The 10-03-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Matthews-Mint Hill
MATTHEWS – A suspect who locked himself in his home with four children was arrested without injury, according to the Matthews Police Department.
Patrol o cers responded to the 1700 block of Chambers Drive at 4:37 p.m. Sept. 25 regarding a report of a domestic disturbance.
ey made contact with a woman standing outside with visible physical injuries. e woman told o cers that her husband assaulted her and prevented her from leaving their home.
Police said o cers learned that her husband, 44-year-old Tyrone Derrick Jenkins, was inside with their four children and had two outstanding felony arrest warrants.
While o cers were still outside speaking with his wife, Jenkins brie y came outside but quickly returned to the home and locked the door with their children still inside, police said.
O cers on scene requested backup and established a perimeter around the home to monitor activity inside. Police activated
MINT HILL – Mint Hill Madness will feature three days of entertainment, carnival rides and food vendors.
is year’s festival kicks o ursday, Oct. 16, and concludes Saturday, Oct. 18, with what organizers are calling the area’s largest reworks display starting at 9:30 p.m. It all takes place at Mint Hill Veterans Park, 8500 Fairview Road.
Here’s what’s on tap for the entertainment portion of the festival:
Thursday, Oct. 16
• DJ Big C, 4 to 9 p.m.
CHARLOTTE – Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal for Drennan Shall, a 15-year-old Paralympic swimmer with SwimMAC Carolina and two-time cancer survivor.
Drennan, a sophomore at Providence Day School, was diagnosed as a toddler with stage III, group 3 rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive tissue cancer.
He underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery before going into remission in 2013.
While the treatments were lifesaving, they left him with lasting weakness in his left foot and leg, qualifying him to compete as a Paralympic swimmer. He also became involved in Charlotte-based Swim Across America, which organizes swimming events across the country to raise money for cancer research.
Swim Across America – Charlotte has donated more than $1 million to Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Levine Children's Hospital, supporting lifesaving research and patient care.
e nonpro t is preparing for its ninth annual Swim Across America – Charlotte Open Water Swim on Oct. 5 at Camp underbird in Lake Wylie. Proceeds bene t Atrium Health Levine Cancer and Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.
“Every year since 2019, I’ve looked forward
Friday, Oct. 17
• DJ Big C, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Diamond Dixie (country), 7 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18
• Children’s Entrepreneur Market, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Madness Pickleball Tournament, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• A Chance to Dance, 1 to 2 p.m.
• Children’s Entrepreneur Market, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Captain Mike and the Shipwrecked
to Swim Across America because it’s not just a swim, it’s a community all united by a shared purpose to make waves in the ght against cancer,” Drennan said. “As someone who has faced cancer and witnessed family members like my grandfather, battle the disease, I know how important this cause is. Every dollar raised helps fund lifesaving research and provides hope to patients and families. I am grateful for every single contribution and proud to be part of this incredible movement.”
Outside of the pool, Drennan serves on the Swim Across America – Charlotte Junior Advisory Board, where he is part of the social media committee (@jabcharlottesaa). Drennan’s twin sister, Annie, and younger sister also swim in the event. eir parents and Apollo, the Bernedoodle, will cheer them on during the Oct. 5 swim.
Drennan said his goal is to inspire others to support Swim Across America and to show that even the toughest challenges can fuel strength and purpose.
Swim Across America has raised more than $120 million since 1987 to help fund cancer research and clinical trials. at work has contributed to FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies such as Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. In the past year, Swim Across America funded a breakthrough clinical trial at
Husband arrested on false imprisonment charges
a special response team as o cers on scene attempted to make contact with Jenkins.
After making contact with him by phone, a member of the negotiation team convinced Jenkins to allow his four children to safely exit the home so o cers could reunite them with their mother.
Police said negotiations continued to persuade Jenkins to exit the home but they were unsuccessful.
Members of the special response team were beginning to enter the home to take Jenkins
Mint Hill Madness returns Oct. 16-18
(Jimmy Bu ett tribute), 3 to 5:45 p.m.
• Kids in America (1980s tribute), 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Wristband night is on ursday, Oct. 16, with all-you-can-ride wristbands available for $30.
Title sponsor Novant Health will distribute COVID-19 vaccines and u shots Saturday, Oct. 18. Other festival sponsors include Epcon, Dilling and Mint Hill Orthodontics. Visit minthillevents.org for a complete schedule.
15-year-old Paralympian to swim for charity
Shall, a 15-year-old Paralympic swimmer and two-time cancer survivor, will participate in the Swim Across America – Charlotte Open Water Swim with his two sisters. The open swim attracts more than 300 swimmers, volunteers and supporters each year.
Memorial Sloan Kettering that showed that immunotherapy alone could successfully treat certain types of cancer. e nonpro t recently awarded two rst-of-its-kind gene editing innovation grants.
Want to go?
Swimmers and volunteers of all ages and skill levels will gather on Oct. 5 at Camp underbird in Lake Wylie for the ninth annual Swim Across America – Charlotte Open Water Swim.
Participants choose from 0.5-mile, 1-mile or 2-mile swim options, with a same-day pool swim available. Visit swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte to register to swim, volunteer or donate.
into custody. Police said Jenkins came outside but continued to refuse to comply with ocers’ commands.
O cers deployed a non-lethal disorientation device, better known as a “ ashbang,” prompting Jenkins to surrender.
Police arrested Jenkins on charges of false imprisonment, misdemeanor child abuse, misdemeanor domestic violence and resisting a public o cer. He was placed in Mecklenburg County Jail.
CHARLOTTE – Oaklore Distilling Co. has released the latest whiskey in its Story Series.
Oaklore Story Series: Oloroso Sherry Cask Finished Four Grain Bourbon (SRP: $99.95 for 750 ml) is available in very limited release, with only 750 bottles for purchase.
Bottled at 95 proof, this six-year-old, non-chill- ltered, small-batch bourbon is a fresh take on Oaklore’s original Four Grain Bourbon, creating a new avor exploration enhanced by the nishing in Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks. The whiskey makers start with their traditional Four Grain Bourbon, which is crafted by Oaklore at the brand’s sister distilleries in North Carolina and Kentucky. Distilled on 24-inch Vendome all-copper column stills, the Four Grain Bourbon uses “the big four” American whiskey grains (corn, wheat, barley and rye). e whiskey combines the best ve- to sixyear-old barrels of wheated bourbon and rye bourbon mash bills, which are aged separately, hand-selected and then batched together, producing a nal mash bill of 70% corn, 10% rye, 10% wheat, and 10% malted barley.
Master Blender Tom Bogan, along with Co-Founder Matt Simpkins, oversees the batching process and then re-barrels the Four Grain Bourbon for additional aging of approximately eight to 12 months in palletized, non-temperature-controlled warehouses in the North Carolina Piedmont. Oaklore uses #2, #3 and #4 char level barrels and multiple cooperages to achieve consistency and a avorful bourbon that’s not overwhelmed by wood in uences.
Bogan and Simpkins transferred the whiskey into Spanish Oloroso Sherry barrels where it rested for 12 to 18 months, picking up the Mediterranean avors and in uence inherent to Oloroso Sherry casks. e resulting whiskey features an aroma of dried g, raisin and vintage wine coupled with cherry bark, cocoa and apricot on the palate and a dry sherry nish.
Relative to other American-whiskey-producing regions, North Carolina’s Piedmont is an ideal climate, particularly when it comes to barrel aging, according to Oaklore Distilling. e humid subtropical environment spends less time in the extremes, but experiences broad, daily temperature swings more frequently than in Kentucky and other regions, resulting in a more consistent, year-by-year aging process. is allows for a more uniform whiskey pro le, with developed character and a richer taste.
“National Bourbon Heritage Month feels like as good a time as ever for folks to try a smaller American whiskey that represents a lesser known, but emerging whiskey-producing state like North Carolina,” Bogan said, “whether that’s our original Four Grain Bourbon or this special Oloroso Sherry Finished Cask expression. Bottles are available online at https://shop.oakloredistilling.com/.
Drennan
Photo courtesy of Swim Across America
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Charlotte execs spearhead women’s heart health movement
CHARLOTTE – The American Heart Association is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health.
Leading the e ort locally are Julie Harris, an executive with Bank of America Private Bank, and Kaycee Kalpin, chief marketing o cer, Premier.
ey serve as the 2025-26 co-chairs for the Greater Charlotte Go Red for Women movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care.
Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“For women, life rarely slows down but there is no time to waste when focusing on women’s health,” Harris said. “Go Red for Women is a call to action: Red Means Go, for our hearts, our futures and every woman who matters to us.’
Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
“ ere is one source of support women can count on – each other,” Kalpin said. “Our unwavering passion and dedication to the Go Red for
Women movement is creating a ripple of change and saving lives in Charlotte and beyond.”
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on May 1, 2026, at the Greater Charlotte Go Red for Women Experience to take place at
On the web: ahacharlotte.ejoinme.org
Novant Health hospitals recognized for heart, stroke care
CHARLOTTE – Six Novant Health hospitals in the area have been recognized for delivering high-quality care for patients experiencing heart failure and stroke.
Each hospital also received additional recognition for adhering to added safety and quality standards when caring for patients with Type 2 diabetes during heart failure or a stroke.
e American Heart Association Get With e Guidelines program recognizes organizations for implementing quality-improvement measures to ensure patients receive e cient and coordinated care.
“Every moment matters when a patient is experiencing a stroke or is admitted to the hospital when their heart is failing,” said Dr. John Mann, president of specialty institutes at Novant Health. “ ese awards recognize the commitment our heart and stroke care teams have made to meeting rigorous American Heart Association standards and creating remarkable outcomes for all patients, including those with additional conditions.”
e 2025 honorees in the Charlotte area are:
Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center
• Silver Plus – Heart Failure
Target: Heart Failure Optimal Honor Roll
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
• Silver Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
• Gold Plus – Heart Failure
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Heart Failure Optimal Honor Roll
• Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll
Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
• Gold Plus – Heart Failure
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Heart Failure Optimal Honor Roll
• Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll
‘This is my daughter, this isn’t Iryna’ Judiciary field hearing goes awry for mistaken NC congresswoman
By Alan Wooten Contributor
( e Center Square) – Steve Federico placed a photo of his daughter for the members of the Committee on the Judiciary panel to see in Charlotte on Sept. 29.
In the Victims of Violent Crime eld hearing’s rst 15 minutes into her prepared remarks, U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross identi ed the image as Iryna Zarutska.
“How dare you not know her!” Federico said, interrupting Ross as she moved along to a shooting in Southport over the weekend and called the hearing “too little, too late.”
“ is is my daughter, this isn’t Iryna,” Federico said.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I am so sorry. I am so sorry,” Ross said.
“ is is Logan Federico,” he told her.
Alexander Dickey is accused of breaking into a home where Logan Federico, 22, was visiting May 3 in Columbia, S.C., while visiting friends at the University of South Carolina. She was shot and killed. Logan, who was from Waxhaw, planned to become a teacher.
Dickey’s criminal history includes 25 felonies among 39 arrests.
Eleven times between 2013 and 2025, Dickey was taken in by the Lexington County Sheri ’s O ce in South Carolina. Charges in the Columbia case include murder, rst-degree burglary, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, grand larceny, grand larceny of a motor vehicle and nancial transaction card theft. He could be sentenced to life in prison.
“To those of our witnesses who have lost loved ones to crime, or who were victims themselves,” Ross said before her mistake, “your courage in telling your stories and having your voices heard
is so, so important. And my heart goes out to you.”
Zarutska was aboard a Charlotte light rail train on Aug. 22 when she lost her life in a stabbing. DeCarlos Brown Jr. is charged with murder in his 15th arrest in as many years.
e Republican majority elected to visit Charlotte for a eld hearing in the wake of Zarutska’s death. North Carolina lawmakers have already sent legislation, Iryna’s Law, to the desk of Gov. Josh Stein.
In addition to Steve Federico, others testifying included Mia Alderman, grandmother of murder victim Mary Santina Collins; Justin Campbell, a police o cer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department; and Michael Woody, owner and CEO of 828 Bail Bonds and a state representative for the National Association of Bail Agents.
“To my Republican friends, this is not Democrats’ fault,” Ross said. “ is is the fault of Congress and our Legislature to not do enough. ey want you to believe that tough on crime and saying law and order is going to solve the problem. And they want to believe that the slogan will make America safe again.
“But if that is the case, why is the Congress cutting the aid to local law enforcement by $100 million next year? Why are they proposing cuts to the crime victims’ fund? Why do they want to slash juvenile justice grants and hate crime grants? Why are they working to cut federal support for survivors of domestic violence who I hear from every single day by almost $100 million?”
She accused Congress of trying to “defund the police and the FBI” behind closed doors. “ e reality," she said, "is these cuts undermine public safety, and they don’t give law enforcement the tools they need to keep us safe.”
Ross’ reasoning has been heard and debated in the squabble on crime solutions.
It
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
• Gold Plus – Heart Failure
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Heart Failure Optimal Honor Roll
• Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
• Gold Plus – Heart Failure
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Heart Failure Optimal Honor Roll
• Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Stroke Advanced erapy Honor Roll
Target: Stroke Elite Plus Honor Roll
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
• Gold Plus – Heart Failure
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Heart Failure Optimal Honor Roll
• Gold Plus – Stroke
Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Target: Stroke Elite Honor Roll
all started with five chickens
By Tony Marciano Contributor
I was hosting a backyard picnic for a group of people who serve with me to ensure recreational boating safety. I wanted this to be special. I had the badminton net set up. I pulled out the bocce set. e hammock was waiting for someone to lie on it. ere was a cornhole set to play.
e food had to be special. I didn’t want just hamburgers and hot dogs. I told them I would cook rotisserie chicken on the family grill.
e grill was handmade by my father in the early 1960s out of stainless steel. It still works great. Over the years we’ve enjoyed sausage, roast beef and of course rotisserie chicken. I was told 20 people were coming so I picked up four chickens. You know how some people don’t RSVP; they just show up. I purchased a fth chicken.
I have never had ve chickens on the grill. I knew how to get four on there. e day of the picnic my wife helped me put the chickens on the rod. I got them right up against each other. I was convinced this would be the day I cooked ve chickens.
Unfortunately, no matter how hard we tried, it would be impossible to squeeze the fth chicken on it. We tried various ideas but it didn’t work. e fth chicken would have to be cooked in the house.
ere is a picture from my childhood that my father had ve chickens on the rod. I thought I had posted that picture on Facebook. I decided to go through my feed and show my wife the picture. What I thought was a search for a picture from yesteryear was a walk down memory lane. ere were so many photos I showed my wife. It was a lot of fun comparing the dates when photos were
posted to what was going on at that time in my life.
en I stopped. It was a picture taken in Charleston, South Carolina in August 2012. I knew all the events. It was a trip with my wife and my daughter. During the trip, I had a business call I had to take. e call didn’t go well ( I won’t bore you with the details). What intrigued me was the smile my wife and I had. I looked closely at her body language as she leaned into me with a smile that was genuine and pure. I was no different. I had this genuine smile that said, “I was so proud to have this woman as my wife.”
I saved the photo and put it on the home screen on my phone. I wanted to remind myself of a time we were genuinely happy.
ree months later in mid-November 2012, my world fell apart. My mother was diagnosed with dementia, requiring 24-hour coverage. I ran into a di cult professional situation. ere was also a family matter. e three situations were the perfect storm. It led to nine long years of di culties in my life.
I can’t change what happened in November 2012. Had I understood the dynamics of these three events, I would have been able to address it rather than allow it to impact me for almost a decade.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation. Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Let me encourage you to look at the events of your life. Don’t let them hijack your well-being. While I couldn’t control the three events creating the perfect storm, I would have adapted better.
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.
e Westin – Charlotte. Now in its 22nd year, the event will feature a new theme, pop up women’s expo, heart healthy lunch, live auction and survivor celebration.
Kaycee Kalpin
Julie Harris
Mecklenburg County is a target for jury duty scams
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson said there is an uptick in jury scams circulating in Mecklenburg County. Residents have been receiving calls from people who claim to be deputies from the Mecklenburg County Sheri ’s O ce. e scammers claim the recipient missed a jury duty summons and may be arrested if they don’t send money or pay a ne. is is a scam.
“ is is a classic scam tactic, but it works because it’s scary to get a call from someone
who says you’ll be arrested if you don’t pay a ne,” Jackson said. “Please don’t fall for it, and please warn your family members about these calls.”
Mecklenburg County Sheri Garry McFadden is telling the community to stay alert. “ e Mecklenburg County Sheri ’s Ofce will never call you to demand money or threaten you with arrest for missing jury duty,” McFadden said. “If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and report it. Protect yourself, protect your information, and when
Explore Gabby’s Dollhouse at SouthPark
CHARLOTTE – After see-
ing “Gabby’s Dollhouse” in theaters, children can walk through a Magic Door at SouthPark Mall to explore more than 5,000 square feet of paw-some themed rooms.
Gabby's Dollhouse x CAMP offers an immersive and interactive experience.
Some of the purrrrks include:
• Step into Gabby's iconic bedroom, and with the help of Pandy Paws, enter the dollhouse world brought to life through immersive play.
• Channel your inner pastry chef in Cakey's kitchen, whipping up make-believe party treats.
Oct. 3
Co ee with Candidates
• Wander through the Fairytale Garden, helping Kitty Fairy gather decorations for the big party.
• Pedal along the fairyed trike trail and reach new heights in the Cotton Candy Treehouse.
• Mix potions and get a makeover in MerCat's science-inspired bathroom.
• Make a splash in Merlantis by sliding down the magical rainbow slide and diving into an underwater world of fun.
• Dance as DJ Catnip spins beats and rainbow bubbles.
• Meet Gabby in person and snag a keepsake photo. Book an experience at https://camp.com/gabbysdollhouse-x-camp-charlotte.
The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts Co ee with the Candidates at its o ce (Building 2, Suite B). minthillchamberofcommerce.com
8-9 a.m.; 7900 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Oct. 4
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
9:30-10 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts 30 minutes in person before the start of the event.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Homework Help
Children in elementary school can get one-on-one help on their homework at Matthews Library.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
10 a.m.-noon; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Fall Into Nature
Habitat and Wildlife Keepers hosts Kids In Nature Day with STEM-related activities at Squirrel Lake Park.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews
Madness Pop-Up
Mint Hill Events presents more than 75 vendors at its Mint Hill Madness Pop-Up market at Mint Hill Veteran’s Memorial Park. minthillevents.org
10 a.m.-4 p.m.; 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill
Mash-Up Market
e Mash-Up Market features handcrafted goods and live music at Carolina Beer Temple. carolinabeertemple.com
Noon-5 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews
in doubt, verify before you trust.” Here's what you need to know about these scam calls:
• Sheriff’s offices and other law enforcement agencies will not call you to demand payment in exchange for not being arrested.
• Even if you owe a fine for missing a jury duty appearance, you won’t be fined via phone or email.
• Don’t be fooled by the amount of personal information the caller may have about you. Much of that data is public, and they’re using
it to try to appear more legitimate.
• If you get a call like this, just hang up. Call the Mecklenburg County Sheri ’s O ce or your local law enforcement agency if you want to verify that the call you received was a scam.
• If someone asks you to pay in gift cards or cryptocurrency, it’s de nitely a scam. Call the North Carolina Department of Justice at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM to report a scam. File a complaint at www.ncdoj.gov/ complaint.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Chess Tournament Chess Queen Club conducts a children’s chess tournament at Matthews Library. Children ages 5-12 play 20-minute games. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews.
1-2:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Oktoberfest
Pour 64 hosts an Oktoberfest event with German food and drink as well as a costume contest.
2-9 p.m.; 4410 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill
Chess Club
The Family Chess Club tries out new strategies at Mint Hill Library. Recommended for ages 5 and older. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill
3-4 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Oct. 5 eater Audition
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts hosts auditions for “Scrooge! e Musical” at the Matthews Community Center. Auditions continue Oct. 6. Callbacks will be held Oct. 7. Learn audition requirements at matthewsplayhouse.com.
2-5 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews
Oct. 6
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 engage in stories and songs during Baby Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration opens 30 minutes before the event. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Book Club
e Far Horizons Book Club discusses “Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human
Smuggling” by Jason De León at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews.
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
eater Audition
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts hosts auditions for “Scrooge! e Musical” at the Matthews Community Center. Callbacks will be held Oct. 7. Learn audition requirements at matthewsplayhouse.com.
6-9 p.m.; 100 E. McDowelll St., Matthews
Trivia Night
Shep’s Bar & Grill hosts trivia on Mondays. shepsbar.com
7-9 p.m.; 8111 Fairview Road, Mint Hill
Karaoke
Ames Street Marketplace hosts karaoke on Mondays at the Back Corner. carolinabeertemple.com
7-10 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews
Oct. 7
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews
10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts 30 minutes in person before the start of the event.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill
10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Candidates Forum
The Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Matthews Area Chamber 2025 Candidates Forum at Christ Covenant Church Community Life Center. Register for the free event in advance at matthewschamber.org.
6 to 8 p.m.; 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews
National Night Out
The Matthews Police Department holds National Night Out at Stumptown Park. is is a postponed event from August. is is an opportunity to connect with neighbors and the police department. matthewsnc.gov/police
6-9 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Pajamas and stu ed animals are welcome. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
6:30-7 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Karaoke
Shep’s Bar & Grill hosts karaoke on Tuesdays. shepsbar.com 7-10 p.m.; 8111 Fairview Road, Mint Hill
Oct. 8
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Preschool Storytime
Children ages 3-5 engage in stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration opens 30 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start.
cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 11:15-11:45 a.m. or noon-12:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Bike Night Kristopher’s Sports Bar & Restaurant
hosts a Bike Night with DJ and drink specials. kristopherssportsbar.com
5:30-8:30 p.m.; 250 N. Trade St., Matthews
Oct. 9
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Park Storytime
Matthews Library holds a Storytime in the Park at Squirrel Lake Park. e event is designed for ages 2-5. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 11-11:30 a.m.; 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews
Chess Club Children ages 5-11 learn how to play during Chess Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews
4:30-5:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Book Club
The Evening Edition Book Club discusses “Maus: A Survivor's Tale” by Art Spiegleman at Mint Hill Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill.
6-7:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Tax Forum
Mecklenburg Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell hosts a community meeting on the transit tax at Matthews Town Hall.
6-7:45 p.m.; 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Oct. 23
Candidate Forum
e Mint Hill Women’s Club holds a Candidate Forum at Mint Hill Town Hall. e event will be livestreamed on YouTube. mhwclub.com
7 p.m.; 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill
Oct. 25
Co ee with Candidates e Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts Co ee with the Candidates at its office (Building 2, Suite B).
minthillchamberofcommerce.com
9:30-11 a.m.; 7900 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Children can enter Gabby’s Dollhouse through a Magic Door inside the CAMP store. Photo courtesy of CAMP
CRTPO creating safety action plan
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization intends to engage all 24 member jurisdictions to create a safety action plan.
e CRTPO planning area experienced 21,318 crashes with injuries last year, including 205 fatal crashes. e plan will establish a vision for reducing serious tra c injuries and fatalities on the region’s transportation network.
e study will develop a new regional high injury network tool to identify corridors and intersections with high crash rates in need of
tra c safety enhancements.
A predictive risk analysis will identify roads with contributing crash factors, like poor visibility and lack of pedestrian crossings, to recommend improvements before crashes happen.
Road safety audits will send teams to speci c roadway and transit sites to further evaluate data ndings on the ground. ese ndings and recommendations will be compiled into a nal safety action plan, including phased strategies for investing in solutions and local action plans for each
member community.
is work will be overseen by a transportation safety task force and reviewed by members of the community at public events and with a community advisory panel.
e CRTPO will embed ndings and recommendations from the study into its ongoing work to program and fund transportation projects with regional signi cance.
ese initiatives are made possible through a $3.15 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Discretionary Grant
program. e CRTPO was authorized Sept. 4 to begin using these funds for its safety planning.
“As we all know with grant applications in our communities, the work is not easy, and all of this grant application was done in house at a huge savings to our region,” said Lisa Qualls, CRTPO board chair and Mooresville commissioner. “We’re excited to be a leader in our region for transportation. We want to do everything possible to avoid those [serious] crashes.”
CAROLINA RENAISSANCE
FESTIVAL OFFERS AN ESCAPE
HUNTERSVILLE – The Carolina Renaissance Festival is back for a 32nd season of medieval marvels spanning eight weekends, starting Oct. 4.
e gates of the ctional village of Fairhaven will swing open to reveal charming cottages, castles, kitchens and pubs that set a stage for a day of immersive theater. More than 300 costumed characters will roam the festival grounds, portraying noble knights, frolicking fairies, royals and peasants.
Festival-goers may come in modern wear or medieval garb with rentals available at the village entry’s Belrose Costume Shop.
Organizers are touting new characters, musicians, circus performers, artisans and craftspeople along with returning favorites, who together create a living tapestry of Elizabethan delight.
Returning premier entertainments include:
• The Tournament Joust: Cheer for your champion in a thrilling clash of armor, speed and chivalry. New this season are special VIP reserved seating sections. Reserve seats at carolina.renfestinfo.com.
.• Bird of Prey presentations: Watch falcons, hawks and owls take ight as the royal falconer demonstrates the ancient sport of falconry.
• The Living Mermaids: The Fairies of the Sea return to interact with children with their graceful underwater performances featuring bubble hearts, splashing tails and magical ips.
Early holiday shoppers can peruse more than 140 merchants in the artisan marketplace. There’s hand-made jewelry, blown glass, woven garments and musical instruments. Watch as craftsmen ply their trades using ancient techniques, or try your hand at blacksmithing within the Dragon Forge.
Adventures for young and old await with people-powered rides and games of skill. Climb a castle wall, take ight on DaVinci’s ying machine, sail the high seas, throw axes,
shoot arrows and toss tomatoes at insulting comedic fools. Feast like Royalty with sweet and savory favorites such as the famous giant roasted turkey legs, steak-on-a-stake and bread bowl stews. Enjoy sweet treats from the village bakery or chocolate shoppe and quench your thirst with craft ale, honey mead, medieval margaritas or Pepsi. Want to go? e 32nd Carolina Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace takes place Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4 to Nov. 23 on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road. Tickets cost $36 for adults and $22 for kids ages 5 to 12 (4 and younger get in free). Get them at carolna.renfestinfo.com.
Photos courtesy of Carolina Renaissance Festival
Charlotte marks fourth stop on Riley Green’s 2026 tour
CHARLOTTE – Country singer-songwriter Riley Green will perform at PNC Music Pavilion on May 7 as part of his 2026 headlining Cowboy As It Gets Tour. e tour follows the release of his latest project, “Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe),” an expanded edition of his 2024 album featuring six new tracks that highlight Green’s storytelling.
From the emotional weight of “Make It Rain” to the rural charm of “Cowboy As It Gets” featuring Randy Houser, and the tender duet “I Just Need You” with rising artist Hannah McFarland, the new songs o er fans a balance of vulnerability and edge. Green reects on regret and heartbreak in “What Am I Supposed To Do Now,” taps into his love for the outdoors on “Bet ey’re Biting,” and honors the country legends who paved the way before him in “One To Willie,” featuring the guitar work of Willie Nelson. Justin Moore, Drake White and Hannah McFarland will join Green on the Charlotte date. Get tickets at www.rileygreenmusic. com/tour.
Oct. 3
• Amos’ Southend: The Castellows
• Evening Muse: Aim High, Boy Named Sue & Novumora; Jacoozy
• Franklin Court Grille: Dose of Ocean
• Grapes Wine Bar & Bistro: Matthew Ablan
• Great Wagon Road Distilling: Adam Daniels
• Hickory Tavern (Ballantyne): Jam Garden
• Home Brew Taproom: Avery Creek
• Mac’s Speed Shop: Th e Fabulous DB Cooper
• Middle James Brewing (Pineville): Analog Crash
• Neighborhood Theatre: Loe Shimmy
• Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre: Papa Roach & Rise Against
• Stooges Pub & Grub: The Deep Shallow
Band
• The Club House Bites and Booze: Pluto for Planet
• The Trail House: Brooks Herring
• The Underground: You Toki
• The Union Exchange: Curbside Prophet
Oct. 4
• Amos’ Southend: Tremont, Rookie of the Year & DJ Skid
• Evening Muse: Aaron Lee Tasjan; The ing With Feathers
• FD Cigar Co: Adam Daniels
• Great Wagon Road Distilling: Traxx Trio
• Home Brew Taproom: Bradley Steele
• Knight Theater: Mary Chapin Carpenter & Brandy Clark
NC. Prep Span lang lessns & 9-12 levl stdnt instr. M-F, 6:45a - 2:45p w/ occ aft hrs. Reqs @ lst bach in Modrn Langs/ Span/ Edu/ Secndry Edu/ rel/ equiv. Mst have / elig for NC Edu Lic w/ Span K-12 code/area. Reqs prof in Span & Engl. Hires mst cnsnt to drg scrn & bg chck. Apply: res to: robert.ellyson@cms.k12.nc.us & ref#118310.
Charlotte United Church (Indian Trail, NC), a Korean American Presbyterian Church, seeks Associate Pastor. Req. MDiv, Th.M. or rel’td & ordination. Resume to: cupc@cuchurch.org (Incl. JobID: 2581)
A sailor’s journey to the Navy started in Monroe
By John Osborne Contributor
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer
2nd Class Francis Gallagher, a native of Monroe, serves aboard the USS Essex, operating out of San Diego, California.
Gallagher graduated from Porter Ridge High School in 2018 and from Central Piedmont Community College in 2022 with an associate degree in arts.
“My hometown taught me that nothing comes easy and everything you do takes grit and respect, which has helped me succeed in the Navy,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher joined the Navy two years ago. Today, he serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to serve my country,” Gallagher said. “When I became an information systems technician, it motivated me even more.”
e USS Essex plays a crucial role in projecting power and maintaining presence for naval forces. It serves as the cornerstone of amphibious operations, capable of carrying Marines, their equipment and aircraft to execute a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to full-scale assaults. is ship enables forces to rapidly deploy and sustain operations in nearshore environments.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, Essex’s crew is made up of approximately 1,200 officers and enlisted personnel and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines.
DINING SCORES
e U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of underseaber-optic cables, Navy o cials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Gallagher has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moment was when I was promoted to the E-5 rank in less than two years,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means always having the courage to do the right thing, even when it puts you in harm’s way,” Gallagher said.
Gallagher is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my dad and my stepmother, John and Janet Gallagher, and my mother, Kimberly,” Gallagher said. “Without their guidance, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
“I would like to continue my education and earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science and eventually work in cybersecurity,” Gallagher added.
John Osborne serves as a senior chief mass communication specialist with the Navy O ce of Community Outreach
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry hits incentive goals in Monroe
MONROE – The City of Monroe presented an economic development incentive check for $307,142.86 to Charlotte Pipe and Foundry.
The payment covers two years of the company’s most recent incentive agreement with the city. Under that agreement, signed in 2022, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry committed to investing at least $50 million in new taxable improvements, machinery and equipment over seven years beginning in 2024. e city agreed to pay the company up to $2,150,000 over 14 years starting in 2025.
Charlotte Pipe and Foundry received the 2024 and 2025 payments combined this
year after meeting required thresholds. Annual payments under the agreement will be capped at $153,571.
“Charlotte Pipe continues to be a big winner for the city, our residents and its employees,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “We’re happy to provide this incentive as we recognize the importance of Charlotte Pipe expanding right here in Monroe.”
e Charlotte-based company manufactures cast iron and plastic pipe products serving plumbing contractors, builders and distributors nationwide. Its Monroe plant, located on Airport Road near the Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport, plays a key
role in producing and distributing materials that support residential, commercial and industrial construction across the country. Councilmember Franco McGee described the company’s investment as “jobs, opportunity and upward mobility for Monroe families.”
“By partnering in this way, we’re ensuring that corporate growth aligns with community growth, recycling local dollars back into local hands and building a stronger, more equitable Monroe for generations to come,” McGee said.
On the web: developmonroe.com
CMS approves modifications to five policies
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to revise policies regarding the board’s student advisor elections, grades for credit recovery classes, and three policies to comply with a newly enacted North Carolina House Bill.
• Modifications to Policy B-BSA – The board’s student advisor election will use an electoral vote system, as opposed to a plurality vote, to determine the winner. is change will give students from small and large high schools the opportunity to serve as the student body’s representative.
CMS UPDATES POLICIES RELATED TO CLUB SPORTS
• Modifications to Policy A-CRE – To comply with a change in State Board of Education policy, beginning with the 2025-26 school year, a numeric grade for all credit recovery courses will be awarded. e numeric grade will be factored into the student’s pre-existing failed course grade, resulting in a new passing numeric grade for the course.
• Modifications to Policies A-CHE, A-ILM and S-FELD – These policies were modi ed to comply with North Carolina House Bill 805. A-CHE was modi ed to provide a student or their parent or guardian the opportunity to request excusal from
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education voted to revise several policies regarding student participation in extracurricular activities, such as clubs, club sports and interscholastic athletics, within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
To o er clear guidance, the following policies were updated:
• Policy S-XTRC, Extracurricular Activity Eligibility, was updated to clearly de ne club sports as intramural sports not sanctioned or governed by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, authorize students to participate in club sports at their home school if the magnet or non-magnet school does not provide that club sport, and set clear scholastic requirements.
• Policy S-STCL, Induction of Students in School Clubs or Organizations, was retired and the content contained therein incorporated into S-XTRC.
• The Board also approved the creation of
speci c classroom discussions, activities or assigned readings if they believe the content signi cantly burdens the student’s religious beliefs or invades their privacy by highlighting their religion. A-ILM requires the superintendent to establish procedures that provide ongoing public access through a searchable web-based catalog to library book titles at each school to be displayed at every school’s homepage, and to enable parents or guardians to designate library materials their student may not borrow. S-FELD clari es arrangements for sharing sleeping accommodations for students on eld trips.
S-XTRC.E – an Exhibit that clearly outlines the club sport rules that govern student participation. It includes rules to comply with North Carolina General Statute 115C-407.59, medical requirements, sportsmanship expectations, and consequences for ejection, to name a few.
• S-SPTR, Interscholastic Athletic Participation, was also modi ed to include a de nition for interscholastic athletics and the rules for establishing athletic eligibility.
“ ese modi cations really create a more inclusive approach to ensuring all students, primarily magnet school scholars, can play club sports,” said Dee Rankin, school board vice chair. “We thank the families who o ered valuable perspectives on this important student topic. Students who may have not been able to previously play sports can now enjoy sports that enhance their school experience through learning teamwork, building friendships and expanding social networks with other schools.”
Jim Loftus, chief financial officer for Charlotte Pipe and Foundry (right of check) accepts a check from Monroe Councilmember Franco McGee. They are surrounded by (from left) Assistant City Manager Lisa Hollowell, Strategic Projects Manager Teresa Campo, City Manager Mark Watson and Assistant City Manager Jeffrey Wells. Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
