Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Vol. 9 No. 7

February 12, 2016 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

A love story for the ages

Matthews couple celebrates 75th wedding anniversary

by Hannah Chronis hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

MATTHEWS – The year is 1940. Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes America’s 32nd president. Bugs Bunny makes his debut in “A Wild Hare.” Walt Disney releases his second full-length animated film, “Pinocchio.”

It’s also the year Charles Winchester meets Myrtle Biggers.

The couple grew up just a few miles apart – Myrtle in Wesley Chapel off Beulah Church Road and Charles in Mineral Springs, near Pleasant Grove. They even played basketball against each other at school. But it wasn't until a fateful Saturday night years later that their paths would intertwine.

Myrtle grew up with five sisters and five brothers. When the older siblings left and (see Love Story on page 9)

News Briefs 6 | Home Sales 7 | Education 7 | Faith 10 | Calendar 12 | Sports 12 | Classifieds 15

2016 Puppy Bowl A Plus Garage Doors hosted a puppy bowl and helped find homes for seven local shelter dogs.

Page 5

A look back at Matthews Our monthly history column continues as historian Paula Lester discusses the former Tank Town.

Page 5

Rocky River wins big After poor academic performance led to expulsion, the Ravens track team returned better than ever.

Page 12

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Page 2 | February 12, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 3

Four things I’ve learned as a community journalist I don’t like being unprepared. It’s one of the worst feelings in the world.

So, I’ve bought into the “prepare yourself ” hype countless times over the years.

High schools pride themselves on preparing you for Josh Whitener college. Colleges claim they prepare you for the “real world.”

A position in one career field is supposed to prepare you for the next, then the next, and so forth.

But the truth is, you can never be 100 percent prepared for anything. You can – and should – take steps to ready yourself for anything important. But whether it’s a marriage, a baby, changing your college major, advancing in your career field or changing careers entirely (which is what I’m doing – taking my journalism knowledge into the education field), there’s a learning curve.

I’ve learned a lot during my five-and-a-half years writing for these newspapers. Some lessons have been easy, some have been hard, and others have been frustrating, embarrassing and funny – all at the same time.

I could write a book on the things firstyear journalists should and shouldn’t do, based on personal experience and what I’ve witnessed colleagues do. But, because I don’t want my “last hurrah” to put any of

you faithful readers to sleep, I’ll narrow my thoughts down to a list of four things I’ve learned as a community journalist.

B E C OM E A FA N !

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You can never plan for anything.

I’m a die-hard planner, so this is probably the toughest lesson I’ve had to learn. You can have an entire paper mapped out when the main source for your cover story cancels an interview. Police bulletins are sent out hours before deadline. Important event announcements come in at the last minute. A freelancer bails on a story, leaving you with mere hours to figure out what to do. A deer crashes into the office next door and wreaks havoc (yes, that actually happened).

The key is to seek structure without overorganization, flexibility without flippancy.

That’s a good philosophy for many areas of life.

Journalists aren’t scary.

If I had a dime for every time someone told me, “Don’t quote me on that” or “Don’t print that part” or “I better be careful what I say,” I could give Donald Trump a run for his money – and hopefully pay him enough to stop his presidential campaign. While I understand peoples’ hesitancy, the great thing about community journalism is we’re not sensationalists. We have a pretty good sense of determining when something you say is going to make you sound smart and classy or stupid and a jerk. I think I speak for all of my colleagues when I say, “You can trust us.” (see Farewell Column on page 6)

Falco leaves mark on race

colorectal cancer community and to find ways that our lives would continue to be justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com supported and enhanced.”

Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts proMATTHEWS – A Matthews resident claimed the city would observe Get Your who lost her battle to cancer last month Rear in Gear Month in March. continues to inspire others throughout the Vi Lyles, a member of Charlotte City Charlotte region fighting the disease.

Council, also has been touched by colon Susan Falco was diagnosed in 2008 with cancer.

Her father, a World stage one rectal cancer.

War II veteran, died from Falco helped bring the Get Want to help? the disease at 65 years old.

Your Rear in Gear race to The Colon Cancer Coalition “Sometimes it’s easy to Charlotte in 2010 after presents Charlotte’s sevmake light of it,” she said. running a similar race in enth annual Get Your Rear in “We all kind of know what Raleigh.

Gear event March 5 at 8 a.m. it means to have that exam Get Your Rear in Gear at Independence Park, 300 is a national 5K that pro- Hawthorne Lane. It will consist but it’s really, really important, because we lose too of a 5K run/walk and kids' motes prevention and early many lives to colorectal half mile fun run.

Go to www. detection of colorectal cancoloncancercoalition.org for cancer when it can be diagcer. The event raises money details about the event. nosed early.” for programs that fund Colorectal cancer is the support groups, colonos- The family set up the Sue Falco second leading cause of copies and grants for living CRC Fund to raise awareness cancer deaths among men and support for colorectal canexpenses. cer.

Go to www.grouprev.com/ and women.

Falco helped the Charsuefalcocrcfund for details Falco would have turned lotte race to rank among about the fund.

47 years old this month. the most successful among She is survived by her hus70 national events in terms band, John, as well as their daughters, Mia of participation and donations, accordand Ava. ing to cancer survivor Jane Taillon. Falco’s Race organizers plan to give out an award cancer returned and spread to her lungs in in Falco's honor at next month’s race. The 2012. The Matthews resident continued to Sue Falco Determination Award will go to a undergo treatment until her death Jan. 3. survivor that has overcome adversity to vig“Even while fighting for her own life, Sue orously fight the disease. Falco won the same continued to fight for ours,” Taillon said. perseverance award during the 2014 race.

“Sue continued to be an advocate for the

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MATTHEWS – AAA Collectibles has seen increased business since the Carolina Panthers began its pursuit of a perfect season. Interest intensified as the NFL team earned its second trip to the Super Bowl.

“With the Charlotte-based team, our football business has exploded,” shop owner Bob Williams said. “It’s up 20 to 40 percent over the last five years. The success just magnifies that.”

Williams, a Weddington resident, fed into the frenzy by offering Super Bowl 50 mini helmets, rally towels, banners and game balls in the days leading up to the game. He said much of the Super Bowl 50 merchandise will have a limited production run.

Store patrons can also find autographed jerseys, 16-by-20 glossy photos and logo helmets.

The store occasionally arranges private memorabilia signings with players through their agents.

They also have people go to Bank of America Stadium to get autographs.

About 70 percent of his sales come from sports cards, with the rest coming from memorabilia.

That ratio has probably shifted more toward 60/40 lately due to the Panthers’ performance, he said.

Vintage sports cards continue to be popular among collectors, but he also sees more people busting packs in pursuit of randomly inserted autographed and game-used jersey cards.

Brick-and-mortar shops carrying sports collectibles are becoming as rare as the limited edition trading cards they sell, partly because of online retailers like eBay. AAA Collectibles sells a lot of sports cards online, especially ones that might fetch more out-

The Weekly

side of the Charlotte market. After all, a shortprint Ken Griffey Jr. baseball card might get more attention online from collectors in Major League Baseball markets than in his Matthews display case.

Williams said as many as 20 sports card shops have closed in the Charlotte region over the years.

His shop, which has been operating since 1992, is one of two he knows of in the area. The other is in Kannapolis.

“We’re really the only game in town,” Williams said.

The shop promotes sports card collecting as something families can do with their children.

Williams said collecting also gets youth away from television, computer and phone screens.

Williams has also noticed more women coming into the shop since his wife, Linda, has been involved. He credits Linda for making moms feel more comfortable coming into the shop, once considered a man’s domain.

He also attributes the popularity of vintage inventory to the continued patronage of parents and grandparents. Older customers like to come in and talk about sports and their families.

“It’s like ‘Cheers’ without the alcohol,” Williams said.

How has Mint Hill Arts evolved?

What led you to become the copresident of Mint Hill Arts?

MHA was organized over 10 years ago by a few dedicated local artists including our first president, Ginny Edelen.

The group originally met in the Historical Society building and later moved across the street to the Grace Building, where our Romie Mizell first gallery and classrooms were located. We moved into our present location on Lawyers Road in 2012. Over the past 10 years, MHA has evolved into a community arts center, providing monthly art shows, classes, off-site exhibits throughout Mint Hill and many other cultural benefits to the community. We are still growing and finding new ways to bring the arts to all our citizens and visitors.

Describe your role with MHA.

Tell us something interesting about MHA most people don't know.

Community Spotlight

Romie Mizell is the co-president of Mint Hill Arts (MHA). The organization hosts multiple shows throughout the year at its gallery, and at the Mint Hill town hall.

My wife and I were looking for an “art home” after retiring from marketing her artwork, so we joined Mint Hill Arts in 2007. Several years ago, MHA faced a crisis when several officers resigned at the same time, leaving a leadership void. Since I believed strongly in our mission, I couldn’t in good conscience let MHA go down the tubes without doing what I could to keep the organization afloat, so I agreed to share the presidency with Michael Hutchinson.

Initially it was to keep the ball rolling. One of the most critical needs we faced was to get MHA on a more secure financial footing so that we could focus on fulfilling our aim of serving the community. We have made progress in that area and continue to work toward our goals.

Many people might be interested to know that our annual judged show each December is called the Litaker Show in memory and in honor of Bill and Ann Litaker. Bill passed away several years ago but he made immeasurable contributions to our early growth and success, and Ann is still a very active and instrumental part of MHA.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 5

A Look Back

When Crestdale was ‘Tank Town’

by Paula Lester Contributor

Paula Lester is the president of the Matthews Historical Foundation. In Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s newest series, “A look back,” Lester will provide readers with an in-depth look at one of the town’s historical aspects. Lester lives in Matthews with her husband, Larry. She has four children and nine grandchildren.

MATTHEWS – Crestdale, formerly Tank Town, is a historic African-American community located on a 130-acre tract southeast of Matthews.

Following the Civil War, African-Americans, including many freed slaves, built this community known as Tank Town – a name that referred to the water tank that supplied steam locomotives before they pulled into the Matthews depot.

In 1925, the Star of St. Matthews Lodge #566 received its charter from the Grand Lodge of North Carolina, Prince Hall Affiliation. Like most lodges in communities, Lodge #566 is a blue lodge, meaning it is a local Masonic Lodge.

African-American Christopher Columbus “Budd” Potts (1894-1963), was the first Worthy Master, or president, of the lodge.

On Oct. 20, 1928, trustees of the lodge — Potts, Crawford Neptune Patterson (18771943), William M. B. Reid (1877-1940), Daniel Marshall Maxwell (1878-1948), and Ranson Lake (1850-1930)—purchased an acre of land and a two-story concrete-masonry building on

Star of St. Matthews Lodge #566 – Crestdale. Courtesy of Historic Landmarks Commission.

what is now Morris Road in Tank Town from the county board of education for $500. Dedicated space for lodges was important to facilitate activities, as well as recruitment of new members. Star of St. Matthews Lodge #566 is unusual in Mecklenburg County for having its own property for such a long period of time.

While the lodges in cities, such as Charlotte, pulled their membership from the middle and upper class black elite of those areas, rural lodges served a different demographic. Many residents of Tank Town worked as sharecroppers or laborers. Some found work on the railroad or as service workers for local white families. Robert Kirkpatrick was the janitor at the Matthews School, Calvin Boyd worked at a nearby brickyard, and (see A Look Back on page 6)

A Plus Garage Doors hosts Puppy Bowl adoption event Staff Report

MATTHEWS – The Panthers came up short in Sunday’s Super Bowl but local shelter dogs won big on Jan. 30, thanks to A Plus Garage Doors’ Puppy Bowl.

The company hosted the puppy bowl event at its 4010 Matthews-Indian Trail Road location as a partnership between The Humane Society of York County, S.A.F.E. Animal Haven, Kreitzer’s Critter Corral and more than 15 local businesses, with the purpose of helping shelter dogs find a forever home.

Attendees were able to “rent a puppy” and get to know the puppies and dogs up for adoption.

Seven shelter dogs found permanent homes as a part of Puppy Bowl.

Photos by Chuck Eaton Photography

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 6 | February 12, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

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

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

Advertising Charlotte Conway 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

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

News Briefs Food Truck Fridays returns to Stumptown Park March 4 MATTHEWS – The town returns Food Truck Fridays to Stumptown Park on Friday, March 4. The event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. and 12 food and dessert trucks are on the schedule. Food Truck Friday will run every Friday night through Sept. 30.

The trucks will include seafood, tex-mex, sandwiches, international cuisine and more.

Local musicians will perform acoustic songs during the event. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Pets and alcohol are not permitted.

“We are grateful for the success of our first year in Matthews,” said Special Events Manager Lee Anne Moore. “Our residents and guests seemed to have a super time last season, and we are pleased to bring the event back. Matthews Food Truck Fridays are a nice way to spend a relaxing, fun night in town with friends and family, and have some great food at the end of a long work week.”

Local artisans looking to share exhibits can contact Moore at lamoore@matthewsnc.gov.

Nonprofit Allegro Foundation to offer free movement classes MATTHEWS – The Allegro Foundation, a nonprofit benefiting children with disabilities, will offer free classes this spring to help children with intellectual disabilities, orthopedic challenges, Spina bifida, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy and cancer. The free classes will be offered Wednesdays at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Matthews from 5:30 to 6 p.m. beginning Feb. 10 and Thursdays at Sardis Presbyterian Church from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Contact Menke Gray at 704-364-4063 or menkeg@allegrofoundation.net for more information.

BeachFest Matthews looking for exhibitors, participants Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

MATTHEWS – BeachFest Matthews street festival will be held May 13 and 14 in downtown.

The family-friendly event will feature live beach

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music, food trucks, shagging, a carnival and crafts. Ten to 15,000 attendees are expected.

Event organizers are currently seeking exhibitors and participants. Corporate display spaces are available on Sponsor Row, offering exhibitors the opportunity to promote their business.

The Crusin’ Car Show also will return this year.

Registration costs $5 per vehicle in advance and $10 the day of. Awards will be presented to the Top 20, Best of Show and Mayor’s Choice.

There are a small number of arts and crafts vendor spaces remaining, and artisans can find applications at the event website.

Registration also is open for the “BeachFest Matthews Sandy Feet 5K” race on May 14. Advanced registration is $25 or $30 on race day.

Visit www.beachfestmatthews.com for more information.

BeachFest will return to Matthews May 13 and 14.

Send news briefs to hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

A Look Back (continued from page 5)

Jesse Johnson Bell (a woman) was a cook for Dr. Thomas Neely Reid.

In 1930, Budd Potts, lodge president and a farmer by trade, opened a fish market at 118 East Charles St. His was the only Matthews store to offer fresh fish, delivered by train from Wilmington. He made fish sandwiches for customers on the pot-belly stove used to heat the store. Manley Clyburn, an AfricanAmerican barber, cut hair in the corner of the store. Clyburn built houses in Tank Town and eventually moved his barbering business there.

Potts continued to sell fish until 1955 and was the only African-American business owner in downtown Matthews at that time.

In 1963, the name Tank Town officially changed to Crestdale. In the 1980s, Sam

Farewell Column (continued from page 3)

Mistakes aren’t the end of the world.

We’ve all done it – made a misprint. I don’t know a single journalist who hasn’t misspelled someone’s name, printed a wrong address by accident or made a startling realization that instead of typing “farther,” you typed “fart her,” and that pesky, unreliable spell check completely missed it. I’ve learned to swallow my pride, admit my screw-ups and, in most instances, have a good laugh about it.

Community matters.

True, there’s a lot of bad in the world, but I’ve seen so much goodness among the communi-

The Weekly

Letter to the Editor Dear Editor, I am a frequent and vocal critic of the town’s numerous follies and financial missteps when it comes to, road construction (South Trade Street) use of tourism funds (repairs to town buildings), zoning issues (Eden Hall), and real estate deals (too many to list). However the mayor and the board of commissioners do occasionally get one right, such as the upfit of the Bradford Building and favorable lease terms for the Matthews Free Clinic.

They not only got this one right, they hit it out of the park with the agreement to purchase the Levine Senior Center. I want to thank Jim Taylor and all the commissioners who voted to make this deal happen. I am a member at the Senior Center, and I see every day what a tremendous benefit it is to its members and to the community. It was an appropriate use of taxpayers funds to add this center to the town's properties and list of services offered to residents. It is also a consistent step in Taylor's commitment to continue to make Matthews the “Best Small Town in America,” and a great place to live.

Ken Randall Matthews Boyd and other Crestdale community leaders worked to have Crestdale annexed by the town of Matthews. In 1988, Crestdale became part of the town and, for the first time, residents had access to town services.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission and consultant Susan Mayer, whose research contributed to this article, have been studying the Star of St. Matthews Lodge #566 for possible historic designation. They are looking for more information.

If you have any photos or information about the lodge, please call the Historic Landmarks Commission at 704-376-9115.

Visit the Matthews Heritage Museum, located at 232 North Trade St., for more information on Matthews’ history. The museum is open Thursday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ties I’ve covered. I’ve seen students give up their own time to organize drives for people in need, with no credit or payment involved. I’ve seen entire towns rally behind children diagnosed with devastating illnesses. I’ve seen political boards go from being split down the middle on an issue, to talking it out and coming up with a solution that’s best for all of their constituents.

I’ve seen individuals come together over things that, by all logic, should rip communities apart.

It never fails to inspire me.

I’ve met so many wonderful people and have worked with some of the best professionals in the journalism industry. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to tell the stories of the great communities of Matthews and Mint Hill.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 7

Education

Parents urge board to retain neighborhood schools

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Parents have made one thing clear to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education (BOE): they want neighborhood schools to be a priority.

The BOE held a public hearing Feb. 9 to discuss four goals the board’s policy committee created as parameters for the student assignment guidelines, which would take effect in the 201718 school year.

The goals include: reduced the number of schools with high concentrations of poor and high-needs children; preserve and expand schools in programs that have achieving students; provide school assignment options to students assigned to schools that are not meeting state performance standards; and maximize the use of school facilities, transportation and other capital and operational resources to reduce overcrowding. The board requested public input at Tuesday’s meeting and will vote on the goals at its Feb. 23 meeting.

Parents came to the board on Tuesday with a resounding message that they don’t want forced busing and want to retain neighborhood schools.

Many requested the school board add a fifth goal that sets home schools as a priority.

Parents also expressed fear over busing for the sake of increasing socioeconomic and racial diversity. Some parents, particularly from Polo Ridge Elementary School, said their schools already had wide diversity.

One parent, of children at Ballantyne Elementary and Community House Middle schools, said his children thrive at their schools, but the school became successful through community involvement and the work of the teachers.

“I understand there are disadvantaged kids and I’m willing to do my part,” he said. “… but I don’t want my child going to a community that doesn’t value education the same way I do.”

Many parents, who are highly involved in their neighborhood schools, said volunteerism might not follow their child to a school further away because of the increased travel time. They also said the valued giving their children the ability to attend school with their neighbors.

CMS parent Chris Robinson said school selection was a major determinant of where he chose to live. He worried moving high-need students to succeeding schools would “dilute the problem” rather than address the problem “head on.”

Some community members suggested the board look at other avenues to aid high-need schools rather than moving students, such as looking at systematic problems and helping to encourage parent involvement in high-need areas. Many presented evidence of increasing teacher salaries to attract quality teachers to the those schools or increasing community buy-in.

They suggest aiding specific schools and increasing parent involvement in those schools, rather than diluting high concentrations of poverty.

However, some community members called for greater opportunities for high-need students, urging the relief of boundary lines that separate socioeconomic class and race.

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Kevin Poirier, a science teacher at West Charlotte High School, said he sees the effects of poverty each day with his students living in hotels and worrying about food. He said the lines drawn based on zip codes “systematically” hurts children of color, who live in their high-poverty areas, adding the combination of students bringing the stresses they endure living in poverty into the classroom produces a negative result.

ONEMeck member Rosalyn Allison-Jacobs believed the student assignment plan was the “first step” to aiding high-need students, stating research shows schools with high poverty will not be successful and that a more diverse environment will increase achievement.

A parent from east Charlotte, who has a risingkindergartener, said she was shocked to see a lack of diversity in her neighborhood schools and urged the community to break down the boundary lines she said are currently divided by race and socioeconomic status.

“The parents with resources (to help high-need schools) leave the schools because they don’t want their child going there,” she said. “But they need to think about extending your neighborhood to one across the track.”

BOE member Ruby Jones alluded that rumors swirl around busing students, but that isn’t the board’s intention. Fellow member Tom Tate said in late January the board has not yet looked at specific plans to carry out the goals, but wants to nail down the specific objectives first to give to a consultant, who would give suggestions of action.

January 2016

Home Sales Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com

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Page 8 | February 12, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education

Seeing the light: solar energy could save CMS money

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Repower Our Schools, a Greenpeace coalition, presented a report last week from the North Carolina Energy Technology Center (ETC), of North Carolina State University, that shows the savings and practicality over 25 years of using 100 percent solar energy in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.

“We’re excited because this report essentially shows that not only is that possible, but you can save millions of dollars in the process,” said Michael Zytkow, Greenpeace North Carolina field organizer.

Repower Our Schools is a state-wide initiative focused in Charlotte and Durham, in which community members encourage school districts to use 100 percent renewable resources for their electricity. They work to alleviate pollution from nonrenewable energy sources in the community, as well as change legislative boundaries related to solar energy.

The coalition has discussed its initiative with school board members and they encouraged Repower of Schools to find quantifiable evidence that solar energy is a practical and economical choice.

“Renewable energy is really not sexy,” Terry Lansdell, program director of Clean Air Carolina, said. “We’ve taken for granted a generation of choice that relied on coal and fossil fuels. You flicked the light switch and the light came on.

We have to make that generational change now to solar because we understand the burdens of that fossil fuel generation.”

Lansdell added people often hear misinformation about solar energy’s potential and the reusability of solar panels. He said technology of solar energy has developed over the years and people don’t realize its capabilities.

“The solar generation has an opportunity to contribute to the stability of the electricity grid because it provides electricity at peak times, so that we don’t have to engage coal plants at peak times,” Lansdell said.

The ETC report determined the school district would save $42.1 million over 25 years and $54.6 million over 25 years if CMS worked to make third-party energy sales legal in North Carolina. CMS could engage in a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a third-party owner of a solar-power system, in which the school purchases solar electricity from the third-party owners, but PPAs are prohibited in North Carolina.

“During this process, what we’re trying to do is get CMS to make a commitment to power the school system with 100 percent renewable energy,” Zytkow said, who is a CMS graduate. “Not only do we save millions of dollars in the process, but we also have to think about the other things in the process that you might not necessarily be able to quantify, such as the clean air and water in our community, the fact that our students have more learning opportunities – STEM experiences in the classroom – and that there are future job opportunities.”

Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

Kathryn Whitfield, a parent of a CMS kindergartener and first-grader, said renewable energy is important to her children’s future, particularly the long-term effects of pollution from nonrenewable resources on the environment.

Whitfield hopes the use of solar energy can be a learning opportunity for students, as well as attract more teachers to the area who wish to teach about renewable energy.

“How can we tell our kids that we care about and invest in their future if we don’t act on the opportunity to enrich it?” she said. “It’s getting to the point where it’s getting late and it’s getting critical, so we need action now and we need action as soon as possible … we have to think about our children’s futures. It would be selfish not to think about our children’s futures.”

DeAndrea Salvador, the founder and executive director of Renewable Energy Transitions Initiative, said she works to display the educational opportunities CMS can gain from implementing solar energy. She envisions students engaging in hands-on experiments and labs through those energy resources.

“With a hands-on, real-life approach, it does make our students more competitive in the STEM realm,” she said. “Charlotte truly is an energy hub … and they’re reporting that within the next 10 years that about 50 percent of the solar industry will be retiring and who better to fill those shoes than our students?”

Many critics cite the large upfront cost associated with solar energy as a deterrent, but Lansdell said solar energy costs continue to decrease and legislative actions can continue to alleviate costs.

“If policies change at the state level, we can reduce that initial upfront cost (but) even now, CMS can save a tremendous amount of money,” Zytkow said. “Consider long term, consider the fact that fossil fuel prices are going to continue to increase year after year and this is a way for us to get stable electrical prices for the foreseeable future.”

Visit repowerourschools.com for more information about the initiative.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 9

Love Story (continued from page 1)

went to college, Myrtle’s father decided to move the family closer to Charlotte, so they could live at home and help around the house.

Meanwhile, Charles’s brother was raising a family in Union County. His 18-month-old suffered a severe asthma attack and was taken to the hospital in Charlotte, just down the street from Myrtle and her family. Because they had an extra bedroom, the Biggers offered up the room to Charles’s brother and his wife so they could stay close to their daughter in the hospital.

“One Saturday night, Charles came by my house with his girlfriend to see his brother,” Myrtle recalls. “That’s the first time we met. That night, they started to leave. He walked his girlfriend out and shut the door. But I remember – he opened that door back up about a foot wide, looked me straight in the eye, then shut it again. The next day, he came back, but his girlfriend didn't.”

After a few short weeks, Charles and Myrtle went on their first official date to the Dilworth Theater. Eleven months later, Charles brought the love of his life under a persimmon tree near his childhood home to ask for her hand in marriage.

“He asked me if my hand was cold,” Myrtle said. “They were, so he told me to put my hand in his pocket. When I did, there was a ring box in it and that’s when he proposed. I was so surprised but he had the whole thing planned out.”

The couple married on Feb. 8, 1941, just before Myrtle’s 21st birthday. This year marks their 75th anniversary, and they’ve been inseparable year after year.

“We didn't have any money, but we didn't know that,” Myrtle said. “We just wanted to be married to each other.”

The celebrations this month don't stop with their anniversary, though. Charles will turn 97 years old on Feb. 23 and Myrtle will turn 96 on Feb. 29. Next weekend, they’ll

have their entire family over to their home in Matthews to celebrate the milestones.

And it’ll be quite the celebration; the Winchesters raised four children of their own and have seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, not to mention several cousins, nieces and nephews. The walls of their Courtney Lane home, where they’ve resided since 1971, are full of old black-andwhite photos, memorabilia and treasures of a life well lived, a testament to the two things the Winchesters value most – love and family.

But as with any marriage, their 75-year journey hasn't always been smooth sailing.

The couple had only been married two years when Charles received his draft letter to serve his country in April 1943.

He trained in Maryland for 30 days and then found out

he would be stationed in Boston to wait for a ship to be commissioned. After going on a shakedown cruise, Charles and his unit left for Normandy. Back home, Myrtle started a job in a factory to help make tents for the servicemen.

She worked second shift, since that’s when she missed her husband the most.

“We went over for D-Day,” Charles recalls. “After D-Day, we came back to take the President to the Yalta Conference aboard our ship. But each time we came back, I would try to see Myrtle.”

Charles was in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, Myrtle was back home, pregnant with their first child.

“There was a time when Charles was at port in Norfolk, Virginia,” Myrtle said. “I got aboard a train and went to see him. Well, nine months after that…”

After the Japanese surrendered and Charles was discharged, he came home to their five-week-old daughter, Cheryl.

This past October, the Winchesters also endured the heartache that comes with losing a child. Their daughter, Karen Simms, died Oct. 10 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 66 years old. Her smile and beauty still lives on in the Winchester home.

What makes their marriage so full of joy, even during the hard times?

“I don't think there’s a secret,” Myrtle said. “It’s about loving one another, respecting one another and raising a family together.”

“We try not to go to bed with bad feelings with each other,” Charles added. “We solve that before we go to bed.”

The couple added their Christian faith has helped them get through the good and the bad.

Through all the ups and downs, Charles and Myrtle have been by each other’s side every step of the way, weaving together a simple love story for the ages. It’s clear to see they’re ready for another 75 years.

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Page 10 | February 12, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Faith

If only the Patriots had won the AFC playoffs

by Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

You remember the blizzard of 2016 – 1 ¼ inches of snow.

Schools were shut down. We all stayed home (we’ll find any snow excuse to stay home).

Sunday we had Rev. Tony Marciano to stay home.

The AFC playoffs with Denver vs. New England determined who we played in the Super Bowl.

We had out-of-town guests from Maine visiting us during the games. We both wanted the Patriots to win. He wanted his “home” team to win the AFC playoff.

I wanted them to play the Panthers in the Super Bowl where we would beat them. You know the score. They lost. Denver went to the Super Bowl.

My guests had no interest whether my home team won or lost. Their beloved Patriots had lost. While watching the Panthers vs. Cardinal game, they announced they wanted to watch “Downton Abbey.”

We would flip back and forth between commercials to see how the plot was doing.

I suggested they go to my mother’s side of the house and watch their show so I could watch the Panthers beat the Cardinals. This was a “win-win” situation until my wife called us for dinner. My wife made homemade manicotti. Since there were so many of us, we decided to eat on my mother’s side.

There we were at her dining room table. Behind my mother was the TV. On her set was “Downton Abbey.” I couldn’t win.

I hurriedly ate and said I had to go back on my side of the house to watch the Panthers game. When half time was over, the sports announcer made some crude comment how the Panthers don’t do well in the second half of a game. He kept talking about how wonderful the Cardinals quarterback was and this was going to be his chance to shine. I didn’t hear that much about Cam. While they watched “Downton Abbey,” I had the pleasure of watching the Panthers disprove that announcer. In fact, we went so far as to put our backup quarterback into the game for the last few moments of play.

All season long, I sensed that the announcers had a hard time saying something positive about the Panthers. When we were 4-0, they said if we lost that game, then all the other games were just “dumb” luck. If we had Aaron Rodgers or Peyton Manning, they would have talked about us. But, we were the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte. Is that near Charleston, South Carolina or was

Age of Extremes Wednesday, February 17th 7:00 p.m. at the Waltonwood Providence Theater

Presented by Dr. Jürgen Buchenau, Professor and Department Chair Department of History, UNC Charlotte Join us for a discussion of the twentieth century as the “Age of Extremes”-- a time when extreme ideologies, sophisticated weaponry, and global conflict threatened our globe in numerous and unprecedented ways. $10 donation encouraged to benefit UNCC Student Programs

it Charlottesville, Virginia?

Every day, I live with the same dilemma of being misunderstood. I work with drug addicts and alcoholics – men and women who society sees as outcast. Some might say they are “drunks.” They’ve never held down a steady job, always caused family problems and cost all of us too much financially as a society.

Just like the Panthers, no one really talks about the residents of the Rescue Mission in a positive way. In reality, they are very bright, intelligent and funny. Prior to the Mission, they are misunderstood. They complete our recovery programs and become fathers and mothers to their children. They are the sons and daughters parents are proud to show off.

They learn they are loved. God deeply loves them and wants the very best for them.

I felt the Panthers were misunderstood all season long. I witnessed the sports announcers not giving them credit for being a really good team. It bothered me but I understood. The men and women I serve every day are also misunderstood, except by God. I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

Calvary Church honors Senior Pastor John Munro on 10th anniversary CHARLOTTE – In a special service on Sunday, Feb. 7, the congregation of Calvary Church celebrated Senior Pastor John Munro’s 10th anniversary at the church. The Scottish pastor is the ninth pastor to lead the church since its foundation in 1939.

The Calvary Choir and Orchestra sang “Legacy of Faith,” a song written for the occasion by staff member Chelsea Hathaway. The rendition of “Amazing Grace” included bagpipes and Scottish drums as a tribute to Munro’s heritage.

Munro and his wife, Gundy, were presented with gifts and a bouquet on behalf of the church’s leadership board and congregation.

After a brief vacation, Munro will return to the pulpit on Sunday, Feb. 28 for Calvary’s annual Missions Conference.

On March 13, he will resume his current message series from the book of Revelation.

Munro was born and raised in Scotland. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a law degree and became a criminal prosecutor. When he received the call to full-time ministry, he resigned from his law practice, moved to the United States and attended Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been a pastor for more than 30 years.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Find more information at www.charlotterescuemission.org.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 11

Valentine’s Day date night ideas that don't involve a movie

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Tired of dinner and a movie date nights?

Check out these Valentine’s Day events going on in the area.

‘I Capuleti e I Montecchi’ In collaboration with Wingate University, Mosaic-Arts will present Vincenzo Bellini’s stories that inspired Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet.” In this version, Guilietta (Juliet) is betrothed to Tebaldo (Tybalt). Tebaldo declares war on Romeo, leader of the Montecchi, for killing Guilietta’s brother. The lovers are helped by Lorenzo, the doctor, but ultimately thwarted by Capellio, leader of the Capuleti and father to Guilietta.

The show is sung in Italian with English supertitles. Tickets cost $15.

Feb. 12 and 13, 7:30 p.m.; McGee Theatre, 403 N. Camden St., Wingate

Innovate 301: I Heart Ceramics Artist Allison Luce will help get your hands dirty through ceramics. The event is free, but materials are limited, so arrive early for the best chance to make a ceramic piece. The clay will likely need 24 to 48 hours to fully harden. When you’re done creating, you can explore nearby Discovery Place.

Feb. 13, noon to 5 p.m.; Windows on Tryon, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte

Pineville Ice House So, maybe you haven’t strapped on skates in a while – or ever – but why not test your skills?

The house has open skate on Friday and Saturday nights, with a DJ on Fridays.

Admission costs $7 and $3 for a skate rental.

Have fun falling together, or watching others do the same, and then head over to Waldhorn’s restaurant for some German fare.

Feb. 12 and 13, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Pineville Ice House, 400 Towne Centre Blvd., Pineville

All You Need is Love and Wine Valentine’s Dinner We know we said no dinner dates, but this one includes live music, dancing and wine.

Reservations are required for dinner, which includes a glass of the vineyard’s wine, dinner, dessert and an acoustic performance by Vince Rivers. Tickets cost $30 per person and must be paid in advance. Call 704-283-4208 to make a reservation.

Feb. 13, 7 to 10 p.m.; Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe

Valentine Chocolate Pairing with Dessert Specialists Cafe Ganache by Dessert Specialists will take couples on a chocolate journey with pairings of champagne, wine and sweets. Attendees will enjoy three chocolate courses that each include a glass of wine that pairs with the chocolate.

The evening will close with a coffee paired with a signature dessert, “The Mudslide.”

Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/valentineschocolate-pairing-w-dessert-specialists-tickets20945500556?aff=ebrowse for more information and to purchase a $59 per person ticket.

Feb. 13, 6:30 to 10 p.m.; Club Room, 255 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte

PLG After Dark – Valentine’s Edition Make this a night to remember with smooth sounds and good vibes. Champagne will be flowing with Lavon Davis and The R.M.R. Movement will keep the music going. A portion of the night’s proceed will benefit the Piedmont Legacy Scholarship Fund.

Email DiSean.Burns@piedmontlegacy.com to reserve a table. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ plg-after-dark-valentines-day-edition-tickets20229423751?aff=es2 for more information.

Feb. 14, 8 to 11 p.m.; Studio Movie Grill, 210 E. Trade St., Charlotte

Sealed with a Kiss Carolina Voices’ Impromptu returns with a new show after last year’s sold out Valentine’s performance.

Impromptu will vamp up its concert with a “kiss” cam, audience participation and complimentary sweets.

Special guests will join the group to perform “kissing” tunes, including “This Kiss,” “Our Lips are Sealed,” “Kiss the Girl,” “Lips Are Movin’” and “Na Na Hey Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye.”

Tickets range from $10 to $20 and can be purchased at www.blumenthalarts.org/eventsperformances/coming-performances/detail/ sealed-with-a-kiss.

Feb. 12 and 13, 8 p.m.; Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square, 345 N. College St., Charlotte

Valentine’s Day Create & Sip Canvas Art Event Guests will experience working with a professional artist who will instruct how to create a piece of canvas art, all while having fun with that special someone.

Tickets cost about $27 at www.eventbrite. com/e/valentines-day-create-sip-canvas-art-par ty-tickets-20523933638?aff=ebrowse.

Feb. 14, 4 to 6 p.m.; Bar Louie, 8760 J.M. Keynes Drive, Charlotte

Rocky River Vineyards Be Wine Valentine It’s a bit of a drive, but who doesn’t love wine, music, a bonfire and food trucks? The event is free, but wine tasting costs $12 per person.

The event will include music by DJ Todd, Valentine’s games with the bonfire and food trucks.

The vineyard has limited availability for tastings and reservations are recommended. Make a reservation through calling 704-781-5035.

Feb. 13, 1 to 7 p.m.; Rocky River Vineyards, 11685 Reed Mine Road, Midland

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Page 12 | February 12, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

Calendar February

12 Valentine’s Dance

A&E Dance Studios helps kick off a dance with 1940s, 1950s and 1960s music.

Admission cost $5. Call 704-846-4654 or go to www.levineseniorcenter.org for details.

1 to 3 p.m.; Levine Senior Center, 1050 DeVore Lane, Matthews

12 ‘Urinetown: The Musical’

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents the final performances of Tony Award-winning play, “Urinetown: The Musical,” in which toilet-deprived citizens plan a revolution against a greedy company. Tickets range $12 to $18. Call 704-372-1000 or go to www.matthewsplayhouse.com for details.

8 p.m.; Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. E., Matthews

13

Winter Farmers’ Market

The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market will open its winter market rain or shine. Stock up on locally grown or produced foods. Call 704-821-6430 or go to www.mat thewsfarmersmarket.com.

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

13 Take a bird walk

Tony Lombardino will lead a 90-

minute bird walk through natural habitats.

Guests get tips on how to identify different varieties. Call 704-841-9453 or go to www. thebirdfoodstore.com for details.

9 a.m.; Colonel Francis Beatty Park, 4330 Weddington Road, Matthews

13 Volunteers share history

The Mint Hill Historical Society will host an orientation for people interested in volunteering with research, genealogy, education and more. Register by calling 704-5730726 or emailing historical@bellsouth.net.

10 a.m. to noon; Carl J. McEwen Historic Village, 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

13 Meet Charlie the Duck

Charlie the Duck, of the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue, will visit Backyard Birds.

The shop will donate 10 percent of its sales to the nonprofit. Call 704-841-9453 or go to www.thebirdfoodstore.com for details.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Backyard Birds, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews

13 College 101 seminar

Jennifer Cook DeRosa will lead an information session on how homeschooled children can get into college. Register in advance. Call 704-416-5200 or go to www.cmli brary.org for details.

3 p.m.; Mint Hill Branch Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

a Book, 13 Read Learn to Cook Children 8 to 11 years old will learn about healthy cooking and the measurements found

Sports

in cookbooks. Register in advance. Call 704-4165000 or go to www.cmlibrary.org for details.

3 to 4 p.m.; Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

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

15 Butler PTSO Night

Showmars will donate a portion of its sales to the Butler High School Parent Teacher Student Organization if patrons mention they are there to support the school. Call 704 846-9480 for details.

6 to 9 p.m.; Showmars, 9704 Independence Blvd., Matthews

Sharon Creech’s “The Boy on the Porch.” The group for ages 10 to 11 meets on the third Tuesday of the month. Register in advance.

Call 704-416-5000 or go to www.cmlibrary. org for details 4 p.m.; Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

18 Lunch & Learn

JAJ Nonprofit Resource LLC invites nonprofits and small businesses to its latest Lunch & Learn program, “Promote Your Business the Right Way,” led by Underdog704.com founder Steve Gatter. Register in advance.

Admission costs $15. Go to www.jajnpr.com.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Casa Rita’s, 9727 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews

20 Matthews Winter Games

Co-ed teams of three adults compete in various sports, such as basketball, badminton and table tennis, in this inaugural event. Register in advance. Go to www.mat thewsnc.gov for details.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

Charlotte Mecklenburg 16 ‘Paper Towns’ discussion 20 Library Presents The Chapter 3 Book Club discusses John Green’s “Paper Towns.” The adult club convenes on the third Tuesday of the month.

Register in advance. Call 704-416-5200 or go to www.cmlibrary.org for details.

1 p.m.; Mint Hill Branch Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

16 ‘The Boy on the Porch’

Junie B. Jones leads literacy activities in the next installment of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Presents. The event is geared toward 5 to 8 year olds. Register in advance. Call 704416-5000 or go to www.cmlibrary.org for details.

3 to 4 p.m., Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

The Preteen Book Club discusses

Rocky River’s Nance joins 1,000-point club

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Photo courtesy of Antoine Sidberry

Ravens win indoor track conference crown

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Rocky River indoor track coach Antoine Sidberry suspended his boys and girls’ teams for two weeks in the middle of the season, because the majority of his runners didn’t meet the academic standards he requires in order to compete.

The Ravens responded well to Sidberry’s charge, and got their act together in the classroom. Their success in the classroom made its way to the track, as the girls won the Southwestern 4A Conference Championship, and the boys finished third Feb. 2. Rocky River’s girls edged Butler 94-88, while Butler ran away with the league title on the boys’ side.

“They’re still teenagers, but they understand grades come first for Coach Sid,” Sidberry said.

“We knew with three events left that we won, so I held it in, but it was like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. We went through a lot.”

Rocky River’s Mariah Atwater, Ty-Lisha Kimble, Kenya Livingston and Letila Taylor joined forces to win the 4x200-meter relay, finishing it in 1 minute, 49.41 seconds. D’Amani Bryant, Aureilya Harris, Lydajah McLeod and Nadia Alexander teamed to emerged victorious in the 4x800-meter relay, completing it in 10:25.25.

Atwater also won the 300-meter dash with a time of 40.8 seconds.

Livingston cleared five feet, six inches to win the high jump, while McLeod reached 16 feet, six inches to claim first place in the long jump.

McLeod also won the triple jump, going for 35 feet and 1.5 inches.

Epiphany Woodson isn’t pleased with her Rocky River girls’ basketball team, which has performed below expectations. The Ravens (12-9, 7-3 Southwestern 4A) have lacked the consistency necessary to sustain success this season.

“Have they done some good things? Yes,” Woodson said. “Have they grown in many ways? Absolutely. But have they done everything they could do within their control to put themselves in a position to be successful on a daily basis? Absolutely not.”

Woodson said her team lacks maturity and leadership, and they’ve come up short not because other teams beat them, but they beat themselves.

With that said, Rocky River has plenty of talent, and the potential to accomplish something special is there. But first it must consistently take advantage of opportunities to get better.

Despite the frustration, there are some highlights worth celebrating, especially the Ravens’ close wins over Berry, Butler and Porter Ridge.

“We have fought through some adversity, but the inconsistency is what’s killed us in games, practice, on and off the court,” Woodson said.

“I’m pleased with some things, but there are a lot of things I haven’t been pleased with.”

If Rocky River can have some players step up to provide leadership, it will go a long way to bridge the gap where inconsistency has kept

the Ravens from progressing into the team it’s capable of being.

Junior guard/forward Ariana Nance could be that leader; on Jan. 22, Nance broke the 1,000point barrier for her career against Myers Park.

“She’s a really good player,” Woodson said.

“She’s continuing to grow and still trying to find her way and trying to mature into a great basketball player. It’s been a honor to coach a player who can reach such an accolade.”

What makes Nance’s accomplishment even more impressive is she did it on the heels of a torn ACL sustained in Rocky River’s first round playoff game last season Feb. 28, 2015.

Nance worked hard to rehab and recover in time to return to the hardwood, so she could provide meaningful contribution to the Ravens this season. She leads Rocky River in scoring (14.4 ppg), assists (3.3 apg) and steals (2.6 spg).

“It wasn’t fun at all, but I knew I had a goal I wanted to get to, so I had to do it,” Nance said.

“My coach and my teammates, to be without them it would’ve taken me long to come back or I wouldn’t have come back as strong.

“Watching them work out when you couldn’t it was hard. Coach Woodson, she came to a couple of my rehab things with me just to see how I was doing.”

Rocky River will host Porter Ridge Friday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. for its regular season finale, and will begin conference tournament play Monday, Feb. 15 at Independence.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 13

Sports

Local athletes celebrate Signing Day

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

National Signing Day is always a special day for student athletes, their families, coaches and schools all over the country, because it puts them one step closer to making their dreams come true.

Student athletes from Matthews and Mint Hill were fortunate to join a pantheon of several local talents from past years when they put their names down on the dotted line of a national letter of intent, finalizing their commitment to further their academic and athletic careers with the respective colleges on Feb. 3.

Independenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mikaela Smith will continue her softball career at Southeastern Community College; Avery Smith signed with St. Andrews Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s track and field program; Justin Williams penned his commitment to North Carolina A&Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball program; and Jonathan Brightwell inked with UNC-Greensboro to play golf.

Patriotsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; defensive backs/wide receivers Elijah Small and Cedric Stone graduated early. Small enrolled at Southern University, while Stone enrolled at Georgia State.

Butler had a trio of football players put pen to

paper, securing their place at the collegiate level.

Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; defensive back/wide receiver Clifton Duck signed with Appalachian State, running back Benny LeMay inked with the Charlotte 49ers, and defensive lineman/athlete Ronald Porter will continue his career at UNC-Pembroke.

Carmel Christian boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soccer standout Peyton Smith, who was the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Player of the Year, signed with DePaul.

East Meck girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; soccer player Sophie Sipprell signed with the Charlotte 49ers.

Peyton Smith, Carmel Christian

Sophie Sipprell, East Meck Avery Smith, Independence

(From left) Benny LeMay, Clifton Duck and Ronald Porter

Jonathan Brightwell, Independence

Justin Williams, Independence

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | February 12, 2016 | Page 15

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