Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Providence girls relay team finishes page 25 strong

Carolina Crush Lacrosse offers travel and learning opportunity page 10

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Volume 8, Number 21 • May 21 to 27, 2015

Finding color in a time of need Independence raises funds for Tanzanian students with color run, festival

MINT HILL MADNESS TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER Madness Healthy Living also will feature an NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition for kids 6 to 15 years old, which will take place Saturday, May 23, from noon to 3 p.m. on the park’s lower soccer field. The Battle at Mint Hill, a “Garage Games” competition, will take place on Saturday at 9 a.m. on the tennis courts and will test athletes in four-person teams through three workouts.

Smith said this year’s focus on veterans stems from the festival being a Memorial Day weekend event.

“Last year was the first year we put this together (for Memorial Day weekend). Personally, I didn’t feel like it was

MINT HILL – Walking miles to retrieve fresh water; living in their school buildings to protect themselves from wildlife and crooks; and paying one to two months’ salary to attend school – that’s life for some children who live in rural Africa.

Independence High School sought to alleviate those children’s struggles through a color run and festival on Saturday, May 16, to support TanzaCare, a Charlottebased nonprofit that raises funds for students in Africa.

The inspiration for the event came when TanzaCare Executive Director Kelly Gaines visited Independence’s Interact Club. Gaines shared about the conditions children in rural Tanzania live in and the importance of education to those children.

“I can tell you from going to Independence, it was eye opening for them – it’s eye opening for most of the adults I talk to about how they live,” Gaines said.

TanzaCare is the brainchild of Gaines’s daughter, Allie, a Myers Park graduate who now attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While on a family trip to Tanzania, Allie decided to climb Mt.

(see Mint Hill Madness on page 12)

(see Color Run on page 15)

Festival to highlight health and wellness, veterans and fireworks Photo courtesy of Mint Hill

by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Longtime attendees of the annual Mint Hill Madness Festival can expect this year’s event to be bigger and better than ever, according to festival organizers.

The 32nd annual Mint Hill Madness Festival will take place this weekend, running Friday to Sunday, May 22 to 24, at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road, with a few events occurring in downtown Mint Hill.

This is only the second year the town has hosted the festival over Memorial Day weekend – the festival was traditionally held in the fall – but the town

is expecting a bigger turnout and will welcome more than 130 vendors this year, according to Sheryl Smith, executive assistant for Mint Hill.

“We have a lot of new things we’re doing this year,” Smith said. “We’ve implemented a health and wellness initiative this year … we’re really focusing on veterans … The festival gives you so much of a sense of what Mint Hill is.”

The health and wellness initiative, dubbed “Madness Healthy Living,” is sponsored by Publix of Mint Hill and will incorporate wellness-related vendors, free health screenings and groups promoting healthy eating options, according to a news release.

by Courtney Schultz education@matthewsminthillweekly.com

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Education, 14; Arts, 17; Calendar, 20; Sports, 23; Classifieds, 27

Page 2 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News

Special Olympics Gymnastics team headed to summer games

by Crystal O’Gorman crystal@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Connie Mulroy beamed with excitement as she discussed her firstyear Special Olympics Gymnastic team’s accomplishments.

“They totally rocked qualifiers,” the Matthews resident said. “I took 19 (athletes) and all qualified for the state summer games.”

After only five weekly practices, 19 children with disabilities from Mecklenburg and Union counties stepped up to the beam and onto the floor to perform routines at the Central Gymnastics Qualifiers in High Point on April 19.

Mulroy said her team was the largest by far, making up more than half of the regional qualifying team. She also said this was the first Special Olympics Gymnastics team to represent Mecklenburg County in eight years.

“The level of this sport has dwindled,” she said. “I hope to bring back the love of the sport and inspire others to get involved.”

Mulroy worked as a competitive gymnastics trainer at International Sports Center (ISC) in Matthews from 1998 until 2003, when she had her daughter, Brielle, who was born with Down syndrome and a heart condition and needed extra support. So, she gave up her career to focus on taking care of Brielle.

She started Charlotte Allstar Cheerleaders

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Photo courtesy of Vanessa Gill

(CAC) Angels cheer team for children with disabilities at the ISC in 2007 to provide an athletic option for children like Brielle.

The Special Olympics Gymnastics team spawned from her competitive cheer teams, with 90 percent of the gymnasts also competing with CAC Angels and Diamonds.

“I just wanted to get back to gymnastics,” she said. “I knew I had a good team from the Angels and Diamonds cheerleaders I’d been coaching for eight years.”

The cheer season ended in February, and gymnastics practice started March 17.

Laurie Maddex’s 8-year-old son, Zeke, of Waxhaw, has been on the CAC Angels cheer team for two years and was delighted to join the gymnastics team.

“He has excelled so much through the cheer team that it was a good entry point,” she said. “Plus, he loves to be the center of attention – he feels 10 feet tall when he puts on that uniform and goes on the floor. This is a big deal for him to hear people cheer and

Photo courtesy of Connie Mulroy

watch him.”

Zeke, who has Down syndrome, has improved his physical strength and balance and his ability to follow directions and wait his turn, because of his participation in cheer and gymnastics. Maddex said Zeke couldn’t run or jump when they brought him home from a Ukraine orphanage at 4 years old, but he’s improved significantly over the past four years.

Maddex also said this experience has taught her to continue giving Zeke opportunities without limitations. Due to the lack of equipment, Mulroy’s team couldn’t practice some routines beforehand and had to learn them the day of qualifiers. Maddex said Zeke learned the pommel horse just before competing and nailed the routine.

“I think that as a parent we try really hard not to put limitations on him and to advocate and fight for him, but sometimes we don’t expect him to do the things he can do,” she said. “We had no idea what expect, so we

couldn’t limit him; we just stood back and watched him grow and couldn’t be more proud.”

The gymnastics team consists of 19 boys and girls 8 to 19 years old with conditions like autism, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome and blindness. All qualified, but only 18 will compete in the 2015 Special Olympics North Carolina Summer Games on May 29 and 30.

Mulroy will have a female gymnast competing in artistic gymnastics with a floor ball routine, and 15 female gymnasts competing in artistic gymnastics, which includes vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercises. Two male gymnasts will compete in still rings, parallel bars, high bar, pommel horse, vault and floor exercises.

“They’ve been working really hard,” Mulroy said.

Mulroy also commended the volunteers for their support. Competitive gymnasts, who train at ISC, have jumped in and assisted during practices to help the kids learn the routines, she said.

“I couldn’t have done it without them, and they’ve gained a lot from the experience,” she said. “They get to see a different side of the sport and how these kids are working hard at obtaining a small skill.”

Email Mulroy at connie.mulroy@gmail. com for information about Special Olympics Gymnastics.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 3

Page 4 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News

Food Truck Friday’s SUGAR. tastes sweet success

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Fans of Matthews Food Truck Friday vendor SUGAR. will soon only have to drive two exits south on Interstate 485 to enjoy the company’s homemade doughnuts throughout the week.

Kathi Alexander launched SUGAR. – a gourmet doughnut food truck that offers handmade doughnuts cooked daily using real butter, milk, cream and without mixes, synthetic oils or food coloring – in September 2014.

SUGAR. will take its success to the next level this summer, as it plans to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 11914 Elm Lane in Ballantyne. The location will be SUGAR.’s first stand-alone venue, and the food truck will remain operational.

“We’re thrilled,” she said. “It’s so fun to see people’s enthusiasm about what we do.”

Alexander, who had been thinking about homemade doughnuts for a while, took notice of the homemade doughnut scene in major metropolises around the country, and decided to launch her gourmet doughnut concept in Charlotte.

“People were starting the concept around the country and it was wildly successful,” she said. “It motivated me to adapt what I was

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thinking and what was happening in the rest of the country and really get this thing going.”

In less than a year, SUGAR. has become one of the Charlotte area’s most popular dessert food trucks, frequenting locations such as Food Truck Friday in Matthews, Elm Corners in Ballantyne and SouthPark Eats, as well as catering to private corporate events and weddings.

SUGAR. offers unique flavors, such as its popular Maple Bacon Donut, S’more, Boston Cream Pie and Nutella Hazelnut Crunch, along with traditional doughnuts, such as Vanilla Bean and Valrhona Chocolate Glaze. It also features two specials each week, with flavors such as Southern Banana Pudding and Carmel Cinnamon.

“We only use fresh ingredients and everything is handmade, hand rolled, hand cut, doughnut by doughnut. Then, we top it or fill it with a creative, nontraditional application,” Alexander said.

SUGAR. will be at Food Truck Friday in Matthews on May 29 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Stumptown Park, located at 120 S. Trade St. in downtown Matthews. The brick-andmortar location is slated to open in late July or August.

Find more information at www.sugardonuts.net.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 5

News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Josh Whitener

News Briefs Matthews Police to host Chill With A Cop series

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Education Editor Layout Editor Department will launch a new program, Courtney Schultz Erin KIrby Chill With A Cop, next month.

News Writers Art Director The monthly, Tuesday-evening program Hannah Chronis Maria Hernandez will take place during the summer months Ryan Pitkin A&E Editor at various ice cream and frozen yogurt Crystal O’Gorman Dee Grano locations across town. Families can meet local police officers in an informal setting, Sports Writer Faith Columnist Ben Doster Rev. Tony Marciano learn more about the department’s work and ask the officers questions.

Chill With A Cop events are schedADVERTISING uled for: Charlotte Conway • June 16 – Sweet Frog in Sycamore Adrian Garson Commons, 2233 Matthews-Township Pkwy.

DISTRIBUTION • July 14 – Bruster’s, 545 W. John St. Manager • Aug. 11 – Dunkin Donuts / Baskin Mike Kochy Robbins, 3114 Fincher Farm Road, PUBLISHER suite 100 Founder Call 704-847-4069 for more informaAlain Lillie tion.

Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

June Tunes returning to Mint Hill MINT HILL – The annual Saturdayevening concert series, June Tunes, will return to downtown Mint Hill next month.

The series kicks off June 6 and continues every Saturday through June, and will culminate with Queen City Brass Band’s annual patriotic concert on July 3.

This year, all bands scheduled to perform are from Mint Hill, according to a newsletter.

Page 6 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

All concerts take place at 7 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Mint Hill town hall, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

The following is a schedule of June Tunes concerts: • June 6 – Lindsey Nicole & Hwy. 74 • June 13 – The Four Jakes Band • June 20 – Ronnie Tsunami & the Wave Runners • June 27 – Toronto in the Summer • July 3 – Queen City Brass (Friday evening performance) Call 704-545-9726 for more information.

Town hall is located at 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane.

Bright Blessings online ‘Give Shop’ now open MATTHEWS – Bright Blessings, a Matthews-based nonprofit that supports local homeless and impoverished children, is partnering with Share Charlotte’s new online Give Shop.

Shoppers can browse specific items on the Bright Blessings Wish List Catalog that meet the organization’s greatest needs and “easily shop, ship and make an impact for kids in need,” read a news release.

People also can view items by Bright Blessings programs, including Bless-aBirthday, Bless-a-Baby and Gift of Literacy; purchase them through Amazon.com; and the items will arrive at Bright Blessings within a few days, the release said.

View the Bright Blessings Give Shop at www.amazon.com/gp/registry/ wishlist/3MWGCWXJYEDQJ/ref=cm_ sw_su_w.

Bright Blessings is headquartered at 608-A Matthews-Mint Hill Road.

(From left) Vicki Simpson, Shannon Tobia and Johnny Piercy, District 37 governor.

Photo courtesy of Kerry McCarville

Matthews Toastmaster elected District 37 director MATTHEWS – Vicki Simpson, a member of both Matthews Toastmasters and Advanced Articulators, was recently elected to serve as the District 37 director of North Carolina Toastmasters.

Simpson will become the presiding officer of more than 200 Toastmasters clubs in the state, according to a news release.

Her official duties will begin July 1, continuing through June 30, 2016.

She’ll attend training in August for her new position at the Toastmasters International Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I joined (Toastmasters) to improve my verbal communication skills. I have improved as a speaker, and enjoy challenging myself to become even better. But Toastmasters has also given me an opportunity to improve my leadership skills, give back to the community and expand my network of friends and colleagues, not just in the state of North Carolina, but around the world,” Simpson said in a news release.

Simpson’s election took place during the annual Toastmasters Spring Conference earlier this month.

Find more information about the Matthews Toastmasters at www.matthews. toastmastersclubs.org.

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News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Crime Blotter SBI investigating death of Lawyers Glen resident

MINT HILL – The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was recently brought in to assist the Mint Hill Police Department with an investigation concerning the death of a resident of Lawyers Glen Assisted Living.

On Friday, May 15, at approximately 2:01 p.m., Mint Hill police were made aware of an incident that might have taken place at Lawyers Glen. It was reported that an 86-year-old female resident of Lawyers Glen had been admitted to the hospital on Thursday, May 14, with “trauma consistent with being sexually assaulted,” according to a news release from the Mint Hill Police Department.

The victim died on Sunday, May 17, while in the hospital, the release said.

The SBI was subsequently brought in to assist with the investigation.

“The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the injuries and the death,” read the release.

Lt. J.K. Rowell, spokesperson for Mint Hill police, was unable to provide any additional information or comments about

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the case, as it is an active investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Mint Hill Police Department at 704545-1085.

The following people were arrested between May 11 and 17, according to the Matthews Police Department: • Courtney Marie Faile, 9200 block of East Independence Boulevard: Order for arrest – probation violation. May 11 • James Kent Rountree, 11100 block of Monroe Road: Driving while impaired; no operator’s license; reckless driving.

May 11 • Leraysheo Shontel Byrd, Microtel Inn, 1603 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Speeding to elude; driving while license revoked. May 12 • Elizabeth Ashley Smith, 1700 block of Windsor Square Drive: Driving while impaired. May 17 The following crimes were reported between May 11 and 17, according to the Matthews Police Department:

Home/Business Break-ins

• 1900 block of Windrow Wood Court: Burglary – forcible entry; nothing listed as stolen or damaged. May 12 • 800 block of Cameron Village Drive: Burglary – forcible entry; nothing listed as stolen or damaged. May 17

Vehicle Break-ins

• Courtyard by Marriott, 11425 E. Independence Blvd.: Check books stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $400 in damage to driver’s side window and $400 in damage to front passenger window of vehicles. May 12 • Hampton Inn, 9615 Independence Pointe Pkwy.: $1,200 in damage to vehicle windows in vehicle break-in; nothing listed as stolen. May 12 • 700 block of Walnut Point: IBM laptop, computer mouse, computer headphones and computer bag, worth $2,100 total, stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $100 in damage to vehicle. May 17

Property Theft

• Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: $120 in clothes/furs stolen from business.

May 11 • Ross, 9609 E. Independence Blvd.: $300 Samsung Galaxy 3 cellphone stolen.

May 12 • 3100 block of Weddington Road: $400 iPhone stolen. May 14 • Enterprise Rent-A-Car, 731 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $28,000 Toyota Camry stolen.

• 2000 block of CPCC Lane: Valium and hydrocodone stolen. May 16 • Pepero Enterprise, 10920 Monroe Road: $300 Samsung Galaxy Note 3 cellphone stolen. May 16

Fraud

Obtaining money/property by false pretense. May 11 • 1400 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Credit card fraud. May 12 • 10000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Obtaining property by false pretense. May 13 • 2700 block or Royal Commons Lane: Financial identity fraud. May 13

Vandalism

• InTown Suites, 9211 E. Independence Blvd.: Criminal damage to property (unspecified). May 11 • 800 block of Cameron Village Drive: $600 in damage to side mirror of vehicle in vandalism incident. May 11 • 1100 block of Home Place: $500 in damage to horse barn in vandalism incident. May 11 • 1700 block of Chambers Drive: $500 in damage to vehicle in vandalism incident. May 16 • 2100 block of Tommy Lane: $150 in damage to back door. May 16

Miscellaneous

• Target, 1900 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Failure to secure load. May 11 • Harris Teeter, 1811 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Communicating threats. May 11 • 2900 block of Seton Drive: $350 in damage to Maltese dog. May 15 • Matthews Athletic & Recreation (see Blotter on page 8)

• 8600 block of Castle Cliff Drive:

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 7

News

Blotter (continued from page 7)

Association: Simple physical assault. May 16 The following people were arrested between May 12 and 18, according to the Mint Hill Police Department:

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations in Matthews and Mint Hill between May 11 and 17.

28105 • Bible Baptist Christian School lunchroom, 2724 Margaret Wallace Road – 94 • Crestdale Middle School lunchroom, 940 Sam Newell Road – 96.5 • Fuddruckers Mobile Food Unit #2, 1643 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 98.5 • Idlewild Baptist Church limited food, 12701 Idlewild Road – 95.5 • Monkey Joe’s, 10101 E. Independence Blvd. – 94.5

28227 • Jersey Mike’s, 7309 E. Independence Blvd. – 97.5 • Little Caesars, 9009 Albemarle Road – 96

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. Find more details on Mecklenburg County restaurants at the health department's website, Mecklenburg.digitalhealthdepartment. com/.

Page 8 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

• Omar Ali Baldwin, 9900 block of Albemarle Road: Driving while license revoked. May 12 • Devante Richard Fowler, 5700 block of Versage Drive: Order for arrest.

May 13 • Jose Alejandro Amaya-Salmeron, 6800 block of Wilson Grove Road: Driving while impaired. May 14 • David Wayne Fuller, 7300 block of Truelight Church Road: Driving while impaired. May 15 • Roshella Locklear Manis, 6900 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Court violations (failure to appear). May 16 • Philip Wayne Larson, 3400 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. May 17 • Chandler Scott Williams, 3400 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Possession of cocaine. May 17 • Tony Randal Rivers Jr., 4200 block of Walter Nelson Road: Simple physical assault. May 17 • Dwight Keith Robinson Jr., 9800

block of Central Drive: Possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. May 17 The following crimes were reported between May 12 and 18, according to the Mint Hill Police Department:

Home Break-ins

• 2500 block of Shelburne Place: Breaking and entering, forced entry; nothing listed as stolen or damaged. May 14 • 15200 block of Kissimmee Lane: Range oven, dishwasher and microwave, worth $2,000 total, stolen when building broken into. May 15, 2015

Vandalism

• 9600 block of Surface Road: $50 in damage to driveway in vandalism incident; trespassing. May 16 • Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road: $200 in damage to three park signs when signs spray painted in vandalism incident. May 17

Miscellaneous

• Kwik Mart, 10308 Albemarle Road: Suspect robbed victim at gunpoint, stealing a $50 wallet, and shot victim in the leg. May 15

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 9

News

Carolina Crush Lacrosse offers travel and learning opportunity

by Crystal O’Gorman crystal@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Area girls will have an opportunity to hone their lacrosse skills this summer, as Carolina Crush Lacrosse gears up for two upcoming summer clinics.

Sandy Barnett, volunteer coordinator of Independence High School’s lacrosse program and Mint Hill Parks and Recreation council member, and Melissa LaDez, head varsity coach for Independence High’s lacrosse team, recently joined together to create Carolina Crush Lacrosse, a private lacrosse skills academy and travel team.

“We decided to start Carolina Crush to give girls an opportunity to get involved with such a great sport,” said LaDez. “There are other avenues they can take, but my goal was to create a local, cost-effective opportunity that is feasible for parents and players.”

LaDez has been involved with lacrosse for 24 years, as both a player and a coach. She ended her playing career with a silver medal for the U.S. Red Team at the Down Under Cup in Australia in 2008. She hopes to help foster a love of lacrosse by using her decades of experience with the sport.

“It is the fastest growing sport in the country, and I believe in the South, as well,” LaDez said. “At Independence alone, our roster grew from 18 to 25 players in one year due to growing interest and word of mouth.”

Barnett said her three children fell in love

From left, Hannah Oliverius Pease, assistant coach; Natalie Barnett, assistant coach; and Melissa LaDez, head coach and co-founder.

Photo courtesy of Sandy Barnett

with the sport while participating in lacrosse at Queen’s Grant Community School.

“As a parent, there’s nothing better than giving your daughter an opportunity to be confident and strong,” she said. “Being an athlete is one way to do that.”

Barnett talked about how her daughter, Natalie, a senior at Independence, went from being shy to a leader, and then team captain, because of lacrosse. Natalie was named Independence High School’s Lacrosse MVP three times and will go on to play Division I lacrosse at Presbyterian College in the fall. She also will work as an assistant coach at Carolina Crush Lacrosse, working with elementary and middle school girls during summer clinics. “(Lacrosse) has provided so many wonderful opportunities for my children,” Barnett said.

Page 10 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The summer clinics will run from June 16 to July 2 and July 14 to July 30 for girls in grades second through 12th grades living in Matthews, Mint Hill, Union County and south Charlotte. The clinics are for girls interested in improving their stick skills from a beginner to intermediate level.

“The problem in Mint Hill, Matthews and Union County is girls don’t start out playing when they’re young, so we are always behind in skill level,” said Barnett.

The travel team starts practice this week and will travel to High Point; Mooresville; and Gatlinburg and Chattanooga, Tennessee, during weekends starting June 13 and 14 and ending July 18 and 19.

The travel team gives high school students a chance to compete on a higher level and attract attention from college scouts, Barnett said. Currently, 15 girls are committed to playing on the travel team from Independence, Porter Ridge, South Mecklenburg and Butler high schools, but they are still recruiting more players.

“There are tons of opportunities to travel further, but we are trying to keep it affordable and realistic for the first time,” Barnett said.

“Keep it at a level of investment parents can understand, but also provide good exposure to colleges.”

Hannah Oliverius Pease, a former goalie for Belmont Abbey College will be the assistant travel coach and college recruiting

coordinator for the travel team. She will assist parents and players with the recruiting process to help the girls have the best exposure to college scouts, said Barnett.

Barnett and LaDez want to give girls an opportunity to build confidence, practice teamwork and have fun.

“While most lacrosse players won’t go on to play in college or professionally, it really will give them an outlet where they belong, which is vital at that age,” Barnett said.

“Engagement in lacrosse is so important because it is a healthy, positive outlet with a wonderful chance at networking,” LaDez said. “It is very important to me to find a positive, wholesome way to help the community and provide kids with a program to get involved with that can lead to many open doors.”

Summer academy clinics cost $225 to $250 per session depending on age. Players participating in both summer sessions will receive a $55 discount for the second session. The high school travel team costs $350, excluding travel expenses, with an additional $35 U.S. Lacrosse Association member fee.

Email Sandy Barnett at carolinacrush lacrosse@gmail.com or visit www.carolina crushlacrosse.com for more information.

They also will give away a Brine Dynasty Rise girls lacrosse stick; more information is available on the website.

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News

Mural coming to McDowell Arts Center

by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The McDowell Arts Center will soon be home to a new mural, courtesy of local artist Carol Hambridge.

The Matthews Board of Commissioners unanimously endorsed, during its May 11 meeting, the installation of Hambridge’s original design, “Cultivating Matthews,” as a mural on an exterior brick wall of the McDowell Arts Center, located at 123 McDowell St.

“Cultivating Matthews” is a photo collage created by layering digital photographs, applying various filters and hand painting the digital canvas, according to an email from Hambridge. The artist researched and designed the project over about eight months to reflect the history of Matthews, the email said.

“The intent was to create a vibrant work of art that honors local history and promotes a community of art and culture,” Hambridge said in the email.

Hambridge won the Matthews Alive

Festival art contest two years ago and submitted artwork again to last year’s contest.

An important aspect of the mural – the use of a sunflower at the top of the artwork – is a nod to the sun logo of Matthews Alive, as well as a symbol of “the source of all growing things. It is also a symbol of beauty, faithfulness and a bountiful harvest,” Hambridge wrote in the email.

The mural includes an owl emerging from a tree stump, reflecting Matthews’s nickname, “Stumptown.” The mural also includes pottery emerging from clay soil

Photo courtesy of the Town of Matthews

derived from actual photos of pottery by R. F. Outen, as well as images of cotton and corn fields; a spinning wheel signifying the textile history of Matthews; spools of thread; and handmade quilts, “which were traditionally hand made by mothers and grandmothers, who stitch family stories into utilitarian woven works of beauty,” Hambridge wrote in the email.

“Cultivating Matthews” also features two currently-standing Matthews barns. The Fincher Barn, located off McKee Road, is in the background of the mural, and the Phillips Barn, located off West Charles Street, is in the foreground.

“I liked the style of making it authentically Matthews, using things from the town rather than things off the Internet,” Hambridge told Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. “… That’s sort of the message that I’ve been working with.”

Hambridge, an engineer storm water permit coordinator, considers art a hobby and has created a number of similarly-styled photo collages over the years. She considers it a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to have her artwork chosen for a downtown mural, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to convey Matthews’s history through art.

“I’m very fortunate that I have the opportunity to do (the work) and have (Matthews) history put into it,” she said. “I’m anxious to see it go up.”

The town hopes to install the mural by June 12, according to Buzz Bizzell, of Bizzell Design, Inc., a signage company that will install the mural, and Colten Marble, Matthews cultural recreation manager.

There are currently two murals installed downtown as part of the downtown mural art initiative – one at the Matthews Farmers Market and the other in the “North End” area, near the intersection of Sam Newell Road, North Trade Street and N.C. 51.

Read Hambridge’s essay about “Cultivating Matthews” via the link under “new business” at www.matthewsnc.gov/TownGovernment/ AgendaandMinutes/May11,2015.aspx. www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 11

News Photo courtesy of Mint Hill

Mint Hill Madness (continued from page 1)

Memorial Day weekend,” Smith said.

“We didn’t have many veterans (honored at the event), and we were like, ‘Why don’t we have any veterans? We should be honoring these people.’”

Mint Hill resident and World War II prisoner of war Tom Easterling will serve as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Mint Hill Madness parade, scheduled to take place Saturday at 10 a.m. along N.C. 51 in downtown Mint Hill.

The 91-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran was held prisoner in Germany for six months after his plane crashed behind enemy lines on Dec. 17, 1944.

After a two-and-a-half-year recovery, Easterling earned an accounting degree from Kings College and retired as administrator of Union Memorial Hospital in Monroe, now known as Carolinas Medical Center – Union.

World War II prisoner of war and two-time Purple Heart recipient Tom Easterling will serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s Mint Hill Madness Parade.

Photo courtesy of Kara Lopp

“It is a great honor to be chosen as Grand Marshal for the parade,” Easterling said in a news release. “I've participated in the parade before as part of a local POW group, but never imagined this.”

The parade also will feature the U.S. Marine Corps Band, and festival Silver Sponsor Mint Hill Commons has donated its booth space to the Mint Hill Soccer Challenge, which is currently raising funds for national nonprofit Homes for Our Troops. The organization provides mortgage-free, specially-adapted homes to severely injured veterans of post-9/11.

The Mint Hill Soccer Challenge is raising funds to provide a home for Cpl. Garrett Carnes, a Mooresville Marine who lost both legs in an improvised

Page 12 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

explosive device explosion in Afghanistan in 2012, the release said.

The town of Mint Hill will sponsor the Mint Hill Madness Fireworks Extravaganza, slated for Saturday at 9 p.m. on the park’s upper soccer field.

The town doubled its fireworks budget for this year, so attendees should expect a great show, Smith said.

“Everybody said last year that the fireworks were spectacular, which I thought they were, but this year they’re going to be even better,” she said.

Mint Hill Madness also will include food and craft vendors; rides and activities for families; live entertainment; and the Mint Hill Madness 5K, sponsored by the Mint Hill Lions Club, which will take place Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Mint Hill.

Parking for the festival will be available off Quail Ridge Drive, next to the softball field at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. Find more information at www.minthillmadnessfestival.org.

The following is a schedule of Mint Hill Madness events. All events take place at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, except where noted.

Friday, May 22: Festival hours – 4 to 11 p.m.

• 5 On Sundays performance – 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the main stage

• Journey tribute band Trial By Fire performance – 8 to 10:30 p.m. at the main stage Saturday, May 23: Festival hours – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• Mint Hill Madness 5K (downtown Mint Hill) – 8:30 a.m.

• The Battle at Mint Hill – 9 a.m. on the tennis courts • Mint Hill Madness Parade (downtown Mint Hill) – 10 a.m.

• Mint Hill Madness Car Show – 11 a.m. at the festival entrance • Festival Opening Ceremony – Noon at the main stage • NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition – Noon on the lower soccer field • Pan Jive Steel Drum Band performance – 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the main stage • GalFriday Performance – 5 to 7 p.m. at the main stage • Sugar Smax performance – 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the main stage • Mint Hill Madness Fireworks Extravaganza – 9 p.m. on the upper soccer field Sunday, May 24: Festival hours – Noon to 6 p.m.

• USAW Olympic Weightlifting Competition – 9 a.m. on the tennis courts

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 13

Education

Dancing the morning away Rocky River hosts fourth annual EC Prom

by Courtney Schultz education@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Rocky River High School welcomed students from 11 Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schools for the fourth annual Exceptional Children (EC) Prom on Friday, May 15.

The featured event is for children who learn in self-contained classrooms. These students typically have development and learning disabilities, such as autism.

The morning included festive attire, DJ Nate Wilkins, food and an appearance by the Chick-fil-A cow.

“We’ve kept doing it because the kids enjoy it. We only have gotten positive feedback from it,” James Smith, a Rocky River exceptional children teacher, said.

Students from Ardrey Kell, Butler, East Mecklenburg, Harding, Garringer, Hough, Myers Park, North Mecklenburg, Providence, Olympic and Vance high schools attended the morning’s events.

The event was complete with prom favorites, including a photo booth, an honored entrance by the school’s JROTC and dancing.

Wilkins has served as the event’s DJ for the past four years. For his first year, the school hired Wilkins after another DJ dropped out,

and Wilkins fell in love with the experience, Donna Morrow, of the school’s exceptional department, said.

“Every year he does it, and he just loves the kids,” she said.

Morrow heads the effort each year to transform the school’s gymnasium into a dance hall.

“It’s really the kids (who have encouraged her to coordinate the event). They love to dance,” she said. “A lot of these kids, they’re not going to go to college, so this is the only way they can socially bond with their friends for such a short time.

“I do it because if you walk in (the gymnasium) and see how excited they are, it’s all just worth it.”

Morrow believes the prom is a great opportunity for EC students to learn social skills, appropriate behavior in groups and communication skills.

“We try to tell autistic children that they have to make eye contact because that’s a big problem with autistic children,” she said.

“They all have a really good time.”

Morrow said most of the event involves dancing and the students start to lose their inhibitions and enjoy themselves.

“There is that stereotype (about EC students) that they’re different – they look different – but they have no problems with being that first child that just gets up there and just dances,” she said. “They all just get up there;

Page 14 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

they all have a good time. Some of them are out of rhythm, some don’t even care.”

Morrow said the school supports the event each year through volunteerism from students, teachers and staff members, and feels the event wouldn’t go smoothly without them.

Students also participate with Project UNIFY, a Special Olympics effort to encourage the integration of students with disabilities and students who develop typically. Rocky River students from Project UNIFY danced with the EC students and laughed along with them.

“I hope that (the students) just have memories – good memories,” Morrow said.

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Education

Independence students participated in a color run and festival to raise funds for a science lab for a school in rural Tanzania.

Photo courtesy of Jon Kinman

Color Run (continued from page 1)

Kilimanjaro. The organization the family worked with to plan the trip informed them about orphanages in the area that needed textbooks. Allie made her climb into a fundraiser and raised enough for 450 textbooks.

The books were more than the small orphanage could use, so the travel agent passed the excess books along to more orphanages.

While visiting other orphanages in rural areas, the family realized the areas don’t receive as much funding as orphanages and schools where tourists visit. One of the schools didn’t have a finished building or enough supplies.

The Gaines family donated enough money to finish the school, but they didn’t want to stop there. They began partnering with three schools in rural Tanzania, growing classrooms and donating textbooks, which ultimately lead to the foundation of TanzaCare.

TanzaCare recently has worked to support secondary schools in Tanzania. All Tanzania secondary schools were required to build science labs by the end of 2014, but many received no funding for the mandate.

The principal of Mabilion Secondary School, one of TanzaCare’s partner schools, was forced to ask students’ families to donate $25 – one to two months’ income – to build the science lab, or the students would be expelled.

When Independence’s Interact Club heard about students being expelled, they vowed to help them stay in school.

The proceeds of the Saturday’s activities will fund supplies and textbooks for the science lab, according to Gaines.

“What they’re giving is the gift of education and the hope that they’ll be able to follow their dreams and (education will) hopefully help (the Tanzanian students) to solve their own (area) problems,” she said. “We forget that they’re just as smart and wonderful, but they just don’t have the resources.”

Jon Kinman, American history teacher at Independence and Interact Club adviser, said he was amazed at how the students wanted to help.

“I was just dumbfounded by just how passionate the students were and that there was www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

no question that they were going to help,” he said.

The Interact Club students went into action, sharing stories of the Tanzanian students in numerous classroom presentations and reaching out to students. Something surprising to the students, Kinman said, was that Tanzania has the highest literacy rate in Africa, even though the poverty levels outside the cities are high.

“I think (there were) misconceptions (about) city versus rural. Cities are often wealthy, and (in) the rural areas, there are children who walk miles to school,” Kinman said.

Gaines feels it’s important to alleviate misconceptions about the people they help and recognize that the Tanzanian students have similar aspirations as American students.

“We think of these poor, starving, helpless, walking-around-with-blank-stares people (when society thinks about residents of rural Africa) and for the most part they are poor and many are starving, but they’re just amazing people,” Gaines said. “They are just like us – they just don’t have the resources.”

She also said it’s important to support the schools and communities in a sustainable way. A group once donated laptops to the children, when they don’t have electricity, and thousands of mosquito nets, which put local vendors out of business – something Gaines believes doesn’t support the community.

“This is how we feel at TanzaCare, that we don’t want to come in and be the know-all, be-all,” she said.

Kinman said he was proud of how the school united to support TanzaCare’s efforts and help fellow students across the world.

Saturday’s festivities included the color run; “old school” relay races; field day events and team-based activities, such as volleyball and soccer; “Minute to Win It” challenges; T-shirt sales; and food trucks.

“I’ve been inspired by the whole school and how the students have embraced this notion of helping others,” Kinman said.

The Interact Club plans to support TanzaCare’s efforts next year to help build a well in a Tanzanian community, so students in the area don’t have to travel miles to a river to retrieve water.

Find more information about the organization at www.tanzacare.org.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 15

Education Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education News & Notes

Matthews, Mint Hill teachers named to Teaching Fellows Institute The Teaching Fellows Institute of Charlotte, a public nonprofit, announced its 2015 class of “outstanding teachers” affiliated with the institute.

The organization was founded in 2005 with support from the McColl Family Foundation and individual donors with the mission of retaining outstanding teachers through a weeklong summer institute and continued activities, according to a news release.

Thirty-four educators were chosen this year from a pool of nominated teachers, including several Matthews and Mint Hill teachers.

The following Matthews-Mint Hill teachers were chosen: Crestdale Middle School language arts teacher Krystil Irvin and Independence High School biology teacher Joanna Schmizzi.

Contact Barbara Caldwell at teachingfel lowsinstitute@gmail.com for more information about the institute.

Queen’s Grant wins top YCI award, earns national Spanish awards MINT HILL – Queen’s Grant High School’s Youth Commission International (YCI) Club earned the Club of the Year Eagle Award, the top award for YCI clubs, at the 2015 Eagle Awards.

The Eagle Awards recognized students and community leaders, who have displayed outstanding Christian leadership, character and zeal for Jesus Christ, according to the YCI Club’s website.

Sheri Braswell, the school’s registrar, also won the Parent of the Year award, and Brandon Moore and Madeline Donnell both won student awards.

Visit www.yciclubs.com for more information about YCI Clubs.

Multiple Queen’s Grant students also earned recognition in the National Spanish exam. Twenty-seven out of 58 students achieved an award through the exam.

Students who earned honors include: Anderson, Myasia; Cohen, Justin; Dennis, Ayana; Difiore, Alexis; Etters, Erin; Graham, Madison; Green, Kearia; Heath, Michael; Holmes, Shelby; Lee, Asmara; Palomo, Joseph; Philippeaux, Adrian; Pizzaro, Zion; Satink, Amy; Scott, Loren; Whiteside, Jacquelyn; Clemons, Noah; Montoya, Raquel; Townsend, Daniel; and Millsaps, Walker.

Students who earned a Bronze Award include: Drummond, Carmen; Rivera, Isaiah; and Salad, Faisal.

Students who earned a Silver Award include: Miller, Lydia; Tape, Patrick; and Trakas, Jordan.

Ezra Jesalva earned a Gold Award.

Crestdale Middle to pilot Jr. D.R.E.A.M. Team MATTHEWS – Crestdale Middle School will pilot an “experimental training program,” Junior D.R.E.A.M. (Daring to

Role-model Excellence as Athletic Mentors) Team for the next school year.

Team members are student athletes who demonstrate effective communication skills, role modeling, mentoring and positive life choices. The team will select and plan services for elementary schools, community organizations and their school to encourage a drug-, alcohol-, tobacco- and violence-free environment.

Contact Officer Young at ce.young@cms. k12.nc.us for more information.

Mint Hill Middle requests EOG volunteers MINT HILL – Mint Hill Middle School is in need of CMS-approved volunteers to proctor the test, as the End of Grade tests are approaching, The district has no published specific guidelines, according to the school’s newsletter, but the tentative dates are May 21, 27, 28 and 29.

The school will need at least 60 volunteers per day, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., according to the newsletter.

No experience is necessary, but volunteers can contact Sarah Jones at 980-343-5439 or sarah.jones@cms.k12.nc.us to register or ask questions.

Volunteers also can sign up at www.signup genius.com/go/20f0b4eabae2da2fb6-2015.

Independence student tops writing contest MINT HILL – The 2014-15 school year marks the fourth straight year an Independence High School student won honors in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Martin Luther King, Jr. writing contest.

Senior Christian Mills took first place and a $500 check in the writing contest with his poem “Freedom.”

The contest seeks to encourage students to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; to understand what it means to have and leave a legacy; to understand the impact of legacy; inspire and recognize creative expression; and enhance school-community relations by encouraging schools to participate, according to the contest’s website.

Elizabeth Lane chess team wins trophy MATTHEWS – The chess team at Elizabeth Lane Elementary School was awarded a trophy as a Quad Winner in the CharlotteMecklenburg Scholastic Chess Association Team Tournament on May 2 at Olympic High School.

The Elizabeth Lane team competed against three other teams from the district.

Winning team members included: Aruni C., Yinghui B., Arvingh M., Michael K. and Connor C., according to the school’s newsletter.

Send your education news and notes to education@ matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 16 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Arts & Entertainment

Mecklenburg County theater teacher nominated for Tony Award Linda Ann Watt nominated for Excellence in Theatre Education

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Students from Matthews and Mint Hill weren’t surprised to learn their acting teacher, Linda Ann Watt, earned a nomination for the 2015 Tony Award honoring Excellence in Theatre Education. Watt is one of the most renowned and accomplished theater teachers in the state.

But for Watt, who teaches weekly classes at Spirit Square in Uptown and private classes throughout Matthews, Mint Hill and south Charlotte, the nomination came as a complete surprise.

“It was entirely unexpected and very exciting,” she said. “I got an email saying, ‘Congratulations, you’ve been nominated,’ and I was completely surprised.”

The journey to Watt’s nomination is riddled with the ups and downs that comprise a passion for the arts and profession of acting; she describes her career path as a “squiggly line” leading in different directions in the entertainment industry.

Watt, a native of New York, knew she wanted to pursue a career in acting at the young age of 5 years old. By the time she was 15 years old, Watt received a scholarship to attend New York Academy of Theatrical Arts. Four years later, she produced her first documentary, “Unicycle,” for National Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Television.

During her 20s, Watt starred in numerous national commercials and soap operas. She eventually moved to Los Angeles to continue her acting career, where she spent more than 22 years working with public television and studied extensively with director Milton Katselas and Beverly Hills Playhouse.

Watt and her husband, both of whom are members of the Screen Actor’s GuildAmerican Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), eventually relocated to North Carolina in 2007 after spending time in the Charlotte area collaborating on a PBS project.

“When I looked at where to live, it started out with Sound Stages in Wilmington,” she said. “A lot of production was going on there, with ‘Homeland’ (and) ‘Banshee’ – I felt that this could be the entertainment hub of the east coast.”

After moving to the Charlotte area, Watt immediately jumped into the entertainment scene. She collaborated with Union County Public Schools (UCPS) in 2010 through a grant from the Union County Community Arts www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Linda Watt received a nomination for the inaugural Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented by the TONY Awards.

Photo courtesy of Danny Knaub

Council to teach an enrichment arts program in area schools. She also began teaching advanced acting classes at Spirit Square for professional writers, actors and directors, as well as a beginners’ class, private classes and a class for people with disabilities through the Charlotte chapter of Easter Seals.

The nomination for the inaugural Excellence in Theatre Education Award presented by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University came on behalf of two former students, Gray Gaertner – a Matthews resident and current student at East Carolina University, who attended Watt’s advanced acting class – and Clayton Aggeles – another former student who is now SAG-AFTRA eligible because of Watt and attends the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, where he’s pursuing filmmaking.

“When I look back, I appreciate Linda so much,” Aggeles said. “She guided me and helped me on my creative path, and I can’t thank her enough.”

Watt said students like Aggeles and Gaertner are just two of the many talented students she’s taught over the years. Despite spending years in New York City and Los Angeles, Watt said the arts scene is thriving and growing in Charlotte, producing some of the most talented actors in the country.

“When I came here from Los Angeles and I started to see the productions and the talent, I was blown away,” she said. “There is more talent here than I could’ve ever imagined. In spite of budget cuts and lack of support, they are thriving more than you could imagine.”

The award will recognize an educator in the United States who helps “create the next generation of theater artists” and helps discover and nurture talent in inspiring theater professionals, according to the Tony Award’s website. A panel of judges from the Broadway League, Carnegie Mellon and the American Theatre Wing will select the finalists and winner.

The winner will be announced at the 69th annual Tony Awards held onstage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 7, a Saturday.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 17

Arts & Entertainment

‘Pippin’ piques life perceptions

by Crystal O’Gorman crystal@matthewsminthillweekly.com

The Tony-award winning Broadway musical “Pippin,” directed by Diane Paulus, captivated the audience with a riveting and risqué reinvention of this 1970s original musical at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Belk Theatre.

The stage came alive with bright lights, bold, colorful costumes and high-flying acrobatics as a circus troupe interacted with the crowd and led Pippin through his coming-of-age journey to become “extraordinary” during the Middle Ages.

“Lead Player” Sasha Allen – who was one of the Top 5 contenders on NBC’s “The Voice” – lit the stage on fire with her sizzling dance moves and sultry sounds. Allen mastered the stage in her characterization of a provocative prowess narrator as she guided “Pippin,” the moody prince played by ABC’s “Nashville” star Kyle Dean Massey, through the temptations of fame and glory in war, the loss of inhibitions through sexual exploration and promiscuity and political righteousness and justice by literally stabbing his father King Charles in back for the crown.

Allen’s burlesque moves magnetically transformed each scene with a contrast of sharp movements shadowing the bewitching nature of her character, while also gyrating in motion with the sexual connotations

Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Performing Arts

that follow throughout the story.

The “Glory” performance by Allen and the other players added comical antics and acrobatic stunts to enact the war scene between King Charles’ army and the Visigoths. Donning top hats and canes, the players tap danced their way through battle, providing a Stooge-like parody that left audience members in stitches over the anxious, first-time sword wielding skills of Pippin and mannerism of the now-headless enemy soldier cuddling the box that holds his talking head.

Page 18 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Audience members believed the head of the beheaded soldier was a stage prop, ready to become a golf ball teed off Allen’s cane into the crowd; however, the magic of illusion and distraction brought forth a pleasant surprise when the talking head was again presented to the audience in a small trunk.

This is not the only magical scene that left mouths agape and heads scratched in bewilderment.

One scene might be considered an overdone magic trick, when Pippin’s stepmother,

Fastrada – played by Sabrina Harper – sends King Charles through his wardrobe on a trip and spins it around to reveal Pippin is now inside. However, the symbolism of him becoming his father makes up for the lack of originality of trap doors on a magic box.

The greatest feat of strength and balance was exhibited by in towering troupe member Dmitrious Bistrevsky, when he stood on a board above stacks of rolling metal cylinders. It was as if the whole audience held its breath bracing for him to fall, yet erupted in a roaring cheer as he managed to pull it off.

Another showstopper, Pippin’s grandmother, Berthe – played by longtime T.V. and Broadway actress Adrienne Barbeau – started out meek but built on her performance as she took on “No Time at All.” Her pointed, abrasive language and mannerisms that interlude between song verses was reminiscent of a Bette Midler production, which she pulled off flawlessly.

Anyone who can belt out a tune beautifully while hanging upside from a swing attached high in the rafters deserved the audience’s respect.

King Charles, played by John Rubinstein, the original Pippin from the 1972 Broadway performance, did a good job making the audience believe he was a self-centered, glory-driven king with a jolly nature at heart.

Fastrada, his step wife, also demanded attention as a wicked, calculative step-monster living under the façade of a loyal, proper (see Pippin on page 19)

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Arts & Entertainment

Murder is served Mystery to abound in UCP’s upcoming dinner theater production

by Dee Grano ae@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Union County Playmakers (UCP) will host an early summer mystery dinner theater production called “Murder is a Fine Art.” The evening offers a sleuthing experience as attendees collaborate to discover the identity of a murderer on the loose at

Treehouse Vineyards.

In “Murder is a Fine Art,” an art critic has been “offed” after writing a particularly nasty review of an artist’s work and the opening of his exhibit. The suspects include the artist and the gallery’s event planner, in addition to the critic’s best friend and former boyfriend.

“It all has to do with opportunity, motive and means,” said Ginger Heath, vice president of the UCP board of directors.

When guests arrive they are greeted by the cast of characters, each a suspect in the

critic’s murder. As the audience members take their seats, they receive background information and a clue. When the show begins, a narrator introduces each cast member and his or her motive. Then, the characters make their way to each table to answer questions from the guests.

By the end of the evening, each table marks a ballot identifying who they think committed the murder. When the announcement is made, no one knows who it will be – not even the guilty party.

The evening’s casual and collaborative entertainment is complimented by the unique surroundings of Treehouse Vineyards, which

provides dinner if pre-ordered. Some patrons choose to pack their own picnics.

“It’s almost like tailgating,” said Heath.

“Some people bring elaborate dinners, and others go to KFC.” “Murder is a Fine Art” takes place June 5 and 12, both Fridays. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the mystery begins at 8 p.m.

Find more information at www.unioncountyplaymakers.org.

Send us your arts-related news!

Is your artists’ group hosting a special art show or a fundraiser? Know of a local artist working on a cool or unique project? Perhaps your band is playing in a local benefit concert, or maybe your theater group is presenting a holiday stage production. No matter what the case, we want to know about it!

Send your arts-related news, including details such as times, locations and costs of special events, along with how people can learn more, to crystal@matthewsminthillweekly.com.

Pippin (continued from page 18)

housewife. During her “Spread a Little Sunshine” performance, her dance moves were all legs, but her acting and singing remained consistent.

Catherine, the ordinary, widowed mother – played by Kristine Reese – who pulls Pippin from an existential crisis, did a fantastic job playing the role of an innocent and a little corny, “salt of the Earth” woman. Her chemistry with Pippin during their love scene was deep as they kissed and sang “Love Song” simply and sweetly at the edge of the stage.

Pippin mastered his character’s charming and confusing fumble along his existential journey, as he seamlessly transformed his characterization act to act from small and unassuming to large and in-charge.

His most outstanding attribute was his voice. His pitch rolled smoothly from one note to the next as he flowered into his role as a king in “Morning Glory” and a lover in “Love Song.”

The story ended with a surprising twist, reversing Pippin’s extraordinary perception of grandeur and replacing it with the simplest of love. Audience members were surprised to see the stage unravel as the conclusion was revealed and the crowd was left questioning the real nature of ambition.

“Pippin” does a top-notch job of putting the idea of societal ambitions in a snow globe, shaking it up and letting the purposeful essence of reality fall in the laps of audience members.

“Pippin” will run at the Belk Theater at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center through May 24. Visit www.blumenthalarts.org/events/ detail/pippin for more information.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 19

Calendar 5.22-24.15 Friday-Sunday Mint Hill Madness Festival

The Mint Hill Madness festival will celebrate the founding of the town. The event will include food, music, a family carnival, arts/ crafts fair, an all-American parade and the largest-ever fireworks display in Mint Hill.

Festival hours are: 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday

5.25.15 Monday 8 a.m.

Lace Up Son 5K Race

The course of the race will take runners through the streets of downtown Matthews before reaching Stumptown Park. A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit the Siskey, Simmons and Johnston YMCAs by providing programs and services to children financially unable to participate. Entry fees are due by May 21 and cost $45 per individual and $35 per person if enrolled as team. Race-day registration costs Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, $50 per person. Contact Jessica Penney at 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill JPenney@WhirlWind-Creative.com or 704-4545598 for more information.

5.23.15 Saturday 10:30 a.m.

Paws to Read

Children 5 to 11 years old are offered the chance to boost their reading skills and confidence by reading to a certified therapy dog.Call the Matthews Library at 704-4165000 or visit www.cmlibrary.org/programs for more information.

Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews 5.28.15 Thursday 9 a.m. to noon Best-selling Author to Visit Matthews UMC

Jeff Goins, best selling author of “The Art of Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Work” and “What to Do When It’s Your Turn,” Station St., Matthews will present a message called “Making Your Message Stick” at Matthews United Methodist Church. The talk will teach audience members

Page 20 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

how to hone in on their voice, establish a platform, expand their reach and spread their message, according to the news release.

Attendees must register in advance at www. matthewsumc.org. The presentation costs $25 to attend, and the first 200 people who register will receive a free copy of Goins’s book, “The Art of Work.”

Matthews UMC, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews 5.28.15 Thursday 11:30 p.m.

Mint Hill Monthly Luncheon

This month’s luncheon will feature speaker Patricia McTique, director of the Academy of Engineering at Independence High School.

An abbreviated menu will be provided, with meals ranging from $10 to $13. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

Register online at www. minthillchamberofcommerce.com/event_ details.php?Monthly-Member-Luncheon-151 Jimmie’s Restaurant, 7024 Brighton Park Drive, Mint Hill

Fridays through May 29 At dusk Movies on the Lawn

Movies on the Lawn is a month-long showing of family-friendly movies each Friday evening in May, except May 22. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Movies begin at dusk on the front lawn of town hall. Find more information at www.minthill. com/parks_recreation.php?Parks-RecreationAnnual-Events-Movies-on-the-Lawn-8.

Mint Hill town hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill 5.30.15 Saturday 10 a.m.

Woodcarving Demonstration

The Matthews Library will host a woodcarving demonstration, featuring members of the Charlotte Woodcarvers Club.

Attendees can learn more about the club and its exhibit currently on display at the Matthews Library, as well as observe, ask questions of members and try something new. The event is free and open to people of all ages, and registration is not required. Call 704-416-5000 or visit www.cmlibrary.org/

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Calendar programs for more information.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews 6.3.15 Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community Blood Drive

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will host a mobile blood drive at Central Piedmont Community College’s Levine Campus. CBCC works to ensure all blood collected through its drives benefits local patients. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weigh at least 120 pounds. Find more information and make an appointment at www.cbcc.us.

6.6.15 Saturday 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.

Teen Writer’s Club

Twelve- to 18-year-old writers of all experience and skill levels are invited to join this group to share work, exchange ideas, receive feedback and interact with other amateur writers. Call 704-416-5000 for more information.

Community Room, Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Ongoing through July 6 Registration for Mint Hill Citizen’s Academy

The Mint Hill Police Department will host its second annual Citizens Academy later this year.

The program is a nine-week course that teaches CPCC – Levine, 2800 Campus Ridge Road, Matthews citizens about the Mint Hill Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, according to a news release. The course will begin Aug. 11, a 6.3.15 Tuesday.

Applications for the Citizens Academy are Wednesday available online at www.minthillpolice.com and 6:30 to 9 p.m. will be accepted through July 6, a Monday. Call Preparing to Parent a 704-545-1085 for more information.

Baby This class will provide expectant families with Mint Hill Police Department, 7151 the skills to parent a newborn.

Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Topics include styles of parenting, bonding, sleep techniques, scheduling and self-care.

6.7.15 Parents are encouraged to attend the class Sunday during the last three months of pregnancy.

3 to 5 p.m.

The cost is $15 for the first registrant and Opening Reception for $10 for the second registrant.

Freedom Art Show Call 704-384-4949 to register.

The McDowell Arts Center will host an opening Community Room C and D, Matthews Medical Center, reception for its patriotic-themed “Freedom” arts 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy., show. Visitors to the center will have the chance to Matthews meet artists from ART for Veterans, the McDowell Group and UMAR Arts Center, according to a news release. Paintings featured will be for sale. Call 6.5.15 704-321-7275 for more information.

Friday 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Opening Reception for Annual Juried Competition

McDowell Arts Center, 123 McDowell St., Matthews

The fourth annual Binders-Mint Hill Arts juried competition will take place next month, and people are invited to attend a free opening reception in conjunction with Mint Hill’s monthly Art Around the Block, a “first Friday” art event in downtown Mint Hill. Winning artwork will be announced at 7:30 p.m., and the event will feature wine, appetizers and a chance to meet the artists.

Mint Hill Arts also is seeking artists to enter works in the competition. Intake is May 29 and 30, Friday and Saturday. Find more information at www.minthillarts.org.

The Crews Recreation Center offers a monthly opportunity for parents to have a night out while their kids play sports and games, watch movies and more. Pizza and drinks are provided for children. The cost is $10 per drop off, and there’s a $5 discount for each additional child.

Call 704-708-1287 for more information.

Mint Hill Arts Gallery, 11205 Lawyers Road, suite A, Mint Hill

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 21

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Sports

Knights do it again

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Christian

by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

It might be time for Charlotte Christian to invest in a new trophy case after the school’s baseball team swept Wesleyan Christian Academy (11-1 on May 15 and 7-0 on May 16) in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 3A state championship series to win its 14th state championship.

This is the Knights 13th state championship during Greg Simmons 23-year tenure as coach, and his fourth in a row.

Winning is becoming the norm at Charlotte Christian, but Simmons said it never gets old.

“It’s pretty special, and it’s always fun,” Simmons said. “These graduating seniors, the great thing is, they’ve never been part of a high school program that didn’t win a state championship. To me that’s pretty special. I think that’s unique.”

Charlotte Christian’s pitching was stellar against the Trojans (19-3), with seniors Ross Kemp and Jackson Kowar leading the way.

Kemp, a Spartanburg Methodist College signee, threw four strikeouts in the Knights game one victory that lasted only five innings due to a 10-run mercy rule. He finished the season with an 8-0 record and 1.5 ERA. “It’s never easy, but it makes it easier when you can roll guys out on the mound you can trust and you know who is going to give you seven innings and win, lose or draw they’re going to be able to go to the wall for you,” Simmons said.

“Ross is a kid that, last year, was a reliever, sophomore year was a reliever, started some on the JV. He’s a kid that as the year began, he was like, ‘Coach, I want the ball. I want to be a starter.’”

He added Kemp did a great job this season, and pitched to contact with his repertoire of pitches (two-seam fastball, changeup and cuveball).

Kowar, a Clemson signee, closed the deal in game two with a dominating performance, striking out 14 batters and giving up only three hits in the shutout. He finished the season with a 10-1 record, 118 strikeouts and a 0.196 ERA. “He (Kemp) and Jackson are close friends,” Simmons said. “They compete. You can’t ask for more. Jackson’s that guy we’ve given the ball to the last two years. Any game that had www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

any importance he got the ball.

“My goodness, he’s had such an incredible career. As a sophomore he was our closer and he got the ball, so he’s kind of used to being in a big situation and wanting the ball.”

Simmons added Kowar is, obviously, a special player.

“He’s our team captain,” Simmons said.

“He takes his role as the captain seriously. He takes his role as the No. 1 seriously. When he goes out, he’s going to give you that effort you need to win, but he’s also going to give an effort that the guys him say, ‘I need to bring my A game as well.’ He’s just a competitor.”

The Knights certainly came with their best effort in hand, especially from the plate.

Charlotte Christian overwhelmed Wesleyan with 12 hits to five, and capitalized off of the Trojans four errors in game one.

Senior center fielder Reece Hampton, who signed with the Charlotte 49ers, batted 3-4 in game one and was walked twice in game two on his way to scoring five runs in the series.

Charleston Southern University signee and left fielder Josh Halls came up big in game two, batting 2-3, getting walked and scoring two runs.

Anderson University signee and first baseman Dillon Carpenter and junior Davis Waldrop both hit home runs in game two.

In short, the Knights bludgeoned the Trojans defense with their bats for two days.

“They (Wesleyan) beat North Davidson, who beat us when Jackson was pitching,” Simmons said. “We knew they had a good club. Our objective was to jump out early, and make it really hard for them to come back.

I thought our whole pitching staff was good enough to make it hard for somebody to come back from a sizeable deficit.

“We really teach our guys and have said this … we don’t compete against the team, we compete against the game, so our objective is to get them on, get them over, and get them in. Once that starts, nobody wants to be that guys that doesn’t do his job.”

Charlotte Christian’s senior class will graduate accomplishing an almost unheard of feat – being part of a program that’s won a state championship each year during their time as Knights. The accomplished coach added it was the leadership of his senior class that pulled the team together and made this season another one for the books.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 23

Sports

Seniors key to Butler’s success

by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Butler baseball coach Rick Sambrotto made his team watch Myers Park celebrate after it lost 7-1 to the Mustangs in the Southwestern 4A conference tournament championship on May 8.

It hurt.

The Bulldogs, who shared the regular season conference championship with Myers Park, won the first meeting with the Mustangs, 6-5, before losing the next two (4-3 and 7-1), including the conference tournament championship.

They were ready for another crack at Myers Park.

Butler got its wish, and didn't disappoint. The No. 10 seed Bulldogs (18-5, 11-1 Southwestern 4A) ended No. 7 seed Myers Park’s postseason run, beating the Mustangs, 7-3, on the road in the second round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state playoffs on May 15.

Senior catcher Jarrett Norman, who hit a homerun in the win, said it was the highlight of the season.

“They took the conference tournament championship,” Norman said.

“They can have that, but I’m still playing and they’re on their couch doing nothing. They’re probably having some Cheetos.”

Sambrotto said his players were ready to celebrate after the win.

The Bulldogs will visit No. 3 seed East Forsyth (24-4, 8-2 Piedmont Triad) in the fourth round of the state playoffs on Friday, May 22 at 7 p.m. after beating No. 15 seed Page (15-10, 6-4 All Metro), 11-1, on May 19.

If Butler advances, it will face the winner of No. 5 seed North Davidson (22-4, 9-3 Central Piedmont) and No. 9 seed Providence (26-3, 12-2 So. Meck 8) in the semifinals.

Butler’s run in the playoffs has been a special one for a team that hadn’t won in the postseason since 2011.

Norman (North Carolina A&T), senior left fielder Jordan Huntley (Tusculum College), designated hitter Jalen Cousar

(South Carolina State University signee for football), pitcher/designated hitter Alis Almonte (Wingate University) and pitcher Ryan Debo, who will attend Virginia Tech on an academic scholarship, have all played significant roles in Butler’s success this season.

Norman (.413 batting average), Huntley (.385 batting average) and Cousar (.325 batting average) have been stellar at the plate.

“I think they’re a special group,” Sambrotto said. “They’ve laid a foundation for the underclassmen. I know none of them want to see it end.”

Cousar, Huntler and Norman, who also play football, bring toughness to the lineup, which gives the Bulldogs an edge.

“Those guys were in big football games their whole lives,” Sambrotto said. “They won a state championship, so most of them participated or helped.

Being in big games like that benefits everybody else.

“Football’s tough. Practices are hard.

When you come up against tough situations in baseball it’s nothing to them.

You get two strikes, you get a tough situation at the plate they don’t panic, and I really like that about football guys.”

Huntley, a team captain for the second year in a row, is the leadoff hitter and the unquestioned leader on the team. Sambrotto, who is more reserved, said Huntley gets him up.

“He gets kids riled up and fired up during games and he’s kept our energy up pretty much all year,” Sambrotto said.

“In football, he hurt his knee and he couldn’t play for seven or eight weeks, but he was out there every practice cheering guys on. I never saw anything like it.”

Sambrotto added Huntley’s teammates feed off of his enthusiasm.

“You can call me a loud man,” Huntley said. “I’m always keeping people up in the dugout, always having fun with everybody, making sure everybody’s attitudes are positive and just making sure

Page 24 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

everything is going good.

“When the team gets down in a game I like to pick them up in the dugout, get the clap going.”

Huntley will be the first person in his family to attend college, which has given him motivation to be a leader and work hard.

He added it helps to be surrounded by this group of teammates, and that they want to go out with a bang.

Norman said this is the most fun team he has ever played on, and added they don't plan on losing anytime soon.

“We don’t look at it as it’s hot today,” Norman said. “We look at it as, ‘Let’s go do what we love, because we all love playing baseball.’ Batting practice is like dinger derbies. A dinger is a really far homerun, like the one I hit against Myers Park.”

Sambrotto said Norman brings toughness behind the plate and eats, drinks and sleeps baseball.

“He’s getting hot at the right time for us,” Sambrotto said. “He handles our pitchers, does a great blocking, and made some really big plays against Myers Park too.”

Cousar brings some beef and power to the plate after a two-year hiatus from baseball, so he could focus on football.

He couldn't turn the opportunity to play with his friends his senior year, and willingly accepted the designated hitter role. That role expanded when Almonte went down for a month in the middle of the season with a foot injury.

Cousar said a big factor in his decision to return to the baseball field was a simple one – he wanted to see how far he could hit the ball.

His teammates joke that he can only hit the ball 200 feet, but he argues 500 feet.

However far he hits it, there’s no denying Cousar’s been an asset to the Bulldog team.

“He’s been our DH probably more than I anticipated, and has become a tough out,” Sambrotto said. “If he had played baseball for four years, he probably

could have played baseball somewhere.

He’s a big, huge kid – 300 some pounds – and he’s light on his feet.”

Debo, who’s the only lefty on Butler’s pitching staff, is a spot starter during the week, and is often a situational player when the Bulldogs face left-handed batters.

“He led us in innings last year, and he was close to leading us in appearances this year,” Sambrotto said. “He’s a guy that comes in for an inning or less than inning and try to get you out of a big inning or cut out a big inning.”

Debo said this postseason run has been special.

“It’s always impressive when you can make a great run your senior year,” Debo said. “It’s your last chance to go for glory. It’s always a great way to end your high school career, making a major stamp at the end.”

Almonte, who was sidelined for the middle of Butler’s season, returned to pitch in the conference tournament, giving the Bulldogs five good innings and is beginning to get his feet wet.

He said it was tough to miss those games, but he still supported his teammates and enjoyed watching them grow up and improve over the season.

“In the beginning of the season, we went for a stretch where we constantly won games, and it was awesome just seeing that,” Almonte said.

Almonte has a changeup and breaking ball in his repertoire of pitches.

Sambrotto said Almonte will be ready if they need him against the Pirates and hopefully afterward.

However the Bulldogs’ season pans out, Sambrotto said he’s lucky to have a tough, talented group of seniors to set the standard for Butler baseball.

“They’ve been good examples on the field,” Sambrotto said. “I think they just enjoy playing. I don’t think they feel the pressure too much. I think they’ve had a lot of fun this year.”

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Sports

sports shorts

by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Hopkins wins state championship in discus Queen’s Grant sophomore thrower Avianna Hopkins won the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1A state championship in the discus with a 119-foot, eight-inch throw at Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University on May 15.

Hopkins also finished third in the shot put with a throw of 36 feet and 7.25 inches.

This was Queen’s Grant’s first year with a track program, making Hopkins accomplishments even more impressive.

“For a year-one program – we don’t even have a track on campus – for her to come out and perform at that level it was astonishing,” Queen’s Grant coach Matt Carr said.

“We didn’t even know we had that sort of sleeper at our school. She’s been throwing for years. She’s been doing club track. She’s been throwing shot, disc and javelin for years through the AAU network, and the idea we finally had a track team here finally gave her a chance to perform at the NCHSAA level,” Carr said.

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Carr added it gave her a stage to showcase her talent and that she took advantage of every opportunity.

Providence girls relay team finishes strong Providence girls’ 4x800-meter relay team had its best performance of the season at the most crucial moment.

Senior Grace Sullivan, junior Kayla Glova, sophomore Lindsey Lanier and freshman Sarah Parrish teamed to finish second in the state in the 4x800meter relay at the NCHSAA 4A state championship meet at Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University.

The foursome finished in 9 minutes, 21.32 seconds, which was their best time all season and highest finish of a relay team in Providence history.

Sullivan had a strong individual performance in the 1600, finishing in 5:02.45 to take second place.

Photo courtesy of Queen’s Grant

Top, Queen’s Grant sophmore field star Avianna Hopkins won the NCHSAA 1A state championship in the discus on May 15.

Right, Kayla Glova, Lindsey Lanier, Sarah Parrish and Grace Sullivan finished second at the NCHSAA 4A state championships in the 4x800 relay.

Photo courtesy of Ginger Marquis

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 21 to 27 , 2015 • Page 25

Page 26 • May 21 to 27, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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