Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly by Charlotte Media Group

Hopkins puts Queen’s Grant track on map

Junior D.R.E.A.M Team strengthens Crestdale community page 12

page xx Volume 8, Number 22 • May 28 to June 3, 2015

When a dream comes true

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Matthews Playhouse celebrates 20th anniversary

The Bergins take on ‘The Briefcase’ by Crystal O’Gorman crystal@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews Playhouse has produced 135 shows – including “Seussical the Musical” (pictured) – since 1995. Photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Twenty years ago, June Bayless had a vision to launch a small community theater in the Matthews area. Fast-forward two decades, and Bayless’s vision has materialized into one of the premier community theaters in the Charlotte region – Matthews Playhouse of

the Performing Arts. The organization has produced 135 shows, hosted hundreds of camps and trained thousands of actors of all ages since its inception. “I never, ever meant for it to be this big,” Bayless said. “I thought it would be a small thing where we could do a couple of plays a year, teach a couple of classes and have a couple of camps in the summer. But the

community has grown so much, and things just happened.” Bayless was working as the education director of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte 20 years ago when she recognized a need for a community theater in Matthews to better serve families who were having to make a lengthy drive to uptown Charlotte (see Playhouse on page 4)

Budget hearing generates little discussion Proposed 2.5-cent tax increase to help meet deficits, pay for South Trade Street by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – A budget proposal calling for a 2.5-cent tax increase for Matthews residents was met with limited discussion during a public hearing

on Tuesday, May 26, with no residents speaking for or against the proposal. Matthews town manager Hazen Blodgett presented his fiscal year 2015-16 budget proposal to the Matthews Board of Commissioners during

Tuesday’s public hearing. The town’s entire budget for 2015-16, per Blodgett’s proposal, would be $20,730,866 – up more than $1.03 million from last year’s budget of $19,698,369. The 2.5-cent increase would raise taxes in Matthews from 31.75 cents to 34.25 cents per $100 of taxable

MATTHEWS – Kim and Joe Bergin, of Matthews Estates, didn’t know what they signed up for when Kim Bergin applied to be on a reality TV show about their family’s financial burden. The Bergin family took part in the new CBS reality TV show, “The Briefcase,” which aired Wednesday, May 27, at 8 p.m. “I found out about it on www.real itywanted.com; all the listing said was, ‘Could having more money ease your financial burden?’” she said. Kim applied in early February, and CBS reached out to her family two days later. They were filming by March 7. “Everything happened in less than 30 days – it was a whirlwind,” she said. The show presents two families who have financial need and surprises them with a briefcase filled with $101,000 in cash. They get to keep $1,000; but as for the rest of the money, they have three options to choose from and 72 hours to do it: keep it all, give some of it away or give all of it away to another family in financial distress.

(see Matthews budget on page 10)

(see Briefcase on page 11)

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Education, 12; Arts, 17; Calendar, 18; Sports, 20; Classifieds, 23

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2015

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

Health & Wellness (Content-focused Issues) As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year. Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyperlocal stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful featurestories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

Issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 October 2

Summer Camp Guide (Content-focused sections) Eager to find just the right happy campers? The Weekly’s Summer Camp Guides are the perfect fit. These special sections offer a costeffective advertising vehicle, coupled with helpful camp editorial content, to reach your target market during this peak camp registration period.

Issue date:

Home Sales

Back to School

(Monthly section)

(Content-focused issue) It’s back to the books and basics with advertisements in our must-have back-to-school issues. Featuring the latest college guidance tips, school system updates and education trends, our two back-to-school issues are resources you won’t want to miss.

Issue date:

August 14

February 6 and 20 March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17

2nd Issue of the Month

Whether it’s branding, listings, open houses, or mortgage rates and offers, our monthly Home Sales section is a perfect fit. In the second issue of every month, each newspaper publishes home sales for its coverage area. Space is very limited, so don’t miss out and call to reserve your space today for this monthly section dedicated to your industry … home sales.

Performing Arts Preview 2015-2016 (Special pullout section) Our informative guide is your best yearlong resource for the hottest performances in the Charlotte area. With summaries of the year’s must-see theater, dance and music performances, our Performing Arts Preview is a must for every Queen City cultural arts enthusiast.

Issue date:

September 25 South Charlotte, Union County and Matthews-Mint Hill 55,000 circulation

Culinary Corner (Monthly section) 1st Issue of the Month

South Charlotte Weekly’s popular Culinary Corner is published the first issue of every month and written by Charles Jenkin, a South Charlotte resident and host of WBT’s This Show is Cookin’. Culinary Corner is one of the bestread sections in South Charlotte Weekly and generates a plethora of reader feedback each month.

Arts & Entertainment (Bi-monthly section)

2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

When it comes to reaching the performing arts crowd, this must-read section delivers the best reader demographics in the Charlotte market. From local performances to the national stage, we’ve got the arts community covered.

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com. Page 2 • May 28 to June 3, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News

A weekend to

celebrate

MINT HILL – Thousands of area residents showed up at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park over the weekend for the 32nd annual Mint Hill Madness festival. The event, held Friday to Sunday, May 22 to 24, featured family-friendly activities; arts and crafts vendors; food vendors; the town’s annual parade; the second annual fireworks show; and more, all while celebrating Memorial Day, honoring veterans and promoting health and wellness. Take a look back at this weekend’s festival with these photos. More photos will be featured on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/MatthewsMintHillWeekly.

Crystal O’Gorman, Maria Hernandez/ MMHW photos

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 3

News

“Alice in Wonderland” was the first show Matthews Playhouse produced in the spring of 1995.

Photo courtesy of June Bayless

Playhouse (continued from page 1)

for rehearsals or classes. As she pursued teaching classes at the Matthews Community Center, one thing led to another, and Matthews Playhouse was created in early 1995. “We created a board of directors with parents who said they couldn’t come to downtown Charlotte anymore … that’s how it all began,” Bayless said. Matthews Playhouse produced its first show, “Alice in Wonderland,” in the spring of 1995. The organization gradually grew over the next five years, prior to the renovation of the Matthews Community Center in the early 2000s – something Bayless said made a huge difference for the Matthews Playhouse. “For years, we (rehearsed) with no heat or air conditioning, except in the theater itself – the classrooms had no heat,” she said. “… When they renovated (the community center), it was fantastic … The theater was enlarged, they blew out the back wall and allowed for backstage space for dressing rooms, a loading dock to bring sets in and out, which has allowed us to put on bigger shows, like we do now.” Prior to the completion of the community center renovations, Matthews Playhouse temporarily rented a space along Matthews Station Street near the current town hall and library. Bayless said volunteers and former Matthews Mayor Lee Meyers were invaluable to the organization during that time. “Without them, we wouldn’t be the great organization we are today,” she said. One of Bayless’s favorite Matthews Playhouse productions is “The Sound of Music,” which was the first large-scale, fulllength show the organization performed after the renovation of the community center and the re-opening of Fullwood Theater in 2002. Matthews Playhouse currently performs all of its shows in Fullwood. Bayless also fondly remembers other productions, including “The Miracle Worker” in 2011 and “The Diary of Anne Frank” in 2010, which featured an Auschwitz survivor Page 4 • May 28 to June 3, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

who told her story at the end of the play. “That show was quite impressive,” Bayless said. Debbi Ballard, Matthews Playhouse’s current box office manager and education director, has been a part of the organization since the board of directors formed. Though she’s not a performer, Ballard said Matthews Playhouse has given her husband and three daughters a chance to embrace theater as a family, and she’s enjoyed attending numerous shows over the years – particularly “South Pacific,” which her husband and daughters had a chance to perform in together. “It’s a great family organization … a safe, family-oriented organization for children and adults of all ages,” Ballard said. “They are part of my family – they always have been and always will be.” Kevin Campbell has been involved in numerous productions at Matthews Playhouse over the years, both as a performer and as director. Campbell most recently directed Matthews Playhouse’s October 2014 production of “Our Town,” which included student and adult cast members, as well as several members of the Matthews Board of Commissioners – including Mayor Jim Taylor – performing small roles. “Those guys took to theater like a duck on water. I think it was a really good experience for them, and a great play for me,” Campbell said. Campbell has played the roles of Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Captain Hook in “Peter Pan” and Fagin in “Oliver!,” and he’ll play the title character in Matthews Playhouse’s upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz.” “It’s a really healthy environment for people to explore theater, so I’m always pleased to be a part of it,” he said. Matthews Playhouse’s production of “The Wizard of Oz” is slated to run June 12 to 28 and will be the biggest production in the organization’s history. The show also will coincide with “There’s No Place Like Home,” a family-oriented 20th anniversary celebration on June 27, a Saturday, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The event will feature carnival games, free giveaways, arts and crafts, food, raffle prizes, face painting, pictures with the cast and more. Tickets cost $5 and are available at www.matthewsplay house.com. Looking ahead, Bayless hopes to continue Matthews Playhouse’s longstanding tradition of offering quality community theater, while expanding the organization to offer more adult-oriented shows, add a staff costumer and obtain an operating grant from the Arts & Science Council. “We’ve always applied for project-specific grants (from the council) but have never received an operating grant from them before,” she said. “We hope to become part of the Arts & Science Council’s regular funding.” Matthews Playhouse also offers a variety of summer camps and classes for students of all ages. Find more information and register at www.matthewsplayhouse.com. www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

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Commissioners ‘hands tied’ on planned Reverdy Lane subdivision Approved Stevens Grove preliminary plat generates traffic concerns by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – An approved preliminary plat for a planned subdivision off Reverdy Lane caused angst for residents earlier this week, as town commissioners stated their “hands (were) tied” on the issue. The Matthews Board of Commissioners approved on Tuesday, May 26, as part of its consent agenda, a preliminary plat for the planned subdivision, Stevens Grove, which would connect to Arborfield Drive, a “stub street” off Elmsford Lane, which connects to Reverdy Lane. Mayor Jim Taylor clarified the issue prior to the vote, stating the plans were in harmony with the approximately 35-acre parcel’s current R-15 zoning, so the board was obligated to approve developer Matthews Arborfield’s request. “Our hands are tied – we are obligated to approve this preliminary plat. There’s no public hearing required because there’s no change in zoning being asked for,” Taylor said at the meeting. Taylor subsequently told Matthews-

Mint Hill Weekly the developer plans to build about 45 homes on the property, which would include lots ranging from 0.5 acres to more than 2.5 acres, Taylor said. Because the plans align with R-15 – one of the town’s “most restrictive” zonings, Taylor said – commissioners were obligated to approve the plans and could be subject to personal legal liability if they voted against the project, he said. “We were in a position last night where we were forced to approve it,” Taylor said on Wednesday, May 27. A number of residents voiced concerns during the public comments forum, with the majority of concerns related to traffic. Residents claim traffic is already a problem at the Reverdy Lane/N.C. 51 intersection, with drivers claiming they often wait several minutes to turn right on N.C. 51 and even longer to make a left turn. “It took me today almost 17 minutes to turn left” onto N.C. 51, one resident said at the meeting. “… If we’re going to add an additional 45 homes … what exactly is that going to do there?” A resident who lives on Reverdy Oaks Drive expressed concern about how construction equipment would affect the streets around Reverdy Lane.

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Admission to SonFest is free, but tickets are available to purchase for food, rides and games. Purchase a wristband for Friday, June 13 and get access to unlimited rides all night long. http://4sjnc.org/sonfest_2015

(see Reverdy Lane on page 8)

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EDITORIAL Managing Editor Josh Whitener

News Briefs Matthews Fire & EMS kicking off inaugural Citizens Academy

MATTHEWS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For the first time ever, the Matthews Fire & EMS Department is planning a Citizens Academy, slated Education Editor Layout Editor to start this summer. Courtney Schultz Erin KIrby Sessions are scheduled for every TuesNews Writers Art Director day from July 7 to Aug. 11, from 6:30 Hannah Chronis Maria Hernandez to 8 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at Ryan Pitkin A&E Editor 236 S. Trade St. The six-week program Crystal Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Gorman Dee Grano will give citizens an opportunity to learn more about the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operaSports Writer Faith Columnist Ben Doster Rev. Tony Marciano tions, according to a news release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Topics will range from fire extinguisher training to equipment demonADVERTISING strations and dispatching during emerCharlotte Conway gencies,â&#x20AC;? read the release. Adrian Garson The program is open to Matthews citizens and business individuals 16 DISTRIBUTION years old and older and is limited to 25 Manager participants on a first-come, first-served Mike Kochy basis. Applications should be completed and mailed to attn.: Lt. Chris Mollema, PUBLISHER Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Founder Station St., Matthews, NC 28105. PeoAlain Lillie ple also can email completed applications to cmollema@matthewsnc.gov or drop them off at Fire Station 1. Find more information including an Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com application and the program itinerary at www.matthewsnc.gov. Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

MOOYAH hosts ribboncutting ceremony

MATTHEWS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The new Matthews MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes site recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the business.

The ceremony took place on May 14 at the Matthews restaurant, located at 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. John Ficara, the franchisee of the location, chose to open MOOYAH to bring a â&#x20AC;&#x153;better burgerâ&#x20AC;? to the Matthews community, according to a news release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;MOOYAH offers mouthwatering made-to-order burgers, French fries hand cut from Idaho potatoes and real ice cream shakes,â&#x20AC;? read the release. While many patrons dine inside the restaurant, MOOYAH also offers online ordering and takeout for on-the-go customers. Find more information about MOOYAH, its menu or franchising opportunities at www.mooyah.com or www.facebook.com/mooyah.

Mint Hill Athletic Association to host free tennis clinic MINT HILL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Mint Hill Athletic Association will host a free tennis clinic June 6, a Saturday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. The clinic is open to players 5 to 17 years old and will offer an opportunity for kids to take up a sport that offers â&#x20AC;&#x153;fun and fitnessâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;lasts for a lifetime,â&#x20AC;? according to a news release. The clinic will work with players 5 to 10 years old from 8:30 to 10 a.m., and players 11 to 17 years old from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register online at www.mhaa.us. Email timstennisusa@gmail.com or call Florene at 502-682-7426 for more information. Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park is located at 8850 Fairview Road.

Matthews sets public hearing for Oscar Drive special assessment The Matthews Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday, May 26, to adopt a resolution calling for a preliminary hearing regarding a special assessment for Oscar Drive. The vote was unanimous, and the public hearing will take place June 22, a Monday, during the boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7 p.m. meeting at town hall, 232 Matthews Station St. Residents of Oscar Drive voiced concerns about the quality of their street and asked the town to intervene after developer Tom Stevens, of Valley Development, Inc., neglected to finalize the paving of the street. Residents claim the developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of action has caused cracked and broken pavement and potholes, which they say poses a threat to pedestrians and cyclists using Oscar Drive. Town manager Hazen Blodgett said during Mondayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting improvements to Oscar Drive are estimated at $82,000 to $84,000, but the developerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bond is worth about $49,000, so the cost deficit would be $42,000 to fix the road. Commissioners will likely make a decision as to whether to move forward with the special assessment in the weeks following the hearing. Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note: In the article â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pippin piques life perceptionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in the May 21 to 27 issue, Sasha Allen is credited as being the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lead Playerâ&#x20AC;? in the May 19 performance. The role was, in fact, played by understudy Lisa Karlin.

Vacation Stop? Missed Paper?

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Page 6 â&#x20AC;˘ May 28 to June 3, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Crime Blotter The following people were arrested between May 18 and 24, according to the Matthews Police Department: • Bradley Jevon Sheppard, 10900 block of East Independence Boulevard: Simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. May 19 • Cameron Theresa Downing, 1200 block of Matthews Township Parkway. Driving while impaired. May 23 • Enrico Titocci, 11000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Fictitious registration plate. May 24

The following crimes were reported between May 18 and 24, according to the Matthews Police Department:

Home/Business Break-ins • 9800 block of Treeside Lane: Pressure washer and Shop Vac, worth $500 total, stolen when building broken into. May 19 • Ready For Dish, 11014 Monroe Road, suite A: Four iPhones, six laptops, and one Dell Touch Screen, worth $4,800 total, stolen when business broken into, causing $200 in damage to glass window. May 21 • 1400 block of Crescent Lane: Burglary – nonforced entry. May 21 • 9200 block of East Independence Boulevard: $200 in U.S. currency stolen when coin-operated laundry card change machine broken into. May 23 • Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association, 120 S. Trade St.: Breaking and entering. May 23 • 200 block of Amir Circle: $700 total in damage to garage door and garage open panel when home broken into; nothing listed as stolen. May 24

Vehicle Break-in

• Village Church, 1201 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $40 purse and $1,110 in cash stolen when vehicle broken into. May 20

Property Theft

• Tacos and Tequila, 131 E. John St.: $862.80 stolen from business by employee. May 18 • McDonald’s, 9607 E. Independence Blvd.: Vehicle stolen. May 20 • Home Depot, 1837 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $35 license plate stolen. May 20 • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $400 iPhone stolen. May 21 • Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: Umbrella, four-pack of men’s socks, men’s baseball hat, twopack of men’s undershirts, dress shirt and tie combo and Samsonite luggage bag, worth $264.99 total, stolen from business. May 21 • 13000 block of Saddletree Court: Larceny (nonspecified). May 21 • 10500 block of Paces Avenue: $900 Bashan Renegade motor scooter stolen. May 22 • Best Buy, 2109 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $299.99 worth of blue tooth speakers stolen. May 23 • 9600 block of East Independence Boulevard: $300 iPhone stolen. May 23 • Old Navy, 10530 Northeast Pkwy.: Larceny (shoplifting). May 23 • Old Navy, 10530 Northeast Pkwy.: T-shirts and shorts, worth $81.64 total, stolen. May 24

Fraud • Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association, 1200 S. Trade St.: $20 in counterfeit money used. May 18 • Matthews Fun Machines, 11240 E. Independence Blvd.: Attempting to obtain property by false pretense. May 19 • 1100 block of Legends Lane: $1 obtained by

false pretense. May 20 • 9700 block of Northeast Parkway: Two Panerai wrist watches and one Rolex wrist watch, worth $17,700 total, obtained by false pretense. May 21 • Infiniti of Charlotte, 9103 E. Independence Blvd.: $22,513.17 GMC Terrain obtained by false pretense. May 21 • 11000 block of East Independence Boulevard: Fictitious North Carolina registration plate. May 23 • Kangaroo Express Mart, 100 E. John St.: Counterfeit $20 bill used. May 23

Drugs

• 10900 block of East Independence Boulevard: Simple possession of marijuana (5.5 grams); possession of paraphernalia including metal grinder and cigar wrapper. May 19 • 1600 block of Windsor Square Drive: Simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. May 22 • 4700 block of Morningwood Drive: Selling/ delivering a schedule I controlled substance (1 gram of methamphetamine). May 22

Vandalism • 2500 block of Windsor Chase Drive: $600 in damage to halogen flood light. May 19 • 1500 block of Wickerby Court: $150 in damage to mailbox • 800 block of Cameron Village Drive: $200 in damage to right side of vehicle mirror in vandalism incident. May 23 • 1500 block of Crescent Lane: $270 in damage to right front and rear tires of vehicle in vandalism incident. May 24

Miscellaneous • 1800 block of Gander Cove Lane: Communicating threats. May 18 • 217 Hickory Kill Drive: Simple assault. May 21 • 400 block of McLeod Street: Communicating threats; stalking. May 21

• 600 block of Matthews Chapel Road: Assault by pointing a gun; discharging firearm within city limits. May 22

The following people were arrested between May 19 and 25, according to the Mint Hill Police Department: • Maurice Tyrone Hilliard, 6300 block of Holly Knoll Drive: Simple assault. May 19 • Arinn Elizabeth Mullis, 13700 block of Thompson Road: Possession of a schedule II controlled substance; possession of a schedule IV controlled substance. May 21 • John Charles Wirsen, 6900 block of Wilson Grove Road: Driving while impaired; no operator’s license. May 22

The following crimes were reported between May 19 and 25, according to the Mint Hill Police Department:

Vehicle Break-in • 7600 block of Wilson Grove Road: Hedge trimmer, power hammer drill and tool wrench set, worth $650 total, stolen from bed of victim’s truck. May 21

Property Theft • Food Lion, 6275 Wilson Grove Road: $700 worth of cigarettes stolen from business. May 21 • 15000 block of Davis Trace Drive: $1,000 Hudson Brothers utility trailer stolen. May 21

Vandalism • 7200 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $1,500 in damage to interior residence when previous renters broke into residence and vandalized it. May 21

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(Located 15 minutes from Downtown Charlotte) 312 Main Street, Pineville, NC 28134 • 704-889-2454 Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 7

NEWS WRITER AND EDITOR WANTED

News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations in Matthews and Mint Hill between May 18 and 25.

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group

has an open position in the newsroom. The group publishes the South Charlotte Weekly, Union County Weekly, Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly and Pineville Pilot from our south Charlotte newsroom. Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group is seeking a writer and editor for the Union County Weekly. The position will be responsible for writing and editing content on a weekly basis, as well as overseeing the strategic direction of the publication. The right candidate will have experience in a newsroom and covering local governments. Candidates must be proficient in AP style, comfortable working some evenings and weekends, ability to work under tight deadlines and thorough experience covering community news. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, references and writing samples to

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Page 8 • May 28 to June 3, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

28105 • Carmel Christian School lunchroom, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road – 100 • Elizabeth Lane Elementary School lunchroom, 121 Elizabeth Lane – 98.5 28227 • Bain Elementary School lunchroom, 11540 Bain School Road – 97.5 • Crownpoint Restaurant, 2518 Sardis Road N. – 95 • Olde Sycamore Grill, 7500 Olde Sycamore Drive – 94 • La Cabana Mexican Grill and Bar, 2501 Crown Point Executive Drive – 97 • Papa John’s, 7032 Brighton Park Drive – 96.5 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/.

Reverdy Lane (continued from page 5)

“Our road, if you’ve driven down it, is a patchwork quilt,” she said. “And with the additional traffic from the heavy machinery (driving) up and down (the road) with the construction, our road is just going to disintegrate.” Residents expressed a desire to have a traffic signal installed at the Reverdy Lane/ N.C. 51 to alleviate congestion and improve safety for drivers; however, because N.C. 51 is a state-maintained road, the decision to install a signal light would be up to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Taylor explained. Taylor assured residents at the meeting that developer Chris Boone, of Matthews Arborfield, had expressed willingness to host community meetings to gauge residents’ concerns and work with them to address certain issues. “I have talked to the developer … the developer seems very willing to talk to the community and have community meetings to find out what might potentially be a win-win,” Taylor told residents at the meeting. “… I think if there’s a way for him to (alleviate traffic concerns), it actually is an advantage to him, as well.” Boone could not be reached for comment by Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s press deadline.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 9

News

Mint Hill budget (continued from page 1)

property. For example, the owner of a $214,833 home – the average price of homes sold in Matthews for April 2015 – would pay approximately $53.70 in additional taxes per year, per the tax increase. Though no residents in attendance commented on the budget, several questions were raised by the board, including Commissioner John Higdon, who requested fellow commissioners to consider hosting the annual planning conference in-town every other year, as opposed to hosting the three-day conference out of town each year, to save money. This year’s planning conference, held Feb. 27 to March 1 at Ocean Isle Beach, cost the town $4,302.08, according to town spokesperson Jen Thompson. “I think that we should consider not having an out-of-town planning conference every year as a cost-saving measure, and instead every other year have the planning conference locally,” Higdon said. The budget also calls for an $8,000 increase – up from $10,000 in fiscal year 2014-15 to $18,000 – in funding for the Arts & Science Council. Commissioner Jeff Miller asked the board to consider keeping the funding “flat” at $10,000 as a way of saving money.

“I’d maybe make a note or a recommendation that we keep the Arts & Science (contribution) flat at 10 grand,” Miller said. Taylor responded by saying the council has agreed to make concessions to “give the town more of a say” in ASC projects, as well as to “fund more activity” in Matthews, and suggested the board remain objective and weigh the investment against the benefits it would bring to the town. “Now, there’s a proposal for us to get back more than we give in, so I think it’s an opportunity for us to look at that,” Taylor said. Property taxes, per the budget proposal, would make up 58.5 percent of the town’s revenue sources for fiscal year 2015-16, with sales taxes accounting for 13.5 percent; state shared revenues at 16 percent; and Powell Bill revenue, permits, fees and other sources at 12 percent. Highlights of the proposed budget include: a 3-percent merit performance increase for town employees; a $10,000 legal fee budget increase; $4,000 to cover an internship under town management; a state health plan for town employees; $10,000 in additional funding for the Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department; $56,000 for information technology improvements to town hall’s Hood Room, where commissioners

host their semimonthly meetings; seven replacement vehicles and equipment for the Matthews Police Department; an additional K-9 dog for the police department; and $52,000 in financing payment for a street sweeper. Other new areas of funding include: the Red Brick Partnership, under Economic Development; the addition of Pawsitively Matthews and Food Truck Friday & Artist Showcase, under Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource; and a pedestrian crossing signal for the South Trade Street/ Matthews Street intersection, among other budget additions. The proposal also allots $5,000 from the town’s general fund to the Levine Senior Center, as well as $60,000 for tourism grants, $60,000 for the Matthews Alive Festival, $249,000 for the Mecklenburg County Regional Sportsplex, $18,000 for the Arts & Science Council and $40,000 for the Matthews Heritage Museum, all derived from the town’s tourism fund. Part of the reasoning behind the 2.5-cent tax increase is related to bonds voters passed years ago to widen South Trade Street, which will account for 1.5 cents of the tax increase, Blodgett said. The remaining 1 percent is needed to meet a deficit created by the county’s flawed 2011 revaluation, as well as the state’s

decision to eliminate municipalities’ privilege license tax. According to a previous news release from the town, the county’s tax assessor’s office overvalued property values in Matthews by $76 million during the revaluation. Matthews budgeted a “revenue neutral rate” in fiscal year 2012 to address the revaluation issue – meaning as property values increased by 10 percent, the town reduced its tax rate by 10 percent. However, Mecklenburg County’s revaluation showed only a 7.8-percent increase in property values, meaning Matthews “reduced tax rates too low, reflected by a 0.7-cent discrepancy on the tax rate,” the release said. Matthews will issue a total of about $975,000 in refunds related to the revaluation, the release said. Matthews last raised taxes by 1.5 cents in 2013, though the town lowered taxes by 3 cents two years earlier, in 2011. Commissioners will meet Monday, June 1, in the Jordan Room of town hall for a special budget discussion and workshop, and is expected to vote on the proposed budget during their regularly-scheduled meeting on June 8, a Monday. View the entire budget proposal at www.matthewsnc.gov/Portals/0/ Board%20Agenda/2015-05-26/5_Budget_Presentation.pdf.

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News

Left, New Hampshire couple Cara and Dave Bronson and the Bergins, right, as they share their decision to keep or share $100,000 on “The Briefcase.” Photo courtesy of xxxxxxxxx

Briefcase (continued from page 1)

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pages, but in the end, we were on the same page,” Joe said. “We didn’t even have to say it out loud, because we both knew what we were going to do.” Payton, who attends Crestdale Middle School, said she enjoyed the experience and was happy with her parents’ final decision. “I am so proud of my family for doing the right thing,” she said. “If it was any other way, I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.” The Bergins said participating in “The Briefcase” shaped them in more ways than money ever could. “I am so proud of our family,” Kim said. “It reiterates the fact that we have an awesome family without the money.” “I think it’s brought us closer together,” Joe said. “I’m helping Kim more with the financial burdens; I’d always had a blind eye to that stuff, and I’m getting more involved and helping with that now, because I didn’t know what stress it was putting her under.” They also hope their story will help others to not feel ashamed of financial problems. “We’ve noticed over the last year or so that we are not the only people in this situation,” Joe said. “People just don’t talk about it, and we hope to help start the conversation.” The Bergins planned to host a viewing party with 60 friends and family at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation. Kim said only the five of them knew what happened prior to the episode’s airing, and they were excited to see their family and friends’ reaction. View the episode at www.cbs.com.

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Another twist – neither family knows the other has been confronted with the same amount of money and circumstances. Kim, Joe and their daughters – Payton, 15; Kennedy, 13; and Regan, 12 – have faced many financial challenges over the years. Joe was laid off from a sales job 10 years ago and searched for a new job for six months before Kim suggested they open an ice cream truck business. Brrr-Gin’s Ice Cream has served popsicles, fruit bars and ice cream at events and neighborhoods in Matthews, Mint Hill, Charlotte, Indian Trail and Stallings. “We’ve worked at a lot special events at Stumptown Park and with Matthews Parks and Recreation camps and local schools,” Joe said. An unfortunate accident befell on Joe in December 2014. He was driving one of the ice cream trucks on Stallings Road when someone drove across the center line and struck his truck in a head-on collision. Joe broke his right foot and dislocated his shoulder, and was ordered to be on bed rest for eight weeks. “It was like I was sitting in jail,” he said. “I couldn’t do anything for my family.” The financial burden became too much when he couldn’t work, and several ice cream trucks were out of commission and in need of serious repairs. Kim was trying to pick up the pieces and manage the family’s needs while working a part-time job. The reality show shocked the Bergins with the briefcase full of money and sent them on an emotional rollercoaster as they went back and forth on what decision to make in regards to the money. New Hampshire couple Cara and Dave Bronson, the other couple was faced with the same decision, also wrestled with the idea of keeping the money or helping another couple, whose life circumstances are leaked as the week progresses. Kim said the hardest part was knowing they needed the money just as much as the other couple. “We both cried everyday – it was so emotional,” she said. “We were up and down.” “In the beginning, we were on separate

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Education

Junior D.R.E.A.M Team strengthens Crestdale community by Courtney Schultz education@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Crestdale Middle School Junior D.R.E.A.M (Daring to Rolemodel Excellence as Athletic Mentors) Team has made an impact on the school and Matthews community since 2007 and plans to keep the tradition alive. Officer Calvin Young, of the Matthews Police Department, had worked with Butler High Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s D.R.E.A.M Team and wanted to bring the same concept to Crestdale, located at 940 Sam Newell Road, after teaching D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh-graders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our first (Junior D.R.E.A.M.) team had six young adults that were drug-, alcohol-, tobacco- and violence-free,â&#x20AC;? Young said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That six has grown into 14 scholar-athletes.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;experimental training programâ&#x20AC;? is held throughout the school year, during which selected student-athletes help officers promote a safe learning environment at the school. Junior D.R.E.A.M Team members, who are all eighth-grade students, demonstrate effective communication skills, and presentation methods, role modeling, mentoring and positive lifestyle choices, according to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newsletter. The students select and plan services for elementary schools, community organizations and Crestdale. Students must commit to be drug-, alcohol-, tobacco- and violence-free and to

uphold high standards and moral values, as well as play on a Crestdale athletic team during seventh and eighth grades. Past D.R.E.A.M Teams conducted spirit weeks and pep rallies at Crestdale; volunteered at Squirrel Lake Park; raised funds for cancer research; sponsored a tree at the Novant Matthews Celebration of Trees to help families during the holiday; and gifted roses to residents at the Matthews H.E.L.P Center, among other things. This year, under the advisement of Crestdale Principal Katy Richert, Crestdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior D.R.E.A.M Team welcomed students from Matthews and Providence Spring elementary schools to Crestdale, showed them around the school and shared their experiences at the school and what the elementary students can look forward to. Young said the D.R.E.A.M Team alleviated misconceptions and rumors about the happenings of middle school. The newly-selected D.R.E.A.M Team will continue to serve other students during the 2015-16 school year, when Young launches a â&#x20AC;&#x153;miniâ&#x20AC;? D.A.R.E. lesson for Crestdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth-grade students. Young found students who attended Providence Spring did not experience D.A.R.E. lessons during fifth grade, as Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Police Department discontinued the program, he said, but Matthews Elementary students did complete the 10-lesson program.

Students who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t experience D.A.R.E. in elementary school were first exposed to D.A.R.E. during seventh grade, and Young wanted to find a way to help those students catch up to their peers. Young, with the help of the Junior D.R.E.A.M Team, will cover key points from the fifth-grade D.A.R.E. lesson for all sixth-graders, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared for seventh gradeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s D.A.R.E. lessons. The officer said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen the impact the D.R.E.A.M Team has made in the Crestdale community. Young encourages students to identify issues they want to address at their school. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I tell them, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This your school,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and encourage them to tell me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is a problem we see. How can we change this?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Young said. Three years ago, the Junior D.R.E.A.M Team noticed issues in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bathrooms, including smelling smoke or seeing students fight. The team approached the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parent-teacher organization (PTO) and told them the school needed security cameras for the bathrooms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(The PTO) purchased the first cameras in the middle school, (and) the problems in the bathroom ended almost overnight,â&#x20AC;? Young said. He added Crestdale became one of the first Charlotte-Mecklenburg middle schools to have four operating cameras. Today, CMS middle schools have

cameras, but Young felt Crestdale was â&#x20AC;&#x153;ahead of the game,â&#x20AC;? thanks to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of the good things theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing for the school,â&#x20AC;? Young added. The officer also is proud of the leadership skills the students gain while in the program, which he said carry on to their high school careers. He said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seen Crestdale Junior D.R.E.A.M Team members move on to serve on Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s D.R.E.A.M Team. Young has seen students commit to the drug- and violence-free lifestyle throughout their high school and collegiate careers and carry on the message to others. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(The Junior D.R.E.A.M Team) is just a stepping stone, and they can take that and help the people that they can help,â&#x20AC;? Young said. Young hopes Crestdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junior D.R.E.A.M Team members continue to gain leadership skills and encourage their peers to adopt positive lifestyles. The officer hopes the 2015-16 team will travel to Disney World next year for a leadership program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a program a previous D.R.E.A.M Team attended with the help of a sponsor. Young said the team is always looking for sponsors for their programs and encourages community members to reach out to the team. Contact Young at ce.young@cms.k12.nc.us for sponsorship and community opportunities.

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Education

Education advocates discuss solutions to teacher pipeline crisis by Courtney Schultz education@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Public education advocates and administrators agree the crumbling teacher pipeline in North Carolina is a pressing issue, but the solution might be more than simply raising educators’ salaries. MeckEd, a non-profit education advocacy group, hosted a panel of North Carolina public education advocates during its community conversation on Wednesday, May 27, to discuss solutions to the state’s decreasing teacher retention and recruitment. The panel included: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Ann Clark; MeckEd Executive Director Bill Anderson; Keith Poston, president and executive director of the Public School Forum of North Carolina, a public education advocacy and research group; Desmond Blackett, a teacher at the School of Executive Leadership & Entrepreneurial Development at Olympic High School; and Chance Lewis; director of The Urban Education Collaborative at the College of Education at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte. Anderson said MeckEd is looking to be “solution oriented” and push legislators to commit to current and future teachers in the state. Over the past 15 years, becoming a teacher has proved difficult in North Carolina, caused by declining salaries, decreased supplies and pressure on teachers to produce results in classrooms with limited resources and perceived support, among other factors. These dynamics discourage current and future generations from entering the teaching profession, contributing to the issue. “The crumbling teacher pipeline in North Carolina is real. This isn’t something we’re making up or teachers are making up to talk about teacher compensation,” Poston said. North Carolina ranked last in the change in the average teacher salary from 19992000 to 2013-14 in the nation, with a 14.7percent decrease in salaries. Benefit costs also have affected employee salaries, as health care costs have increased. Over the past several years, teachers’ takehome pay had a net decrease of approximately $1,366, according to CMS data. The decrease in pay makes recruiting strategies difficult for CMS, Clark said, as the district only recruits from other counties, which Clark feels isn’t a long-term solution. Decreasing pay also has contributed to multiple teachers leaving the profession or seeking jobs in other states. From 2009-10 to 2013-14, the CMS teacher turnover rate increased from 11.7 to 15.1 percent. Some districts are faring worse than CMS, as turnover rates in Edgecombe and Washington counties have doubled in the past five years. Fewer young people are entering the profession, and the UNC system has seen decreases in enrollment in education degrees across all state universities. Anderson credits the elimination of NC www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Teaching Fellows in 2011 as a contributor to the decreasing enrollment. With the last class of Teaching Fellows graduating this month, the state has not yet felt the effects of the decision. The UNC Board of Governors also decided at its last meeting to discontinue 46 degree programs, including 26 teacher preparation programs, according to NC Policy Watch. As the daunting fate of teacher recruitment and retention continues, education advocates are seeking solutions. Advocates desire to not only increase teacher salaries, but also increase teacher support and perceived support in the classroom. Teachers often feel undervalued as they’re slapped with A-through-F performance grades with decreasing supplies and increasing class sizes – particularly in inherently challenging classrooms. Clark looks to state legislators to solve some of the problems with teacher retention by increasing employee pay to make it competitive with the national average; improving benefit packages for retirees who wish to return to the profession part time; and implementing more teacher pathway programs, in which teachers remain in the classroom but obtain increased responsibility and pay, rather than seeking administrative positions. The district saw success with Project L.I.F.T., in which teachers could remain in the classroom but still increase their professional development. Clark seeks to prioritize positions in schools, particularly those in challenging areas, to better support teachers. The superintendent feels the issue needs a state solution, but still urges elected officials at the local and county levels to send a message to teachers that the district is fighting for support. “When you look at retention, (there’s) the money factors, but (also) the respect and value of the teacher,” Lewis said. Teachers desire day-to-day support in the classrooms, where they feel supported by their principals, the state and district, and feel as though they have the support and supplies they need, he added. Blackett articulated he feels supported by his school, but knows his peers often don’t, as they lack supplies. “They might see that we have what we need, but they’ll ask, ‘How come we don’t have it?’” he said. Poston believes there’s no “silver bullet” to solve the teacher pipeline crisis, but he feels there’s a need to make their voices heard in Raleigh. “There is no better investment we can make than education,” Poston said. “Our public schools aren’t failing; we’re failing public schools.” Visit www.mecked.org/index.php/advocacy for more information on ways to support public education.

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Education Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education News & Notes

Area students excel at state convention MATTHEWS – Latin students from Matthews-based Master’s Academy and area middle and high schools competed in contests at the North Carolina Junior Classical League (NCJCL) State Convention and took home top honors. The convention features contests in academic testing, Certamen (a quiz bowl competition), graphic arts, creative arts and Olympika, which included athletic events, according to a news release. Multiple schools and individuals took home top awards, and multiple area students were elected to the state board. Charlotte Latin School took first place and Providence High School took third place in the large high school division; Covenant Day High School took second place in the medium high school division; and Master’s Academy High School took first place and Queen’s Grant High School took home third place in the small high school division. Master’s Academy High took second place in the high school publicity contest, first place in scrapbook in the small high school contest and first place in community service. Covenant Day earned first place and Providence earned third place in scrapbook in the

large high school division. Queen’s Grant took home third place in scrapbooking in the small high school division. Master’s Academy Middle School took home third place in the middle school division and earned the title of overall winner, the chapter with the most points per delegate, with 29 points per student. The middle school also earned first place in the middle school publicity contest, first place in scrapbook and first place in community service. Charlotte Christian Middle School took fourth place in the middle school division and took home the Mercury Award, the top charter in Olympika. Trey Donatahan, of Charlotte Christian Middle, earned a Mercury Award as the top delegate in Olympika. Covenant Day Middle School took fifth place in the middle school division. Charlotte Latin’s Adithya Siresh won the Callope Award as the top delegate in creative arts, and Master’s Academy Middle School’s Abby Levinson and Susanna Schoeck both won the Apollo Award as the top delegates in graphic arts. Master’s Academy’s Caris Gorss, Aislinn Niimi, Susanna Schoeck and Elle Trejo all were middle school Certamen champions. The following students were elected to the 2014-15 NCJCL state officers from the area: Providence’s Andy Kamath, second vice president for high school; Master’s Academy’s Aislinn Niimi, middle school representative; Master’s Academy’s Laura Schoeck, first vice president for high school;

Covenant Day School’s Susanna Schoeck, parliamentarian; and Charlotte Latin’s Elle Trejo, TORCH editor. Board approves budget request The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education unanimously approved a proposed operating budget of $1.4 billion for 2015-16 at its May 12 meeting. The board submitted the budget, which includes a request of $428.1 million for the county, to Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners on May 12. The commissioners will determine the final allocation to the district as part of the budget approval process, and are set to vote on the county budget on June 16. The CMS budget request seeks an increase of $39.9 million over last year’s county appropriation, according to a news release. The request includes $8 million for county charter schools – 20 percent of the total increase – and $5.8 million to help the district pay for projected enrollment growth of more than 2,400 students. The district identified literacy; recruiting and retaining quality employees with competitive salaries; and social and emotional supports for students, as the key priorities in the budget, the release said. The request includes $6 million to fund literacy supports, such as summer camps for third-graders struggling with reading, and to keep teacher assistant positions. The request also allocates $1.1 million to train teachers

THE

at the WestEd Reading Apprenticeship program to help improve literacy at the secondary level. The budget also includes $9.8 million to give all CMS employees at least a 2-percent pay increase, as well as $5 million to cover the local impact of state-proposed salary increase and $1.4 million to help cover health insurance and other benefits. CMS also requested $2.8 million to carry out the second year of a four-year plan to strengthen curriculum, counseling and behavioral supports for students by adding counselors, psychologists and social workers. The funds would add 34 school counselors, three psychologists and three social workers. Find more information about the budget at www.cms.k12.nc.us/mediaroom/budget/ pages/default.aspx. Bus drivers wanted for CMS The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Transportation Department will host a job fair for school bus drivers for the 2015-16 school year on Thursday, May 28, from 1 to 6 p.m. The department is one of the largest in the state and one of the 10 largest in the nation. The event will take place at the Herbert Spaugh administration building, located at 1901 Herbert Spaugh Lane in Charlotte. Find more information including required qualifications at www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsde partments/transportation/Pages/Employment Opportunities.aspx.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 15

Arts & Entertainment

‘Young Voices’ travel far by Crystal O’Gorman crystal@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Eighteen-year-old Cameron Alexander, of Mint Hill, had the opportunity of a lifetime last weekend. Cameron traveled to New York City with Young Voices of the Carolinas, where the choir performed at Carnegie Hall for the National Treble Honors Choir festival on Saturday, May 23. “Yes, it’s definitely a different experience than North Carolina,” she said. “It’s kind of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform there; I’m excited that I got to do that.” Young Voices of the Carolinas is a private, three-choir performing group founded this year by Sandy Holland, former artistic director of Charlotte Children’s Choir. Holland started the group to give students the opportunity to learn music theory and develop their voices through a range of different types of music and traveling experiences. “It’s my passion, and I really want to give it to these kids,” she said. Holland created three choirs with students 7 to 18 years old, coming from across the greater Charlotte area, including Mint Hill, Waxhaw and south Charlotte. One beginning/intermediate group is dedicated to the younger and

less experienced students. The other two groups are advanced groups only optional for middle and high school students. Holland currently has 100 students and capped out her total choir size at 120. She wants to keep it small to ensure students receive an intimate learning experience, while also providing enough range to fill the sections. She also said it’s important to have enough time to teach each student how to read music. “The study of music has been directly linked to academic success … and will add another level to their singing capabilities,” Holland said. The choirs have three namesake performances in the fall and spring and a holiday performance in November/ December. They also plan to perform for the Southeastern American Guild of Organist on July 4, Davidson’s Holiday Gala and with Carolina Voices “The Singing Christmas Tree” next year. Their season runs September to May, and the advanced groups tour during the summer months. Holland said she felt fortunate 37 of her advanced choir singers had the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall, which she said happened because of the relationships she’s built with her colleagues over the years.

Young Voices of the Carolinas singers pose outside of Carnegie Hall. Photo courtesy of Young Voices of the Carolinas

Tom Shelton, a composer who’s originally from Greensboro and teaches at Westminster Choir College in New Jersey, was invited to perform at the festival with his choice of four choir groups nationwide. Holland’s group was the only youth group he invited to participate. Holland’s students have practiced the music – ranging from classical to jazz and a compilation of patriotic songs – since November. The group only had six hours of practice with Shelton and the other singers Wednesday through Saturday last week. Holland said the music was incredible and she loved watching them blossom under Shelton’s instructions, but her favorite part was watching their faces light up as they took center stage. “There were kids that had never been to New York or on a plane, let alone

Carnegie Hall,” she said. “Sharing in their firsts was amazing.” Cameron was one of those experiencing New York City for the first time. They toured the city for five days, visiting places like Central Park, Times Square, the 9/11 Memorial and the Empire State Building. She described Carnegie Hall as one of the “most beautiful places I ever sang” and credited Holland for this experience. “It was such a prestigious and honorable experience, and I am grateful that she provided us with this opportunity,” Cameron said. Cameron has been singing under Holland’s direction for seven years. She also performs with Independence High School’s mixed intermediate choir and chamber choir. She will attend Auburn University in the fall and plans to join the university’s choir. Singing with Young Voices of the Carolinas is bittersweet for Cameron, since she will be moving on at the end of the year; however, she feels fortunate for the experiences she’s had with Holland and how much she’s helped her grow. “I’m still shy, but I don’t get as nervous singing on stage,” Cameron said. “She brings out the best in us.” Visit www.yvotc.org for more information or contact Holland at sandy@yvotc. org to sign up for auditions, which are happening now.

Healthier together Sign up now for classes and events, or visit NovantHealth.org/localevents The symphony of human immunity June 3, 1 to 2 p.m. Join us for a presentation about the immune system, a complex defense network in the body, and its role in human health. Register: 704-384-6393 Levine Senior Center 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews

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Find health topics and classes based on your needs: NovantHealth.org/localevents. Call 704-384-CARE (2273) to register for classes, unless noted. © Novant Health, Inc. 2015

Page 16 • May 28 to June 3, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Arts & Entertainment Photo courtesy of Lucas Krenzin

Lucas Krenzin finds his passion in glass by Dee Grano ae@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Like many people, fused glass artist Lucas Krenzin struggled to find something to do full time that made him happy. Though he enjoyed art class in high school, Krenzin didn’t see a stable future in it. He played guitar and drums, but just for fun. He attended college, married and landed employment in customer service working for big-name home builders. Then, a fortuitous thing happened. “I was laid off,” said Krenzin. That was in 2008. Today, Krenzin is a full-time artist with a successful career in making fused glass artwork out of his Union County studio. With artfully-crafted lamps, Krenzin’s tulipshaped shades glow with colorful folds and beads of light. Some of his contemporary plates curve crisply with bright colors, while others glide gracefully in earth tones. In a series called “Renovatus,” the glass looks alive with smooth bubbles frozen in place and sharp edges that look like shards of Arctic ice floating in water. He occasionally exhibits his work in galleries and at venues, such as the Kings Drive Art Walk and the Waxhaw Art Kaleidoscope festival, but he primarily showcases and sells online at www.lucaskrenzin.com. Though its exact origins are unknown, glass fusing was popularized by the Romans. Fusing became less common when glass blowing was introduced and refined. The finished results took less time to produce and cooled more quickly than kiln-fired fused glass. Fusing regained popularity in the early 20th century as a fine art form, though the technique is still difficult to master. The glass remains relatively stiff through the firing process and can be difficult to shape. It returns to a quarter of an inch in thickness, regardless of how much it expands or contracts. “The less choice, the more intentional you have to be,” Krenzin said. What others see as a lack of control, Krenzin considers a chance to experiment. “There’s a huge territory that hasn’t been explored,” he said. When designing his work, Krenzin layers different materials on a sheet of glass www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

and fires it at a high temperature. As the glass heats, what is placed upon it melts. Long strings of glass, or glass that has been crushed or powdered, called “frit,” can create unique shapes and effects. Krenzin often uses enamels containing gold, copper or aluminum. This creates a chemical reaction and “amazing” results, he said. “I love the chemistry of it,” said Krenzin. “Fusing is a great mix of the left and right side of the brain.” Krenzin grew up all over the world. His father was a missionary pilot who took assignments in Liberia, Ecuador, Colombia and across the U.S. As an adult, Krenzin makes his living in Monroe but considers his home to be where his heart and family are, as he believes they’re part of the “emotional center” he found when he lost his job. “I could not live well when I let others define what my success looked like,” Krenzin said. “I decided to do something for me.” Krenzin took lessons in watercolor painting from Richard Siegle at Central Piedmont Community College, with his first project being a sketch of a wolf and a moon. He subsequently took up acrylic painting – then he discovered fused glass. As Krenzin grew as an artist, he started working with “crackle,” a powder mixed with a binder that creates a cracked effect in the glass without breaking it. He received an invitation to teach a class in the technique at “Slumpfest,” hosted by Belmontbased “Slumpy’s,” one of the largest glass mold companies in the U.S. The two-day event features workshops and demonstrations on the latest trends and materials in glass art. Krenzin’s work gained more exposure, thanks to Slumpfest. Now, he’s busier than ever, selling his work across the U.S. and beyond to enthusiasts in Australia and the United Kingdom. His work is held in private collections, and he won Best in Show two years in a row at the Waxhaw Art Kaleidoscope festival, previously known as Spring Fest. “Find what fills you with energy and follow,” said Krenzin. “Everyone has something beautiful to offer.”

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 17

Calendar 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 Work” and “What to Do When It’s Your Turn,” will present a message called “Making Your Message Stick” at Matthews United Methodist Church. The talk will teach audience members 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.”

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-MemberLuncheon-151

Jimmie’s Restaurant, 7024 Brighton Park Drive, Mint Hill

Fridays through May 29 At dusk Movies on the Lawn

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/ programs for more information.

This class will provide expectant families with the skills to parent a newborn. Topics include styles of parenting, bonding, sleep techniques, scheduling and self-care. Parents are encouraged to attend the class Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews during the last three months of pregnancy. The cost is $15 for the first registrant and $10 for the second registrant. Call 704-3846.3.15 4949 to register. Wednesday

Movies on the Lawn is a month-long showing of family-friendly movies each Friday evening in May. Attendees should bring a lawn chair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or blanket. Movies begin at dusk on the front Community Blood Drive lawn of town hall. Find more information The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas at www.minthill.com/parks_recreation. will host a mobile blood drive at Central php?Parks-Recreation-Annual-Events-MoviesPiedmont Community College’s Levine Campus. on-the-Lawn-8. Matthews UMC, 801 S. Trade St., CBCC works to ensure all blood collected through Mint Hill town hall, Matthews its drives benefits local patients. 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill Donors must be at least 16 years old and 5.28.15 weigh at least 120 pounds. Find more Thursday 5.30.15 information and make an appointment at 11:30 p.m. Saturday www.cbcc.us. Mint Hill Monthly 10 a.m. Luncheon

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

Woodcarving Demonstration

The Matthews Library will host a woodcarving demonstration, featuring members of the

6.3.15 Wednesday 6:30 to 9 p.m. Preparing to Parent a Baby

CPCC – Levine, 2800 Campus Ridge Road, Matthews

Community Room C and D, Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews

6.5.15 Friday 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Opening Reception for Annual Juried Competition

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

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Calendar 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 Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30. Find more information at www.minthillarts.org.

6.12.15 Friday 5 to 9 p.m. Parent’s Date Night Drop Off

10:15 to 11:15 a.m. Teen Writer’s Club

Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

The Crews Recreation Center offers a monthly opportunity for parents to have a night out while their kids play sports and Mint Hill Arts Gallery, 11205 Lawyers games, watch movies and more. Pizza and Road, suite A, Mint Hill 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 6.6.15 for more information. Saturday 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.

6.16.15 Tuesday 7 p.m. Chill with a Cop

This monthly, Tuesday-evening program will take place during the summer months at Community Room, Matthews Library, various ice cream and frozen yogurt locations 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews across town. Families who attend will have the chance to meet local police officers in an 6.7.15 informal setting, learn more about the work Sunday the department does and ask the officers 3 to 5 p.m. questions. Opening Reception for Freedom Art Show

The McDowell Arts Center will host an opening reception for its patriotic-themed “Freedom” arts show. Visitors to the center will have the chance to 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 704321-7275 for more information.

sweetFrog – Sycamore Commons, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy., 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 McDowell Arts Center, 123 McDowell teaches citizens about the Mint Hill Police St., Matthews Department and other law enforcement agencies, according to a news release. The course will begin Aug. 11, a Tuesday. 6.10.15 Applications for the Citizens Academy are Wednesday available online at www.minthillpolice. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. com and will be accepted through July 6, Chamber Business a Monday. Call 704-545-1085 for more Networking Luncheon information. The Matthews Chamber of Commerce will Mint Hill Police Department, 7151 host this networking luncheon, which will Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill include spotlight tables and networking from 10 to 11:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to noon and a program from noon to 1 p.m. Jeffrey Edge, senior vice president of economic development for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, will be the guest speaker for the program. The event costs $15 for chamber members and $20 for nonmembers. Find more information at www.matthewschamber.org.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 19

Sports

Hopkins puts Queen’s Grant track on map by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Queen’s Grant sophomore Avianna Hopkins was at the doors of coaches, Matt Carr and Tyler Sinclair, trying to get as much information as possible and figure out how she could help when she heard the school was going to have a track and field program this year. She was ecstatic. Hopkins started running track at 5 years old, began to throw shot put when she was 9 years old, and started throwing discus when she turned 11. Carr quickly realized she wasn’t just another athlete. Hopkins competes on the AAU circuit year round, which is something the ordinary track athlete doesn’t do. “I’m like, ‘OK, regular people don’t do that.’ That means she’s into it, that she’s not starting from ground zero,’” Carr said. When he watched her warm up at practice early on in the season, he was astounded; Hopkins warm-up throws were farther than all of the girls and even some of the boys. The depth of her talent began to sink in for him after the first meet at Albemarle when she threw the discus 106 feet and seven inches, which was her season low. “After she competed one time officially for Queen’s Grant, I said, this girl was going to win it all,” Carr said. Sinclair really began to recognize her elite talent when she won discus with a 127-foot, two-inch throw and finished fifth in the shot put with a 36-foot, 1.5-inch throw at the Rock Autism Track and Field Classic at Rocky River on April 18. “When she won that, we really knew she could win the state championship,” Sinclair said. If there was any doubt left she quelled it at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1A state championship meet at Irwin Belk Track on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro on May 16. She won the state championship in the discus with a 119-foot, eight-inch throw, and finished third in the state in the shot put with a 36-foot, 7.25-inch throw. Hopkins said people have asked her where Queen’s Grant is, and her response is always, “It’s on Idlewild Road.” She has since put the school on the map with her throwing prowess. Hopkins did all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and was justly recognized for her hard work in the classroom earlier this spring when she received the Stallion Excellence Award. “She takes care of business in the classroom and her events,” Sinclair said. “She doesn’t need a coach there pushing her to do it. She’s self-motivated. “I think Avianna sets the expectations – someone that’s had some experience being successful that has competed before at high levels.

Her love for sports were cultivated as a young a child. Hopkins remembers cheerleading, playing basketball, soccer and even flag football on an all-boys team. “I just like sports,” Hopkins said. Her father, Dwayne Hopkins, is her coach on the AAU circuit and her biggest cheerleader. “My dad jumped in high school and college, so I started long jump,” Hopkins said. “I was OK then. One time we went to the gym and he was doing pull ups. I was like, ‘Can I try?’ So I did 20 pull ups, so then he was like, ‘She’s strong, so maybe she can start shot put.’ Carr and Sinclair, who are the only coaches for the Stallions, rely heavily on Hopkins for leadership and to guide the young athletes, because they can’t monitor the throwers every moment of every practice. Being an upstart, first-year program, Queen’s Grant has no facilities and very limited financial means, keeping it from hiring coaches for the jumpers and throwers; but Hopkins doesn’t let those obstacles hold her back. In fact, she embraces her role. “She gets out there and hangs with the best in the area regardless of the classifications,” Carr said. “She’s like the tip of the spear. We go to those big meets and a lot of our athletes are there for experience, but Avi’s the one that we know can get out there and compete for the win.” Now, that Hopkins has a state championship under her belt it’s about breaking records for her. The state record for the discus is 146 feet and five inches, and 43 feet and 4.75 inches. Hopkins has her work cut out for her, but has two years to break them.

Inaugural season success for Queen’s Grant track by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Queen’s Grant didn’t expect to make much of a ripple effect in the school’s first year with a track and field program, but the girls’ team certainly made a splash. Sophomores Avianna Hopkins, Asmara Lee, Ayanna Dennis and McKenzie Scott left their marks on the sport for the Stallions this spring. Hopkins won the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 1A state championship in the discus with a 119-foot, eight-inch throw, and finished third in the state in shot put with a 36-foot, 7.25-inch throw. Lee placed second in the state in the 400-meter run with a time of 58.17

seconds. Dennis ran the 800-meter run in 2:35 to finish eighth in the state. Scott cleared 32 feet and 3.05 inches to finish ninth in the state in the triple jump. The Stallions don’t even have a track to practice on; the coaches have to mark one out with paint on a field. Queen’s Grant competes in the Yadkin Valley West Conference. The league is mostly made up of schools from the Stanly County area. That makes it the odd ball at non-conference meets, which often include 3A and 4A schools. “Everyone in our conference was very surprised and very positive that we’re here now and is very astonished at how well we did, especially the women’s team,”

Page 20 • May 28 to June 3, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Queen’s Grant coach Matt Carr said.

Photo courtesy of Shelton Lee

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Sports

Panther baseball takes game one by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Providence coach Danny Hignight has guided four baseball teams to the semifinal series of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state playoffs. He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t win a single a game in his first three appearances, but the Panthers earned him his first victory on May 26. The host, No. 9 seed Providence (28-3, 12-2 So. Meck 8), took game one in the best of three series against No. 10 seed Butler (20-6-1, 11-1 Southwestern 4A) with an 8-4 win. Hignight said it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the biggest win of his career, but was important nonetheless. Providence jumped on the Bulldogs early with four runs in the first inning. Homeruns by Jordan Huntley (third inning) and Dean Looney (fourth inning) brought Butler within a run, but the Panthers quickly distanced themselves. Andrew Moritz scored off an errant pitch to make it 5-3, while Trevor Rhyne hit a two-run ground rule double to extend Providenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead to 7-3 in the bottom of the fourth inning and the Bulldogs never recovered. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have four or five Division I players,â&#x20AC;? Hignight said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a good club. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this whole â&#x20AC;&#x153;us against the worldâ&#x20AC;? mentality, and their backs are against the wall, David and Goliath. It took everything

Providence girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soccer heading to states

we had to win tonight, so putting up a number early obviously helped. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just grinded out ABâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we do. We play with love in our heart for each other. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important. This sounds stupid, [but] I told our guys the scoreboardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s irrelevant. We just do what we do, and at the end of the day weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see what the scoreboard looks like.â&#x20AC;? Both teams will resume action for game two at Butler on Thursday, May 28 at 7 p.m., which is a must-win for the Bulldogs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We helped them in the first inning,â&#x20AC;? Butler coach Rick Sambrotto said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it together. I think we lost it a little bit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we need to keep our composure, keep our energy up like we did. We can swing it with anybody. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still going to keep playing relaxed, so we got to play like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been playing. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t play that bad again today, just got a little bit off. We got to play like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been playing, and I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be alright.â&#x20AC;? If necessary, game three will take place at Providence on Friday, May 29 at 7 p.m. The winner of the series will advance to face the winner of No. 6 Fuquay-Varina (22-6, 10-4 Southwest Wake) and No. 21 Millbrook (18-9, 11-3 Cap 8) from the East Regional in the best of three state championship series.

by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Providence girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soccer team needed all hands on deck, extra time and even penalty kicks to win the Western Regional and advance to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A state championship. The No. 2 seed Panthers (23-1-1, 12-1-1 So. Meck 8) edged No. 1 seed Lake Norman (23-2-1, 14-0 North Piedmont), 4-3, in penalty kicks after a scoreless tie through double overtime and two five-minute intervals of golden goal (sudden death) on May 26. Mia Thillet, Jennifer Simmons, Maddy McGarry and Molly McGarry made the penalty kicks for the Panthers, while Providence goalie Lizzie Wilson made a save and the Wildcats drove one too wide. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To be fair their goalkeeper was incredible tonight,â&#x20AC;? Providence coach Nathan Williams said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve won the game in regulation were it not for their goal keeper. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I give great respect to Lake Norman. They definitely made us better tonight. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no question. It was a war â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a challenge in lots of different ways physically and emotionally. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a good journey for the kids.â&#x20AC;? He said the rotation of players was an integral component to the Panthers success along with a selfless, team-first attitude throughout the roster. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It takes everybody,â&#x20AC;? Williams said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to say, it being my first shot at

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ May 28 to June 3 , 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 21

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Page 22 â&#x20AC;˘ May 28 to June 3, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

0ROMPT 0ROFESSIONAL 3ERVICE s ,OWER 0RICES !CCESS 4HRU 3MALL 'ATES s "USH 2OOTS

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Crossword Crossword

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PUZZLE SILVERMAN PUZZLEBY BYALEX BRUCE HAIGHT

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Onlinesubscriptions: subscriptions:Today’s Today’spuzzle puzzleand andmore morethan than7,000 7,000past past Online puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • May 28 to June 3 , 2015 • Page 23

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