The 10-03-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County
MONROE – The Monroe Police Department arrested Amber Nabia Gingham, 38, of Monroe, on charges of death by distribution in connection to the fatal overdose of Johnny Reyes-Matos.
Police responded at 7:11 a.m. July 20 to a 911 call reporting an unconscious victim at a home on Caleb Street. Reyes-Matos was pronounced
dead despite lifesaving e orts. e cause of his death was determined to be a drug overdose.
Investigators determined Amber Gingham was the person who supplied the narcotics that led to Reyes-Matos’ death. ey obtained an arrest warrant for Gingham.
She was taken into custody on Sept. 23 and placed in the Union County Detention Center
WAXHAW – There’s a phenomenon in Waxhaw that occurs every October when moms become zombies. And they love to dance.
e Waxhaw Mombies formed in 2022 as a community dance group dying to get out of the house. ey now perform 15 times a year at events across the Charlotte region.
e group has evolved in other ways. Two months after the Waxhaw Mombies rst performed, one of its members became a survivor of sexual assault. Members rallied around her, providing support and prayer.
Members went on to create the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault (SASA28173.org). The nonprofit has supported more than 1,200 survivors. e sisterhood provides emergency care kits, free self-defense classes and a supportive network. The Waxhaw Mombies plan
MONROE – After two decades with the same logo, Union County Public Schools is debuting a new look.
e logo includes a green graduation cap, representing the ultimate academic achievement in K-12 education.
“It honors our past and current achievements as a high-performing school district, as we build a future for innovation and collaboration,” Superintendent Andrew Houlihan said.
UCPS is also rolling out a new tagline: “Educate • Innovate • Graduate.”
without bond.
on performing Oct. 24
UCPS unveils modern logo, replacing 20-year-old design
Each word represents a key part of the UCPS experience:
• Educate – Deliver high-quality, personalized instruction that builds strong foundations, critical thinking, leadership and practical skills outlined in its Portrait of a Graduate and through other instructional opportunities.
• Innovate – Engage students through technology, creativity and real-world experiences while supporting sta growth and involving parents to strengthen learning for all.
• Graduate – Ensure every learner has access to
Police make death by distribution arrest following overdose
Police said at the time of her arrest, Gingham was out on bond for multiple felony drug charges stemming from an Aug. 28 narcotics investigation at her home. During that investigation, detectives charged Gingham with maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances; possession of marijuana; possession of
drug paraphernalia; possession of a controlled substance inside a jail facility; possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver cocaine; and possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver controlled substances; Anyone with additional information regarding the case is encouraged to call police at 704-282-4700.
WAXHAW MOMBIES
Flash mob evolves into supportive nonprofit
Student faces charges after false 911 call
WEDDINGTON – Union
County 911 received a call from a cell phone at 3 p.m. Sept. 25 within Weddington Middle School reporting that a student had been shot on campus.
e school resource ocer was on-site when the call came in. In less than four minutes, additional deputies arrived to safeguard the school.
e campus was searched but no weapons were found.
The sheriff’s office determined that no shooting had occurred and the call was a false report.
e sheri ’s o ce determined the 911 call came from a 13-year-old inside the school.
The student has been charged with a felony for making the false report. His identity cannot be released due to his age. Charges will be processed through the Department of Juvenile Justice.
The sheriff’s office encouraged parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making false threats. Such crimes carry legal and personal consequences.
meaningful pathways leading to college, career, military service or technical training.
e new logo and tagline comes as UCPS o ers 44-plus Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways, 30 dual language programs and 24 academies.
Specialty schools and academies include Agrotechnology (AgTech) Academy, Benton Heights Elementary School of the Arts, Central Academy of Technology and Arts, Health Sciences Academy, Sustainable Energy Academy and Union County Early College.
“Let me be clear, we have zero tolerance for anyone who makes false threats against our schools,” Sheri Eddie Cathey said. “ ese hoaxes/false reports will be investigated aggressively, and those responsible will face serious consequences. ey create panic, disrupt learning and divert emergency resources away from where they may be truly needed.”
Cathey said he was proud of the rapid response and professionalism of his sta as well as the partnership with Union County Public Schools to keep students and sta safe.
He thanked parents for their understanding as lockdowns took place as students were scheduled for dismissal.
“Parents should feel confident knowing that their children are safe and that the safety protocols in place worked exactly as designed,” Cathey said.
You never know where the Waxhaw Mombies will pop up. Their fun attitudes are highly contagious. Photos courtesy of Dayna Corcoran
at Carolina Scoops Ice Cream in Pineville and Oct. 25 during Fright Night
in downtown Waxhaw. Search for Waxhaw Mombies on Facebook to keep up with the group.
Members of the flash mob launched the Sisterhood Against Sexual Assault. The nonprofit supports victims of sexual assault in several ways, including care packages. The group has an Amazon Wish List, in which the community can donate supplies.
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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
UCPS launches redesigned website
MONROE – Union County Public Schools has launched a redesigned website, offering a fresh, user-friendly experience for employees, parents, students and the community.
The official site now has a new home at ucpsnc.org.
All UCPS school websites have also been updated with new web addresses. While old links will temporarily redirect to the new sites, visitors are encouraged to
update their bookmarks to ensure continued access to their school pages.
“We updated our website to meet the expectations of today’s users,” said Tahira Stalberte, assistant superintendent for Communications and Community Relations. “With most visitors accessing information from mobile devices, a mobile- rst design ensures the site looks great and works seamlessly on any screen or device.
Accessibility, intuitive navigation and a modern design were top priorities in this redesign.”
Over the past year, UCPS conducted an audit of its district and school websites, identifying outdated content, broken links and areas for improvement. e goal of the redesign was simple: place key information where it’s easiest to nd for all users.
• For parents and families: The Students and Families section
Explore Gabby’s Dollhouse at SouthPark
CHARLOTTE – After seeing “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.
• Wander through the Fairytale Garden,
Oct. 3
Book Club
The Morning Book Club discusses “The Other Black Girl” by Zakiya Dalila Harris at Union West Regional Library. New members are welcome. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Babies & Books
Babies and caregivers listen to stories and songs during Babies & Books at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Tape Town Children navigate tape “roads” winding through a community play area at Union County Library's Monroe Branch. uclnc.org
10:30-11:30 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Oct. 4
Pink Pumpkins
e Waxhaw Woman’s Club hosts its Pink Pumpkin Patch event to support e Woman in Pink. e event includes pink pumpkins, baked goods and bracelets. waxhawwomansclub.org
9 a.m.-4 p.m.; 200 E. South Main St., Waxhaw
Anniversary Event
Bricks & Minifigs celebrates its second anniversary with giveaways and surprises for LEGO fans. thetrailhouse.com
10 a.m.-7 p.m.; 6431 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
Babies & Books
Southwest Regional Library presents stories for children during Babies & Books. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Simple Estate Planning with NC
Legal Aid
Legal Aid of North Carolina presents a program at Union West Regional
helping Kitty Fairy gather decorations for the big party.
• Pedal along the fairy-fied 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/ gabbys-dollhouse-x-camp-charlotte.
has been consolidated to include everything families need in one place. This includes parent resources, transportation, student support, after-school programs and athletics. Calendars now have their own button at the top right of every page for quick access.
• For staff: Employee resources such as payroll, bene ts, technology support and internal tools are grouped under the “MyUCPS”
section. • For the community: Information about volunteering, events and district initiatives is highlighted in a dedicated section. e redesigned homepage continues to feature news, events and key calendar dates. Spotlight on U highlights a student, a teacher and a staff member. By the Numbers shares notable district facts, giving a quick snapshot of UCPS achievements.
The Smoke Pit expands to south Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – The Smoke Pit has opened in The Arboretum. is marks the brand’s rst restaurant in the city, expanding from popular spots in Concord, Salisbury, Monroe and beyond. It is located at 8136 Providence Road.
The restaurant is known for its hickory-smoked meats, hearty Southern sides and family-friendly atmosphere.
Guests can look forward to smoked brisket,
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Library about estate planning. uclnc.org
11 a.m.-noon; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Life on the Space Station
NASA Ambassador Abbas Mokhtarzadeh talks about what it’s like to be on the space station at Union County Library’s Monroe Branch. uclnc.org
2-4 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Oct. 5 Corn Hole
e Trail House hosts a corn hole tournament. Play for prizes. thetrailhouse.com
5:30-8:30 p.m.; 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
Trivia Night
Sweet Union Brewing hosts Early Bird Trivia. Teams play for prizes. sweetunionbrewing.com
6 p.m.; 13711 E. Independence Blvd., Indian Trail
Oct. 6
Storytime
Edwards Memorial Library hosts a storytime focused on early literacy skills. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Advance Directive
Atrium Health representatives provide information about advance directives at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org 10-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Dash Into Space
Children explore the phases of the moon with a Dashbot at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
4:30-5:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Oct. 7
Storytime
Union County Library’s Monroe
Branch hosts a storytime with early literacy activities. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime Children can listen to stories at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
National Night Out
The Waxhaw Police Department holds National Night Out. Neighbors can tour the police department, check out vendors and engage in children’s activities. waxhaw.com
5 p.m.; 3620 Providence Road S., Waxhaw
Science Adventures
Children can design and create a dancing spider during Spider Science Adventures: The Great Spider Boogie at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Book Club
The Book Tea Book Club discusses books they’ve read at Edwards Memorial Library. e club is for adults. uclnc.org
6-7 p.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Bike Night
Peddlers Paradise Bartique hosts a Bike Night and Music Bingo on Tuesdays. facebook.com/ peddlersparadisemonroez
6-10 p.m.; 105 W. Franklin St., Monroe
Music Bingo
MOR Events & Entertainment hosts Music Bingo at Middle James Brewing. Play for prizes. middlejamesbrewing.com
7-9 p.m.; 115 E. North Main St., Waxhaw
Trivia Night
pulled pork, ribs, wings and other favorites, cooked low and slow, along with scratchmade sides and signature sauces.
Since opening its rst restaurant in 2014, e Smoke Pit has built a loyal following for its generous portions, bold avors and Southern hospitality. e new south Charlotte location seeks to continue this tradition. On the web: thesmokepitonline.com or shoparboretum.com
Cappitoff Entertainment hosts a trivia night at Small Bar Matthews.
7-9 p.m.; 4316 Potter Road, Stallings
Music Bingo
Jesse Lee hosts Music Bingo at Peddlers Paradise Bartique. facebook. com/peddlersparadisemonroez
7-9 p.m.; 105 W. Franklin St., Monroe
Oct. 8
Storytime
Union County Library’s Monroe Branch hosts a storytime focused on early literacy skills. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime
Union West Regional Library offers a storytime for children. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Storytime
Southwest Regional Library offers a storytime for children. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Lit & Lattes Book Club
The Lit & Lattes Book Club discusses “Weyward” by Emilia Hart at Sorella Coffee. The club is for adults. Copies are available at library locations or via Libby. Contact laura.kovacs@unioncountync.gov with questions. uclnc.org
1-2 p.m.; 100 Breckenridge Drive, Waxhaw
Trivia Night
MOR Events & Entertainment hosts trivia at Middle James Brewing. Play for prizes. middlejamesbrewing.com
7-9 p.m.; 115 E. North Main St., Waxhaw
Oct. 9
Storytime
Southwest Regional Library offers a storytime for children. uclnc.org
9:30-10 or 10:30-11 a.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Spooky Science: Bubbly Brew
Children experiment with a bubbling mixture of baking soda and vinegar during Spooky Science: Bubbly Brew at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
3-4 p.m.; 414 N. Main St., Marshville
Paws to Read
Children read to a therapy dog at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Play and Chat
Children take part in bilingual play and conversation at Union County Library’s Monroe Branch. uclnc.org
4-5 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Chronic Stress Management
Adults learn methods to identify and manage chronic stress for long-term wellbeing at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Guardian ad Litem
Adults learn how to advocate for abused and neglected children in court through the Guardian ad Litem program at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Music Trivia
Big Pop Trivia hosts Music Trivia at Americana Beer Co. americanabeer.com
7-10 p.m.; 222 N. Main St., Monroe
Karaoke
Barefoot Karaoke and DJ host a karaoke at Peddlers Paradise Bartique. facebook.com/ peddlersparadisemonroez
8:30 p.m.; 105 W. Franklin St., Monroe
Children can enter Gabby’s Dollhouse through a Magic Door inside the CAMP store.
Photo courtesy of CAMP
The Arboretum is an open-air shopping and dining destination at Providence and Pineville-Matthews roads. It offers a mix of national brands, local boutiques, and restaurants, including The Smoke Pit.
Photo courtesy of The Arboretum
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
