Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Volume 8, Number 6 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015

New I-485 lanes look ready for drivers, but state says they’ll have to wait

by Ryan Pitkin ryan@matthewsminthillweekly.com

New era, new stories Thanks to a recent mission carried out by David Johnson, founder of Matthews-based nonprofit Silent Images, Myanmar citizen leaders can now use their newly acquired leadership skills and training to create more opportunities for future generations. Photo courtesy of Silent Images. See more in Crystal O'Gorman's story on page 3.

While the expansion of Interstate 485 has created some rush-hour relief on the southwestern part of the highway, extra lanes planned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the future have created unrest among some drivers.

When the NCDOT opened a lane on each side of I-485 between Interstate 77 and Rea Road in December, drivers realized the NCDOT actually constructed twice that amount, with another lane to be saved for use as a toll lane, which won’t open for another five years at the earliest.

The construction of the toll lane during the most recent expansion project saved the state $18 million, according to the NCDOT, and prevented another construction slowdown in the near future. However, the sight of the fully finished lane, blocked off by traffic cones until it can be used as a toll lane, has disgruntled some drivers as they continue to sit in traffic during (see I-485 on page 10)

Three fire departments respond to Mint Hill fire Firefighters contain house fire on Forrest Rader Drive

by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Local firefighters breathed a sigh of relief last week after they were able to contain a fire that destroyed much of a Mint Hill home before it spread any further.

The Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department

received a call at 3:26 a.m. on Jan. 28, a Wednesday, about a house fire in the 7200 block of Forrest Rader Drive. Firefighters from the Mint Hill department, as well as the nearby Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department and Robinson Fire & Rescue in Charlotte, responded to the scene.

A family of five lived at the home, sources said, and a 25-year-old son woke his family after smelling smoke. All family members had (see Mint Hil fire on page 11)

Photo courtesy of Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 12; Rev. Tony, 16; Summer Camps, 18; Calendar, 22; Sports, 24; Classifieds, 27

Page 2 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News

Silent Images teaches Myanmar’s leaders how to tell their own stories

by Crystal O’Gorman news@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Tucked away at the corner of an alley on John Street in Matthews, the whole world unfolds – the beauty, the suffering, the sadness and joy. Captured by cameras, Silent Images founder David Johnson brings the nature of human kind into focus.

Since 2006, Johnson has risked his life to tell the stories of oppressed people by traveling across the world as a humanitarian photographer and storyteller.

“Even though it’s scary, we (his team) know we are making a difference … the risk is worth it, knowing you are doing this to help others,” said Johnson, a 39-year-old resident of downtown Matthews.

Johnson traveled to Myanmar for the first time in 2011 to meet the Kachin people, who had become internally displaced because of the renewed violent attacks on their villages by Burmese soldiers. Most were living in refugee camps in the Kachin State, near the border of China. He captured the stories of displaced people, who were suffering but still had hope for a better tomorrow. The Art Institute in Charlotte hosted Johnson’s gallery on the Kachin community from May to July 2012.

Burma, an Asian country now known as

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Myanmar, has experienced political unrest since the 1960s, when the government was overturned by its own military regime. Each province formed its own protest groups and armies to defend its homes and push for democracy.

Fast forward to 2015, and the political climate has changed drastically. While the country and many of its people still face challenges – from farmers protesting for their land rights in Monywa to the oppression of the Rohingya Muslims at the hands of extremist Buddhists – Johnson said he’s seen a lot of growth.

“There’s more life in Myanmar, businesses are growing, new construction (is) underway and the first democratic elections are this year,” he said.

Johnson’s current role in Myanmar gives evidence of this change. His fifth trip takes him back not only to capture untold stories for other nonprofits, but also to share his gift of storytelling with Myanmar’s citizen leaders, empowering them to tell their own stories.

The DeBeor Family Foundation of Wichita, Kansas, hosts the DeBeor Fellowship for Myanmar leaders for the second year.

Young entrepreneurs, business leaders and nonprofit founders apply for the yearlong fellowship, where corporate, educational and non-government organizations’ experts

from Myanmar, southeast Asia and western countries travel to Yangon and provide free training and mentorship.

Johnson, who also returned to teach photography and storytelling for his second year with the fellowship, said 38 Myanmar fellows attended their first of three seminars last month. The DeBeor Foundation provides each fellow with a camera, and Johnson said he teaches them technical skills, such as composition, and purposeful photography – meaning how to use a camera to tell the stories that align with their missions.

He’ll return in May to assess their work, pick out their gallery of photos and help create videos from the stills.

Johnson said the most significant part of this fellowship is giving the power back to the people.

“These people have been taught to suppress the individual, and now they are being encouraged to tell their stories,” he said.

“This wasn’t possible five years ago – it’s a pivotal season for them.”

Yin Myo So, a 2014 DeBeor Fellowship graduate, agrees.

“Whenever we go back to our area and contribute what we’ve shared and learned not only from the DeBeor Fellowship, but … that the future is in the hands of young Myanmar/Burmese people,” she said in a video on the DeBeor Fellowship’s website, http://deboer.clickcom.com.

Johnson said he feels honored to donate his time to the fellowship and the people of

Silent Images founder David Johnson (above) recounts telling Myanmar fellows, “You can be innovative.” Photo courtesy of Silent Images

Myanmar. He hopes to continue teaching photography and storytelling there, teaching himself out of a job and passing that role on to this generation of Myanmar leaders.

“If Westerners are still leading, we haven’t done our job,” he said. “We have to put the power and opportunity back into the hands of the people.”

Silent Images is a Matthews-based nonprofit that tells the stories of oppressed and impoverished people in the U.S. and abroad. Find more information about Silent Images at www.silentimages.org, or call 704999-5010.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 3

News

Performers playing Chino and the gang in “West Side Story” do a non-costumed run-through of one of their scenes. Photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse

Real teens, real talent in Matthews Playhouse’s ‘West Side Story’

by Dee Grano ae@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Corrie Burkart has a big job.

As the stage manager of “West Side Story,” opening this week at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, a lot rides on the notes written in her script. She calls the lighting and sound cues, ensures set pieces go on and off stage, and if something goes wrong during the show, she has to fix it.

At only 17 years old, the boss of the show is the same age as most of the cast – the way “West Side Story” was meant to be performed.

Matthews Playhouse’s Senior Musical Theatre Company will perform “West Side Story” Friday to Sunday, Feb. 6 to 8, at Fullwood Theater, part of the Matthews Community Center, located at 100 McDowell St. Tickets range in price from $12 to $18 and can be purchased at www. matthewsplayhouse.com.

“They are real teenagers, feeling the same things that teenagers have always felt,” Lisa Blanton, director of “West Side Story,” said of her actors. “It’s real for them, a timeless story about belonging.”

The music from the 1957 Broadway production and 1961 film likely will be familiar to many audience members. The tunes of “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight” are the lighter and more uplifting points of the show, which is a derivative of the tragic story of “Romeo and Juliet,” retold to comment on racism and gang warfare.

Set on the upper west side of New York City in the mid-1950s, “West Side Story” follows the star-crossed couple, Tony and Maria. Maria, newly emigrated from Puerto Rico, works in a bridal shop with her brother’s girlfriend, Anita, and is pledged to marry his friend, Chino. Maria’s brother, Bernardo, leads the Puerto Rican gang, the Sharks; her true love, Tony, is a former member of the allwhite Jets. As their love unfolds, so do tensions between both gangs.

In professional productions of “West Side Story,” youthful-looking adults are often cast, though the characters are written as teens.

Leonard Bernstein, the original composer of the music, commented on this challenge in an interview in the 1950s: “… we had the really tough problem of casting it, because the characters had to be able not only to sing, but dance and act and be taken for teenagers. Ultimately, some of Page 4 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

the cast were teenagers, some were 21, some were 30 but looked 16. Some were wonderful singers but couldn't dance very well, or vice versa ... and if they could do both, they couldn’t act,” Bernstein said in The Rolling Stone Interviews, edited by Jann S. Wenner in 2007.

Though many students in the Matthews Playhouse production are high school seniors, most have been training in the performing arts for several years. This is the sixth Matthews Playhouse show for Connor Neilsen, who plays Chino. Rebecca Davidson, who plays Maria, started dancing in third grade, and Emily Trainor, who plays Anita, started in kindergarten.

The cast was selected for the Senior Musical Theatre Company through an audition process that pulled from Mecklenburg and Union counties and beyond. Company members have attended classes all year, and “West Side Story” is the culmination of their efforts.

Because the program pulls the area’s young talent, the selected shows are challenging, with “West Side Story” boasting heavy subject matter, difficult music and complicated choreography, performers have said.

The cast has worked hard, rehearsing for three hours a night, five nights a week for five weeks. Many students came to evening rehearsals immediately after play practice at their own schools.

“I haven’t been home since 6:30 this morning,” said Connor. “Still, there’s no place I’d rather be.”

The company has taught the students more than acting and stage management, cast members say. Emily has learned the value of multitasking and staying organized.

Rebecca said her experience in theater has helped her learn responsibility. Corrie is gaining confidence.

“It’s definitely a challenge to talk to my friends in a way that has to be authoritative … but nice,” she said.

Corrie, a senior at Marvin Ridge High School, hopes to study directing in New York or film studies at the University of Southern California next year. Emily wants to major in music. Connor is considering theater and economics, while Rebecca is focusing on an education in medicine.

“It’s a big thrill to go out on a limb (and) try something,” said Blanton, who has watched these kids grow into young adults. “They can do things they never thought they could do.” www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

News Boy Scouts to tackle local hunger through annual drive

by Josh Whitener editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Boy Scouts across Mecklenburg County will unite this weekend to fight hunger through the annual Scouting for Food drive.

Members of the Mecklenburg County Council of the Boy Scouts of America have spent the past week distributing bags provided

by Harris Teeter in neighborhoods throughout the county. Families are encouraged to fill the bags with nonperishables and leave the bags outside their homes to be picked up by Scouts on Saturday, Feb. 7.

This door-to-door effort collects canned goods for Loaves & Fishes, a Charlotte-area organization that helps feed families in need.

Last year’s Scouting for Food drive collected a record 240,848 pounds of food for Loaves & Fishes, according to a news release.

“Food donated during Scouting for Food will help feed our neighbors in need. In 2014, Loaves & Fishes fed 78,602 people in Mecklenburg County, 48 percent of which were children,” read the release.

The community also can become involved this weekend by taking food items to a number of local drop-off sites – including Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, located at 11501 Bain School Road in Mint Hill; and the Arboretum Shopping Center, located at the intersection of Providence and Pineville-Matthews roads in south Charlotte, near Matthews.

Tractor trailer trucks and local Boy Scouts

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will be at the drop-off locations on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

People also can help Scouting for Food by visiting local Harris Teeters between Feb. 7 and 15.

Local Boy Scouts will col- Food collection lect food for Loaves & barrels will be Fishes through the an- stationed in all nual Scouting for Food drive. MMHW file photo M e c k l e n b u r g County Harris Teeters, and community members are encouraged to bring donations, or pick up some items to contribute during a shopping trip to the store.

All nonperishables are welcome, but priority needs include canned meat, canned pastas, cereal, canned fruit and 100-percent fruit juice, the release said.

Loaves & Fishes works with a network of 20 food pantries in Mecklenburg County to supply a week’s worth of nutritious groceries at no cost to families experiencing a crisis. Find more information at www.loavesandfishes. org.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 5

News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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

EDITORIAL

News Briefs Elevation Church pays $10.2 million for Matthews shopping center

Managing Editor Josh Whitener

MATTHEWS – Elevation Church has purchased the shopping center where its Education Editor Layout Editor Matthews campus is located, with plans to utilize the property as the church continues Courtney Schultz Liz Lanier expanding.

News Writer Art Director The sale was for $10.2 million, according Hannah Chronis Maria Hernandez to Mecklenburg County real estate records.

News Writer A&E Editor The church currently leases about 45,000 Ryan Pitkin Dee Grano square feet of the shopping center, which Sports Writer Contributing Writer houses about 140,000 total square feet of Ben Doster Crystal O’Gorman space.

Chunks Corbett, Elevation’s chief finanADVERTISING cial officer, said last week in an emailed stateCharlotte Conway ment the purchase gives the church flexibilAdrian Garson ity as it grows.

The shopping center, located at 11416 DISTRIBUTION E. Independence Blvd., is home to Ashley Manager Furniture HomeStore, Consignment 1st, Mike Kochy Custom Home Pubs, Tuesday Morning and other businesses, in addition to Elevation’s PUBLISHER Matthews campus.

Associate Publisher Elevation Church was founded in 2006 Randi Trojan and has 10 campuses in the greater CharFounder lotte region.

Alain Lillie Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly will continue to follow this story as it develops.

Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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

Matthews lawyer named ‘Rising Star’ of 2015 MATTHEWS – A team member of the Weaver, Bennett and Bland law firm, located in downtown Matthews, recently was honored as a Rising Star for North Carolina.

Adam Bridgers, a lawyer with the firm, was recently recognized by Super Lawyers as one of 2015’s Rising Stars for North Carolina in

B E C OM E A FA N !

Business Litigation.

This marks the second year Bridgers has been recognized as a Rising Star for North Carolina, according to a news release.

The Rising Stars list is comprised of attorAdam Bridgers neys who are either 40 years old or younger, or have been practicing for 10 years or less, the release said. Selection is based on peer nominations and independent evaluation across 12 key categories.

Only about 2.5 percent of lawyers qualify to be Rising Stars, the release said.

Learn more about Super Lawyers and the Rising Stars program at www.superlawyers. com/index.html. Find more information about Bridgers at www.wbblawyers.com/ attorneys/adam-bridgers.

Weaver, Bennett and Bland is located at 196 N. Trade St.

Seminar to focus on trusts, wills and more MATTHEWS – St. Michael the Archangel Anglican Church will host “Wills, Trusts, Death and Taxes, Oh My!� on Feb. 15, a Sunday, from 3 to 5 p.m.

The program will feature guest speakers Robert D. Lyerly Jr., attorney and certified public accountant (CPA) with Nexsen Pruet; and Terry Colen, CRPC vice president and senior financial advisor with Financial Advisors at Truliances.

Topics discussed will include: differences between a will and a trust; why wills and trusts matter; how wills and trusts work; how people can get started; and what people need to do now, according to a news release.

The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served. Child care will be provided for a donation.

St. Michael Anglican is located at 2211 Margaret Wallace Road.

Open enrollment for Blair Road Preschool to begin Feb. 9 MINT HILL – Blair Road United Methodist Church Preschool will hold open public enrollment for the 2015-16 school year starting Feb. 9.

Families will have the opportunity to join an open house public tour on Monday, Feb. 9, at 10 a.m., and again on Feb. 12, a Thursday, at 6 p.m. Families attending the meeting will have the opportunity to enroll for the next school year.

Those planning to take the tour should RSVP to Amy Purser, director, at 704-5450772 or amypurser@blairroadumc.org.

Blair Road UMC Preschool offers a Monday-to-Friday preschool program for children 18 months to 5 years old, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Some ages are offered two-, three- or four-day options, and Blair Road Preschool also offers a transitional kindergarten program, five days a week.

Find more information about Blair Road Preschool and its curriculum at ww.blairroadumc. org under the “kids� and “preschool� links.

Blair Road Preschool is located at 9135 Blair Road.

HELP Center names new executive director MATTHEWS – The Matthews HELP Center will soon have a new leader.

The nonprofit’s board of directors recently announced its appointment of Kaye McHan as the HELP Center’s new executive director. “Kaye has a very impressive background in nonprofit management, partnership development and fundraising – all critical skills our organization needs as we continue to help our neighbors here in Matthews,� the nonprofit said in a news release.

McHan will officially take office at the HELP Center on Monday, Feb. 9.

Find more information about the nonprofit at www.matthewshelpcenter.org.

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News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Crime Blotter The following people were arrested in Matthews, according to the Matthews Police Department.

Home/Business Break-Ins • 2900 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Unk double barrel shotguns, Vizio TV, Colt .22 rifle, Time Warner cable box, wooden bowl, horse lamp and custom trophy, worth $2,861 total, when home broken into, causing $200 in damage to door, lock and door frame. Jan. 28

Vehicle Break-Ins • Jacinda Sabricia Cofer, Econo Lodge, 1938 Moore Road: Prostitution; possession of drug paraphernalia; order for arrest. Jan. 27 • David John Adams, 1200 block of East John Street: Driving while impaired. Jan. 29 • Oliver Anthony Marson, 2100 block of Dunnwood Hills Drive: Simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. Jan. 29 • Eric Leonard Grampus, 10500 block of Northeast Parkway: Simple possession of marijuana; possession or drug paraphernalia. Jan. 29 • Lionel Victorino Castro, 10200 block of East Independence Boulevard: No operator’s license; revoked registration plate. Jan 29 • Richard Thomas Long, 600 block of Sam Newell Road: Driving while impaired. Jan. 29 • Desi Ernesto Zerpa, 11200 block of East Independence Boulevard: Expired registration; fictitious registration plate. Jan. 30 • Joshuale Matthew-Vincent Carter, 1200 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Driving while impaired. Jan. 31 The following crimes were reported in Matthews between Jan. 26 and Feb. 1, according to the Matthews Police Department.

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• Picadeli, 1600 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Various small hand tools and music CDs, worth $50 total, stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $250 in damage to driver’s door window. Jan. 27 • Rack Em Pub & Billiards, 1898 Windsor Square Drive, suite A: Multiple vehicles broken into; Xbox game system and “Dying Light” game stolen. Jan. 27 • Comfort Inn, 9701 E. Independence Blvd.: $400 in damage to truck door lock in vehicle break-in; nothing listed as stolen. Jan. 28 • Comfort Inn, 9701 E. Independence Blvd.: Motorola Android cellphone, leather briefcase-type bag and contents and passport, worth $530 total, stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $500 in damage to truck door lock. Jan. 28 • Kohl’s Department Stores, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: $15 stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $200 in damage to driver’s side rear window. Jan. 28 • Elevation Church, 11416 E. Independence Blvd.: $20 stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $250 in damage to vehicle window. Jan. 28 • 400 block of Courtney Lane: Notary stamp/ seal and money pouch, worth $55 total, stolen when vehicle broken into. Jan. 29 • 11400 block of East Independence Boulevard:

$250 in damage to driver’s door side window in vehicle break-in; nothing listed as stolen. Jan. 30 • Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 10408 E. Independence Blvd.: $250 purse stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $350 in damage to passenger side window. Jan. 30 • Showmars, 9704 E. Independence Blvd.: DVDs and piece of rosary beads, worth $39 total, stolen when vehicle broke into, causing $200 in damage to rear window. Jan. 31 • Tilted Kilt, 1625 Windsor Square Drive: $400 silver iPod classic stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $250 in damage to passenger door window. Jan. 31 • 10000 block of East Independence Boulevard: $200 Charlotte Fire Department winter jacket stolen when vehicle broken into, causing $200 in damage to rear right passenger window.

Jan. 31

Property Theft • Neighborhood Feed & Tack, 1900 Moore Road: $100 in wooden pallets stolen. Jan. 26 • 2600 block of Lakeview Circle: Trail camera and hunting blind, worth $525 total, stolen. Jan. 26 • Keffer Hyundai, 9010 E. Independence Blvd.: Three license plates, worth $15 total, stolen. Jan. 27 • Ashley Creek Home Owners Association, 1599 Ashley Creek Drive: Electrical transformer and landscaping decorative lighting, worth $375 total, stolen. Jan. 28 • Radio Shack, 11500 E. Independence Blvd.: $99.99 Motorola computer stolen. Jan. 29 • 9500 block of Northeast Court: $25 North

Carolina license plate stolen from vehicle. Jan. 29 • 14200 block of High Echelon Drive: $62.25 in three-fourths round copper pipes, at 25 pounds, stolen. Jan. 30 • Lowe’s, 2115 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Multiple tool kits, worth $1,486 total, stolen. Jan. 30

Drugs • Econo Lodge, 1938 Moore Road: Glass pipe/ hookah found. Jan. 27 • 2100 block of Dunnwood Hills Drive: Marijuana, digital scale, metal grinder, rolling papers and zipper bags found. Jan. 29 • Michaels Arts & Crafts, 10510 Northeast Pkwy.: Marijuana and drug paraphernalia found; stop sign violation. Jan. 29 • 600 block of Fence Post Lane: Four grams of marijuana with clear bag in a pill bottle found, along with drug paraphernalia items. Jan. 29 • Econo Lodge, 1938 Moore Road: Heroin and drug-related paraphernalia found. Jan. 30

Fraud • 2600 block of Polo Club Boulevard: Obtaining money/property by false pretense. Jan. 29 • 1500 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Credit card fraud. Jan. 30

Vandalism/Hit-and-Run • 13800 block of Portpatrick Lane: $75 in damage to mailbox in vandalism incident. Jan. 29 • 13800 block of Portpatrick Lane: $150 in damage to mailbox in vandalism incident. Jan. 29 • Microtel Inn, 1603 Matthews-Mint Hill (see Crime Blotter on page 11)

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 7

News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations in Matthews and Mint Hill between Jan. 26 and Feb. 1.

28105 • Americana, 1628 MatthewsMint Hill Road – 97.5 • Best Wok, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 97 • Carmel Christian School lunch, 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road – 99.5 • Crestdale Middle School lunch, 940 Sam Newell Road – 100 • Dairy Queen, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 98.5 • Domenico’s Market, 131-B E. John St. – 100 • El Valle, 305 W. John St. – 97 28227 • Best Road N. – • Chili’s Road N. –

Page 8 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Western, 2501 Sardis 94 Grill & Bar, 2521 Sardis 96

• Food Lion deli, 8100 Idlewild Road – 99.5 • Ichiban Buffet Sushi & Hibachi, 7201 Albemarle Road – 94 • McDonald’s, 1620 Sardis Road N. – 97.5 • Mi Barrio Halal Latin Grill, 7308 E. Independence Blvd., suite E – 95.5 • Pizza Hut, 9229-H Lawyers Road – 99 • Wilco Hess, 13354 Albemarle Road – 95 About the grades...

Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90 percent, B for 80 to 89 percent and C for 70 to 79 percent. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70 percent. Restaurants are no longer eligible for two bonus points if an employee has completed a food service sanitation program within three years. Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly places restaurants that receive a score lower than 94, indicating a grade of A- or below, in the “lowest scores” category, with specific violations listed. Find more details on Mecklenburg County restaurants at the health department's website, http://Mecklenburg. digitalhealthdepartment.com/.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 9

News

I-485 (continued from page 1)

peak hours on weekdays.

Wesley Chapel resident Tim McCulla recently adressed the issue in an open letter to state officials, asking them to immediately open the lanes to resolve traffic issues that still plague the interstate.

In the letter, addressed to N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory and U.S. Sens. Thom Thillis and Sen. Richard Burr, McCulla called on state officials to open the completed lanes on I-485, cancel future plans to make them toll lanes and create a plan to relieve traffic leading to the southeastern part of Mecklenburg County, into Matthews, Mint Hill and Union County, where growth has been most rapid.

“To leave that existing lane unused for years will certainly cause further frustration, which will translate into political problems for those who choose not to perceive this (as) an issue,” McCulla wrote.

McCulla added he hoped the state representatives would “immediately act upon the will of the people and not the dictates of an inept organization like the NCDOT.” Federal laws, however, restrict the options for highways built with federal money. These highways are not allowed to switch a regular lane to a toll lane,

meaning the NCDOT could not legally open the lane for regular use now and convert it to a toll lane when that time comes.

Another obstacle to McCulla’s request lies in the bottleneck that already exists on the outer loop of I-485 at Rea Road, where the interstate returns to a twolane highway. Opening the fourth lane could clog traffic further at the Rea Road exit, creating a mess for drivers trying to reach their Matthews and Mint Hill homes during rush hour.

In a release addressing residents’ concerns, the NCDOT said McCrory and NCDOT Secretary Tony Tata will meet with local leaders and transportation officials “to consider all options” for the southwestern section of I-485.

“I am committed to having our team sit down with local leaders as soon as possible to discuss solutions for inadequate design, infrastructure and funding issues that were created years ago, which have been causing serious traffic congestion on I-485,” McCrory said in the release. “We are open to reviewing and considering all viable options.”

One option, raised by Charlotte Mayor Dan Clodfelter in January, would be to turn the existing lane into a carpool lane until it is ready to be used as a toll lane. This action would require a process of studies and public meetings, and is presumably one of the options to be

Page 10 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

A proposed plan to continue expanding I-485 from Rea Road to U.S. 74 is projected to begin construction in 2017. MMHW file photo

discussed between state and local officials in the coming months.

The toll lane is not expected to open until the next I-485 widening project is finished. This project aims to continue the widening that was finished in December with an extra lane on each side of I-485 between Rea Road and U.S. 74.

According to NCDOT spokesperson Warren Cooksey, that project has been approved for funding through the State Transportation Improvement Program, a new prioritization process used by the NCDOT. If the board of directors approves the project during a vote in June, it is scheduled to receive funding beginning in 2017 and ending in 2020.

When that project is finished, the

NCDOT can begin opening the toll lanes.

The schedule for the next leg of I-485 is subject to change, depending on availability of funds, Cooksey said.

McCulla, who travels to Ballantyne and the Charlotte Douglas International Airport for work by the southern stretch of I-485, believes the efforts to widen the highway are coming too late and will continue to come up short as the region grows.

“In five years, who knows what the growth is going to look like,” he said. “…

Unless someone waves a magic wand and stops people from moving here, expansion will have to be done … How could you not open the lane up now?”

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News

Mint Hill fire (continued from page 1)

safely evacuated the home before firefighters arrived.

The scene was a blazing inferno by the time firefighters arrived five minutes later.

“The house was well involved with fire upon our arrival,” John Phillips, deputy chief with the Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department, said. “I would say it was an approximately 4,000-square-foot home, with probably 75 percent involvement with fire upon our arrival.”

The fire likely started in the garage and spread to the attic before reaching the upstairs level of the two-story home, Phillips said. The flames caused a natural gas-related explosion shortly after the family evacuated.

Though the fire was “pretty much contained in the attic and upstairs of the home,” Phillips said, the home was not safe for firefighters to enter. They began by extinguishing the flames from outside of the house before entering the building to search for small, hidden fires.

Crime Blotter (continued from page 7)

Road: $300 in damage to automobile tire. Jan. 29 • 9200 block of East Independence Boulevard: $200 in damage to vehicle window in vandalism incident.

Other • Tassels Cabaret, 12400 E. Independence Blvd.: Simple physical assault. Jan. 26 • 2000 block of CPCC Lane: Assault with a deadly weapon. Jan. 27 • 800 block of East Charles Street: Communicating threats. Jan. 27 • Tassels Cabaret, 12400 E. Independence Blvd.: Harassing phone calls. Jan. 28 • Matthews Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 2701 Rice Road: Harassment by electronic communication. Jan. 28 • Beantown Tavern, 130 Matthews Station St.: Communicating threats. Jan. 28 • 300 block of Crestdale Road: Impeding railroad traffic. Jan. 28 • Econo Lodge, 1938 Moore Road: Prostitution. Jan. 29 • Beantown Tavern, 130 Matthews Station St.: Simple physical assault. Feb. 1 The following people were arrested in Mint Hill, according to the Mint Hill Police Department.

“We probably had the bulk of the fire knocked down in 30 to 45 minutes, to the point we call ‘control time,’ where … the fire is not going to grow anymore,” Phillips said.

As they searched for hidden fires, firefighters heard a faint “meow” and subsequently discovered the family cat hiding in the wall in the downstairs laundry room. Phillips said the cat had a few burns on its body and was given oxygen after being rescued, but is expected to recover.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading and, with the exception of some heat-related damage to the vinyl siding of the home next door, the fire was “pretty much contained to (the family of five’s) property,” Phillips said.

The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s Office did not return calls by Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s press deadline regarding the investigation into the cause of the fire.

A GoFundMe.com account has been set up to raise money for the family. Find more information, including how you can help, at www.gofundme.com/thomasfamilyfund.

• Kevin Ferguson, 5500 block of Beaver Dam Lane: Order for arrest (probation violation); drug violations – equipment/paraphernalia. Feb. 2 • Juliet Desiree Queen, 5500 block of Beaver Dam Lane: Possession of paraphernalia. Feb. 2 • Jeffrey Scott Wade, 5500 block of Beaver Dam Lane: Possession of paraphernalia. Feb. 2 The following crimes were reported in Mint Hill between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, according to the Mint Hill Police Department.

Vehicle Break-Ins • 9600 block of Fir Knoll Road: CDs and F&M Menthol cigarettes, worth $25 total, stolen when vehicle broken into. Jan. 29 • 9600 block of Heartwood Lane: Two machetes, Tom Tom GPS and miscellaneous car chargers, worth $465 total, stolen when vehicle broken into. Jan. 29 • 5900 block of Oak Drive: $500 in damage to car hood in vandalism incident. Feb. 1

Property Theft • 13800 block of Lawyers Road: $200 trail camera stolen. Jan. 27

Drugs • 7100 block of Stillwell Road: Possession of a schedule II substance (cocaine); drug violations – equipment/paraphernalia; fictitious tag. Jan. 30

Vandalism/Hit-and-Run • Matthew Christopher Tanner, 6800 block of Fenning Drive: Embezzlement (warrant for arrest). Jan. 27 • Nicholas Jason Colepaugh, Queen’s Grant High School, 10323 Idlewild Road: Simple assault; carrying a weapon (knife) on school campus. Jan. 30 • Darius Joshua Little, 7100 bock of Stillwell Road: Order for arrest (possession with intent to sell or distribute marijuana); order for arrest (possession of controlled substance on prison or jail campus). Jan. 30 • Cory Polen, 7100 block of Stillwell Road: Fictitious tag; possession of paraphernalia. Jan. 31 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

• 3800 block of Martele Drive: $550 total in graffiti damage to brick home and grill top. Jan. 29 • 9500 block of Hannon Road: $50 in damage to vehicle in hit-and-run. Jan. 30

Other • 6000 block of Beaver Dam Lane: Common law robbery ($10 small coin purse and $40 stolen); assault on a female. Jan. 27 • 6500 block of Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road: Assault on a female; simple assault. Feb. 1 • Queen’s Grant High School, 10323 Idlewild Road: Communicating threats. Feb. 2

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 11

Education

Independence senior seeks to bring books to Africa

by Courtney Schultz education@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Independence High School senior Rita Yosief plans to help alleviate illiteracy in east Africa, one book drive at a time.

Rita is hosting a book drive through the nonprofit The African Library Project (ALP) to collect books for three libraries in Malawi, Swaziland and Ghana.

The Independence student was introduced to ALP after her older sister completed a book drive for the nonprofit during her senior year. During her own sophomore year, Rita knew she wanted to find a way to give back on her own.

“We have service organizations at my school, but I wanted to have my own initiative and be in charge on my own,” Rita said.

Her parents, who have always emphasized reading, emigrated from Eritrea, an east African country that is now a part of Ethiopia.

“My whole family is just huge readers,” Rita said.

She visited her family in Africa and saw they did not have any libraries and loved the few books she brought with her.

“They just read all the books I had, cover to cover,” she said.

She knew ALP was the right project for her and, last year, individually organized a book drive to send books to rural African

areas with under-stocked libraries or, in some cases, no libraries at all.

Rita said she had “a really good school behind” her and was able to connect with community members to complete last year’s project.

For last year’s project, Rita donated1,000 gently used books and $500 to open a primary library for Our Lady of Guadalupe Primary School in Lunsar, Sierra Leone.

She enjoyed meeting members of the community and connecting with her neighbors through the drive, Rita said.

The senior felt last year’s project was a success, but set a loftier goal this year – she plans to collect 5,000 books to fill three libraries.

Despite the gap from the previous year, Rita isn’t concerned about not reaching her goal, citing she’s already collected one-fourth of the books needed.

The areas where the books will be sent are “mixed literate,” so some parents don’t emphasize education in their homes, Rita said. She hopes the books will give children access to something beyond their own world and give them the chance to connect with other countries.

“This is their access to another world.

They have the chance to see something else and experience something else,” Rita said.

Rita sees books as opportunities for children to learn, grow and realize their

Page 12 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Independence High School senior Rita Yosief is collecting books for The African Library Project.

Photo courtesy of Rita Yosief

potential.

“I firmly believe a book is the best kind of gift you can give anyone,” she said. “Whether you’re here or in Africa, whether you’re wealthy or poor, a book is so important.

“Something like a book is so simple but so necessary for these children. Somebody who is young will realize that education is important (through receiving the book).”

ALP has collected books for rural areas for more than 10 years with the hope of bringing literacy to students in need.

“When I first started this project, it was clear how absolutely life-changing it would be for African children. I have since come

to realize that the benefit is just as dramatic for children who participate here by running book drives and donating their books,” Chris Bradshaw, ALP founder, said in a news release.

Rita urges community members to donate books for elementary-aged children to the drive. She will send her first book delivery in early March, and all donations have to be received by May. People can drop off donations in the office of Independence High School, located at 1967 Patriot Drive. Email Rita at ritaa. yosief@gmail.com for more information.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Education

Newly-named superintendent addresses ‘state of schools’

by Courtney Schultz education@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Newly appointed Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Ann Clark shared “moments” regarding the district’s strategic plan during the annual “State of Our Schools” on Jan. 29 at East Mecklenburg High School.

Clark, in her first public appearance as CMS’s new leader, discussed in her address, “This is Our Moment,” how well the district has carried out “Strategic Plan 2018: For a Better Tomorrow.” The plan was developed in 2013 by former superintendent Dr. Heath Morrison, and Clark discussed how the district plans to continue performing the plan.

“Education cannot be accomplished in a single day, single test or single year – it’s a lifelong journey,” Clark said.

Clark discussed the continued increase in the district’s test scores, including gains in proficiency, ranging from nine to 18 points; an increased graduation rate that is higher than Wake County, with more than half of Ann Clark the district’s high schools boasting a graduation rate higher than 90 percent; and top marks in the 2013 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for fourth- and eighth-grade students. The NAEP reported CMS fourth- and eighth-graders had the highest scores in math and second highest scores in reading among 21 cities. “(However), we have much more work to do to deliver college-ready students,” Clark said.

The superintendent emphasized, during her address, increasing educational and careeroriented opportunities, supporting passionate teachers and developing literacy through a new performance framework.

Greater opportunities CMS has created more access to rigorous courses for high school students, with 67 percent more students taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses, which provides an opportunity to earn college credit.

Clark said the district is still making progress and wants to continue to grant more access.

The superintendent also wants to develop partnerships with companies that are “tailored to CMS” to create the opportunity to have its own pipeline and offer career-oriented opportunities for students.

The district has opened specific career-oriented “academies” with the National Academy Foundation this year, such as the Academy of Health Sciences at Butler High School and the Academy of Engineering at Independence High School. Both programs make connections with professionals in their respective www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

fields and require career-focused internships.

Mark Rohlinger, plant technical director at Bosch Rexroth, said his company discovered it wasn’t finding the skill sets it needed to fulfill necessary positions, so they worked collaboratively with CMS to create a CNC (computer numerical control)-focused machine shop in high schools to teach students those skills with hands-on access.

“We wanted to develop those people in our own background,” Rohlinger said.

Through the program, Bosch Rexroth also invested in hiring interns and apprenticeship students within the company.

Clark hopes to continue partnering with companies to help make “real world” connections between the classroom and workforce.

Keeping ‘passionate’ teachers in the classroom The district also plans to expand teacher pay and roles through an opportunity culture model that allows teachers who have the desire to stay in the classroom, to advance within their career with increased pay, along with the opportunity to reach more students.

CMS saw success with the model in Project L.I.F.T., a CMS learning community that reaches traditionally poor-performing schools with the goal of recruiting, teaching and retaining quality teachers, said Katie Morris, chair of The Belk Foundation, which funded the new model.

The school district plans to extend the model across the district to 17 other schools outside of Project L.I.F.T. and “allow exceptional teachers to stay in the classroom,” Morris added.

“I think everyone would agree that we want to keep teachers in the classroom and increase their pay,” Morris said. “These are things we want to see happen.”

‘North Star’ of performance Clark said she considers literacy as the “North Star” of success in schools, including listening, writing and reading across all subjects. Although the district saw more students reading on grade level, she said there is still work to be done.

Administration has created a school performance framework Clark hopes will help develop steps to further CMS’s work in literacy, as well as academia as a whole.

The performance framework determines the criteria in which the district will evaluate schools based on: academic proficiency; student growth; providing academic assistance to students who need it; closing achievement gaps; access to rigorous courses; making students college and career ready; having students graduate in four years; and creating a safe, engaging culture at every school.

“We are committed to doing our jobs with pride and with excellence that our kids deserve and the community rightfully expects,” Clark said. (see Ann Clark on page 14)

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 13

Education Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education News & Notes

Area school moves to Matthews MATTHEWS – The Shands School, a non-profit, independent school will move into a new facility at 1315 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Matthews on Friday, Feb. 6.

Shands focuses on strengthening student skills in academics, social interactions, leadership roles and environmental connections, according to the school’s website.

The school is currently accepting applications for the 2015-16 school year. Applicants are asked to print and complete the application form at shandsschool.org/images/ StudentApplication.pdf, and return it to the school with a $75 application fee. The application packet also should include school records for the current and previous years, school report cards and any psycho-education or neuropsychological assessment conducted, if applicable.

Parents also will need to have an individual learning assessment at Shands School, according to the school’s website. This costs $170 and will take approximately 1.5

hours to complete.

An open house will be announced later this month.

Visit www.shandsschool.org or contact school director Liz Morris at lsmorris@shandsschool.org or 704321-5705 for more information.

Queen’s Grant kindergarteners celebrate 100th day of school MINT HILL – Queen’s Grant Community School kindergarten students celebrated the 100th day of school on Monday, Feb. 2, with various activities.

Students participated in a 100th day scavenger hunt, tried to see if 100 licks could help them reach the center of a blow pop, counted their snacks to 100, wore 100th day crowns and sunglasses, wrote about what they would do with $100 and wore T-shirts with 100 items on them, according to a news release.

“This annual event is a kindergarten favorite and always a good time,” read the release.

Queen’s Grant Community School is located at 6400 Matthews-Mint Hill Road.

Send education news items to education@matthewsminthillweekly. com.

Photo submissions are welcome.

Page 14 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Ann Clark (continued from page 13)

Familiar face in leadership The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted at its Jan. 27 meeting to appoint Clark as the first female CMS superintendent.

Clark will serve as superintendent through July 2016, when she plans to retire. The timing gives the board more time to conduct a comprehensive search for her successor, according to a news release.

“I was excited to explore new opportunities to continue to serve the educational needs of our community,” Clark said in a news release.

“I made the personal decision to postpone my announcement once Dr. Morrison resigned.

The timing was no longer right. I care too much about CMS to leave during such a critical time of leadership transition.”

Clark fills a vacancy created by Morrison’s resignation in November 2014, after an investigation of his behavior ignited a firestorm.

She took over superintendent duties after his departure.

“Ann is a strong CMS and public education advocate, and I am excited about the leadership she will provide over the next year and a half,” board of education chair Mary McCray said in the release. “We are making great strides as a district, and she brings the stability we need to maintain our momentum.”

Clark brings more than three decades of institutional knowledge and educational

experience – including at the elementary, middle and high school levels – to her new role. She joined the district in 1983 as a teacher of behaviorally and emotionally handicapped children at Devonshire Elementary School. After five years in the classroom, she moved into administration as assistant principal at Montclaire Elementary School in 1987. She then had stints as principal at Shamrock Gardens Elementary and Alexander Graham Middle schools, and became the first principal of Vance High School in 1996.

She subsequently took on a greater role in CMS and became assistant superintendent for high school curriculum and instruction, then regional superintendent for high schools and associate superintendent of education services.

“Teaching every child effectively is the responsibility and the privilege of public education,” Clark said in the release.

As superintendent, Clark will receive a base salary of $262,000. She also will receive $4,971 for the additional responsibilities she assumed from November 2014 to January 2015, according to the release.

“I promise you I’m bringing my best head and my heart to the job,” Clark said.

The current plan for Clark’s successor was laid out at the Board’s meeting: • Feb. 19: Special board of education meeting to discuss search process • March to April 2015: Additional meetings to further refine the search process • May 2015 to April 2016: Conduct a search and choose next superintendent

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 15

Faith

Real Help

for Real Living

by Rev. Tony Marciano news@matthewsminthillweekly.com

While having family dinner, my daughter’s boyfriend announced that Valentine’s Day was driven by Hallmark so they could sell greeting cards and make money.

He went on to say women don’t want flowers and candy, to which my wife replied, “They always like diamonds.” The room went silent.

Rev. Tony He told her not Marciano to be so obvious.

Hmmmm – he’s not getting it.

I have two camels and a goat in my backyard for my daughter’s dowry. If he asks her to marry him, I’ll throw in the sheep, as well. He didn’t bite on my offer. It’s cute watching them call each other names and say, “I love you.”

There are others in your house who

need to hear those words, “I love you.”

But first, let me start with a story.

When my sons were in high school, I needed to come up with something to help us bond. Not being an athlete, it wasn’t going to be any sport that involved a ball. Football, basketball and baseball were out. I tried to introduce them to model airplanes, but they didn’t have the patience to learn to fly them. We tried video games, but I don’t have the eye/hand coordination. They were getting older, and I needed something – fast.

I have always loved cars. Having been a commuter student in college, I learned to repair my own car so I could travel to and from school. It was a classic Mustang. I think I spent more time under the hood than in the books. Anyway, I graduated college while learning to repair cars.

Fast forward many years later. We were shopping on eBay for a Mustang and found one. The owner’s wife had told her husband, “Either the car goes or I go, but we’re both not staying.”

Someone else needs to hear the words, “I Love You” The car ended up coming to our house.

We towed it home and began working on it. One of my favorite memories was the day we painted it with 24 cans of aerosol paint. There was a cloud of blue smoke coming out of my garage.

We had a blast!

Several years later, we were at an auto show. The three of us found a pair of rims that would fit the Mustang. Even though they needed work, we bought them. Unfortunately, they ended up sitting in the shed for five years.

Two weeks before Christmas that year, I received a call from my oldest son, who asked, “Where is the pressure washer?” (It’s never good when they won’t tell you why.) For three days, they scrubbed, sanded and stripped those rims, and then they painted them. They presented them to me on Christmas Day. I was speechless – they looked fabulous.

A few days later, I was at the tire store where my son works. He arranged to have new tires mounted on the rims.

He installed them on the car and we

took it for a test drive. It was not a surprise when the car rode much more smoothly on those new tires than it had on tires that were 16 years old.

The car looked amazing!

I sent him a text saying, “I just want you to know how much I love you – not for the rims. Yes, that is an incredible gift. I am deeply touched by the thought and effort that went into it. I just love you because I do.”

Silence – it was the one text he never replied to.

Yes, I know this is the time of year to tell that special person in your life, “I love you.” Do that. Also, remember your children, regardless of their age, need to hear those same special words.

I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the Executive Director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission.

He is available to speak to your group.

Visit www.charlotterescuemission.org for more information.

Est . 2008

Page 16 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Faith

Missed Paper?

Front row: (from left) Roger Guinn; Dr. Leon Threatt, of Christian Faith Assembly; Shea Barja, of St. John Neumann Catholic Church; and Rev. Anthony Griffith, of God Cannot Lie Ministries. Back row: (From left) Rev. McLean Faw, of Joy Church; Rev. John Mouritsen, of Morning Star Lutheran Church; Rev. Ed Crotty, of Morning Star Lutheran Church; Deacon Joe Denzler, of St. John Neumann Catholic Church; and Father Patrick Hoare, senior pastor of St. John Neumann Catholic Church. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Noto and Marty Schneider

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

faith & Religion News & Notes

Hope Christian Church to host eightweek women’s Bible study MINT HILL – Hope Christian Church is launching a new Bible study for women focusing on the Book of James.

The eight-week study will kick off on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6:30 p.m. and will continue to meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. for the subsequent seven weeks.

The Bible study, “James” by Beth Moore, will be the centerpiece for the study. Workbooks are available at the Lifeway Christian bookstores in Pineville and Concord, as well as online, the church said in an announcement.

Visit www.hopechurchminthill.com or email cindy1768@windstream.net or jkkroy@gmail. com for more information.

Hope Christian Church is located at 11231 Lawyers Road.

Valentine’s Dinner Date Night at Matthews UMC MATTHEWS – The Couples in Christ Marriage Ministry at Matthews United Methodist Church will host a Valentine’s Dinner Date Night on Feb. 14, a Saturday, at 6:30 p.m.

This “fun, interactive” program for couples will feature Jennie Hopper, a licensed therapist in marriage and family counseling. Child care will be available, but parents must request it in advance by emailing kim@matthewsumc. org. Find more information and purchase tickets at www.matthewsumc.org.

Matthews UMC is located at 801 S. Trade St. Weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings at Team Church MATTHEWS – Team Church hosts weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m.

The Christian-based recovery program is modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous and is open to anyone in the community facing an type of addiction or hardship.

The program utilizes eight Biblical principles based on the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:3-12. www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

“Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical and balanced program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups and habits. It is based on the actual words of Jesus … (and) shows the loving power of Jesus Christ through a recovery process,” the church said in an announcement.

The church’s next Celebrate Recovery meeting is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6. A fellowship time takes place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m. Find more information at www.teamchurch.com, or call 704-469-5642.

Team Church is located at 2301 Stevens Mill Road.

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Churches unite for annual service MATTHEWS – Five area churches recently participated in the fifth annual Prayer Service for Christian Unity.

The service was held Jan. 22 at Joy Church in Matthews, and leaders and members of four other churches – God Cannot Lie Ministries, Morning Star Lutheran Church, Christian Faith Assembly and St. John Neumann Catholic Church – attended.

This year’s event was organized by Joy Church’s Rev. McLean Faw and music director Rick Lapinsky.

Dr. Leon Threatt, pastor of Christian Faith Assembly, delivered a sermon focusing on unity, incorporating recent events involving police officers, race relations and peace across the U.S., according to a news release.

The service also featured praise and worship from members of all five churches’ music ministries. A potluck dinner was held in the church’s community center prior to the service. Each participating minister offered a different prayer “with the intent of uniting Christians from every denomination,” the release said.

“Too often, people are busy with their own agendas and miss opportunities to really see the folks that are right next to us or maybe a bit down the street,” Rev. John Mouritsen, of Morning Star Lutheran, said in the release. “… The Unity Prayer Service was a welcome reminder of the joy that comes when we make the effort to go beyond our own walls and routines.”

Send faith news items to news@ matthewsminthillweekly.com. Announcements should be sent two weeks in advance.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 17

Summer Camp Guide

201 5

by Liz Lanier liz@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The verdict is out from Punxsutawney Phil. The famous groundhog saw his shadow Monday, signaling another six weeks of winter. While some kids might be hoping for snow, others are already dreaming of the warmer temperatures of

Snow Queen

Age group: 7 to 14 years old June 15 to 19 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performance: June 19 at 3 p.m.

Campers will recreate a play based on the Hans Christian Anderson story “The Snow Queen,” which inspired the story for the hit 2013 film, “Frozen.”

Cost: $275

Create a Mystery OR Whodunit?

Age group: 8 to 14 years old June 22 to 26 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performance: June 26 at 3 p.m.

spring and summer. If your children aren’t counting down the days until summer break yet, they will be if you sign them up for one of the many summer camps featured in our 2015 guide. This week’s round of camps is from Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts. The local non-profit theater organization holds all sorts of drama-based camps for all ages and dates. A one-time

registration fee of $25 is required which will include a T-shirt for the camper.

Matthews Playhouse is located at 100 McDowell St. E. in Matthews. Visit www. matthewsplayhouse.com to register. Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s summer camp guide is a biweekly feature through April 17.

Working together, campers will write, rehearse and perform their own mystery in just one week.

scenes from Shakespeare’s most wellknown plays and will even learn stage fighting.

Cost: $275

Cost: $275

Much Ado About Shakespeare

Age group: 11 to 17 years old July 13 to July 17 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performance: July 17 at 3 p.m.

Think Shakespeare’s plays are too archaic to be fun? Think again. Campers will modernize

The Hobbit

Age group: 9 to 17 years old July 20 to 24 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performance: July 24 at 3 p.m.

Kids and teens in this camp will select and perform an action-packed part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous book-turned-movie franchise.

Cost: $275

Summer Camp Guide continues on page 19...

Page 18 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Summer Camp Guide 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Performance: July 24 at 2 p.m.

Summer Camp Guide (continued) The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Campers will create their own version of the hit musical turned movie “Into the Woods” in a week’s time while learning and performing the original songs.

Age group: 8 to 14 years old Aug. 10 to 14 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Performance: Aug. 14 at 3 p.m.

Young actors will bring the world of Narnia to life in this performance based upon the most famous novel of C.S.Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” series.

Cost: $275

Maleficent and the Sleeping Beauty Age group: 7 to 14 years old July 6 to 10 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Performance: July 10 at 2 p.m.

The fairy tale will be brought to life as campers learn and perform a show full of acting, singing and dancing.

Cost: $300

Cost: $300 A past Matthews Playhouse production of “Peter Pan.” Photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse Facebook page

Broadway Boot Camp

Age group: 10 to 17 years old July 27 to 31 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Peter Pan and Wendy

Age group: 5 to 8 years old July 6 to 10 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Performance: July 10 at 12 p.m.

Performance: July 31 at 7 p.m.

Young campers will sing, dance and rehearse to put on a performance about the adventures of Neverland.

Cost: $150

Into the Woods (Session One)

This Boot Camp is for serious campers only – those who are serious about musical theater, that is. Directors, choreographers and music directors in the industry will guide campers as they create and perform a musical revue in only 25 hours.

Cost: $325

Age group: 9 to 17 years old July 20 to 24

Summer Camp Guide continues on page 21...

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 19

Page 20 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Summer Camp Guide

A past Matthews Playhouse production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Photo courtesy of Matthews Playhouse Facebook page

Summer Camp Guide (continued)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Age group: 7 to 17 years old June 15 to 26 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Performance: June 26 at 2 p.m.

In this two-week-long camp, kids and teens will use the real Wonderful Wizard of Oz set and props on stage as they act out a junior version of the musical.

Cost: $475

Paddington Bear and the 3 Bears Age group: 4 to 6 years old June 8 to 12 9:15 to 11:45 a.m.

Very young campers will act out bear stories, learn the Three Bears Rap and make crafts and props to go along with their stories. Corduroy, Little Bear and Pooh Bear also will make a visit.

Cost: $135

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Age group: 7 to 11 years old June 22 to 26 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Kids will act out scenes from the popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” book series and create a script based on the stories. Campers also will spend time honing their www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

comic-drawing skills, participate in scavenger hunts and solve puzzles.

Cost: $135

Hunger Games / Mockingjay

Age group: 10 to 17 years old July 6 to July 10 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Campers will re-enact scenes from this popular film and book series after dividing into districts and preparing to battle.

The week will culminate in a final competition. Campers should wear closed-toe shoes, as much of the time will be spent outdoors on the Greenway.

Cost: $275

American Girl Doll

Age group: 5 to 10 years old July 13 to July 17 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Girls can time travel with their favorite American Girl dolls.

Campers will act out stories, learn dances, sing music and create crafts from each era associated with the Grace, Rebecca and Addy dolls. The week will close with a special celebration.

Cost: $135 Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 21

Calendar 2.5.15 Thursday 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Groovers Grovers Square Dance Club This new square dancing club will host its first square dance class, which is open to the public. Call 704-576-0318 for more information.

Baker Place, 2843 Williams Road, Matthews

2.5.15 Thursday 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Moms Managing Media seminar Moms Managing Media, a group of local moms who “promote balancing technology and childhood in their homes,” is offering monthly parent seminars. February’s seminar will focus on “How Much Do You Really Know about Social Media?” This meeting will focus on texting, the latest phone applications and parental controls, according to a news release. The meetings are free and open to the public, and child care is provided. Email Melanie@momsmanagingmedia.com for more information.

Fireplace Room, Covenant Day School, 800 Fullwood Ave., Matthews

Feb. 5

Send your events to news@matthews minthillweekly.com

2.7.15 Saturday 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Middle School Madness/Saturday Night @ Siskey Middle school kids are invited to join the Siskey YMCA for a “fun and high-energy” middle school party. The event will include music, dancing, hoops, contests, video games, basketball, indoor soccer, gaming tournaments, dodgeball, foosball, ping-pong, concessions and more. This event takes place on the first Saturday night of every month. Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at the door. Concessions will be for sale in addition to admission cost. Contact Andrew Reinken at 704-716-4222 or Andrew.reinken@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

2.7.15 to 2.15.15 Saturday to Sunday Scouting for Food Local Boy Scouts from the Mecklenburg County Council of the Boy Scouts of America will go door-to-door throughout Mecklenburg County, collecting canned goods for Loaves & Fishes, a Charlotte-area nonprofit that provides food to families in need. Scouts will distribute bags throughout the week leading up to Feb. 7, a Saturday. Residents can fill the bags with nonperishables and leave them outside their home for the Scouts to pick up on Feb. 7. People also can visit area Harris Teeters from Feb. 7 to 15 and place donations in food collection barrels located at the stores. Find more information at www.loavesandfishes.org.

Page 22 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

2.10.15 Tuesday 4 to 5 p.m.

Story Explorers: Book Nuts This program is for children 5 to 11 years old and offers the opportunity to explore books and stories “in creative ways” through interactive activities incorporating math, science, games and more. Registration is required. Find more information and register online at www.cmlibrary. org.

Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

2.10.15 Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

Matthews Artists Guild’s monthly meeting The Matthews Artists Guild will host its monthly meeting, which gives area artists a chance to connect and learn from guest presenters. This month’s featured artist, Paul Keysar, will give a demonstration called “Night Paintings.” The demonstration will cover how to take photos at night and interpret the photos to create a night painting. The meeting is free and open to the public.

McDowell Arts Center, 123 McDowell St., Matthews

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Calendar 2.12.15 Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Community blood drive

2.17.15 Tuesday 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Teen Art Club

As part of the annual Pints for Pounds campaign, the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is donating seven pounds of food to the Charlottearea Second Harvest Food Bank for each blood donation made in February. Central Piedmont Community College is teaming up with CBCC to host a Pints for Pounds blood drive at the school’s Levine campus. Donors must be at least 16 years old and weight at least 120 pounds. Find more information and sign up to donate at www.cbcc. us.

This club gives attendees who are 12 to 18 years old a chance to exercise creativity and learn new skills in a group setting. Members of the young artists’ club will explore different media and techniques to make art to enhance the library. Call 704-416-5204 for more information.

CPCC – Levine campus, 2800 Campus Ridge Road, Matthews

2.14.15 Saturday 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Fun Night Kids in fourth and fifth grades are invited to join the Siskey YMCA for a night of dancing, games, prizes and hanging out with other kids their own age. The event will include a DJ, sporting tournaments, a moonbounce and karaoke.

Admission costs $8, and concessions will be available for purchase at an additional cost.

Contact Andrew Reinken at 704-716-4222 or Andrew.reinken@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

2.14.15 Saturday 7 to 9 p.m.

Art & Amore The Tipsy Paintbrush will host the second annual Art & Amore fundraiser to benefit local nonprofit the Matthews Free Medical Clinic. Professionals will provide attendees step-by-step tips on how to paint a pre-selected piece of artwork on a canvas to take home. Advanced registrations are required. Email krlopp@gmail.com or call 704412-2398 for more information or to reserve a seat.The Matthews Free Medical Clinic provides free medical care for low-income, uninsured or underinsured patients who live in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. Find more information about the Free Clinic at www.matthewsfmc.org.

The Tipsy Paintbrush, 116B W. John St., Matthews

Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

2.19.15 Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lunch & Learn Nonprofit Educational Meeting This meeting is intended to empower and educate nonprofits’ leaders and volunteers and will focus on recruiting, training, maintaining and keeping volunteers. The event costs $15, which includes lunch and handouts. Find more information at www. jajnonprofitresource.com/events.

Casa Rita’s, 2797 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews

2.23.15 Monday Noon to 1 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m.

Strategies for Surviving Cancer As a cancer diagnosis is a life-changing event for patients, the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center is offering a support program for those diagnosed with the disease.

“Strategies for Surviving” will teach cancer patients three effective coping strategies to deal with emotions, such as anxiety, depression and fear of recurrence.

Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews

Ongoing through 2.28.15 Tuesday through Saturday 2 to 9 p.m.

Chris Austin Fine Art Photography On Tuesdays through Saturdays, renowned Charlotte skyline photographer Chris Austin has certified some of his prints for a winter exhibit. Austin’s works are well known in the Charlotte area and include his limited edition “Rainbow over Charlotte” and one of his newest releases, “Canyon Light.” Attendees must be 21 years old or older, and admission is free.

Grape’s Wine Bar, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy., suite G, Matthews

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 23

Sports

Doster joins Carolina Weekly sports team

by Ben Doster ben@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Hello, MatthewsMint Hill Weekly readers. My name is Ben Doster and I am the new sports writer at Carolina Weekly Newspapers. I am very excited about the opportunity to cover local high school athletics in the Matthews, Mint Hill and south Charlotte area.

Sports have always been a significant Ben Doster part of my life, starting with T-ball, watching games with my dad, playing high school football under the lights on a cool and

crisp October night, (I usually had a nice view from the bench) to covering ACC basketball and football.

I moved around often as a kid before my parents finally planted roots in Morganton, which is in the foothills of western North Carolina, between Hickory and Asheville. I attended East Burke High School and current Ardrey Kell football coach Adam Hastings was my position coach, while I played offensive line for the Cavaliers.

After I graduated from East Burke in 2007, I attended Western Piedmont Community College and began my career in sports media covering local high school sports for the Morganton News Herald.

I found myself in Chapel Hill at the University of North Carolina two years later, studying journalism.

I honed my craft as a writer and reporter through my classes and great internships with the Durham Bulls, Inside Carolina and WCHL 1360 AM. After graduation, I accepted a job covering the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and North Carolina Tar Heels

for the Rivals.com and Yahoo! Sports network.

Now, I get to jump back into the prep sports world.

I know this area is filled with great talent and tradition, whether it was Independence’s unprecedented run of state championship crowns in football or the Curry brothers lighting it up at Charlotte Christian and many more great memories of teams and players.

I look forward to covering the schools, athletes and coaches around Matthews and Mint Hill. If you see me on the diamond, by the court, gridiron or pitch don’t hesitate to stop and say hello.

Also, I’m open and eager to get your feedback, criticism and story ideas. This is your sports page, and I want to do the best job I can do reporting on the high school teams, student athletes and coaches in the Matthews, Mint Hill and south Charlotte area.

The best ways to reach me are by phone at (704) 8492261 or e-mail at ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers. com. Follow me on Twitter @benddoster.

Butler basketball eyes conference title

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

First-year Bulldog coach Myron Lowery said it’s no mystery why his team is 19-3 on the season and 9-1 in conference play.

“It’s simple. We’ve got good players,” he said.

Lowery said his team benefits from a deep roster and three guys averaging double-digit points.

Junior Raequan Scott is at the forefront of the Bulldogs success.

The 5-foot-9 sharp-shooting guard is averaging a team-high 20.9 points per game with 4.4 assists and two steals, controlling the Bulldogs’ uptempo offense. From behind the arc, he’s shooting 45 percent and doesn’t let his small stature get in the way of finding the basket. Scott hit seven 3-pointers and finished with 33 points in the Bulldogs win over Mallard Creek in their second game of the season.

“He can score so many different ways,” Lowery said. “He’s so difficult to guard and he’s been really effective getting to the basket. He’s scoring different ways, getting steals and converting them and passing the ball.

When you’re hitting outside shots and dishing it out to teammates, it makes you hard to guard. Plus, he has teammates that can score.”

One of those teammates is 6-foot junior Orlando Robinson. Robinson scored a career-high 26 points on Jan. 27 in a 79-64 in over East Meck, shooting 65 percent from the floor and giving Scott some help in the backcourt. The duo has played

together since their days at Crestdale Middle School and their chemistry shows on the scoreboard.

Questions loomed over the fate of the Bulldog program when the season began in November after graduating all-conference standout and current Vanderbilt freshman Matthew Fisher-Davis (24 points, 14 rebounds) and Giavonni Mack, the current North Texas freshman who averaged 22 points, eight assists and five rebounds last season.

But Scott and Robinson had no problem filling those shoes and the Bulldogs haven’t dropped a game since Dec. 6.

Factor in 6-foot-4 senior forward Arthur Labinowicz (10.2 ppg, 5.9 rpg) who scored a game-high 26 points in a 70-54 win over Myers Park on Jan. 30 and 6-foot-4 sophom o r e center w h o ’s putting up 9.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game and you can see why Lowery has confidence in his team.

“We’ve all really clicked,” he said.

“We have great

Page 24 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

players from top to bottom and a great coaching staff.”

The Bulldogs suffered a tough blow to the ego on Feb. 3 after an unexpected four-point loss to Rocky River (10-12) – a team that’s only averaging 50 points per game this year compared to Butler’s 71.

But with two games left in conference play, Lowery said his team is focused on fin-

look to playoffs.

“The biggest thing we talk about is continuing to practice and not get complacent,” Lowery said. “Every possession counts. In some games, we’ve been outscored 9-0 on a three or four minute stretch. We talk about how we can’t afford those momentary lapses anymore. That could be the game.”

The Bulldogs, who haven’t lost a

“ ” The biggest thing we talk about is continuing to practice and not get complacent.

Every possession counts.

– COACH MYRON LOWerY

ishing the conference strong and winning the tournament before they

game at home all season, host Porter Ridge (9-11) on Feb. 6 before traveling to Independence (7-13) on Feb. 13 in their final game of the regular season.

First year Butler coach Myron Lowery has the bulldogs sitting at the top of the Southwestern 4A conference. MMHW file photo www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Sports

sports shorts

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Butler, Rocky River compete at Eastern High School Challenge Butler and Rocky River’s indoor track teams competed at the Eastern High School Challenge on Jan. 31 at the Eddie Smith Field House in Chapel Hill.

Butler’s Matthew Barrera finished in second place in the 1000-meter dash, running in 2 minutes, 39.13 seconds.

Teammate Chuka Sorronadi finished third in the 300 (35.56) and fifth in the 55-meter hurdles (6.47). On the girls team, Butler’s Nia Baker finished seventh in the shot put (35-10.00).

Rocky River’s Jazzmone Boyd placed fifth in the 1000, finishing in 3:09.63.

Kenya Livingston finished in ninth place in the high jump (4-10.00) and the girls 4x400 relay team finished in third (4:07.40).

South Meck, Porter Ridge win conference wrestling tournaments South Meck senior Collin Stewart won the So. Meck 8 120-pound championship at the conference tournament

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

on Jan. 31 held at South Meck High School. Stewart pinned Providence’s Ryan Keefe in 1 minute, 23 seconds to help the Sabres win the team title.

Other South Meck winners included Carlos Medina-Lesmes in the 106pound division, Chris Moungle in the 145-pound division, Blake Barber at 152 pounds and Jacob Norby at 170 pounds.

Providence finished in second place.

Ardrey Kell took third and Charlotte Catholic finished fourth.

In Southwestern 4A competition, Porter Ridge won the team title with Independence coming in second place and Butler finishing in third.

The Patriot team earned wins from Stuart Cochran (195 pound), Chris Jordan (145 pound), Russell Brown (heavyweight) and Tayshon Risher (182 pound).

Champions from Butler included Hayden Brown (220 pound), Jacob Gallimore (106 pound), Jared Onque (126 pound) and Adam Pelter (132 pound).

Myers Park dominates Southwestern 4A swim meet, Butler finishes second The Mustang swim team had no problem taking the Southwestern 4A swim

meet by storm on Jan. 30 at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. The boys and girls team combined to take 20 individual events, winning 11 of 12 events in boys’ competition and nine of 12 in the girls’ meet.

The boys team won the meet with 752 points while Butler finished in second with 435 points. The Myers Park girls finished with 771 points and Butler girls finished with 436 points.

Butler’s Austin Spaeth was the sole individual winner for the Bulldogs, taking the title in the 100-yard freestyle.

The N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 4A Western Regional meet will be Saturday, Feb. 7, at Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center.

Charlotte Christian baseball coach honored Charlotte Christian baseball associate head coach Mike Rozak was named the N.C. Baseball Coaches Association (NCBCA) 2015 Private School Assistant Coach of the Year at the NCBCA’s Annual Convention on Jan. 16 and 17.

Rozsak is entering his 20th season as an assistant and eighth year as the associate head coach to Greg Simmons.

Rozsak has helped Simmons lead the Knights to 12 N.C. Independent School Athletic Association state championships and 16 CISAA. Charlotte Christian’s baseball complex was named the 2015 Private School Field of the Year.

Boys Basketball Player of the Week: Demetry Lake, Queen’s Grant Lake, a 6-foot-5 senior guard, scored 21 points in the Stallions’ win over Gray Stone Day on Jan. 30. Lake added 10 rebounds and was 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the win.

Girls Basketball Player of the Week: Sarah Billiard Covenant Day The 6-foot sophomore scored a team-high 16 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in Covenant Day’s five-point loss to Charlotte Christian on Jan. 30.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Page 25

Page 26 • Feb. 5 to 11, 2015 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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101014

For Monday, 2, 2015 ForRelease Information Call: February 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Crossword Crossword 35 “August: ___ 64 Leave no

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6562

PUZZLE COLLINS PUZZLEBY BYPETER BRUCEA.HAIGHT

30 integers of 36 Like Engine sound the form 2n + 1 at Indy 38 Shade Actress Arthur 31 39 “One BakeLove” in a sauce 32 42 singer One justification for the Iraq war, 33 Suffix with ranch for short 34 Sauce thickener 44 Make a quick 36 Doublemint, for note of 46 one Violates the rules season 37 Juillet’s 47 Worldwide Real hoot 40

43 buys Tony 53 57Maudlin One in the 48Lottery Puppeteer classunits of ’12 or 44 e.g.F.B.I. 54 Forest 49Univ., Former ’13, now chief Louis 46 Writer’s plan 56 Call off, as a 50Jeanne ___ dish 47 d’Arc, for 58mission Diamond bag Abbr.

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