Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Vol. 9 No. 10

March 4, 2016 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

No more dirty water After more than a decade of brown, reddish and milky water coming out of their faucets, Mint Hill residents in Ashe Plantation will have access to clean water. Page 14

Opinion 4 | News Briefs 6 | Crime Blotter 7 | Education 11 | Faith 13 | Calendar 15 | Sports 16 | Classifieds 19

Weekly launches new website Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly launched a new website to give readers improved access to community news.

Page 5

Summer Camp Guide This issue's Summer Camp Guide will feature some of the most popular sports camps in the area.

Page 8

Shands School's unique approach Matthews-based Shands School reaches students who need individualized attention to succeed in school.

Page 11

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 2 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Highest Ranking Judge in Legal Ability in Mecklenburg County Endorsed by Eight District Court Judges: The Honorable Christy Mann handles many of our county’s most difficult child custody and divorce cases with expertise and sensitivity.

Serving as District Court Judge for over a decade, Judge Mann is committed to the well-being of the children and families who come before her.

She is the first to help a colleague facing a heavy docket. In our estimation, Judge Mann is indispensable to our courts.

Look for the judicial races at the end of your ballot and re-elect Christy Mann.

We Need to Keep Judge Christy Mann on the Bench!

Hon. Ronald L. Chapman

Hon. Jena P. Culler

Hon. Gary L. Henderson

Hon. Paige B. McThenia

Hon. David H. Strickland

Hon. Rebecca T. Tin

Hon. Elizabeth Thornton Trosch

Hon. Louis A. Trosch, Jr.

Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Judge Christy Mann

www.judgemann.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

The Weekly

Business Briefs Food Lion honors manager MINT HILL – Food Lion awarded Kim Rollins recently with its 2015 Central Division Store Manager Excellence Award. Rollins manages the store at 8118 Blair Road.

She was among five managers recognized recently for leadership.

“For my team, this award shows associKim Rollins ates that hard work and dedication really does pay off,” Rollins said.

“You must have the passion to serve people, our customers and our community and just treat everyone the same way you want to be treated.”

Food Lion donated $1,000 in her store's name to Second Harvest Food Bank Metrolina.

Rollins has worked with Food Lion for 22 years.

Her son also works for Food Lion.

Food Lion has more than 1,100 stores in 10 states.

Firm makes Future 50 list MATTHEWS – Carolina’s Home Medical Equipment was named a SmartCEO Future 50 Award Winner. The program recognizes the Charlotte region’s 50 fastest-growing mid-sized companies that have experienced outsized growth based on a combined three-year aver-

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 3 age of revenue and employee growth.

The group will be recognized in SmartCEO magazine and celebrated at a banquet April 27 at Hilton Charlotte Center City.

“To be included on this year’s list with many well-known growing companies, such as OrthoCaroFrank Trammell lina and NoDa Brewing Company, is an honor,” CEO Frank Trammell said. “Our staff is 100 percent dedicated to the notion of extreme service and this recognition is a direct result of their hard work.”

The firm specializes in respiratory and mobility equipment including power wheelchairs.

Chamber looks for new leader MATTHEWS – The Matthews Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new leader following the departure of Executive Director Tina Whitley.

The chamber released a job announcement calling for skills in organization, planning, leadership, networking and collaboration. Communications, budgeting skills and customer services are a plus.

Candidates were asked to send in resumes through March 1.

During Whitley’s Tina Whitley 13-year tenure, the

organization grew from 200 to 420 members.

Whitley left the chamber to work for the Allen Tate Company.

Business Show March 16 from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Park Expo & Conference Center, located at 800 Briar Creek Road.

Dealerships earn high marks

Retail gives foundation a boost

CHARLOTTE – Edmunds.com recognized 14 Charlotte area car dealerships, including three along East Independence Boulevard, with its fourth annual Five Star Dealer Awards.

Carolina Volkswagen, Hendrick Motors of Charlotte and Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet were among dealers earning a sales rating of five stars from car shoppers on Edmunds.com – with at least 20 reviews during the previous two years.

Shoppers can look up reviews for dealers at www.edmunds.com/dealer-reviews/.

MATTHEWS – The Loss Prevention Foundation will partner with The Retail Industry Leaders Association to raise money for the Loss Prevention Benevolent Fund.

The fund helps families of asset protection professionals who lost their lives on duty.

The fundraiser will be a raffle during RILA’s Retail Asset Protection Conference on April 17-20 in Dallas, Texas. LPF is seeking prize donations from businesses for a raffle.

“Fundraising efforts like this, made possible through our partnership with RILA, allow us to continue to provide beneficial financial support to the families of fallen asset protection professionals who have lost their lives while engaged in the duties of their profession,” committee chairman Chris Duke said in a press release.

The Loss Prevention Foundation is based at 700 Matthews Mint Hill Road.

Visit www.losspreventionfoundation.org for details.

Chambers prepare for expos CHARLOTTE – Three chamber of commerce groups are organizing trade shows next month.

The community will have an opportunity to network and talk to people at some of the community’s largest companies at the following expos: • The Matthews Chamber of Commerce hosts the Greater Matthews Business Expo March 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carmel Baptist Church, located at 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road. Register for booth space through March 8. Call the chamber at 704-‐847-‐3649 for details.

• The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce holds the Mint Hill Biz Expo on March 10 at 4 p.m. at Blair Road United Methodist Church Family Life Center, located at 9135 Blair Road.

• The Charlotte Chamber of Commerce East Chapter presents the 16th annual Charlotte

Health& Wellness

Edward Jones financial advisor going to leadership conference CHARLOTTE – Dessi Dufresne was among 821 financial advisors who qualified for the Edward Jones' Financial Advisor Leaders Conference.

The conference recognizes financial advisors who are among the leaders in the firm. It will be held in May at the firm's headquarters in St. Louis, Mo. Edward Jones has 14,000-plus financial advisors in the U.S. and Canada.

2016

As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year.

Each of our 2016 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyperlocal stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful featurestories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

CONTENT FOCUSED ISSUES

"QSJM t +VMZ Oct. 7

C G Charlotte Media Group

Circulation: 24,000 Readership: 54,675

Circulation: 17,000 Readership: 38,475

Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 4 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Kingsdown

QUEEN SETS STARTING AT

599

BEDDING SALE

$

Kingsdown Legacy Plush Queen Size

Professional Delivery & Setup FREE bedMATCH Sleep Test • Professional Delivery & Setup • Comfort Guarantee • Incredible Mattress Selection

goodshomefurnishings.com

Financing available. See store for details. Some items may vary by store location.

Pineville location Monday - Saturday 10-7 Sunday 12 - 5

11735 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville NC 704.910.4045

WHEN COMFORT MATTERS

Worried about keeping your family safe & warm this winter?

You Can Rest Easy with Andersen’s

$99 Winter Heating Tune Up for details visit our website and click on “Winter Specials” 704-596-2525 WWW.ANDERSENSERVICES.COM

Ask about 0% financing on a new system!

Opinion

Maybe local businesses should answer the phone My wife and I bought a house almost two years ago, and the previous owners were a nice retired couple.

As we all know, retired folks have many hobbies and chief among them, namely in Jonathan McElvy the spring, summer, fall and winter, is to plant stuff. And when I say “plant,” what I really mean is that nearly every square inch of our property line includes some sort of mini-boulder border wall with exquisite pieces of foliage sprouting from behind the rocked protection.

When we bought the house, my wife and I loved all the gardening these folks had done. I think the Realtors call it “showing well.” The problem, as you’ve no doubt discerned by now, is neither my wife nor I is technically retired.

What that means is we get one hour with our tasmanian son in the morning and two hours to chase him at night, leaving our weekends as the only time we get a full complement of hours to have him order us around. And at no point does our son order us to spend 10 hours pulling the six billion weeds that have grown between all the exquisite pieces of foliage once carefully planted behind the mini-boulders.

For fear of being expelled by our neighbors for living among poorly manicured flower beds, Meghan and I decided to share a kidney and sell the other three to hire a landscaping company.

We didn’t know which landscaping outfit to choose, so we did what all good citizens should do; we opened our local, community newspaper and found the section where lawn and garden companies advertise.

My wife called all of them one evening, leaving voicemails with each of them because none actually answered the phone.

Two days later, after not hearing back from any of these local companies, who we wanted to pay money to perform their advertised services, my wife grunted at me and hesitantly called each of the companies back. She finally got a return call the next day from someone who said he could meet us the following week to look at our project.

Let’s not hurry this along, by any means.

Two weeks ago, I wrote a column bemoaning my concerns about small, locally owned business. If you didn’t happen to read, my thesis was online sales are going to change the entire scope of brick-andmortar stores owned by our friends and neighbors.

I didn’t offer an exact solution in that column; instead, I asked readers to send their thoughts about why they would consider spurring the convenience of Amazon. com for a locally owned store. The answers were what we should expect.

Noah wrote about a local hardware store: “Their employees are excellent with advice and can answer my questions immediately.

They don’t need to radio someone from that department to answer my questions.”

Rich shared a similar sentiment.

“One-on-one service to a customer can never be substituted by the impersonal, nonexistent website salesperson. When you shop online you actually are exchanging places with a salesperson and become your own – hope you can answer all your questions on the purchase you are about to make.”

In all the letters I received, the same theme seemed to echo.

“Sure, I do buy some things from Amazon – mostly DVDs or books that I can’t find locally, but both my wife and I much prefer to walk into a brick and mortar store to shop,” John wrote. “Sometimes, however, the clerks at those stores seem to have little interest in customer service. We have found that where the owner is at the location, we are more likely to get good service and a fair price. Not usually the cheapest, but some things are worth paying a little extra to receive.”

And among the many letters I received, Peter was most poetic: “… The fact remains that small business is a fundamental to human liberty as a smile and a handshake are fundamental to human interaction, and the loss of small businesses is the canary in the coal mine for the loss of human freedom.”

I was overwhelmed by the number of responses I received from readers, most of which I don’t have room to print. Interestingly, I did not receive a single reply from an actual business owner fighting to keep his or her business profitable.

Why? I have no idea. What I do know is the consumers who wrote all focused on one specific advantage to shopping at local stores – they care about interacting with humans, they like local service (when it is good), and they are as passionate as a canary trying to escape the gas of a coal mine.

So when my wife and I tried to hire someone – anyone – to help with our yard work, I was reminded maybe it isn’t Amazon and Google we should fear most. What local businesses should fear before anything is losing the desire to serve the people who ardently care about supporting your business.

Maybe local businesses should fear Caller ID, and maybe we should consider answering local calls when a potential customer is on the other line.

Maybe we should return a phone call, even if it’s after 6 p.m.

Maybe we should treat our customers like they might be the last people to walk in the store.

Local businesses that survive will always keep their customers first. If they don’t, their last worry in the world should be a mouse click and a credit card.

Email jonathan@cmgweekly.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Weekly’s unveil new website

by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

Everything we do here at Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is aimed at making our community better, and serving our readers.

We love small towns. We love parades and town hall meetings and high school theater productions. We love the collard greens at Moe’s Original Barbecue and that weird telephone pole disguised as a tree on Interstate 485.

We know how lucky we are to tell the stories that are shaping Matthews and Mint Hill, and, though I might be biased, I think we have some of the best journalists in the area dedicated to providing our readers with the best source of news relevant to this side of Mecklenburg County.

After undergoing an ownership change last July, the Weekly’s have consistently been improving, from our content – the bread and butter of

what we do – to our design. Updating and improving our online presence seemed like a natural progression.

That’s why we relaunched www.matthews minthillweekly.com last week. Our new website features not only the content you know and love in your print issue, but also new, unique and timely stories found exclusively on our website.

Like our print publication, stories found on our website will be local and relevant to Matthews and Mint Hill. No AP copy. No pop up ads. No stories about elections in Huntersville or traffic patterns in Rock Hill.

I encourage you to visit www.matthewsmin thillweekly.com and like us on Facebook. Pull us up on you’re mobile device, too – we’re now smartphone friendly.

As always, let us know what you would like to see in our online presence. Email me at hannah@ cmgweekly.com.

On the lookout for happy campers?

With the ever-increasing competition for children’s summer camp activities, get the competitive advantage by getting your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers.

Each of our 6 Summer Camp issues will have dedicated editorial sections in all of our award-winning newspapers.

ISSUE DATES: • March 18 • April 8 & 22

C G Charlotte Media Group

Circulation: 24,000 Readership: 54,675

Circulation: 17,000 Readership: 38,475

Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 5

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 6 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

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

Editorial Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Tony Marciano

Advertising Charlotte Conway Mike Gianpetro

Design

News Briefs Matthews author releases historical nonfiction book MATTHEWS – Matthews resident Charlotte Corbin Barnes recently released “The Tom Dooley Files: My Search for the Truth Behind the Legend.” Barnes, an award-winning television researcher and documentarian, explores the North Carolina mountain legend made famous by the Kingston Trio’s 1958 ballad “Tom Dooley.” The 500-page book discusses what really led to the hanging of Confederate Civil War veteran Thomas C. Dula after murdering the girl he was set to marry.

“The Tom Dooley Files” includes oral histories and stories passed down through families for generations.

The book is available in limited edition hardcover. Visit www.thetomdooleyfiles.com for more information.

Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby

Matthews Chamber to host Greater Business Expo March 15

Business President Jonathan McElvy Publisher Kelly Wright Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling Charlotte Corbin Barnes Advertising: kelly@cmgweekly.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@cmgweekly.com Press Releases: hannah@cmgweekly.com

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

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

panies to showcase their goods and services,” said Boyd Davis, Biz Expo chair, “and a great opportunity for consumers to meet their business neighbors.”

Novant will be providing “A Remarkable You” screenings, which consist of height, weight, blood pressure, BMI and A1C measurements. Personnel also will briefly review the results with each participant.

The event is free and will feature 48 exhibitors with prizes and giveaways.

The following businesses have committed to the event: RTF Computing, Brad Corriher/ State Farm Insurance, Tactical Pest & Termite Solutions, Countryside Properties Inc, Mint Hill Yoga, Candice Wood Photography, Sycamore Animal Clinic, Allen Tate/ Dina Braun, Simmons YMCA, Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Assocs, PA, Pine Lake Country Club, Kumon Math & Reading Center of CharlotteMint Hill, SCORE Charlotte, Anytime Fitness, Maid Pro of East Charlotte, Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care, Rim Shop of Charlotte, Leisure Travel Expert, Create A Video, Savvy Solutions Real Estate, Rent Your Event, Rolyn Companies Inc, Daphne’s Simply Southern Bakery, and Chick fil A.

Mint Hill Chamber, Novant Health to hold Biz Expo March 10 MINT HILL – Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce and title sponsor Novant Health will host the fourth annual BIZ Expo on March 10, a Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Blair Road United Methodist Church Family Life Center, located at 9135 Blair Road.

This year’s theme, “Network, Expand and Generate,” will help connect consumers with the local business community.

“The Biz Expo is an affordable way for com-

MATTHEWS – Matthews Chamber of Commerce will hold the Greater Matthews Business Expo on March 15, a Tuesday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Carmel Baptist Church, located at 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road. Admission is free and open to the public.

The event will allow business owners and vendors the chance to meet and speak with other business owners and event attendees to learn about new products and services offered by Chamber-member companies in the Matthews area.

Booth space is available through March 8 on a first come, first serve basis. Contact the chamber at 704-847-3649 for more information.

Send news briefs and letters to the editor to hannah@cmgweekly.com.

The Weekly

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, Plans to install a traffic circle at Idlewild Road and Highway 51 continue to move forward. Construction is planned to start in June and take eight weeks. These two major roads will be closed for approximately eight weeks while construction takes place. This will have a big impact on people who need to travel these roads everyday. Clearly, something needs to be done at the busy intersection, due to a high accident rate and traffic backup. Is a traffic circle the best solution?

There are really two issues at stake: No. 1 is safety. No. 2 is congestion and traffic flow.

There is not much argument that traffic circles are safer (traffic circles probably do not reduce accidents, but make them less serious).

The subject of traffic flow and congestion is much more controversial. Anyone driving through this intersection, particularly at rush hour, has seen the traffic problems. Coming from Matthews on Highway 51 toward Mint Hill, traffic is backed up as far as Phillips Road and, not uncommon, as far back as Sycamore Common Shopping center. Is the traffic circle going to improve this? I think not.

The real key to an efficient traffic circle is the diameter of the circle – the bigger the better. Unfortunately, there is limited room for a large circle here due to limited space.

These two roads will be closed for at least eight weeks while this construction is taking place. The town is still working on detour routes. People who travel these roads and need to get through this intersection are in for some serious delays.

The decision has been made in favor of the traffic circle; I hope it is successful, but I am very skeptical.

Stu Cooper Mint Hill

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Ad❤ption Name: Nigel ID: A1101281 Breed Mix: Pit Bull Age: 9 months Weight: 44 lbs Sex: Neutered Male Date of Arrival: 2/5/16 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

Nigel has some major puppy energy!

He would loves to run around in the yard chasing tennis balls and just doing, what we like to call, the flurries: running in circles over and over again. He would make a great jogging partner! He will benefit and thrive with positive training. He would do best in a home with kids over 7. He has been known to get along with other dogs. VIP: Only $10 to adopt!

NIGEL

CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road

J.J.

Name: J.J. ID: A1100734 Breed Mix: Shorthair Age: 2 years Weight: 7 lbs Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 2/28/16 (Returned-Allergies) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

Like all sidekicks, I’m just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude. I don’t go looking for trouble but I’m no scaredycat, either. If you are looking for a steady companion to travel with you on the road of life, look no further.

8315 Byrum Drive / animals.cmpd.org ADOPTION FEES RANGE FROM $63 TO $103

C G Charlotte Media Group

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

The Weekly

Crime Blotter The following incidents were reported between Feb. 22 to 28 in Matthews, according to the Matthews Police Department.

Property Theft • 1900 block of Windsor Hill Drive: Vehicle license plate stolen. Feb. 22 • Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: A set of sterling silver bracelets and sterling silver hoop earrings, worth $54 total, stolen from business. Feb. 22 • Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: $485.50 in clothing stolen. Feb. 23 • Target, 1900 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Assorted clothing shoplifted. Feb. 23 • Harris Teeter, 1811 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Deodorant and batters, worth $232.01 total, stolen from business. Feb. 25 • 3400 block of Crescent Knoll Drive: Hydrocodone syrup and hydrocodone pills, worth $45 total, stolen. Feb. 25 • 1800 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Larceny. Feb. 25 • Texas Roadhouse, 10450 E. Independence Blvd.: Large purse, hydrocodone, Xanex, keys, gift cards, smartphone and credit cards, worth $615, and $250 of cash stolen. Feb. 26 • Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road: Jacket, cell phone and keys, worth $1,100 total stolen. Feb. 26 Vehicle Break-Ins • 1800 block of Windsor Square Drive:

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 7 $300 of damage to front right window during a vehicle break-in; nothing listed as stolen. Feb. 23 Business/Home Break-Ins • 13900 block of Idlewild Road: LED TV and laptop, worth $1,500 total, and $2,500 of cash stolen during a forced breaking and entering. Feb. 22 Fraud • 2100 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Obtaining property by false pretense. Feb. 23 • 320 block of Amir Court: $2,000 obtained by false pretense. Feb. 23 • Target, 1900 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Credit card fraud. Feb. 25 • 1900 block of Matthews Township Parkway: $1,000 stolen through credit card fraud. Feb. 26 • Best Buy, 2109 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Credit card fraud. Feb. 26 • 1400 block of Cochrane Woods Lane: Unauthorized use of motor vehicle. Feb. 28 Drugs and Alcohol • Tassels, 12400 E. Independence Blvd.: Drunk and disruptive; resisting, delaying and obstructing an arrest; written trespass warning. Feb. 23 • Tassels, 12400 E. Independence Blvd.: Driving while under the influence; simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. Feb. 26 • 13400 block of East Independence Boulevard: Driving while under the influence. Feb. 26 • 1300 block of Forest Wood Drive: Driving while license revoked for driving under the influence. Feb. 28

Property Damage • 2800 block of Campus Ridge Road: Hit and run. Feb. 22 • 2900 block of Oakhaven Drive: $1,000 of damage done to a landscape during a vandalism incident. Feb. 23 • Costco, 2125 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $1,200 in damage to automobile.

Feb. 24 • Novant Medical Center, 1500 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $200 of damage to automobile. Feb. 25 Other • 3000 block of Rainbow Ridge Drive: Simple physical assault; domestic dispute.

Feb. 22 • 9600 block of Independence Pointe Parkway: Order for arrest. Feb. 22 • 1600 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Simple assault. Feb. 23 • 1100 block of Matthews Commons Drive: Harassing phone calls; domestic violence. Feb. 24 • 13000 block of Kintyre Court: Harassment by electronic device. Feb. 24 • 500 block of Crestdale Road: Simple physical assault communicating threats.

Feb. 26 • 11200 block of Brigman Road: Communicating threats. Feb. 26 • 730 block of Selma Burke Lane: Harassing phone calls; harassment by electronic communication. Feb. 27 • 1400 block of Crescent Lane: Simple physical assault; simple physical assault on a female; all other offenses against gamily. Feb. 27 • 10500 block of Paces Avenue: Simple physical assault. Feb. 28

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following restaurants from Feb. 22 to 28.

Lowest Score: • Ichiban Buffet Sushi & Hibachi, 7201 Albemarle Road, 28227 – 90 Violations included: Badly dented can of mandarin oranges with contents seeping through punctures in can; large bowl of raw shrimp stored over cooked wings in refrigerator; dish machine with no proper sanitizer; many foods without date marks; large volume of frozen shrimp and imitation crab thawing at room temperature in preparation sink; sections of cardboard used to line shelves in refrigerator at cook line; and shelving under cardboard liners significantly rusted.

All Scores: 28105 • Best Wok II, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 94 • Café 157, 157 N. Trade St. – 98.5 • China Express II, 3607-8 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 95 • Genghis Grill, 9727 E. Independence Blvd. – 96.5 • Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, 9623 E. Independence Blvd. – 91.5 • Red Lobster, 9801 Independence Pointe Pkwy. – 95.5 • Texas Roadhouse, 10450 E. Independence Blvd. – 96 28227 • Bojangles’, 11420 Beaver Farms Road – 97 • Burger King, 7002 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 97 • Ichiban Buffet Sushi & Hibachi, 7201 Albemarle Road – 90 • Jersey Mikes, 7082 Brighton Park Drive, suite 201 – 97

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 8 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Summer Camps

2016 Summer Camp Guide This week, we're featuring some of the most popular sports camps in the area. Stay tuned for our next summercamp issue, out March 18, which will feature area Bible Schools and faith camps.

Hornets Hoops Camp June 13 to 16; June 20 to 23; June 20 to 23; June 27 to 30; June 27 to 30; July 11 to 14; July 18 to 21; July 25 to 28; Aug. 8 to 11.

Price: $325



Children ages 7 to 14 years old learn the fundamentals of basketball through skills stations, drills, lectures, coaches, speakers and games, and will receive a camp swag bag. www.nba.com/hornets/hornets-hoopscamps

Sports Camp

Activities Include  

June 13 to 17 Member rate: $165; program rate: $240





• Behind-the-scene Tours:

Children 3 to 4 years old will learn and try new and different sports, ranging from flag  Mecklenburg County Courthouse football to dodgeball by participating in  games, drills and obstacle courses.  Mecklenburg County Jail www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps 



The Charlotte School of Law  

  • Observing real trials    • Conducting a mock crime    scene    • Participating in a mock trial    • Meeting judges and other    court personnel    

Gymnastics Camp

 CMPD Crime Lab  

Rising kindergartners through fifth-graders will learn the basics of gymnastics, while participating on bars, beams and floor. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

June 13 to 17 Member rate: $165 Program rate: $240

June 20 to June 24 Early Hawk: $125 Regular price: $140

This is an opportunity for children 7 to 14 years old to boost their individual basketball skills through instruction, practice and play. www.charlottelatinsummer.com

Girls 7 to 15 years old will get to develop their lacrosse skills, while getting to play and scrimmage with other players. www.charlottelatinsummer.com

Latin Wrestling Camp with Coach Paige

Boys Day & Morning Camps

June 13 to 17 Early Hawk: $160 Regular price: $175

June 13 to 17 Day Camp price: $195 Morning camp price: $110

This camp is for children 7 to 14 years old, who are new or experienced wrestlers. They will learn techniques through drills and wrestling. www.charlottelatinsummer.com

June 13 to 17 Early Hawk: $160 Regular price: $175 Children 8 to 15 years old will learn the fundamentals of field hockey, while sharpening skills through drills and competition. www.charlottelatinsummer.com

Girls Basketball Camp with Coach Mapp





Rising first-through second-graders will learn the basics of flag football, while playing games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

  who want to learn more about

   the North Carolina Judicial

 Branch.   

 

• Space is limited to 15 campers



  

June 13 to June 17 and July 11 to July 15 Early Hawk: $160 Regular price: $175



Flag Football Camp

   interested in a career in law or



Girls’ Lacrosse Camp with Coach Williams

Field Hockey Camp

June 13 to 17 Member rate: $175 Program rate: $250

 Who can Participate?      • Court Camp is designed for    teens ages 14-18 who are

per one week session.   

Berger/Fullwood Basketball Camp

June 13 to 17 Early Hawk: $125 Regular price: $140

Girls 8 to 17 years old learn the fundamentals of fundamentals of ballhandling, passing, defensive and offensive footwork, shooting and agilities, which are all integral in becoming a complete basketball player. www.charlottelatinsummer.com



Ultimate Sports Sampler JV Camp



June 13 to 17 Member rate: $195 Program rate: $255

Nike Tennis Camp  June 13 to 17

Rising first – through second – graders will learn the fundamentals of various sports, while participating in drills and play games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

Ultimate Sports Sampler JV Camp Add-on June 13 to 17 Member rate: $75 Program rate: $105 Rising first–through second–graders will learn the fundamentals of various sports, while getting to participate in drills and games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

Half day price: $205 Full-day price: $405 Children 7 to 18 years old will get to hit a bunch of balls, improve their technique, and get to compete with their top peers. www.ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/charlotte-latin-school-nike-tennis-camp/

Flag Football with Coach Mac June 20 to 24 Early Hawk: $160 Full-day price: $175 Children 7 to 12 years old will learn the importance of sportsmanship, fair-play and team concepts, while getting to have fun playing flag football. www.charlottelatinsummer.com

Boys, 5 to 13 years old will learn the fundamentals of soccer, playing games. www.charlottesoccercamp.com/content/charlotte-boys-soccer-academy_day-morning-camps

Boys Juniors Advanced Camp July 10 to 13 Commuter price: $380 Residential price: $480 Boys, 9 to 13 years old with recreational and club experience will learn the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of soccer. www.charlottesoccercamp.com/content/ charlotte-boys-soccer-academy_junior-advanced-camp

Boys College Showcase Camp July 15 to 17 Price: $300 Boys 14 to 18 years old will learn the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of the game. The camp includes lectures, video analysis and games. www.charlottesoccercamp.com/content/ charlotte-boys-soccer-academy_collegeshowcase

Girls Junior Niner Camp June 13 to June 17 and July 25 to July 29 Half day price: $110 Full day price: $195 Girls 4 to 10 years old will learn the basics of soccer through exercises and games. http://www.charlottesoccercamp.com/content/charlotte-girls-soccer-academy_juniorniner-camp

Girls Junior Advanced Camp June 12 to June 15 and July 24 to July 27 Commuter price: $380 Residential price: $480 Girls 9 to 14 years old will improve their skills, while learning basic game tactics. www.charlottesoccercamp.com/content/ charlotte-girls-soccer-academy_junior-advanced-camp (see Summer Camps on page 9)

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Summer Camps (continued from page 8)

Girls Summer Residential College Showcase July 22 to July 24 Residential price: $300 Commuter price: $275 Teenage girls who hope to play college soccer will learn the demand of competing at the collegiate level through high quality training and an in-depth look at the Charlotte 49ers women’s soccer program. www.charlottesoccercamp.com/content/ charlotte-girls-soccer-academy_summercamp-dates

Fencing Camp Aug. 1 to Aug. 5 Matthews resident price: $185 Non-resident price: $195 Children 8 to 16 years old will learn Olympic style fencing through Charlotte Fencing Academy. Coach Colleen Gallant will teach kids fundamental footwork, blade work and tactics.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road – (704) 708-1287

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 9 Non-resident price (June 20 to June 24): $285 Matthews resident price (Aug. 8 to Aug. 12): $290 Non-resident price (Aug. 8 to Aug. 12): $295

Enroll Your Kids for

Vet Camp 2016

Children 6 to 13 years old will learn the fundamentals of basketball through coaching, skills development, games and tournaments.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road – (704) 708-1287

Week-long camps from June 13th-August 19th 8:45-1:15pm Daily!

Rising 2nd-5th Graders & 6th-8th Graders Kids will get hands-on experience

Muggsy Bogues Girls Basketball Camp July 11 to July 15 Matthews resident price: $270 Non-resident price: $275 Girls 6 to 13 years old will learn the fundamentals of basketball through coaching, skills development, games and tournaments.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road – (704) 708-1287

Flag Football Camp June 27 to July 1 Matthews resident price: $85 Non-resident price: $95

Muggsy Bogues Fundamental Basketball Camp

Children 7 12 years old will learn the basics of flag football through fun and games.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road (704) 708-1287

June 20 to June 24; Aug. 8 to Aug. 12 Matthews resident price (June 20 to June 24): $280

Soccer Camp July 18 to July 22 (see Summer Camps on page 10)

Dr. Burtis showing Middle Schoolers a dental procedure

Campers will:

s /BSERVE DOCTORS TECHNICIANS IN PET EXAMS s %XPERIENCE COMPONENTS OF 6ETERINARY MEDICINE SUCH AS ULTRASOUND

X RAYS WOUND CARE DENTAL CARE s /BSERVE AN ACTUAL SURGERY s ,EARN HOW TO IDENTIFY PARASITES UNDER A MICROSCOPE s ,EARN 0ET &IRST !ID s )NVESTIGATE OTHER ANIMAL RELATED CAREERS Join our interest list by emailing: wahvetcamp@gmail.com

Registration opening soon -- We will 601 N. Church St. - Waxhaw email you an invitation.

Also accepting New Clients - Call Today to Make an Appointment 704.843.2269 or visit www.WaxhawAnimalHospital.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 10 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Are you a nanny, babysitter, or daycare?

Reach busy parents all over Matthews and Mint Hill for as low as $10 per week in our Summer Service Guide!

Plus, an additional 10% off to run at least 4 times!

Summer Camps (continued from page 9)

Matthews resident price: $85 Non-resident price: $95 Children 7 to 12 years old will learn the fundamentals of soccer through fun and games.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road (704) 708-1287

Flag Football Camp June 27 to July 1 Matthews resident price: $85 Non-resident price: $95 Children 3 to 6 years old will learn the basics of flag football through fun and games.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road (704) 708-1287

Basketball Camp Contact Brent for details, by phone at (704) 849-2261 or by email at brent@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL

SUMMER PROGRAMS

July 18 to July 22 Matthews resident price: $85 Non-resident price: $95

Triathlon Camp June 13 to 17 Member rate: $175 Program rate: $250 Third, fourth and fifth graders will learn the basics of what it takes to triathlete through teaching, training and participation. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

Ultimate Sports Sampler Camp at Community House Middle School June 13 to 17 http://www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps Members rate: $195 and Program rate: $255 Rising third – through fifth – graders will learn the fundamentals of various sports, while getting to participate in drills and games.

Children 3 to 6 years old will learn the fundamentals of basketball through fun and games.

Crews Recreation Center 1201 Crews Road – (704) 708-1287

Ultimate Sports Sampler Camp Add-on Community House Middle School

Baseball Camp

June 13 to June 17 Members rate: $75 and Program rate: $105

June 13 to 17 Member rate: $165 Program rate: $240 First, second and third graders will learn the fundamentals of baseball, while getting to

20I6

participate in drills and games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

Rising third – through fifth – graders will learn the fundamentals of various sports, while getting to participate in drills and games. www.ymcacharlotte.org/camps

A classic day camp A classic day camp format with themeformat with themebased weeks, canteen, based weeks, canteen, and Friday skits! and Friday skits!

Be a part of Camp Prep where summer means Be a part of Camp Prep where summer means friendships, memories, and fun! friendships, memories, and fun!

JUNE I3 – JULY 29, 20I6 CHARLOTTELATINSUMMER.COM SouthCLTSummerProgramsAdMARAPR.indd 1

2/26/16 3:44 PM

CHARLOTTEPREP.ORG/SUMMER CHARLOTTEPREP.ORG/SUMMER

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 11

Education

Shands School reaches the individual student courtney@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – When Director Liz Morris opened Shands School in 2012, she knew she wanted to help reach students’ individuals needs.

Shands School, located at 1315 MatthewsMint Hill Road, opened with two children and has increased enrollment since. The private institution, with a $10,800 yearly tuition, seeks to reach students who don’t succeed in a traditional classroom and need individualized learning.

“We’re teaching to individual learning styles,” Morris said. “Children come to me from all over Mecklenburg County, Union County looking for a different fit. We’re not a traditional school.”

Shands helps students as young as 6 years old with specific needs, including, but not limited to, those on the Autism spectrum and with Attention Deficit Disorder, visual-processing disorder or auditory-processing disorders, achieve in the classroom.

Most of the children who attend Shands aren’t on grade level – above or below – Morris said, and aren’t receiving the resources they need.

The school still includes the traditional “oneroom schoolhouse” setting, but integrates therapies into the school day alongside academic exploration.

Each child is assessed when they enroll to identify the student’s needs. Oftentimes, the school finds the student does not have foundational skills needed to learn and the school builds on those foundational skills.

Morris began the school after working in vision therapy and recognizing some of the students weren’t benefitting from the therapy because there were other difficulties involved.

She began tutoring and working on auditoryprocessing therapies through the Orton-Gillingham program, which helps students learn words through a multi-sensory approach, but that wasn’t satisfying the students’ needs.

“I realized all these therapies and tutoring actually should have been implemented in the classroom. I thought, ‘If I started a school, all of this would be implemented in the classroom, so (the students) aren’t having to go to tutoring, therapies after school,” Morris said. “It’s all in one place and we incorporate it into the daily curriculum.”

Shands also incorporates hands on opportunities for learning, such as working in the school’s garden and taking field trips, to apply what they’re learning to “real life.” Students also give back to the community through serving a meal at the Matthews HELP Center and cleaning up trash on the school’s street.

Although many students at Shands have specific needs, Morris wants the community to recognize the school isn’t exclusively for children with disabilities.

“We’re doing something really different. We’re not just a school that’s catering to learning disabilities,” she said. “Some of these children are really bright, but they just learn in a different way, so we’re actually putting a lesson plan in place for individual learning styles.”

The school also is opening its doors to home-

by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

Shands School Director Liz Morris seeks to integrate therapy and academia in the school’s individualized approach. Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

school students with its “Intensive Writing Lab,” in which students engage in creative writing, as well as a Robotic Programs. Cyberkids Robotics leads a team of students in building and programming a robot through developing math, technology and team-building skills. Both the programs began in January and plan to offer the robotics program will be offered each semester and potentially in the summer.

Morris hopes the program can grow, as well as build more success. Many students have progressed from Shands to public and traditional school settings through filling students’ gaps in foundational skills.

Families can find more about Shands at www. shandsschool.org.

High-need schools in the area could receive more teachers next year through new student-weighted staffing.

District staff presented an update to the 2016-17 budget at the CharlotteMecklenburg school board’s (BOE) Feb. 23 meeting.

Staff said the operating budget would increase by an estimated $27 million, and the district wanted to move forward with new projects. Such projects include: the completion of the student support initiative, which would allocate more psychologists, counselors and social workers; increased professional development; and an expansion of the district’s 1:1 technology initiative, which would increase the number of grades in which all the students use an electronic device at school.

The district also reviewed its new plan for student weighted staffing (SWS), a method for the district to allocate staff to schools based on student need. The former SWS method used free- and reduced-lunch data to identify student need, but that data is no longer available as federal standards have done away with those categories.

Staff chose to use a new metric to distinguish student need through “identi(see Budget on page 12)

2016 Beat summer boredom with CPCC’s STEM Summer Experience!

Our camps are perfect for elementary to high school students, and include among others:

• • • • • • •

App Adventures Build Your Own 3D Printer Crime Scene Investigator Culinary and Baking Camps Design-Build-Power Up Innocent Until Proven Guilty Make Your First Video Game

*To view our complete list of new and returning camps, visit www.STEMSummerExperience.com today!

180869

by Courtney Schultz

New formula could mean more teachers for high-need schools

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 12 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

CMS needs bond referendum to address major projects

by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools needs a bond referendum in November.

That’s what Chief Operating Officer Carol Stamper told Board of Education members at the board’s Feb. 23 meeting.

Stamper presented the fourth of four capital project updates to the board that included information about overdue maintenance and future capital projects.

The COO said county commissioners have taken note of the $151 million, deferred repair and replacement costs, which include roofing, paving and athletic facilities updates, among other items.

She said commissioners also said they’d help alleviate those overdue projects through providing $90 million over five years.

However, the biggest questions came regarding staff’s capital needs assessment. Specific projects could be placed on a bond referendum this fall. The last bond referendum was in 2013, which totaled $290 million and addressed 17 projects.

The majority of the capital projects were “growth projects, comprehensive renovations and replacement schools,” according to the staff’s report, which included 76 projects and costs $1.6 billion. The 104 total projects from all categories amounted to $2 billon.

Staff presented maps of unused property they plan to sell and locations for potential new schools. Superintendent Ann Clark clarified staff wanted to sell some property to retain a fund to purchase the new property for the new schools.

Staff identified three potential locations in the northeast part of the county for an elementary school and land for

hypothetical high schools in the north, northeast and south regions of the county, among other prospective sites.

Chairperson Mary McCray questioned whether staff had coordinated their potential building locations with where the city of Charlotte currently plans to develop. She said there are many new housing developments popping up throughout the district and wanted to ensure the school system was looking at how to accommodate those students.

McCray added she didn’t want CMS building a school in a location where not many students would attend, because the location did match up with pending developments.

Stamper said the county had created 20 trend maps and the school district had taken all the trends into account.

The new school projects also included an increased number of baseline classrooms for elementary and high schools, but kept middle and K-8 schools the same because Stamper said they have the least overcrowding issues.

Staff also presented potential bond referendum amounts and the number of projects that would correspond that amount; a $500 million bond would accommodate 22 projects.

At large member Ericka Ellis-Stewart said she didn’t believe county commissioners would go over the previous dollar amount on the future referendum and wanted to work with staff to develop strategies for CMS to have more impact on capital funding decisions.

Clark said the dollar amounts in the report were just to show what could be done, but weren’t specific suggestions.

Ellis-Stewart asked for a work session before the board’s March 8 meeting to talk about all the capital projects and the upcoming bond referendum. Staff and the board will meet for a two-hour, closed-door work session to discuss the bond plan.

Visit goo.gl/1zrcZy to view staff’s report to the board on capital needs.

Budget (continued from page 11)

fied students” of the Community Eligibility Provision, a newer version of free- and reduced-lunch status; the program doesn’t require applications from needy households.

Staff presented a plan to BOE members that showed a new formula for allotting teachers based on “need tiers,” which are determined by the percentage of identified students. Tier 1 schools, such as Bain Elementary and Community House Middle schools, have the least amount of need, while Tier 4 schools, such as Rama Road and Montclaire elementary schools, have the highest amount of need in the district.

With the new formula, all schools will receive a base allotment of staff, which is more in line with the state’s methodology for allocating teacher positions, and SWS teacher positions will be allocated in addition to the base allotment. SWS weights will be assigned to tiers, except Tier 1 would receive no weight – as in no children of poverty would be weighted at Tier 1 schools.

District staff believes the new formula would allot most schools additional, or the same number

Announcing Windsor Run Distinctive retirement living in Matthews Life is bright with possibilities at Windsor Run, a vibrant continuing care retirement community coming to Matthews. Enjoy an active lifestyle enriched with a wide array of amenities and services. , , , , , ,

Benefit from a 90% Refundable Entrance Deposit* and a predictable Monthly Service Package.

Retire from maintenance and the hassle of house repairs.

Enjoy amenities like the pool, restaurants, and fitness center.

Stay healthy and happy with the help of our full-service physician-staffed medical center.

Pursue your passions through multiple clubs and activities.

Experience peace of mind with assisted living, memory care, and nursing care on-site.

Sales Center now open!

Learn more! Call 1-800-591-2046 today for your free brochure.

2010 McKee Road, Matthews, NC 28105

11343155

WindsorRunCommunity.com *As per the Residence and Care Agreement.

of teachers, which would result in more staff at high-need schools.

Staff hopes to transition the policy gradually.

Superintendent Ann Clark said the SWS formula will provide freedom and flexibility for principals selecting staffing choices based on their school’s specific needs. Clark said supervising community superintendents already work alongside principals regarding staffing decisions, so the change wouldn’t be too far from the current plan.

Clark also said the district’s opportunity culture leadership model, which is carried out at L.I.F.T. schools and allows effective teachers to either reach more students or lead and support fellow teachers, could help Title I students. She added the model would be “easy” to carry out in Title I schools because they receive more federal funding, and effective teachers would reach the students with the most need.

Chairperson Mary McCray said she wanted to see more practical numbers for K-8 and K-12 schools to see how the formula would be carried out for those schools.

Staff will continue to work on the formula and will present a final product to the board.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 13

Faith

‘The person with the most control issues can pack the trunk’

by Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

When my kids were growing up, we had a “rite of passage” for them.

It involved vacation, camping gear and a mini-van.

When they were little and we went on vacation, I declared I was the only one “fit” Rev. Tony Marciano with the knowledge from “on high” to properly load the mini-van in such a way that the gear never blocked the view out the rear window. My kids brought the luggage out of the house and put it outside the van. They put nothing inside of it. I would turn to my kids and said, “Now watch the master pack the van.” When they were little, they would “ooh” and “aah” at my ability to squeeze everything into it.

Each year, we repeated the same ritual. If someone joined us on vacation and accidentally put something in the van, my kids knew better and would take it out and put it on the ground. They told their friend, “Wait, the master has not yet stepped out of the house. When he does, he will show us the

wonder of his trunk packing knowledge.”

(Think of Yoda and Luke Skywalker).

My daughter thought this was great.

She would bring down a 27-inch Pullman suitcase for a weekend get away, drop it off behind the mini-van and step back into the house, believing that I would find space for it in the trunk.

It worked great until my sons were older.

One day, one of my sons asked if he could pack the trunk. I thought I was in the play “Oliver” where the young boy says, “Please sir, can I have some more?”

“More?” the house manager shouts.

“Pack the trunk?” I replied. “You’re not yet ready. You will be ready one day but not today.”

One day, I was distracted while the gear was placed outside the mini-van. One of my sons decided today would be his “rite of passage.” He packed the trunk and had it ready, waiting for my approval. After that day, master Yoda never packed the minivan again.

When my son needed to move, I parked myself inside the moving truck, bringing out once again master Yoda. I would show my daughter-in-law my superior packing skills. Everyone brought items out of the house. No one put anything inside the truck. I carefully placed items in such a way that when the driver stopped the truck, nothing slid.

YOU’RE INVITED

Ulrich B. Phillips: Historian of the Old and New South Wednesday, March 16th 7:00 p.m.

Presented by Dr. John David Smith, Distinguished Professor of American History, Department of History, UNCC

Join us to experience this Georgia historian’s insight on the antebellum south and slavery. $10 donation encouraged to benefit UNCC Student Programs

Reservations are required as seating is limited.

P ROVIDENCE

I was proud of myself until my son questioned why I was packing the truck. I explained to him, “The person with the most control issues can pack the truck,” said the person with the most control issues.

We laughed because it’s true. Control is an illusion. We try to control things to minimize drama and conflict. We work to control our world and prevent angst. We know from the past that when we didn’t control things, it exploded and we paid heavily for it. Rather than repeat the pain of the past, we control the present.

Unfortunately, control is exhausting.

But letting go is scary. What if they do it different than I would do it? (They will do it different than you do, and might actually do it better). In the process of letting go, you allow them to stretch their wings.

Sometimes they will succeed; other times they will fail. In trying and failing, they grow and learn. In the process, you learn you no longer have to work so hard to keep the planets spinning; that’s God’s job.

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. Find more information at www.charlotterescuemission.org.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Wittenberg Choir to hold concert at Morning Star Lutheran March 6 MINT HILL – The Wittenburg University Choir will sing during Sunday worship services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 6, at Morning Star Evangelical Lutheran Church.

The choir, under the direction of Erik Zinter, will travel from Springfield, Ohio, and also will perform in concert at 10 a.m. in the church’s fellowship center. The public is invited.

The church also will continue its Wednesday evening Lenten Get Together series through March 16. The program includes dinner at 5:15 p.m., followed by activities for adults and children, and a 7 p.m. worship service.

Morning Star Evangelical Lutheran Church is at 12509 Idlewild Road in Mint Hill.

Matthews United Methodist to present ‘Understanding Islam’ MATTHEWS – Matthews United Methodist Church will hold an “Understanding Islam” presentation on Monday, March 7, at 7 p.m. in the church’s Commons. Samer Abraham will share his journey and encourage attendees to build relationships with their Muslim neighbors as part of the church’s study of “The Crescent through the Eyes of the Cross.”

Abraham works with Avant Ministries, which focuses on sharing Christ with Muslims. As a former Fundamentalist Sunni Muslim from Iraq, he came to know Christ and now speaks to groups and conferences.

Church Directory Advertise your church

HERE!

(704) 753-7123 Angela.Burrow@singhmail.com

11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 www.Waltonwood.com www.facebook.com/waltonwoodseniorliving

Contact us to learn more.

704-849-2261

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 14 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Mint Hill neighborhoods connected to water system

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MINT HILL – Sharon Decker fought 10 years for cleaner water in Ashe Plantation.

Neighbors said the water coming from the community well looked milky on good days. Sometimes, it would look reddish or brownish, prompting residents to drink and cook with bottled water.

Over time, residents grew tired of paying higher water bills than their friends with swimming pools in other neighborhoods. Some chose to wash their cars elsewhere or not water their lawns to save money.

Dishwashers, hot-water heaters and water filters had to be replaced multiple times in relatively new homes.

For years, Decker and her neighbors appealed to the private utility company managing their water system for help, as well as town leaders, state legislators and the N.C. Utility Commission. They also spoke to the media, hoping images of brown water coming from faucets would inspire change.

“This is not a Third World country,” Decker said. “This is the United States of America.”

On Feb. 23, nine communities in Mint Hill, including Ashe Plantation, were finally converted to Charlotte Water.

Charlotte Water has been negotiating to buy the water and sewer system from Aqua Water for several years, according to Director Barry Gullet.

“These neighborhoods were built at a time when Charlotte Water wasn’t available so they were served by a private utility system,” Gullet told the Charlotte City Council in June. “The folks who live in those neighborhoods came to us a few years ago and asked if they could receive water and sewer service from Charlotte Water.”

Charlotte could either buy Aqua’s system or build pipes parallel to the private company.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly photos

Gullet advised leaders on buying the system for $2.5 million, which would prove less disruptive to the neighborhoods and cost one-third of the price to build a parallel system.

Teresa Cole, president of the Oxford Glen Homeowners Association, implored Charlotte City Council to look beyond the costs and consider the hardship faced by Mint Hill residents.

“We all have the same problems in that the water is exceptionally hard and ruins appliances, which is a financial hardship on most families,” Cole told them. “No one expects to replace their dishwasher three times, their washing machine two times, their hot water heater two times in 15 years in a new house.”

City council approved the request to buy the system in June.

The contract was signed in September, and the N.C. Utilities Commission signed off on the deal in December.

The commission noted in its approval that the transfer would “result in significantly lower water and sewer rates for the customers in the affected service areas.”

The transition included about 400 homes in Ashe Plantation, Chasewater, Cheval, Farmwood East, Oxford Glen/Reigate, Pleasant Valley and High Meadows.

“Overall the conversion to our system has gone relatively smoothly,” said Barry Shearin, deputy director for Charlotte Water. “ Our next step will be to replace the water meters to switch them over to our system.”

Charlotte Water also will improve some of the systems to accept fire hydrants for fire protection.

“That work could stretch over a couple years as some of the neighborhoods will require more work than others due to a larger quantity of smaller diameter pipe being in the neighborhoods,” Shearin said.

Decker, HOA president of Ashe Plantation, credited Shearin’s work, as well as the personable service provided by Charlotte Water staff, during the transition. She also thanked Mint Hill Town Manager Brian Welch, Mayor Ted Biggers and N.C. Sen. Jeff Tarte for helping the neighborhood over the years.

Other communities have started to invite Decker to speak to their residents about how they can transition from a private utility to a public utility.

“People need to know there's help for people like us,” Decker said. “Everybody should have clean water.”

Pressly Animal Hospital William J. Pressly, DVM & David A. Drake, DVM

1315 Chestnut Ln, Matthews, NC 28104 704-234-0374

www.presslyanimalhospital.net

INTRODUCING

OUR NEWEST PHYSICIAN:

Ninita Brown, MD, PhD

Glaucoma and General Ophthalmology

Specialty areas will include medical and surgical treatment of Glaucoma as well as Cataract Surgery.

We also offer the following services: • Cataract Surgery • LASIK • Eyelid and Cosmetic Surgery • Diabetic Eye Care • Glaucoma Care • Pediatric Eye Care • Dry Eye • Routine Eye Exams • Glasses/Contacts

She is currently accepting new patients at all of our locations.

Stallings Professional Center | 704.234.1930 4101 Campus Ridge Road • Matthews, NC 28105 Metro Medical Campus | 704.289.5455 630 Comfort Lane, Ste. E • Monroe, NC 28112

★NEW Indian Land, SC location | 803-547-3937★ 6237 Carolina Commons Dr • Indian Land, SC 29707 www. metrolinaeye .com

$15 OFFICE VISIT

B E C OM E A FA N !

Search for the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly fan page on

to get updates on upcoming stories and breaking local news!

for New Clients only

Sign up for our Rewards Program & receive double points on your first 3 visits Expires 5/31/2016. Coupon must be presented at time of first Visit!

A Charlotte Media Group publication

Celebrate The Levine Senior Center’s 10th Anniversary with a

Charit� Tribut� Show wit� your Favorit� Star�

Red Carpet Event Hosted by: Jerry Lewis Sunday, March 6th – 4:00PM to 6:30PM Tickets are $15 per person Levine Senior Center

1050 DeVore Lane | Matthews | 704-846-4654

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

The Weekly

Calendar March

3

First Thursdays

Expect the dishware in your China cabinet to shake a little when the Red Brick Partnership resumes its First Thursday Matthews Downtown Crawl. The monthly mini-festival features activities, shopping and a market.

5 p.m.; Downtown Matthews

3

Jamaican Mood

Enjoy tropical drinks and Jamaican music in conjunction with the town’s First Thursday celebration. The event ties in with event beneficiary Jamaica Hope Foundation.

Patrons can register for Jamaican-inspired art.

5 to 9 p.m.; Orr & Orr Art Studio and Gallery, 110 Matthews Station St., Matthews

3

Business Networking

The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce members network at the next Business After Hours. Chamber members are encouraged to register in advance. Call 704-573-8282 or go to www.minthillchamberofcommerce.com for details.

5:30 to 7 p.m. Benchmark Communities, 8317 Ole Stonegate Lane, Mint Hill

4

Food Truck Fridays

A dozen food trucks are stopping by downtown to tickle the tastebuds with southern comfort, international, seafood and Tex-Mex treats. Celebrate the kick-off to the town’s popular food truck program by sticking around to listen to acoustic music, but don’t bring pets or alcohol. The series spans Fridays through Sept. 30.

5 to 9 p.m.; Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade St., Matthews

4

Art Opening

4

Stage Musical

Mint Hill Arts hosts the opening reception for its judge photography exhibit, featuring unaltered and modified photography.

The photography will be displayed through the end of the month. Call 980-226-532 or go to www.minthillarts.org for details.

7 to 9 p.m.; Mint Hill Arts, 11205 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents its latest stage production, “Junie B Jones: The Musical.” The play revolves the experiences of a first-grader on the first day of school. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Future performances include 2 p.m. March 5 and 6.

7:30 p.m.; Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., E., Matthews

5

Winter Farmers’ Market

The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market opens its winter market rain or shine.

Stock up on locally grown or produced foods.

Call 704-821-6430 or go to www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com for more information.

8 to 10 a.m.; 188 N. Trade St., Matthews

5

Football Tryouts The Mint Hill Steelers are register-

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 15 ing children 5 to 14 years old for 2016 spring tackle football Saturdays. The paperwork and $100 fee are due March 13. Fees include cleats. Call Lee Cruse at 704-907-2253 for details.

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Lebanon Road Elementary School, 7300 Lebanon Road, Mint Hill

5

Fun With Solar Power

The American Planning Association offers an interactive way to think about solar development in which participants play the roles of various stakeholders in a fictional town. Learn about opportunity and challenges associated with solar energy use. Lunch is included. Register in advance at http://bit.ly/ sunnysidematthews.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews

7

Book Club

The Anime and Manga Interest Circle convenes to talk about titles in the teen area of the library. The group is for youth, ages 10-18. Register by calling 704-416-5000.

4:30 p.m.; Matthews Branch Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

8

Artist Demonstration

Sherry O’Neill demonstrates her creative process at the next Matthews Artists Guild meeting. Her presentation, dubbed “De-mystifying the process of creating an abstract painting,” will include an exercise on stimulating the creative side of the brain. Call the McDowell Arts Center at 704-321-7275 for details.

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; McDowell Arts Center, 123 E. McDowell St., Matthews

8

Project Linus

9

Trim, Tone & Firm

The Mint Hill Branch Library invites teens and adults to a community service project in which they’ll make blankets for children in need. Register in advance by going to www. cmlibrary.org.

4 to 7:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Beckie Saupe-Kohler will lead fitness classes designed to help attendees lose weight, maintain shape and increase muscle tone with light weights, stretch bands and core exercises. Classes cost $35 for six weeks.

Register at www.matthewsfun.org. Call 704708-1287 for details.

10-11 a.m. Wednesdays or 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays; Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

10 Business Expo

Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce will present a Biz Expo in which the community can connect with local businesses. Admission is free. Guests are eligible for prizes and giveaways. Go to www.minthillchamber ofcommerce.com for details.

4 to 7 p.m.; Blair Road United Methodist Church, 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill.

10 Band Concert

The Matthews Concert Band gives a free performance. The adult band has been meeting since 2001. Go to www.matthews concertband.com for details about the nonprofit band.

7:30-8:30 p.m.; Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews

$10 Rabies Cats & Dogs

$17 Distemper

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

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

MINT HILL

12:15pm - 4:15pm NEW Extended Hours!

MONROE HARDWARE (Inside Store)

6912 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd In the shopping center behind Showmars at Matthews-Mint Hill Rd & Lawyers Rd

NO APPOINTMENTS / NO EXAM FEES We also offer:

We accept CASH, CREDIT & DEBIT

Bordetella Vaccine | Leukemia Vaccine Heartworm Testing | Heartworm Prevention Flea Products | Microchipping and more!

704-288-8620

www.CarolinaValuePetCare.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 16 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Sports

Marvin Ridge, Providence set to play for Claire’s Army

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

When the Mavericks and Panthers take the diamond at Marvin Ridge for an early season tilt Friday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m., they will be playing for more than a baseball game.

This matchup, which pits the defending N.C. High School Athletic Association 3A state champion, Marvin Ridge, against the defending NCHSAA 4A state champion, Providence, is a benefit game for Claire’s Army, a nonprofit that helps parents of children battling pediatric cancer.

“It’s great we’re playing it for a cause,” Providence Coach Danny Hignight said. “I got to meet Claire’s father (Kevin Ratliff) and hear the story. Having three children of my own, it’s definitely inspirational. The cause is greater than the game.”

Claire, the Ratliff’s first child, was born Aug. 30, 2009. She was a healthy and normal child, who never had any illnesses for the first 18 months of her life.

However, she started acting lethargic, having random bruising over her eyelids, and about a week later she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer.

The cancer was discovered at stage four with a tumor the size of a grape fruit wrapped around her aorta and stomach. It metastasized to about 95-percent of her bone marrow.

The Ratliff’s fought the cancer for about eight months before it eventually metastasized to her brain in the form of a tumor, sitting on one of her blood vessels. The tumor ruptured, which ultimately took her life on Jan. 17, 2012. She was two years and four months old.

Ratliff, who played shortstop for Marvin Ridge’s coach Mark Mennitt at Independence from 1994 to 97, started the nonprofit after his daughter died.

“After about a year after she died, my wife and I spent a lot of time in therapy and obviously trying to get ourselves functional in society again,” Ratliff said. “We realized we were fortunate and blessed to be supported the way we were by our community.

Last year’s 2015 NCHSAA class 4A state champions, Providence High School.

“We’ve had success, great fundraising, support, great support from the community, and as a result we’re supporting families in their daily endeavors, which is basically our mission statement with the goal and hopes of helping keep the family whole and eliminating the stress for parents having to make decisions based on their financial situation instead of what’s best for the healthcare of the child.”

Claire’s Army steps in to help parents make financial decisions during treatment. The organization works with hospital social workers to alleviate the stress of every day life families are faced with while fighting cancer.

All of the proceeds from ticket sales at Friday’s game, and money from concessions after expenses are paid, will go directly to Claire’s Army.

“We have the opportunity to team up with (Ratliff),” Mennitt said. “We are fortunate to have the platform to be able to do it.

Hopefully we’ll raise lots of money. I know it’s going to a great cause.”

The game also promises to be entertaining, as the two teams will likely be in the mix for another state title.

Providence, while young and inexperienced at several spots, returns a solid nucleus of talent, giving Hignight and his coaching staff plenty of talent to work with.

The Panthers are led by senior shortstop/pitcher Logan David-

son (Clemson commit), senior center fielder/pitcher Tucker Jones (NCHSAA 2015 State Championship Series MVP), senior third baseman/pitcher Jake Holtzapple (North Carolina commit), senior pitcher/right fielder Zach Brown and senior second baseman Satchel Jerzembeck.

“It’s a new year,” Hignight said. “It will be a new path for us to take, but we’re excited. We return four guys that really contributed on an every day basis last year, so we got a lot of new pieces, but talented pieces that are working hard.”

The Panthers are strong offensively. They swing the bats and run the bases well. However, Providence needs to make considerable strides on defense, especially the mound, where it’s young.

“Logan Davidson got a handful of innings last year, and that’s it on the mound, because Zach Brown is coming off an injury,” Hignight said. “Granted he won game three of the state finals.

We’re looking forward to him being healthy, which will improve our pitching staff.”

Like Providence, Marvin Ridge has some key voids to fill. The Mavericks don’t have as many shutdown arms on the mound as they did last season, but they return several contributing pieces from last season’s championship run.

Junior pitcher/first baseman Jake Kuchmaner, senior catcher Kevin Dobos (Kent State commit), senior shortstop Mark Glover, senior outfielder Chandler Castleberry (Anderson University commit) and junior outfielder Alex Leshock will be key.

“I think we got a lot of guys with a lot of experience, but I think we’re still trying to feel ourselves out,” Mennitt said. “We’re used to hunting somebody, and we feel like we’re being hunted. That’s good.”

“By no means are these the two teams from 2015. They’re two totally different teams with similar goals. I know we’d both love to go back there. Even though the faces change from year to year the expectations don’t. It’s always an expectation that we play the last game of the year.”

This will be the first ever meeting between Marvin Ridge and Providence’s baseball programs, and it will not be the last. The Mavericks and Panthers are set to face off again next season.

North Meck ends Butler’s hoop dreams

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Butler boys’ basketball team struggled to get into a flow offensively for about two-and-a-half quarters, and it was to its detriment as top seeded North Meck (27-2, 12-0 Mecka) held the No. 4-seeded Bulldogs (24-6, 11-1 Southwestern 4A) at bay, 78-66, in the fourth round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state playoffs at Hough March 1.

The Bulldogs didn’t let a 17-point halftime deficit take away from their will to fight. They battled back with a 5-0 scoring spurt to start the third quarter before the Vikings rattled off eight straight points to boost their lead up to a 20point margin.

Butler countered with a vicious haymaker to get within six in the fourth quarter, but North Meck was too much down the stretch.

“We’re not going to give up,” Butler coach Myron Lowery said. “That’s the last thing we’re going to do. Those kids are resilient. They’re tough, and they’re going to keep fighting, because anything can happen. North Meck’s really good.”

North Meck senior guard Davion Mintz, a Creighton signee, scored a game-high 27 points, while senior forward Jaylen McManus added 24 points.

Butler’s backcourt mates, Orlando Robinson and RaeQuan Scott, battled to the end in their final high school game. Robinson scored a team-high 20 points, while Scott added 17 points and junior forward/center Jah’lil Carter chipped in 12 points.

The Bulldogs are 47-10, including a 5-2 playoff record,

two regular season conference championships and a conference tournament championship in Lowery’s first two seasons at the helm.

“We didn’t talk about anything negative in the locker room,” Lowery said. “Everything was positive. It was all about the things they’ve accomplished in the two years I’ve been there and how they have really embraced all the things we’re doing and how they’ve worked together and we’re going to take this and build on that and continue for the younger guys.”

Butler overcame quite a bit this season on its way to another strong finish. The Bulldogs fought through a shaky 3-3 start to the season and a bitter loss on the road to Independence before putting together an 11- game winning streak that came to a halt against North Meck.

“We were in second (in conference) for a while, and we said, ‘Look, we can still control our destiny. We don’t need anybody to win out,’ and I think we kept getting better and better individually and team-wise,” Lowery said.

“People got to understand these are teenagers and they’re going to go through ups and downs. We had injuries. We had emotional issues. That’s part of growing up. That’s part of learning. The whole idea is to keep getting better, and play your best basketball.”

Expectations will remain high for Butler going into next season despite losing Robinson and Scott.

The Bulldogs return a strong nucleus of talent headlined by big guys Carter, Gerrale Gates, small forward Zane Rankin, wing D.J. Little and guard Tarique Stowe, giving Lowery and his coaching staff a strong foundation.

Butler wing DJ Little tries to score in traffic during the Bulldogs’ 78-66 fourth round loss to North Meck. Ben Doster/MMHW photo

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 17

Sports

Independence baseball enters season with high expectations

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

The Patriots are surrounded by high expectations as they enter the 2016 baseball season. Independence opened the campaign with a 5-1 win over Mallard Creek Feb. 29.

What gives coach Daniel Cooke excitement going into the season is the veteran team he fields following last year’s 14-12 (8-4 Southwestern 4A) finish that included a third-place finish in conference and a first round appearance in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A state playoffs.

Independence returns nine seniors, including shortstop Justin Williams (North Carolina A&T commit). Williams, who was an all-state player as a junior, is the team leader. Cooper Devine will take the mound as the team’s No. 1 pitcher. He made strides during the offseason, and is ready to fill that role.

Cole Fox, a senior transfer from Provi-

dence, will handle catching duties behind the plate. He gives the Patriots a reliable hitter at the end of the order.

Seniors outfielder Zack Pierce, second baseman Jason Merli and outfielder Sam Kudeviz are poised for a strong Justin Williams final run with Independence.

Cooke is in his fourth year at the helm, which makes this group of seniors the first class he has seen all the way through. “I couldn’t be happier with these guys,�

Cooke said. “Some have started with us all four years, some haven’t, but they have come in and bought in. “I always have very high expectations for these guys. I think we’ve got a solid ballclub,

good pitching, good hitting and good defense. These boys have worked in the weight room since September, so we’re ready to get after it, and see all this hard work pay off.�

But Cooke does expect he will have to play some younger guys, including a few sophomores and players who are new to the varsity level.

Cooke anticipates battling with Butler and Myers Park for the top spot in league play once again, but expects Porter Ridge also to be in the mix. “It’s going to be a dogfight between those guys,� Cooke said.

The Patriots must do a better job of finishing games after sustaining five one-run losses last season. Independence sometimes let the heat of the moment get to it last season, so Cooke and his coaching staff used situational training with their players during the offseason to help prepare them for those high-pressure moments. “That way when the game comes it can kind of slow down, and won’t be too big for

Home Service Directory THE HANDY MAN $RYWALL s 0AINTING s $ECKS s 7INDOWS s $OORS &RAMING s 2OOlNG s 'UTTERS s 3IDING 7ATER $AMAGE !LL 4YPES OF &LOORING 0LUMBING s %LECTRICAL s (OUSE #LEANING s 'UTTER #LEANING

704-254-5381

t 'VMM &YUFSJPS )PVTF 8BTIJOH t %SJWFXBZT 4JEFXBMLT 1PPM EFDL DMFBOJOH t *OTUBMMJOH TUBJOFE QPMJTIFE DPODSFUF t 5FYUVSFE PWFSMBZT

with this ad

t 8PPE EFDL GFODF TUBJOJOH

Free Estimates $BMM .BSL /PSNBO

770-652-6344

10% OFF

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Ki\\ I\dfmXc Xe[ Gile`e^ ;\X[nff[ I\dfmXc Jkldg >i`e[`e^

B\`k_ Efikfe .'+ *'( /+'' Check us out on Angie’s List!

Fully Insured & Bonded – Free Estimates

704.527.5151

www.carolinawindowcompany.com

STAR ELECTRIC

• 120 & 240 VOLT CIRCUITS • TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR • INSPECTIONS & VIOLATIONS • FREE ESTIMATES

704.315.9944

TIM BALOGH

38 Years of Experience

C`Z\ej\[ Xe[ @ejli\[ ki\\dXef]Z_Xicfkk\7^dX`c%Zfd

Award Winner 2010, 2011, 2012, & 2013

Call Anytime!

Jerry Dunlap (Dunlap Brothers) Jerry@dunlapconcrete.com www.dunlapconcrete.com

980-622-7833

LIGHT GRADING • Small dump truck, skid loader & track hoe • Concrete demo • Tractor work / bush hogging • Small trees cut • Asphalt Patching • Trail Building

LICENSED & INSURED

Call Bill -

704-662-6460 704-622-6460

Complete Landscape & Hardscape Design & Build

FULL SERVICE ELECTRICIANS

• RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL • SERVICE/PANEL UPGRADES • NEW WIRING • LIGHTING & OUTLETS

s s s ). '/$ 7% 42534 s s s

Stamped Concrete • Decorative Concrete Driveways Basements • Carports • Patios • Sidewalks Concrete Repair • Slabs • Block and Brick Work Renovations • RooďŹ ng • Room Additions • Decks

www.propressurecarolina.com Licensed & Insured Check us out on Angie’s List!

Follow us on Facebook!

Storm Damage Experts

Proudly serving all Charlotte neighborhoods

To advertise, email adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com or call 704-849-2261

Pro Pressure Clean & Concrete Restoration

Your Home Exterior Specialists s 2OOF 2EPLACEMENT 2EPAIRS s 7INDOW 2EPLACEMENT s (ARDIE 0LANK 6INYL 3IDING s 'UTTER 3YSTEMS s )NTERIOR %XTERIOR 0AINTING s &RONT 3CREENED )N 0ORCHES

s 3%26).' -!44(%73 -).4 (),, s

.!//1.! /$%*# CONCRETE WORK t $PBUJOHT *OTUBMMBUJPO

&ULLY )NSURED s 9EARS %XPERIENCE s 3ENIOR $ISCOUNT

us,� Cooke said.

Independence should be strong across the board, and should be able to play good defense. They also have some guys who can swing the bats well, and others who should compete on the mound. “Out of all things this is probably my most competitive group, where they get after it and they want to win,� Cooke said. “Hopefully that leads to a lot of W’s this season.�

He has challenged his team with a difficult nonconference slate that includes dates with Weddington (March 3), Ardrey Kell (March 16), South Meck (April 6) and Hough (April 20), which should ready it for those Southwestern 4A battles and the playoffs.

Cooke said he is focusing on getting his players to approach each game with a high level of energy. “We’re working on all aspects of the game,� Cooke said. “There’s always things we can improve on.�

| starelectric.Tim@gmail.com 25 Years Experience Licensed • Bonded • Insured

s $RAINAGE 3OLUTIONS s 7INTER #LEANUP s &ULL 3ERVICE ,AWN -AINTENANCE s -ULCH 3PREADING s 2ETAINING 7ALLS s ,OW 6OLTAGE ,IGHTING s 0LANT $ESIGN )NSTALLATION s 0AVER 0ATIOS AND 7ALKWAYS Free Design Consultation & Estimate ,ICENSED )NSURED s #!,, 53 4/$!9

10% OFF ANY PROJECT (Maximum $500 savings)

704-321-1600

www.barnhardtlandscaping.com

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 18 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Home Service Directory Roofing – Concrete – Remodeling www.randstreetco.com Experience Is The Best Teacher Call (704) 375 3933 Discount Pricing & Free Estimates!!

RooďŹ ng

3 Tap Architecture Flat roofs Wood repair

Driveways & walks Concrete Asphalt Sidewalks Stamped concrete

Additions

Decking Screen Rooms Property re-hab K & B updates

Job size doesn’t matter!!

BBB Member & Insured

cmccrae@randstreetco.com

Residential & Commercial Cleaning

Bonded & Insured Majestytc@aol.com Majestycleaningmd.com

Phone/Fax: 980-819-4088

HAPPY HOMES PAINTING, INC.

Customized Professional Quality

Residential House Painting • FreeCustom Estimates • Color Consulting • Faux Finishes • Wallpaper Removal • Licensed and Insured Like us on Facebook!

Mint Hill Tool Rental DON’T BUY IT! Call RENT IT! 704-573-2188 Bring this ad and receive

10 00 OFF

$ 11223 Blair Rd / Mint Hill Hwy. 51 @ Albemarle Rd

your next rental of $50 or more

s 3%26).' -!44(%73 -).4 (),, s To advertise, email adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com or call 704-849-2261

Affordable Electrical Contractor RELIABLE INSTALLATIONS & REPAIRS WE BEAT MOST ELECTRICAL ESTIMATES LOWEST COST — HIGHEST QUALITY RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

NEW CONSTRUCTION

ADDITIONS & REMODELING

CEILING FANS & BATH FANS

ADD & REPLACE RECEPTACLES

LANDSCAPE & SECURITY LIGHTS

GARAGE & OUTSIDE BUILDINGS

SERVICE PANEL UPGRADES

CALL SOLO ELECTRIC Licensed and Insured

704-622-0654

&2%% %34)-!4%3 s ).352%$

2EPAIR 2EPLACEMENT OF s 2OOlNG s 3IDING s 'UTTERS s $ECK 0ATIO 2EPAIR 0AINT s #ARPENTRY s 2OTTEN 7OOD 2EPAIR

CRAFT CUSTOM FENCE Quality, Integrity & Communication

JAMIE CRAFT

Over 15 years experience | All work is guaranteed

s MCTOOLMANSERVICES GMAIL COM WWW MCTOOLMAN COM Roof to Floor and SO MUCH MORE...

SAVE $10

on our next Concealed Carry Class carolinasďŹ rst.org | 704.578.3877 email: info@carolinasďŹ rst.org

CAROLINAS FIRST Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, & Safety Training R. SIMON’S LAWN CARE 704-849-8075 www.rsimonslawncare.com Reecesimon9@gmail.com

ˆViÂ˜Ăƒi` E Â˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€i`

Owner

All Types of Fences & Gates 704.821.3984/Matthews, NC craftcustomfence@gmail.com Wood, Aluminum, Vinyl WWW.CRAFTCUSTOMFENCE.NET

Don’t Spend $4000 or $5000 to Change Your Existing Tub Into a Walk-In Shower!

RE

BEFO

R

AFTE

Recent transformation in Myrtle Beach

We can transform your existing tub into a walk-in shower. $1295 to $1495 Call 910-894-3116 or 704-609-7341 www.tubcut.com

STUMP GRINDING 8;B@EJ Stump Grinding

Ă•Â?Â?ĂŠĂƒiĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠÂ?>ĂœÂ˜ĂŠÂ“>ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒi˜>˜ViĂŠVÂœÂ“ÂŤ>Â˜ĂžÂ° 7ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒiÀÊVÂ?i>Â˜ĂŠĂ•ÂŤÂ˝Ăƒ]ĂŠÂ?i>vĂŠĂ€iÂ“ÂœĂ›>Â?]ĂŠ >˜`ʓÕÂ?VÂ…ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠÂŤÂˆÂ˜iĂŠÂ˜ii`Â?iĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂŒ>Â?Â?>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Â°

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

Call for free quote!

ogadkins@bellsouth.net /PEN -ONDAY 3ATURDAY s

and TREE

SERVICE

Turn to Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly for all your service needs!

Starting a t $

3

25/Cut

FREE MOWINGS!

No Gimmicks - No Strings Attached!

All New Customers Get 3 FREE Mowings This Season!

FREE ESTIMATES! Text or Call TODAY!

704-985-2227

-iĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂŠ ÂˆĂ€iVĂŒÂœĂ€ĂžĂŠ `Ă›iĂ€ĂŒÂˆĂƒÂˆÂ˜} /Â…>ĂŒÂ˝ĂƒĂŠĂ€Âˆ}Â…ĂŒ]ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ>ĂƒĂŠÂ?ÂˆĂŒĂŒÂ?iĂŠ>ĂƒĂŠfÂŁĂˆĂŠÂŤiĂ€ĂŠĂœiiÂŽĂŠĂžÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ>`ĂŠĂœÂˆÂ?Â?ĂŠ LiĂŠĂƒiiÂ˜ĂŠLĂžĂŠĂ“Ăˆ]ĂŽĂ“xĂŠ>Ă•`ÂˆĂŒi`ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂ›iĂ€Âˆwi`ĂŠ >ĂŒĂŒÂ…iĂœĂƒĂŠ EĂŠ ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ ˆÂ?Â?ĂŠĂ€i>`iĂ€ĂƒÂ°ĂŠ-ÂŤ>ViĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠĂ›iÀÞÊÂ?ÂˆÂ“ÂˆĂŒi`]ĂŠĂƒÂœĂŠV>Â?Â?ĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠ i“>ˆÂ?ĂŠĂ•ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂœ`>Ăžt

-/ ,/ ĂŠ /ĂŠĂŠ " 9ĂŠfÂŁĂˆÂ°Ă¤Ă¤ * ,ĂŠ7

ÂœÂ˜ĂŒ>VĂŒĂŠĂ•ĂƒĂŠ>ĂŒ\ Çä{°n{Â™Â°Ă“Ă“ĂˆÂŁĂŠ

>`Ăƒ>Â?iĂƒJV>Ă€ÂœÂ?ˆ˜>ĂœiiÂŽÂ?ĂžÂ˜iĂœĂƒÂŤ>ÂŤiĂ€ĂƒÂ°Vœ“

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | March 4, 2016 | Page 19

Carolina Weekly Classifieds Network

To advertise, visit www.carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

s #LASSIlEDS ARE ADVERTISED IN 3OUTH #HARLOTTE 7EEKLY 5NION #OUNTY 7EEKLY AND -ATTHEWS -INT (ILL 7EEKLY s Vehicles for sale

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1-800-761-9396 Help wanted

Looking for Maintenance Technician for Apartment Complex in Monroe. Skills needed: painting, sheetrock, minor plumbing and electrical and working knowledge of HVAC. On call weekend work. Resumes to Maintenance268@gmail.com or PO Box 3232, Monroe, NC 28111.

Employment – Drivers Experienced OTR Driver: 53’ van run from WI to PA to NC. Flexible home time. 99% no touch.

Top pay, vacatioin, 410K, health insurance.

Requires a Class A CDL, 2 years OTR experience With good MRV. References.

Call Ruth/Mike 1-800-558-2664 or Visit ttitrucking.com Diane’s Cleaning Service I am in search of about 7 women who are personable, very neat, hardworking and full of energy to join my cleaning crew. You must be able to pass a drug test and background check as well as understand and speak English. Also, a North Carolina driver’s license and Social security number are a requirement.

If you are interested in applying for a position, please call the number below and set up an appointment.

Diane Howard (704)-517-7926 Moe’s Original BBQ in Matthews is now hiring kitchen help. Kitchen experience preferred.

Nights and weekends a must. 2 Full Time positions available. Apply at 111 Matthews Station St in Matthews Drivers: CDL-A 1yr. Excellent Family Medical Ins. Guaranteed Weekend Home Time. Earn $65,000 + Monthly Bonuses. Absolutely No-Touch. 888406-9046 Drivers: CO & O\Op’s: Earn great money Running Dedicated! Great Hometime and Benefits.

Monthly Bonuses. Drive Newer Equipment! 855582-2265

PART-TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings.

For more information, please contact: Brent Epling brent@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com FINANCIAL

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SERVICES

Cleaning woman looking for job cleaning house, office, or apartment. I have 18 years of experience and good references. Call Martina at (704) 8935028 or (516) 554-3960.

SWITCH & SAVE EVENT from DirecTV! Packages starting at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/ DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. Some exclusions apply Call for details 1-800-421-2049

SONIA E. PEREZ, CPA, PC

Flooring Experts: tile, showers, backsplash, carpet.

Commercial & Residential hardwood, laminate, vinyl vct. Insurance and 100% warranty free estimates. Call Francisco Escobar with Anything Custom Construction 704 977-7859.

Your taxes are my business 704-200-6659 Sonia.Perez.CPA.PC@gmail.com Free 10-minute phone consultation

*PRESTIGE RENOVATION* Thinking of building or renovating? Prestige Renovation are Charlotte’s own, family operated renovation professionals. Just some of the services we offer are: kitchen and bath remodels, decks, complete outdoor living packages, additions, drywall repair and paint, all types of flooring, total home remodels, and so much more. 20 years of expertise.

Contact us for a free consultation and quote.

704-807-5949 or 862-266-3633. prestigerenovation.rs@gmail.com

KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT. Hardware Stores, The Home Depot, homedepot. com

MISCELLANEOUS

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!!

Gibson,Martin,Fender,Gretsch. 1930-1980. Top Dollar paid!! Call Toll Free 1-866-433-8277

HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org

Lower Your TV, Internet & Phone Bill!!! Get Fast Internet from $15/mo - qualifying service. Limited Time Offer. Plus, get a FREE $300 Gift Card. Call 855-407-0796 Today!

Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800211-9233 for FREE DVD and brochure.

Discount Painters—Affordable painting services! $80.00 per room. Our services include painting, AVIATION GRADS WORKWITH JETBLUE, BOEING, sheet rock, installation, popcorn removal and repair, wallpaper removal, pressure washing, handyman, DELTA, AND OTHERS- START HERE WITH TRAINING FOR FAA CERTIFICATION. light plumbing and electrical. We appreciate TheourNewHANDS York ON Times Syndication Sales Corporation FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED. CALL AVIATION clients. FREE ESTIMATES: (704)995-9206.

620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y.Corporation 10018 The NewINSTITUTE York Times Syndication Sales OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403

Information 620For Eighth Avenue,Call: New1-800-972-3550 York, N.Y. 10018 For Release Monday, 29, 2016 For Information Call: February 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, February 23, 2016

ACROSS ACROSS 1 Liberals, with “the” backpack, 1 Boots, 5tent, Too etc.

Basics of 59Triangle on a education pool table 13“You A pupil in the 9 ___”is (“Sure middle of it thing”) 14___ Finnish-based 15 Reader telecom (alternative 16digest) Screwdriver or hammer 16 Maker of Arctic andwith Java 17Blast *Party Freeze beverages disguises 17 island 19Arthurian Build one’s muscles, with 18 Some PC screens “up” 19 Criticized 20nigglingly Something an e-cig lacks 21 Roosted on 21 “… and yet, 23 Mentalist Geller here we ___” 24 22Ticks Like off the glass in some church 25 Tattered windows 28 Travelers with 24paddles Emphasis 27 Bowling lanes 31 Gun, slangily 28 Endings of chess 34 Mideast ruler games 35 Landlord’s 30counterpart Cosmic destiny

Crossword Crossword 32 Like devoted 54 Hot off the

fans 36 Struggled to 33make What progress Grizzlies and 42 Digs deeply (into) Timberwolves 43 Beano play in competitor 35 Enemy 44 Bull session?

38 Plug-in in an 45 Halite amp formations that might be oil 39reservoirs Puppy amuser … or the end 50 How-to book to of the answer 52 Address of each starred clue Juliet’s balcony?

40 Sch. founded by 54 Umberto ___, Thomas Jefferson author of “The 41Name Act asofa the quizmaster Rose” 42 Crime that 56 Proceeded Joan oftrying Arc was without charged very hard with 43Classic Changeout-offor a five 59 sign … or 44office Casual eatery what this puzzle’s 45author Job forhas Mrs. done?

Doubtfire or 62 “C’mon, be ___” Mary Poppins 63 target 46Nearest Pilgrimage site for a bowler 49 It’s worth two 64 Fashion points indesigner football Klein 52Repetitive Conductormeans 65 ofBernstein learning

ANSWERTO TOPREVIOUS PREVIOUSPUZZLE PUZZLE ANSWER PA IH TB AL I CS ZS A R AE TA OR MA C HH OE BS O RG EU NI ED GE AR DA EI SL I ML I S N OR RE IA TG YA S I T Z A GK AI N D P YN RO OO TK E CR HE NI R O AL DE SN T EE AN O U Z OS E SA HR A PG O V EP RA SL EL EE RT F EB DE L PL AE RV TU YE S A R SD AI MN E C EA PM OR EF TA RN YT IA NS MT SE AK V I ON RG ML AO ES SL TE ED NA O P IN NI TT HR RY E W S L IT

RN AA IS SC EA R P ON OI LE EC DE

C A NN A DF IO DG AA NS EO PM OI NS TO R CS U AE EA MS EE M AA S KE NM OO ER OO PB N S T TC I OR SA TT RU E CI ED N HN OE

DE ER EE RC T KS N E L LB E NA OR DE SR

OT UE SS TS A A T A L E M Y M N EA TS

presseshigh in 66 Hitting air like a 55the Move buoy as 67 Colors, eggs 58Easter Icicle site 68 80 onoutside the 59Did *Barrier highway, a popularsay nightclub 62 “For the first DOWN time ___ …”

1 Swallows deeply 63 AOL service 2 “ … and on and 64on Burden and on” 65 Money in 3 Newswoman Mexico Mitchell 66 Birds another whose 4 Make heads of can move image 270° 5 They get the 67paddy Towardstarted sunset 6 Part of U.S.C.G.A.: DOWN Abbr.

1 World capital 7 “Juno” whose actor name is Michael a kind of bean 82Avoided Noteworthy phoniness periods 93Celeb’s arrest *Food item report, to the often dipped celeb, say or in ketchup tartar sauce 10 Actress Mendes “2 a Fast 2 4of “’Tis pity” Furious” 5 Actor Braugher 11 Neighbor of of “Brooklyn Caps Lock Nine-Nine” 126Bumbling Lower parts of detective 18-Down of film 137“Spring forward, Jamaican music fall back” unit genre 148One in Lubricates opposition 9 Notable Hun 20 Time 10immemorial Frontiersman Daniel 22 Aetna offering, 11briefly New York’s ___ Island 26 Mimic 12 Winter coasters 27 ___ Torretta, 151992 Mass Heisman assistant winner 18Trophy Headphones coverMine” them 29 “___ 23(George Cosmetics Harrison brand owned by autobiography) Revlon

Edited by Will Shortz Edited by Will Shortz 1 1 13

2 2

3 3

4

15 17

5

18

18 20

14

7 7

8

9

8

15

16

9 17

22

30 33 34 38

39

41 42

13

12 14

19

27 25 31

26

29 30 34

27

31

35

32 33 36 37

35

39 40

40 41

42

43 43

44

45

44

58 59

11

23

26

29

37

12

23

25

28

52 54

10

11 16

20

21

32

46

10

22

24

38 36

6 6

19

21 24 28

5

4

No. 0125 No. 0119

45

47

48 50

46

49

50

51

61

62 63

59

60

63

65 66

49

66

53

54 57 58

56 60

48

52

53 55

47

51 55

56

57

61 62

64

64 65

67

67 68

PUZZLE BY IAN LIVENGOOD PUZZLE BY BYRON WALDEN

25 Noble Kennedy whowho 30 knight said “Frankly, found the HolyI don’t mind not Grail being president” 32 Wolf Blitzer’s 26 employer Shish kebab holders 33 You may be 28 asked Call from a crib to arrive 90 mins. prior to 29 this Hertz rival 31 Sneaky Insects in 35 shelters colonies 36 Pres. who 33 recuperated “Where doesatthat guy getSprings, off?!”

Warm Ga. 34 “___ comes 37 Sign before Virgo trouble!”

35 named 38 *Inaptly Aristocratic part of the elbow ancestry 36 a cake is 39 Where Eye layer whose baked name derives from the 37 “Piece of Latin cake” for “grape” 39 Shanghai’s land 40 Gas in signs 43 Cereal grain 41 “Spring forward, 44 Money, in inits.

Mexico fall back” 45 Politico Gingrich 45 Fifth Avenue retailer 46 Snooze 46 Throw, 13-Down, in 47 as an Italian anchor 47 Wanders Grinding teeth 48 around

50 48 Blacksmith’s Fall Out Boy block genre 49 Senses Where John 51 Kerry and Bob Kerrey served 53 Floor model 51 On drugs 56 ___ Dei (Catholic 53 group) Eyed caddishly 54 They benefit from boosters 57 A+++ 55 Crash, with “out” 60 Bill, after being 57 signed Minuscule by the 58 president Feminine suffix 60 Column’s Prefix with center 61 61 counterpart 1950s car feature

Online and more more than than 7,000 7,000past past Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and puzzles, ($39.95 aa year). year). puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 Read on each each puzzle: puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. nytimes.com/wordplay.

Read about about and and comment comment on Crosswords solvers: nytimes.com/studentcrosswords nytimes.com/studentcrosswords..

Crosswords for for young young solvers:

Page 20 | March 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

C+'?)+68:.5#!2:6@9#".(J&.9#>)+'*26

EARLY VOTING ;E:.,3&9K#C&.'E#L#@2#-&@:.3&9K#C&.'E#MN

!"!!#$#%&'()(*+,#-+./('+,!"#$%&!'()*!+*,!-*.//*0!1,(.234/!

0+&1+,#%2.3#42&3#4+5(26&)#7(8.&.9!"!%5#%!6/(7/)!83.9!:3(90!1,(.234/! !2.6+)(:,#;2<6#=&))!"!%#55&!1(*(;<(!=>/?0!13.@/2AB)! >)26#"&.?#4+'.+&*26#!+6@+.!"!##5C#!=.9./D!E/22!:3(90!1,(.234/!

A63+B+63+6'+#4+5(26&)#7(8.&.9!"!FCCC!13@G/./@H/!I.A>/0!1,(.234/!

C&(6#7(8.&.9!"!$#C!J3.*,!K.D3@!-*.//*0!1,(.234/!

C&.(26#D(+E)#4+'.+&*26#!+6@+.!"!%%#L!KD>32(!:3(90!1,(.234/!

C&FE+<,#7(8.&.9!"!%$C!M(4,/;)!-*(N3@!-*.//*0!M(4,/;)!

C(6@#=())#7(8.&.9!"!FO5C!M(4,/;)PMA@*!QA22!:3(90!1,(.234/!

C2..(,26#4+5(26&)#7(8.&.9!"!+C#&!M3..A)3@!62>9?0!1,(.234/!

C2:6@&(6#A,)&63#7(8.&.9!"!55%C!Q3D*!R(2>A@!S(D?0!1,(.234/!

G2.@E#!2:6@9#4+5(26&)#7(8.&.9!"!#F&CC!Q322D!1./)*!T@?0!QB@*/.)>A22/!

-2:@E#!2:6@9#4+5(26&)#7(8.&.9!"!&OC#!:/(!:3(90!1,(.234/!

-@++)+#!.++?#7(8.&.9!"!#$F%C!-*//2/!1.//U!:3(90!1,(.234/!

-:5&.#!.++?#7(8.&.9!"!5C5&!J3.*,!K.D3@!-*.//*0!1,(.234/!

H6(/+.,(@9#!(@9#4+5(26&)#7(8.&.9!"!$C#!'()*!S?K?!Q(..A)!63B2/>(.90!1,(.234/!

I+,@#02:)+/&.3#7(8.&.9!"!%#&+!S/)*!63B2/>(.90!1,(.234/

O))#>&.)9#P2*65#)2'&*26,#2B+6#26#<++?3&9,!

QC&.'E#L#$#R#S#C&.'E#T#$#MMU#V.2J#MW&J#@2#TBJX# -&@:.3&9K#C&.'E#Y#V.2J#MW&J#@2#MBJ# -:63&9K#C&.'E#Z#V.2J#MBJ#@2#RBJ# -&@:.3&9K#C&.'E#MN#V.2J#MW&J#@2#MBJ# V1W11!P!8(HA2AN/)!-/.>AH/)!23H(N3@!3X/@!;//U9(D)!G.3Y!O(Y!*3!+XY! ()!;/22!()!*,/!(<3>/!-(*B.9(D!Z!-B@9(D!,3B.) W=[I!8\:!6]!6[TT!6:=ST']!1\MM[KK''0!I\^RT=-!M=:K[J!K:'=-^:':