The 08-29-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Matthews-Mint Hill
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Board of Commissioners has directed Town Attorney Daniel Peterson to conduct an internal investigation into breaches in closed session confidentiality.
Board members met in closed session toward the end of their Aug. 25 meeting with Peterson, Interim Town Manager Curt Walton, Assistant Town Manager Melia James and Town Clerk Lori Canapinno. e board returned to open session about 25 minutes later. Peterson requested the board allow him or a designee to launch the investigation.
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Law enforcement agencies across the state will be increasing patrols and checkpoints from Aug. 25 to Sept. 7 as part of the state’s Booze It & Lose It campaign.
Mark Ezzell, director of the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program, said the Booze It & Lose It campaign is designed to send the message that impaired driving will not be tolerated.
“We know that addressing impaired driving isn’t just an enforcement issue but you cannot do it without strong law enforcement involvement,” he said. “ ese o cers play a vital role in maintaining safe environments across North Carolina and preventing future tragedies from happening.”
Law enforcement o cers will take impaired drivers into Breath Alcohol Testing units known as BATmobiles.
“ is is essentially a roving magistrate’s o ce and jail on wheels that allows law enforcement o cers to take someone they have stopped and immediately begin the process to have them go through the criminal justice system,” Ezzell said. “We want this campaign to serve as a reminder to all drivers to continue to pay close attention to driving.”
e campaign’s goal is to reduce alcohol-related crashes. Ezzell said there were 353 alcohol-related crash fatalities last year in North Carolina. So far this year, there have been 185.
Tony Lathrop, chair of the N.C. Board of Transportation, also shared some sobering statewide and local crash data.
North Carolina tallied 11,399 alcohol-involved crashes last year, including 944 in Charlotte, according to Lathrop. He added that 38
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Members of the Matthews Board of Commissioners begrudgingly approved a memorandum of understanding that could eventually lead to the creation of a Metropolitan Public Transportation Authority for Mecklenburg County.
e 27-member authority will “ nance, provide, operate and maintain” a public transportation system for Mecklenburg County, according to the PAVE Act. is all is tied to the proposed 1-cent sales tax for transportation projects that residents will vote on in the November election.
“ e bill requires, should the referendum pass, that an authority has to be established by Jan. 1, 2026,” Interim Manager Curt Walton told commissioners. “ is memorandum takes the rst step toward doing that if the
of the 111 tra c deaths in Charlotte last year were alcohol-related.
Lathrop said the N.C. Department of Transportation strives to keep motorists safe.
“We're building roads now all over the state with new technology, new designs and management tools that have been proven by research to signi cantly reduce crashes,” he said. “You also need a strong public outreach e ort like those that our agency is working on with partners like the City of Charlotte and AAA.”
Ti any Wright, public a airs director for AAA Auto Club Group, said her company is also committed to safety.
“Whether you’re stranded with a at tire or a dead battery alongside the road, AAA is going to be there,” Wright said. “Last year during the
referendum passes.”
Walton told commissioners that they could approve or reject the memo but not amend it.
“As I said in the last meeting, this greatly dilutes our voting power; however it is required,” Mayor John Higdon said. “We can’t amend it. I don’t see any reason why not to adopt it.”
Higdon was alluding to the structure of the authority. e City of Charlotte will have 12 representatives on the 27-member board, followed by six members for Mecklenburg County and one member for each of the six towns. e governor, speaker of the house and senate president each get to appoint a representative to the authority as well.
“I was speaking with someone earlier this week about this and I was joking that we have about a millionth of a vote,” Commissioner Ken McCool said. “But I do think the one positive is it gives whoever the board chooses
“Last ursday, a former Matthews Police Department o cer testi ed in an administrative hearing that he had had conversations with an individual involved in a closed session of this board about a closed session – about the content of a closed session,” Peterson said. “I take that as my role as town attorney as a very serious allegation – one that I cannot abide as the
Matthews directs attorney to investigate breach
attorney for this town. I know that commissioners, as duciaries, take that very seriously.”
Commissioner Ken McCool made the motion to move forward with the investigation. e motion was seconded by Commissioner John Urban and unanimously approved by the board.
State officials urge people not to drink and drive
Labor Day holiday alone, we rescued 380,000 motorists nationwide.”
Wright also co-chairs the North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation. e nonpro t promotes safe driving behaviors across the state.
She said the four leading contributors to trafc injuries and fatalities are preventable. ose are impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding and not wearing a seat belt.
She said designated drivers, ride shares and AAA can prevent impaired driving. In the Charlotte area, AAA o ers a service to pick up drivers if they’ve had too much to drink and tow their vehicle home.
“We're your last line of defense because again, there's just no excuse to get behind the wheel impaired,” Wright said.
State law allows government bodies to go into closed session to discuss privileged or con dential issues, such as attorney-client privilege, the location or expansion of industries, property contracts, employment issues and investigations of criminal misconduct.
“I think this is a very serious matter and I look forward to having it fully investigated,” Mayor John Higdon said.
Matthews accepting applications for tourism grants
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews is accepting applications until Oct. 24 for the Visit Matthews Tourism Grant Program. e program provides nancial assistance to organizations that host events or programs designed to promote tourism and attract visitors to Matthews. The grant is funded solely through tourism-related taxes.
NC Youth Rugby was among last year’s grant program winners. e organization sought a tourism grant to support its Carolina Ruggerfest 2025. e event brought thousands of people to the Matthews SportsPlex in March.
The Matthews Chamber of Commerce secured funding to support four major community events: the Auto Reunion & Motorcycle Show, Fall for Matthews, Matthews Hometown Holiday Stroll and Touch A Truck. Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235, Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association and Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts also won grants last year.
Examples of tourism and visitation activities that align with the Visit Matthews grant criteria include hotel stays, dining at local restaurants, retail shopping, car rentals and purchases from local vendors or suppliers.
To be eligible, organizations must:
• Hold current nonprofit status.
• Offer programs with short- or long-term potential to attract visitors to Matthews.
• Complete programs between July 1, 2025 and June 15, 2026.
• Demonstrate that promoting tourism and visitation to Matthews is a goal of the proposed program.
“ e Visit Matthews Tourism Grant Program showcases all that Matthews has to o er while supporting organizations that bring vibrancy and economic activity to our community,” said Corey King, parks and recreation director.
“We’re proud of the impact this program has had over the years and excited to continue it.”
Visit matthewsnc.gov/visitmatthews to apply or get more information.
Leader: 27-member authority is ‘bureaucracy running amok’
as that representative a bully pulpit to speak on things.”
McCool continued: “I’m not happy with the PAVE Act and the way things have transpired but I think we don’t have much of a choice.”
Commissioner John Urban agreed that the town was stuck between a rock and a hard place.
“For government to set up a 27-member board, once again, bureaucracy running amok, from that aspect.” Urban said. We can de nitely do better than this but I know where we’re headed.”
Matthews to post sales tax Q&A
e Town of Matthews will soon post some Frequently Asked Questions about the proposed 1-cent sales tax on its website.
Commissioners discussed the FAQ on Aug. 11 but sta held o on posting it until
they could get more information about some points brought up by the board.
Interim Manager Curt Walton said the town was under the impression that, if approved, the sales tax would go into e ect in July 2026 but it now appears that date is Jan. 1, 2027. Walton also clari ed that the revenue from the 1-cent sales tax revenue would not support the Silver Line light rail project to Matthews or Bus Rapid Transit. e town will get improved bus service, microtransit service and some funding for road improvements. e town is also adding a footnote citing that the data came from the City of Charlotte. “We’re going to go ahead and post these informational questions and answers on our website,” Mayor John Higdon said. “I encourage everybody in town to take a look at that when you’re considering the transit referendum.”
Law enforcement officers will step up patrols now through Labor Day weekend. Photos by David Flower/City of Charlotte
Mark Ezzell, director of the Governor’s High Safety Program, visited Charlotte on Aug. 20 to explain the Booze It & Lose It campaign. He explained how partnerships are helping reduce traffic injuries and fatilities across the state.
Tony Lathrop, chair of the N.C. Board of Transportation, asked for a commitment from everyone in the public to be safe on the roads.
“It can’t be said enough: don’t speed, avoid distractions, wear seat belts, and of course never drink and drive,” he said.
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Luncheon honors Charlotte’s nonprofit community
CHARLOTTE – AFP Charlotte will celebrate the generosity, leadership and positive impact of Charlotte’s philanthropic community during National Philanthropy Day 2025: Capes to Causes.
e annual luncheon recognizes people and organizations whose passion and dedication strengthen Charlotte.
This year’s event spotlights 11 outstanding honorees whose work touches lives throughout the community:
• Champion of Diversity: Shereese Floyd.
• Philanthropic Small Business: Redline Design Group.
“ is is a celebration of the everyday heroes – neighbors, colleagues and community members whose dedication creates lasting change in Charlotte,” said Megan Blackburn, 2025 National Philanthropy Day Chair. “Just like superheroes, these individuals and organizations use their unique powers for good.”
e luncheon will feature stories of impact, opportunities to connect with leaders shaping Charlotte’s future and a shared commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community.
The event starts at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at e Revelry North End, Charlotte.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at www. afpcharlotte.org/programs/ national-philanthropy-day/.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Carolina Renaissance Festival hosting job fair
HUNTERSVILLE – e Carolina Renaissance Festival is hosting a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 6 at the festival fairgrounds, 16445 Poplar Tent Road, Huntersville.
e interactive event combines outdoor theater, circus, open-air arts and crafts fair, jousting tournament and feast into a daylong adventure Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 4 to Nov. 23.
e festival hires 350 seasonal employees on an annual basis. e festival pays wages of $14 to $18 per hour plus free festival admission to share with friends and family.
“It is an opportunity to earn extra income with pride as you help contribute to the magic and merriment enjoyed by all ages at the festival,” said Matt Siegel, marketing and entertainment director.
Available positions are listed on carolina.renfestinfo.com/jobs. Direct questions to cr obs@renfestinfo.com.
Taziki’s Mediterranean Café launches Kýpelos
CHARLOTTE – Taziki’s Mediterranean Café has introduced Kýpelos, new customizable bowls now available at all locations for a limited time.
Guests choose a base of basmati rice, pasta with parmesan or quinoa, then add grilled vegetables, feta, harissa and Taziki’s signature sauce. Top the bowl with a choice of protein, such as chargrilled lamb, chicken kebobs, salmon or shrimp.
“Customization continues to shape the fast-casual landscape,” said Dan Simpson, CEO of Taziki’s. “Our Kýpelos bowls o er guests a new level of creative control while staying true to the Mediterranean lifestyle.”
On the web: tazikis.com
Ruby Sunshine elevates banana pudding
CHARLOTTE – Ruby Sunshine is dipping into fall decadence.
Starting Aug. 20, all locations will feature two banana pudding creations. Banana Pudding Beignets are lled with banana pudding cheesecake and topped with bananas foster sauce, vanilla wafer crumbs, whipped cream and a cherry. Banana Pudding Stu ed French Toast layers
brioche with the same lling and toppings.
“This menu is our way of celebrating fall flavors while staying true to Ruby’s creative, non-conventional approach to brunch,” Chef Marla Chu said.
On the web: rubybrunch.com
Bobby’s Burgers launches giveback campaign
CHARLOTTE – Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay is launching two programs that support schools and local communities.
The Force4Good fundraising program lets schools and student groups host events at Bobby’s Burgers.
Approved groups receive yers, social posts and an event webpage. Twenty percent of sales go back to the group. Guests in Charlotte can also use GiftAMeal to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. By scanning a QR code, snapping a photo and sharing it on social media, they provide meals to families in need.
“Giving back starts close to home,” President Michael McGill said. “ ese programs allow our guests and neighbors the opportunity to provide direct support where they live.”
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – e Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce o ers networking opportunities, including ribbon cuttings.
• Members learn about health plans offered through Carolina Healthworks from 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 3 at Alchemy Cowork, 2459 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Madison Ashley Park Apartments from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at 2220 Berryhill Road, Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Sure Foundation Behavioral Health Services from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 4 at 401 N. Myers St., Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at noon. Register in advance.
• Members network during Connect After 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Charlotte Southend, 1617 S. Tryon St., Charlotte. Register in advance.
Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more
about the chamber and its events.
Matthews Area Chamber events
MATTHEWS – e Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce plans for its upcoming Business Luncheon.
• The chamber spotlights nonprofits during its Business Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews. Members pay $20 in advance. Others pay $25. Other seating packages are available. Register in advance.
Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber events
MINT HILL – e Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts Co ee Connections.
• Members network during Coffee Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. Sept. 5 at East Mint Apartments, 13330 Maize Lane Charlotte. Register in advance.
Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events
MONROE – e Union County Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon cutting.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Spanish for Fun, which o ers Spanish immersion childcare and preschool, from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at 9917 Rea Road, Marvin. Register in advance.
Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Quick Hits
• Bojangles is bringing back its Pork Chop Griller for a limited time. It is a tender pork chop, marinated and seared, served on a made-fromscratch buttermilk biscuit.
• The Collection is welcoming residents to its second community of townhomes, Charles Ave, in NoDa. Charles Ave features 32 townhomes ($2,949 and up) and six boutique ats ($2,899 and up).
• Ovens Auditorium has diverted nearly 1,000 pounds of waste from entering the land ll since partnering with Bold Reuse to replace single-use cups for alcohol with a reusable cup program.
CRTPO seeks feedback on plans
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization has opened a 30-day public comment period for the 2026-2035 Draft Transportation Improvement Program, amendments to the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, and the air quality conformity determination report for the MTP and TIP.
e 30-day public comment period will end at 5 p.m. Sept. 19. is public comment period o ers an additional opportunity for residents, business
The Mint Museum launching photography initiative
CHARLOTTE – The Mint Museum is preparing to house one of the premier photography collections in the Southeast thanks to a multi-year gift from Bank of America.
e Mint will receive more than 1,000 photographs over the next ve years. is will double the museum’s photography collection. e rst group of photographs arrived at the museum in mid-August. ey feature a selection
owners and others within the Charlotte Urban Area (Iredell, Mecklenburg and portions of Union County) to submit feedback. CRTPO’s TIP is a subset of NCDOT’s State Transportation Improvement Program.
e draft project lists and maps are posted on the 2026-2035 TIP page of the CRTPO website.
Residents may provide comments in the following ways:
• Email email@crtpo.org (include 20262035 TIP in the subject line of the email).
• Mail feedback to CRTPO,
of photographs from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. is initial group of images emphasizes the work of Southern photographers.
e creation of a dedicated photography gallery will ensure that photography installations are always on view at the Mint and serve as a resource for artists, educators and students. It will expand access to world-class photography, support artist development and inspire public programming.
“Photography is one of the most accessible and dynamic mediums today,” said Todd A. Herman, president and CEO of e Mint Museum. “It re ects how we see the world and how the world sees us. is transformative gift allows us to share powerful stories, cultivate new talent and serve our community in new and meaningful ways.”
Some of the most signi cant names in photography are featured in the donation, including Richard Avedon, Chuck Close, Rineke Dijkstra, Lee Friedlander, Lyle Ashton Harris, Candida Höfer, Sally Mann, Robert Mapplethorpe, Richard Misrach, Catherine Opie,
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., 8th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28202.
• Speak during the Sept. 24 and Oct. 15 CRTPO board meetings, which are held at 6 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., Room 267. ose who wish to speak must sign up at least ve minutes prior to the start of the meeting. e CRTPO board is anticipated to adopt the 2026-2035 TIP, amendments to the 2050 MTP and the air quality conformity determination report during the Oct. 15 meeting.
Irving Penn, Raghubir Singh, Paul Strand, William E. Williams and Garry Winogrand.
“We believe investing in the arts has a positive impact on our lives and enriches the local communities we serve,” said Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte. “ e donation of these photographs is part of our continuing commitment to creating a brighter future for Charlotte.”
As the bank has grown over the past several decades, it acquired various art collections from legacy institutions like NCNB and LaSalle Bank, which were purchased to decorate o ces. Today, this “collection of collections” is composed of more than 20,000 works.
To further support the expansion of this collection, e Mint plans to:
• Launch a "Friends of Photography" support group to help grow the collection and build community connections.
• Host a major photography exhibition in 2027 celebrating the gift, organized by Jen Sudul Edwards, chief curator and curator of contemporary art.
Sneakers on display at The Mint Museum
CHARLOTTE – “Future Now: Virtual
Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks” explores the evolution of shoes, from 19th-century breakthroughs to today’s boundary-pushing designs built for the metaverse.
e exhibit brings together approximately 60 footwear designs from the Bata Shoe Museum’s collection as well as loans from institutions, private collectors, visionary designers and inventors around the globe.
Featured designers include trailblazers such as Salehe Bembury, Steven Smith, RTFKT, Mr. Bailey, Zaha Hadid, Nike ISPA, Safa Şahin, EKTO VR, Saysh, Benoit Méléard and SCRY.
e exhibition, organized into ve sections, begins with an overview of new technologies and materials from the 19th and 20th centuries and includes some of the earliest sneakers, made in the 1890s.
e historical context of the show traces the shift from artisan shoemaking in the 19th century to mass production, highlighting the
resulting cultural, social and environmental challenges. e contemporary designers re ect on this legacy while imagining more inclusive, eco-conscious and technologically advanced futures.
“Incredible and innovative new footwear designs promise to transform what we will wear tomorrow,” said Elizabeth Semmelhack, curator of the exhibition and director and senior curator of the Bata Shoe Museum. “From sneakers created to address sustainability and inclusion to shoes that blur the line between the real world and the metaverse, this exhibition explores how forward-looking creators are helping us step into the future.”
e exhibit is organized in collaboration with the American Federation of Arts and the Bata Shoe Museum.
Special Events
Party in the Park | Sneakspeaks Oct. 26, 1 to 5 p.m.
Mint Museum Randolph | FREE e Mint will host a community celebration during Party in the Park at Mint Museum Randolph. e event will include free museum admission, a custom sole station in collaboration with Shoedio, a panel discussion about sneaker concepts and design, a sneaker stroll and sneaker battle, plus food trucks, a live DJ and a cash bar.
Public talk with Elizabeth Semmelhack Nov. 16, 2 to 3 p.m.
Mint Museum Randolph | FREE Bata Shoe Museum Director and Senior Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack is one of the bestknown shoe historians today. Semmelhack will explain why shoes matter, what they say about us and how designers are revolutionizing what we will put on our feet tomorrow. Semmelhack has curated over 20 exhibitions and authored more than 30 articles and books, including “Out of the Box: e Rise of Sneaker Culture.”
24 Hours of Booty raises $1.69M in 24th year
CHARLOTTE – 24 Hours of Booty celebrated its 24th year with $1.69 million raised to date to help support cancer survivorship and patient navigation programs. Since its inception in 2002, the event has raised more than $30 million to change the course of cancer.
“We are so grateful to every rider, walker, runner, rucker, volunteer, survivor, sponsor and supporter who showed up with heart and purpose – even in the heat – to help us make an immediate impact in our cancer community,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “ e funds raised will fuel essential cancer navigation and survivorship programs across the region.”
Aug. 29 Anime Club
e Anime Club at Matthews Library watches new anime each month. e club is for teens. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews.
3-4 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Matthews Alive
e four-day Matthews Alive festival kicks o with food, sponsor exhibits, amusement rides and live music in downtown Matthews. Performers include Carolina Barnburners (6:30-8 p.m.) and Band of Oz (8:30-10 p.m.). matthewsalive.org
4-10 p.m.; 129 S. Trade St., Matthews
Aug. 30
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews
9:30-10 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts 30 minutes in person before the start of the event. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Mint-Hill
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
The event brought together 1,100 registered participants and 109 teams from 23 states and three countries. ey cycled, walked, ran or rucked July 25 and 26 through Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood.
When not on the course, participants hung out in “Bootyville” (the Queens University of Charlotte soccer eld) for camping, food, fun and camaraderie.
ere was also an ‘UnLooped” version of the event where participants created their own virtual 24 Hours of Booty experience from afar.
24 Foundation prepared for the summer heat. Cooling measures included misting fans, hydration stations, a fan wall, ice baths
from Sauna Culture and 24-hour on-site medical support managed by the Charlotte Fire Department. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department o cers were stationed along the course to ensure the safety of participants and direct motorist tra c.
Hundreds of 24 Hours of Booty volunteers powered the event. Funds raised support local cancer bene ciaries, including Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital. Donations are still being accepted for 2025 and can be made online at 24foundation.org.
e top fundraising award winners include:
• Team Amwins was the top team with $176,355, followed by GreerWalker
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Holiday Parade e Matthews Alive Labor Day Parade rolls through downtown Matthews. e parade winds through North Trade Street (turning left from Matthews Street) and turns right onto West John Street. It ends at Christ Covenant Church. matthewsalive.org 9:30 a.m.; Trade Street, Matthews
Matthews Alive e four-day Matthews Alive festival continues with food, sponsor exhibits, small shops, amusement rides, carnival and live music in downtown Matthews. Mainstage performers include Jim Shafer (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), Nathan Morgan Band (4:30-6 p.m.), Petty Rewind (6:30-8 p.m.) and Tina Turner Tribute (8:3010 p.m.). matthewsalive.org
10 a.m.-10 p.m.; 129 S. Trade St., Matthews
Aug. 31
Matthews Alive
e four-day Matthews Alive festival continues with food, sponsor exhibits, small shops, amusement rides, carnival and live music in downtown Matthews. Mainstage performers include Jim Shafer (1 p.m.-4 p.m.), 90 Proof (4:30-6 p.m.), KRVE (6:30-8 p.m.) and Don Jovi Bon Jovi Tribute (8:30-10 p.m.). matthewsalive.org 1-10 p.m.; 129 S. Trade St., Matthews
Sept. 1
Matthews Alive e four-day Matthews Alive festival continues with food, sponsor exhibits, small shops, amusement rides, carnival and live music in downtown Matthews. Mainstage performers include Jim Shafer (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), e Castaways (1:30-3 p.m.) and Y2K Kids (3:30-5
p.m.). matthewsalive.org
9 a.m.-5 p.m.; 129 S. Trade St., Matthews
Conversation Club
Adults practice English during English Conversation Club at Matthews Library. Email katkins@cmlibrary.org to register. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 2-3 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Sept. 2
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Knot Just Knitting
Members of the Knot Just Knitting group work on projects at the Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill noon-2 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Marvelous Math
Children ages 3-5 build math skills through stories and songs during Preschool Storytime: Marvelous Math at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the start of the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 2-2:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Anime Club
e Anime Club at Matthews Library watches new anime each month. e club is for teens.
($78,138) and ASSA ABLOY ($69,795)
• Katie Bleau broke the event record for individual fundraisers at $131,860, followed by Gary Parker ($32,570) and Perrin Desportes ($29,875).
• Will Jones was the top youth fundraiser with $14,275, followed by Anna Tabor ($8,560) and Emily Walker ($5,580).
• Sam Mazoway was the top child fundraiser with $16,825, followed by Patrick Reen ($6,000) and Leighton Jones ($3,645). Levine Cancer Institute was the event’s presenting sponsor. Several other companies supported the cause.
Next year’s event will take place July 24 and 25.
Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews. 6:30-7:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Sept. 3
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 11:15-11:45 a.m. or noon-12:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at the Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Sept. 4
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Chess Club
Children ages 5-11 learn how to play during Chess Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 4:30-5:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Matthews Alive returns to downtown Matthews
from Aug. 29 to Sept. 1. One of the highlights of the festival is the Matthews Alive Parade on Aug. 30. CMG file photo
Pink Cupcake Walk supports breast cancer fighters, survivors
Summer special for ages 18-23!
is
year.
e fth annual Pink Cupcake Walk & Breast Cancer Lap, presented by Audi Charlotte, will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 4 at Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St. Participants will don pink attire (along with green and teal signifying metastatic breast cancer) in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. ey’ll walk one mile around the baseball eld and receive a mini cupcake from a local bakery after each of the four laps. Bakeries participating in this year’s event include Kupkake Kouture Charlotte, Dream Cupcakes, Sunshine’s Southern Kitchen and Dariela’s Sweet Taste.
“ e Pink Cupcake Walk is a truly special event lled with sweetness, smiles and unforgettable moments,” said Susan Evren, executive director of Go Jen Go. “We are honored to be part of this annual celebration, lifting up breast cancer survivors and thrivers,
supporting those in the ght and remembering those we have lost.”
Survivors, ghters and thrivers will take a celebratory lap following the Pink Cupcake Walk. Participants who need mobility assistance are welcome to use their personal scooters or sit in the stands and have a volunteer collect their cupcakes. An after-party celebration will follow the event with music, food and drinks.
Registration costs $40. Participants must sign up by Sept. 10 to be guaranteed a 2025 Pink Cupcake Walk baseball jersey. Register at https://bit.ly/2025PinkCupcakeWalk. e Go Jen Go Foundation provides critical support to families in the greater Charlotte area who are facing the nancial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis. e foundation supports more than 105 families per month and strives to provide assistance right when the patient needs it most. On the web: gojengo.org
Panda Fest bringing a feast of flavors to Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – Panda Fest has unveiled the vendor lineup for its Charlotte debut in September.
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.
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.
Call our office at 704-841-0661 for an appointment.
Special ends August 31, 2025.
Get protected with:
* Advance Medical Directive (Health Care POA & Living Will) * Durable Power of Attorney (Financial POA)
**Call 704-841-0661 to schedule your appointment today!**
e three-day panda-themed celebration will transform Ballantyne’s Backyard into a culinary wonderland featuring nearly 70 food vendors from across the country, a curated marketplace of almost 20 artisan and retail vendors, and live performances and entertainment.
e rst Panda Fest took place this past April, with the event selling out in several cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, Philadelphia and Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Attendees of Panda Fest’s Charlotte debut can expect a mix of vendors from across the country, including California and New York, as well as local favorites. “ e vendors are such an important part of the festival, and we have really focused on
nding and selecting restaurants and shops that truly represent the best parts of Asian cuisine and culture,” said BiuBiu Xu, founder of Panda Fest. “ ey help to create an experience where people connect with each other while sharing a meal, learning about a tradition, and sometimes even learning a vendor’s personal story. is helps Panda Fest truly feel like a celebration of the richness and diversity of AAPI culture, and we’re excited to bring the festival to Charlotte for the rst time.”
Panda Fest takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 13 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 14 at Ballantyne’s Backyard, 11611 N. Community House Road. General admission ($14) and VIP ($35) tickets are available on Eventbrite.com. Visit pandafests.com for details.
CHARLOTTE – The Go Jen Go Foundation
preparing for its sweetest event of the
The Go Jen Go Foundation is registering participants for its Pink Cupcake Walk & Breast Cancer Lap on Oct. 4 at Truist Field. Photo courtesy of Go Jen Go Foundation
CLASSIFIEDS
Translator ($39,354/yr) wanted in Matthews, NC to trans. tech. docs. btwn CHN & ENG; Trans. legal docs.; Interpret verbal convos. btwn plumbers, clients, suppliers & mgmt.; Assist in cust. svc. interactions, ensuring understanding of plumbing svcs., estimates & maint. instructions; Support training sessions, safety mtgs., & co. presentations by providing real-time trans.; Trans. project info btwn CHN & ENG for mktg., promo., branding. Min. Req.: Bachelor’s deg. in Translation, Linguistics, Comms., ENG, CHN, or rel. fields. 2 yrs exp. in prof. trans./interpretation btwn CHN & ENG. Exp. in tech., biz., or legal trans. & strong real-time trans. ability. Send resume to Xiaohong He, HAPPI PLUMBING CORP., 4011 Fincher Rd., Matthews, NC 28104 or via email to service@happiplumbing.com. Job Code 0724.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION COUNTY OF MECKLENBURG CASE NO. 25CV033151-590
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, v. PRESTIGE CHARLOTTE, LLC, JUAN PABLO LOPEZ, FYSEL MARWAN ELHULU and ZANE ABDULLAH IMREISH, Defendant(s).
NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
To Defendant: Fysel Marwan Elhulu
Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above-entitled action.
The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Plaintiff seeks judgment against you for breach of contract and breach of continuing guarantees, together with recovery of attorney’s fees, costs, and such other relief as the Court deems just and proper.
You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than forty (40) days after the date of the first publication of this notice, exclusive of such date, and upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought.
This the 29th day of August, 2025.
Jill C. Walters, Attorney for Plaintiff Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C. 2235 Gateway Access Point, Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27607
Software Engineer III, F/T at Truist Bank (Charlotte, NC) Deliver highly complex solutions w/ significant system linkages, dependencies, associated risk. Lead & perform dvlpmt efforts such as analysis, dsgn, coding/creating, & testing. Oversee & participate in testing, implmtn, maintenance, & escalated support of Truist’s most complex solutions. Must have Bach’s deg in Comp Sci, CIS, Comp Engg, or related tech’l field + 6 yrs of progressive exp in s/ware engg or IT consulting positions. Must have at least 3 yrs exp w/ the following: supporting Production apps to fix mission critical production issues, enhance the applications to implmt additional features; working w/ CI/CD tools & technologies like Gitlab, Github, SourceTree & Bitbucket to deliver code to production environments; helping project architects & senior project leads in high level project dsgn, low level dsgn; applying broad functional knowl in reqmt gathering, analysis, dsgn, dvlpmt, testing, implmtn, & deployment of applications; planning & managing projects & solving complex problems by applying best practice; providing direction & mentoring less exp’d teammates; & utilizing exp w/: Spring, Java & J2EE, Restful API, Soap API, Agile, Rally, Jira, Jenkins, GitHub, GitLab, SVN, IBM MQ’s, Apache Kafka, Microservices, Windows/Linux/RHEL, Apache Maven, SQL DB, Confluence, OpTier, Splunk, XML, ServiceNow, JSON, SSL/TLS, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Kubernetes, Docker, & Eclipse. Position may be eligible to work hybrid/remotely but is based out of & reports to Truist offices in Charlotte, NC. Must be available to travel to Charlotte, NC regularly for meetings & reviews w/ manager & project teams w/in 24-hrs’ notice. Apply online (https://careers.truist.com/) or email resume to: Paige.Whitesell@Truist.com (Ref Job #R0105619).
Decision Scientist III, F/T at Truist Bank (Charlotte, NC) Using an interdisciplinary approach of leveraging concepts from, produce analytic insights that help the LOB make informed, data-driven decisions w/ an objective of driving quantifiable, optimized business results in support of co. goals. Focus on high impact, visible analyses, & initiatives across multiple business models, covering banking channels, segments, & products. Must have a Bach’s deg in Data Science, Analytics, Statistics or related analytic field +5 yrs of progressive exp in quantitative analyst or research positions performing/utilizing the following: performing quantitative analysis & data analytics; statistical methods, incl a broad understanding of classical statistics, probability theory, econometrics, time-series, & primary statistical tests; linear algebra concepts for optimization, complex matrix operations, eigenvalue decompositions, & principal components; data cleansing & prep’n methodologies, incl regex, filtering, indexing, interpolation, & outlier treatment; Data Analysis techniques, EDA, Data Visualization to effectively communicate to stakeholders, clarify reqmts & make effective suggestions; Data Engg & ML-Ops to both effectively extract, transform, load the data & for further model deployment, incl model maintenance & operation; Natural Language Processing techniques & other related Deep Learning knowl; building & managing interactive dashboards in Adobe Analytics workspace to deliver actionable insights, address ad hoc mktg requests, & improve reporting efficiency through advanced segmentation & custom metrics; & utilizing exp w/: SQL, SAS, Python, R, SAS E-Miner, Tableau, Qlik, IBM DB2, Oracle, & Hue. In the alternative, employer will accept a Master’s deg in Data Science, Analytics, Statistics or related analytic field +5 yrs of exp in quantitative analyst or research positions performing/utilizing the aforementioned. Must have at least 2 yrs of decision science/analytics project mgmt exp w/ a diverse project focus & demonstrated results. Position may be eligible to work hybrid/remotely but is based out of & reports to Truist offices in Charlotte, NC. Must be available to travel to Charlotte, NC regularly for meetings & reviews w/ manager & project teams w/in 24hrs’ notice. Apply online (https://careers.truist.com/) or email resume to: Paige.Whitesell@Truist.com (Ref Job# R0105749).
FRI. AUG 29th
6PM-10PM Opening Night! Carolina Barnburners
6:30-8:00pm Band of Oz 8:30pm-10:00pm
Presented by Mixtape Side 2
Stumptown Park & Downtown Matthews MatthewsAlive.org
SUN. AUG 31st 1PM-10PM
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
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!
