The 08-29-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County
– All Saints
Anglican Church has formally installed The Rev. Duncan J. Bell as its new rector.
Bishop Terrell Glenn presided over the installation service. More than 350 members and guests attended the Aug. 23 event.
Bell joined the All Saints sta at the start of 2023, bringing his rich
pastoral experience and warm character across the Atlantic from "England's green and pleasant land."
He grew up in a devout Christian home, with a lifelong passion for following Jesus. His academic journey led him to earn a PhD at the University of She eld in England, focusing on advancing ngerprint-matching techniques for
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
MONROE – The City of Monroe presented an economic development incentive check for $58,650 to Greiner Bio-One North America Inc., recognizing the company’s continued investment in its Monroe location.
is marked the fourth of ve payments under an ongoing economic development agreement with the city.
“Greiner Bio-One is one of Monroe's economic anchors and a global leader,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “I appreciate the company’s commitment here in the city, creating quality jobs in technology. It's a big impact."
Greiner Bio-One North America Inc., headquartered in Austria, manufactures a wide variety of high-quality plastic products for medical technology and laboratory applications. eir products are used in clinical diagnostics,
forensic science. Feeling a call to ordained ministry, he and his wife, Rebecca, relocated to London for seminary training. He was ordained in She eld and served congregations there and in Lancashire before moving to the United States.
Bell and his wife, Rebecca, who was born in the Charlotte area, have four young children. ey enjoy
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
Monroe presents incentive payment to Greiner Bio-One
life science research, drug discovery and the sterilization of medical devices. e company has manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, South America and Monroe’s Corporate Center.
Under its economic development agreement with the city, approved in April 2019, Greiner committed to invest an estimated $12.75 million, but no less than $2 million, in new taxable building improvements, machinery and equipment over ve years.
e incentive grant is capped at $293,250, distributed over ve years beginning in scal year 2022. Each annual payment is based on proof of qualifying investments made in the preceding year. With over $10 million in veri ed investments in 2024, the city issued this fourth annual payment. Since the agreement was signed, Greiner has met the requirement
family hikes through the countryside. Bell also enjoys teaching his children to play the piano.
Since its inception, All Saints Anglican Church in Weddington has blended Anglican tradition with contemporary mission, making it a welcoming and mission-focused community for newcomers and longtime members alike.
State officials urge people not to drink and drive
Longtime founding rector Father Filmore Strunk retired and passed the mantle to Bell, who had been serving as rector coadjutor. The church believes Bell’s installation signi es a fresh season of faithful leadership and vibrant community life for All Saints.
On the web: allsaintsweddington.org
All Saints Anglican Church welcomes new rector Theater groups using grants for outreach
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.
UNION COUNTY – Foundation
For The Carolinas has awarded $20,000 in 2025 Community Impact Fund grants to two Union County nonprofits that are bringing inclusive, accessible arts experiences to children and families.
Grants were awarded to Lanti Foundation and Union County Playmakers to support live theater and music programming that promotes creativity, con dence and connection.
e Community Impact Fund grants are made possible by donors who entrust Foundation For The Carolinas with discretionary resources to meet evolving needs and invest in community-driven solutions across its 13-county region.
“Both of these organizations are using the arts to create meaningful connections and expand access for families across Union County,” said Laura Clark, president of Foundation For e Carolinas. “ is is exactly the kind of community impact our donors make possible through these funds.”
Lanti Foundation received $10,000 to support Curtains Up, Community In, an arts outreach program that expands access to music and theater for young people across Union County.
e initiative aims to remove barriers to participation and build a stronger sense of belonging through the arts.
Sarah Lantigua, executive director of Lanti Foundation, said the grant a rms that the arts change lives.
“With this support, we’ll be able to bring music and theater to even more children, teens and families, and create new opportunities for our community to come together — to engage, to express, to feel connected,” Lantigua said. “ e arts strengthen a community from the inside out, and we’re so proud to be part of that growth.”
Union County Playmakers received $10,000 to produce “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a bilingual holiday production at the Dowd Center eatre in downtown Monroe.
e event will feature both children and adults in the cast, with performances in both English and Spanish. e production is free for children under 18 and $3 for adults.
each year, reporting nearly $40 million in investments in scal year 2025 alone.
“ eir investment bolsters our local economy, generates employment opportunities for our residents and embodies genuine partnership,” Mayor Robert Burns said.
“Playmakers is so thankful for this year’s grant to support our fourth year of the children’s Christmas play,” said Gay Clyburn, executive board president. “ ese funds directly address our mission to provide theater experiences and education to all citizens of Union County. With this year’s Charlie Brown Christmas, we are able to again provide an inclusive theater experience on and o the stage.”
On the web: fftc.org/ CommunityImpactFunds
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.
WEDDINGTON
Mayor Robert Burns, City Manager Mark Watson, Assistant City Manager Lisa Hollowell, and Strategic Projects Manager Teresa Campo met with Greiner Bio-One Senior Manager Engineering and Project Management Eric Paszkowski and Head of Controlling and Financial Accounting Desdemona Thompson Sesay to present the check and acknowledge Greiner’s role in Monroe’s economy. Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
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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.”
Death in jail triggers investigation
MONROE – e Union County Sheri ’s O ce said a 61-year-old inmate passed away while receiving medical care Aug. 23 in the Union County Detention Center’s medical wing.
e sheri ’s o ce said Gregory Faircloth became unresponsive just before 4 a.m. as he was examined and treated by medical sta . He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
e sheri ’s o ce said Faircloth had been in custody since Aug 12 and had multiple pre-existing medical conditions.
Sheri Eddie Cathey requested the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent investigation into the incident. is is standard procedure. No foul play is suspected.
South Piedmont reveals new mascot
MONROE – South Piedmont
Community College has unveiled its new mascot, Al the Gator, after months of research and public input.
Students and sta gathered for a mascot-reveal party Aug. 18 at South Piedmont’s Old Charlotte Highway campus.
“ is is a historic day for South Piedmont, as we unveil our new mascot, Al the Gator,” President Stacy Waters-Bailey said. “Al is both a tribute to the college’s history and a symbol of our exciting future. ank you to all who participated in the mascot development process, and go alligators.”
Creative Services Manager Samantha Carvallo designed the mascot.
Carvallo immersed herself in research to bring the mascot to life. She studied alligator behavior, symbolism and anatomy as well as explored how other colleges and universities designed their mascots to build spirit and identity.
She sketched multiple concepts, rening the details to re ect strength, energy and approachability.
e winning design, chosen by public vote, has an athletic build and friendly eyes.
“ is is such an exciting new chapter for South Piedmont, and I am so honored to be a part of it,” Carvallo said. “Members of the South Piedmont community have spoken and Al the Alligator is here to stay.”
e project began with the Student Government Association, whose members championed the idea from the start.
“Creating Al the Gator wasn’t a decision made just for the students,” SGA President Nyla White said. “It was made with the students. We were involved from start to nish, and it’s amazing to see our ideas shape such an important part of South Piedmont’s identity.”
Al’s story is rooted in local history. He’s inspired by a real alligator named Gatorboy, which was discovered in the 1990s in a pond on what is now South Piedmont’s LLP Campus in Polkton. Gatorboy lives at the North Carolina Zoo, where he can be found sunbathing and feasting on a diet of rats, herring and sh.
In 2019, Director of Library Services Dana Glauner wrote a children’s book starring Al the Gator, who discovers that the key to happiness is being true to himself.
Rachel Colquitt, South Piedmont’s vice president of marketing and communications, described Al the Alligator as a symbol of the college’s spirit and pride.
“I’m so proud of Sam for the incredible creativity and dedication she poured into bringing our mascot to life,” Colquitt said. “ is project is a perfect example of the talent and teamwork within our college, and it’s truly a moment in our history that lls me with excitement.”
Police arrest suspect after pursuit, drug seizure
MONROE – A patrol o cer with the Monroe Police Department saw a Chevrolet Trailblazer with a ctitious license plate around 8:15 p.m. Aug. 24 on West Roosevelt Boulevard near Sta ord Street.
When the o cer tried to pull the vehicle over, police said the driver ed, turning onto Sutherland Avenue. During the chase, the o cer saw the driver throw a bag out of the car window.
e pursuit continued onto Walkup Avenue, where the driver struck a garbage can and then crashed into a tree. e impact caused the SUV to ip.
Police said K-9 Bolo found the discarded bag, which contained vape pens. Twenty-eight grams of THC were recovered,
Autobell Car Wash gives scholarships to Union County staff
CHARLOTTE – Autobell Car Wash awarded educational scholarships to 158 team members across the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware for the 2025–26 academic year. is year’s gifts totaled $150,000.
e 2025 Autobell Scholarship recipients employed at Autobell in Union County are as follows:
• Bowen McClenny, working in Monroe, is attending South Piedmont Community College.
• Leah Cloos, Waxhaw, Wingate University.
• Jason Dromms, Waxhaw, UNC Chapel Hill.
• Will Nali, Waxhaw, UNC Charlotte.
• Carley Nunn, Waxhaw, Appalachian State
according to police. Police identi ed the driver as Silvestre Rodriguez, 22, of Marshville. Rodriguez sustained injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital for treatment.
After his release, Rodriguez was arrested on charges of eeing to elude arrest, possession of marijuana, possession with intent to sell/deliver marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of selling a controlled substance, injury to real property and multiple tra c violations.
Pedestrian struck by vehicle in Monroe MONROE – e Monroe Police Department is investigating a vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at the intersection of
West Roosevelt Boulevard and Morgan Mill Road. O cers responded to a report of a vehicle colliding with a pedestrian around 9 p.m. Aug. 24. Witnesses told o cers that a pedestrian was crossing West Roosevelt Boulevard toward QuikTrip when he was struck by a vehicle. e driver attempted to avoid the pedestrian but was unable to do so in time.
Police identified the pedestrian as Tyler Stegall, 28, of Monroe. He was transported to a Charlotte hospital for treatment and is expected to survive his injuries, police said.
e Monroe Police Department urges both pedestrians and motorists to stay alert and practice safe habits when on roadways, particularly after dark.
University.
• John Scaletta, Waxhaw, High Point University.
• Dante'vius Brewer, Stallings, Western Carolina University.
• Maxwell Fitchue, Stallings, Wingate University.
• Christian Hasty, Stallings, N.C. State University.
• London Newcome, Stallings, UNC-Chapel Hill.
• Luke Niday, Stallings, South Piedmont Community College.
• Preston Taylor, Stallings, UNC Charlotte.
• Emanuel Williams, Stallings, UNC-Chapel Hill.
"We’re continually inspired by the drive,
dedication and community spirit of our young team members. Supporting their academic goals is a privilege, and we’re committed to providing a culture that values learning and personal development," said Katie Sens, Autobell director of human resources. “Our exible scheduling makes Autobell a top choice for high school and college students, enabling them to focus on their education and extracurricular pursuits."
Applicants submit an essay exploring an educational or creative aspect of their Autobell employment experience as well as letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches and community leaders. e selection process considers academic diligence, extracurricular activity, civic engagement and leadership potential.
South Piedmont recognizes new, departing board members
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College is recognizing the new, reappointed and departing members of its board of trustees.
“We thank the outgoing trustees for their dedicated service, and we eagerly welcome the new and reappointed trustees,” President Dr. Stacy Waters-Bailey said. “Together, we will do great things for both the college and our community.”
The changes within the 13-member board include:
• Michael Freeman, who was appointed by the Anson County Board of Education, has concluded his term.
• Caroline Hightower, who was appointed by the governor and served as vice chair, has concluded two terms.
• Ashley Carter has been reappointed by the Anson County Board of Commissioners for a second term. Carter previously served a one-year term. Carter is chief operating o cer of Loba-Wakol, North America. He also serves on the South Piedmont Foundation board of directors.
• Chris Duggan has been reappointed by the Union County Board of Commissioners for a third term. He has served on the board of trustees since 2017 and is owner/ president of e Duggan Law Firm PC, an environmental and civil litigation rm in Monroe.
• W. Clifton Martin III has been appointed to his rst term by the N.C. House of Representatives. He also serves on the Polkton Town Council and is president of the
West Anson Property Management Group.
• Jeff Nahrgang has been appointed to his rst term by the N.C. Senate. He is the vice president of operations for Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company.
Carter, Duggan and Martin took their oaths of o ce Aug. 12. Nahrgang will be sworn in at a later date.
e board also conducted o cer elections Aug. 12. O cers are Pat Kahle, chair; Blake Hildreth, vice chair; Ron Brown, secretary; and Jarvis Woodburn, immediate past chair.
“ e board of trustees looks forward to continuing the work of advancing student success and serving Anson and Union counties,” Kahle said.
The Autobell Car Wash Scholarship Program has provided more than $2.4 million in funds to over 2,200 recipients since its launch in 2000. Photo courtesy of Autobell Car Wash
Ashley Carter, W. Clifton Martin III and Chris Duggan were sworn in as members of South Piedmont Community College’s board of trustees on Aug. 12. Photo courtesy of South Piedmont
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!
