Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Vol. 8 No. 52

December 4, 2015 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Common ground

Renfrow Farms’ resident farmer Pressly Williams has stayed true to her roots, growing natural and sustainable produce and florals in the Matthews community she’s called home her whole life. Page 14 Brawley files for re-election

Ragtime wows at Knight Theater

Matthews resident Bill Brawley isn't finished in Raleigh yet.

Find out what he hopes to accomplish if re-elected.

Page 10

Rocky River looks to win

‘Ragtime the Musical’ takes place in the early 1900s, but its themes of racism and equality are relevant today.

Page 3

Rocky River girls’ basketball made a statement last season, competing for the conference crown. This year, they’re back and ready to win it all.

Page 17

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 11 | Faith 13 | Calendar 15 | Sports 16 | Classifieds 19

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Review

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 3

‘Ragtime’ will show you a good time and give you a history lesson It’s impossible to ignore the parallels between differing treatment between races in “Ragtime” and today’s world, where police and the courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com justice system are often accused of not treating all races the same.

Sams said the production mirros today’s society and urges audi“Ragtime The Musical” takes place in early 1900s America, but ences to take a look at the inequality in world. the production’s themes and content are still relevant today.

“I feel like theater provides an escape,” he said, “but this producBlumenthal Performing Arts welcomed the production to the tion challenges you to look at yourself and how far you’re willing to Knight Theater stage, bringing the stories of white suburbanites, go to look at how other people live.”

African-Americans and Eastern European immigrants at the turn “Ragtime” also presented the plight of immigrants arriving in of the century to life.

America with the hope of achieving success, but often had nothing The production highlights an immediate contrast between the and endured hardship to earn a living. Curiano brought sincerity three groups; the suburban population appears to Tateh – a man with a hope for a better life in pristine white outfits, the immigrants dress in for his daughter and himself – who continues “Ragtime The Musical” dingy, dirty clothing and the African-Americans to retain hope, even when the odds are against wear colorful, but starkly different, costumes.

Knight Theater at Levine him.

Curiano’s dialect swept around his tenor The dress is culturally and historically accurate Center for the Arts, 430 S. voice during “Gliding,” taking the audience for the time, but also initiates the underlying difTryon St., Charlotte alongside his journey. ferences and tensions between the groups.

Rating: PG The production reflects today’s world affairs Despite any differences, characters in each and moves beyond the feel-good, lighthearted group realize they share a similar journey – Show times: Through Dec. 3 musical. at 7:30 p.m. each night. finding their identity and purpose.

Even with the political undertones, the proTicket cost: $29.50 to During Act I, Coalhouse Walker Jr. (played duction still brings talent and charisma to the

by Chris Sams) and Sarah (played by Leslie $84.50 stage with a powerful ensemble and standout Jackson) belt out “Wheels of A Dream,” which performances from Curiano, Jackson and Kate expresses a similar feeling amongst the disadTurner (who plays “Mother”). vantaged, non-white population of hoping for more. Coalhouse Jackson gave a heartfelt performance through her velvet voice in desires equal treatment as a black man in a white man’s world and “Your Daddy’s Son,” sharing the effects of a broken heart, while Tateh (played by Matthew Curiano), an immigrant, seeks to find Turner came into her own with “Back to Before,” when Mother the “American Dream,” but starts to believe it might only be true realizes she and “Father” no longer share the same mindset and for whites. the world continues to change.

Turner’s soprano voice brought a “I think my role is about choice,” Sams said before the perforunique, standout tone throughout the production, striking her as mance. “It’s about how you address double standards in the society a promising lead. and the justice system.”

“Ragtime” integrates history with appearances from Booker T. During Act I, Coalhouse seeks justice for a crime against him, Washington, anarchist Emma Goldman and immigrant-turnedbut is met with indifference from the justice system. He decides to star Harry Houdini, but also provides a meaningful conversation in take matters into his own hands in Act II. a tantalizing production that is relevant in the modern world.

by Courtney Schultz

Sarah (played by Leslie Jackson) and Coalhouse Walker Jr. (played by Chris Sams) share a moment during “Wheels of a Dream.”

Evelyn Nesbit (played by Jillian Van Niel) brings her quirky flavor as a model and seductress to the stage in “The Crime of the Century.”

Photos by Scott Suchman

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Page 4 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

Business Briefs Publix Super Markets Charities to support Second Harvest Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) recently announced it would donate $1.5 million to Feeding America, the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, and 12 member food banks across Publix’s operating area.

The donation will provide funding to assist in the transportation needs of the food banks, according to a news release. Food banks are in need of refrigerated trucks to transport

perishable items donated by food retailers.

Charlotte’s Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina – along with 11 other member food banks in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee – each will receive a $120,000 donation to acquire refrigerated trucks. The funding given to the 12 food banks will assist more than 4,800 agencies, the release said.

“We continue to hear about the need for fresh fruits, vegetables and dairy from Feeding America member food banks,” Carol Jenkins Barnett, president of Publix Super Markets Charities, said in the release. “Our foundation’s $1.5-million donation will help the food banks collect, safely transport and distribute even more wholesome, perishable foods to our local communities.”

Feeding America also will receive $60,000 toward its mission of feeding the hungry. Each

$1 donated to Feeding America provides 11 meals, and PSMC’s contribution will provide an additional 660,000 meals to individuals and families in need.

As part of the program, Publix Super Markets will donate a trailer load of food to Second Harvest and each of the additional 11 Feeding America food bank members, totaling more than $660,000. Each trailer donation will include 22 pallets of food items that are in high demand by food banks, including hams, jelly, peanut butter, green beans, fruit cocktail, long grain rice, pasta sauce, apple juice, strawberry fruit and grain bars, toasted oats cereal, whole gran spaghetti and light tuna.

Find more information at www.publixchari ties.org.

Publix has stores in the McKee Farms and Mint Hill Commons shopping centers, at 3110 Fincher Farm Road in Matthews and 6828

EMPLOYING FIVE PEOPLE MAY SOUND SMALL. EXCEPT TO THOSE FIVE PEOPLE. POWER TO THE SMALL.

Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill, respectively.

First Thursday in downtown to take on holiday theme Dec. 3 MATTHEWS – The Red Brick Partnership will host its monthly First Thursday event on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 5 p.m. in downtown Matthews.

December’s event will feature music, art and various food and drink items from downtown businesses. Attendees also can meet Santa and take photos with him and his elves from 6 to 8 p.m.

People also are encouraged to “break out the ugly Christmas sweaters” and enter a contest to win a Day of Matthews prize package, according to a news release.

Nonprofit singing group Charlotte Chorale will provide live entertainment throughout the event.

The Red Brick Partnership is a downtown organization created to promote local businesses and fuel economic development.

Find more information at the Red Brick Partnership’s Facebook page, or follow @MadeIn Matthews on Twitter.

Chamber Business After Hours set for Dec. 10 at Malak Jewelers MATTHEWS – The Matthews Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Business After Hours event will take place Dec. 10, a Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Malak Jewelers.

Business After Hours will feature food and beverages, along with networking opportunities. There is no fee to attend, but attendees are asked to RSVP to the Chamber office at 704-847-3649.

Malak Jewelers is located at 8042 Providence Road, suite 1000, in south Charlotte, near Matthews.

Ribbon cutting at Mint Hill Zaxby’s slated for Dec. 7

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MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the town’s new Zaxby’s restaurant.

The ribbon cutting will take place Monday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. at the restaurant, located in the Mint Hill Commons shopping center off Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Call the Chamber office at 704-573-8282 for more information.

Better Business Bureau launches Scam Tracker Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently launched its BBB Scam Tracker to provide a way for consumers across North America to report scams and fraud, and to warn others of “malicious or suspicious activities,” according to a news release.

The free, interactive online tool is available at www.bbb.org/scamtracker and offers a “heat map,” showing where scams are being reported.

People reporting Charlotte-area business scams can follow a four-step process to alert BBB of the issue: visit www.bbb.org/charlotte; click on the rotating “Report A Scam” button on the homepage; click on “Report a Scam;” and input scam details and click on “View Scams” to see the heat map in real time.

Send business news to josh@carolina weeklynewspapers.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

The Weekly

Community Spotlight

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission. He recently finished his 150th biweekly faith column for Carolina Weekly Newspapers.

Marciano is available to speak to church groups and other organizations. Find more information at www.charlotteresRev. Tony Marciano cuemission.org.

What led you to the Charlotte Rescue Mission?

In 1991, I prayed to God that if he loved me, he would never let me work in a rescue mission. Forgetting that prayer, two years later I began working at a rescue mission in Washington, D.C. While there, I interviewed at a Christian camp in Branson, Missouri for the president position. They had two candidates fly in the same day, stay in the same hotel room and eat at the same dining table later that night. When we returned to the hotel room, he said, “If you don’t get this job in Branson, I have a friend in Charlotte, North Carolina, that is on the board of a Christian Rehab Center.� He got

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 5 the job in Branson. I got the call to come to Charlotte. In 1996, I came as executive director of Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Tell us about the organization.

Everything we do is about transformation. We help people struggling with addiction by working from the inside out to address the root cause of why they abuse drugs and alcohol. As a Christian ministry, we also share the hope of God that is found in Jesus Christ. Ultimately, we want our graduates gainfully employed having a place of their own to live.

Do you have a favorite memory of the Charlotte Rescue Mission?

My favorite memory is when someone realizes that God’s love is for them and them alone. It’s as if a light goes on in their soul.

Their eyes shine. They know their past does not define them. Their best days lay ahead.

This happens over and over.

What are the organization's biggest needs?

Prayer. Addiction is ultimately fatal.

When someone quits on themselves and walks out of the rescue mission, they can die from their abusing drugs and alcohol.

What's an interesting fact about you most people might not know?

I love to be in front of an audience or a camera. It’s what gives me energy.

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Page 6 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

WWW.MATTHEWSMINTHILLWEEKLY.COM

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

Editorial WWW.UNIONCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM

Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Business Editor Josh Whitener Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Dr. Mark Harris WWW.THECHARLOTTEWEEKLY.COM

Advertising

News Briefs Matthews Playhouse to perform ‘Scrooge the Musical’ Dec. 4-20 MATTHEWS – Performers with the Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will present their stage production of “Scrooge the Musical.” The show is based on the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.”

Performances take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 4 to 20 at various times. Tickets cost $10 to $15. All performances take place at Fullwood Theater, part of the Matthews Community Center, at 100 McDowell St. Find dates, times and ticket information at www.matthewsplayhouse.com.

Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson Andrea Mounts

Business Publisher Jonathan McElvy Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling

Design Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Matthews Playhouse will present “Scrooge the Musical” on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 4 to 20.

Matthews Heritage Museum looking for docents, volunteers MATTHEWS – The Matthews Heritage Museum is looking for docents and tour guides for the upcoming year. New training classes will begin in January.

Guides will learn the history of Matthews, from its early settlers to present day, and share those stories with museum visitors. Volunteers

are asked to work three-hour shifts when tours are scheduled. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday. Volunteers are needed for morning or afternoon shifts once a month.

Training will take place on Thursdays in January, from 10 a.m. to noon. Ongoing training will take place on the first Thursday of the month throughout the year.

Call 704-708-4996 to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Matthews Heritage Museum is located at 232 N. Trade St.

Mint Hill Times news to remain open under new ownership MINT HILL – After announcing the Mint Hill Times newspaper would close on Nov. 17, the paper announced the following week it would remain open under new ownership.

Kevin Randall, Alison Randall, Richard Shaw and Jennifer Shaw bought the publication and will begin publishing the paper on Dec. 10.

“We are excited because Kevin and Rick have an enormous enthusiasm for community newspapers and bring a wealth of experience of the newspaper printing business,” said editor and publisher Laura Smithwick on the paper’s Facebook page. “They have more than 60 years of combined experience working with magazines, graphics, newspapers and printing. They are co-owners of a graphics and sign company that will be moving to Mint Hill soon. They both enjoy small-town living because of the close friendships and common bonds this type of community provides.”

Email news@minthilltimes.com for more information.

Sign ups now open for MARA winter track and field program MATTHEWS – Sign up is open for individuals wanting to participate in Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association winter track and field program, which will begin in January. Participants will learn running techniques along with nutrition, leadership skills and teamwork.

The program will begin Jan. 5, 2016 with practices every Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The program is open to individuals 8 to 14 years old and costs $135 per athlete for 10 sessions, as well as a track meet at the end of the

season at Butler High School. Every participant will receive a T-shirt as part of their uniform.

Visit www.marasports.org for more information and to register.

The Weekly

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I am confident that I am not the only lifelong conservative Republican that is happy to see you both go. My only wish is that it would have been before you participated in transforming the state in the most damaging ways.

My family and I left New York 18 years ago to escape the stranglehold progressive liberals had on the state, and the ever increasing burden of taxes, with the elimination of local government control. Sound familiar, but who would have guessed that the progressive liberals in North Carolina would be Republicans?

You are leaving this state in a mess. The education system is one of the worst in the country, teachers are the poorest paid in most of the country, we have some of the worst roads and bridges in America, except of course in Raleigh.

Tax increases are the norm, while legitimate benefits for unemployment are taken away so you, the legislature can repay the federal government because you did not charge employers enough, a problem you still have not fixed.

You have not addressed the Department of Labor issue, which continues to favor employers in every instance, nor have you forced the small businesses to carry Workmanship Compensation Insurance, which is required by law. Seemingly you were too busy passing billboard legislation and other local building zoning control than taking care of teachers, roads, and North Carolina laborers.

My hope will be that we are able to elect some honest, sincere, statespeople who will attempt to do the work of the people, and not become so enthralled with their own importance that they lose sight of the mission.

Ken Randall Matthews We want to hear from you! Send letters to the editor to hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers. com. Letters must not exceed 300 words.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 7

Opinion

Road Wars: Leaders to fight for CRTPO control

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Elected leaders in Lake Norman are so desperate to stop the Interstate 77 Express Lanes project, they are willing to wreck relationships with Charlotte and its neighboring towns.

State legislators Jeff Tarte and Charles Jeter recently Justin Vick headlined a summit about the publicly panned project, which involves adding lanes from uptown Charlotte to Mooresville that commuters pay to drive on.

Perhaps fueled by the incoming election year, Jeter told those attending the summit that he plans to submit legislation that would weaken Charlotte’s vote on the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO). After all, the CRTPO approved a long-range plan that included the I-77 Express Lanes project.

What Jeter is proposing is like using a spoon to comb your hair. At least use a fork!

Right idea, wrong solution

Jeter is targeting the CRTPO for good reason.

Nick Tennyson, state transportation director, is-

sued a statement on behalf of the governor’s office that the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) would be willing to work with Lake Norman leaders if the CRTPO voted to cancel the project.

The CRTPO consists of representatives from 21 cities and towns in Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties, with votes weighted by population. Charlotte has 31 votes, while the larger towns such as Matthews and Indian Trail each have two votes. Smaller towns, such as Pineville and Mint Hill, each have one vote.

Would Charlotte having fewer votes make a difference?

No, considering projects are prioritized by a formula and vetted by a less-publicized technical committee comprised of planners or administrators from each town.

The I-77 Express Lanes project was included in a long-range plan. The CRTPO approved the plan not because of Charlotte’s voting block. The plan was framed as an all-or-nothing vote.

Members were told they had to vote “yes or no” for the entire plan. They were not allowed to change the project list.

Had the CRTPO rejected the plan, dozens of road projects would have been delayed throughout Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties and possibly other transportation divisions.

In this context, Charlotte took the best course of action for the region.

Had the CRTPO been allowed to remove the I-77 project from the plan, I believe its members,

including Charlotte, would have done so.

What’s next?

The best thing Jeter and Tarte can do is encourage the CRTPO to seek the flexibility to pull out individual projects from long-range plans if they hurt multiple counties or towns.

You don’t want Charlotte vetoing a Matthews project due to politics and vice versa, but the CRTPO ought to line-item veto a project that adversely affects multiple counties or towns.

A line-item veto also would prevent latebreaking developments that turn a project sour.

In I-77’s case, the NCDOT negotiated with the developer.

The NCDOT maintains managed lanes have a longer lifespan than general-purpose lanes.

And a public-private partnership was the fastest way to get relief for I-77 (Express Lanes projects planned for I-485 and U.S. 74 won’t be funded this way).

Lake Norman leaders accepted this because they were sold the same all-or-nothing scenario.

They were told I-77 wouldn’t get extra lanes for many years without tolls. So they supported the project.

As details of the public-private partnership began to emerge, however, a growing number of people became concerned that the contract wouldn’t allow for future improvements to I-77.

The NCDOT should better address those concerns. If the population grows to a point when commuters can no longer drive 45 to 50

miles per hour in Express Lanes, then it’s time to add capacity to I-77.

Lake Norman residents have convinced their leaders to cancel the project. Leaders must now sell the rest of the region on why it’s in our best interests to cancel the project.

How much will it cost to break the contract since construction on the I-77 project has already started? How are we going to pay for it? These questions have to be addressed.

Once the dust settles, elected leaders in all three counties need to stop jockeying for position and start working together to get more transportation and infrastructure issues framed in a way that benefits the region.

The Weekly

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Page 8 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Envisioning the future of East John Street Town expects road improvements to lure developers

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MATTHEWS – Matthews is encouraging residents to start thinking about what the East John Street corridor could look like before road and utility improvements make the land more desirable to developers.

The town held an open house Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Matthews town hall to gauge the public’s tastes.

Planning Director Kathy Ingrish told residents that Matthews doesn’t know when development will occur in the corridor, but the Justin Vick/MMHW photo town wants to establish a community vision York City. when it does.

About 28,000 vehicles per day travel on The feedback will guide a stakeholder East John Street, according to the town. Esgroup in creating the East John Street Small timates have that increasing to 45,000 veArea Plan. The town has created similar hicles per day in two decades. plans in recent years for Monroe Road and The N.C. Departthe Family Entertainment of TransportaLet your voice be heard ment District. tion has identified road Such plans guide Residents are encouraged to go to projects to cut down developers in pitching www.surveymonkey.com/r/E_John_ on the congestion: projects that are in harSAP to take a survey about potential • A new road from mony with surrounding development at East John Street. QuesEast John Street to tions are as follows: land uses.

Campus Ridge Road Leaders are looking • How often do you drive on the section will improve access at property along East of E. John Street between I-485 and the to Central Piedmont John Street, between Mecklenburg-Union County line?

Interstate 485 and the • How do you use this section of E. John Community College.

• The NCDOT Union County line, and Street? will widen East John extending to the CSX • How long do you usually spend in traf- Street/Old Monroe railroad tracks. The fic during rush hour on this section of E. Road, from downtown study area is shaped like John Street? to Sun Valley High the state of Kansas.

School, to four lanes.

• How close do you live to this section of Those 418 acres con• The I-485 and East E. John Street? sists of 23 buildings, inJohn Street interchange • Using the scale below, identify how cluding 19 single-family will become a partial important you feel each given type of homes. cloverleaf, eliminating land use is to this study area.

Most of the land is zoned for single-family • Should new development in the study left-turns.

• The I-485 Express area be designed to protect and enhomes, with some idenLanes project will hance the existing tree canopy and/or tified for light indusadd a managed lane other environmentally sensitive spots? trial uses. But the town in each direction that wouldn’t be surprised • How should the land fronting E. John commuters can pay to to see interest from de- Street that backs up to existing singledrive 45 to 50 miles family neighborhoods (Brightmoor, velopers about rezoning the land for multi-fami- Matthews Plantation, Eastwood Forest) per hour on.

Town leaders expect be developed? ly and commercial uses. such improvements, Ingrish told residents • If you could wave a magic wand and particularly the East attending the open make any new development you want John Street widening, appear in this study area, what would house that Matthews to lure developers. it be? may be become destinaThe open house tion for Baby Boomers served as a forum to and Millennials, two gauge residents on what kind of housing, age groups that don’t have a need for a big office development and green space they’d house in a big yard. like to see.

The area could also attract public transMatthews will continue collecting feedportation, as the Charlotte Area Transit Sysback through an online survey until Dec. tem continues studying the Independence 20.

A stakeholder group will consider the Boulevard corridor from Uptown Charlotte survey results as they determine a goals and to downtown Matthews for potential bus vision for the area. and commuter rail options.

The public will have a chance to weigh in Residents were asked what forms of pubagain in May before staff formally presents lic transportation they’d prefer to see in the the East John Street Small Area Plan to town area. Light rail, traditional bus and commutcommissioners in July.

Commissioners may er rail received a lot of support, while bullet hold a public hearing in August. trains and monorails received the most dislikes. One resident expressed approval of a bullet train only if the destination was New

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 9

‘Scrooge’ hits the stage this weekend at Matthews Playhouse didn’t know or see before,” she said. “(‘A Christmas Carol’) is such a gorgeous story … that incorporates so many different things.”

For Chris Osborn and his 13-year-old daughter, Ella, it’s a chance for father/daughter bonding. Osborn, a south Charlotte atMATTHEWS – For the first time in 17 years, Matthews torney, was involved in theater during his college years, but hasn’t Playhouse of the Performing Arts will revisit one of the most wellhad a chance to dust off his thespian skills in quite a while. Ella known and loved holiday stories of all time: the story of Ebenezer has recently participated in several classes Scrooge. and camps at Matthews Playhouse, so The nonprofit theater’s stage producWant to go? the father/daughter duo decided to audition of “Scrooge the Musical” will pretion together.

Matthews Playhouse will host performances miere Friday, Dec. 4, with a 7:30 p.m. of “Scrooge the Musical” this weekend on: “I wanted to be a part of something performance. The show will run through with her,” Osborn said. “I love how evDec. 20, a Sunday, with multiple week• Friday, Dec. 4, at 7:30 p.m. ery now and then I can glance over and end performances.

• Saturday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. see what she’s doing and how hard she’s Matthews Playhouse first produced • Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. working …

It’s been fun to experience “Scrooge the Musical” in 1996, and together.”

The show will run through Dec. 20, with peragain two years later. Playhouse founder Osborn will play the iconic title charJune Bayless, director of this year’s pro- formances at different times on subsequent Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. acter – a cruel and grouchy miser who duction, said it seemed fitting to revisit undergoes a holiday epiphany after revisthe beloved classic during the nonprofit’s Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for students iting his past and getting a glimpse into 20th holiday season. and senior citizens and $10 for kids 10 years his potential future. old and younger.

“It’s a great family show – not too long, “What I love about it is it’s such a renot too short. The music is fantastic; it’s a Tickets are $10 each for anyone in a group of demptive story,” Osborn said. “It’s hard well-known story, (and) everybody loves 10 or more on Dec. 6 only. not to get in touch with someone who’s it,” Bayless said.

All performances take place at Fullwood irritable, grouchy and fearful, (but) I’m The show is a musical retelling of Theater, part of the Matthews Community much more excited about the last third Charles Dickens’s 19th-century novella, Center, located at 100 McDowell St. of it when (Scrooge) starts to come “A Christmas Carol,” which has been Find more information, including a list of around and wake up to be himself.” adapted numerous times throughout the show dates and times, and purchase tickets Ella, who plays one of the “Urchins,” years. Those familiar with the show will online at www.matthewsplayhouse.com. will have fun running around and makrecognize songs like “I Like Life,” “Haping fun of her dad onstage – in character, piness” and “Thank You Very Much.” of course.

And those unfamiliar with the musical will likely be sucked into “It’s a fun thing to get into, to run around and stir up trouble,” the story, Bayless said, as the 32 performers – from 7 to 70 years Ella said. “I’ve never been in an actual play with someone in my old – take the stage. family, and I’ve never been in a big play before … It’s got a lot of “Anytime you retell a story, you find new parts to it that you

by Josh Whitener

josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

“getting fit &

upbeat, energetic stuff – it’s very full of life.”

Bayless said people planning to attend the show can expect to see “out-of-this-world” costumes, talented performers of all ages and quality, family-friendly entertainment.

“It’s suitable for all ages, young children through adults,” she said. “… There’s a lot of love on stage amongst the characters, the music and the dancing.”

Photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse

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Page 10 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Bill Brawley signs paperwork to run for re-election Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections in Charlotte. Brawley seeks his fourth term in the N.C. House of Representatives.

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The biggest battles in Raleigh this legislative session might not be between Republicans and Democrats, but among those representing the state’s rural and urban areas.

Bill Brawley acknowledges a growing urban and rural divide in North Carolina. He has unique insight into the rift, considering he represents two small towns in the state’s most urban county in the N.C. House of Representatives.

Brawley believes the state must do what it can to help rural areas that have sustained economic damage from declining industries, but legislators have to be fair about it.

Brawley, a commercial real estate broker from Matthews, signed paperwork Tuesday, Dec. 1, to campaign in 2016 for a fourth term in the N.C. House. He represents District 103, which consists of Matthews, Mint Hill and a slither of eastern Charlotte.

Driving legislation

Brawley’s biggest legislative achievement, the Strategic Transportation Investments Act, was signed into state law in 2013.

Proponents said the act took politics out of transportation funding in an attempt to better connect rural communities to urban areas.

The act provides a formula to evaluate funding for statewide, regional and division transportation projects based on criteria such as benefit cost, congestion, safety, pavement condition and lane width.

Since that landmark legislation, Brawley’s district has had seven projects added to the State Transportation Improvement Program and 10 projects earning funding. That amounts to about $308.5 million in newly funded projects anticipated to begin construction from 2016 to 2025.

“These roads were rated for how important they were in improving transportation in North Carolina,” Brawley said. “And some of them, particularly U.S. 74, have been on the plan since 1989.”

Brawley never imagined he’d get the chance to work on anything as important as that bill again.

Then came a plan out of the N.C. Senate to redistribute sales tax dollars away from the counties they were generated in favor of rural areas. Brawley was among the most vocal legislators against the effort and received praise from local leaders for blocking the legislation.

“Matthews, Mint Hill and Mecklenburg County would have been hurt very badly,” Brawley said. “And all the property tax in Mecklenburg County would have had to go up a lot. It just wasn’t fair.”

Putting in work

The N.C. House will reconvene April 25, 2016, but assuming leadership in the finance and appropriations committees will require Brawley to continue meeting with stakeholders heading into the next session.

He anticipates working at least four days a month in Raleigh.

Being involved in the N.C. House can take a toll. The amount of free time Brawley spends on his real estate career has dwindled considerably with each term.

“When we’re in session, it can take you 50 to 60 hours a week,” Brawley said of the legislature. “When we’re out of session, it usually can take 20 to 30 hours at a minimum if you’re really involved and trying to make things happen.”

Brawley sponsored 36 bills during the 201516 session. Of those, he was the primary sponsor of 21. Thirteen of the bills he sponsored became state law.

Last year, the North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research ranked him as the 19th most effective state representative.

Brawley attributes his effectiveness to preparation.

“A lot of people will concentrate on particular areas of the budget,” Brawley said. “As a finance chair, everything that has revenue coming in, I have to be conversant with what’s going on.”

After defeating Democrat Ann Newman for his District 103 seat in 2010, Brawley ran unopposed in 2012 and 2014. He enters 2016 with no opponents, though challengers have until Dec. 21 to enter the race.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 11

The Weekly

Education Briefs

The CMPD gave students wallet-sized pamphlets that directly outlined their rights with the police. Students also were encouraged to go on a “ride along” with police officers and to take advantage of the opportunities that CMPD has for students.

Elizabeth Lane Elementary to collect books during December MATTHEWS – Elizabeth Lane Elementary School will collect new books for its sister school, Thomasboro Academy, a CMS Title I school in Charlotte.

The school’s goal is to have each child take home a new book for winter break. Last year, the school exceeded its goal of 150 books per grade level.

Elizabeth Lane suggests shopping for affordable books at Target, Walmart, Costco and Barnes & Noble, according to its school newsletter.

The project fits with Elizabeth Lane’s monthly character trait. The trait for December is caring.

Elizabeth Lane is located at 121 Elizabeth Lane in Matthews.

CMPD visits Independence for community conversation MINT HILL – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Kerr Putney and Shaun Corbett, of the Cops and Barbers community group, visited Independence High School on Nov. 16 to talk with civics and economics students.

The event taught students CMPD’s role in the community; what students’ personal rights are under the law; and encouraged students to participate in the CMPD Cadet Program.

Photo courtesy of Lauren Schultz

CMPD Chief Kerr Putney talked with Independence students about the police department’s role in the community and students’ rights during a police stop.

Providence High student earns Matthews Playhouse scholarship MATTHEWS – Eliza Lieberman, a junior at Providence High School, is the inaugural recipient of the Matthews Playhouse Alumni Scholarship from the Matthews Playhouse of Performing Arts.

The scholarship is awarded to one high school student in either the Senior Musical Theatre Company or the Senior Acting Company to cover full tuition for the year-long class.

“This individual will have shown a strong desire to further their education in the Theatre Arts at Matthews Playhouse and has demon-

strated a commitment to living out the organization’s mission to enrich the lives of children, adults, and families by introducing them to the joy and power of live theater,” read a news release.

“This scholarship is intended to recognize a student who Eliza Lieberman has demonstrated leadership abilities both in and out of class, and who goes above and beyond what is required.”

Eliza has taken drama classes at the playhouse and worked as a camp counselor for the summer theater programs, as well as assists with marketing and administrative duties during the year.

The fund was established by Matthews Playhouse alumni and runs alongside the Courtney Ballard Memorial Scholarship Fund, which affords any student the ability to participate in a class or summer camp.

Contact 704-846-8343 or visit www.matthewsplayhouse.com for more information.

Danis named nonprofit MeckEd’s new president MecEd, a nonprofit advocacy group for CMS, announced Ross Danis, previously president and CEO of Newark Trust for Education, as its new president, effective Dec. 1.

Danis has served as a teacher, school principal, district administrator, foundation program director and university dean, according to a news release. He also served as the inaugural

president and CEO of the Newark Trust for Education, an independent organization dedicated to ensuring a quality public education for all children in Newark, New Jersey.

“I am honored by this opportunity to serve the CharlotteMecklenburg comRoss Danis munity, and I am looking forward to joining the board and staff of MeckEd, as we work together to ensure an excellent public education for all children,” Danis said in the release.

Ross has served as an appointee to the education task forces, commissions and education policy teams of four New Jersey governors and five education commissioners.

He recently served as one of the nine members of the Teacher Effectiveness Task Force appointed by Governor Chris Christie, and developed an evaluation system that holds teachers accountable for student outcomes.

“Ross’ fresh perspective, coupled with his extensive background in education, experience advocating for public schools in a large urban district, and his energy and entrepreneurial spirit will truly serve our community well,” MeckEd’s Board Chair Richard Nichols said in the release.

MeckEd uses Coleman Lew + Associates to conduct a national search.

Send education news to courtney@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Healthier together Sign up now for classes and events, or visit NovantHealth.org/localevents Preparing to parent a baby Dec. 10, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Learn the necessary tools to parent a newborn, including styles of parenting, bonding, sleep techniques, scheduling and self-care. Parents should attend during the last three months of pregnancy. $15 for individual, $25 per couple.

Registration required: 704-384-4949

Girlology: Conversations that Matter

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Dec. 13, 1 to 3 p.m.

Dec. 13, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

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For fourth and fifth grade boys and their dads. When boys learn about puberty before it happens, they face it with greater confidence and even excitement. This is the perfect time to start healthy, factual conversations. $75 per parent-child pair. Registration required: girlology.com

Be prepared if you are having a hysterectomy or considering having one. Learn about the hospital experience and what to expect during recovery.

Support person is welcome. $10. Registration required.

Dec. 15, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Learn everything you need to know about getting a good start with breastfeeding. Expectant mothers are encouraged to bring their partner, support person or family member.

Taught by a board-certified lactation consultant. $30 Novant Health (support person attends free).

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Presbyterian Medical Center 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte Registration required.

Novant Health 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte Novant Health Novant Health Matthews Presbyterian Medical Center Presbyterian Medical Center Medical Center 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews For fourth and fifth grade girls and their moms. When girls learn about puberty before it happens, they face it with greater confidence. $75 per parent-child pair. Registration required: girlology.com

Take control of your health with our innovative, online tools. Visit MyNovant.org and schedule your own doctor’s appointment today.

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

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www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 12 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Student Spotlight

Education

Butler student elected as Panthers community captain

Rocky River girls learn to prevent cancer

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MATTHEWS – The Carolina Panthers recognize 10 high school student-athletes in the Carolinas during their 2015 season through the Carolina Panthers Community Captain program, and Butler High School senior Avery Lewis was among the members.

The program recognizes outstanding high school student-athletes in North and South Carolina, who excel in their sport, the classroom and community.

“The Carolina Panthers are pleased to recognize this year’s Community Captains. They are an exceptional group of high school studentathletes and leaders in their school communities,” Riley Fields, Carolina Panthers director of community relations, said in a release. “Our hope is these outstanding young men and women will continue to positively impact others through their leadership and service as they grow personally in college and into adulthood.”

Lewis was honored at the Nov. 22 home football game against the Washington Redskins and received a personalized Carolina Panthers game ball.

The senior has played on the girls’ varsity lacrosse at her school, as well as on local and travel lacrosse teams. She has maintained a 3.8 GPA and is currently taking six honors and advanced placement (AP) courses.

Lewis also has logged more than 700 volunteer hours through her involvement in Young

Life and the Special Olympics, as well as serves as an active member of her school’s student council and the student-athlete advisory council with the North Carolina High School Students Athletic Association. She also has earned the Congressional Award, the United States Congress’s highest award for youth who have given hundreds of hours of service to their communities, along with her sister Mackenzie Lewis.

“Avery defines the term ‘student-athlete’ as she excels in both the classroom and the athletic field,” said Butler Principal John LeGrand. “David W. Butler High School is blessed to have her and is proud of her daily contributions to our school and our community.”

Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

Rocky River High School female students participated in an ambassador program to learn about cancer prevention and share their knowledge with the community.

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Photo courtesy of Amy Lewis

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MINT HILL – Rocky River High School students might be part of helping end cancer, thanks to a program with Carolina HealthCare’s Levine Cancer Institute.

Twelve Rocky River juniors and seniors participated in the inaugural Levine Cancer Institute (LCI) Cancer Ambassador program.

Over 12 weeks, students learned about cancer prevention, such as tobacco cessation, nutrition, stress and exercise.

“When the Levine Cancer Institute approached us, we knew we wanted to do it because we always support community partner,” said Assistant Principal Jennifer Clark.

Clark selected students who were active in the school to participate and enter an application process.

The ambassadors met each Monday during school hours to eliminate any restraints on participation because of time or travel.

“The goal is to promote cancer prevention and get them talking about it early,” said Eren Simpson, program coordinator and cancer program development specialist. “I think when you’re younger, you think about things like nutrition and exercise as not ‘trendy’ per say, but just things you’re supposed to be doing. So, to know that the reason we need to eat these vegetables is because the antioxidants and the vitamins keep me healthy in the long term and seeing that cancer prevention element is really what’s going to stick.”

She hopes the lessons will create a better relationship between teens and nutrition, as they learn that a healthy lifestyle can hold more benefits than just weight loss.

Clark insisted that the program also include a service component and project-based learning, so the ambassador hosted a stress-free retreat before the Thanksgiving holiday.

The 12 ambassadors hosted a yoga retreat for a select group of junior and senior girls on Nov. 24 to teach students about stress-eliminating methods, particularly as final exams approach.

Senior ambassador Jayden Bookard said they hosted a stress-free retreat because they learned how stress can lead to cancer. They also witness how their peers often experience stress.

She said Rocky River doesn’t come together as a school community often and the retreat was a chance to build community.

“We wanted to have outreach and get everyone involved,” said senior Jordan Soares, an ambassador. “We wanted to teach them about taking care of yourself.”

The retreat intentionally only included upperclassmen so they can influence underclassmen, said senior ambassador Anisa Blackwell.

“With the high schoolers, we asked them, ‘What struck a cord with you?’ and what they wanted to do for their classmates to continue that grassroots effort and to teach kids prevention,” said Simpson. “We figure that as it starts when they’re younger, as they get older, hopefully, they’ll be less at risk and their families will be less at risk because they know what to do.”

Clark felt the program was important to teach the students about self-awareness and health knowledge they can take with them into adulthood.

Principal Brandy Nelson believes the program not only provided health-conscious advice, but leadership skills.

“This is an opportunity to see the girls leading others and building skills that they’ll use now and when they graduate,” Nelson said.

The program has since generated greater interest at Rocky River and LCI will host another ambassadors program in the spring. The fall and spring ambassadors plan to coordinate a school-wide assembly to discuss breast cancer prevention.

LCI welcomes other high schools to participate in the ambassador program. Contact mel lisa.wheeler@carolinashealthcare.org.

“Our boss says that our goal is to put ourselves out of work by eliminating cancer one day,” Simpson said. “So, if we start now with the kids, we’re going to be the ones to make the influence later and this is the way to do it.”

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 13

Faith

What it means to be thankful through all stages of life

by Dr. Mark Harris mark.harris@charlottefbc.org

From Nov. 1 to 10, our family experienced two deaths and one birth.

While these experiences definitely put us on an emotional rollercoaster of sadness and joy, we saw many blessings in the midst of each one. In the two deaths, we experienced the blessing of lives lived to the fullest, and Dr. Mark Harris despite the disease process that ultimately claimed our loved ones, their passage through death to heaven was peaceful and they were surrounded by their loved ones.

The birth of our grandson was a joyous event with friends and family in the waiting room.

Through difficult process of labor and delivery, expert medical professionals surrounded our daughter-in-law with the ability to save her life should things have gone drastically wrong. In 10 exhausting days, we lived the extremes of human emotion.

Yet all of these processes fell in the natural order of things. Elderly parents must pass on some day.

Grown children will experience the joy of becoming parents themselves and parents gain the joy of becoming grandparents.

On Friday, Nov. 13, hundreds of families got the devastating news that their precious loved ones were taken from them suddenly, unnaturally and

violently by terrorists.

St. Augustine, in his “Confessions,” states that sins of violence and vice originate from the lust for power and the gratification of the corrupt nature.

This perfectly captures the sick narcissism of the sponsors of terror, who entice women and children to blow themselves up and delight in filming the most barbaric acts for display to the world on social media. It was impossible not to contrast the lives of my loved ones with the lives of those suffering under the tyranny of ISIS. It was impossible not to recognize what a blessing it is to live in a peaceful, stable society. It was impossible not to cry out to God for relief for the suffering of so many around the world.

As Thanksgiving season surrounds us, go ahead and be busy with food preparation, shopping plans, and thoughts of the joy of the holiday season. But also take a moment to stop and reflect on the meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday. It commemorates the peaceful interaction of two very different groups and reminds us of the highest and best in humanity. It reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices made by so many of our ancestors to build the nation we now call home.

Most of all, Thanksgiving reminds us to stop and thank our Creator for all of the blessings in our lives. Augustine recognized that forgetting God was the root of all violence, when “each of us proudly sets his heart on some one part of your creation instead of on the whole.”

Step back, see the big picture, and be thankful.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34

Blair Road.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Christ Covenant to hold Christmas Concert Dec. 6

Christmas celebrations at First Baptist Matthews MATTHWS – First Baptist Church Matthews will hold a Christmas worship celebration on Dec. 13, a Sunday, at 6 p.m. at the church. The event will include performances from the choir, orchestra and praise band. The church also will hold a Christmas Eve service on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Visit www.christmasat matthews.com for more information.

First Baptist Church Matthews is located at 185 S. Trade St.

Live nativity, Christmas Eve services at Blair Road UMC MINT HILL – Blair Road United Methodist Church will feature a live nativity on Dec. 13, a Sunday, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to drop in at any point during the two-hour time span and take pictures and pet the live animals. Hot chocolate will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

The church also will hold Christmas Eve services on Dec. 24. The contemporary service will be held at 5 p.m. in the church’s Family Life Center. A traditional service will follow in the sanctuary at 7 p.m.

Blair Road UMC is located at 9135

MATTHEWS – Christ Covenant Church will hold its annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature the church’s sanctuary choir, the Christ Covenant Children’s Choir, Covenant Day School choirs and the church’s symphony orchestra. The concert is free and open to the public.

The church also will hold a Birthday Party with Jesus for kids outreach event on Dec. 12, a Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will include story time, songs, crafts, face painting, balloon animals and cookies to decorate. The event is free and open to the public. Volunteers are needed.

Christ Covenant is located at 800 Fullwood Lane.

Advent workshop at Saint Luke Catholic on Saturday MINT HILL – Saint Luke Catholic Church will hold an advent workshop on Saturday, Dec. 5, in the church’s Family Life Center. The workshop will discuss the details of Jesus’s birth, what Hollywood portrays about the event, as well as what the Bible says.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. with coffee, juice and bagels. The workshop will run from 9 a.m. to noon.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own Bible. Church Deacon.

Saint Luke Catholic is located at 13700 Lawyers Road.

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Page 14 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Matthews business owner blossoms in floral, produce market “I remember he said, ‘You know, you can come back and do this afterward if you want. You can be part of the family business.’ I knew it was a great idea. I knew it’s what I wanted to do,” she said.

Since taking over, Williams has helped turn the land into a viable MATTHEWS – It was a chilly November morning when I met resource for Matthews that would make generations of the RenPressly Blackley Williams, resident farmer at Renfrow Farms, by a frow family proud. During the growing season, Renfrow Farms patch of winter squash and collards tucked away on West Charles offers non-GMO, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables ranging from Street. Her hands were ice cold as she’d been out all morning, eggplant to bok choy.

Stop in Moe’s Barbecue downtown and orchecking on her produce and rows of soil where wildflowers would der the collards to taste a bit of Williams’ produce. start popping up in March.

She’s also found a niche in floral arrangWe walked around the farm, which sits ing and gardening. When she stood on the just three miles from Williams’s childhood Renfrow Farms grounds of her farm in September 2014 to home, and I noticed a stillness in the air, 409 W. Charles St. celebrate her wedding day, she held a fresh away from the buzzing of cellphones and Farm stand open Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to bouquet of wildflowers she grew and ardull hum of gridlock traffic I’ve grown used 2 p.m. ranged herself. to in Ballantyne. It was quiet. I was remindwww.renfrowfarms.com She now offers full-service design for ed of my childhood years – running through renfrowfarm@gmail.com weddings and will offer buckets of blooms rows of corn on my grandparents farm at the for do-it-yourself brides from May to Octoedge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. ber.

Each bucket will contain a mixture of focal and filler flowers “This is where I got married,” she said. “It was beautiful.” grown by Williams; she already has a handful of weddings booked It made sense. Williams has been a part of the Renfrow family for 2016. her whole life and the unassuming farmland is as down-to-earth “It’s a lot of hard work,” she said. “When I first started doing it, as she is. Her father, David Blackley, purchased the century-old I asked myself, ‘Do I really want to do this? I know I can, but do Renfrow Hardware Store in downtown Matthews from Frank I want to?’

But I realized there isn’t really anywhere else in the area Renfrow, the last generation in the Renfrow family, in the 1980s. doing it and I want to help girls have their dream wedding day like When Renfrow died in 2010, he left the store – and nine acres of I did – and get to be part of the process.” land where the farm now sits – to Blackley.

As our conversation ended, I got in my car and headed up In“I guess we could’ve sold it or put apartments up or something,” terstate 485, surrounded by other frustrated drivers speeding to Williams said. “But we decided to turn it into a farm like it was in their next destination.

My phone began ringing and beeping with the 1900s. It’s what made sense.” emails.

Williams has worked at the hardware store since sixth grade, I couldn’t help but think, “Pressly is doing something right.” when she would head downtown after the final bell and sell seeds “I’m not trying to make work my life,” she said. “But when you and gardening supplies to customers that have supported the lolive on the land, it is your life, and there’s something nice about cal business for generations. Midway through her college career at that.”

North Carolina State as she was pursuing an engineering degree for “practicality,” she received a call from her dad.

by Hannah Chronis

hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Annual Godly Women’s Mission

You are cordially invited to attend

“Christmas Potpourri” A one-hour choral concert featuring music of the season

Presented by

The Union Chorale

With Harpist, Handbells, Flutist, and Soloists

Friday, December 11, 2015 - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 12, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.

Stallings United Methodist Church 1115 Stallings Road / Stallings, NC 28104 Holiday Refreshments will be served

Admission is free.

Fundraiser

Photos by E.A. Decker Photography

Levine Center

Breakfast Fundraiser

Friday, Dec. 4 1pm-7pm

Saturday, Dec. 5 8am-11:30am

Bazaar • Crafts • Baked Goods Sports Memorabilia Auction ...and more!

Mint Hill Masonic Lodge 10224 Lawyers Rd Mint Hill, NC 28227

Saturday, December 5th 8:00AM - 11:00AM

Purchase your tickets at the Levine Senior Center or by phone using MasterCard or Visa.

Tickets are $10 per person.

Children 12 and under $7.

For additional information, contact Sandy McReynolds at 704-238-1555

All proceeds from this annual benefit support local VETERANS and CHILDREN in need.

Levine Senior Center 1050 DeVore Lane Matthews 704-846-4654

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

The Weekly

Calendar December

4

First Friday Food Truck and Movie Night

The event will include popcorn, refreshments and vendors from local food trucks.

Attendees should bring a “comfortable” chair.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m., and the movie “Gremlins” will begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free. Find more information at www.mat thewsfun.com.

Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

4

Intake for annual Litaker Exhibit

Mint Hill Arts is opening its annual Litaker Exhibit, held each December, to all local artists – including members of Mint Hill Arts and nonmembers. The show is juried and will include prizes for the winners. Categories include water media; photography; painting – oils, acrylics and pastels; 3-D artwork; and other visual arts, including mixed media, drawing, graphics, alcohol inks, textiles and more. Artwork will remain on display through December and January. Find entry rules and guidelines at www.minthillarts.org.

4 to 6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday; Mint Hill Arts, 11205 Lawyers Road, suite A, Mint Hill

5

Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting

The event will include crafts, carriage rides, entertainment, caricature artists, food vendors, interactive displays, photos and more.

Santa will arrive and light the tree, accompanied by pyrotechnics. Find more information at www.matthewsfun.com.

3 to 6 p.m.; Matthews Town Green, 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews

5

Matthews Winter Farmers Market

The winter market is open every Saturday through April 16, 2016, except Dec. 26, rain or shine, and features a variety of local produce, arts and crafts, baked goods, plants and live music. Find more information at www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com 8 to 10 a.m.; Matthews Farmers Market, 188 N. Trade St., Matthews

5

Live Nativity

Matthews United Methodist Church will host a live nativity, featuring jazz reflections with Tyris Washington & Friends. Find more information at www.matthewsumc.org, or call 704-847-6261.

4, 5 and 6 p.m.; Matthews UMC, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews

5

Holiday Stroll and Treasure Hunt

Visitors can stroll through luminary-lined streets of downtown Matthews for “special holiday treats,” prizes ands shopping opportunities.

Maps will be available in the Matthews Chamber office, along with treasure hunt bags for kids. People also can vote for their favorite holi-

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 15 day window décor. The event is free. Find more information at www.matthewschamber.org.

Matthews Chamber, 210 Matthews Station St., Matthews

5

“The Nutcracker” Ballet

Matthews Ballet will perform “The Nutcracker” on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 years old and younger. Purchase tickets at the Matthews Community Center.

Fullwood Theater/Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews

5

Latter-day Saints Christmas Sing Along

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will host a sing along to Handel’s Messiah. This free community event is open to the public and will feature soloists, instrumentalists and an amateur chorus. Music will be provided.

7 p.m.; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 5815 Carmel Road, Charlotte

8

Drug Use Seminar

St. Matthew Catholic Church will hold a seminar on drug use in the adolescent population Seminars will take discuss new terms in the drug industry, such as “Big H,” “Blunt,” “Skittles” and “Kratom,” according to a news release. The seminar will take place in the church’s New Life Center. RSVP by emailing jstumbo@stmatthewcatholic.org.

1 and 6:30 p.m.; St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlote

Hill Board of 10 Mint Commissioners Meeting

The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners is scheduled to host its bimonthly meeting where elected officials discuss and vote on town issues. The meeting is open to the public and will include the swearing in of the newly-elected commissioners. Call 704-5459726 for more information.

7 p.m..; Mint Hill town hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill

12

Breakfast with Santa

Kids 2 to 8 years old can meet Santa and enjoy breakfast and holiday crafts. Tickets cost $5 per person, including adults, and are available at the Matthews Community Center. Find more information at www.mat thewsfun.com.

9 or 10:45 a.m.; Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews

12 Paws to Read

Children of all ages are invited to work on their literacy skills by reading aloud to a volunteer therapy dog. No registration is necessary. Call 704-416-5200 or more information.

10:30 a.m. to noon; Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

$10 Rabies Cats & Dogs

$16.50 Distemper Cats & Kittens with Parvo for Dogs & Puppies 3-year Distemper Vaccine now available

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 We will not be in Indian Trail.

Visit our extended hours in Mint Hill.

MINT HILL

12:15pm - 4:15pm

Monroe Hardware (Inside Store) 6912 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd In the shopping center behind Showmars at Matthews-Mint Hill Rd & Lawyers Rd

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to get updates on upcoming stories and breaking local news!

19 Breakfast with Santa

Kids 2 to 8 years old can meet Santa and enjoy breakfast and holiday crafts. Tickets cost $5 per person, including adults, and are available at the Matthews Community Center. Find more information at www.mat thewsfun.com.

9 or 10:45 a.m.; Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews

A Charlotte Media Group publication

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 16 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

2015 boys’ cross-country Super Team

Runner of the year Tanner Sutter Providence Providence senior Tanner Sutter was steady all season in his final campaign with the Panthers. Sutter, who was last year’s Runner of the Year, finished third in the So. Meck 8 Conference Championship (16 minutes and 30 seconds) and third in the NCHSAA 4A West Regional (16:16). He’ll graduate as one of Providence’s most decorated runners.

Haywood Ferguson South Meck

Jack Ratterree Charlotte Latin

South Meck’s Haywood Ferguson was dominant the entire season. The sophomore’s highlight moments came when he won the So. Meck 8 Conference Championship (16 minutes and 24 seconds) and the NCHSAA 4A West Regional (16:08).

Charlotte Latin senior Jack Ratterree’s final laps with the Hawks were impressive. Ratterree was runner-up in the CISAA Championship, finishing it in 16 minutes and 18 seconds. He came in sixth place in the NCISAA 3A State Championship (16:37) and is receiving interest from a handful of Ivy League schools.

Andrew Kiss Providence

Marshall Williamson Myers Park

Providence sophomore Andrew Kiss eluded the sophomore slump, and stayed near the front of the pack most of his second season with the Panthers. He was runner-up in the So. Meck 8 Conference Championship (16 minutes and 26 seconds), and placed 10th in the NCHSAA 4A West Regional (16:32).

Myers Park’s Marshall Williamson was stellar as a sophomore. He led the Mustangs to a Southwestern 4A Conference Championship, winning the meet with a time of 17 minutes and 41 seconds. Williamson placed eighth in the NCHSAA 4A West Regional (16:31).

Hayden Blalock Providence

Ryan Kendall Ardrey Kell

Providence’s Hayden Blalock enjoyed a successful junior season. Blalock was not only one of the Panthers top runners, but also was among the area’s elite. He came in fourth place in the So. Meck 8 Conference Championship (16 minutes and 35 seconds), and took fifth in the NCHSAA 4A West Regional (16:29).

Ardrey Kell junior Ryan Kendall was among the elite runners in the area. He came in fifth in the So. Meck 8 Conference Championship, running it in 16 minutes and 36 seconds. Kendall also placed fourth in the NCHSAA 4A West Regional (16 minutes and 27 seconds).

Noah Dolhare Providence Day

Jonathan Vines Covenant Day

Providence Day’s Noah Dolhare led the charge as a sophomore. Dolhare won the CISAA Championship, completing it in 16 minutes and seven seconds. He placed third in the NCISAA 3A State Championship (16:02.5), setting the pace for the Charges to finish third overall.

Covenant Day’s Jonathan Vines enjoyed a successful season with the Lions. Vines placed fourth in the CISAA Championship (17 minutes and five seconds) and 11th in the NCISAA 3A State Championship (16:44), making him an easy choice for all-conference honors.

Coach of the Year Steve Touranjoe Providence Second Team Logan Sutter Providence Nathan Silvestri Butler Lucas Brown Queens Grant Lloyd Latta Queens Grant

Chris Smith Myers Park Koby Frank Myers Park Matt Padgett Charlotte Latin Adam Bear Charlotte Latin Carson Philbin Ardrey Kell Thomas Bruefach Independence

Elias Eskind Providence Day Providence Day senior Elias Eskind had a stellar final campaign with the Chargers. He came in third place in the CISAA Championship, running the race in 16 minutes and 54 seconds and helped the Chargers claim third place at the state meet when he finished in 26th place.

Basketball Roundup

Independence starts strong, injury plagues Carmel Christian

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

A few football teams are still on the gridiron, but all attention in Matthews and Mint Hill is on basketball now.

Independence boys team is surging early with a 2-0 start to the season after downing Mallard Creek, 69-58, Nov. 17, and Olympic, 46-41, Nov. 19.

Patriots’ coach Preston Davis attributes his team’s success to its defense and ability to slow down the opposition’s offensive tempo. The Patriots generally operate out of a man-to-man defense, but confuse other teams when they switch to a zone.

“It’s early in the year,” Davis said.

“There are still a lot of areas we need to continue to work on. I think we’re making steps in the right direction, so I’m pleased about that. It’s always good to try to learn while you’re winning

versus learn while you’re losing.”

Senior combo guard Marcus Thomas is off to scintillating start to the season. He is averaging a teamhigh 19 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals per game. Junior point guard Robert Bonar has provided the Patriots with another solid scoring threat (10.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg, four apg and two spg).

Independence has seen meaningful improvement from junior big man Justyn Hamilton, who has evolved into quite the rim protector. Hamilton already has 15 blocks, averaging 7.5 swats per game.

Butler entered the season surrounded by high expectations. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, they’ve been less than impressive thus far.

The Bulldogs opened the season with convincing wins over Olympic (85-56) and Mallard Creek (86-69) before falling to South Meck and

Robinson by a combined four points.

“We have not shot the ball well from the three-point line,” Butler coach Myron Lowery said. “Our defensive effort is not as good as it should be.”

Butler is getting solid production from its senior guards, RaeQuan Scott (17 ppg, 2.3 rpg, four apg and 2.3 spg) and Orlando Robinson (15.8 ppg, four rpg, four apg and 1.3 spg) and junior forward/center Jah’lil Carter (12.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, two spg and two bpg).

Queens Grant won its season opener, before dropping its next two games, a 73-58 loss to Covenant Day and most recently a 62-60 loss to Charlotte Christian Nov. 24.

“We just had a lot of things going on, and have been trying to figure out how to play together and match the guys who are new with the guys who were returning,” Queens Grant coach Jay Forsythe said.

Forsythe said it’s just a matter of

getting his team to mesh together, buy into the system and figure out its identity. Once those things happen, the Stallions will be fine.

Junior guard Terron Dixon has been stellar on both ends, averaging 20 ppg, six rpg, 1.7 apg and 2.3 spg. Senior Patrick Tape’ is providing solid play in the post, and is good for a doubledouble every night (13 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 3.3 apg, 4.3 bpg).

Senior guard Stephen Sawyer has provided Queens Grant with another key contributor (10 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 1.3 spg and two bpg).

Carmel Christian is weathering the storm. Considering the circumstances, a 4-4 (1-0 Southern Piedmont) start is decent for a team riddled with injuries.

“I knew going into the season the first two and a half weeks would be kind of brutal, a gauntlet for us, but it would be helpful in preparation for our conference and get our guys to

see what level we want to play on and how to compete right away,” Carmel Christian coach Joshua Coley said.

Senior center Mac Brydon went down the first day of practice with an injury, forcing him to miss the first three games of the season. Brydon has been solid since his return, giving the Cougars 10 ppg, 7.6 rpg, one apg and 1.2 bpg.

Freshman Myles Pierre is not a typical freshman. The 6-foot-2, 185pound shooting guard has a high basketball IQ and leads the Cougars in scoring with 17.8 ppg, and averages 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg and 2.6 spg.

He is complemented by his backcourt, sophomore Rafael Jenkins (12.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.5 spg) and junior Zach Prevette.

Sophomore forward Brett Swilling gives Carmel Christian another scorer (10.5 ppg), while junior Jon Bryan crashes the boards well (7.7 rpg).

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 17

Sports

A champion in the making at Rocky River High School

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Rocky River girls basketball coach Epiphany Woodson proved in her first season last year that the Ravens would be one of the top teams in the area.

She made a splash in her rookie campaign, guiding Rocky River to a 22-5 (9-3 Southwestern 4A) record, a second place finish in conference and a second round appearance in the state playoffs.

The success for Woodson was welcomed, but this year, they're ready to be even better. “Last year was phenomenal in the way that the girls were so receptive to new coaching and receptive to new expectations and higher expectations, so that was huge in our success,� Woodson said. “It was exciting for me, because to have that much success as a first-year head coach is kind of rare. “But it definitely did push us into this year and gave us a boost into this year and gave us a lot of excitement and we’re expecting to be good again and have a lot of success and win games.�

Woodson, a Charlotte native, played basketball at Providence Day under current Myers Park girls’ basketball coach Barbara Nelson, then took her talents to the University of Miami and later the Charlotte 49ers. She played professionally in Finland before joining the coaching ranks as an assistant on Nelson’s staff at Myers Park until she accepted the opportunity to lead Rocky River’s program.

Nelson – one of the most acclaimed coaches in the state – has had a big influence on Woodson’s coaching style. “I want to see us both at the top,�

Woodson said. “I want to see us both No. 1 and No. 2 in the conference. Somebody has got to be No. 2. That’s what happened last year. “She was No. 1, and I was No. 2.

I’m not satisfied with being No. 2, but I love to see my former coach doing well and my team doing well.

I’m sure she’s proud of me the same way that I’m happy for her.�

The Ravens lost four seniors from last year’s group, but Woodson is confident they have the talent to keep them competing for a confer-

ence title.

The Ravens (3-1) are led by senior forward Jordan Soares and juniors, wing Ariana Nance and guard Tanaeschia Dorsey. Nance leads the team in scoring (14.8 ppg), assists (four apg) and steals (3.3 spg), and is third on the team in rebounding (4.5 rpg). Dorsey is second on the team in scoring (12.5 ppg), and is second in assists (2.3 apg). Soares is third on the team in scoring (12.3 ppg) and second in rebounding (5.8 rpg).

Woodson said Dorsey, Nance and Soares, who are the team captains, are Rocky River’s core. “They bring so much to the table with their energy, their attitude,�

Woodson said. “They really want to win a state championship and they head up that desire to win a state championship and they’re fighting for something and they’re working toward that goal. “They’re our leaders. They are doing a good job of taking this year by the horns.�

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Rocky River’s lone blemish so far came when the Ravens fell 6448 to Charlotte Christian Nov. 27.

Woodson referred to the loss as a hiccup. “The first three games we really showed some fight,� Woodson said. “We showed determination, and we did what we needed to do to win. That’s one thing I’ve seen in these girls is that they have their ups and downs, their flaws just like any other team, but at the end of the day they find a way to get through things and a way to get the job done.�

Nance, who claims scholarship offers from Appalachian State and the Charlotte 49ers, said she wants other teams to be scared of Rocky River, but for the Ravens to be feared, they must improve defensively, especially their on-the-ball defense.

Rocky River is capable of scoring on any team, but it can’t win if it can’t defend. The Ravens made vast improvements on the defensive end from start to finish last season, and Woodson expects the same from them this year.

Nance attributes Rocky River’s success to its strong team chemistry.

Dorsey and Nance said the chemistry comes from a familial atmosphere, and that the players spend more time together than they do with their own families. “We’re all really close and love each other,� Nance said. “We’re with each other all the time. We’re just like family.�

Rocky River’s success will hinge on the play of its top trio, but it also needs significant contribution from others to buoy Dorsey, Nance and Soares for the Ravens to reach their goal of a state title.

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Page 18 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Home Service Directory

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | December 4, 2015 | Page 19

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Miscellaneous MISCELLANEOUS

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Page 20 | December 4, 2015 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Town of Mint Hill

Town of Matthews

Ted Biggers Mayor

Jim Taylor Mayor

Dale Dalton Commissioner

Mickey Ellington Commissioner

John Higdon Commissioner

Christopher Melton Commissioner

Jeff Miller Commissioner

Fig Newton Commissioner

Tina Weaver Ross Commissioner

John Ross Commissioner

John Urban Commissioner

Larry Whitley Commissioner

Congratulations to our Local Leaders Matthews and Mint Hill have been blessed with good leadership for many years.!

Congratulations to Mayor Biggers, Mayor Taylor, and the Commissioners who will take their seats next week and continue our tradition of good government. I am grateful for the excellence of the local leadership in our Towns and look forward to working with them to keep our home towns the best in the State.

Representative Bill Brawley nchouse103.com PAID FOR BY BILL BRAWLEY COMMITTEE, DOUGLAS MARTIN TREASURER