The 09-05-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
WAXHAW – Scott Dadson took an oath Aug. 25 to follow state and national laws as well as to not let his actions as Waxhaw town manager be influenced by “personal or political friendships or obligations.”
Mayor Robert Murray III administered the oath and took a few playful jabs at Dadson’s time (2021 to 2025) working as executive director for the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments in Salem, Oregon.
“Forgive him for being from the “left coast,” but you know, he just spent a few years there,” Murray told the crowd at Waxhaw Town Hall. “It's OK. He's cool.”
Dadson is no stranger to the Carolinas either. He has served as town and city manager for Fairmont, N.C. (1990-1994), Buena
Vista, Virginia (2001-2006) and Beaufort, S.C. (2006-2015). “I want to thank the board for the condence in naming me,” Dadson said. “My wife and I are excited to be back home in North Carolina. Happy to be here in Waxhaw and serving with such a great team. I really appreciate that opportunity.”
Dadson’s rst day of work was the day prior to the meeting. He thanked Richard Hicks, who spent the past nine months as interim town manager, for driving him around town and setting up an agenda for his rst days at the helm.
“It's been both great to catch back up with Richard and also to learn more about the town,” Dadson said. “I'm excited about the opportunity to serve and appreciate the opportunity the board has given and look forward to serving with you folks.” e most sincere public welcome of the
CHARLOTTE – SHINE Musical Theatre recently staged performances of “Matilda Jr.” at the Parr Center Theater at Central Piedmont Community College’s Central Campus.
e production included musical numbers such as “Miracle,” “Bruce,” “When I Grow Up” and “Revolting Children.” Cast members included:
• Gwyn Clark as Miss Trunchbull.
• Ayla Lutarewych as Matilda.
• Elli Noel Caton as Mrs. Phelps.
• Miles Medlin and Ellie Grace Fichtman as the Wormwoods.
• Grace Williams as Miss Honey.
• Miriam Lee as Bruce.
e ensemble also showed their range as vocalists and dancers.
e production involved directors, a choreographer, stage crew and a technical team.
e cast will travel to Atlanta for the Junior eatre Festival, where they will perform a portion of the show for a panel of
MONROE – The City of Monroe presented an economic development incentive payment of $23,000 to Hamilton Drywall Products on Aug. 4 in recognition of the company’s continued investment and expansion in Monroe.
Hamilton Drywall Products reported more than $1.5 million in new taxable investments during 2024 as part of its commitment under the city’s economic development incentive grant program.
"Hamilton Drywall relocated its regional headquarters to Monroe during the pandemic, and in just ve years, they’ve already seen great success, with even more on the horizon," City Manager Mark Watson said. " eir continued investment strengthens our tax base, creates local jobs and supports longterm economic stability for our community."
Hamilton Drywall Products produces drywall finishing and building materials that serve the construction industry across the Southeast. e company has been a part of Monroe’s manufacturing community for years and continues to expand its footprint through ongoing capital investments.
adjudicators, receive feedback, participate in workshops and attend other performances.
SHINE, a division of Charlotte Academy
“When companies like Hamilton Drywall choose to grow here, it demonstrates condence in Monroe’s workforce, infrastructure and community support,” Mayor Robert Burns said. “We are proud to celebrate their success.”
Under the performance-based agreement approved by the Monroe City Council, Hamilton Drywall Products is required to invest at least $2 million in annual investments in machinery, equipment and facilities. In return, the city agreed to pay $115,000 over ve years starting in 2022. e company has consistently surpassed those requirements with more than $11 million in qualifying investments in 2024 alone.
On the web: developmonroe.com
What they said
• "Hamilton Drywall's expansion is exactly why we invest in economic incentives. Expansion creates jobs, recycles local dollars back into our community and strengthens Monroe's tax base. It opens doors to upward mobility for our residents and helps build a stronger future for our city." – Council
Waxhaw welcomes new town manager
night came from retiring Waxhaw Police Ofcer Donnie Gay, who was recognized for 31 years in law enforcement. Gay worked ve years with Waxhaw.
“Since I came here, it's been like family and like a home,” Gay said. “I know you're new here, Mr. Town Manager. I hope you feel that same sentiment as I have. One of my biggest regrets is not coming here sooner because this is a fabulous place to be and it starts at the top.”
Murray said Dadson was selected after “a long and exhaustive search. He thanked Hicks for his work as interim town manager.
“Our interim town manager, Mr. Richard Hicks, has done an outstanding job in keeping this town a oat and getting us through a very grueling budget cycle,” Murray said.
“We're very happy to have someone who appears to be cut from similar cloth.”
SHINE Musical Theatre presents ‘Matilda Jr.’
UCPS finishing up work at two new schools
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MONROE – Union County Public Schools celebrated the opening of new buildings for East Elementary School and Forest Hills High School last month, but the district is still nishing up the last few bits of these 2022 bond projects.
Sara Hymel, planning and construction director for UCPS, updated the school board’s facilities committee Aug. 27 on these lingering projects.
“While we have opened those structures, there still are items that we're working through: punch lists, completion of sidewalks, driveways and then some of the premium project items,” Hymel told the committee.
e new Forest Hills High School includes an auditorium, media center, multipurpose auxiliary gym, weight room and dedicated areas for subjects like arts, band and AgTech within the two-story, 213,000-square-foot replacement school. e old building will be renovated and become the new East Union Middle School. Perks of the new two-story replacement school for East Elementary include a lab for its Health Sciences Academy, pre-K classrooms and a playground for younger children. e original building was demolished to make room for an outdoor classroom and play eld.
Sarah May, who chairs the facilities committee, asked Hymel when work would be done at East Elementary.
“ ey're going to work to complete that car rider loop that is outside of the main parking lot within the next three weeks,” Hymel said. “ ey are continuing on grading on the hill for the play eld and also installation of that outdoor classroom.”
She added they are ahead of schedule in getting everything done by December.
May also asked about pending athletic facilities at Forest Hills.
“ e RFQ for that is in draft and we're preparing to put that out to the public,” Hymel said.
Hymel also shared renderings associated with the East Union Middle School renovation of old Forest Hills High School. She said the district is focused on nishing up prequali cations and getting the project out to bid.
e committee voted to send a few items to the full board for consideration:
• A request for additional furniture to supplement storage for classrooms at East Elementary School. A vendor quoted the district $184,310.01. at will come out of premium bond funds designated for furniture.
• A request to buy four trucks, two plumbing trucks and three replacement vans for $510,326.54.
• A request from Waxhaw Elementary School to allow its PTO to raise money for a walking track. e track would measure 900 feet by eight feet wide.
• A request to designate items, including kitchen equipment from East Elementary, as surplus so the district can sell them.
Monroe gives incentive payment to Hamilton Drywall
Products
•
– Mayor Pro Tem Surluta
• “It’s impressive to see the work being
of their success.” – Council Member James Kerr
Member Franco McGee
"Thank you, Hamilton Drywall, for your contribution to our city. You're a great partner in economic stability. We recognize your growth and commitment to our city."
Anthony
done at Hamilton Drywall. An innovative team of managers are bringing modern technology to fast-track much-needed wall surfaces for the residential and commercial construction industry. e City of Monroe is proud to be a part
SHINE Musical Theatre presents “Matilda Jr.” on a Charlotte stage. Snook Photo + Co
City leaders joining the presentation included Mayor Robert Burns, Council Member James Kerr, Council Member Franco McGee, City Manager Mark Watson, Assistant City Managers Lisa Hollowell and Jeffrey Wells, and Strategic Projects Manager Teresa Campo. Representing Hamilton Drywall Products was General Manager Nathan Hamilton and Controller Iris Chasteen. Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
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REV. TONY: IT WAS A LONG DRIVE BUT WELL WORTH IT
By Tony Marciano Contributor
In elementary school, the teacher asked us to write an essay titled, “What I did on my summer vacation.” ere was a lot of “Oh no, not an essay” (Remember Ralphie in “A Christmas Story”). Every year, the essay was similar. I went to the Jersey Shore, had family picnics and swam a whole lot. e pool was the best part of the summer vacation.
ere was one road trip from New Jersey to Rhode Island to visit my great-aunt. I learned I had relatives who, after landing at Ellis Island, didn’t stop eight miles away in New Jersey. ey chose to put down roots in Rhode Island.
Fast forward and I’m no longer in elementary school with Mrs. Hereford. My wife decided she wants to visit her sister-in-law in her hometown, which is near Syracuse. If we drove straight there, it was 13 hours with stops.
We decided to visit family.
e rst stop was my sister. Don’t tell her but her convertible sofa is not a comfortable bed.
e next stop was my rst boss right out of school. It was good to catch up with him and his wife. He richly poured into me when I rst started my career.
The next stop was my wife’s sister-in-law’s house. On day two, she decided to take my wife for a tour of the town she grew up in.
Two of my wife’s childhood homes no longer exist. One was originally a brothel (yes, you read that correctly) before her parents rented it for their nine children (yes, you also read that correctly). We visited homes that her late siblings lived in prior to their deaths. We visited the church where she gave her life to Christ and was discipled in the Christian faith.
e next stop was my last remaining aunt. A foot injury limited her mobility. We had a great time hearing stories of the years before I was born. en it was a short drive to my cousin’s house. She loves feeding guests. You never leave her house hungry.
Finally, we returned to my sister’s house and then headed home.
During each leg of the trip, I would ask my wife, “What did you learn?” We had some interesting conversations. For me, the takeaway was learning things about the people I love – things I had not known for over 40 years. It’s what I call, “ eir Backstory.”
I learned during my time at the Charlotte Rescue Mission that the residents we served came with a horri c backstory. ere was abuse,
addiction, unplanned pregnancies, alcoholic parents and threats to their personal safety.
So often, people would say to me, “ ank you for working with those people.”
I hated that expression because it made them better than the people I served.
I learned that the backstories of the residents of the mission were similar to the backstories of the people I love, the people I call family, the people that are important to me.
It’s too easy to judge someone and wonder why they do what they do. e backstory, the trauma, the abuse, the addiction, all fuel triggers that cause people to do things resulting in the life they lived.
One of our many expressions at the mission was, “ e ground at the cross of Christ was very level.”
Regardless of your backstory, no one is better than anyone else in God’s eyes. We all come to the cross with nothing in our hands but the brokenness of our lives. God takes our hand and says, “Welcome home.”
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.
‘Just the Ref’ celebrates the people who hold us all together
CHARLOTTE – Sometimes the most important players aren’t even on the team. That is what author Pamela Downs hopes to show kids in her newest book, “Just the Ref.”
Inspired by her son’s experiences at recess, the book highlights how everyone’s role matters even if you aren’t in the spotlight.
e Waxhaw resident observed how her son wanted so badly to be a part of a soccer game every day at recess, but he would only be assigned as ref by his peers.
“I tried to help him see the incredible value in the role he played,” Downs said. “In fact, he was the one making the whole game possible but also needed to understand and empathize with him regarding his disappointment.”
Recess holds a lot of importance in a child’s
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Piada Italian Street Food offers student special
CHARLOTTE – Piada Italian Street Food will o er its popular student special all day, every day from Sept. 1 to 7.
e special includes a regular-sized entrée with protein plus a large drink for $9, available in-store with a valid student ID. Students of any age and level, from middle school to grad school, are eligible.
Beginning Sept. 8, the Student Special will return with new extended hours: 2 to 5 p.m. and 8 to close every day. On Wednesdays, it will be available all day, plus the new latenight 8–close window.
“Student Special Week delivers unbeatable value to fuel the new school year,” said Stephanie Bauer, marketing director. “We’re excited to continue o ering the deal year-round as our way of supporting students in every season.”
e fast-casual Italian restaurant concept has locations in Cotswold (282 South Sharon Amity Road) and University Place (8932 JM Keynes Drive).
On the web: mypiada.com/student Monarch welcomes board members
ALBEMARLE – Monarch, a leading provider of behavioral health and disability services in North Carolina, appointed two new members to its board of directors.
e recently appointed board members include:
• Alexis Budge, vice president of investor relations, Flagship Healthcare Properties LLC.
• Michael Shamberger, mental health professional and community leader.
ese leaders join Monarch at a pivotal time, as the organization continues to expand services and deepen its impact across North Carolina, Rhode Island and beyond.
“With the addition of Alexis Budge and Michael Shamberger, the depth and breadth of Monarch’s board expertise continues to expand,” Monarch CEO Peggy Terhune said. “We are grateful for their commitment.”
Jeni’s releases fall lineup
life. More than just playtime, recess provides a space for children to learn about friendships and con icts.
In “Just the Ref,” kids can learn that belonging takes di erent shapes and forms on the playground and in real life, and that communication, perspective and expressing one’s feelings are paramount life skills.
“Just the Ref” is a tool for parents to help their children nd their sense of belonging. Downs hopes the book will show kids that all roles hold equal importance.
Downs’s professional experience as a program and project management leader as well as her role as a mother of two children has made her passionate about empowering growth and unlocking talent at every level, whether at work or on the playground.
CHARLOTTE – Jeni’s launches its fall lineup Sept. 4 with Caramel Apple Crumble ice cream at Charlotte scoop shops.
e new avor blends orchard-fresh apples, puree and juice with caramel sauce and gluten-free oat crumble for a cozy, baked-applein-ice-cream experience.
Other items in the lineup includes:
• Miso Butterscotch Brownie (Sept. 4), combining buttery caramel cream, miso and gluten-free dark chocolate brownies,
• Burnt Orange (Sept. 25), with orange ice cream, salted vanilla custard and burnt orange caramel.
• Cookies in Cream (Sept. 25), featuring scratch-made gluten-free chocolate cookies with white chocolate in vanilla-scented cream.
Governor announces board appointments
RALEIGH – Gov. Josh Stein has appointed three Mecklenburg County residents to boards and commissions.
• Crystal Noelle Cliff joins the North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board. Cli is the owner and president of Phoenix Moon Acupuncture and Apothecary in Charlotte.
• Cynthia Wallace joins the North Carolina Rural Electri cation Authority. Wallace is the executive director at the New Rural Project in Charlotte.
• Tammy Coley joins the North Carolina State Board of Certi ed Public Accountant Examiners. Coley is the chief transformation o cer at Blackline. She has been a CPA for more than three decades.
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a leadership workshop and some ribbon cuttings.
• The chamber hosts Coffee with the Chamber from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 9 at Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve, 15700 ompson Road, Mint Hill. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Sunbird Storage with a ribbon cutting from
While Downs studied creative writing in college and dabbled in poetry and short stories, it was only after having her children that she nally found the inspiration to put pen to paper.
“Just Me,” her rst book, was inspired by and celebrates her daughter’s fearless independence and self-con dence.
Want to learn more?
Published by Warren Publishing, “Just the Ref” can be ordered on Amazon, BarnesandNoble. com, warrenpublishing.net, bookshop.org, and asked for wherever books are sold.
You can nd out more about Pamela Downs on Facebook (@pameladownsauthor), Instagram (@pdownsauthor) and her website pameladownsauthor.com.
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at 8607 E. W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m. Register in advance.
• The chamber hosts the Tension to Trust: Leadership Workshop from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at e Village on Morehead Retirement Living, 727 E. Morehead St., Charlotte. Non-members pay a $25 fee. Register in advance.
Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of D.R. Horton's at Sonoma Hills with a ribbon cutting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at 6600 Barcelona Way, Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at 12:30 p.m. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the launch of the Girl Scouts Hornets’ Nest Council’s Build-A-Bear Workshop with a ribbon cutting from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 11 at 7007 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at 9:45 a.m. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Apotheca Cannabis Dispensary with a ribbon cutting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at 2201 Freedom Drive, Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at 4:30 p.m. Members pay $18. Others pay $24. Register in advance.
Matthews Area Chamber events
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a business luncheon.
• The chamber spotlights nonprofits during a 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 a workshop and golf tournament.
• The chamber hosts its 13th annual golf tournament at 10 a.m. Sept. 10 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, 7500 Olde Sycamore Drive, Mint Hill. 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 and leadership summit.
• 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.
• The chamber hosts a leadership summit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at Union County Agricultural Center, 3230-D Presson Road, Monroe. Members pay $45. Others pay $65. Register in advance. Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Quick Hits
• Subaru South Charlotte donated $5,000 and school supplies to Sterling Elementary teachers on Aug. 19 during a back-to-school breakfast, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will have teacher workdays on Sept. 9 and 23.
• Mental Health America of Central Carolinas will host the 2025 Southeast Regional Conference on Mental Health on Oct. 30 at the UNC Charlotte Marriott & Conference Center. e nonpro t expects more than 300 attendees from across the Southeast.
• Toppers Pizza is debuting its catering menu nationwide, making it easier for fans to enjoy its customizable pizzas, Topperstix and other sides at gatherings of any size.
• Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard has launched a new Apple Butter Concrete, blending Vanilla Frozen Custard with apple butter, vanilla wafers and gooey apple pie lling.
• Dave Reed, of Origin Rehab, discusses “Managing Your Pain: A Modern Understanding of an Age-Old Problem” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 9 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, 7500 Olde Sycamore Drive, Mint Hill. Register in advance.
Sept. 5 Book Club
The Union West Morning Book Club discusses “The Demon of Unrest” by Erik Larson at Union West Regional Library. New members welcome. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Sept. 6
Service Spotlight
Learn about the SPCC Adult Literacy Services Program and how to become a tutor or student at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Steps and Stories
Adults enjoy walking and reading during this program at Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Babies & Books
Babies and caregivers enjoy rhymes, rhythm and reading at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Photography 101
Adults learn photography
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
basics at Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
11 a.m.-12 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Sept. 8
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Tiny Yogi’s Yoga
Children practice yoga in a playful session at the Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org 10-11 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Sept. 9
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at the Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
NEWS BRIEFS
College gets $5,000 donation to support academy
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College has received a $5,000 donation to support its Law Enforcement Management Academy from the law rm of Leitner, Bragg & Gri n.
“It is no exaggeration to say that donations such as these make a life-saving di erence in our community,” said Mark Coan, assistant director of law enforcement training. “With the support of donors such as Leitner, Bragg & Gri n, we’re able to elevate law enforcement training, which translates to higher levels of law enforcement service throughout our region”
e academy o ers a six-month training program for entry- and mid-level o cers. Topics include leadership, media relations, budgeting and team-building.
On the web: spcc.edu/academics/areas-of-study/ public-safety/
Boy prevents train crash
WAXHAW – Mayor Robert Murray III credited 6-yearold Graham Huntley’s “sel ess courage and keen observation” for preventing a potential train derailment Aug. 12 in downtown Waxhaw.
Murray recognized Graham during the Aug. 26 board of commissioners meeting and presented him a proclamation documenting his heroic actions. Graham spotted a tree that had fallen on railroad tracks and alerted an adult.
“Graham Huntley’s quick thinking and timely warning enabled an adult to notify the train conductor, allowing the train to stop safely just feet from the fallen tree,” Murray read from the proclamation. “Graham Huntley’s attentiveness, bravery and presence of mind prevented a major train derailment in the heart of downtown Waxhaw and helped protect lives and property.”
Governor announces board appointments
RALEIGH – Gov. Josh Stein has appointed two Union County residents to boards and commissions.
Stein appointed Summer Anne Espinosa and Yaronda Ameris Kilgo to the Governor’s Teacher Advisory Council. Espinosa is a kindergarten teacher at W.R. Odell Primary School. She is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund North Carolina Beginning Teacher of the Year. Kilgo is a kindergarten teacher at Wingate Elementary School in Monroe. She is the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund Piedmont Southwest Region Teacher of the Year.
Quick Hits
• The Waxhaw Farmers Market told supporters that anyone running for local o ce can apply as a guest booth under the same guidelines as other vendors but this is not an endorsement. e market also clari ed that it's not politically a liated with any individual, party or campaign.
• The Community Shelter of Union County has tickets available for the Boots Goes Wild West on Sept. 13 at Outlaw Acres. e fundraiser will have auctions and BBQ from Jon G’s.
• Indian Trail Mayor David Cohn invites the community to Co eee with the Mayor from 9 to 10 a.m. Sept. 18 at Chestnut Square Park. Breezeway Co ee will serve co ee.
• Developers were scheduled to begin installing a fourway stop Sept. 3 at the intersection of Plyler Road, Corporate Blvd. and Unionville Indian Trail Road, according to the Town of Indian Trail.
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Monthly Grind Adults gather for co ee and conversation at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
I Survived: Earthquakes
Children explore earthquakes through Lauren Tarshis’s I Survived series, then build structures at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
4:30-5:30 p.m.; 123
Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Evelyn’s Book Club
Adults discuss “The Paris Novel” by Ruth Reichl at Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Sept. 10
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at the Main Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Baby Rave Babies and caregivers enjoy lights, music, and fun at Edwards Memorial Library.
uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Library Card Signup Month
Possibilities Pop-up
Learn about all the services your library card provides at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
10 a.m.-12 p.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Lit & Lattes Book Club
Adults discuss “Crying in H Mart” by Michelle Zauner at Sorella Co ee. uclnc.org
1-2 p.m.; 100 W. South Main St., Waxhaw
Kicko ! Foosball Face-O & Futbol Fun
Teens learn about futbol history, rules and culture, then
build shoebox foosball tables at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
4:30-5:30 p.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Sept. 11
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Storytime
Children build literacy skills with stories and songs at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Play and Chat
Children learn and play in English and Spanish at the Union County Public Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
4-5 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
PokéCard Trading Children trade Pokémon cards at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Scammers will try to rip you
off. Don’t
By Mike Causey Contributor
September is here. at means we’re halfway through the 2025 hurricane season.
During the past year, tropical weather systems have wreaked havoc in North Carolina. Just recently, evacuations were ordered along the Outer Banks as Hurricane Erin churned its way up the Atlantic Coast. Back in July, Tropical Storm Chantal ooded many areas in our Piedmont region.
Many residents and businesses in the North Carolina mountains are still reeling from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene last September.
ere are a couple of things we can count on when disaster strikes our state: 1) North Carolinians will come out in droves to help their neighbors, and 2) many scammers will use a disaster as an opportunity to con unsuspecting people in need.
If you’ve been hit hard by a disaster, don’t let a rip-o artist make you a victim a second time.
In the days and weeks following a storm, when homeowners are looking for ways to repair the storm’s damage, roo ng scammers will come out of the woodwork to take advantage of
Truliant
WINSTON-SALEM – The Truliant Foundation is awarding a total of $45,000 in Community Mini Grant funds to 30 nonprofits across Truliant Federal Credit Union’s footprint.
The Community Mini Grants program, now in its 17th year, provides community-based organizations with $1,500 in grant funding to support programmatic or capacity-building needs. e program is limited to organizations with operating budgets of less than $500,000.
" e Truliant Foundation’s Community Mini Grants program empowers nonprofit organizations by providing essential resources to grow their impact,” said Atticus Simpson, executive director of the Truliant Foundation.
“These grant funds help us build relationships that support our most
let them
consumers. Often, a scammer will take a homeowner’s money, including insurance money, but never deliver on the services they promised.
Here are a few tips I suggest you follow before contracting for roo ng services:
• Beware of contractor or roofing representatives going door-to-door after a disaster.
• Call your insurance agent or insurance company before signing a contract or paying for repairs.
• Don’t let the contractor work directly with your insurance company unless your agent approves.
• Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
• Get more than one estimate. Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
• Get everything in writing. The cost and the type of work to be done, time schedule, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations should be detailed.
• Require references and check them out.
• Check out roofing companies through the Better Business Bureau or online clearinghouses. Don’t be afraid to Google the business.
• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s
vulnerable populations. ey allow us to connect with and provide meaningful help to organizations with fewer resources, ensuring we serve our communities e ectively."
The Mini Grants program accepts proposals annually. is year’s program focused on training for sta and board members to equip people with the skills to drive their organizations’ missions forward. Materials and supplies for programs that support the foundation’s focus areas of workforce education, social mobility and nancial wellness were also priorities.
The program has awarded about $445,000 to more than 450 nonpro ts since 2008.
2025 award winners from Charlotte include:
• A Giving Heart Project – Funds will be used for resilience-building workshops, individualized case management, and community outreach to support families facing generational trauma and economic instability.
• BFIT Big Dreams Youth – Funds will support after-school programs and workshops that increase access to educational resources, promote family stability and equip youth with academic and life skills.
• Books with Color – Funds will focus on providing diverse literacy experiences and access to quality educational resources.
• Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC – Funds will support programs
license. Write down the license number. Also take down his or her license plate number.
• Never sign a contract with blanks. Fraudulent contractors may enter unacceptable terms later.
• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certi cate until the work is nished. Here’s a red ag: An unsolicited salesperson o ering to go up on your roof to inspect it for storm damage. Some scammers will climb up on the roof alone and create damage where none existed before. is can seem overwhelming, especially when homeowners are trying to gure out how to recover from a disaster. If you’re not sure what to do, call your insurance agent. Or you can call the Department of Insurance to speak to a specialist at 855-408-1212 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also visit us online at www. ncdoi.gov.
To report suspected roo ng or contractor fraud, contact the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 919807-6840 or toll-free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.
Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner for North Carolina.
designed to empower people through life skills training and community resources.
• CLT Bike Camp – Funds will be used to provide bike safety education and access to bicycles for youth.
• Despierta, Charlotte – Funds will help facilitate programs aimed at increasing community awareness and empowerment among underrepresented populations.
• GenerationNation – Funds will support youth leadership programs that encourage civic engagement and community involvement.
• Just Do It Movement – Funds will help provide motivational workshops and resources promoting personal accountability and community growth.
• Leah’s Hopes and Dreams – Funds will support programs that empower children and families through educational opportunities and resources for success.
• Living Libraries – Funds will support community literacy programs that promote reading and learning among children and families in underserved areas.
• Money Magnets Club – Funds will help facilitate nancial literacy programs for youth, teaching essential skills for managing nances and creating economic opportunities.
• Stiletto Boss University – Funds will be used for educational programs that empower women entrepreneurs through business development and mentorship.
Representatives from South Piedmont's Law Enforcement Management Academy and South Piedmont Foundation recently accepted a $5,000 check from Leitner, Bragg & Griffin.
Photo courtesy of South Piedmont
FERGUSON AMONG NORTH CAROLINA AWARD WINNERS
RALEIGH
– Gov. Josh Stein will present the state’s highest civilian honor, the North Carolina Award, to six North Carolinians, including the late James Ferguson II, on Nov. 13 at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.
Ferguson, who passed away in Charlotte in July at age 82, was a trailblazing civil rights attorney, best known for his involvement in a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 1970 that required school districts to desegregate their schools.
Ferguson earned his undergraduate degree at North Carolina Central University and received his Juris Doctor from Columbia University in 1967.
He co-founded North Carolina's rst interracial law rm with Julius Chambers, James Lanning and Adam Stein, father of Gov. Josh
Stein.
In 1972, Ferguson defended the Wilmington 10, a group of Black men wrongfully charged with arson and conspiracy, and 40 years later, he successfully gained pardons of innocence clearing their names.
roughout his career, Ferguson used his legal skills to desegregate schools, police departments and other agencies.
Other recipients include:
• Woody Platt: Grammy-winning guitarist and founding member of the Steep Canyon Rangers, Platt helped shape modern bluegrass while championing conservation in western North Carolina.
• Buddy Melton: Fiddler, singer and co-founder of Balsam Range, Melton has earned multiple International Bluegrass Music Association awards and worked to preserve
North Carolina’s musical heritage.
• Wiley Cash: Best-selling author and UNC Asheville professor, Cash has gained national acclaim for his novels and leadership in literary arts.
• Roy Williams: Legendary UNC basketball coach, Williams won three NCAA championships and ranks among the most successful coaches in Division I history.
• Kathie Dello: North Carolina’s state climatologist, Dello is a national leader in climate resilience planning and science communication.
Buy tickets at https://www.dncr.nc.gov/ about-us/north-carolina-awards. Proceeds from ticket sales for the awards ceremony will go to the Community Foundation of North Carolina to help communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
is year’s event will feature special performances and focus on the resilience of western North Carolina.
“Over the past six decades, the North Carolina Award has been given to many remarkable North Carolinians,” Stein said. “I am pleased to note that our 2025 recipients all either hail from or have made a particular impact in western North Carolina, and I look forward to honoring them in the mountains we all love.”
e General Assembly created the North Carolina Award in 1961 to recognize signicant contributions to the state and nation in the elds of ne arts, literature, public service and science.
Past recipients include William Friday, James Taylor, Etta Baker, Maya Angelou, Lee Smith, Eric Church, Selma Burke and Branford Marsalis.
Attorney General protects children from deepfake porn, AI chatbots
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson took two actions this week to protect children from deepfake pornography and AI chatbots that engage in inappropriate conduct with underage users. Protecting children online is a major priority for Jackson.
On Aug. 25, Jackson co-led a bipartisan group of 44 attorneys general demanding that Apple, Microsoft, Meta and AI tech companies protect children from predatory arti cial intelligence products.
On Aug. 26, he joined a bipartisan group of 47 attorneys general writing to search engines, major banks and payment platforms demanding that they take stronger steps to prevent people from pro ting from creating, sharing and selling nonconsensual, deepfake intimate imagery.
“AI can create enormous opportunities, but companies must do far more to keep users, especially children, safe from harmful
content and AI-driven risks,” Jackson said. “ ere’s no excuse for putting kids’ physical or mental health in jeopardy. ese platforms need to step up now.”
In their communications with Apple, Microsoft, and major AI platforms, the attorneys general raised concerns about recent revelations that Meta’s AI policies allow its AI assistants to “engage a child in conversations that are romantic or sensual.” e attorneys general urged tech companies with public AI tools to review and revise their policies to protect children and prioritize their well-being.
In a letter to search engines, Jackson outlined the failures of these companies to limit the creation of deepfakes and called for stronger safeguards, such as displaying warnings and redirecting users away from harmful content, to better protect the public. In a separate letter to payment platforms, the coalition urged these companies to take
bolder actions to protect the public by identifying and removing payment authorization for deepfake content. Criminals may create and use this content to blackmail and coerce victims into paying them or creating more content. e attorneys general warned the companies that they must be more aggressive in identifying and removing buyers and sellers who are distributing, purchasing or providing the tools to create these deepfakes.
Here are some steps parents and caregivers can take to keep kids safe online:
• Review privacy settings and set up parental controls for accounts that your child uses. Consider email, social media apps, payment platforms, games, search engines and your home Wi-Fi network. You can lter or block content as appropriate for your child. Understand that these tools are limited and often di cult to use, and there is no substitute for limiting your child’s screen time. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Center of
Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health for more.
• Talk with your child about the existence of deepfake pornography, and how it can be used to harm and extort victims. Remind them that a lot of what they see online isn’t real, and they should be skeptical about what they see.
• Remind children to be careful of what information they share online, whether it’s with a friend, a stranger or an AI tool. Anything you share online will likely always exist in some form.
• Keep an eye on your child’s behavior. Watch for changes that indicate that they may be experiencing challenges, and have conversations about those changes.
• If you become aware of deepfake pornography involving a minor, report it immediately to local law enforcement, the FBI and the CyberTipLine.
MilkShake Factory opens in Uptown Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – MilkShake Factory recently celebrated its grand opening in Uptown Charlotte.
e shop is locally owned and operated by friends and business partners Manjesh Gorajala, Shailendra Nanduri and Deepak Murthy.
“We couldn’t imagine a better place to open our rst Charlotte location than Uptown,” Murthy said. “It’s the center of the city and we are located adjacent to the Romare Bearden Park near Truist Park, Bank of America Stadium and many other attractions, making it conveniently accessible to people working, living and visiting the city, and we wanted to be right in the middle of it all.”
MilkShake Factory’s menu features an assortment of avors, including fan favorites like Chocolate Dipped Strawberry and Campfire S’mores, alongside handcrafted sundaes, molten chocolate cups and housemade chocolate treats. Every item is made with MilkShake Factory’s signature ice cream, created fresh in-store daily using a family recipe.
“What drew us to MilkShake Factory is the quality behind the brand,” Gorajala said. “From the fresh ice cream made fresh in-store to the small batch, house-made chocolates, everything is crafted with care to create an
experience you can’t nd anywhere else.”
e company began in 1914 as a small soda fountain and chocolate shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Today, MilkShake Factory stays true to its roots in chocolate and its heritage as a family-founded brand, while bringing joy to new communities across the country through its growing franchise program.
e brand has two other North Carolina locations in Durham and Cary.
“We’re excited to become a destination where locals and visitors alike can treat themselves to something memorable,” Nanduri said of the Charlotte location.
e Charlotte Uptown store opens daily from noon to 10 p.m.
The Milkshake Factory, a brand with a history spanning more than 100 years, has entered the Charlotte market.
Photos courtesy of MilkShake Factory
The Milkshake Factory is no one-trick pony. Gallop on over to try some chocolates.
Campfire s’mores, Chocolate cake, chocolate dipped strawberry, cookie jar are among signature flavors of milkshakes. Customers can also buy gourmet, classic and non-dairy flavors.
IT Professionals:
Entry Lvl to Sr. Lvl (Multiple Positions) of EDI Systems Analysts, R&D Packaging Engineers are needed for our Charlotte, NC office. Must be willing to travel to set up systems for various clients at unanticipated locations across the nation. Pls send resume, cover letter & salary reqmt to Amko Software Solutions Inc, 8819 University East Dr, Ste 105, Charlotte, NC 28213.
Tech, Developer SR II - Healthcare Digital. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. May telco w/in comm dist of Charlotte, NC 3-4 dys / wk. May wrk in off 1-2 dys/wk. Dev EAs in dig HC. M-F, 8a - 5p, 40 hrs/wk + aft hrs. Reqs Bach / Mast in CS, Comp IS, Sci, Engg / Math / rel / equiv. Reqs 8 yrs w/ Bach, 6 yrs w/ Mast, SW engg exp incl (if Bach 8 yrs, if Mast 6 yrs): Java prog; 6 yrs (w/ Bach / Mast): Sprng frmwrks; Hibernate JPA prog; 5 yrs (w/ Bach/Mast): Javascript prog; Micro Serv arch & dsgn; REST / WebService API Dev; Mod app pipelines & DevOps proc; Agile w/ Scrum Proc; 3 yrs (w/ Bach / Mast): wrk w/ AWS Runtime Env; Mod APM tools (Dynatrace, Splunk, AppDynamics/ CloudWatch). Sbmt to bg chck. Apply: res to: shared. talentacquisitionoperations@ compass-usa.com & ref #116773.
IT Professionals:
Ent. Level SW Devs and Sr to Lead Level SW Engnrs., are needed for our Charlotte, NC Office. May req. traveling to various unanticipated client sites. Pls send resume, Cvr Ltr., & Sal. Req. to Tabner, Inc. 11020 David Taylor Dr, Ste. 103, Charlotte, NC 28262.
CLASSIFIEDS
Software Engineering Director, F/T at Truist Bank (Multiple Openings) (Charlotte, NC) Lead team(s) responsible for technology solutions that meet business needs & satisfy risk & operational reqmts of the Tech organization. Direct the engg & deployment of significant delivery projects in accordance w/ specified tech’l reqmts, schedules, & budgets, incl Agile methodologies. Must have Bach’s deg in Comp Sci, Comp Engg, or rltd tech’l field + 8 yrs of progressive exp in s/ware engg or IT consulting positions performing/utilizing the following: leading s/ware dvlpmt teams to deliver projects; demonstrating expertise in Java prgmg language, Spring framework, & leveraging them to dvlp scalable & maintainable applications; Cloudnative dvlpmt practices & tools, incl microservices architecture, API gateways; promoting best practices in s/ware dvlpmt, incl Agile methodologies, DevOps practices, code quality standards, & CI/CD pipelines; dsgng & implmtg fraud detection & prevention applications incl Login, New Deposit Account, Checks & Deposits, Account Take Over, Digital Wallets fraud; indepth knowl of technology trends, regulatory reqmts, & IT strategies employed to continually meet the demands of clients & regulators; translating enterprise level strategic planning info into s/ ware & data mgmt needs, creating business plans, & turning them into effective business solutions; using executive-level communications skills, incl, strong negotiation/ facilitation /presentation skills & negotiating w/ vendors; leading projects of significant complexity & risk exposure, particularly w/ enterprise-wide implications;
Teen earns $30K after volunteering at DAV in Charlotte
ERLANGER, Ky. – Disabled American Veterans has named Nihar Kummetha, of Concord, as the recipient of the 2025 DAV Scholarships’ top prize of $30,000.
Kummetha, 19, has spent the past four summers volunteering at VA medical facilities in Charlotte.
“I got started with volunteering because I wanted to give back to my community in a more meaningful way, and I truly found that by helping veterans,” Kummetha said. “It’s really made me more open and aware to the sacri ces made by those who’ve served our nation. I think the veterans have truly helped give me a deeper sense of purpose.”
He said volunteering at the VA and working with veterans has inspired him to seek a career in medicine, adding that the scholarship will help him pursue his degree. He hopes he can one day come back to work at the VA as a doctor.
Kummetha is a 2025 graduate of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
and is entering his freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to study biochemistry.
He will be recognized Aug. 9 during the 2025 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Las Vegas.
e DAV Scholarships honor 10 students each year for their volunteer support of veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service Program and through DAV’s Local Veterans Assistance Program.
Akosua Mensah, of Charlotte, was among this year’s winners, earning a scholarship for $7,500.
“Every one of our scholarship recipients represents the very best young men and women our country has to o er,” DAV National Commander Daniel Contreras said.
“ rough volunteering their time, they’ve made a direct impact in the lives of veterans, and I have no doubt that each will go on to continue to do work and service that matters.”
exercising judgment in solving tech’l, operational, & organizational challenges in the context of complex business objectives & priorities; leading & managing the performance of multiple teams against a set of fin’l & operational objectives; & utilizing: Java, RedHat OpenShift Container Platform, & IBM MQ. In the alternative, employer will accept a Master’s deg in Comp Sci, Comp Engg, or rltd tech’l field + 6 yrs of exp in s/ware engg or IT consulting positions performing/ utilizing the aforementioned. 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# R0105825).
Decision Scientist III, F/T at Truist Bank (Charlotte, NC) Act as an individual contributor supporting analytics projects & executing against the objectives of assigned business group. Focus on high impact, visible analyses & initiatives across multiple business models, covering banking channels, segments, & products. Must have a Bach’s deg in Data Sci, Analytics, Comp Sci, Info Systems, or rltd analytic field +7 yrs of progressive exp in data analyst or research positions performing/utilizing the following: performing quantitative analysis & data analytics; statistical methods, incl a broad understanding of classical statistics, probability theory, time-series, & primary statistical tests; 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 to effectively extract, transform, load the data & for further model deployment, incl model maintenance & operation; Natural Language Processing techniques; & utilizing exp w/: SQL, Teradata, Hadoop, SAS, Python, R, SAS E-Miner, Tableau, Oracle, Azure, Excel, PowerPoint, & Word. In the alternative, employer will accept a Master’s deg in Data Sci, Analytics, Comp Sci, Info Systems, or related analytic field + 5 yrs of exp in data 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, incl: performing crossfunctionally & collaboratively, focused on supporting business partners w/ enhanced insights; engaging & supporting internal business partners, product sets, & projects, connecting insights w/ execution & business impact; providing leadership on target initiatives; & managing multiple projects w/ tight deadlines in a collaborative environment to drive max. impact. 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#R0105930).
Every child deserves a safe and loving home
By Joseph Hildebran Contributor
Every child requires a safe and supportive home environment – somewhere they are acknowledged and assisted as they develop.
Lutheran Services Carolinas works to ensure that children in foster care are matched with families able to o er such an environment.
e organization recruits, trains and licenses homes that can provide stability and support.
Currently, across North Carolina, there are over 10,500 children from birth to age 18 in foster care. Unfortunately, North Carolina has a shortage of foster families, particularly for teenagers. While infants and younger children are typically placed more quickly, teenagers often wait longer. is is not due to lack of need or potential, but because of misconceptions about older youth in foster care.
LSC employs a team of seven foster care recruiters across North Carolina. Four have personally fostered or adopted, collectively serving more than 65 children. ese recruiters contribute by supporting children directly and recruiting quali ed foster parents. ey draw on their personal and professional experiences to inform others about the need for and impact of foster care placements.
ere are several reasons individuals may choose to foster, though some remain hesitant about the process. Consider the following:
• Children in foster care have needs similar to other young people. ey require connection, support and encouragement to thrive.
• Special abilities are not required. Providing consistent and reliable care can make a significant di erence in a child’s life.
• Fostering may significantly affect both parties. Many families report fostering has had a substantial impact.
One foster parent, Debbie Eddie, shared that her background in social work in uenced her decision to foster, describing support given to foster children pursuing higher education. She noted that while attachment is common, the focus should remain on assisting children in need.
LSC currently supports over 100 children in North Carolina and currently has more than 135 licensed foster homes. Nevertheless, demand remains for additional foster homes, to meet the needs of the state’s foster care population. Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent can contact 1-800-HELPING or visit the website https:// lscarolinas.net/child-programs. Support can also be provided by sharing information, attending informational sessions or participating in advocacy e orts.
Joseph Hildebran serves as LSC foster care family recruiter for the Charlotte & Hickory regions.
Vegetables take over quirky town in new children’s book
CHARLOTTE – When she’s not sprouting tall tales, Charlotte author Amy Tobergte cooks up zany recipes with her son, Dominic. And like every great meal, every great story deserves a little flavor (and a bit of a mess).
Tobergte’s latest children’s chapter book, “Growing Out of Peeksgrove,” delivers in that regard.
Ten-year-old Tess lives in Peeksgrove, a small town that makes up for its minuscule size with its creativity. Among her extraordinary neighbors, Tess feels maddeningly ordinary, and struggles to nd a way to t in. en one day, a mysterious salesman promises Peeksgrove that he can put them on the map if they plant his special seeds, guaranteed to grow the most spectacular vegetables just in time for the county fair. But Tess quickly notices that something is up with these veggies: the garlic is gargantuan, the carrot tops are as tall as trees and the zucchini are taking over the school. Now it’s up to Tess and her best friend, Shelly, to stop the monster zucchini and save Peeksgrove from a culinary catastrophe.
“I think Peeksgrove as a kind of quirky world
within our world,” Tobergte said. “It’s zany, funny, crazy and yet relatable.”
“Growing Out of Peeksgrove” is reminiscent of some classic children’s stories, while feeling as fresh as the giant zucchini taking over Tess’s school.
Fans of E. B. White’s “Charlotte’s Web” may connect with the small-town feel of Peeksgrove and the excitement surrounding preparation for its county fair. And like Roald Dahl’s “James and the Giant Peach,” Tobergte’s story has heart and humor against a backdrop of giant produce. In the end, Tess proves to herself that she does belong in Peeksgrove, and learns to use her keen powers of observation and quick thinking to help others. Readers will be able to relate to Tess’s journey. As Tess’s mom likes to say, “You can’t have extraordinary without ordinary keeping it together.”
Published by Warren Publishing, “Growing Out of Peeksgrove” can be ordered on warrenpublishing.net, bookshop.org, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com or wherever books are sold. Follow Tobergte on Instagram @authoramytobergte and on Facebook @ ATobergteAuthor.
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 aboveentitled 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 _5_ day of September, 2025.
Jill C. Walters, Attorney for Plaintiff Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.
2235 Gateway Access Point, Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27607
BBB study: Grey market, illegal gambling thrives
From 2022 to mid-2025, Better Business Bureau received nearly 200 scam reports and more than 10,000 business complaints related to online gambling and gaming. Some scam reports involved outright theft, while business complaints showed a pattern of unclear terms and consumer misunderstandings. In some cases, consumers lost tens of thousands of dollars.
With billions of dollars flowing through this global industry, the BBB says a risky underbelly of pseudo-gambling, illegal gambling and scams has developed. Laws and regulations in the gaming industry vary from state to state and can be confusing to navigate. Furthermore, impostors, bad actors and scammers use sophisticated tactics, making it hard for consumers to tell the difference between a legitimate company and those seeking to deceive them.
There is highly regulated and fully legal gambling across the United States and Canada in the form of state lotteries and in-person casinos. This study and the problems mentioned do not relate to these entities but instead focus on the online operators emerging in our new legal landscape.
In “Grey markets and illegal gambling: BBB study finds consumers confused and upset, amid hundreds of unlicensed and unverified online casinos and sportsbooks,” BBB’s International Investigations Initiative examines patterns of complaints and reports, reviews the amount of money lost and shares stories to avoid common issues.
Key findings:
• Online grey market and illegal gambling operations are widespread, and legal protections are
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few and far between on these sites.
• Consumers report confusion, misleading terms and claim unfair losses as the industry has exploded in popularity.
• A complicated mix of laws and regulations across North America forces consumers to do their homework to find legitimate options.
Key stats
• $103 billion – Estimated size of the online gambling and gaming industry, according to Researchandmarkets.com.
• $402 billion – One estimate of the size of the illegal online gambling market, according to the American Gaming Association.
Numbers across North America (2023-24)
• 10,189 – Business complaints made to BBB. 216% increase between 2022 and 2023.
• 174 – BBB Scam Tracker reports. More than 100% increase over the last two full years.
Scam survivor stories Franklin in North Carolina told BBB that Facebook advertises many online casinos and he has played them since Facebook first started allowing them to advertise on their platform. He said it seemed everything was legit in the beginning, but now they have stipulations that you are only allowed to cash out a certain amount of money per day. Oftentimes, they only allow you to redeem 10% of the winnings. The gambling site will then take the rest of the winnings and not pay out anything.
Red flags
What red flags should you look out for if using gambling or gaming services?
• Big promises around payouts.
• Tempting ads without details.
• Overseas business locations.
• Sweepstakes-style games.
• Payment through cryptocurrency.
• Typos in names.
How can I avoid issues with gambling or gaming companies?
• Read your state and provincial laws. There are many different laws for online gambling, depending on where you live. Make sure you understand your local laws before engaging with any gambling establishment or casino.
• Check for proper licensure. Even if your state allows gambling, it may have a limited list of allowed websites. After checking whether you are legally allowed to gamble, check with your state’s gaming regulatory agency to see who is licensed.
• Read the fine print. The reality of how winning and withdrawal works may be different than your first impression on a website. Check out the details of a specific service and fully understand how it works before sending any money.
• Even legitimate websites may freeze winnings. There are many reasons why a casino or sportsbook might freeze winnings, even if the money is rightfully yours. Understand the rules of a website and what might cause freezes to happen. Know what actions to take if your account is frozen.
For over a decade, BBB’s International Investigations Initiative has advocated for an ethical marketplace by conducting deep-dive research on the riskiest and most common scams reported across North America.
Visit BBB.org/scamstudies for more information on theft and other scams.
Visit BBB.org to check out a business or register complaints and BBB Scam Tracker to report scams.
