The 08-15-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly South Charlotte
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE
– The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners
voted Aug. 6 to place a referendum on the Nov. 4 election ballot asking residents if they support an additional 1-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects.
e 8-1 vote came after several residents, including current and former elected leaders, from across the region spoke during a public hearing that spanned nearly three hours.
Mecklenburg County Manager Mike Bryant told commissioners the resolution “o ers
the people of Mecklenburg County the opportunity to decide for themselves whether they want to make a historic investment of almost $20 billion into our community as well as establish a new authority to guide these new investments.”
e county gained the authorization to pursue the sales tax increase July 1 with the signing of the PAVE Act into law. e legislation, introduced by N.C. Rep. Tricia Cotham, outlines how the money will distribute funding.
Former Charlotte City Councilman Braxton Winston acknowledged the plan would raise revenue for much-needed infrastructure but said it comes with strings attached and
CHARLOTTE – Kindness is Free joined forces with the Boys and Girls Club of America to create the Buzz City Kindness Zone during the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Back-toSchool Celebration.
e event, held Aug. 9 at Truist Field, o ered an interactive space for families to experience “a day in the life of a Club Kid,” meet Boys & Girls Club leaders, and learn how practicing kindness builds con dence and connection. The collaboration doesn’t stop there. Kindness is Free will help Boys and Girls Club of America launch six new club locations across North Carolina this month.
By Susan Rodriguez-McDowell Contributor
Editor’s Note: Mecklenburg County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell explained Aug. 6 why she voted against putting a referendum on the November 2025 ballot asking voters if they approve an additional 1-cent sales tax for transportation
I want to begin my comments by stating that I believe people of good faith can have di erent perspectives on this issue. I will be voting against including the referendum on the ballot. is is not a decision I come to lightly. I de nitely have mixed feelings because I absolutely believe in investing in the future and investing in transit, and I really believe it is a dire need.
Sales tax referendum heads to ballot
falls short of moving people throughout the county.
“For more reasons than can be explained here, the City of Charlotte and the (Metropolitan Transit Commission) failed to do the work to e ectively create the regional buy-in for regional transit and transportation solutions,” Winston said. “Because of this failure to do the important work of coalition-building, we went to Raleigh in desperation and we were handed an option that charges our people the most while giving them the bare minimum.”
He recommended Mecklenburg County use an available quarter-cent sales tax to support a regional transportation network to
Kindness is Free Partnership expands Boys and Girls Club
fully invest in the transit system.
Former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts described the 1-cent sales tax as a “regressive tax” in a year when people are losing healthcare, food benefits and jobs. She worries hourly workers will pay a larger proportion of their incomes and get the least out of the deal the way that it is structured. She also supported using the quarter-cent sales tax.
Former Charlotte council member and state legislator John Autry expressed concerns about Raleigh overriding the region’s transportation plans because someone outside of Mecklenburg County said the area
South Charlotte Partners to explore education this month
CHARLOTTE – Crystal Hill, superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, will talk about priorities, initiatives and challenges facing south Charlotte at the next South Charlotte Partners Breakfast Club meeting.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to engage with CMS school board members Lisa Cline (District 5) and Summer Nunn (District 6). ey’ll be available to answer questions and listen to community feedback. e program, “Back to School with CMS Leadership,” will include an overview of successes from the 202425 school year and highlights from local schools.
In addition, Hill will address the importance of workforce development programs and provide an update on the Capital Improvement Plan/Bond projects (2017 and 2023).
“We’re excited to o er this free event as an opportunity to stay informed about our strong Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools,” said Ben Mears, board chair of South Charlotte Partners. “ is timely presentation from Dr. Hill is a great opportunity to learn more about CMS’s ongoing efforts to help create the best learning environment for our children in south Charlotte.”
e event takes place from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne. Registration is required at eventbrite.com.
A limited number of networking tables are available. Interested businesses can email scltpartners@gmail.com for details.
South Charlotte Partners is a nonpro t advocacy organization. Learn more at southcharlottepartners.com .
Why she voted no Area rep is lone vote against putting sales tax measure on ballot
But in my view, this is not the right plan for our community, and therefore I cannot support putting it on the ballot.
In the past, I stated that I would vote to put it to a referendum even though I thought it was a bad plan because I believe in democracy and letting the voters decide.
But since then, I was challenged by a constituent who asked, “Why would I vote to put something on the ballot that I believed was detrimental to our goals, especially knowing the corporate community would be funding a $3 million campaign to convince voters to vote for it while never presenting the downsides, only happy talk? It’s not a fair ght.” is constituent pointed out that I have done the deep dive that I was elected to do.
I have attended many, many meetings; read many, many articles and binders full of information. I have gone on trips with the
alliance to Austin and Miami to learn about their transportation plans. Voters have voted for me to do that work on their behalf, and now I have to take a stand.
If the plan were actually going to solve our transportation issues, it would be worth it. But with 40% being allocated for roads, I do not believe it will. We will still be stuck in gridlock.
at 40% for roads was never part of the plan this community was working on until roads rst became mandated by the GOP. It became the key to getting something passed with the notion “something is better than nothing.”
In my view, that is a dealbreaker that goes way too far. I don’t believe in settling for better than nothing. I believe it is a false choice to say this is our only chance.
I’ve heard this reasoning too many times
before when we are led to believe we are at the brink of something and we have to make a terrible choice. I just don’t buy it.
Some have written letters to us saying, “just pass the plan for now and amend it later.”
Well, the mayor of Matthews asked repeatedly for other formulas to be studied, and he was met over and over with a brick wall. ere is no way that the people can trust a “pass now, amend later” plan. at’s called an okey-doke.
e town managers and mayors do not want to give up a monetary injection into their budgets. We can all understand why, but that was never part of the original plan. is plan perpetuates economic inequality. Consider this: e funding model for the Blue Line was 50% federal, 25% state and
Children learned how kindness builds confidence and connection. Photos courtesy of Kindness is Free
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BUSINESS BRIEFS
Program gives Narcan to mixed beverage permittees
CHARLOTTE – e Mecklenburg County
ABC Board and Mecklenburg County Public Health are launching a program to provide Narcan (naloxone) to mixed beverage permittees.
rough ABC University, establishments will receive training on how to administer Narcan during an opioid overdose emergency.
Narcan kits are provided by Mecklenburg County Public Health. Training and distribution begin Aug. 6 at the ABC Board Headquarters and will continue by request at select local venues.
All permittees are invited to participate. ABC Board store employees are trained and equipped with Narcan at all 31 retail stores.
Email sminderlein@meckabc.com for details.
ABC Spirits Store modifies hours
MATTHEWS – e Mecklenburg County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board revised operating hours for its Weddington Road ABC Spirits store.
Located at 3124 Weddington Road in Matthews, the new hours of operation are from noon to 7 p.m. Monday through ursday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
“In reviewing our data on customer shopping hours and evaluating how best to utilize our sta to ensure overall e ciency, we’ve identied the store’s peak tra c times,” said Cherise Walker, chief of sta of the Mecklenburg County ABC Board. “Over the next three months, we will closely monitor customer activity and seek customer feedback to ensure we are maximizing both service quality and customer satisfaction. We’re excited about the potential for this change to further enhance the customer shopping experience.
On the web: meckabc.com
Restaurant collaborates with Miami chef
CHARLOTTE – Customshop in Elizabeth will host Miami’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Chug’s Diner for a Sunday takeover.
Chug’s, led by Chef Michael Beltran of Ariete Hospitality, blends American diner and Cuban cafeteria avors.
Chef-owner Andres Kaifer, of Customshop, calls the collaboration part of a growing Charlotte–Miami culinary exchange.
Caroline Calouche & Co. celebrates 20 years
CHARLOTTE – Caroline Calouche & Co. is celebrating its 20th anniversary season. e company fuses dance with aerial arts, creating live experiences that reach over 8,000 audience members annually and have trained hundreds of students through the company’s school, Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center.
When Gastonia native Caroline Calouche founded her company in 2006, she envisioned a bold new form of expression. What began with a single contemporary dance work in a local theater has grown into a professional dance and circus arts company.
Since relocating to Charlotte in 2009, Caroline Calouche & Co. has been rede ning what’s possible on stage and in the studio. From vertical dance performances on the Mint Museum’s walls to the beloved cirque-and-dance holiday classic “Clara’s Trip,” the company has created landmark moments in Charlotte’s arts scene.
Calouche’s leadership led to the founding of Charlotte Cirque & Dance Center in 2018, where people of all ages and experience levels can train. rough LaunchPad, the company’s pre-professional program, emerging talent receives mentorship, technical training and performance experience that prepares them for careers in the arts. And through its community engagement work, the company brings movement-based programming to underserved and low-income communities.
During its 2025-26 season, Caroline Calouche & Co. is expanding its national presence like never before.
e holiday production “Clara’s Trip” will tour three U.S. cities, while “Star Gazer,” a family-friendly favorite, is now represented by New York-based booking agency Klinger Entertainment.
“We’re breaking new ground,” Calouche said. “We’re growing beyond Charlotte, and we’re proud to bring dance and circus arts to new audiences across the country.”
Upcoming Charlotte shows are as follows:
• ”Clara’s Trip” | Dec. 12-14, 2025 | Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts
A cirque-and-dance reimagining of “ e Nutcracker,” full of heart, humor and high- ying feats.
A holiday treat for the whole family.
• ”Rouge” | Feb. 13-14, 2026 | Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts
Aerials, dance and storytelling collide in this adults-only cabaret experience. Expect the unexpected.
• ”Carmina Burana + Bolero” | March 14-15, 2026 | Halton Theater at CPCC
Two music works come to life through choreography, live music and acrobatics in this season nale celebration. Get tickets at carolinecalouche.org.
Chug’s will serve menu favorites, while Customshop GM Kyle Brown curates cocktails.
e menu will include Chug Burger Croquetas, Bao Croquetas, Cuban American Sandwich, Queso Frito, Cast Iron Pancake and assorted pastelitos.
e event takes place (while supplies last) from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Aug. 17 at 1601 Elizabeth Ave. No reservations are needed.
CEENTA welcomes cornea specialist
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & roat Associates added specialist Dr. Rena Xu to their practice.
Xu is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist with expertise in corneal diseases and transplants, cataract surgery, intraocular lens exchange surgery and arti cial iris implantation.
“I chose CEENTA because of its supportive team culture, diverse surgical volume, and strong commitment to innovation," Xu said.
Xu will see patients at CEENTA’s Concord, Huntersville and University o ces.
“We are proud to have Dr. Xu join our practice to provide her nationally recognized care with our twenty-six cataract surgeons,” CEENTA Interim CEO Greg Parsons said.
Bad Daddy serving Queen City Crunch Burger
CHARLOTTE – Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is o ering the Queen City Crunch Burger from Aug. 15 to 24.
e burger features a 7-ounce 1855 Black Angus beef patty topped with melted gouda, house-made sweet pickle chips, savory onion bacon jam, horseradish mayo and a tower of freshly fried Chipperbec potato chips.
Guests can wash the burger down with $3 Budweiser or Bud Light Bottles and the $12 Tin Cup Old Fashioned.
e burger is available at the East/Dilworth, Ballantyne, Birkdale Village, Christenbury and Gastonia locations.
Fleet Feet to manage marathon expo
CHARLOTTE – RunCharlotte announced a new partnership with Fleet Feet to create a more immersive retail experience at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Expo.
e agreement provides Fleet Feet with naming rights to the expo and other year-round promotional opportunities, and nearly triples
the retail footprint compared to the previous year’s expo. Runners and expo visitors can expect to see even more participating brands, interactive opportunities, and a seamless transaction experience.
As part of the multi-year partnership, Fleet Feet will host and manage all O cial Merchandise sales at the expo and at the post-race festival.
Registration is open for the Nov. 15 running of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, half marathon, rucking half marathon, and the Chick- l-A 5k.
Matthews Area Chamber events
MATTHEWS – e Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours.
• Members network during a Business After Hours and ribbon cutting ceremony from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at Nextgen Sport & Spine, 1321 Chestnut Lane, Matthews. Register in advance. Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events
MONROE – e Union County Chamber of Commerce hosts a business luncheon and a ribbon cutting.
• Travis Vance, a partner at Fisher Phillips, leads the chamber’s OSHA Update Environmental Health and Safety Breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at the chamber o ce, 903 Skyway Drive, Monroe. Register in advance. Members pay $20. Others pay $30.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Milk and Honey Medspa with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at 1968 Wellness Blvd., Monroe. Register in advance.
Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Quick Hits
• Toppers Pizza is celebrating 34 years of flavor with a birthday deal: 34¢ Large 2-Topping Pizzas when you buy any Triple Stix from Aug. 11 to 13.
ª Deka Auto 2, located at 456 Atando Ave., signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. It will o er essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies.
Before there was GPS, there was…
By Tony Marciano Contributor
Before there was GPS, before there was MapQuest, there was an oral tradition of getting from A to B. People told you directions. is is what it sounded like:
“Go about (about was the most dangerous word because one person’s “about” is longer than another person’s “about”) three miles. You may go through a few lights, I’m not sure. en, you’ll see a yellow house on the right side. Turn at that corner. Go a few blocks more and you’ll see another house with an old car in the driveway. Make a left. It’s not far from there.”
My father tells the story that the owner of the yellow house painted it white. He knew to turn at the yellow house. When it was white, he didn’t know where to turn. Back in the days of glove compartment maps, couples would ght over how to get from A to B. ey would get hopelessly lost. e husband refused to stop and ask for directions. He was known to drive 200 miles out of his way before asking for help.
en came MapQuest. You plugged in the address and it printed out turn by turn
instructions. It was wonderful except (operative word – except) if you were alone in the car. If that were the case, you had to read the instructions while driving. It wasn’t pretty and I’m sure it caused a lot of accidents.
en the smart phone came along. You clipped it to an air vent in your car and tried to see the directions on the little screen.
Finally, the smart phone and the car started talking to one another. e directions showed up on a screen you could easily see.
With the GPS, there is no human behind it. We learned to trust someone that we can’t see who hopefully knows how to get us from A to B. We blindly trust that voice and arrive at our destination.
Recently, I had a meeting and knew how to get there. But it was the long way around. I needed a short cut. I plugged the address into my phone and it showed a di erent way than I normally would have traveled. I started to follow the directions I was being given. ere came a point that I could ignore those directions and jump on the interstate knowing I would hit tra c that ground to a halt. While it was familiar, it wasn’t in my best interest
to go down that path. I stayed on the unknown. It made me make a left turn on a road I had forgotten about. en there was another left turn. And another. By this point, I had no idea where “she” was taking me. Suddenly I knew where I was. I had avoided the tra c. I also avoided the stress of sitting on an interstate that wasn’t moving. I arrived early for my meeting. I had to learn to trust something or someone I would never meet, yet spoke with authority and clarity. When I ask people to trust in God, their response is, “If you can prove to me that He exists, I’ll believe in Him. Otherwise, I won’t.” ey will trust in a voice coming from their phone – someone we know doesn’t exist, yet refuse to trust someone who entered our world in the person of Jesus Christ to prove there really is a voice behind what can’t be seen. With the same level of trust you have with your GPS giving you directions, I encourage you to trust the God who became esh to demonstrate His love for you. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.
e Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
BBB Scam Alert: Avoid counterfeit Labubus with these tips
It seems like everyone is trying to get their hands on the latest trending toy, the Labubu. Scammers are taking notice and selling counterfeit merchandise or creating fake websites with no real products to sell.
BBB Scam Tracker has 71 reports and counting from people who thought they were purchasing authentic Labubus, but they turned out to be counterfeit, or they didn’t receive anything at all.
Several consumers have shared their experiences on BBB Scam Tracker:
“ is company marketed on sites like TikTok stating that they are a con rmed site and seller for Labubus. I placed an order for my daughter’s birthday thinking I found a legitimate seller. To my surprise the site no longer exists; I only found this out after a month had passed without me receiving my purchased items…”
“I purchased 6 items that were advertised as 100% authentic PopMart Labubus. Shipping said it would take 7-14 business days; it took well over a month. In this time, I was in constant communication with [name redacted] asking for the status of my shipment and asking if this was a scam - they said it was in transit
and it was not a scam…items received are knocko counterfeit Labubu dolls, made in very poor quality...”
BBB has tips for spotting and avoiding counterfeit products when shopping online:
• Shop from reputable retailers. If you’re shopping for toys, you want to ensure you’re getting the right products. Counterfeit products can lead to health and safety risks. Shop for toys at reputable retailers that you know and are familiar with. Check with BBB.org to read customer reviews and check BBB ratings.
BBB Accredited Businesses follow BBB's Standards for Trust. You can nd trusted online businesses by looking for the BBB Seal.
• Use caution when clicking on sponsored ads. You may come across an ad on social media promoting a sale on this season’s hot toy. Or, when doing an online search, you may see that the top search result is promoting a big sale. Scammers are taking advantage of sponsored or promoted ad spots on search engines and social media to trick online shoppers. Before you purchase anything online, always check
that you are on a real and secure website.
• Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals. If the product you want is extremely discounted, think twice before purchasing. Highly discounted merchandise is a red ag for a fake website or counterfeit products.
• Read customer reviews. It’s always a good idea to read customer reviews before making a purchase. If the website doesn’t show any, do an online search for reviews on other sites like BBB.org.
• Do your research. If you’re on an unfamiliar website, before you click purchase, do your research on the website. Do an online search with the website name and “scam,” or check to see if there are any reports on BBB Scam Tracker.
• Use secure and traceable payment methods. Credit cards typically o er additional protection if you are scammed. Be wary if the website you’re on asks you to pay with a peer-to-peer payment app. If you’ve experienced a scam when purchasing Labubus or another toy, you can report it to BBB Scam Tracker to warn others.
Courthouse to hold active shooter training
CHARLOTTE – e Mecklenburg County Sheri ’s O ce and Court Security Committee will hold an active shooter training exercise Sept. 12 at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
e exercise will help law enforcement and court personnel prepare for emergencies and improve safety response.
e exercise will span from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. e courthouse will close to the public at noon. Document ling after that time will be available at the Criminal Magistrates’ O ce, 801 E. 4th St. Road closures, delays, and no parking on courthouse property are expected.
CMS hosts Back-to-School Celebration
CHARLOTTE – Thousands of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students and their families attended the district’s Back-to-School Celebration on Aug. 9 at Truist Field.
CMS provided tools, resources and information to have a successful school year.
“We are proud to partner with our community to ensure that our students and families feel con dent, well-prepared, informed, and enthusiastic about the upcoming school year,” said Latisha Hensley, CMS director of family and community engagement.
Oncology massage expert speaks at LiveLung meeting
CHARLOTTE – Melanie Lanese, a licensed massage therapist and yoga instructor, talks about “ e Healing Power of Touch: e Role of Oncology Massage in Cancer Care” at LiveLung’s monthly educational meeting.
Lanese volunteers with the Society for Oncology Massage, helping to raise awareness among her colleagues about specialized training and resources designed to enhance care for cancer patients.
e meeting, which includes lunch, starts at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 12 at Covenant Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall (room 205), 1000 E. Morehead St. Register at https:// www.livelung.org/meetings/charlotte or call
VOTE from 1A
25% local. In contrast, this plan literally ips that model upside down. is plan is only 23% federal – if we get all the federal grants – zero state funding and an astounding 77% local, if not 100%. That’s not the way transportation infrastructure is supposed to be funded. is represents a huge shift away from federal and state funding and pushes the cost onto the backs of people like you and me – 70% of which are living paycheck to paycheck.
is is part of a larger pattern that we are seeing at our state and federal level, and my constituents are not OK with it.
“Forty-seven” and his enablers have just passed a big, huge, ugly bill to continue tax breaks for corporations and billionaires while shifting the cost burden to local
TAX from 1A
needed more roads. He contends that road spending is unsustainable.
Autry said Cotham’s bill would not only allow the state to overrun Mecklenburg County policy but also allow for the President Pro Temporare of the Senate and Speaker of the House to each appoint two of the 27 members of a regional transportation authority.
Ed Driggs, who represents the Ballantyne area on the Charlotte City Council, said he didn’t think the General Assembly getting involved was a bad thing.
“ is is not Manhattan,” Drigg said. “We cannot meet the mobility needs of a city that has the population density that Charlotte does solely with public transportation. Whether we like it or not, there will be a continued reliance on cars. e goal of this plan is to achieve balance –to make investments in all of the forms of mobility so that people in cars get relief from less tra c and other people who don't have cars have a
877-311-5864.
Lung cancer survivors and care partners will learn how oncology massage therapy can ease pain, reduce stress and improve quality of life.
LiveLung’s meetings provide resources for lung cancer patients, survivors and their care partners to learn, network and build community.
Samaritan’s Purse airlifts supplies for families in Gaza
BOONE – Samaritan’s Purse airlifted over 48 U.S. tons of ready-to-use supplemental food supplies from MANA on July 26 to help families in Gaza.
e food arrived in Israel and will be distributed by trusted partners. is mission is part of the organization’s ongoing response to the Middle East con ict, which includes providing food, water, shelter and medical aid to civilians in Gaza and Israel.
Samaritan’s Purse has also delivered 22 of 42 pledged ambulances to Israel’s emergency medical service.
Centralina Regional Council opens nominations
CHARLOTTE – Centralina Regional Council is accepting nominations for the 2025 Region of Excellence Awards through 5 p.m. Aug. 15.
e awards honor individuals, nonpro ts, local governments and partners for achievements in planning, collaboration, innovation and leadership across the nine-county Centralina region.
Categories include leadership, innovation, quality of life, regional collaboration, connected communities and aging in action.
Winners will be announced at the Oct. 8 ceremony. Submit nominations and view past winners at regionofexcellence.org.
Quick Hits
• e Brain Injury Association of North Carolina is raising money for Camp rive Together from Sept. 26 to 28 at Camp Carefree in Stokesdale. e camp helps survivors and caregivers make connections and heal.
taxpayers in order to maintain essential services.
In the meantime, the North Carolina General Assembly literally has a stated plan for getting the corporate tax rate to zero in our state by 2030. Ours is already the lowest corporate tax rate in the entire country.
With this transportation plan, the General Assembly has masterfully shifted more of the burden of roads onto us while NCDOT is massively underfunded. ey have no plan to keep up with our state roads and accommodate our massive growth.
This plan, with its 40% for roads, has us subsidizing them with our tax dollars.
Be clear, many of our roads are already the state’s responsibility, which they are failing to maintain. They are way behind, and towns have to sweeten the pot by paying the NCDOT to get their projects ranked higher as they compete for
means of getting where they want to go.”
Mayors from Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville and Mint Hill spoke in favor of placing the 1-cent sales tax on the ballot.
“It's going to have a huge impact on the way traffic ows, improvements, intersection safety and pedestrian facilities,” Mint Hill Mayor Brad Simmons told commissioners. “Although many of the components of this plan do not directly impact Mint Hill, this referendum has impacts that reach beyond the borders of our town and could ultimately change the way residents and visitors travel throughout Mecklenburg County.”
Matthews Commissioner Mark Tofano made the distinction that he supported placing the referendum on the ballot because he believes citizens should have a voice in government, especially when it comes to taxes.
“I am going to allow the people of Matthews to have all the facts, both sides for and against this referendum, to allow them to make an informed and intelligent
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Aug. 15
Family Storytime
Families engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at South County Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-10:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Movie Night
Promenade on Providence screens “Matilda” during a Back to School Movie Night. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the outdoor movie. Organizers are also collecting school supplies for Classroom Central. promenadeonprovidence.com
8-9:30 p.m.; 10822 Providence Road, Charlotte
Music Variety Show
e Corrado Music Variety Show brings together hip-hop, indie folk and other musicians to Carolina Beer Temple. Tickets cost $21.05 on eventbrite.com. carolinabeertemple.com
9 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews
Aug. 16
Cartoons & Co; ee
Rea Farms screens “Sonic 3” as part of its Cartoons & Co ee series. Bring a chair or blanket. reafarmsclt.com
8:30 a.m.; 9855 Sandy Rock Place, Charlotte
Summer Splash
Stallings Parks & Recreation hosts Sea Ya Summer Splash at Stallings Municipal Park. e event includes a food truck, music and encounters with pirates and mermaids. stallingsnc.com
10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 340 Stallings Road, Stallings
Main Line Market
Hand Crafted Market CLT presents Main Line Market at Stumptown Park. e event includes vendors, craft beer, and food trucks. matthewsnc.gov/
10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews
improvements. is funding shift is adding to the wealth gap that exists between the 70% of us living paycheck to paycheck and those at the top, and it’s adding to the una ordability that de nes our times. It will only get worse with this permanent tax increase.
Following the recipe of so many other cities – overpromising and underdelivering – is not the right course for us. We have to say no now before we end up paying a tax in perpetuity that does not solve our transportation issues and merely buys some very expensive Band-Aids.
You deserve better. We all deserve better.
Susan Rodriguez-McDowell represents District 6 on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. District 6 includes Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville and parts of south Charlotte.
decision,” Tofano said.
County commissioners landed on giving voters a voice.
“To me, this has become a very simple solution, because I’m watching our democracy being challenged all over the place, and I feel like this is a vote for democracy,” said Laura Meier, a commissioner who represents the south Charlotte area. “I believe in people having the right to vote for what is going to happen to them – if they want to vote for it, if they want to vote against it. I’m very much in favor of putting it on the ballot.”
Commissioner Arthur Griffin expressed interest in working with interested parties to address concerns brought up during the public hearing. Commissioner Leigh Altman encouraged those with dissenting opinions to stay engaged to help nd cracks and weak spots.
Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell was the lone vote against putting the referendum on the ballot. She said this was not the right plan for the community.
Charlotte
Family Storytime
Families engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at Pineville Library. Get a ticket at the front desk 15 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/Pineville 10-10:30 a.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville
Family Storytime Families engage in stories and songs during Family Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 listen to stories and songs during Baby Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Check in at the children’s desk when you arrive. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional 11-11:30 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Gus the Bus
Gus the Bus, a talking bus, meets with children ages 3-7 at Pineville Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/Pineville. 2-3 p.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville Aug. 19
Toddler Storytime
Toddlers build literacy skills through music and stories during Toddler Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional 9:30-10 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Baby Storytime
Family Storytime Families engage in stories and songs during Family Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/ SouthPark-Regional 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Book Signing
Dan Brooks, former senior editor of starwars. com, signs copies of his book, “Star Wars Encyclopedia: e Comprehensive Guide to the Star Wars Galaxy,” at Park Road Books. parkroadbooks.com
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 4139 Park Road, Charlotte
Matthews Mainline
Hand Crafted Market CLT hosts the Matthews Mainline Market at Stumptown Park. e event includes more than 100 vendors, food trucks and a children’s zone. handcraftedmarketclt.net
11 a.m.-5 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog during Paws to Read at South County Regional Library. Kids read for 15 minutes. Call 704-416-6600 option 2 to register for a 15-minute session.
cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Puzzle Swap
e community can trade in puzzles during a Puzzle Swap at SouthPark Regional Library. Puzzles must have at least 300 pieces with none of them missing. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional 2-3 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Chess
Preteens and teens play chess at South County Regional Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/ south-county-regional 2:15-3:45 p.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Family Fun Nights
Black Pearl performs yacht rock during Family Fun Nights at Mint Hill Veterans Park. e music starts at 7 p.m. minthillevents.org 6:30-9:30 p.m.; 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill
Aug. 18
Toddler Storytime
Toddlers build literacy skills through music and stories during Toddler Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional 9:30-10 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Family Storytime
Families engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at South County Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-10:30 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road,
Children ages 0-2 listen to stories and songs during Baby Storytime at Pineville Library. Pick up a ticket at the front desk 15 minutes before the event starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/Pineville 9:30-10 a.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville
Family Storytime
Families engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at South County Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-10:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Conversation Club
Adults practice speaking Portuguese during Portuguese Conversation Club at South County Regional Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-11 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Family Storytime
Families engage in stories and songs during Family Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/ SouthPark-Regional 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 engage in stories and songs during Baby Storytime at South County Regional Library. Registration at the children’s desk starts 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/ south-county-regional 11-11:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Global Cafe
Adults practice speaking English in conversation during Global Cafe at SouthPark Regional Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/ SouthPark-Regional 1-2 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Preschool Storytime
Children ages 3-5 listen to stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Pineville Library. Pick up a ticket 15 minutes before the event. cmlibrary.org/locations/Pineville 2-2:30 p.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville
Adaptive Experiences
South County Regional Library hosts Adaptive Experiences for adults and teens. is is designed for folks with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues or other developmental disabilities. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ south-county-regional.
2-3 p.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Craft & Connect
Craft & Connect allows people to work on knitting or other arts and craft projects at SouthPark Regional Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional
6-7 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Aug. 20
Outdoor Storytime
South County Regional Library holds a Family Storytime at Pineville Lake Park. Bring a blanket or chair. cmlibrary.org/locations/ south-county-regional
9:30-10 a.m.; 909 Lakeview Drive, Pineville
Presented by
FRI. AUG 29th
6PM-10PM Opening Night! Carolina Barnburners
6:30-8:00pm Band of Oz 8:30pm-10:00pm
Stumptown Park & Downtown Matthews MatthewsAlive.org
SUN. AUG 31st 1PM-10PM
Mixtape Side 2 Various genres on the Main Stage 4:30pm-8pm
“DON JOVI” Bon Jovi Tribute Band 8:30pm-10pm
CARNIVAL (only) OPENS
All-You-Can-Ride Wristband Night at the Carnival!
SAT. AUG 30th
10AM-10PM Parade 9:30am
NOTE: NEW ROUTE!
Kids’ Stage, & Small Shops open
Mixtape Side 1
Various genres on the Main Stage 4:30pm-8pm
“TINA TURNER TRIBUTE Ft. Debby Holiday 8:30pm-10pm
MON. SEPT 1st 9AM-5PM
Keep the Vibe Going on the Main Stage Castaways & Y2K Kids 1:30pm-5pm
• THREE MUSIC STAGES! • INDOOR EXHIBITS! • KIDS’ ACTIVITIES! CARNIVAL RIDES! MIDWAY GAMES! FOOD VENDORS! SMALL SHOPS!
TINA • SHOPS
A 50+ -year tradition and community giveback!
Presenting & Supporting Sponsors:
Bourbon for Booty returns Nov. 1
CHARLOTTE – Sip, savor and support the local cancer community at the fourth annual Bourbon for Booty.
Hosted by 24 Foundation, the event will take place Nov. 1 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Swinerton, located at 901 Berryhill Road.
Back by popular demand, the wine and whiskey tasting event features an evening of curated bourbons, whiskeys, wines and chef-prepared small bites – all in support of cancer navigation and survivorship programs funded by 24 Foundation.
“Whether you are new to bourbon, whiskey, or wine, or an experienced collector, this is a must-do event,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “Come enjoy an exceptional evening and topshelf experience while helping change the course of cancer for individuals and families right here in our community.”
Each guest will receive a souvenir tasting glass and enjoy samples of 10 expertly selected bourbons and whiskeys or wines, seven of which are paired with chef-crafted small bites and hors d’oeuvres. e evening will also include a live auction and music.
Tickets cost $150 and can be purchased online at 24foundation.org/bourbon. Guests must be 21 or older.
Funds raised support organizations dedicated to cancer navigation and survivorship including Atrium Health’s Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Photos courtesy of 24 Foundation
• The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine: Country Joe
• The Trail House: Shotgun Saints
• The Underground: Nonpoint
• The Visulite Theatre: The Mad Hatters
• Waxhaw Tap House: Unknown Artist Band
Aug. 17
• Evening Muse: T.3
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Annie Haden
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: White Sage
• The Club House Bites and Booze:
Brad Morris
• The Fillmore: D4VD
• The Underground: The Acacia Strain
Aug. 18
• Evening Muse: Open mic
Aug. 19
• Evening Muse: Philip Bowen w/ Julia DiGrazia
• The Underground: Citizen Soldier
Aug. 20
• Evening Muse: Hippies & Cowboys w/ The Garden of Eden
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: Open
mic
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Eddie Kennedy
• The Club House Bites and Booze:
Chris Suter
• The Trail House: Phillip Page
• The Underground: Jake Scott
• The Visulite Theatre: Magoo
Aug. 21
• Amos’ Southend: Michael Cera
Palin
• Evening Muse: Little Bird w/ Jay Hurtt VI
• Harris Teeter (Arboretum): Tom Reda
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Open mic
A quick call to 811 can avoid problems
By Conner Chapmon Contributor
Their weekend yard project turned into an emergency, and it could have been avoided with a five-minute phone call.
During a hot summer afternoon, the homeowner was replacing their aged fence. They started up a gas-powered auger to drill post holes and hit a natural gas line. The result? Pressurized natural gas pouring out of the damaged line, creating a situation that required evacuations and emergency response from firefighters and Piedmont Natural Gas crews. When everything was safe, I asked the homeowner if they called 811 before digging. They admitted that they didn’t.
As a crew member at Piedmont Natural Gas, I have responded to numerous emergency calls, many of which could have been prevented. The primary cause of these incidents is the failure to contact 811. Every year, Piedmont sees thousands of emergencies stemming from people striking natural gas pipelines during home improvement projects and commercial excavation work. Already in 2025, Piedmont has reported damage to
underground natural gas lines more than 1,100 times.
Conner Chapmon
It is important our customers know that many of these incidents are avoidable with a free call to 811 at least three days before digging begins. When you pick up the phone and dial 811, local utilities send a crew to mark underground lines in the area with aboveground stakes, flags or paint, which indicates restricted areas, before putting a shovel in the ground.
My advice is simple: Don’t guess. Call. Whether you’re planting a tree, building a fence or laying a new driveway, that quick phone call can be the difference between a smooth project and a community emergency. Calling 811 isn’t a formality. It’s the law and critical for public safety. No matter the size of the project, no dig is too small for 811.
Conner Chapmon works for Piedmont Natural Gas.
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IT Professionals:
Ent. Lvl to Sen. Lvl Data Engnrs, SW Engnrs., ETL Devs, are needed for our Charlotte, NC Office. Travel may be req’d. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Euclid Innovations Inc 15720 Brixham Hill Ave, Ste 145, Charlotte, NC 28277.
Ardor IT Solutions Inc, a Charlotte, NC based IT Staffing & Consulting Firm has multiple openings for JOB ID 11719: Software Developer and JOB ID 12008: Data Engineer. Education and Experience requirements along with remunerations as provided on the website. Travel/relocation may be required. Details at https:www.ardoritsolutions.com. Send resume to: hr@ardoritsolutions.com, including the JOB ID. Equal Opportunity Employer.
Call and speak with one of our experts today!
Waltonwood caters to seniors who desire social opportunities and a carefree lifestyle. With a great location, and warm, caring staff, you’ll sure to feel at home in our community.
When you move to Waltonwood you’ll get to spend time doing the things you enjoy most. We’ll take care of the rest. Limited availability! Call and schedule a tour today. 704-246-8670
• Iron Thunder Saloon & Grill:
Adam Daniels
• The Fillmore: Erykah Badu and the Alchemist
• The Visulite Theatre: Lua Flora & Charles Walker
• VRTX: Matthew Ablan
Live Music Venues
Charlotte
• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.
• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.
• Harris Teeter: 3333 Pineville-Matthews Road
• Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St.
• The Club House Bites and Booze: 16715 Orchard Stone Run
• The Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St.
• The Lodge: 7731 Colony Road
• The Underground: 820 Hamilton St.
• The Visulite Theatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.
Indian Trail
• Tap and Vine: 6443 Old Monroe Road
• The Trail House: 6751 Old
Higher
Monroe Road
Mint Hill
• Stooges Pub & Grub: 13230 Albemarle Road
Monroe
• Local Logic: 128 S. Main St.
• Peddlers Paradise Bartique: 105 W. Franklin St.
• Southern Range Brewing: 151 S. Stewart St.
• The Courthouse Self-Pour Beer & Wine: 217 N. Hayne St.
Pineville
• Middle James Brewing: 400 N. Polk St.
• Two Buck Saloon: 1113 Hawthorne Lane
Stallings
• Moochies Tavern: 15054 Idlewild Road
• VRTX: 7800 Stevens Mill Road
Waxhaw
• Great Wagon Distillery: 122 W. North Main St.
• Waxhaw Tap House: 110 McDonald St.
graduation rates,
teacher pay and respect sought in strategic plan
By Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Graduating 92% of high school students within four years is among seven goals in a five-year strategic plan adopted by the State Board of Education in North Carolina.
The board, in an Aug. 7 release, said it “aims to position North Carolina’s public schools as the best in the United States by 2030.” Superintendent Mo Green, a first-term Democrat, sought input from educators, students, parents and community members in a listening tour.
North Carolina’s graduation rate is 86.9%. The state has about 1.5 million students in traditional, charter, lab and virtual public schools.
Other goals are a composite score of 20 for the ACT; 30% AP participation among sophomores, juniors and seniors; 41% career technical education participation among all K-12 students; 89% of school-aged children enrolled in public schools; lead the Southeast in educator compensation; and
national leadership in the National Association for Educational Preparedness reading and math scores.
ACT composite scores are from the average of sections on English, math, reading and science. The acronym AP is advanced placement, a program offering college-level courses to high school students. The last goal refers to what is colloquially called the Nation’s Report Card.
The plan also includes what are called eight strategic pillars.
Those are to “prepare each student for their next phase in life; revere public school educators; enhance parent, caregiver and community support; ensure healthy, safe and secure learning environments; optimize operational excellence; lead transformative change; celebrate the excellence in public education; galvanize champions to fully invest in and support public education.”
A public launch is Aug. 20 at Centennial Campus Magnet School in Raleigh.
Summer special for ages 18-23!
Now that you are an adult your parents no longer have the authority to make health care or financial decisions on your behalf if something were to happen to you.
You’re an Adult Now. Is Your Power of Attorney in Place? **Summer Legal Special for Ages 18–23!**
We are offering to prepare your Advance Medical Directive (health care power of attorney and living will) and Durable Power of Attorney (financial power of attorney) for a flat rate of $400, so you can choose who has the authority to act for you. Call our office at 704-841-0661 for an appointment.
Special ends August 31, 2025.
If you’re in an accident or become ill, your parents *can’t* make medical or financial decisions for you—unless you give them the legal power. Get protected with: * Advance Medical Directive (Health Care POA & Living Will) * Durable Power of Attorney (Financial POA) **Flat rate: \$400** Offer ends **August 31, 2025**
**Call 704-841-0661 to schedule your appointment today!**
Here are some safety tips as students head back to school
By Mike Causey Contributor
Later this month, about 1.5 million North Carolina students will head back to school. While year-round schools and some charter schools have already started, most will go back to school the week of Aug. 25. They may get to school by bus, by car or walk. We all have an important role in making sure they arrive at class and back home safely.
Parents need to talk to their children about the importance of traveling to school safely. Drivers need to look out for crowded crosswalks and school buses on the road. One mistake can cause a tragic injury or death to a child.
By Bryan Golden Contributor
You have just completed a major work project before the deadline. Having worked diligently and spending your own time, you’re proud of the results and can’t wait to impress your boss. You show him the project and he immediately begins to criticize it and you. The criticism is completely unwarranted. What do you say to yourself?
“I’ve failed again” or “He must be having a bad day, I know I did an excellent job”?
You’ve thought of an innovative idea for a business that you really believe in. Excitedly, you tell your spouse who
More than 14,000 school buses carrying around 800,000 students operate on North Carolina’s roads on a typical day.
According to the National Safety Council, there were 128 school bus-related deaths in 2023, the latest year statistics are available. The vast majority of school bus-related fatalities were not drivers or occupants on the school bus: Nine were passengers, while two were drivers. Most (87) were occupants of another vehicle while 24 were pedestrians.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reports 5,189 citations for speeding in a school zone were issued in 2022, along with 968 charges for failure to stop for a school bus. Those are
finds only faults with your idea. He tells you it’ll never work. Seeking another opinion, you confide in one of your closest friends. She has nothing positive to say either. What do you say to yourself?
“Why can’t I ever come up with good ideas” or “I know my concept is good, I’m going to go with it”?
You’re a volunteer at a civic organization. You make a suggestion for a fundraiser and the president of the organization tells you it’s a bad idea that won’t work. What do you say to yourself? “It’s no problem if they don’t like my ideas, I’ll still help anyway I can” or “If they don’t like my suggestion, they can
serious charges, with implications for increasing automobile insurance premiums.
Passing a stopped school bus can result in a motorist adding four insurance points to their policy, potentially doubling their automobile insurance premiums.
With insurance and safety implications in mind, here are some safety tips for us to follow as students and teachers head back to school:
For drivers
• If you see a school bus with lights flashing, slow down and prepare to stop.
• Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate
do it themselves”?
You help your neighbor move some furniture. Several months later, you ask them for help carrying some heavy items to the dumpster. He tells you he’s too busy and doesn’t have time. What do you say to yourself? “Fine, last time I help him or anyone else” or “No big deal, I’ll ask one of my other friends to help”?
There’s a job opening where you work. The position is something that you always wanted to do. It’s a great opportunity and would be a promotion. You’re not sure if you have enough experience. What do you say to yourself? “I’ll apply, I’ve got nothing
the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off the bus.
For pedestrians
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street or road, walk facing traffic.
• Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming. Never dart out in front of a parked car.
• Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets or crosswalks when available.
• Never walk while texting or talking on the phone.
• Do not walk while using headphones.
For bike riders
• Always wear a helmet that
to lose” or “Why bother applying, I’ve got no chance”?
You can probably relate to one or more of these illustrations or have experiences that are similar in nature. Comments of all sorts are volunteered by everyone; friends, family, coworkers, bosses, acquaintances, and even strangers. People are constantly giving you their unsolicited opinions. There’s nothing you can do, it’s human nature. What’s important is what you say to yourself, not what others say to you. Without discrimination, your brain believes whatever you tell it and immediately goes to work figuring a way
is fitted and secured properly.
• Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across.
• Watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
• Use hand signals when turning.
• Wear bright-colored clothing.
For bus riders
• Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus.
• Line up six feet away from the curb as the bus approaches.
• If seat belts are available, buckle up.
• Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing.
• If you must cross the
to make the statements happen. Your mind processes your self-talk 24 hours a day. Don’t say to yourself phrases you don’t want to come true. Tell yourself things that help rather than hurt you. You want to be saying things such as I can do this, I am capable, I’m a good person, I can learn what I need to know, I can make it work, and good things will be happening.
Whatever it is that you say to yourself, you are right. Occasionally, I have a student tell me that he or she can’t do something. I tell them if that’s the way they feel, they are right. But if someone says, “I can do it,” they are
road, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
For motorists, in addition to obeying the stopped school bus law
• Don’t block crosswalks.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and take extra precautions in school zones.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
• Stop far enough back from a school bus to allow children room to safely enter and exit the bus. The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Thank you for paying attention to safety.
Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner for North Carolina.
also right. Remarking “I can’t do this” is different than saying “I need help” or “I don’t understand.” Asserting, “I can’t” is a final conclusion rather than making an effort to seek a solution. Be aware of and monitor what you say to yourself. Don’t tell yourself anything that’s not going to help and assist you in achieving a positive outcome. Always engage in positive self-talk.
Bryan is the author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.” Contact Bryan at Bryan@columnist.com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com Copyright 2025 Bryan Golden
What do you say when you talk to yourself? DINING SCORES
Road – 93.5
• Food Lion (deli), 9848 Monroe Road – 99
• Harris Teeter (market/seafood) 1621 Sardis Road N. – 98.5
• Charley’s Philly Steaks, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 91.5 • Dive N, 109 N. Polk St.– 97 • Food Lion (produce), 317 S. Polk St.– 98.5 • Lola Ceviche & Peruvian Tapas, 605 N. Polk St.– 97 • Patel Brothers, 10701 Centrum Pkwy. – 98 • Playland Pineville, 11812 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98.5 • Quality Suites, 9840 Pineville-Matthews Road – 93.5
• Super G Mart Pineville Meat Prep, 10500 Centrum Pkwy. – 98
• The Latin Grill By Doses, 12740 Lancaster Hy – 94.5 • Waterbean Coffee, 333 Main St.– 92
Stallings
• Bisonte Pizza, 1381 Chestnut Lane
– 97 • Hdmona Cafe, 15080 Idlewild Road
– 95.5 • New Asia Market, 4400 Potter Road – 94.5 • New Asia Market (meat market), 4400 Potter Road – 99.5
Waxhaw • G.R.I.T.S. Home Cookin’, 7909 Lancaster Hwy. – 97.5 • Queens South Bar & Grill, 1201 N. Broome St. – 96 Wesley Chapel • Hot Wok Restaurant, 5943 Weddington-Monroe Road – 98
Matthews Concert Band announces 2025-26 concert season
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Concert Band announced its 23rd season of free concerts for the community.
The band hopes to build on the success of the past season, which focused on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
This season’s concerts include a salute to the Marine Corps, holiday classics, a remix of Beethoven’s Fifth, Cajun folk songs, a musical story about a tuba and a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Its fall concert theme is “Mottos.”
Many musical works illustrate a composer’s thoughts and feelings or were composed to honor persons or places.
“Esprit de Corps” by Robert Jager is a tribute to the U.S. Marine Corps, weaving “The Marine’s Hymn” throughout an exciting sound tapestry. “Irish Tune from County Derry” by Percy Grainger is a rendition of “Danny Boy,” and two of America’s greatest singers, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, are represented by “My Way” and “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
The band’s popular holiday concert (date to be determined) will include sacred and secular favorites, including a sing-along. This concert has become so popular that the band performs it twice.
The winter concert theme is “Land
of Make Believe.” The tuba section gets special recognition with “Tubby the Tuba” for solo tuba and narrator, the clarinets will get to show off in “Smetana’s Dance of the Comedians,” and no land of make believe would be complete without music from Disney and Star Wars.
The spring concert is an American sesquicentennial celebration with Ron Nelson’s “Mayflower Overture,” Clare Grundman’s “The Spirit of ‘76,” and a march by the German opera composer Richard Wagner that he wrote for the American centennial in 1876. The concert will wrap up with a star-spangled salute to the music of George M. Cohan, the original “Yankee Doodle Boy.”
The following free concerts will start at 7:30 p.m. at Matthews Community Center:
• Fall Concert: Nov. 6, 2025.
• Holiday Concert: Date TBA.
• Winter Concert: Feb. 24, 2026.
• Spring Concert: May 7, 2026. On the web: matthewsconcertband.org
Want to play?
If you have an interest in playing with the Matthews Concert Band, the group has a few openings for highly qualified players who can rehearse on Monday evenings.
