Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Vol. 9 No. 5

January 29, 2016 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Former NBA star coaches special needs athletes

Health & Wellness Our first health and wellness issue of 2016 features tips on flu prevention, beating the winter blues, clean eating and more. Page 3

Former Charlotte Hornet Muggsy Bogues knows what it means to give back, as he spent hours coaching students at Crestdale Middle for the Special Olympics this week.

Page 12 Snowpocalypse 2016 CMS cancelled school through Tuesday, so local residents had plenty of time to play outside in an icy winter wonderland. Page 9

Nonprofit gives books to kids Read Charlotte donated books to every Title I school in the district, and Ann Clark helped distribute books at Lebanon Road. Page 11

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Education 10 | Faith 13 | Calendar 14 | Sports 16 | Classifieds 19

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 3

Health & Wellness

Tips for staying healthy this flu season

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Much to the dismay of parents everywhere, flu season is upon us.

North Carolina is experiencing “widespread” influenza this month, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as influenza-like illness, such as fevers above 100 degrees and a cough and/or sore throat.

Genentech Inc., a biotechnology company that manufactures Tamiflu, provided some tips and facts to help the community stay “flu free” this season:

Flu vaccines take two weeks to take “full effect,” says CDC

The CDC credits the flu vaccine as the first line of defense for the flu, but an estimated 52.9 percent of Americans did not receive a flu vaccination during the 2014-15 flu season. If the flu is already in the community, it might be past the window for protection.

Receiving the flu vaccine sooner is better.

Flu viruses are contagious

The viruses can live on hard surfaces for up to eight hours and spread up to six feet away, according to a news release. Most “healthy” adults with the flu can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days

after becoming sick, Genentech said.

The CDC also recommends a flu patient stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone.

Know your flu symptoms

The sooner a person knows of the symptoms, the quicker a person can take action. Common symptoms, according to the CDC, include fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and some children might experience vomiting or diarrhea. The CDC noted not everyone with a flu with have a fever.

Didn’t get the vaccine?

Genentech said “a second line of defense” is available for those who didn’t receive the vaccine. If patients “act fast,” a doctor can prescribe an antiviral, which can shorten the length of sickness time.

Antivirals also can prevent someone from catching the flu if someone else in the household is sick.

However, flu medications, such as Tamiflu, are not substitutes for an annual flu vaccination and also do not prevent bacterial inflections that may happen with the flu.

Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/ index.htm for more information about the seasonal flu.

Beating SAD: how to manage the ‘winter blues’

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Some call it the “winter blues.” To others, it’s known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder.”

But a thorn by any other name would cut as deep, and each year many Americans feel the sting of the darker, drearier winter months.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly spoke with local psychotherapist Sarah DeMaison, of the Matthews-based A Change Within counseling center, to give readers tips on managing the negative effects of the cold, dark winter days.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression most common in patients during the fall and winter. The main cause of the disorder is a reduction in exposure to sunlight, which affects serotonin, melatonin and vitamin D levels, as well as the body’s circadian rhythm (or “internal/ biological clock”).

SAD symptoms include feeling depressed or sad, increased anxiety, mood swings, poor sleep patterns (sleeping too much or not enough), lethargy, overeating, irritability and a desire to avoid social contact, according to Mental Health America.

DeMaison said there are three key methods professionals recommend to treat SAD. The first is phototherapy, or “light therapy.” SAD sufferers are encouraged to purchase a “light box” – a lamp that mimics natural sunlight – and sit near it for several

minutes in the morning.

“I’ve had individuals who’ve never heard of a light box before – they’ve used it and can tell (a difference) almost instantly within the first couple of times after using it,” DeMaison said.

The second method is psychotherapy.

Because SAD often generates negative thoughts, trained psychotherapists can help patients identify damaging thought processes, and help steer patients toward a better outlook, DeMaison said.

“Psychotherapy helps because we talk about the impact of your thoughts … (and) help you change the way you think about things,” she said.

A third method, for some individuals, is medication, such as an antidepressant.

Medications can help restore the brain’s chemical balance, which can be thrown off kilter due to SAD, DeMaison said.

“Individuals sometimes need to take an antidepressant just for this time of year,” DeMaison said.

The key to effective management of SAD is starting treatment early, particularly in the fall. DeMaison also encourages sufferers to get at least some amount of regular exercise during the winter months, and urges anyone with harmful or suicidal thoughts to seek professional help immediately.

Find more information about SAD at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/ sad. Learn more about DeMaison and A Change Within at www.changewithinme. com.

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These discreet hearing aids can be found at Levine Hearing, an independent hearing clinic, located across the street from the Arboretum Shopping Center. Madison Levine, the owner, is a second generation Hearing Instrument Specialist, who is current on the best (and most discreet) technology for her patients. She says that her patients know that they need a device to help them understand people more clearly, but that their number one concern after that, is almost always the look of that device.

The two major styles of hearing aids are those that go in-the-ear, and those

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Five minutes in, I can already see their relief as I explain options, and after fitting them, most people say they would’ve done it sooner if they had known what they do now.”

This week, Levine Hearing is offering free hearing evaluations (normally $85) and demonstrations so that people who have been curious about what the new technology looks and sounds like, can come in with no obligation to experience it for themselves. Space will be limited, so call 704-540-3081 to reserve your appointment time.

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Health & Wellness

Website offers free ‘clean’ diet plan, workouts

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

With all the fad diets out there, it’s hard to find one that’s easy to stick to. That’s the inspiration behind Clean Eats 101, a lifestyle website founded by local women.

Certified nutritionist Macy Covington and Union County resident Leigh Smoak teamed up to create a website that offers free nutrition advice and exercise plans.

The site focuses on “clean” eating, which Smoak refers to as the “least amount of processing as possible.”

A few years ago, Smoak found Covington’s small peer group online, where she posted clean recipes.

“I had been following what she was cooking for 6 to 8 months,” Smoak said.

Smoak was a stay-at-home mom, who had tried many other diets, but wasn’t finding the results she wanted and a plan she could stick to because she often felt restricted. After following Covington’s recipes, she started to feel better and realized it was a diet she could retain.

The two women connected and shared their passion for clean eating, resulting in their website, Clean Eats 101, which launched in May 2015.

“I want to spread the word about clean eating and how it has really changed my outlook on healthy living,” Smoak said.

The website includes three features: more than 300 “clean” recipes; about 45 workouts, including a 21-day workout program for those wanting to kick start their exercise plan; and a grocery cart function that allows users to select recipes for the week and the site combines all ingredients into a consolidated shopping list.

The women want the site to be easy, realistic and managable for the average person, Smoak said.

They encourage users to start an 80/20 diet plan, in which they’re eating 80 percent clean meals, so Macy Covington they can live without guilt or a feeling of defeat.

Smoak said she made small changes when initially starting the program, such as swapping an apple for a bag of chips or making her own spaghetti sauce, and felt enLeigh Smoak ergized. She naturally wanted to start exercising again after changing her diet.

“I felt free,” she said. “It sounds cliché, but I was taking control of (my diet) forever and it was empowering.”

Smoak encourages new users to start small and set realistic goals, such as swapping a salad for a meal once of week.

“Little things can make a difference,” she said.

The women will continue posting new recipes and workouts weekly and expect to include yoga workouts in February.

Visit www.cleaneats101.com to check out what they offer.

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following restaurants from Jan. 18 to 24.

Lowest Score: • Casa Rita’s, 9727 E. Independence Blvd., 28105 – 87.5 Violations included: No certified food protection manager on site; containers of raw chicken stored over ground beef in the walk-in cooler; chicken breast and chicken wraps holding at improper temperature; cheese enchiladas stored at room temperature for two hours; pork broth stored at improper temperature and held since Dec. 30; shredded cheese, shredded beef and diced tomato cooling in walk-in cooler improperly; sanitation solution with zero concentration; clean lids, clean containers and coffee mugs stored on a soiled surface; build-up on the beer cooler floor; and dust build-up on the ceiling near vents.

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All Scores: 28105 • Boston Market, 9550 E. Independence Blvd. – 93 • Casa Rita’s, 9727 E. Independence Blvd. – 87.5 • Chick-fil-A, 9905 Matthews Park Drive – 97.5 • Picadelis Deli, 1600 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 97 • Showmars, 9704 E. Independence Blvd. – 94.5 28227 • Big Guys Pizza, 6914 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 98.5 • Chick-fil-A, 9010 Albemarle Road – 97.5 • Daphne’s Bakery, 7609 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 99

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The Weekly

Development Briefs Managed lanes moving forward CHARLOTTE – Despite increased pressure from critics of the I-77 Express Lanes project, the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a managed lanes strategy during its Jan. 20, meeting.

Lake Norman towns wanted to abandon the strategy as a means to canceling a 50year contract with a Spain developer to manage the toll lanes.

Cities such as Charlotte and Monroe didn’t want to backtrack on the project, because it would delay dozens of other projects, including U.S. 74 and I-485 toll lanes.

Plantation Estates requests change for expansion MATTHEWS – Plantation Estates is seeking a text amendment from Matthews to qualify its expansion across the street as a continuing care retirement community.

The amendment would allow a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) to be separated by a public road when its under the same ownership and sites are within 1,000 of each other. Fullwood Station separates Plantation Estates and its extension.

CCRC’s are required to provide onsite health care.

Town commissioners held a public hearing Jan. 11 and are scheduled to vote on the proposal Feb. 8.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 5

Mint Hill could get Xpress wash MATTHEWS – Sam’s Real Estate recently filed paperwork with Mint Hill to rezone 3 acres at 9230 Lawyers Road to build a car wash.

A public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11.

Town commissioners could consider the proposal March 10.

The Matthews-based company develops property for Sam’s Mart and Sam’s Xpress Car Wash.

The car wash recently broke ground on locations in Pineville and Gastonia. It has grown to 12 locations since opening in 2012.

Visit www.samsxpresscarwash.com or www. samsre.com for more information.

Town taking over senior center MATTHEWS – Matthews commissioners gave the town manager permission Jan. 11 to sign the paperwork to borrow $750,000 to pay the mortgage for the Levine Senior Center.

The town bought the property at 1050 Devore Lane at the request of the center's board of directors.

Finance Director Chris Tucker said during a public hearing in December that the move would allow the center to continue for many years to come.

The financial close was scheduled for Jan. 12.

Town to finance roof repair MATTHEWS – Town commissioners approved financing Jan. 11 for roof improvements at the Matthews Community Center.

The town approved a contract in December for $843,810 to CH Rummage to fix the roof.

Matthews had already set aside $125,000 for the project. Another $700,000 will be financed over six years and a 1.89-percent interest rate.

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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 Business Editor Josh Whitener Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Mark Harris

Advertising Charlotte Conway Andrea Mounts Mike Gianpetro

Design Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby

Business President Jonathan McElvy Publisher Kelly Wright Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling

News Briefs Attention Panther fans!

We want to see your panther pride. Send pictures of yourself, your family and your friends in your best panthers gear to hannah@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com with the subject “Panthers� for a chance to be featured in next week’s paper. #keeppounding

The Tipsy Paintbrush to hold fundraiser for Matthews clinic MATTHEWS – The Tipsy Paintbrush will hold its third annual Art & Amore Fundraiser to benefit Matthews Free Medical Clinic on Feb. 13, a Saturday, from 7 to 9 p.m. A professional artist will lead guests step-by-step in painting a pre-selected piece on canvas. Guests will be able to take their work home. Painting materials and aprons will be provided.

Cost is $50 and includes a buffet dinner donated by local restaurants. Non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

Matthews Free Medical Clinic provides free medical care for low-income, uninsured residents in Mecklenburg and Union counties.

Space is limited and reservations are encouraged. Call Kara Lopp at 704-412-2398 for more information.

Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Photo courtesy of Mint Hill Arts

Mint Hill Arts to hold ‘Meet the Artists’ event at town hall MINT HILL – Mint Hill Arts will hold a “Meet the Artists� event on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Mint Hill Town Hall. “Emerging Artists� will feature the work of five Mint Hill Arts members who show talent and potential.

Artists will include: Reanna Brooks, a junior at Providence High School; Sarah Kinney, a bachelor of fine arts major at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Christopher Pariano, an honors graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a bachelor of fine arts in painting; Kaden Ray, a student at Providence High School; and Victoria Xu, a junior at Providence Day School.

Veteran’s Adminstration announces new benfits MATTHEWS – Blessed Assurance Adult Daycare recently secured a five-year contract with the Veteran’s Administration to offer a new daytime program that consists of socialization, meals, medical monitoring and rehabilitation for veterans with physical and mental challenges.

The benefit is free for veterans and their caregivers. Interested parties should contact Nate Huggins at 704-576-4754 for more information.

Blessed Assurance is located at 13001 Idlewild Road.

Novant Health opens new pediatrics clinic in Arboretum Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Photo courtesy of the Tipsy Paintbrush

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CHARLOTTE – Novant Health Pediatrics opened its newest location in south Charlotte’s Arboretum shopping center, located at 3135 Springbank Lane, suite 100. The office will provide well child visits, sick child visits, sports and school

physicals, childhood immunizations and vaccinations, on-site lab work and prenatal appointments, and is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Novant Health Pediatrics Arboretum also will provide sick child appointments on Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The practice is staffed by Dr. Miranda Cordell and Dr. Erin Washburn. “I love smaller practices like ours,� said Washburn, who transferred from Novant Health Randolph Pediatrics, in a news release. “I feel we give the patients and their families a sense of belonging, not as if they’re being rushed in the door and out.�

Washburn is a mother of three daughters and said she wants her patients to know that Novant Health Pediatrics Arboretum is a team.

Cordell recently completed her residency at Levine Children’s Hospital. “I am so honored and appreciative of the opportunity to help take care of children,� said Cordell in the release. “There is nothing I would rather do.�

Call 704-316-4445 or visit NHpediatricsarbore tum.org for more information.

Habitat and Wildlife Keepers to present ‘Bringing Nature Home’ MATTHEWS – Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) will host Douglas Tallamy, author of “Bringing Nature Home� in a special presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. at Levine Senior Center. The discussion will focus on the link between native plant species and native wildlife, and the effect on surrounding areas when those native plants and animals disappear.

HAWK is the Matthews Chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Tickets cost $6 and can be purchased online at hawk.afrogs.org/#/index.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 7

Opinion

There’s nothing wrong with bandwagon fans I don't know why I still have a Facebook account. Every time I log on, it seems there’s another comment made, article shared or post “liked” that makes my skin crawl.

But it does remind me of my friends’ birthdays, so for that, I am forever grateful Hannah Chronis to Mr. Zuckerberg.

A few days before the Panthers destroyed the Arizona Cardinals to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl, “The Phoenix New Times” – a free, weekly publication serving the greater Phoenix area – released “10 reasons to hate the Carolina Panthers.” It started circling around Facebook like wildfire.

Let me start by saying I’m not the Panthers’ No. 1 fan. I didn't grow up going to games, and I definitely wasn't searching for tickets when they went 2-14 five seasons ago. In fact, I’ve been to more games during the last two seasons combined than I have leading up to those years, and my Instagram account shows more than one picture where I’ve hashtagged something like #keeppounding or #dabonem…. whatever that means.

What the author of the Phoenix New Times article doesn't realize, though, is cheering on the Panthers is bigger than wins and losses. It’s bigger

than wearing a No. 1 jersey. It’s bigger than dabbing and pounding and 45 touchdowns.

It’s about Charlotte – better yet, the entire Carolinas – coming together to support one team in the greatest state in the Union (I’m talking about North Carolina, just incase there’s any confusion).

When the Panthers do well, Charlotte does well, North Carolina does well and South Carolina does well. Small businesses selling NFL gear feel the impact of increased business. Uptown hotels sell out on Saturday nights. Locally owned bars that otherwise would’ve been empty are spilling out the door on Sunday afternoons. People start paying attention to our neck of the woods and realizing Charlotte – and the surrounding area – is a great place to live, work and play.

The dynamics of this city are changing. Charlotte isn’t placed in the same boat as Memphis or Birmingham anymore. It’s now a city of worldclass restaurants, higher education, museums, theater, ballet, gigabit Internet – and if the Panthers success puts a spotlight on our Uptownturned-Carolina-blue as one of the finest cities on the East Coast, I’ll wear my Cam Newton jersey any day.

So when The Phoenix New Times claimed “the Carolinas suck as a location,” “their fans are rednecks” and “their barbecue is overrated” (don’t get me started on that one), instead of sharing such a sad excuse for journalism on my page with a snarky comment, I took a step back and realized that: a) the author is generalizing and insulting an entire population because of a sport, which is just

downright sad and b) he’s clearly never spent any time in North Carolina and for that, I sincerely pity him.

We have booming cities with culture and class like Charlotte and Raleigh. We have hipster cities like Asheville where dreadlocks are more common at work than suits and ties. We have the Outer Banks. We have snow when it’s winter, sun when it’s summer, growth when it’s spring and a myriad of colors and pumpkins and hay rides when it’s fall. We’re the home of Michael Jordan, Earl Scruggs, Andy Griffith, Ava Gardner and Zach Galifianakis. And let’s not forget Bojangles.

Cam Newton and the Panthers are drawing national attention to our great city (and state).

I respect those Panthers fans that have stood behind our hometown team since 1995, and I understand how every Tom, Dick and Harry who claims he’s a Panthers fan is, at the very least, frustrating for those who have been “pounding” since Day 1. But what’s the alternative? A city of folks who don't care, who look away, who don’t buy tickets to sell out the stadium, who let publications like The Phoenix New Times say terrible things about a franchise and its people.

The Panthers’ success is our success, and I hope that on Super Bowl Sunday, every single person in the entire state is decked out in black and blue, and dabbing at every touchdown.

Email Hannah at hannah@carolina weeklynewspapers.com

The Weekly

Social Media Posts Matthews and Mint Hill residents have a lot to say on social media about both the community and current events. Keep checking in and tagging Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly on Facebook and Twitter to have your posts featured in the paper!

Tyler @DISSED Jan. 25 Wishing I still lived in Mint Hill so I wouldn't have school tomorrow.

Bianca @Bianca_Esme Jan. 25 CMS cancelled school again? Uhh Wingate, where you at?

Jennifer Daniels @jentrification Jan. 24 The snow has melted but school is still cancelled tomorrow. It's cause CMS knows parents are lit. #keeppounding Adam Thomas @BeachballDelay Jan. 17 The snow is over in Mint Hill. The long cleanup begins. #CharlotteBlizzard16 Hunter Langseth @bighunttt Jan. 17 I think it's really cool to see the @Panthers go around the stadium and give high fives to fans after games. #fanrelations. @mmhweekly facebook.com/Mat thewsMintHillWeekly

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Page 8 | January 29, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

‘Skyscrapers and Chicken Plants’

Justin Vick/MMHW photo

The Levine Museum of the New South is showcasing its latest exhibit, “¡NUEVOlution! Latinos and the New South” through Oct. 31. The exhibit features several video and interactive components, such as the feature that allows people to show how they perceive themselves.

Book explores Mexican migration to Charlotte

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

A new book exploring Mexican migration in the South contends that growing anti-immigration sentiment in Charlotte didn’t originate in urban or rural areas, but in suburban communities in neighboring towns.

Julie M. Weise, an assistant history professor at the University of Oregon, discussed her book, “Corazon de Dixie: Mexicanos in the U.S. South since 1910,” Jan. 21, at the Levine Museum of the New South.

Weise devoted the last chapter, dubbed “Skyscrapers and Chicken Plants,” to Mexican immigrants moving to Charlotte-area suburbs.

Charlotte’s burgeoning business community welcomed immigrant men in the 1990s and 2000s to take on construction and factory jobs.

But once they started coming with families to settle in white neighborhoods just past county lines, there was more resistance to immigrants pursuing middle class dreams.

The suburbs bought into the argument that immigrants were consuming taxpayer dollars – an idea popularized during the 1990s in California, Weise said.

“I don’t see it as a Southern thing,” Weise said.

“I actually see it as western ideas coming to the South.”

The chapter about Charlotte has 189 footnotes. Some allude to stories in local newspapers, such as the Charlotte Observer and La Noticia.

Others point to at least three dozen interviews with Charlotte-area people.

Weise credits North Carolina as the driving force behind her research. She worked in Los Angeles during the early 2000s on issues related to immigrant rights.

She was intrigued to learn undocumented immigrants were obtaining driver licenses in North Carolina, but not her native state of California, widely considered to be more liberal.

“Like so many of us, the history I had been exposed to taught me that all of the racial issues in the United States are in the South,” Weise said, noting her book tries to add context to that narrative.

North Carolina eventually stopped allowing undocumented immigrants from receiving drivers licenses. Recent state legislation also has stalled Charlotte’s efforts to build trust among immigrants and law enforcement.

The city previously directed police not to question a person’s citizenship or immigration status unless there was reasonable suspicion for gang activity or a serious crime. That has since been overruled by state law.

Leaders also looked into the idea of a community card that could be used for transportation and other city services, only for the state to allow law enforcement to use such cards to determine residency.

Charlotte continues to explore the line between being a welcoming place to immigrants and what the state defines as a sanctuary city that harbors undocumented criminals.

Charlotte City Council received an update Jan. 25 on efforts to better integrate immigrants into the city. The efforts were based on prior recommendations from an Immigrant Integration Task Force.

“They wanted to make sure to keep in mind that anything they were going to ask for the city to do would be something for the benefit of all of Charlotte,” said Alexis Gordon with Neighborhood & Business Services.

The task force looked at programmatic changes, such as providing more support to small businesses, strengthening leadership in neighborhoods with high populations of immigrants and creating an outreach program to disseminate information on fair housing and code enforcement standards.

Some of the recommendations would require collaboration with outside agencies or recommendations that require policy decisions from the council, such as creating economic development strategies or advocating for comprehensive state or national reform.

“When it was just local Southern communities working this out, immigrants fared better,” Weise said of her research. “Once these national politics came into play ... that’s when more antiimmigrant climate came to the South.”

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 9

Winter storm Jonas visits Matthews An icy, wintry mess entered the Charlotte area on Friday and left Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools closed through Tuesday. The region saw snow and sleet accumulations of up to three inches, with nearly 0.3 inches of ice buildup, creating dangerous and slippery roads, but that didn't stop area residents from getting outside to play.

Photo courtesy of Silent Images

Photo courtesy of Silent Images

Photos courtesy of CMPD Animal Care

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MATTHEWS – Area students participated in the National Classical Etymology Exam and

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Page 10 | January 29, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education

District seeks to give schools more independence

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools might loosen the reins and allow individual schools more freedom in making choices to achieve district goals.

Frank Barnes, CMS chief accountability officer, presented a developed accountability, or school performance, framework to the CMS Board of Education at its Jan. 12 meeting. The presentation discussed how district staff hopes to give principals more flexibility based on the individual school’s needs.

Barnes said staff wanted to decentralize some policies and adapt a “performance culture,” in which teachers, particularly more seasoned educators, are valued based on progress and achievement.

Staff met with various stakeholders, including educators, parents and students, to determine what they felt were indicators of performance, including seven performance areas, which are weighted differently based on school level. They also sought to base performance on proficiency and progress goals equally.

“We want to acknowledge absolute performance, but also look at progress,” Barnes said.

The “partial-credit” method allows a school’s performance to be valued based half on achievement goals and half on the amount

of progress the school made overall. The state’s school performance grades are based 80 percent on achievement and 20 percent on growth.

Through the accountability model, staff also wants to provide greater flexibility to individual schools to carry out accountability methods. Some autonomy would need to be “earned” by schools, Barnes said.

Staff seeks to increase flexibility in teacher evaluation, teacher support and staffing interventions. Principals are currently limited in their ability to swap teacher and TAs positions.

CMS Superintendent Ann Clark bolstered a push for an “opportunity culture,” in which teachers who wish to stay in the classroom can be placed in teacher-leadership positions.

She gave an example of a third-grade math teacher moving into a teacher-leader position to impact all third-graders through curriculum or other resources.

“We’re creating an opportunity for additional compensation for (teachers) that have demonstrated a history of success with students,” Clark said.

BOE member Ruby Jones shared concerns about CMS swapping media specialists for “opportunity culture” positions, as well as technology and academic facilitators.

Thirty-one CMS schools have libraries not led by a media specialist, and Jones voiced concerns over whether the libraries programs were being neglected as a result of “trading”

those positions. She urged for media specialists to move back into schools of children in poverty to help increase reading and research skills for those students. Twenty-one of the 31 schools without a media specialist are high-poverty schools.

Clark said the exchanges are on a year-toyear basis and rely on student achievement results.

The superintendent said trading teacher positions currently is cost-neutral, but could become a greater cost if the state continues to limit districts’ flexibility on staffing choices.

Barnes said staff also wants schools that demonstrate success to be able to earn the freedom to trade some positions, as state law allows, as well as the freedom to choose “tiered” student interventions and supports for academic and behavioral goals.

The “tiers” refer to additional supports a student needs to accomplish his academic or behavioral goals; tier 1 would be what all students need to succeed and tier 2 would be additional guidance or support to help the student achieve, plus the initial steps in tier 1.

Staff plans to continue to look into specific areas the district can provide flexibility based on schools’ needs and how state legislators can affect its ability to provide some autonomy.

Barnes said staff will monitor this school year’s performance and analyze which areas need improvement and where schools might be able to earn autonomy.

The Weekly

Education Briefs Matthews schools participate in national cabbage program Kids across America are participating in the National Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program, including some Matthews and Mint Hill schools.

More than 1.5 million third-graders in 48 states have gotten hands-on gardening experience growing cabbages, with the high hopes of winning “best in state” and receiving a $1,000 scholarship towards education from Bonnie Plants.

Area elementary schools that participated include: Crown Point; Matthews; Bain; Lebanon Road; Clear Creek; and St. Matthews Catholic School.

The program is free to any third-grade classroom in the country and teacher can register now at www.bonnieplants.com.

Photos courtesy of Bonnie Plants

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 11

Education

Read Charlotte gives Title I schools big donation

Queen’s Grant High School

OPEN HOUSE Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

All Pre-K through third-grade students at CMS’s Title I schools received a brand new book to take home as part of a literacy initiative.

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MINT HILL –Fostering a love for reading in a child’s life takes time. That’s why Read Charlotte decided to give children access to books at home, when they otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to read in their free time.

Since its inception in 2014, Read Charlotte has set out on the mission to increase literacy for third-graders within the next decade. The organization furthered that mission on Jan. 20 when they gifted a book to every pre-kindergarten through third-grader in all of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Title I schools.

“We know how incredibly important it is for children to learn to read well during their first few years of elementary school,” said Read Charlotte Executive Director Munro Richardson. “There’s no shortcut to becoming a good reader. You need to spend a lot of time at home in a good book. We wanted to make sure that every child in Lebanon Road Elementary School in the early grades, as well as other schools in CMS are able to have a home library, to have books of their own that they’re able to read.”

Richardson, CMS Superintendent Ann Clark, Read Charlotte staff, Board of Education Vice Chair Elyse Dashew and other community members handed out books to Lebanon Road third-graders last week, and the children beamed with excitement after receiving their new books.

Lebanon Road Elementary Principal Janelle Styons said most of the students were so excited to read their new book that they’d probably be finished by the next day. Styons said 30 percent of Lebanon Road families have fewer than 100 books at home.

“One of the things we know from research, there is a really strong relationship between the number of books children have at home and how well they do in school and reading,” Richardson said. “As we’ve looked at the data for CMS, half of the children are

growing up in homes where they don’t have a lot of resources. They have no more than a shelf of books of any kind and so it’s really important for us as a community to give these children a good foundation by making sure they have enough books at home and enough variety.”

While handing out books, Clark said a student proudly told her she reads an hour to an hour and a half each night, but she reads the same books repeatedly.

“It really drives home how important it is for us as a community to understand why building a home library is really important,” Clark said.

The superintendent labeled literacy as the district’s “North Star” last year and has launched the North Star Reading Partners program to connect the community with CMS’s literacy initiative.

“It’s thrilling to have a community partner like Read Charlotte and really the community honing in on our student first through third grade with the understanding that we’ve really got to support them all the way to the graduation finish line,” Clark said.

Clark envisioned the community wrapping itself around the literacy initiative when she launched the North Star initiative, and believes Read Charlotte’s work is a testament to that effort.

Read Charlotte hopes to work with the school district to change the culture of reading for lower-income families. Less than half of CMS third-graders read on grade level and Read Charlotte wants to double the percentage of student who are on grade level.

“It is really important that we make sure that as many of our children are reading on grade level by the end of third grade,” Richardson said. “There is lot of good research that really says it’s a fork in the road in the early lives of children … Success in reading will help them be successful in school and in life.”

Learn more about Read Charlotte’s work at www.readcharlotte.org.

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Page 12 | January 29, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education

Former Hornet trains Crestdale students for Special Olympics

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MATTHEWS – “Confidence is key,” former Charlotte Hornets player Muggsy Bogues said to students after a group huddle in the Crestdale Middle School gymnasium. “Believe that you can achieve.”

The 5-foot-3 retired basketball player guest coached at a practice on Jan. 21 for Crestdale’s exceptional children, who will compete in the Special Olympics on Thursday, Jan. 28.

He coached the athletes through running drills, dribbling, shooting and passing, working one-on-one with students to improve their skills.

“It’s a blessing for me. These are great kids,” Bogues said. “I wanted to lift their spirits and help them believe they can achieve.”

Bogues said students accepted his drills and challenges with “no hesitation.”

Exceptional children teacher Libby Jackson said the practice “brought it all home” for the students, who have been practicing for the Special Olympics. Eighteen athletes will compete on Thursday.

“It ties it all together because we’ve been taking our students to the gym (each week),” Jackson said. “It just brings it all home because we’ve just practiced and practiced. I don’t have a degree in (physical education). I’m a special education teacher. To see (Bogues) out there throwing, you think, ‘Oh, he’s really integrating some new things and (students are) learning some real skills.”

Jackson said participating in recreational sports is a life skill for the students and can help them throughout their lives. They can participate in the sport at the Crews Recreational Center, at their churches and with their friends, she added.

“I think it’s so important because I feel nowadays so many kids sit around and play video games,” Jackson said. “It’s important to get daily exercise.”

Jackson said sometimes people can have misconceptions about special education students and think many are confined to wheelchairs, but she said each child is unique and can participate in mainstream activities.

“You have to differentiate wherever it is your doing,” she said. “They can participate in some form or fashion and that’s our goal. That’s also the goal for Special Olympics.”

Bogues also believes these students can achieve the same things as typically developing students and encouraged them to believe in themselves.

“I wanted them to have the mindset that if you believe, you can do anything,” he said.

“They still can do anything no matter what their disabilities. Don’t limit them. Expose them to challenges. These kids want challenges and goals like any other kid.”

Retired NBA star Muggsy Bogues worked one-on-one with Crestdale’s exceptional children to prepare them for the Special Olympics.

Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

The Jesters bring laughs to Mint Hill stage with improv acting

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MINT HILL – Good theater doesn’t always rely on a script.

Sometimes the best – and funniest – performances occur when an actor just goes with the flow.

That’s what inspired Amanda Bledsoe, founder of The Black and White Theatre Company, to establish an improv troupe as a branch of her company.

“I’ve been in different improv troupes and have enjoyed it every time,” Bledsoe said. “It’s kind of the more fun (type of theater) to do.”

Aptly named “The Jesters,” the troupe consists of a small group of local performers versed in improvisational acting. The Jesters have performed periodically at Spotlight Performing Arts Academy over the past year, and will host their next show on Feb. 19, a Friday, at 7:30 p.m.

The hour-long shows consist of about 10 to 12 “games,” which include scenes, characters and roleplaying – all requiring improvisational acting. The games establish basic scenarios and characters as the framework of a scene, and the actors invent the story and dialogue on the spot. Audience members also are encouraged to participate when the game calls for it.

Rocky River High School theater teacher Matt Webster serves as emcee for The Jesters’ performances, while the actors focus on the games. The Jesters have a repertoire of about 50 topical games, ranging from classics like “The Dating Game” and “The Alphabet Game” to more daring “Extreme-Prov” games.

The troupe members rehearse regularly to hone their skills and

familiarize themselves with the material, but performances are entirely improvisational.

“People who are not that familiar with improv (sometimes) don’t understand why we rehearse,” said troupe member Andrew Pippin. “What really happens is we play the same game, but never the same way twice. Improv is always a different show, every time.”

Improv requires a particular set of skills, Bledsoe said – in particular, good comedic timing and the ability to work as a team and play off other actors’ improvisations.

“The thing about improv is the majority of games have multiple performers involved, so you learn to rely on each other and trust each other,” she said. “It takes good teamwork skills – knowing when to take the lead and when to step back.”

Improv acting also allows performers of various skill levels to work together to create a quality show, Pippin said. At times, an actor with strong comedic timing will take the lead in a scene, boosting the other actors’ abilities to improvise on stage.

“There are a lot of games where everyone improvises, but one person drives it,” Pippin said. “The (driving performer) will set up the scene and has to develop the scene and set (the other actors) up for a joke, which can make things really funny.”

The Jesters are currently seeking additional troupe members.

Rehearsal times vary, based on troupe members’ schedules. Email blackandwhitetheatre@yahoo.com for more information on how to join the troupe.

Find more information on The Jesters at www.theblackand whitetheatre.com or at The Black and White Theatre Company’s Facebook page.

Josh Whitener/MMHW photo

The Jesters Improv Show Friday, Feb. 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $5 cash only, at the door Spotlight Performing Arts Academy, 7714 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Find more information at www.theblackandwhitetheatre.com.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 13

Faith

Politicians have done the hard thing, now it’s up to us

by Mark Harris mark.harris@charlottefbc.org

Three times in the last week I’ve read articles pontificating on the subject of the “Christian” vote. Each of these opinion pieces labeled various groups within the Christian faith and identified “their” candidate. This prompts some questions – and some opinMark Harris ions – of my own.

Here’s the first question: By what means were these groups of Christians connected to “their” candidate? The author’s opinion? Surveys? Polls?

Without cited evidence clearly demonstrating that a particular religious sub-group is supporting a particular primary candidate, there is no validity to the belief that Christians who admire Franklin Graham are going to vote for Donald Trump or that attendees of less-than-orthodox Protestant churches are going to vote for Bernie Sanders.

Second question: Is there a hidden political agenda behind these alleged pairings? The Marco Rubio campaign seized upon remarks by Russell Moore of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention printed in “Roll Call” Jan. 8, in which Moore

paired Trump with the “Jimmy Swaggert” wing of the GOP, Cruz with the “Jerry Falwell” wing, and Rubio with the “Billy Graham” wing. Just two hours after the publication of Moore’s remarks, the Rubio campaign issued an email including Moore’s quote. While it is doubtful Moore was in collusion with Rubio’s campaign, it is odd that the numbers of self-identified evangelical GOP voters who have told pollsters they support Trump would be labeled with the name of a disgraced televangelist as their descriptor.

While I am not a Trump supporter, I find this characterization unfair and Moore’s evidence for it – that Trump attracts Pentecostals who believe God financially rewards believers – unsupportable.

Also quoting Moore in a “Charlotte Observer” op-ed was history professor Thomas S. Kidd of Baylor University. In his piece “Ted Cruz Exposes a Christian Divide,” accessible at www.charlot teobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article54951935. html, Kidd quotes Moore’s analysis of the GOP factions and adds his own. Kidd asserts that Cruz has “exposed fractures” between different kinds of evangelicals. Kidd concludes his analysis by calling on Moore’s “Graham” wing to remind Cruz that the glory of God and the salvation of sinners will never happen through electoral victories or earthly governments. Interestingly, this same piece has appeared in various newspapers with much harsher Cruz-bashing headlines, according to posts on Kidd’s Facebook page. Kidd’s Facebook page also includes a post announcing

he is serving on Rubio’s religious advisory board.

Political agendas aside, I have a major problem with Kidd’s logic. Ted Cruz, nor anyone else running for president, is claiming that his or her election will usher in the Kingdom of God or save sinners. This is a straw man – a refutation of an argument not actually being advanced by an opponent. This particular straw man is frequently put forth by those who think Christians, or at least Christians who don’t support their preferred candidate, belong on the sidelines of civic life.

You can dress a straw man in elegant clothes, even perhaps in clerical robes, but at the end of the day, he is still made of straw.

The issue is not whether electing a particular candidate will accomplish God’s ultimate redemptive purpose for mankind. The issue is whether or not a believer in God’s ultimate redemptive purpose still has a responsibility to exercise his civic duty in a free Republic according to his or her conscience. I sometimes hear from people who dramatically announce they are ready to go to jail for their faith, or flee the United States. I always want to shake these people by the shoulders and ask them if they have voted in a primary, given any candidate their financial support, or attended a precinct meeting. Exactly three people from my precinct attended the Mecklenburg County GOP precinct meeting last year: myself, my wife, and one other lady who was getting involved for the first time after reading Dr. Ben Carson’s book “One Nation.”

It’s easy to snipe from the sidelines and enjoy

fantasies of the heroic things we might do if we lose our freedom. Every candidate for president has done the hard thing: put his or her name on a ballot and embrace the grueling marathon that is our modern political campaign. The least we can do is reject simplistic labels designed to discourage and marginalize us as believers and thoughtfully select a candidate to support.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Calvary offers group fitness classes for adults Calvary Church now offers exercise classes for men and women 16 years old and older.

Classes cost $20 a month for unlimited participation. The first class is free.

Classes include: Cardio Sculpt; 9:15 to 10 a.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays Healthy Bodies; 10:15 to 11 a.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays Healthy Hearts; 10:15 to 11 a.m.; Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Upper Body Strength; 11:15 a.m. to noon; Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Visit www.champsportsinfo.com for more information and reservations.

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Page 14 | January 29, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

Calendar January

28

Chamber Monthly Luncheon

Alexandra Reardon, vice president of resource development for the nonprofit Thomson Child & Family Focus, will be the guest speaker at this month’s Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce Monthly Member Luncheon.

The luncheon is open to the public. An abbreviated menu will be offered for approximately $10 to $13 per plate. Call 704-5738282 for more information.

11:30 a.m.; Jimmie’s Restaurant, 7024 Brighton Park Drive, Mint Hill

28

‘Week of Prayer’ Service

St. John Neumann will host its annual “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity” service. The guest speaker will be Pastor In-Yong Lee, of Cokesbury United Methodist Church.

Soo-Jin Ridgell will lead music. Participating churches include: Christian Faith Assembly, Joy Church, Morning Star Lutheran Church, Cokesbury UMC and St. John Neumann. Refreshments will be served after the service.

Contact Shea Barja at 704-451-3692 for more information.

7 p.m.; St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Mint Hill

29 ‘Get Your Happy On’

Matthews United Methodist Church will host comedian Anita Renfroe. The event is open to girls and women of the church.

Advanced tickets are required and can be purchased online at www.anitarenfroe.com.

Admission is free for UMC volunteers.

Those interested in volunteering can email kim@matthewsumc.org for more information.

7 p.m.; Matthews UMC, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews

Winter 30 Matthews Farmers Market The winter market is open every Saturday through April 16, rain or shine, and features a variety of local produce, arts and crafts, baked goods, plants and live music. Find more information at www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com 8 to 10 a.m.; Matthews Farmers Market, 188 N. Trade St., Matthews

February

2

Coffee with a Cop

Community members are invited to join their neighbors and local police officers for coffee and conversation. This informal event gives residents a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know local police in a laid-back atmosphere. Call 704545-1085 for more information.

9 to 10 a.m.; Penny’s Place, 7917 Fairview Road, Mint Hill

4

First Thursdays Downtown Matthews

The Red Brick Partnership and various businesses in downtown Matthews will host this event, which will feature various food and drink specials, as well as live music. Email info@redbrickpartnership.org for more information.

5 p.m.; Downtown Matthews

6

Scouting for Food

The Mecklenburg County Council of the Boy Scouts of America will be “Scouting for Food” to donate nonperishable food items to nonprofit Loaves & Fishes.

The Boy Scouts will distribute grocery bags provided by Harris Teeter in neighborhoods throughout the county the week before Feb. 6. Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with nonperishable food times and leave outside their homes for pickup on Feb. 6.

Residents also can drop off food donations on Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Feb. 7 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, located at 11501 Bain School Road in Mint Hill, or south Charlotte’s Arboretum Shopping Center, located near Matthews at the Providence Road/N.C. 51 intersection.

7

Laura Ingalls Wilder Birthday Party

The Mint Hill Historical Society and the Mint Hill Branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will celebrate the birthday of “Little House on the Prairie” mastermind Laura Ingalls Wilder in the Ashcraft One-room Schoolhouse at the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village. The event will feature food, games

and activities and is tailored for adults and children 8 years old and older. Cost is $10 per person. Call 704-573-0726 or email histori cal@bellsouth.net for reservations or more information. Period dress is encouraged.

2 to 4 p.m.; Carl J. McEwen Historic Village, 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

13 Father/Daughter Valentine Dance Matthews will host this annual event for fathers with daughters of all ages. The evening will feature music, dancing, snacks, dinner, desserts, crafts, photography and more. Tickets cost $12 per person. Space is limited, so attendees are encouraged to make a reservation as soon as possible. Call 704-321-7275 for registration or more information.

4 to 7 p.m.; Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

Moments in 21 ‘Magical Opera’ The Charlotte Civic Orchestra will host a “Magical Moments in Opera” concert, featuring soprano Virginia Gutierrez. The singer will perform excerpts from Bizet’s “Carmen;” Puccini’s “La Boheme” and “Madam Butterfly;” Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Magic Flute;” Wagner’s “die Walkure;” Schicchi’s “O Mio Babbino Caro;” and more. The orchestra will perform Schubert’s “Symphony No. 9,” as well as music from Andrew Lloyd Weber’s popular Broadway production, “The Phantom of the Opera.” Tickets are available at the door and online at www.charlottecivi corechestra.org. Cost is $15 for adults, $12 (see Calendar on page 15)

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 15

Calendar (continued from page 14)

for students and senior citizens and $40 for families.

4 p.m.; Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews

Ongoing ‘Emerging Artists’ exhibit at Mint Hill Town Hall Mint Hill Arts will host an “Emerging Artists� exhibit at the Mint Hill town hall through January. The show features artwork of five young Mint Hill Arts members, including Reanna Brooks, a Providence High School junior; Sarah Kinney, a transfer student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Christopher Pariano, an honors graduate of Savan-

nah College of Art and Design; Kaden Ray, a Providence High School student; and Victoria Xu, a Providence Day School junior.

Mint Hill town hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill

Ongoing from Jan. 24 to April 17 Run for God 5K Training Matthews United Methodist Church will host “Run for God� 5K, 10K and half marathon training on Sunday afternoons from Jan. 24 to April 17. Diana Monago will lead the training, which is open to beginners and experienced runners. Cost is $17. Register at www.matthewsumc.org.

2 to 3:30 p.m., Sundays; Matthews UMC, 801 S. Trade St., Matthews

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Send calendar events to josh@ carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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Hot Tickets of the Week

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly will give you what we think are the best events this weekend. Let us know what you’ll be attending at our Facebook Page.

Date Night

“Romeo and Juliet�

It doesn’t get more romantic than two star-crossed lovers dying for each other, right? OK, maybe not. However, in honor of the 400th anniversary of The Bard’s Death, a cast of rising opera stars, will bring this tragic tale to life.

2/12-2/13 A SYMPHONIC VALENTINE VALENTINE’S WEEKEND

8 pm-Knight Theater

ROMANCE PACKAGE: $118.

Includes 2 premium tickets, 2 drinks, and chocolates

Tickets range from $19 to $150 and can be purchased at www. carolinatix.org/events/detail/romeo-juliet or 704-372-1000.

Enjoy Charlotte’s fine dining before the show at a reasonable price as part of The Queen’s Feast.

Jan. 28 and Jan. 30; Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

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Family Fun

“Winter Wonderland with The Ice Sisters�

Families can join the Ice Sisters – Elsa and Ana from Disney’s “Frozen� – in a Winter Wonderland event. Tickets cost around $27 and include admission for one adult and one child; one scoop of ice cream with sprinkles; face painting, interaction with the Ice Sisters; and a picture of the child with the Ice Sisters. Tickets for each additional child cost $10 each.

Tickets can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/e/winterwonderland-with-the-ice-sisters-tickets-19650604487. Contact Beth Tourtellot at 704-756-9654 for more information.

Jan. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.; Madison’s Coffee House, 7878 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail Single & Mingling

“A Culinary Tour through Uptown – Tour De Food�

If you’re a foodie or a wino, this is for you. The $60 price tag will take patrons on a culinary exploration around Uptown. Starting at the 7th Street Market, attendees will walk through the busy city streets, sampling farm-to-table restaurants, wines, pastries and more. They also will meet the artisans behind the dishes, learn about Charlotte’s deep history and view architectural beauties.

2/13 LOLLIPOPS: IT'S A SMALL WORLD

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Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.tourdefood.com.

Call 336-406-6294 for more information.

Jan. 30, 2 p.m.; 7th Street Public Market, 224 E. Seventh St., Charlotte

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Page 16 | January 29, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Sports

Independence boys basketball learns from growing pains

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Close games and inexperience were Independence’s Achilles heel on the hardwood in 2015 and early this season, but the Patriots have since matured.

Independence (14-5, 6-1 Southwestern 4A) has shown substantial growth this month, winning six of its last seven games after a bumpy start to the season.

The Patriots have gotten better at finishing games. They still have room to improve, but a 50-45 win over Butler Jan. 19 and a 65-59 win over East Meck Jan. 21 are evidence Independence is heading in the right direction. The Patriots would have likely lost those games earlier in the year and definitely last season.

Coach Preston Davis, a member of Independence’s 1997 state championship team and in his seventh year at his alma mater, knows what it takes to be successful, and has built the Patriots back into a consistent winner. He guided Independence to the third round of the state playoffs in 2013 and 2014 after the program endured six straight losing seasons.

Independence took a dip last year, finishing 8-16 and failing to make the postseason. Davis just wanted to have a winning record and get back to the state playoffs in 2016, but altered his expectations after his team’s strong offseason.

Instead of focusing on drills, Davis and his staff just wanted the kids to spend time playing together, building chemistry and learning what to do in live game situations. The Patriots spent most of the summer at team camps, and played in two fall leagues leading up to the season. That decision has paid dividends, as Independence sits atop the Southwestern 4A standings.

It also helps to have an older team with a tal-

Ben Doster/MMHW photo

(From left) Marcus Thomas, Justyn Hamilton and Chea Johnson

ented core nucleus in senior combo guard Marcus Thomas (17.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 1.8 apg and 2.1 apg), junior center/forward Justyn Hamilton (9.1 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.6 spg and 4.1 bpg) and junior point guard Chea Johnson (7.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4.5 apg and 2.3 spg) to lead the way.

“I think last year we were young, and it showed,” Davis said. “We were up and down with our play. This year having that experience come back has definitely helped us to get back to competing for a championship in the conference and hopefully getting into the playoffs and mak-

ing a run. Experience is paying off this year.

“My expectations went to win the conference, win the conference tournament and compete for the state. I feel like we have the pieces. The question is, are we going to put it all together this year? I’m excited. I like the opportunity. I like where we’re at right now obviously.”

Thomas, an all-conference player as a junior, had to adjust from being a role player into becoming the go-to-guy. Davis said he told Thomas he was never worried about him scoring the ball, but wanted him to get more active in all phases of the game.

Thomas responded well to his coach’s challenge, and is more active on both ends of the floor this season. He’s moving better without the ball, crashing the boards and is defending well.

There’s no question Thomas is the most valuable player on this team, and one of the best in the greater Charlotte area, but Hamilton, Johnson and others have emerged as a dependable supporting cast that alleviates some of the pressure from his shoulders. However, when Independence needs a big bucket Thomas will be the one to take the shot, especially when a game is on the line.

“I feel like as being a senior, as being a captain I have to step up in big-time moments and make big-time plays,” Thomas said.

Johnson, who transferred to Independence from Olympic last season, loves to compete.

Davis said he never questions his effort, and that Johnson is doing a better job of playing within himself and not forcing plays that aren’t there.

“It’s really taking control of the game, making sure everyone’s doing what they’re supposed to, make sure we’re not out of control, keeping us organized and playing our game,” Johnson said.

At 6-foot-10, Hamilton is a towering presence who discourages opponents from driving the

lane and attacking the basket, because of his ability to block shots.

He has grown in confidence since last season after playing spot minutes, depending on how well he was performing. Davis loves Hamilton’s consistency on the defensive end, but wants to see him become more assertive offensively.

He is just beginning to tap into his potential, and his ceiling is as high or higher than anyone else in Charlotte – and possibly the state.

It also appears the Patriots potential for success is high. Hamilton said he and his teammates began to realize what they were capable of in their 69-58, season-opening win over Mallard Creek.

“It was really close,” Hamilton said. “We were struggling at first. The third quarter we started pushing and pushing and we ended up with the victory.”

Thomas said friendship has been the difference this season. He and his teammates cared about one another last season, but persevering through that adversity brought them closer together.

“I feel like that translates to us getting it done on the court,” Thomas said. “From last season when we didn’t have the record to make it into the playoffs to being first in conference means a lot.”

Independence lost three consecutive games early this season – 79-56 to North Meck Dec. 3, 59-49 to Vance Dec. 4 and 89-86 in four overtimes to Flora Dec. 5. The Patriots could have easily folded, but bounced back with a spirit of resiliency that has carried them through since that tumultuous gauntlet.

The Patriots have gone through quite a few growing pains and still might have some left to endure, but no one can dispute the progress they have made or that they are the team to beat in the Southwestern 4A at least for now.

Queens Grant remains perfect in conference play

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Queens Grant’s boys’ basketball team isn’t a finished product, but the Stallions are improving at a high rate since their 1-3 start to the season.

The Stallions (13-5, 5-0 Unwharrie) sit atop the conference standings with at least a one-game advantage over its league foes. The wintry weather hasn’t slowed them down, nor did playing four games in a week. Most recently, Queens Grant hammered Union Academy (4-12, 1-3 Unwharrie), defeating the Cardinals 77-45 Jan. 26.

Queens Grant coach Jay Forsythe doesn’t want a spirit of complacency to set in with his team, which it has avoided thus far. However, they have plenty to stay motivated for with a conference championship and more at stake after last season’s disappointing first round exit from the state playoffs; the Stallions only beat Albemarle and North Stanly, their most challenging competitors in the league by a combined seven points, so they can’t let up as they go through the gauntlet of Unwharrie competition.

“It’s not like we’re running away with the conference,” Forsythe said.

For example, Queens Grant blew a 13-point lead with four minutes remaining in regulation against Albemarle, before narrowly escaping with a 59-55 Patrick Tapé win on the road. The Stallions also let North Stanly nearly erase an 11point lead in the fourth quarter before they were able to hang on to win 47-44.

The Stallions are striving for a conference championship and a home playoff game, but have plenty of basketball left to play before it can achieve either of those accomplishments.

Junior guard Terron Dixon and senior big man Patrick Tapé are the biggest play makers teams game-plan for, and rightfully so; however, senior guards Jace Weir and Stephen Saw-

yer stretch opposing defenses with their outside shooting ability “I really like us moving the ball,” Forsythe said.

“I like our poise. They’re playing with confidence in what we do and who they are. We also have guys attacking the basket, and that’s the biggest key for us. That’s one thing we constantly preach, working on.”

Opponents usually defend Queens Grant with a zone to pack things in, and deny Tape’ opportunities to score. However, his teammates get open when the defense collapses on him or when he draws a double or triple team.

“We got some tricks up our sleeves to try to get Tapé the ball more inside, and I think we’re going to work that out,” Forsythe said.

The Stallions welcomed junior power forward Daymaun Harvey back to its rotation after he missed the first 17 games with a broken wrist.

At 6-foot-4, Harvey gives Queens Grant another athletic body to battle in the paint. He scored 10 points in his return against Albemarle.

Forsythe said he and his staff are exploring the possibility of playing senior Tanner Pond with

Tape’. Pond, a 6-foot-7 power forward, who has improved vastly since the start of the season, could alleviate pressure from Tapé and keep teams from double and triple teaming him. It also would render opponents’ zone defenses less effective and give the Stallions a size advantage over most teams.

“He (Pond) has become super aggressive, the most aggressive I’ve ever seen him,” Forsythe said.

“It’s fun to watch him coming out of his shell and playing to his ability. I’ve seen it the past three years, but it’s just now coming to its fruition.”

While Queens Grant continues to pursue the Unwharrie championship and home playoff game, Tapé is closing in on a significant milestone himself. He is less than 100 points away from eclipsing the 1,000-point barrier for his career.

The Stallions have five regular season games left on the schedule, and will likely get at least two conference tournament games and a playoff game, which should give Tapé the time he needs to add this accomplishment to his already impressive resume before he takes his talents to Columbia University.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | January 29, 2016 | Page 17

Sports

Lady Lions follow embarrassing loss with big win

Von Thron expects big things for Butler swim

Photo courtesy of Amanda von Thron

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Covenant Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball team didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let its embarrassing 63-17 loss at Providence Day Jan. 25 keep it down for long. The Lions responded by edging Charlotte Latin, 55-53, behind junior forward Sarah Billiardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21 points, senior guard/ forward Eric VanDusenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 11 points and sophomore guard Alexis Klohrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 points.

The Lions trailed 40-36 going into the fourth quarter, outscoring the Hawks 1913 in the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final period. This is especially significant for Covenant Day, which was desperate for something positive after a rough evening the night before that saw it fall behind 17-0 in the first quarter.

Covenant Day (13-6, 3-2 CISAA) moved a half game ahead of Latin and Charlotte Christian in the conference, and claims the tiebreaker over the Hawks moving forward, at least until the Lions visit them Feb. 11. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Top to bottom every single team we play against thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no easy wins,â&#x20AC;? Covenant Day coach Zach Turner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be tough no matter who we play.â&#x20AC;?

Turner said his team didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t knock down shots in the loss to the Chargers, but remedied their shooting woes in time to make nearly half of its attempts (22-46) in the win over Latin.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been in games,â&#x20AC;? Turner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Christian one kind of got away from us. We had about a minute stretch there where we played terrible and (Kerstie) Phills went off.

Overall, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy with where weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at.â&#x20AC;?

The win over the Hawks was especially important, since the Lions had a short turnaround and hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t practiced since Jan. 21. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I gave them a brief scouting report right after the Providence Day game, telling them what we were going to do, what to look out for,â&#x20AC;? Turner said.

Turner wants to see his team play with confidence, because the girls sometimes get down on themselves when they encounter adversity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the most part if we play with confidence and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get down on those little mistakes, because my girls know if you make a mistake Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not going to take you out for the first mistake or taking a bad shot,â&#x20AC;? Turner said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not how I coach. Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a psychological deal. They get in their own heads, so if we can get past those little mistakes turning into bigger ones, then I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be ok.â&#x20AC;?

Covenant Day visits Christian (12-7, 2-2) Friday, Jan. 29 at 6 p.m. The Lions lost the first meeting with the Knights, 5844, Jan. 12.

Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swim team, coached by Amanda von Thron, hopes to make a splash at the conference meet and send their best individual swimmers to compete at the state championship meet.

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

The Butler Bulldogs are paddling hard to a strong finish as they near the completion of swimming season.

Butler still has a few hurdles before the season concludes, starting with the conference meet Thursday, Jan. 28, followed by regionals and states. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so much looking forward to the conference meet to see what they can do,â&#x20AC;?

Butler coach Amanda von Thron said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The winning and losing isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite as important as the times the kids are swimming.â&#x20AC;?

Von Thron said she thinks the Bulldogs can hold their own in the conference meet, which is something they have been unable to do in recent years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My goal is to take a record number of kids to regionals this year,â&#x20AC;? von Thron said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really hoping I get some good individual swims in. In order to do that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to need the kids to drop time at the conference meet, so they can get the times needed to get into the regional meet.â&#x20AC;?

Usually, the Bulldogs take a relay team to states, because Butler often is one of the

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top 20 schools that advance. Last season, Butler sent seven swimmers (four boys and three girls) to compete in individual swims at the state championship meet.

Von Thron hopes to send five or six boys and two girls to compete in individual swims at the state championship meet this season.

Eliza Gunson and Grace Park have been stellar for the girls, while Austin Spaeth, Payton Graham, Nick Rose, Michael Schoen and David Safir have carried the mantle for the boys.

Gunson, a sophomore, and Park, a freshman, give von Thron excitement for the future of Butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team.

Swimmers tend to elevate their performance the bigger the stage, which creates anticipation for Butler to make a significant splash at the conference meet, and further.

Von Thron and the Bulldogs hope the splash produces a big enough ripple effect to carry them to regionals and beyond as they seek to build the program into a contender and a force to reckon with in the water, but the current gets stiffer with the wave of the postseason finally upon them.

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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 9777859.

Discount Painters—Affordable painting services! $80.00 per room.

Our services include painting, sheet rock, installation, popcorn removal and repair, wallpaper removal, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing and electrical.

We appreciate our clients. FREE ESTIMATES: (704)995-9206.

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

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

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FEB. 5, 2016

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