Runner of the Year: Mitchell Resor
Union County
Real Help for Real Living
page 18
Serving Indian Trail, Marvin, Stallings, Waxhaw, Weddington and Wesley Chapel
Volume 9, Number 51 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014
Animal gas chamber
closes in Union County
page 17 Locally Owned & Operated www.unioncountyweekly.com
Spreading hope through song Local teen uses musical talent to help families of hospitalized infants by Josh Whitener josh@unioncountyweekly.com
The use of a gas chamber on animals was a main topic of debate between Sheriff Ed Cathey and Sandra Peterson, who ran against him in the November election. A main focus that Peterson campaigned on was to put a stop to gas euthanizations in Union County. Dr. David Drake, a veterinarian at Pressly Animal Hospital in Indian Trail, said that EBIs are far more humane than gas euthanizations, in his professional experience. “All of us here at Pressly were very pleased when we heard (about the transition in Union County),” Drake said. “We understand that some animals need
WEDDINGTON – In a world of American Idols and YouTube celebrities, one local teenager is discarding the path to stardom in exchange for helping families facing crisis. Fifteen-year-old Max Petruzzi, a Weddington High School sophomore, is using his musical talent to raise funds to purchase gift baskets for families of hospitalized infants. Max recently launched the nonprofit Mirabella’s Miracle, named after his 10-year-old sister, Mirabella, who was born prematurely at 29 weeks and was hospitalized due to a life-threatening sepsis infection. Though he was only 5 years old at the time of his sister’s illness, the event made a lasting impression on Max. “It was a tragic situation for my family,” he said. “I remember (Mirabella’s hospitalization), but it didn’t really click for me exactly how we almost lost her until years later… Until I was a teenager, I really didn’t understand how tragic it was.” An avid singer, Max began posting videos of himself singing on YouTube at 11 years old. His first video, a cover of the Bruno Mars hit “Just the Way You Are,” went viral, and Max received media coverage from several Charlotte-area news stations. He then attracted the attention of two of the largest talent agencies in New York and Los Angeles, as well as interest from the producers of “The X Factor,” the Disney channel, Nickelodeon and a couple of “boy bands” that were forming at the time. “I wasn’t really interested in pursuing a career to be famous,” Max said. “All of this kind of came together when I finally realized (there was) a way
(see Animal Shelter on page 5)
(see Mirabella’s Miracle on page 4)
Union County Sheriff’s Office discontinues use of its gas euthanization chamber on Dec. 9. Photo courtesy of Union County’s official website
Advocates say still a long road ahead to curb the killing of pets by Ryan Pitkin ryan@unioncountyweekly.com
The Union County Animal Shelter has recently made a full transition from gas euthanizations to the more-humane euthanization by injection (EIB) process, ending a years-long point of contention in the county. Until Tuesday, Dec. 9, Union County was one of only four counties left in the state that used carbon monoxide gas chambers on animals.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office, which runs the shelter, has been working throughout the year to improve the ratio between gas euthanizations and EBIs. When the North Department of Agriculture announced in the first week of December that new regulations would ban gas euthanizations except for in extreme circumstances – such as natural disaster or a spreading virus – by February 2015, the sheriff’s office decided it would make a full transition to EBIs within the week. “I think everybody is excited about the direction we’re going,” said Captain Mackey Goodman with the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 10; Honor Roll, 12; Calendar, 16; Rev. Tony, 17; Sports, 18; Classifieds, 23
Page 2 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
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News
Stallings council member resigns early, town begins search for replacement by Ryan Pitkin ryan@unioncountyweekly.com
STALLINGS - After serving three years of a four-year term on the Stallings Town Council, Councilman Fred Weber has resigned from his position to move back to New York and spend time with family. Weber, who Fred Weber recently turned 80, said he wanted to spend more time with his wife, who moved with him back to New York, and four children, all of whom already live in New York. Weber represented District 5 on the council, which, at the time of his election, included neighborhoods Spring Hill, Curry Place, Kingsberry, Stallings Park and portions of Callonwood, where he resided for 10 years. He recently helped the council redraw the district lines in the town and put in place a process to redraw them with minimal debate if they become disproportionate again. Weber made it clear during the discussion about rezoning that he would not be run again at the end of his term, which will expire on Dec. 14, 2015.
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“I’m doing it for my sake and for my wife’s sake,” Weber said during a phone interview from New York, where he is already living. “(My family) recently spent our first Thanksgiving together all in one place in five years, and I’m looking forward very much to doing the same thing during Christmas. It certainly wasn’t for the weather.” Stallings town manager Kevin Woods is currently accepting letters of interest from individuals in District 5 who are interested in filling Weber’s seat for the remainder of the term. He will accept letters until Jan. 30, 2015. Woods will accept applicants who live in District 5 as it was zoned when Weber was elected in 2011. After reviewing the letters of application, the town council will vote on his replacement. Weber said he has enjoyed the harmony between council members over the past year, and hopes that can continue. He said his advice for whomever fills his spot is to make decisions based on the betterment of the town. “The people of the town want someone without a personal agenda,” Weber said. “There really is no place in a town council for that. Your only agenda should be to do what you believe is best for the town.” Mayor Wyatt Dunn, who said Weber was “very passionate about serving the
community,” agrees putting the community first is the most important about serving on town council. “This is a position of service, so you have to have a servant’s heart to hold it,” Dunn said. Before moving to Stallings in August 2004, Weber served 30 years as a volunteer firefighter, four of which as chief of his department, in New York. He said his proudest moments on the town council included being able to speak in defense of funding for the local fire and police departments. Stallings is one of the only municipalities in western Union County to house its own police department. Weber’s only regret upon leaving his position is that he was never able to help install a 9/11 memorial in Stallings. He had spearheaded the effort, looking into what such a project would cost and consist of, but has since passed the reins to Jim Davis, former chief in the Charlotte Fire Department and current vice chairman of the Stallings Public Safety Committee. “If he is able to accomplish it, I would come back for the ceremony, and that would be a great moment in my life,” Weber said. Weber said his fondest memories of his life in Stallings involved the friends he made in Stallings’ communities. He
served on the Callonwood Homeowner’s Association and said that, although he does not plan on re-entering town government now that he’s settled in to the small Long Island community of Mattituck, he thinks it’s important to stay involved no matter where one lives. “Every town I’ve lived in I’ve given something back for what they’ve given me, and the town council was a good way of doing that,” Weber said. “I will be around old fire department friends and may attend some government meetings, but any involvement I have in either will be strictly social from here on out.” Weber said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family now that they all live nearby, and that he will miss the friendships he built in Union County over the past decade. “I made so many friends in the South, and a lot of them are happy that I moved because they know I need to be around my children,” he said. “I have been (in New York) for only a short time, but I miss my friends down south already.” Anyone interested in filling the vacant position can send letters of interest to Kevin Woods at kwoods@admin.stallingsnc.org. Contact Emily McClain at emcclain@admin.stallingsnc.org for more information or questions.
Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 3
News
Max Petruzzi performing a cover of John Mayer’s “Waiting On the World to Change” in his latest YouTube video. Photo courtesy of Mirabella’s Miracle
Mirabella’s Miracle (continued from page 1)
to make this charitable.” Max posted a video two years ago after Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast, with the goal of raising money for Restore the Shore, a disaster relief organization based out of New Jersey, where Max and his family are originally from. He also recorded and posted a song on iTunes and CDBaby. com, donating all the proceeds from the song sales to Restore the Shore.
Mirabella Petruzzi Helping victims of Hurricane Sandy ignited a passion within Max to use his talents to help others in need, and he began thinking back to his baby sister’s medical crisis 10 years ago. Taking science classes in high school also made him realize the seriousness of sepsis infections and being born premature. “It kind of just drove the excitement to help people,” Max said. “I know how difficult it is to be in that situation where you have a newborn child in the hospital (in critical condition).” Page 4 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
Mirabella’s Miracle was officially launched about two months ago, and Max has recruited friends and schoolmates to help the nonprofit jumpstart its mission. The nonprofit will work with hospitals in the Charlotte area and in the Shore area of New Jersey to provide gift baskets to families of hospitalized infants. Volunteers are in charge of making items, such as bracelets, and assembling the gift baskets. They are then “paid” in volunteer service hours, Max said. All funds collected by Mirabella’s Miracle will go directly to the gift baskets. The items included in the baskets will differ from family to family, depending on the families’ needs and the age of the hospitalized infants’ siblings. “They’re going to be kind of unique per family,” Max said. “In my case, as a 5-yearold boy, we might include action figures … gift cards to restaurants for parents – anything that can benefit the family the most.” Mirabella’s Miracle will work directly with hospital representatives to identify families who would benefit the most from the gift baskets. “It’ll be wherever we find the most need, but (especially) people with a long hospital stay,” Max said. Max’s latest video, a cover of John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change,” has been posted to YouTube and is being shared to help bring awareness to Mirabella’s Miracle. He plans to continue using his musical talents and spreading the news of his organization’s mission through word of mouth and social media. “My hope is (people) will be inspired to get involved,” Max said. “My goal is to help them understand what (these families’) experiences is like … it’s a terrible thing to have to deal with, especially for siblings. It can be very confusing – you’re excited about your brand new baby brother or sister, and now you’re confused because they’re in the hospital.” Find more information, including a link to donate, at www.mirabellasmiracle.com. www.unioncountyweekly.com
News
Bear was rescued from the animal shelter in December with the help of Change for Union County Animal Welfare. Photo courtesy of CUCNCAW Facebook page
Animal Shelter (continued from page 1)
to be euthanized and when that happens, we would like it to be done as humanely as possible.” Barbara Blair, a member of the Humane Society of Union County’s board of directors, has been advocating for the closure of the shelter’s gas chamber for years and said that the recent transition is a “great step” for the county. One year ago, Blair helped found Change for Union County North Carolina Animal Welfare, an advocacy group aimed at lowering the amount of dogs and cats that are euthanized in Union County. Blair has held meetings with Cathey and other representatives of the sheriff’s office throughout the year and said they have been making positive steps towards improving their policies. Dogs are placed in one of three categories when they arrive at the shelter: to be adopted; to be assessed by rescue organizations; or to be put down due to age, illness or other factors, according to Goodman. Just a year ago, the number of non-profit rescue organizations working directly with the Union County shelter was very low, due to their euthanization policies, Blair said. It has since risen to 55. Cathey recently ordered those working at the shelter to begin putting more dogs aside for rescue organizations to try to find homes for, as opposed to euthanizing them, Goodman said. Drake, who treats dogs in transition between being at the shelter and joining a rescue organization, said he has seen his www.unioncountyweekly.com
workload in these cases increase noticeably. While 77 pets were rescued between January and May in 2014, the following five months saw 114 rescues. Blair said the closure of the shelter’s gas chamber will open up time to focus on decreasing the number of euthanizations as a whole. “This means that in 2015 we can work towards keeping animals out of the shelter, and getting more animals out the front door instead of out the back door in body bags,” Blair said. “We can’t kill our way out of this situation we are in.” Through October, the shelter impounded 4,300 cats and dogs in 2014. Of those, 2,919 were euthanized. Blair said she wants to help educate owners on the commitment it takes to own a pet. Over 60 percent of the animals impounded by the shelter in 2014 were surrendered by their owners, unwanted for reasons including old age or barking. “The shelter is not a dump for animals,” Blair said. “If we can educate the public, that will help lower the intake at the door which, in turn, lowers the kill rate.” Blair and Drake agree that the other major factor in lowering the amount of impounds in Union County is educating the public about spaying and neutering pets. “It’s a daunting task because there are so many out there. Every time a dog breeds, the number of unwanted pets increases exponentially,” he said, adding that Union County’s lack of a leash law makes the problem more prevalent. “If you want to try to prevent dogs from ending up in the shelter later, get them spayed and neutered now.”
Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 5
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News Briefs
burning fire. The building was a complete loss, but the owner evacuated the building before being hurt and no nearby buildings were damaged.
Fire closes down Indian Waxhaw takes control Trail antique shop INDIAN TRAIL – A local business of troubled road was lost in Indian Trail last week as a fire tore through the Peddler’s Marketplace on U.S Highway 74 on Sunday, Dec. 14. Bakers Fire Department responded to the fire, but firefighters were unable to quench the flames. According to officials, the department arrived at the scene only five minutes after the 911 call, but were too late to save the building. The antique nature of the store, in which many items were arranged closely together, reportedly fueled the fast-
WAXHAW – On Monday, Dec. 15, the Union County Board of Commissioners approved a new interlocal agreement between Union County and the town of Waxhaw that conveyed 18.6 acres of land along Kensington Drive, to Waxhaw. Kensington Drive, a two-mile stretch of road extending from Providence Road South to the South Carolina state line, has had infrastructure problems for years. Developers in charge of part of the road, however, went bankrupt, and the road was split between three different owners, which include Wells Fargo,
the town of the Waxhaw and Union County. A similar interlocal agreement to the one approved on Monday night was declined by Waxhaw in 2012 because the town wanted Wells Fargo to perform repairs on the road before it would take responsibility. Wells Fargo has since agreed to join Waxhaw in helping fund the repairs and upgrades the road. In September, the Waxhaw Board of Commissioners voted to allocate $1.4 million to fully fund its share of repairs and updates to the road. The town hopes to help upgrade safety on the road, which hosts multiple blind curves. At the September meeting, commissioners also stated that they planned to improve walkability along the road, but that safety would take top priority for the time being.
Town releases timeline for Hemby Road water tower WEDDINGTON – The town of Weddington recently released a timeline that will guide residents through the upcoming two years of construction on the controversial water tower being built behind the Providence Volunteer Fire Department on Hemby Road. Residents near the location argued
fervently against its construction for seven years, citing decreased property values and poor aesthetics. The tower is intended to improve water pressure in parts of western Union County that have struggled with low pressure levels during peak hours for years. Residents in the
TASK Engineering/Shop Drawings/Approval Tank Material Order/Purchase Tank Fabrication & Shipment Foundation Construction & Site Work Concrete Shaft Construction Tank Erection (on ground) Paint Tank (on ground) Raise Tank Paint Tank (in air) Sterilize & Test Electrical Final Site Work
Page 6 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
START DATE Oct. 6, 2014 Nov. 24, 2014 March 2, 2015 Oct. 20, 2014 Feb. 16, 2015 May 18, 2015 Sept. 14, 2015 Nov. 9, 2015 Feb. 22, 2016 April 25, 2016 April 4, 2016 May 2, 2016
northern parts of Weddington and Stallings have seen some of the lowest water pressure in the area. The construction is currently on schedule, the town said, and the start and finish dates for each phase of construction are as follows:
END DATE
Jan. 9, 2015 Feb. 27, 2015 May 22, 2015 Feb. 13, 2015 May 15, 2015 Sept. 11, 2015 Nov. 6, 2015 Dec. 31, 2015 April 1, 2016 April 29, 2016 April 29, 2016 May 27, 2016
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News
Union County Weekly
Crime Blotter The following people were arrested in western Union County between Dec. 11 and 17, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Hemby Bridge
Waxhaw • Taj Seabrook, 4800 block of New Town Road: Resisting/delaying/obstructing an
officer. Dec. 11 • James Gray, 300 block of Howie Mine Road: Felony possession of cocaine. Dec. 11 • Austin Smith, 300 block of Howie Mine Road: Felony possession of cocaine. Dec. 11 • Joesette Lauren, 9100 block of Clerkenwell Drive: Driving while impaired. Dec. 13 • David Naundorff, 7100 block of McCain Bouelvard: Second-degree trespassing. Dec. 13 • Hannah Heins, 6200 block of Townsend Lane: Failure to appear. Dec. 13 • Paul Pullas, 2100 block of Coral Berry Lane: Assault on a female. Dec. 14
• Samia Pope, 9000 block of Lucerne Court: Assault and battery. Dec. 14 • James Coffey, Howie Mine Road at Washington Street: Communicating threats. Dec. 15 • John Spera, 300 block of Hickory Bark Road: Commuicating threats. Dec. 16 • Austin Smith, Waxhaw Indian Trail Road at High Gap Road: Trafficking in opium or heroin; simple possession of a schedule VI controlled substance. Dec. 16 • Kenneth Young, 10700 Lancaster Highway: Fugitive. Dec. 16 • Tyson Keldie, 8800 block of Silver Charm Lane: Driving while license revoked.
(see Crime Blotter on page 8)
• Chandra Alvin, 4800 block of Faith Church Road: Driving while impaired. Dec. 12
Indian Trail • Jared Barwick, 3600 block of Braefield Drive: Failure to appear (misdemeanor). Dec. 12 • Christopher Whitaker, 8000 block of Beacon Hills Road: Failure to appear (harboring a fugitive). Dec. 13 • Brandon Aikens, 5800 block of W. Highway 74: Misdemeanor larceny. Dec. 13 • Tyler Hood, 6300 block of Scott Long Road: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 13 • William Johnson, 1000 block of Triple Crown Drive: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 13 • Jabier Granados-Castillo, 5700 block of W. Highway 74: Simple possession of schedule VI controlled substance. Dec. 14 • Bravo Guzman, 1000 block of Canopy Drive: Assault on a female. Dec. 14 • Charles Foxwell, 2100 block of Younts Road: Felony larceny. Dec. 14 • Amber Doane, 6200 block of Wildflower Place: Possession/receiving a stolen motor vehicle. Dec. 15 • Kenyatta Hughes, 300 block of Unionville Indian Trail Road: Felony possession of cocaine. Dec. 16 • Alexis Torgersen, 4000 block of Brookforest Lane: Failure to appear. Dec. 16 • Michael Willerding, 4700 block of Indian Trail Fairview Road: Assault on a female. Dec. 17
Marvin • John Spera, 300 block of Hickory Bark Court: Resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. Dec. 15
Stallings • Toquar Lee, 3900 block of Privette Road: Felony breaking & entering. Dec. 11 • William Biggerstaff, 3800 block of Pleasant Plains Road: Possession of stolen goods. Dec. 11 • Brandon Carter, 13000 block of E. Independence Boulevard: Driving while impaired. Dec. 15 • David Tuttle, 15000 block of Idlewild Road: Driving while impaired. Dec. 15 www.unioncountyweekly.com
Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 7
News
Crime Blotter (continued from page 7)
Dec. 17
Weddington • Jordan Bonilla, 5600 block of Hemby Road: Failure to appear. Dec. 11 • Alexander Thomson, 400 block of South Providence Road: Driving while impaired. Dec. 15 The following crimes were committed in western Union County between Dec. 11 and 17, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Indian Trail Home/Business Break-ins • 8000 block of Hembywood Drive: Second-degree trespassing; breaking and entering. Dec. 16
• Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $109 in food merchandise stolen from business. Dec. 13 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $1,124 in miscellaneous merchandise stolen from business. Dec. 14 • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: Suspect attempted to steal $152 worth of bicycles from business. Dec. 15
Vandalism/Hit-and-run • 300 block of Unionville Indian Trail Road: Hyundai Sonata damaged in hit-and-run. Dec. 12 • 1000 block of Kansas City Drive: Toyota damaged in hit-and-run. Dec. 15 • 300 block of Unionville Indian Trail Road: $500 damage to convenience store window in vandalism incident. Dec. 16 • Waffle House, 14029 E. Independence Blvd: $16 worth of coffee mugs broken. Dec. 17
Financial Crimes/Fraud • 4000 block of Waters Reach Lane: Debit card fraud. Dec. 15
• 5700 block of W. Highway 74: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 13
Marvin Animal Calls • 1900 block of Stallings Road: Animal bite. Dec. 12
Weddington Hit-and-runs/Vandalism • 1000 block of James Madison Drive: $900 in damage to Honda Accord in vandalism incident. Dec. 12
Waxhaw
Wesley Chapel
Home/Business Break-ins
Miscellaneous
• 7900 block of Skye Knoll Drive: Felony breaking and entering. Dec. 14
• 1000 block of Chambwood Road: Resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. Dec. 11
Union County Weekly
Restaurant Scores
Property Theft Miscellaneous • Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $643 worth of brewers and blenders stolen from business. Dec. 11 • 14300 block of E. Independence Boulevard: $400 purse holding clutch, cash, identification and credit cards, worth $250 total, stolen. Dec. 13
• 5900 block of U.S. Highway 74: Resisting/delaying/obstructing an officer. Dec. 11 • 5500 block of W. Highway 74: Speeding to elude arrest. Dec. 11 • 3000 block of Moonstone Lane: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 13
The Union County Health Department inspected the following dining locations from Dec. 10 to 16.
– 96.5
Lowest Scores: • Thai Viet Noodle House, 14015-I E. Independence Blvd. – 87 Violation included: No designated person in charge during inspection; no one in the facility had a food safety manager’s training certificate available; hand sink needed repair; unknown substance in the ice in ice bin; employees had no knowledge of proper sanitization procedure; rice and soup were cooling too long; many foods without date marks; sanitizer had too high of concentration; utensils stores in standing water; and general cleaning needed.
– 96 • Johnny K’s Restaurant, 138 N. Indian Trail Road – 96 • McDonald’s, 303 Unionville Indian Trail Road – 98.5 • Omega Coney Island Family Restaurant, 3901 Old Monroe Road – 97 • Sonic Drive-In, 14315 E. Independence Blvd. – 92.5 • Stars Burgers, 633 Indian Trail Road S. – 97.5 • Thai Viet Noodle House, 14015-I E. Independence Blvd. – 87
All Scores: 28173 • Black Chicken Fine Wine and Craft Beer, 113 E. North Main St. – 98 • China II Buffet, 1309 N. Broome St.
– 92.5 • The Club at Longview, 8801 Longview Club Drive – 96.5 • El Vallarta Mex Express, 1201 N. Broome St., suite F – 95 • JB’s Lazy Pig, 116C E. South Main St. – 98.5 • Leo’s Kitchen, 3901-B Providence Road S. – 99 • Mamma Lena’s, 116 N. Main St. – 92.5
28079 • Biscuitville, 13703 A U.S. Hwy. 74
28110 • Bib Bob Gibson’s, 1507 W. Roosevelt
Blvd. – 95.5 • Carnitas Guanajuato, 1702 Walk Up Ave. – 97.5 • Jade Kitchen II, 1849 Dickerson Blvd. – 95.5 • McAlister’s Deli, 2803 W. Hwy. 74 – 94 • Mr. G’s Grill, 427 Morgan Mill Road – 94 • Popeyes, 1302 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95.5 • The Derby Restaurant & Bar, 1012 Skyway Drive – 100 • Village of Woodridge Restaurant, 2414 Granville Place – 99.5 28112 • Stone Table Express, 109 S. Main
St. – 97
Page 8 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
28104 • Bellacino’s, 7800-G Stevens Mill
About the grades…
Road – 94 • Cactus Rose, 15080 Idlewild Road – 93.5 • Dunwright Grill, 4432 Potters Road
Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70.
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Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 9
Education Union County Weekly
Education News & Notes
Sandy Ridge teacher named December Hometown Hero WAXHAW – Jan Lepley, a fourthgrade teacher at Sandy Ridge Elementary School, was recently chosen as the Charles G. Monnett III and Associates December Hometown Hero. Lepley was teaching her class on Dec. 12 when representatives from the firm and Domino’s Pizza joined school administrators to honor Lepley with the title. Lepley is in her 16th year teaching and has worked at Sandy Ridge Elementary for four years according to a news release. “I’m speechless. It’s good to know that people believe in me and trust me with their children,” Lepley said in the release. “This is very special, and winning this award means a lot to me. I consider this a paycheck.” Lepley received a $250 Visa gift card for classroom supplies and a Domino’s pizza party for her class. Charles G. Monnett III and Associates honors teachers in Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Cabarrus and Union counties each month as “Hometown Heroes” for their service in public education. The nominations for the Hometown
Jan Lepley, a fourth-grade teacher at Sandy Ridge Elementary, pictured with her class after being named the Hometown Hero for December. Also pictured: James Eversole. Photo courtesy of UCPS
Hero Appreciation Award are ongoing throughout the school year, and winners are chosen by the number of votes they receive through an online voting contest held on the law firm’s website. Find more information, and nominate and vote for a teacher at www.carolinalaw.com/ hometown-hero-teacher-appreciationprogram.shtml. UCPS to host board orientation meeting Union County Public Schools will hold a Board of Education orientation and training for new members on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. The session will take place at Central Services in the Board Room, located at 400 N. Church
Page 10 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
St. in Monroe. Find more information at www.ucps.k12.nc.us. Waxhaw student a semi-finalist for UNC-Chapel Hill scholarship WAXHAW – Payton Walker, a senior at Charlotte Christian School, recently advanced as a semi-finalist for the MoreheadCain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and will participate in regional interviews in Payton Walker
January. Payton, a Waxhaw resident, could potentially win the scholarship, which was founded in 1945 as the first merit scholarship program established in the United States. The program provides a full fouryear academic scholarship, including full tuition, student housing, meals, books, a laptop computer and a four-year summer enrichment program. Nominees for the scholarship are high school seniors who must demonstrate “exceptional impact and academic achievement from high schools across North Carolina, select schools across the United States, Great Britain, Canada and other countries,” according to a news release. Approximately 3 percent of each year’s nominees receive the award. Sardis Elementary students usher in the season with song INDIAN TRAIL – Sardis Sound, the Sardis Elementary School chorus, recently performed at the Monroe Christmas tree lighting. The 42 attending students from the Indian Trail school, under the direction of music teacher Jodi McConkey, performed five seasonal songs and assisted Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore with the countdown to the lighting of the tree. Sardis Sound is an after-school activity open to all fourth- and fifth-grade students at Sardis Elementary and currently (see Education Notes on page 11)
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Education
Wesley Chapel Principal Wendy Gravely and Excel the Eagle model the East Elementary School T-shirts to East Elementary students.
Education Notes (continued from page 10)
has about 50 students enrolled, according to a news release. The group performs twice a year at Sardis, several times a year at various community events, and will perform at the Carowinds Music Festival in the spring. Wesley Chapel Elementary project provides hundreds of pajamas WESLEY CHAPEL – About 30 Wesley Chapel Elementary School students recently reached out to hundreds of East Elementary School students to spread holiday cheer and, literally, warmth. The Wesley Chapel Pajama Project was a school-wide effort that involved staff, students, parents, the school’s parentteacher group and the school’s booster club, Boosterthon. The project provided new pajamas to each of East Elementary’s 556 students, and the Wesley Chapel students had the chance to deliver the blankets to the Monroe school on Monday, Dec. 15. Each East Elementary student and staff member also received a T-shirt specifically designed for their school. East Elementary Principal Denny Ferguson was grateful for the students’ contributions. “It’s a great opportunity for students
to model what this season is all about,” Ferguson said in a news release. “It’s great how Wesley Chapel has obviously engaged their parents. I see the excitement, the love and the joy on the students’ faces from Wesley Chapel. Part of what’s developing amazing communities here in Union County is that our kids are engaged in showing care, love and support to their own peers.” Wesley Chapel and East elementary schools both have an eagle as their mascot, and Wesley Chapel’s Excel the Eagle joined students to distribute the items. ‘Volcano’ earns Poplin fifth-grader top spot in spelling bee INDIAN TRAIL – “Volcano” was the winning word for Poplin Elementary School fifth-grader Abby Brame during the school’s recent spelling bee, which challenged students in third, fourth and fifth grades to put their spelling knowledge to the test and showcase their skills. The competition included 15 students from all grades and lasted 15 rounds. Fifth-grader Michael Morgan was the runner-up. Abby will advance to compete in the county spelling bee on Jan. 28, 2015, at Central Academy of Technology and Arts.
(From left) Poplin Elementary School Assistant Principal Kate Earp, spelling bee runner-up Michael Morgan, spelling bee winner-Abby Brame and Principal Scott Broome after the school-wide spelling bee. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Medlin
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Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 11
Education
Union County Weekly
Honor Roll Cuthbertson High School
A/B Honor Roll
Editor’s Note: Cuthbertson High School’s A honor roll ran in last week’s issue of Union County Weekly. Missed it? You can find all of our past issues online at www. issuu.com/carolinaweeklynewspapers. Nicholas Scott Abbaticchio, Jack Robert Abrams, Danielle Jenny Acker, Timaia Simone Ackerman, Brandon Xavier Adam, Claire Therese Adamczak, Jane Boardman Adams, Jacob Aaron Agnetti, Gerard Ivan Aiello, Jason Cedric Cruz Alegria, Patrick Chase Allison, Parker Lee Allred, Ian Douglas Anderson, Isabel Anderson, James Gregory Anderson, Jonathon Cooper Andrus, Reagan Elizabeth Andrus, Tara Kendall Annen, Hailey Brooke Aquilone, Hannah Rose Archer, Catriona Lucia Arrell, Morgan Rose Attwood, Nate Thomas Aufderheide, Alexa Jordyn Augone, Peter Thomas Ausiello, Adrianna Nichole Baker, Nole Robert Balaniz, Jose Miguel Barahona, Rachel Maren Barber, Heather Lee Bates, Michael Anthony Beatty, Hailey Elizabeth Beitel, Kyra Alexandria Bell, Anna Elizabeth Betkowski, Amanda Nicole Bianco, Ryan Charles Bianco, Courtney S Blackman, Mitchell Robert Blaszyk, Joshua Lambert Blocker, Joseph Michael Bochicchio, Trenton Alex Boeggeman, Kyle Jordan Boettner, Andrew Stephen Bonifati, Catalina Bonilla, Cristina Bonilla, Annabella Loren Borgese, Nicholas Steven Boskovich, Caylen Yvonne Bost, Jacob Andrew Bowman, Spencer Winfield Boyd, Brianna Rose Breidt, Christopher Thomas Breuer, Blackwell Harris Bridgforth, Sarah Elizabeth Brodin, Vanessa Nicole Bruscato, Benjamin David Bryant, Megan Lee Bunn, John Allen Burke, Zackery Stephen Busby, Dominique Michele Buteau, Jillian Laura Butler, Kerry Rose Butler, Nolan Richard Butler, Cassandra Cassie Cahill, Alyssa Grace Campany, Lauren Drucilla Campany, Kelly Dolly Carrazzone, Christine Marie Carver, John David Cashman, Kierstin Renee Chandler, Emily Catherine Chatelain, Andrea Alexandra Chavez, Daniel Chavez, Daniel Gray Cheney, Griffin Tadlock Childs, Julien Dominic Chretien, Earl Henry Christian, GraceAnne Isabelle Mei Clark, Kendra Anne Clark, Madison Renee Clark, Meagan Nicole Clark, Justin Michael Clemence, Caytie Lois Clemons, William Reece Cochran, Ayden Olivia Cohen, Hayley Grace Cole, Arianne' Markia Collins, Erika Lauren Colvin, Christopher James Connell, Valerie Gwynne Cook, Brittany C Cooke, Jayna Belle Cooper, Christian John Correa, Eliani Rachel Corriette, Austin Presley Creasey, Samantha Louise Creswell, Ian Atkins Crow, Paul K Crowell, Sierra Margaret Crumbaugh, Miguel Angel Cruz, Brooke Gloria Cunningham, Max Peyton Cunningham, Micaylah Lynn Cunningham, Sarah Anne Curry, Riley James Curtis, Anthony Daniel Dabnis, Stephanie Marie Dabnis, Hayden Ray Dancer, Cooper William Daniel, Rylie Grace Daniel, Anjali Das Gupta, Alexandra Victoria Davis, Taylor Elise Davis, Raian Ismail Dawood, Giulia Nicole DeCaria, Kaitlin Elizabeth Dedora, Christopher Michael DelGigante, Thomas James DellaCroce, Rebecca Madison Delp, Mikayla LeeAnn Demers, Ryan Austin Detig, Abigail Addison Dewey,
Page 12 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
Nickolas Dimitrios Diamantopoulos, Margarita Diaz, Ziara Isabella Diaz, Kinsey Elizabeth Dickinson, Brett H Diller, Lauren Lynn Dingee, Amelia Divine, Elikem Yaa Doe, Brandon Michael Donovan, Sara Rebecca Donovan, Shae-Lynn Danielle Doran, Savan Chirag Doshi, Adam Peter Drain, Kyle Adams Drain, Natalie Elizabeth Draper, Melissa Beth Duffy, Aimee C Duty, Emily Patricia Dye, Zachary C Eanes, Colleen Rae Edmondson, Bailie Chase Ernst, Matthew Estevez, Jonathan Robert Evola, Ellie Nicole Eyerly, Joseph Matthew Fabiochi, Ian Patrick Fadden, Jacob Matthew Falls, Aubrie Grace Farwell, Cameron Preston Faulkenberry, Jared Lee Feldman, Kateleen Marie Fiallo, Michael Quimby Fink, Jacob Tyler Fitzgerald, James Michael Flieger, Taylor Marie Frank, Joseph Michael Frasco, Parker Robertson Freitag, Evan Christopher Fremin, Kathleen Evelyn Fritz, Hannah Rose Gadai, Hannah Hodges Gahagan, Grayson Scott Galbraith, Morgan JC Gallegos, Kimberleigh Ann Garera, Maya Alexandria Garner, Abigail Grace Garshnick, Brandon Cole Gendreau, John Anthony Generoso, Jeffrey Gordon Gerst, Anthony Michael Giaimo, Christopher C Ginsberg, Matthew William Ginsberg, Rachel Gionis, Amanda Rose Giroux, Carie Marie Glanville, Sarah Anne Glas, Lilianna Rae Glass, Mckenzie Logan Glover, Benjamin Paul Godby, Lianna Marie Goehring, McKenna Taylor Goetting, Jonathan Andrew Goldstein, Carter M Gommo, Isabella Jolie Gonzalez, Zachary Michael Gonzalez, Anna Lindsey Good, David Gordon, Ryan William Graffeo, Keegan Rece Graham, Allison Elaine Granger, Jack Henry Griffin, Thomas Bryan Griffin, Reagan Emily Gulotta, Shaye Elizabeth Gulotta, Adam William Gutman, Skylar Haislip, Ethan Douglas Hall, Joseph Lee Hall, Shanna Renee Hamilton, Emily Claire Hampson, Justine Happel, Ryan Pearce Hardwick, Chase Michael Harmon, Taylor Jessica Hart, Caroline Rebekah Hazlett, Victoria Angelique Hedin, Aubrey Hope Hedrick, Brandon J Hegele, Christian Patrick Heinzelman, Alexis Ann Hellow, Devon J Helms, Matthew Thomas Hendel, Kess Maureen Hendrix, Patrick Calhoun Hensley, Labon Kenneth Hester, Tyler Scott Hicks, Elizabeth Jane Starun Higdon, Connor Samuel Higgins, Emma Therese Higgins, Samantha Cayce Hirsch, Jake Robert Holman, Hannah Michaela Hord, Matthew Robert Horton, Ashley Nicole Huff, Andrew Parker Hurlbut, Julia Elizabeth Hutchison, Chiamaka Ogechi Iheme, Zachary Alexander Ilch, Brianna Christine Ingram, Jalen Mykel Jenkins, Abigail Elise Johnson, Horace Nathaniel Johnson, Reana Amira Johnson, Ryan Michael Johnston, Caden Harris Jones, Alyson Mary Jordan, Joshua Michael Karklin, Alexa Kristine Keeler, Kevin Scott Keeley, Erin Grace Kelly, Kyla Margaret Kelly, Carter Sullivan Kendall, Carrington Lucille Marino Kennelly, Cody Zane Ketchem, Jacqueline Kincaid, Taylor Renee Kindler, Heather Nora Kipp, Isabella Victoria Kipp, John Timothy Klampfer, Dylan James Klotz, Samuel Isaac Knoll, Haylee Nicole Kobziak, Cameron Jeffrey Koman, Chase James Kuehler, Valerrietta-Naidu Kumaravel, Lindsay Mya Lake, Jacob Owen LaMountain, Nicholas Ryan Laramee, Tara Lavrik, Kieran William Laws, Adam James Lepke, Zachary J Levan, Olivia Serena Levesque, Alexis E Levister, Sven Alexander Levister, Shanaia Rochea Lewis, Brittany Nicole Lindsey, Nathalie Loera, Jessica Nicole Longhurst, Justin James Lopez, Jenna Patricia Louis, Jeremy Daniel Low, Nicholas Ryan Low, Marley Ryan Lucas, Amanda K Lynip, Jack David Maas, Abigail Lorraine Mace, Jamie Marie MacKenzie, Caroline Mccabe Maher, Austin William Maitin, Daniel Louis Manalis, Samantha Marie Mancato, Kassandra Fay Mangano, Sabrina Lynn Mangiapanella, Alexandra Marchesani, Luay Marzok, Amelia Brittin Matthews, Jillian Virginia Maul, Emily Joy Maye, Gage Alexander Mayer, Morgan Kinley McCalla, Amanda K McCloskey, Garrett Adam McCloskey, Dylan Michael McCoy, Shannon Frances McDade, Gregory William McDonald, Ian James McDonnell, Connor Patrick McGee, Karsen Michelle McGee, Kelly Barton McGregor, Ian James McGrouther, Jennifer Alice McGrouther, Christopher Patrick McGuire, Patrick Ryan McHenry, Samaria Hazel Marie McKnight, Madison Kate McMurray, Madison Elaine Medina, Abigail Melrose, Samuel Thomas Mennitt, Nilan Menon, Paige Emily Meyer, Lauren Angel Michaud, Taylor Jean Michaud, Aaron Elliot Miller, Blake Kristine Miller, Olivia Erin Miller, Alexis Suzanne Million, Abigail Quinn Mintz, Ian Morgan Misiak, Allison Dawn Mitchell, Hope Elizabeth Molinelli, Sarah Anne Moll, Ashlee Margaret Monaghan, Natalia Monroig, Veronica Monroig, Joshua Thomas Moore, Kevin Robert Moranski, Chad Bentley Morris, Emily Rose Morris, Miriam Janell Morris, Silene Mortensen, Jessica Lynn Mrozowski, Brian Jacques Muckelvene, Ryan Patrick Mullan, Kayla Elizabeth Mullarkey,
Alexis Rose Munger, Adalaya Lynnea Nemitz, Thomas Kent Nesbitt, Michael Joseph Newman, Theresa Marie Nicholas, Garrett Lynn Nickelson, Bridgette Rae Nicolosi, Sophia Rose Nicolosi, Alexia Faith Noch, Matthew Robert Norris, Alena Marie Norton, Clay Presson Norwood, Callen Thomas Nuccio, Michael John O'Brien, Shawn Brendan O'Connell-Robinson, Taylor Dean Offerdahl, Austin Gordon Oliver, Brittany Alice Olson, Justin Aaronn Osorio, Kaleigh Oswald, Katelyn Grace Owsley, Maranda Lee Pagan, Eryn Nicole Paille, John Anthony Pandoli, Andres Miguel Panizo, Matthew Panko, Catherine Marie Pardee, Pranatha Varshini Parikosh, Nichole Kelley Parker, Kathryn Mary Parrella, Nicholas Ravi Patel, Knox Mcclure Patterson, Ryan Matthew Patti, Chase Austin Pavelich, Kayla Marie Pendleton, Nicolette Paige Perrette, Aidan James Peterson, Cono Petrizzo, Jessica Abigail Petty, Lauren Danielle Pharr, Erica Morgan Phillips, Savannah M Pierce, Sabrina Pignataro, Ethan Christian Pinckney, Jaedah M Privette, Rachael Ann Proetta, Cynthia Yunmay Quan, Vijay Rachakonda, Katrina Ivana Raia, Dana Marie Raimondo, Leah Ann Raimondo, Nicholas Steven Ray, Kellie Nicole Recher, Karlye Joanne Regan, Sara Julianne Reinhardt, Jacob Thomas Reynolds, Michael Anthony Reynolds, Jacob Harrison Rhinehart, Samantha Marie Ricci, Sidney Mai Richardet, Deja LaRen Richards, Madison Makenzie Ries, Lindsey Ann Rigney, Christopher Trey Rikard, Madalyn Dow Rikard, Allison Joy Ringelberg, Analise Marie Ritter, Courtney Elan Rivers, Lauryn N Rivers, Justin Theodore Roach, Caitlyn Nicole Roberts, Skylar McKenzie Robins, Anaury Pena Rodriguez, Christopher Melvin Rodriguez, Alexis Hayden Rogers, McKenzie Taylor Rolle, Carlos James Roman, Alexandra Grace Romano, Colin Jack Rose, Tamia Lenee Ross, Kate Lynn Rotunno, Kelby LeAndre Royal, Jean-Samuel Ezra Rubin Jr, Daniella Gisele Rudko, Grant Stephen Russell, Meredith Grace Russell, Johnathan David Ryan, Morgan Taylor Sain, Joseph Michael Salicco, Jenna Marie Samsel, Kennedy Lanae Sanders, Kyle Ezekiel Satina, Christopher Thomas Scaduto, Rachel Lauren Schauer, McKenzie Ruth Scheppegrell, Alec James Schiefelbein, Davis William Woods Schierlmann, Chloe Grace Schnappinger, Lamonte Sebastian Scott, James Joseph Sedotto Jr., Nicholas Anthony Sedotto, Mikaela Danielle Seibert, Kayleigh Senter, Mitchell Sepe, Mark Serna, Emily Jean Shaffer, Nicole Amber Sharpe, Jonathon Arthur Sharpton, Duane Eugene Shelton, Madeline Victoria Shore, Olivia Marie Siebert, Darya Alla Silchenko, Arianna Celia Simonelli, Gregory Connor Simons, Caleb Matthew Sloop, Caleb Robert Sluiter, Devon William Smith, Ethan Connor Smith, Jacob Tyler Smith, Jared Denton Smith, Matthew Ryan Smith, Hannah Gabriella Snow, Kobi Christopher Sonsire, Christopher Sorensen, Emma Marie Sosinski, Luisa Fernanda Soto Lamprea, Ali Bert Spelane, Anthony Spencer, Charlotte Mckinnon Sperry, Samantha Carlson Spinner, Molly Ann Springer, Gavin Robert Sroczynski, Tana Marie Stamper, Griffin Cole Starcher, Nicholas Dixon Starcher, Abigail Nora Starnes, Hope Steinhaus, Ryan Laine Stewart, Ciara Clair Stone, Gabrielle Christine Struve, Neil Joseph Sullivan, Aidan D Sweeney, Caroline Grace Sweeter, Julia Rose Tabbit, Sarina Marie Tahan, Olivia Loren Tandy, Kyle Kristopher Taylor, Kayla E'Lane Terrell, Ariel Jordan Thompson, Josie L Thompson, Tierra Nicole Thompson, Kaitlyn Alexis Thoms, Nicole Marie Tiseo, Emily Gabrielle Titolo, Kerry Ann Toggweiler, Stefie Crystal Tokpah, Dennis Anthony Tomaso, Gabriel Philip Toro, Rafael James Toro, Samantha Lane Trentham, Grant Edward Tritschler, Sriharsha Tumma, Theodore Scott Turner, Cade Joseph Vela, Kennedy Agnes Vela, Mya Brooke Verrone, Maria Augusta Vieira, Maxwell Thomas Vierengel, Ylde Hulices Vilchez, Clayton Gregory Voelkers, Brittany Patricia Vogel, Eric Andrew von Amsberg, Malcolm Thomas Wade, Evan Matthew Wagenmaker, Caitlin Anne Wagner, Brandi Allison Walker, Courtney Grace Walker, Kayla Elizabeth Wallace, Cameron Eric Walser, Meghan Taylor Walsh, Ivory Leah Walton, Elizabeth Ann Warren, Karly Ann Weatherstein, Christopher James Webber, Emily Rose Weisberg, Brock Michael Wesolek, Alexandra Kae Wesoly, Mitchell Edward Wesoly, Erin Louise Whalley, George Brinton Whitecar, Tyler Patrick Whiting, Travis Levi Whitt, Jacob Logan Wiley, Ashlyn N Williams, Katie Anne Williams, Ryan McClellan Wilson, Kenneth Michael Winslow, Mackenzie Lynn Wood, Brenna Worth, Ashley Lorraine Wortham, Athena Rae Wortham, Paris Earl Wortham, Margaret Carroll Wright, Benjamin Phillip Wuerfel, Nonna Danilovna Yakimov, Brianna Renee Young, Houston Alexander Zaretsky, Annika Nicole Zickerman, Jared Eugene Zimmerman, Meagan Elziabeth Zottl, Melanie Zubiaga and Olivia Rose Zupcic.
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Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 13
Around Town
Celebrate the season with a local church
Faith-based organizations to host Christmas services, musicals and more
by Josh Whitener josh@unioncountyweekly.com
As the holiday rush draws to a close, a handful of local churches are taking time to celebrate the season’s sacred side with special Christmas services. So whether you’re looking to celebrate on Sunday before traveling for the holidays, on Christmas Eve before a quiet night at home or on Christmas morning after waking up early with the kids to open presents – Union County Weekly’s guide to local seasonal church services has something for everybody. And remember – if your church is hosting a special event, let us know about it. Send an email to news@ unioncountyweekly.com with the date, time and location of the event, as well as a few details on what those who attend can expect.
Christmas Eve services at Weddington UMC WEDDINGTON – Weddington United Methodist Church will host five different Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Service times and themes will include:
3 p.m. – traditional service; 5 p.m. – children’s service; 7 p.m. – praise and worship; 9 p.m. – contemporary; and 11 p.m. – traditional. Child care will be provided at the 3, 5 and 7 p.m. services. Find more information at www. weddingtonchurch.org. Weddington UMC is located at 13901 Providence Road.
Spirit of Joy Lutheran to host live nativity WEDDINGTON – Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church will host a live nativity on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 and 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served in the church fellowship hall between performances. Find more information at www. spiritofjoy.us. Spirit of Joy Lutheran is located at 8600 Potter Road.
Cantata, Christmas Eve service at Indian Trail Presbyterian INDIAN TRAIL – Indian Trail Presbyterian Church will present its annual Christmas cantata on Sunday, Dec. 21, during the 11 a.m. worship service. This year’s program, “The Love of God at Christmas,” contains both traditional hymns and contemporary Christmas songs, according to a church newsletter. Indian Trail Presbyterian will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service
Page 14 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. The event will include scripture, hymns, carols, soloists and communion. Find more information at www.itpcusa.org. Indian Trail Presbyterian is located at 200 Indian Trail Road S.
Special holiday services at First Baptist Indian Trail INDIAN TRAIL – First Baptist Church of Indian Trail will host a special service, “Christmas around the TREE,” on Sunday, Dec. 21. Services will take place at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. and include drama, a choir and orchestra, visual effects and a Christmas message. The church also will host Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 3 and 5 p.m. Find more information at www.fbcit.org. First Baptist Indian Trail is located at 732 Indian Trail Fairview Road.
Advent, Christmas Eve services at Stallings UMC STALLINGS – Stallings United Methodist Church will host the final session in its Advent sermon series “Hollywood & Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 21. The sermon, “It IS A Wonderful Life” will focus on Luke 21:5-36. Traditional services are held at 8:30 and 11 a.m. in the sanctuary, and a 9:45 contemporary
service is held in the fellowship hall. Stallings UMC also will host Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, Dec. 24. A 6 p.m. contemporary family Christmas Eve service will be held in the fellowship hall. A traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service will take place at 11 p.m. and will conclude outside by the manger. Find more information at www. stallingsumc.org. Stallings UMC is located at 1115 Stallings Road.
Siler Presbyterian to host Christmas Eve services WESLEY CHAPEL – Siler Presbyterian Church will host three Christmas Eve services, “the center of our Christmas worship,” according to a church announcement, on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Services will take place at 4, 6 and 11 p.m., with the 4 p.m. service geared toward families and children and the 6 and 11 p.m. services following a more traditional and formal format. Each service will include gluten-free communion, according to the announcement. Find more information at www. silerchurch.org. Siler Presbyterian is located at 6301 Weddington-Monroe Road. (see Christmas listings on page 15)
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Around Town
Christmas listings (continued from page 14)
New Salem Baptist children to present ‘Chrismyth Busters’ MONROE – New Salem Baptist Church will host its children’s Christmas musical, “Chris-myth Busters,” on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m. The younger children will play bells and sing, and the congregation will participate in a medley of Christmas carols. A church-wide social will follow in the fellowship hall, and will include food, presents for kids and a special surprise visitor. Call 704-289-1676. New Salem Baptist is located at 2915 Goldmine Road.
Christmas Eve at Waxhaw Bible WAXHAW – People are invited to join Waxhaw Bible Church for a Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. Find more information at www. waxhawbible.org. Waxhaw Bible is located at 6810 Pleasant Grove Road.
Hermon Baptist to host two Christmas Eve communion services WAXHAW – Hermon Baptist Church will host Christmas Eve communion services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. Find more information at
www.hermonbaptist.org. Hermon Baptist is located at 9713 Lancaster Hwy.
Christmas Mass at St. Luke Catholic MINT HILL – St. Luke Catholic Church will host Christmas Mass on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 4 and 7 p.m. The church also will host a special Mass just before midnight to ring in Christmas Day. St. Luke will host Mass on Christmas morning, Thursday, Dec. 25, at 9 and 11 a.m., with a Spanish Mass scheduled for 1 p.m. Find more information at www.
stlukechurch.net. St. Luke Catholic is located at 13700 Lawyers Road in Mint Hill, near Stallings.
Southbrook Church to host two Christmas Eve services
WEDDINGTON – Southbrook Church will host Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 3 and 5 p.m. Find more information at www. southbrookchurch.com. Southbrook Church is located at 5607 Monroe-Weddington Road.
Christmas program, luncheon at Immanuel’s Church INDIAN TRAIL – Immanuel’s Church will host a Christmas program and covered dish luncheon on Sunday, Dec. 21. People are invited to bring a two-liter drink, vegetable dish and dessert. The church will provide meat for the meal. Call 704-882-3440 for more information including specific times of the service and luncheon. Immanuel’s Church is located at 6010 Mill Grove Road.
Mill Grove UMC to host Christmas Eve services at two campuses INDIAN TRAIL – Mill Grove United Methodist Church will host three Christmas Eve services, divided between its two campuses, on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The church’s Hemby Bridge campus will host a traditional service at 5 p.m. and a contemporary service at 7 p.m. Mill Grove’s Sun Valley campus will host a traditional service at 11 p.m. Find more information at www.millgrove.org. Mill Grove UMC’s Hemby Bridge campus sits at 7311 Mill Grove Road, and its Sun Valley Campus is located at 3207 Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road.
Indian Trail UMC to host Christmas Eve services at M&R Stables, church sanctuary INDIAN TRAIL – People are invited to join Indian Trail United Methodist Church at M&R Stables on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 4:30 p.m. for a special Christmas Eve service. The church is inviting people to “experience the celebration of Christ’s birth in the midst of the sounds and smells of the very first Christmas,” according to a church announcement. Indian Trail UMC also will host a Christmas Eve service, “Carols, Candles & Communion,” at 8 p.m. in the church sanctuary. The church choir will perform, and the program also will include carols, communion and candles. Find more information at www.itumc.org. Indian Trail UMC is located at 113 Indian Trail Road. M&R Stables is located at 2208 Younts Road.
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Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 15
Around Town Union County Weekly
Calendar 12.19.14 Friday
Winter Movie Night: ‘The Polar Express,’ 3 p.m. The Union West Regional Library hosts its holiday movie night with a showing of “The Polar Express.” The day kicks off with activities at 3 p.m., and the movie will begin at 4:30 p.m. No registration is required, and the showing is open to children and adults of all ages. Union West Regional Library, 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
12.22.14 Monday
Winter movie: ‘Frozen,’ 4:30 p.m. The Monroe Library is holding a winter movie viewing with a special presentation of “Frozen.”There will be a sing-along, cookies and fun. Attendees are encouraged to wear “Frozen” costumes or pajamas. No registration required, and the showing is for children of all ages. Call 704-283-8184 for more information. Monroe Library, 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Dec. 19
Ongoing through 12.31.14 Cellphones for Soldiers drive Mark Antonich and Ameriprise Financial Corporation are collecting gently-used cellphones for their fourth-annual Cellphones for Soldiers drive to help our troops call home. In honor of our past and present veterans and the upcoming holiday season, Ameriprise Financial is collecting gently-used or new cellphones through Dec. 31. Ameriprise Financial, 8832 Blakeney Professional Drive, suite 302, Charlotte
1.10.15 Saturday
Sandra West and Nutridkids, 7 p.m. Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Relief’s integrative practitioner Sandra West will present “Nutrikids: Making Sense of Nutrition When Faced with Food Allergies.” West will discuss substitution solutions for cooking, baking and snacks which ensure children with food allergies receive the nutrients their bodies need and, from a child’s perspective, taste good. While that event is going on with parents, kids, pre-teens and teens will hold a game night. Food- allergic teens and their siblings 8 years old and older will join together for an array of activities, including charades, board games, puzzles and more. Email info@pakcharlotte.org to RSVP. Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief, 1523 Elizabeth Ave., suite 200 Charlotte
Page 16 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
1.12.15 Monday
Literary council training, 6 to 8 p.m. The Literary Council of Union County seeks volunteers who are willing to teach adults to read and/or become more proficient in English. People can take the first step by attending Literacy Council 101. The classes offer insight into how literacy expands individual potential. Upon completion, qualified individuals will return at a later date for a seven-hour tutor training session before being matched with a student. The need is great. To register, contact 704-2261425 or info@literacyunion.org. 105-A E. Jefferson St., Monroe
1.16.15 Friday
Union County Sheriff blood drive, 3 to 7:30 p.m. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the Union County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a community blood drive to give the most important gift of all – the gift of life. The need for blood is dire as supplies are low, and the life saved can be of a family member or loved ones. It doesn’t cost anything to donate blood, but the results go a long way. Union County Agricultural Center, 500 N. Main St., Monroe
1.16.15 Friday
Union County Crimestopper Barbecue, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Union County Crimestopper unit and Union County Sheriff’s Office will host a barbecue that features marinated turkey or pork. The cost is $9 for plate for dine-in and carry-out orders, and delivery is free if 10 or more plates are ordered and paid for beforehand. Contact any Union County Sheriff employee for tickets. Union County Agricultural Center, 500 N. Main St., Monroe
2.5.15 Thursday
Chocoholic Frolic More than 20 restaurateurs, caterers, private chefs and bakers will serve chocolate desserts and savory dishes enhanced with chocolate for tasting at the fourth annual Chocoholic Frolic. An estimated 300 people will attend and support local programs that teach adults to read. The event also raises operating funding for one-on-one tutoring that volunteers provide free of charge to adults learning to read. Event planners are seeking sponsors, program advertisers and additional chocolate vendors. Tickets are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. Visit www.chocoholicfrolic.org to register or for more information. Swan Manor, 219 Ridge Road, Monroe
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Around Town
Real Help
for Real Living
The day I sang the “Mighty Mouse” song in church by Rev. Tony Marciano news@unioncountyweekly.com
When I was a young pastor, I led the congregational singing of hymns and preached the sermons. My father used to say that my preaching was really Rev. Tony good, but Marciano my singing was really bad. One day he looked at me and told me to shut off the microphone when I lead the hymns, and I think there was a compliment in that sentence. Today I sit in the pew and listen to some good preaching. There is always a call to action – some may ask you to get out of the pew and make a difference in the world. That’s where I almost got in trouble at church. The pastor preached a sermon about being salt and light in the world. He challenged us to touch the hearts and lives of others who need our helping hand. It was a moving sermon. While my ministry at Charlotte Rescue Mission is all consuming, something said I needed to be part of what God was asking this congregation to do. He had us all stand up as he moved into his “call to action.” He challenged us to touch the hearts and lives of others. As he finished making the final appeal, he asked us to raise our hand if we felt the Lord calling us to be part of this special ministry. He turned to step away from the podium and immediately the band started playing a rousing chorus of “All to Jesus I surrender.” I found myself standing with my hand held high in the air. Then it happened. In the back of my mind, I wasn’t singing the same song as the band. They were different words – very different words, and a very different tune. Instead, I found myself singing the “Mighty Mouse” song. www.unioncountyweekly.com
I could hear the words as clearly as when I watched that TV show as a kid. “Here I come to save the day.” I could feel those words echoing through the back of my head. In a moment I realized why my hand was raised. What the church was about to do would positively impact people in crisis. It would bring them help and hope. But those words, “Here I come to save the day,” clued me in that I was about to do this in my power and my strength. It was about me and my need to fix broken, hurting people. I lowered my hand. I could not say, “Yes” to this invitation. This wasn’t about serving them, this was about me and my need to feel good about helping others. For whatever good I was about to accomplish would sit in the shadow of the motivation of my heart. I knew there would be another project for which I could serve. This one required me to step aside and not let my needs trump the greater good God wanted to accomplish. I lowered my hand. After lowering it, I prayed for the congregation. There were other people standing that perhaps had not yet raised their hand. I believed it was them and not me that God called to be involved in this project. I prayed that God would move on their heart and life and let them see the hand of God upon them. They would be hidden behind the cross as they served in Jesus’ name. Since that time, there were other opportunities I had to sing the “Mighty Mouse” song. I’ve realized that my good intentions were being driven by my need to come across as helpful and nice. As I paused, I realized it may not have been in the best interest of the individual and their becoming all God created them to be. I’ve learned to back off. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend. Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www. charlotterescuemission.org for more information. Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 17
Sports
Union County Weekly’s Boys Cross Country Super Team Mitchell Resor, Weddington Resor had a recordbreaking season for the Warriors. After coming in second in the conference, the junior went on to lead the Warrior pack at regionals, where he finished at 15:41 to become the regional champion. He backed that up at states, finishing in 16:03 to take third place overall. At the acclaimed Wendy’s Invitational, Resor made Weddington history with his record-breaking time of 15:37. Ryan Hobbs, Weddington Hobbs ended his cross-country career in style. At the Southern Carolinas conference championship, Hobbs ran a personal-best 15:52 to win the meet. At regionals, Hobbs took 10th place where he helped the Warriors claim their second consecutive title and at the state meet, his time of 16:24 put him in sixth place as the Warriors became the meet runners-up. Jake Blizzard, Marvin Ridge Blizzard’s time of 16:27 earned him a fifth-place finish at the Southern Carolinas conference meet. He went on to pace the Maverick pack at regionals, where
he finished with a season-best 16:07 (fourth place). In states he finished at 16:34 (14th). Perhaps most impressive is his improvement over the years, as the senior shaved nearly three minutes off his time from his freshman season. Alex Hazan, Weddington After placing fourth at the Southern Carolinas Conference meet and helping the Warriors win the championship, Hazan went on to run 16:19 at the Midwest Regional meet to take ninth place. At the state meet, the junior ran 16:40 to take 23rd place and help the Warriors win second place. Colton Jordan, Weddington Another strong point of the dominating Warriors, Jordan was one of Weddington’s top five runners this season, helping them win the conference and region. At the conference meet, the junior ran 16:27 to take sixth place but at regionals, he shaved nearly 20 seconds off his time to finish in fifth place (16:08).
Setting the
pace
Photo by Doug Hague Page 18 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
Elijah Inuwa, CATA Inuwa, the Rocky River conference champion and Class 2A Midwest Regional champion won the Union County Championships for the second year in a row after a personalbest 15:52. At the Class 2A state meet, Inuwa’s time of 16:41 put him in third place and capped off a wildly successful cross-country career. Matthew Conner, Weddington Conner was consistently one of the Warriors top runners this season. He had a season-best race at the conference meet, where his time of 16:04 took third place. At regionals, Conner’s time of 16:09 put him in seventh place before going on to help the Warriors finish as the state runners-up. Josh Weirich, CATA Weirich, a sophomore, became the Class 2A Midwest Regional runner-up with his time of 16:33 where he helped the Cougars win the meet and recorded a personal best. At the state meet, Weirich’s time of 16:58 put him in fifth place as the Cougars finished as the meet’s runners-up.
Photos by Doug Hague
by Hannah Chronis hannah@unioncountyweekly.com
Junior Mitchell Resor is one of the most talented runners on Weddington’s acclaimed cross-country team. He’s qualified for the state meet every year since beginning his cross-country career as a freshman, and has since shaved nearly two minutes off his time to lead the Warrior pack for the majority of his junior season. At the Southern Carolinas Conference championships this year, Resor’s time of 15 minutes, 53 seconds earned him a second-place finish on a Warrior team that produced seven of the meet’s Top 10 finishers. At the Class 3A Midwest Regional meet, Resor shaved 12 seconds off his time to finish in 15:41 and win the meet as an individual and alongside the Weddington team. And he didn’t stop there, placing third at the state meet and helping Weddington finish as the state runners-up. But ask Resor the key behind his success, and he’ll quickly tell you it’s not about him. “I honestly can’t really answer that question,” Resor said. “If I knew the answer, I would. I’ll tell you what I do know – being around my best friends every day, pushing each other to be the very best and always work a little bit harder, that’s the difference maker. That’s what sets us apart from any other team. We have seven guys that could be the fastest person on the team at any given point and we all make each other faster. I couldn’t do it without them.” Teaming with sub-17 runners like Ryan Hobbs, Alex
Runner of the Year: Mitchell Resor Weddington
Coach of the Year: rick spencer Weddington
Second Team: Brandon Dalla Rose, Weddington Austin Payeur, Marvin Ridge Jackson Bivens, Weddington Will Cachine, Cuthbertson Tate Johnson, Metrolina Christian Alec Merrill, CATA Jacob Lipsey, Marvin Ridge Grant Wood, Cuthbertson
Hazan, Colton Jordan, Brandon Dalla Rose, Jackson Bivens and Matthew Conner, Resor was able to have his most successful season to date and spearhead the Warrior’s dominating run as the back-to-back conference and regional champs. But it’s Resor’s personal accomplishments and growth on the course that have made him the 2014 Union County Weekly Boys Cross-Country Runner of the Year. At last year’s conference meet, Resor finished in 17:29 to take 10th place and finished 18th at regionals as Weddington’s fifth- or sixth-best runner. After a dedicated off-season consisting of intense daily training, time in the weight room and a strict diet, Resor catapulted himself to the top of the Warriors team. And his relentless work paid off in big ways. Not only did Resor finish as the regional champion and take third place at states, he set a new school record after his jaw-dropping performance at the Wendy’s Invitational on Oct. 4. Resor finished in fourth place at the meet with a time of 15:37 – one second faster than the previous school record and 17 seconds faster than Resor’s personal record. But for the humble star, his success this season still goes back to the support and encouragement of the team. “I’m very thankful I could have this season and the opportunity to race like I did,” he said. “I give all my success and credit everything to coach (Rick) Spencer and the team as a whole. Coach sacrifices so much for us every single day and (see Runner of the Year on page 19)
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Sports
Warrior football ends
historic season by Hannah Chronis hannah@unioncountyweekly.com
The Weddington football team’s recordbreaking season came to an end on Dec. 13 as the Warriors fell 14-7 to Northern Guilford in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3A championship. The title win was the Nighthawks fourth in the last five seasons. Despite the loss, the Warriors had their best season in school history, finishing with a 15-2 record and making it to the state title game for the first time since the school opened.
Quarterback Grayson Willingham finished the night completing 12 of 25 passes for 180 yards. Junior Joe Bensch led the Warriors in the air with five receptions for 83 yards. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Jack Jenkins finished the night with seven tackles, Joey Hobbs totaled six and Bensch, Chris Trevisan, Myles Moore and Mitchel Carson had five apiece. Northern Guilford quarterback Cam Harris was named the game’s MVP while Bensch was voted defensive player of the game and Willingham was named the offensive player of the game.
Photos by Gary Ohmstede
Runner of the Year (continued from page 18)
I’m really pleased with what I did this year but I’m proud of our entire team. We’ve all had so much success together. This year, we had the most runners we’ve ever had that were sub-17. That’s incredible.” Though the Warriors will lose seniors Ryan Hobbs and Brandon Dalla Rose, they return the nucleus of their top runners along with some up-and-coming underclassmen with a lot of potential, Resor said. And with an acclaimed junior season behind him and his senior year on the horizon, Resor has a lofty list of goals – including www.unioncountyweekly.com
winning another state championship – he hopes to accomplish with the Warrior team next year. If all goes as planned, Resor hopes to continue his cross-country career at N.C. State. “For next year, I would love to be sub15:10,” he said. “I set goals really high but I think that’s a good thing. For our team, I want our average to be 15:30 for our top five guys and I think that’s entirely possible. Matt, Hazan, Colton – those guys will run just as fast as me. “All our hard work is going to pay off. We have to keep running every day, getting faster, working harder and focusing but if we do that, it’s going to pay off.” Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 19
Sports
sports shorts by Hannah Chronis hannah@unioncountyweekly.com
Novant Health Holiday Invitational tips-off Friday The annual Novant Health Holiday Invitational presented by ESPN radio 730 AM Charlotte tips-off on Dec. 19. Four games take place on Friday to set the stage for rounds two and three to be played on Dec. 26. On Friday, Weddington will travel to East Meck, Forest Hills will travel to Providence and Monroe will host Porter Ridge. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
Southern Carolinas all-conference teams announced The Southern Carolinas all-conference teams for the fall season were announced on Dec. 15. The teams are as follows: Boys Cross-Country – Weddington: Mitchell Resor, Matthew Conner, Alex Hazan, Colton Jordan, Brandon Dalla Rose, Jackson Bivens, Nick Resor, Ryan Hobbs; Marvin Ridge: Jake Blizzard, Austin Payeur, Jacob Lipsey; Cuthbertson: Will Cachine. The cross-country Most Valuable Runner went to Weddington’s Ryan Hobbs and the Coach of the Year was Weddington’s Rick Spencer. Girls Cross-Country – Weddington: Morgan Garrett, Elizabeth Farquhar, Carlee Hickman, Natalie Warner; Marvin Ridge: Jennae Jacob, Nichole Renwick, Kyle Hennissey, Melanie Hussey, Lexi King; Piedmont: Jaeden Phelix; Cuthbertson: Alexia Noch, Samantha Hirsch. The cross-country Most Valuable Runner went to Lexi King and Marvin Ridge’s Cameron Starr was named Coach of the Year. Girls Golf – Weddington: Hannah Harvey, Hannah Lee, Julia Lubinecky, Elli Laymon; Marvin Ridge: Morgan Laird, Ahra Ko, Abby Duggan; Piedmont: Ashley Milliken; Cuthbertson: Lizzie Hordes, Sophie Niccolosi. Bill Vivian was named the Coach of the Year. Volleyball – Weddington: McKenzie Hird, Carena Meadows, Brie Saur; Marvin Ridge: Katrina Hartley, Makenzie Kuchmaner, Courtney Paulus, Maddie Spurgeon; Cuthbertson: Megan Jones; Piedmont: Jessie Price, Paida Mushonga, Natalie Harris. Marvin Ridge’s Makenzie Kuchmaner was named the Player of the Year and Brook Hammers received the Coach of the Year award. Girls Tennis – Weddington: Heidi Swope, Morgan Wetherbee, Hayley Hinson, Charlotte Ulehla; Marvin Ridge: Carly Landgraf, Shannon Farley, Hannah Scott, Meredith Emery, Rachel Zubrinsky; Cuthbertson: Caytie Clemons, Carra Clemons, Sarah Parker. Heidi Swope was named the Player of
the Year and Marvin Ridge’s Julie Van Olden received the Coach of the Year honor. Soccer – Weddington: Chris O’Grady, Cameron Kapheim, Zack Wallace, Kevin Ovendorf, Carson Zaharias, Mitchell Van Dyne, Ethan McClain; Marvin Ridge: Ryan Scott, Andrew Vlasov, Phillip Papa, Bailey Frederick, Logan Davis; Cuthbertson: Travis Whitt, Parker Freitag; Sun Valley: Angel Guazo, Logan Stuart, Jared Leister, Jarod Smith; Piedmont: Connor Correll, Jack Kiker, Ben Bullard. Weddington’s Ethan McClain was named the Player of the Year. Marvin Ridge’s Jason Zak is the Coach of the Year.
Southern Carolinas football all-conference honors announced The 2014 Southern Carolinas AllConference awards and recognitions were announced on Dec. 15. Wed-
Girl’s Basketball Player of the Week: Alyssa Carbone, CATA
Carbone was 4 for 5 from the 3-point line on Dec. 11 in the Cougars 58-57 win over Marvin Ridge. Carbone ended the night with 34 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and four blocks in the win. Boy’s Basketball Player of the Week: Ben Killion, Union Academy
Killion, a 6-foot-2 senior forward, has a solid double-double in the Cardinal’s first conference win over South Stanly on Dec. 11. He tossed in 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds with two assists and three steals.
girls basketball boys basketball
super 7 sup er 7 1) Weddington (8-1)
1) Weddington (7-2)
2) Monroe (6-0)
2) Cuthbertson (7-1)
3) Cuthbertson (7-2)
3) Sun Valley (6-3)
4) Porter Ridge (5-2)
4) Porter Ridge (5-2)
5) Sun Valley (6-4) 6) Piedmont (4-2) 7) Parkwood (3-5) Dropped out: Forest Hills (3-4) Emezie. At tight end, Cuthbertson’s Nick Karas and Sun Valley’s PJ Lotharp were all-conference selections. The following offensive linemen received all-conference honors: Bryan Camhi (Weddington), Andy Horne (Weddington), Andrew Chiarelli (Cuthbertson), Cory Deviney (Piedmont), Corey Keels (Sun Valley), Austin Mat-
Albert Funderburke
dington quarterback David Bayha and Piedmont quarterback Cameron Tripp received all-conference honors. At the running back position, Mitchel Carson (Weddington), Aaron Braswell (Piedmont) and Devin Atkins (Marvin Ridge) were all-conference selections. At wide receiver, Weddington’s Zach Goins and Joe Bensch and Cuthbertson’s BJ Muckelvene and JT Cauthen were named allconference along with Sun Valley’s Jeremiah Miller and the Mavericks’ Emeka
Page 20 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
5) Forest Hills (4-2) 6) Monroe (1-1) 7) Metrolina Christian (6-5) Zach Carver (Cuthbertson), Juwan Funderburk (Cuthbertson), Chandler Castleberry (Marvin Ridge). The following defensive backs received all-conference honors: Chris Trevisan (Weddington), Kris Missick (Piedmont), Marus Disenza (Sun Valley), Peter Ausiello (Cuthbertson), Turner Schwartz (Marvin Ridge). Marvin Ridge’s Marion Watson was named the all-conference punter and Weddington’s Keith Duncan received all-conference honors for kicker. Weddington’s Lance Moore was named the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year. Cuthbertson quarterback Austin Kendall and Sun Valley running back Albert Funderburke tied for the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year. Sun Valley’s Tyler Griffiths was named the 2014 Specialist of the Year. The 2014 Coach of the Year went to Cuthbertson’s David Johnson.
Lance Moore
Austin Kendall
thews (Sun Valley), Josh Snapper (Marvin Ridge), Dimitri Emmanuel (Marvin Ridge). The following defensive linemen received all-conference honors: Jack Jenkins (Weddington), Tyler Scott (Piedmont), Keenon Vinson (Sun Valley), Dom Ventura (Sun Valley), Connor Gerlits (Cuthbertson), John Wells (Marvin Ridge), Matthew Wahlers (Marvin Ridge). The following linebackers received allconference honors: Myles Moore (Weddington), Garrett Hinson (Piedmont),
Tyler Griffiths
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Sports
BASKETBALL GAME STATS Girls Points
Name School Games Stephanie Watts Weddington 9 Zasha Barrett Monroe 5 Alyssa Carbone CATA 6 Taylor Helms Cuthbertson 8 Sierra Lunn Union Academy 6 Hannah Adamczyk Sun Valley 8 Brittany Autry Parkwood 7 Amanda Cherry Sun Valley 8 Lauren Brown Parkwood 7 Briana Pressley Union Academy 6 Dezeree McCormick CATA 6 Hannah Gordon Metrolina 11 Breanna Mcadams Cuthbertson 8
rebounds
Name School Games Zasha Barrett Monroe 5 Brittany Autry Parkwood 7 Cara McNulty Union Academy 6 Hannah Gordon Metrolina 11 Tyriona Houston Monroe 5 Logan Polk CATA 6 Dezeree McCormick CATA 6 Stephanie Watts Weddington 9 Caitlyn Logan Metrolina 11 Alyssa Carbone CATA 6 Baylee Morton Parkwood 7 Remi Roberts Weddington 9 Bria Roddy Monroe 5
assists
Points 29.7 23.4 22.3 20.5 17.2 16.5 14.9 14.1 12.3 10.2 9.8 9.5 9.1 rebounds 13.8 11.4 11.2 10.6 9.4 9 8.8 8.1 7.8 7.7 7.7 6.4 6.4
Name School Games assists Stephanie Watts Weddington 9 6.3 Taylor Helms Cuthbertson 8 3.8 Hannah Adamczyk Sun Valley 8 3.5 Amanda Cherry Sun Valley 8 3.4 Kiara Patterson CATA 6 3 Jehnyai Stevenson Monroe 5 2.8 Tanjai Stevenson Monroe 5 2.8 Lauren Brown Parkwood 7 2.7 Lillian Geehring Parkwood 7 2.7
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steals
Name School Games Stephanie Watts Weddington 9 Anna Sidders Union Academy 6 Linsey Starnes Union Academy 6 Zasha Barrett Monroe 5 Lauryn Boyd Union Academy 1 Alyssa Carbone CATA 6 Bella Sheprow Metrolina 11 Tyriona Houston Monroe 5 Remi Roberts Weddington 9 Karli Mason Sun Valley 9 Taylor Helms Cuthbertson 8 Brianna Ingram Cuthbertson 8
blocks
Name School Games Logan Polk CATA 6 Cara McNulty Union Academy 6 Stephanie Watts Weddington 9 Brittany Autry Parkwood 7 Zasha Barrett Monroe 5 Alyssa Carbone CATA 6 Hannah Gordon Metrolina 11 Remi Roberts Weddington 9 Breanna Mcadams Cuthbertson 8 Lauryn Boyd Union Academy 1
steals 5.3 3.8 3.5 3.4 3 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.7 2.6 2.6 2.6 blocks 6.5 3.5 2.6 2 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.1 1 1
Boys Points
Name School Games Hughston Finklea Sun Valley 4 Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina 5 Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge 6 Jordan Barber Weddington 9 Nick Dietrich Lake Park 7 D’Andre Dennis Porter Ridge 6 Cameron Tripp Piedmont 4 Desmen Robinson Monroe 2 Andrew Guillot Union Academy 6 RJ Filio Porter Ridge 6 Kenan Turpin Parkwood 7 William Pleasants Lake Park 7
Points 22.5 20.4 18.8 17.6 17.3 17.2 17 15.5 14.8 14.7 14.4 14.4
rebounds
Name School Games Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina 5 Cameron Tripp Piedmont 4 Desmen Robinson Monroe 2 Tyler Hardiman Cuthbertson 8 Ben Killion Union Academy 6 D’Andre Dennis Porter Ridge 6 Ryan Schweiger Weddington 9 Nick Ashcraft Monroe 2
rebounds 17.9 13.3 10 9.5 8.7 8 7.8 7
assists
Name School Games assists Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge 6 6 Joseph Similton Lake Park 7 5.4 Nick Dietrich Lake Park 7 4.6 Hughston Finklea Sun Valley 4 4.5 Melvin Bonilla Monroe 2 4.5 Jordan Sharpe Weddington 9 3.8 Matt Allen Cuthbertson 8 3.7 Tyler Hardiman Cuthbertson 8 3.4 RJ Filio Porter Ridge 6 3
steals
Name School Games Tyler Hardiman Cuthbertson 8 Jordan Barber Weddington 9 Noah Blair Porter Ridge 6 Max Robinson Parkwood 5 Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina 5 Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge 6 Hughston Finklea Sun Valley 4 Hakeem Rowe Metrolina 5 Jaysen Shular Sun Valley 4 Malcolm Wade Cuthbertson 8 Desmen Robinson Monroe 2 Zephaniah Wall Monroe 2
blocks
Name School Games Cameron Tripp Piedmont 4 Tyrik Dawson Cuthbertson 8 Emeka Nwankwo Metrolina 5 Caleb Homesley Porter Ridge 6 Jeremiah Miller Sun Valley 4 Stephen Ruszala Cuthbertson 8
steals 3.5 3 3 2.6 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.1 2 2 2 2 blocks 2.3 1 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.8
Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 21
Page 22 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
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HELP: LOST DOG, \”Dotty\”, Australian Cattle mix, 7yrs, 35lbs. Lost 8/1/14, Rea Rd. Black/White, black patch right eye. pink/ grey collar. Contact Kim 704-763-3661. Her loving family misses her very much!
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Union County Weekly • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Page 23
Page 24 • Dec. 18 to 23, 2014 • Union County Weekly
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