manufacturing methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine precursor chemicals; possession of Clonazepam. Dec. 20 •9940 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Possession of drug and drug equipment. Dec. 26 •Extended Stay Hotel, 10225 Feldfarm Lane: Possession of drug. Dec. 26 •8300 Pineville-Matthews Road: Possessing marijuana; possessing drug equipment/paraphernalia; possessing stolen property that was recovered later.

Dec. 29 •Park Road near N.C. 51: Simple possession of marijuana; possession of marijuana paraphernalia.

Dec. 29 •12700 block of Windy Pines Way: Possession of marijuana; possession of drug equipment/paraphernalia. Dec. 30 •N.C. 51 near Park Road: Possession of marijuana paraphernalia; possession of an open container in passenger area. Dec. 30 •N.C. 51 near Centrum Parkway: Possessing marijuana. Dec. 31 •Park Cedar Drive at Park Road: Possessing marijuana; possessing drug equipment. Jan. 2 •10600 block of Park Road: Possession of crack cocaine; possession of marijuana. Jan. 2 •I-485 inner loop just before I-77: Simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. Jan. 2 •Park Road at Park Cedar Drive: Possession of cocaine; possession of unidentified drug. Jan. 2 •Park Road near N.C. 51: Possession of cocaine; possession of unidentified drug. Jan. 3 •Park Road near N.C. 51: Simple possession of marijuana. Jan. 4 •Quality Suites, 9840 Pineville-Matthews Road: Possession of cocaine; possession of unidentified drug. Jan. 4

Fraud

•Sam’s Club, 11425 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Fraud – credit card/automated teller machine. Dec. 8 •Sam’s Club, 11425 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Fraud – credit card/automated teller machine. Dec. 8 •127 Lowry St.: Credit card fraud. Dec. 9 •10200 block of Centrum Parkway: Obtaining money/property by false pretense. Dec. 11 •11020 block of Carolina Place Pkwy.: Obtaining money/property by false pretense. Dec. 16 •12700 block of Lancaster Highway: Credit card fraud. Dec. 19 •Sam’s Club, 11425 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Fraud – credit card/automated teller machine. Dec. 19 •11020 block of Carolina Place Pkwy.: Credit card fraud; impersonation. Dec. 22 •JCPenny, 11017 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Larceny •Designer-Choice Inc., 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Forgery. Dec. 23 •Branch Banking and Trust Company, 11100 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Uttering forged instruments; escape from custody or resist arrest; warrant service. Dec. 24 •11020 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Worthless checks. Dec. 24 •10200 block of Feldfarm Lane: Counterfeit currency. Dec. 25 •Bi-Lo, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road: Embezzlement. Dec. 26 •State Employee Credit Union, 9007 PinevilleMatthews Road: Forgery. Dec. 30.

•Hilton Garden Inn, 425 Town Centre Blvd.:

Electronic manipulation. Jan. 1

Other

•8800 block of Hunter Ridge Drive: Resist, obstruct, delay law enforcement; assault on government official. Dec. 8 •JCPenny PVA: Suspicious Activity. Dec. 8 •119 Lynnwood Lane: Trespassing. Dec. 9 •170 block of Water Oak Drive: Escape from custody or resist arrest; non-criminal detainment. Dec 10 •12700 block of Pine Acres Avenue: Runaway juvenile. Dec. 10 •12600 block of Pine Acres Avenue: Suspicious activity. Dec. 10 •11020 block of Carolina Place Parkway: Suspicious person. Dec. 10 •Belk, 11009 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Unlawful concealment; warrant service. Dec. 11 •11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Communicating threats. Dec. 12 •12900 block of Pinewell Drive: Assault on a female. Dec. 12 •Finish Line, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Communicating threats. Dec. 13 •Sky High Sports, 601 N. Polk St.: Communicating threats; simple physical assault. Dec. 13 •12600 block of Sabel Park Drive: Assault on female. Dec. 13 •500 block of Amon Lane: Aggravated assault.

Dec. 13 •9100 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Suspicious activity. Dec. 15 •12900 block of Dorman Road: Harassing phone calls. Dec. 16 •Park Road: Simple physical assault. Dec. 17 •10500 block of Kettering Drive: Assault on female. Dec. 17 •12500 Sabal Point Drive: Communicating threats. Dec. 18 •10500 block of Centrum Pkwy.: Assault on female. Dec. 19 •Peppermint Forest, 11729 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Communicating threats. Dec. 19 •11400 block of Carolina Place Pkwy.: Assault on female; resisting, obstructing, delaying arrest. Dec. 20 •10700 Park Road: Suspicious person. Dec. 22 •12800 block of Meadow Creek Lane: Communicating threats on law enforcement. Dec. 25 •Dillard’s, 11041 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Trespassing. Dec. 26 •123 Marine Drive: Communicating threats; illegal discharge in city; simple physical assault; assault by pointing a firearm at a person. Dec. 27 •Spencer’s, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy.: Unlawful concealment. Dec. 27 •11010 block of Copperfield Drive: Harassing phone calls. Dec. 27 •8900 block of Pineville-Matthews Road: Simple physical assault. Dec. 28 •I-485: Escape from custody or resist arrest. Dec. 28 •10600 block of Kettering Drive: Communicating threats. Dec 29 •Dollar General, 325 S. Polk St.: Communicating threats; trespassing. Dec. 31 •9700 block of Leitner Drive: Communicating threats; resisting, obstructing and delaying arrest; trespassing. Jan. 3 •11900 block of Stratfield Place Circle: Communicating threats. Jan. 3 news@pinevillepilot.com

news@pinevillepilot.com

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 9

News

Home Sales in Pineville

A breakdown of recent home sales

Dec.. 2014 Dec. 2013

Dec. 2012

14 $198,671

7 $238,752

Homes Sold Average Sales Price

12 $208,728

Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com

Address

Date sold

Sale price

28134 Bridlestone 15137 Bridle Trace Lane Dec.5

Danby 13802 Dannemara Drive Dec. 30 13803 Dansington Court Dec. 23 13906 Eden Court Dec. 4 13913 Eden Court Dec. 4 13726 Gatestone Lane Dec. 3

Eden Gardens 1100 Cone Ave. Dec. 30 218 Eden Circle Dec. 4

Address

$242,000 $146,500 $142,500 $144,000 $109,000 $150,000 $128,000 $97,500

Page 10 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

Date sold

Mccullough 15604 Country Lake Drive Dec. 19 1125 Cedar Park Drive Dec. 16

Parkway Crossing 10202 Enniscrone Drive Dec. 31 12548 Druids Glen Drive Dec. 17

Traditions 413 Marie Way Dec. 10

Woodside Falls 12500 Woodside Falls Dec. 22 Road

Sale price

$370,004 $347,047 $218,000 $247,845 $175,000 $264,000

The Pineville Pilot Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations from Dec. 11 to Jan. 15.

Lowest Score: • TLC Wings & Grill, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road – 86 Violations included: No certified food protection manager on duty, repeat violation; manager had not provided North Carolina employee health guidance document; open employee beverages inside microwave, with clean dishes and at a front prep table; employee did not wash their hands after using gloves to transport a container of raw chicken; all interior surfaces of microwave collecting residue; pizza dough machine with a large amount of residue in the bowl and on surfaces above the mixing bowl; vegetable preparation sink collecting residue; interior of ice machine collecting residue, repeat violation; spices in a Nutella container not labeled; bin of sugar not labeled, repeat violation; pitcher submerged in a large container of ranch dressing with the handle touching the dressing, repeat violation; open bowl of flour at the microwave not covered; sauce bowls stacked together wet in the dish washing area; utensils in the dish washing area stored in containers that are collecting debris; and general cleaning needed, repeat violation.

All Scores: 28134 • Café de Cadillac, 10725 Pineville Road – 93 • China Express/Ming’s Restaurant, 315 S. Polk St. – 94 • Delicias Colombianas, 212 N. Polk St. – 93.5 • Dive N, 109 N. Polk St. – 98 • Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 10015 Lee St. – 96.5 • Firehouse Subs, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Jason’s Deli, 10610 Centrum Pkwy. – 95 • Kopper Kettle Family Restaurant, 11000 Nations Ford Road – 97 • Maestro’s Bar and Bistro, 207 Johnston Drive – 98.5 • Machu Picchu Restaurant, 315 S. Polk St., suite 4E – 93 • McAlister’s Deli, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 97 • Sky High Sports, 601 N. Polk St., suite L – 98 • Subway, 12740 Lancaster Hwy. – 94.5 • TLC Wings & Grill, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road – 86 About the grades Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90 percent, B for 80 to 89 percent and C for 70 to 79 percent. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70 percent.

news@pinevillepilot.com

News

The traffic light at the intersection of Johnston Drive and Main Street in downtown Pineville could soon be a thing of the past. Josh Whitener/Pilot photo

Downtown business owners preview Johnston Drive realignment plans Town manager, Downtown Merchants Association say feedback has been positive

by Josh Whitener news@pinevillepilot.com

Merchants in downtown Pineville recently received a preview of a planned project that would eliminate one of the stoplights along Main Street, potentially alleviating traffic in the downtown area.

The Pineville Town Council voted unanimously in December 2014 to pursue a project that would realign Johnston Drive, eliminating the Johnston/ Main Street intersection in exchange for a new traffic pattern that would create a new four-way intersection on Main Street.

Town manager Haynes Brigman met with the Downtown Merchants Association on Jan. 6 to give downtown Pineville business owners an overview of the project. Brigman said feedback from business owners, for the most part, was positive.

“They were all excited about the opportunity to eliminate one of the traffic lights there on Main Street,” Brigman said. “There might be additional question or concerns (as the project develops), but right now everybody seems really positive at this time.”

Bill McConnell, secretary for the Pineville Downtown Merchants Association, said Brigman’s presentation was the first time many of the business owners had heard about plans to realign Johnston Drive. McConnell said most of the feedback he’s heard thus far has been positive, as well.

“We’re excited,” he said. “We think it’s going to be a real positive change for downtown Pineville.”

Councilmembers chose from three options a concept that would reroute Johnston Drive by aligning it with Church Street and curving it around to meet Childers Lane. The estimated construction cost for the project is $870,000 and does not include right of way or property acquisition expenses, Jonathan Guy of Kimley-Horn, the company in charge of redesigning the property, said news@pinevillepilot.com

during the December 2014 town council meeting.

Brigman said the project would likely add public parking spaces to the downtown area, specifically on Childers Lane and, potentially, Johnston Drive, depending on how the road is configured.

“We want to try to add to (the public parking in downtown),” he said. “I think, overall, the number of public parking spaces will increase.”

Jennifer Fagan, owner of Fluffs of Luv in downtown Pineville and president of the Downtown Merchants Association, said she’s particularly excited about the opportunity for more public parking in the downtown area.

“I get at least one phone a day (asking), ‘Where do I park? Where’s the parking at?’ Street-side parking, there’s not a whole lot, and not everyone is going to parallel park on Main Street – that just gets crazy,” Fagan said. “Having additional parking is going to be fantastic, and we’re going to need it.”

One aspect of the project that has generated concerns, Brigman said, is that it could potentially have a negative impact to the private parking area of Luna, a retail store located at 237 Main St. Realignment also might require the acquisition and removal of the Maestro’s Bar and Bistro property, at 207 Johnston Drive.

The town is currently awaiting the results of appraisals, which would allow the town to provide a more concrete answer as to how these properties might be affected, Brigman said.

“We do not know to what extent it will affect the properties yet. We’re getting appraisals done so we can have answers,” he said.

Brigman expects the appraisals to come back sometime within the next four weeks, and added the town would begin meeting with the property owners once there’s a clearer idea of the project’s impact.

“Our goal is within the next six weeks to begin to have those discussions with the property owners,” he said.

Contact town hall at 704-889-2291 for more information about the project.

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 11

News

Lewd conduct (continued from page 1)

the genitalia of the violator, according to Pineville Police Officer Shaun Boyter.

The police currently can only charge the violator with “disorderly conduct” as the law stands, Boyter added.

“Each city and municipality has to come up with its own lewd conduct laws,” the officer said.

Police said they’ve had issues with self-manipulation in public places, such as the Carolina Place Mall, but couldn’t arrest the offender because the victim or officer couldn’t physically see his genitalia because of a cloth or covering, or the victim or officer were the same sex as the offender.

Boyter said he experienced an incident in the mall where he and the victim could visually see an inappropriate action, but the violator’s body was covered by a shirt, so he couldn’t charge the person with lewd conduct. He also said that if he were to catch a couple having intercourse in a car publically, he could not charge the couple with lewd conduct unless he saw the female’s genitalia, but could witness a male’s without any lewd conduct penalty to the violator.

Lewd conduct can have a penalty ranging from restitution to prison time of up to 180 days, while disorderly conduct has a maximum sentence of about 60 days and has lower fines.

Through the proposed amendment,

Page 12 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

Lewd conduct can have a penalty ranging from restitution to prison time of up to 180 days .

police would be able to close the gap in the state law and define “lewd conduct” under town code.

A sample policy Pineville Police borrowed from the city of Charlotte and presented to the council conveyed a “lewd act” to include “touching, caressing or fondling of the male or female genitals or female breasts, whether clothed or naked.” The policy also considers masturbation in public unlawful in “any public place, including, but not limited to, any public restroom facility, in the presence of any other person.”

If the town were to adopt such a policy, police would have the authority to deter lecherous actions from taking place in front of children and families, and to make lewd conduct an arrestable offense.

The amendment also could prevent improper actions from occurring in massage parlors and related businesses, such as improper manipulation at the parlor. “(The amendment) doesn’t affect the legitimate parlors and spas,” Boyter said.

The town council unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing during the Feb. 10 town council meeting, at 6:30 p.m., to give residents the chance to comment and ask questions about the proposed town code.

The public hearing and council meeting will take place at The Hut, located at 413 Johnston Drive.

news@pinevillepilot.com

news@pinevillepilot.com

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 13

Education

CMS ensures safety in wake of last month’s threats

by Courtney Schultz education@thecharlotteweekly.com

In the wake of threats made against a few Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools (CMS) last month, area parents are looking for ways to help their students feel safe in the classroom.

CMS representatives say the district already has implemented new procedures and infrastructure to increase security and safety in schools.

The district developed new security measures at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year, including electronic locks, identification systems, lobby guard systems, panic button installations, bi-directional amplifiers to improve communication with first responders and installation of about 4,000 security cameras around the district, including all elementary schools that previously didn’t have any on their campuses.

“Schools (also) have various drills throughout the school year, including lockdown procedures, fire drills, evacuations (and) weather-related drills,” Yaviri Escalera, spokesperson for CMS, said in an email.

The drills help ensure students and faculty are prepared, if and when dangerous events happen, she added.

Page 14 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

“Lockdown drills are (particularly) important because it lets students know what they should do during a lockdown and how they should be behaving during the lockdown,” Escalera said.

Schools also have safety plans, which are confidential and are not shared with the general public in order to maintain the safety of students and staff, she added.

CMS Police Chief Randy Hagler said each high school has a police officer on campus each day.

“Parents are always welcome to contact their officer at their school in case there is something that just doesn’t look right,” Hagler said.

Three CMS schools received threats against students last month through the social media site Yik Yak. CMS Police apprehended the perpetrator, Patrick Philip Brehm, who made the threats against Providence High School, but are still investigating other threats made.

“During last month’s threat, the district worked with CMS Police and the (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department) to implement safety protocols and other measures to support the safety of our students and staff. There was also additional police presence throughout the week,” Escalera wrote in an email.

Hagler said parents monitoring social

media sites helped CMS Police take action quickly during the incident.

Principals sent multiple messages to parents regarding the threats, as well as implemented the schools’ confidential safety plans.

CMS acknowledged such occurrences are possible but rare, and when they do happen, the district tries to ensure parents are “in the loop.”

“When those things do happen, we send (Blackboard) Connect 5 messages to our families to let them know what we’re doing as a school district to make sure our students and staff are safe,” Escalera said.

CMS encourages parents and students to be vigilant not only in schools, but around the community, and to be mindful of potential hazards.

Representatives from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), as well as CMS, also have suggested some guidelines to help parents and students to take an active role in ensuring school safety and feeling comfortable at school: • Students should not be afraid of telling the truth, and should not mistake being truthful for tattling or gossiping.

They should provide important information that might prevent harm by directly or anonymously telling a trusted adult

what they know or hear, NASP suggested on its website.

“If (a student) hears something, (it should be) communicated to someone at school so it can be looked into,” Escalera said.

• Play a role in school safety. “Be observant and let an adult know if you see or hear something that makes you feel uncomfortable, nervous or frightened,” NASP stated on its website.

“The biggest thing that we ask parents to do is be involved in what their kids are doing and what technology they’re using,” Hagler said.

• School staff and parents at home should emphasize that violence is never the answer and that there are other ways to solve problems, according to NASP. • Parents should know open communication between home and school is important to school safety, CMS representatives said. Parents should contact school officials regarding concerns or questions about school policy or their child’s safety.

“We do need the public to support us and let us know when something is going on like they did (last month),” Hagler said.

• Parents also can contact the CMS Safety Department at 980-343-5156.

news@pinevillepilot.com

Education

Quail Hollow Middle School students volunteered frequently at Smithfield Elementary School to help support students and staff. Photo courtesy of Quail Hollow Middle School

The Pineville Pilot

Education News & Notes

South Mecklenburg to host open house South Mecklenburg High School will host a general open house for parents of rising freshmen or new students on Jan. 22, a Thursday, at 8:45 a.m. in the school’s media center. Optional tours will begin at 8 a.m.

The open house will provide parents an opportunity to hear from administrators, counselors and current parents and students.

Attendees should park in the bus lot at the school’s side entrance, across the street from Southminster Retirement Community.

Those who cannot attend the event may request a tour by emailing SouthMeckHSPTSATours@gmail.com.

Globetrot with Pineville Elementary Pineville Elementary School is asking parents to contribute to the school’s digital international artifact boxes for its International Night coming this spring.

The event is an opportunity to showcase families’ backgrounds to teach others in the Pineville Elementary community about the many cultures represented at the school, according to the school’s newsletter.

Parents are invited to record a video of themselves and/or their child sharing artifacts that represent their respective cultures.

Contact the school, located at 204 Lowry St., at 980-343-3920 for more information.

Quail Hollow Middle serves Smithfield classrooms Quail Hollow Middle School (QHMS) students have begun their school days volunteering at Smithfield Elementary School, located at 3200 Smithfield Church Road in south Charlotte, for years.

Students took the project to a new level this year, with more than 40 middle school students – including Pineville students – clocking in 858 hours in classrooms, assisting teachers, working in the media center and pitching in with front office duties, according to the Quail Hollow newsletter.

This group, Falcon Leaders, serves its motto, “Take FLIGHT – Falcon Leaders news@pinevillepilot.com

Ignite, Grow, Help, Teach,” through the various volunteer activities. To end the fall semester, the leaders surprised Smithfield students with over 100 wrapped books for the holiday season.

In return for their Smithfield contributions, teachers and program coordinators help the participants develop self-confidence, leadership qualities and relationship skills, according to the newsletter.

“QHMS students apply to join the Falcon Leaders program each semester, and are selected for their good character, dependability and attitude toward helping others,” the newsletter read.

Contact suzyeowens1@gmail.com for more information about the Falcon Leaders program.

Quail Hollow Middle School is located at 2901 Smithfield Church Road.

Pineville Elementary PTA needs volunteers for Teacher Appreciation Week Pineville Elementary School’s PTA will need volunteers to help with Teacher Appreciation Week at the school, slated for Feb. 2 through 6, a Monday through Friday.

The week will consist of daily special events and “goodies,” according to the school’s newsletter, including: coffee and breakfast on Monday; chair massages from Carolina Family Chiropractic on Tuesday; Chocolate Fest on Wednesday; Candy Day on Thursday; and lunch from Harrison United Methodist, Pineville United Methodist and GraceLife churches on Friday. Students also will have the opportunity each day to show their appreciation through treats and ThankYou cards, the newsletter said.

The PTA is asking parents to contribute various items for the week’s events, including chocolate desserts for Chocolate Fest (Wednesday); bags of candy for Candy Day (Thursday); or monetary donations to assist with the cost of food and paper products to honor teachers.

Monetary donations can be cash or check, made payable to “Pineville Elementary PTA” with “Teacher Appreciation Week” in the memo field.

Parents are asked to email their names and what they intend to bring to PTA volunteer Marianne Roman at marianneromanat@ gmail.com.

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 15

Faith

The Pineville Pilot

Faith & Religion News & Notes

Harrison UMC to host Parent’s Night Out Harrison United Methodist Church will host a Parent’s Night Out event on Jan. 31, a Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m.

The event is open to families of children 8 weeks old through fifth grade and costs $10 per child, with a cap of $25 per family. Payment will be collected at the door, and pre-event sign up is required.

Children 4 years old and older will “enjoy a magical evening filled with golden ticket surprises,” according to the church’s newsletter, as they view the 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Kids also will participate in “active” games and crafts during the event.

Children 3 years old and younger will be in a separate room participating in ageappropriate activities. Dinner will not be provided during the event, but snacks will be served during the film.

People who sign up will receive an email prior to the event containing a snacks list, instructions for drop-off and pickup and a medical release form. Sign up by calling 704-541-3463 or emailing shawn. howell@harrisonchurch.org.

Harrison UMC is located at 15008

Page 16 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

Lancaster Hwy. in Pineville.

Pineville UMC to launch Confirmation class The 2015 Pineville United Methodist Church Confirmation class is currently forming and is open to all youth in sixth through 12th grades who are not members of the church.

Contact Pineville UMC’s senior pastor, Rev. Tom Stinson-Wesley, at 704-8892022 or tstinsonwesley@pinevilleumc.org for more information.

Pineville UMC is located at 110 S. Polk St. in Pineville.

‘Financial Peace’ class starting Feb. 1 at South Charlotte Baptist South Charlotte Baptist Church will host Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University,” a nine-week program, beginning Feb. 1, a Sunday, at 9:30 a.m.

The program will cover topics, such as what the Bible says about money, how to save money, cash flow planning, debt management, smart buying decisions, retirement and college planning, real estate and mortgages, insurance and more.

Find more information and register online at www.southcharlottebaptist.org or www.daveramsey.com, or call 704-5425536.

South Charlotte Baptist is located at 12416 Lancaster Hwy. in Pineville.

GraceLife hosting children’s music ministry Children with a love for music can join GraceLife Church of Pineville’s Xtreme Kids children’s music ministry.

The program is open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade and meets weekly on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings during the church’s AWANA, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

GraceLife’s worship academy director Josh Walker directs the children, who participate in the church’s Sunday morning worship services on a regular basis. Contact Walker at 704-889-7665 or jwalker@ gracelifepineville.com for more information.

GraceLife Church is located at 705 Lakeview Drive in Pineville.

Pineville Nazarene cooking up a spaghetti dinner The women and men’s ministries at Pineville Church of the Nazarene will host a family spaghetti dinner on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Plates cost $5 each for adults and children 12 years old and older; $3 for children 5 to 11 years old; and are free for children 4 years old and younger. Families of four or more can eat for a flat fee of $16.

The cost covers a complete dinner

including spaghetti, salad, bread, dessert and a drink. Live musical entertainment “from some of the best talent Pineville Nazarene has to offer,” according to a church announcement, will take place during the dinner.

Proceeds from the event will support the ministries of Pineville Nazarene. Tickets are on sale now in the church office.

Find more information at www.pnaz.org, or call 704-542-3618.

Pineville Nazarene is located at 8614 Pineville-Matthews Road in Charlotte, near the Pineville border.

St. Mark AME Zion welcomes weekly community prayer service Individuals seeking prayer or wishing to be involved in a community prayer group are invited to attend St. Mark AME Zion Church’s weekly community prayer service.

The church opens its doors to the community every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 7 p.m. and encourages people to “come see what great things for the New Year God has in store for you,” according to a news release.

St. Mark AME Zion is located at 605 Johnston Drive in Pineville.

Send faith news items to news@ pinevillepilot.com. Announcements should be sent one month in advance.

news@pinevillepilot.com

Calendar 1.23.15 Friday 2 to 4 p.m.

Historic Tatting Join volunteer Michele Glover as she leads the James K. Polk State Historic Site’s Pop Up Program on historic tatting. Glover will explore with visitors this historic weaving technique.

This is a drop-in program that will be ongoing in the Polk Visitors Center lobby.

President James K. Polk Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville 1.24.15 Saturday 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Financial Checklist for Parents Parents can learn strategies to leveraging workplace benefits, get a better understanding of how to plan to make your family financially secure, develop a financial timeline to plan for high school and college and more. The event is free. Contact Charmain Jones, childcare director, at 704-716-6843 or chairman.jones@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

Harris YMCA, 5900 Quail Hollow Road, Charlotte 1.26.15 Monday 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Every Child Ready to Read Workshop The South County Regional Library will host an “Every Child Ready to Read: General Overview Workshop Ages 3 to 5” for children and their caregivers. Attendees will learn new ideas and activities parents can use to support early literacy. They will learn five practices to help children get ready to read.

Parents can sign up at the entrance to the children’s room beginning 15 minutes prior to the program. Only the first 20 to 25 children and their caregivers will be admitted. The program will begin at the scheduled time and latecomers will not be admitted but asked to try again the following week.

Contact 704-416-6600, ext. 2, for additional information.

2.13.15 Friday 6 p.m.

39th Annual Senior Citizens Valentines Banquet The town of Pineville will host its annual banquet for senior Pineville residents who are 60 years old or older.

The event is for Pineville residents only and includes a dinner of steak tips with gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, roll and dessert and entertainment from magician Bryan Saint.

Seniors must make a reservation to attend the banquet by 5 p.m. on Feb. 6, a Friday, by calling 704-889-2400.

Due to limited seating and to avoid duplicate reservations, the town requests for a person to make a reservation for themselves and a spouse only.

Belle Johnston Community Center Gym, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville 4.9.15 Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Home-school History Day President James K. Polk Historic Site will host a fun-filled day just for home-school students, who are 7 to 14 years old. Students will experience what life was like for young James K. Polk in the early 1800s in Mecklenburg County. Activities will include hands-on chores, backcountry food presentations and historical craft making.

The cost is $5 for children and $3 for adults.

Applicable sales tax is not reflected in the above admission price.

President James K. Polk Historic Site, 12031 Lancaster Hwy., Pineville 4.11.15 Saturday 9 a.m. to noon 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Fair

The Pineville Parks and Recreation Department invites residents to join them for a day of fun and health activities. The activities will include classes in yoga, boot camp, self-defense, soccer, dance, cheer, tai chi, gymnastics and cheer, among others, as well as a bounce South County Regional Library, 5801 house, music and local business promotions.

Rea Road, Charlotte Businesses can call 704-889-2400 to reserve a free space to promote their business and Send your help make the community healthy.

events to news@ pinevillepilot. com

news@pinevillepilot.com

jan.

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Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 17

Sports

sports shorts

by Hannah Chronis news@pinevillepilot.com

South Meck girls blast Olympic The South Meck girls basketball team beat Olympic on Jan. 9 in a 57-49 win behind junior Ali Fitch’s career-high performance of 27 points.

After entering half time 27-20, the Trojans had a strong third quarter and came within three at the start of the fourth. The Sabres offense checked back in and outscored the Trojans 16-11 in the fourth to seal the win.

Fitch added six blocked shots, five rebounds and two assists in the win.

Senior center Nnenna Okam led the Sabres’ rebounding effort with 10.

With the win, the Sabres improved to 9-5 and 4-1 in conference play.

They hosted Providence on Jan. 16, after Pineville Pilot went to press.

Charlotte Latin’s quarterback commits to Duke Charlotte Latin quarterback Daniel Jones announced last week he would continue his football career at Duke University. Jones was previously committed to Princeton.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Jones chose the Blue Devils over Princeton, Harvard and Wake Forest. He will pay his own way during the fall 2015 semesDaniel Jones ter before being added to the scholarship roster in spring 2016.

Jones led the Hawks to back-to-back North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state championship appearances. He passed for 2,949 yards and 43 TDs and added another 778 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

Jones will leave Charlotte Latin holding records for total yards, total passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Mustangs’ Norris selects Georgetown Myers Park quarterback Clay Norris committed to Georgetown University on Jan. 14. Norris, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound dual-threat quarterback chose the Hoyas over Gardner-Webb, Stetson and a preferred walk-on spot at Wake Forest.

“I thought in his senior year, Clay really started to reach his potential and played very well against some of the best competition in the state,” said firstyear Mustangs’ Clay Norris coach Scott Chadwick. “I do think, though, that his best days are still ahead of him because of his great work ethic and because he’ll continue to learn the position.”

Norris was a Southwestern 4A allconference selection this season after throwing for 2,128 yards and 17 touchdowns.

“I’m most excited about the chance for Clay to attend a school with the great academic reputation that Georgetown has,” Chadwick said. “I’m glad that football opened that door for him.”

Mazyck, Rogers nominated for McDonald’s AllAmerican team Myers Park senior point guard Aliyah Mazyck and senior forward Rydeiah Rogers were nominated to play in the 2015 McDonald’s All-American games. Mazyck and Rogers join 823 high school seniors from around the

country nominated to play in the games. This year’s list includes athletes from 47 states selected by coaches, athletic directors, principals and members of the McDonAliyah Mazyck ald’s All-American games selection committee.

McDonald’s will name the final roster of 24 girls and 24 boys selected to play in the 2015 games during the Rydeiah Rogers McDonald’s AllAmerican Games Selection Show on ESPNU, airing Jan. 28 at 6 p.m.

Rogers, a four-star recruit and backto-back all-state selection, is named one of the top 60 players in the country, according to ESPN. She’ll continue her basketball career at N.C. State.

Mazyck, a five-star recruit and backto-back all-state selection, is the No. 18 overall pick in the country, according to ESPN. She was named the North Carolina Player of the Year last season.

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(888) 886-6133 Page 18 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

news@pinevillepilot.com

The Pineville Pilot’s

20

1. Anthony Ratliff-Williams, Butler Just as we expected at the start of the season, Ratliff-Williams was unstoppable this year. The dual-threat quarterback completed 61 percent of passes for 1,783 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding another 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns on his feet. It’s no wonder the North Carolina commit was named the Southwestern 4A Offensive Player of the Year.

2. Elijah Deveaux, Charlotte Christian The 6-foot-1, 210-pound running back backed up his record-breaking performance last season, finishing the season with 1,876 yards and 22 touchdowns, leading the Knights dominating ground game.

Deveaux blazed a trail of destruction over Knights opponents and the Duke commit will undoubtedly do it again next year.

3. Brian Chaffin, Charlotte Christian A rare four-year starter for the Knights’ program, Chaffin went out this year in style. The Stanford recruit finished his high school campaign as an allstate pick and Under Armour All-American ranked the No. 2 center in the nation, helping the Knights repeat as state champs.

4. Jaret Anderson, Charlotte Catholic Anderson wasted no time making a name for himself in his first year of varsity football and keeping the Cougars on the top of the Class 4A competitive scene. The junior running back rushed for 2,067 yards, scored 32 touchdowns and averaged 35 yards per kickoff return this season on his way to becoming the offensive MVP in the Class 4A championship game.

5. Jaire Alexander, Rocky River There wasn’t much the 5-foot-11, 170pound Alexander couldn’t do this season. At defensive back, Alexander had 36 tackles and four interceptions but he was a playmaker on news@pinevillepilot.com

to treasure Sports

the other side of the ball as well, with 76 catches for 1,220 yards and 20 touchdowns at wide receiver. The Louisville commit finished the season as the Southwestern 4A Defensive Player of the Year.

6. Mason Veal, Ardrey Kell The 6-foot-5, 290-pound tackle finished his high school career as a two-time all-conference pick and Shrine Bowl selection. The immovable Veal helped the Knights record a 9-3 record.

Known as one of the best tackles in the state, he’ll continue his football career at North Carolina.

7. Daniel Jones, Charlotte Latin Jones did it all this year.

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound quarterback passed for a whopping 2,949 yards and 43 touchdowns. As impressive as that is, he also ran for 778 yards and 10 scores while setting single-season school records for total yards, passing yards and passing touchdowns. He’ll continue his football career at Duke.

8. Philip Walton, Charlotte Christian It was impossible not to notice the 6-foot-7, 260pound Walton lining up on the Charlotte Christian offensive line this season and opening holes for running back Deveaux. The N.C. State commit finished as an all-state selection and helped the Knights repeat as state champs.

9. Stephen Griffin, South Meck The University of Tennessee-bound defensive back was a key playmaker all over the field this season for the Sabers. Griffin, the So. Meck 8 Defensive Player of the Year, had 80 tackles on the season and 400 yards from his spot at receiver.

10. Kelvin Hopkins, Independence Hopkins was the heart and soul of the Patriots high-powered offense that finished

the season with an unblemished conference record.

The senior Army commit and dual-threat quarterback finished the year with 1,811 passing yards for 23 touchdowns and another 533 yards and nine TDs on the ground, making him an easy choice for all-conference.

11. Benny LeMay, Butler LeMay, a junior, didn’t disappoint this year. He already has an offer from the Charlotte 49ers and it’s easy to see why after rushing for 1,490 yards and 23 touchdowns on 190 carries. The 6-foot, 195-pound workhorse is in line for a huge senior season with the Bulldogs.

12. Ryan Miller, Charlotte Catholic After starting two years at quarterback, Miller made a switch and played all over the field this season as a wide receiver, running back and tight end. The all-around athlete flourished, helping lead the Cougars to the state championship game. He finished the season with 414 rushing yards on 48 carries for seven TDs and 586 receiving yards for six touchdowns, while also spending time at cornerback.

13. Twazanga Mugala, Ardrey Kell Mugala became a backto-back all-conference pick after setting a school record for sacks in a season (16).

The 6-foot-4 lineman finished the year with 109 tackles and 38 for a loss. He’ll continue his football career at Purdue University.

14. Adonis Alexander, Independence Just as anticipated, Alexander was a huge factor in the Patriots dominating run this season. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound safety finished the season with 62 tackles and was named to the all-state team. The speedy Virginia Tech commit was big in the return game as well.

15. Will Sapyta, Ardrey Kell The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Sapyta might

have started the season as a relatively unknown linebacker but he certainly didn’t finish that way. Sapyta led the Matthews-Mint Hill area with 143 tackles and added six sacks on his way to becoming an all-conference selection.

16. Christian Dixon, Butler Dixon, a sophomore, is on track to be Butler’s next big star. The 6-foot, 200-pound middle linebacker recorded a team-high 109 tackles with two sacks and two interceptions. The sky is the limit for the up-and-coming Dixon.

17. Alex Barrow, Butler The dangerous Barrow had no problem repeating as the Bulldogs’ leading receiver. The Charlotte 49er commit hauled in 45 catches for 820 yards and 11 scores on his way to becoming an all-conference selection.

18. Caleb York, Providence York, the Panthers’ dualthreat quarterback, passed for 1,740 yards and 13 TDs last season. This year, the senior upped even that impressive performance, passing for 2,016 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding 707 yards and nine scores on his feet, despite breaking his arm mid-season.

19. Zack Gilbert, South Meck The 6-foot-2, 245 pound Gilbert was an opposing coordinators nightmare. The all-conference defensive end recorded seven sacks and 50 tackles. Just a junior, Gilbert already has offers from North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Florida and the Charlotte 49ers among others.

20. Clay Norris, Myers Park Norris, an all-conference selection in the competitive Southwestern 4A, completed 58 percent of passes this season for 2,128 yards and 17 touchdowns. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback committed to Georgetown over offers from Stetson, GardnerWebb and a preferred walk-on spot at Wake Forest.

Pineville Pilot • January 2015 • Page 19

Page 20 • January 2015 • Pineville Pilot

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