The 11-07-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly South Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – Estella Patterson is returning to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to serve as the first female police chief in city history.
Patterson, who started her career in law enforcement with CMPD in 1996, went on to become the chief of the Raleigh Police Department from August 2021 to March 2025.
“ e Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has a long history of incredible leaders who have collectively led CMPD to be one of the nest law enforcement agencies in the country and Chief Patterson
will continue that tradition,” City Manager Marcus Jones said. “Chief Patterson’s deep experience with CMPD, in addition to her recent experience leading the Raleigh Police Department, made her an ideal candidate to continue CMPD’s successes but also bring new ideas to further the agency’s growth.”
Patterson joined CMPD as a recruit in 1996, where she was the president of her recruiting class. In her 25 years with CMPD, she served in numerous roles, including deputy chief over administrative services and deputy chief over patrol services. She left
Photos courtesy of Matthews Playhouse
MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is bringing back “Scrooge! The Musical” for its fourth year, from Dec. 12 to 21.
Set in 19th-century London, “Scrooge! e Musical” brings Charles Dickens's “A Christmas Carol” to life with an award-winning score by Leslie Bricusse and songs like “Father Christmas,” “December the 25th” and “ ank You Very Much.” is musical adaptation (directed by Mary Lynn Bain) tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge (played by Korey Risley), an old man who despises Christmas and lives a life of isolation, treating his underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit (Bradley Wolke), with cold indi erence.
On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley (Silas Fincher), along with three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmas Past (Mary Elizabeth Johnson), Present (Mike Carroll) and Future (Leighton Stall and Charlotte omson).
The spirits reveal the consequences of Scrooge's sel shness, including the struggles of the Cratchit family, led by Mrs. Cratchit (Hannah Marks) and her ailing young son, Tiny Tim (Tobey Fincher).
Additional ensemble members bring the
CHARLOTTE – My Breast Friend’s Wedding raised more than $128,000 to support The Go Jen Go Foundation and the local breast cancer community.
About 300 women dressed in wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and wedding-inspired attire gathered Oct. 23 at Hyatt Centric Charlotte SouthPark to make a difference during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Want to go?
holiday show to life, supported by the music direction of Lauren Smith and choreography by Anna Eve.
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “Scrooge! e Musical” from Dec. 12 to 21 at 100 McDowell St., Matthews.
Matthews Playhouse will o er a “pay what you can” performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11, bene ting the Women's Health and Resilience Foundation Inc.
Remaining cast
Mr. Fezziwig: Ben Shelton
Mrs. Fezziwig: Kristina Blake
Isabel/Helen: Emily Calder Moore
Young Scrooge/Nephew: Liam Escalante
Tom Jenkins: Julia Vanella
Kathy Cratchit: Netéyah Boyle
Martha Cratchit: Margot Meyers
Belinda Cratchit: Bella Rodriguez Hunter
Peter Cratchit: Titus Wong
Young Marley/Topper: Ben Allen
My Breast Friend’s Wedding supports breast cancer community
Buy tickets at matthewsplayhouse.com or by calling 704-846-8343.
Young Ebby/Phantom/Ensemble: Tristan Tully
Attendees enjoyed wedding cake, hors d’oeuvres, champagne, music, prizes and wedding favors. Longtime Go Jen Go Foundation supporter Molly Grantham emceed the festivities.
“My Breast Friend’s Wedding was an incredible and powerful night,” said Shawna Dye Culik, event chair and board chair for e Go Jen Go Foundation. “ e brides, the love, the support, the friendships, the energy
Charlotte hires former Raleigh police chief
CMPD to become the police chief of Raleigh Police Department.
Patterson oversaw signi cant changes at the Raleigh Police Department, including instituting a recruitment and hiring plan that reduced the vacancy rate from 150 to 40 in three years, as well as the creation of the Raleigh Police Foundation, which raised $4 million in two years to fund special projects to bolster employee morale. Patterson also led her team in reducing violent crime, achieving
‘Scrooge! The Musical’ returns with new lead and director
Jen/Phantom/Ensemble: Alice Fincher
Punch and Judy Woman/Ensemble: Tracy
Stinson
Teacher/Pringle/Ensemble: Matt Diem
Mrs. Dilber/Ensemble: Robin Canchola
Mary Dilber/Ensemble: Sam Zierler
Turkey Girl/Ensemble: Lilly Crowgey
Bess/Ensemble: Samantha Davidman
Ensemble: Tre Canchola
Ensemble: Janine D’Andrea
Ensemble: Jordan Hartley
Ensemble: Elle Hutton
Ensemble: Aisley Rushing
Ensemble: Audrey Schlieper
Ensemble: Kiara Sepulveda
Ensemble: Milana Serova
Ensemble: Lizzy Shelton
Ensemble: Camden Stinson
Ensemble: Lina Zierler
CHARLOTTE – CharlotteMecklenburg’s Opportunity Compass just got an upgrade. The data tool from Leading on Opportunity now provides a more detailed view of what drives opportunity in Charlotte.
e tool tracks 82 indicators of economic mobility (up from 33), linking data, dollars and community impact to show how funders and nonprofits align their e orts.
“Over three years of piloting, workshopping, designing and building, we’ve learned about the kind of information our community needs, where to gather it and how best to position it so that Charlotte can effectively address economic mobility at a systems level,” said Sherri Chisholm, executive director of Leading on Opportunity. “We also wanted to package this information in a more visually appealing way to open up new uses, such as community goal setting.”
A.J. Calhoun, research and impact director for Leading on Opportunity, said the tool was designed to help the community identify the key drivers of economic mobility, track them over time and align programs and investments to those common metrics.
The Opportunity Compass aims to show the many organizations working together to advance economic mobility in the county.
e tool continues to track three key determinants (early care and education, child and family stability, college and career readiness) along with cross-cutting factors, such as Segregation and social capital. e new version of the Opportunity Compass is one of the only data tools in the nation to include metrics on social capital and its four drivers (access to opportunity, collective flourishing, strong communities and supportive neighbors).
“ e inclusion of Social Capital in the Opportunity Compass allows us to measure what truly matters – how people support
The Go Jen Go Foundation provides support to the breast cancer community through programming and events like My Breast Friend’s Wedding.
Photo courtesy of The Go Jen Go Foundation
CMPD Police Chief Estella Patterson
The Matthews Playhouse production of “Scrooge! The Musical” has become a Christmas tradition. This scene is from last year’s production.
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NEWS BRIEFS
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Nationwide Mortgage Bankers welcomes EVP
CHARLOTTE
– Nationwide Mortgage Bankers has appointed industry veteran Traci Harding as executive vice president of credit risk and product development.
Traci Harding
Harding brings over 25 years of mortgage experience to NMB’s growing Charlotte team.
Harding will be based at NMB’s new Southeast operations center at 11121 Carmel Commons Blvd., where the company has grown to 40 processors, underwriters and loan o cers since moving into the space this past summer. NMB is establishing additional o ces along the Interstate 485 corridor, part of a larger expansion that has seen the company open 12 new locations across the country so far this year.
Harding served as senior vice president, director of credit risk and loan quality at Movement Mortgage.
Bank of America commits $250M to fight hunger
CHARLOTTE – Bank of America announced a $250 million, veyear commitment to address food insecurity and other basic needs across the U.S.
e investment expands the company’s long-term support for more than 1,200 nonpro ts focused on hunger relief. As part of this initiative, $5 million will go to nearly 100 organizations meeting urgent local food needs.
Bank of America employees plan to volunteer more than 100,000 hours between now and the end of the year to assist organizations focused on hunger relief and other critical services. Bank of America will also match employee contributions, dollar for dollar, to organizations focused on combating hunger in the communities it serves.
Gun found at Monroe Middle School
MONROE – e Monroe Police Department is investigating an unloaded handgun found Oct. 29 at Monroe Middle School.
Police said the school received a tip Oct. 29 that an eighth-grader was possibly in possession of a vape device. While checking for the vape, sta discovered the student had an unloaded handgun.
School o cials noti ed the school resource o cer. Police said the SRO responded promptly, ensuring the situation was safely contained.
Police said at no time were any students or sta threatened. No injuries occurred from the incident.
The Monroe Police Department is working with school o cials to determine how the rearm came into the student’s possession.
Monroe man faces child exploitation charges
MONROE – e Monroe Police Department has arrested a Monroe man on child exploitation charges following a monthlong investigation.
e investigation began one month ago after the department received a CyberTipline report.
e Monroe Police Department worked collaboratively on the case with Homeland Security Investigations, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
ey conducted digital and eld investigations that culminated in the execution of a search warrant Oct. 30 at a Manchester Avenue home.
Police arrested Matthew William Gaylord, 44, on charges of rst-, second- and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, secret peeping and possession of methamphetamine. ey placed him in Union County Jail.
“ is case demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between local, state and federal agencies in protecting children and holding o enders accountable,” Chief William Bolen said. “We are grateful for the continued collaboration with HSI, SBI and the ICAC Task Force.”
CMS hosts Endless Possibilities Expo
CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools aimed to empower families with the information they need to make informed decisions during the Endless Possibilities Expo: Exploring Education Options at CMS.
e second annual event was open to families and students from pre-K through 12th grade across Mecklenburg County on Oct. 25 and Nov. 1 at e Park Expo, 2500 E. Independence Blvd.
e expo helped families understand the choice program pathways and options that
Golden Corral honors veterans with free dinner
CHARLOTTE – Golden Corral will host its 25th annual Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11, offering a free dinner buffet and beverage to all active-duty military, veterans, retirees, reservists and guardsmen from 4 p.m. to close.
e restaurant is also continuing its partnership with Disabled American Veterans, encouraging guests to donate or round up purchases to support disabled veterans and their families.
Golden Corral has served nearly 6.7 million free meals and raised over $20 million for veterans nationwide since 2001.
Bojangles debuts new Smothered Steak Biscuit
CHARLOTTE – Bojangles is serving up comfort with its new Smothered Steak Biscuit, available for a limited time.
The sandwich features a country-fried steak topped with Southern sausage gravy on a made-fromscratch buttermilk biscuit.
“Country fried steak is a Southern delicacy, especially when served on one of our u y buttermilk biscuits,” said Marshall Scarborough, vice president of menu and culinary innovation.
On the web: bojangles.com
Charlotte Area Chamber events
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a ribbon cutting and women’s programming.
• e Women in Business group presents “ e Marketing Race: How Early & Consistent Branding Wins Every Time” from 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 13 at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, 400 E. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Charlotte. Members pay $10. Others pay $25. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the grand
CMS o ers. It also gave families insight into college and career pathways through participation through key partners and exhibitors.
e CMS School Choice Lottery window is open now through Dec. 5.
Habitat to ‘Rock the Block’ in Matthews MATTHEWS – Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity is calling on volunteers to join its Rock the Block event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Winding Trail neighborhood.
Rock the Block brings together the community to complete minor exterior projects such as painting, seasonal lawn maintenance, mowing, planting and pressure washing.
“Rock the Block brings neighbors together to care for one another and their community,” said Natisha Rivera, president and CEO of Greater Matthews Habitat. “It’s a visible reminder of what can happen when people come together with a shared goal of keeping Matthews a place where everyone can a ord to live.”
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Volunteers under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian to volunteer. Tools, equipment and lunch will be provided.
Register by Nov. 5 at gmhfh.org/RTBVolunteer. Email Liz Sweeney, volunteer and engagement manager, at liz@habitatmatthews.org for details.
Quick Hits
• Marvin Ridge defeated D.H. Conley, 3-1, to win the 7A State Championship in volleyball Oct. 31 at Lawrence Joel Veteran's Memorial Coliseum.
• Socrates Academy recently celebrated the opening of its Upper School at 3909 Weddington Road, Matthews.
• Mac’s Speed Shop will serve a complimentary meal to veterans on Nov. 11 at Mac’s locations across the Carolinas.
• Autobell Car Wash will o er U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members a free Ride- ru Exterior wash, or an equivalent credit toward another wash option Nov. 11 at all Autobell locations in the Carolina.
• e MInt Hill Police Department announced that former K-9s Rambo and Valor passed away a few months after retiring this year.
• WIXE The Mighty 93.1FM and 1190AM recognized Zach Charles, of the Union County Sheri ’s O ce, as Deputy of the Month for October.
• K9 Atlas joined Cpl. Stanley on the road recently for the Pineville Police Department.
• e Charlotte Fire Department promoted Kevin Carr to battalion chief and Luke Karagias, Cody Whiteside and Nick Shriner to captains.
opening of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Uptown with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 13 at 210 E. Trade St., Suite B234, Charlotte. e ribbon will be cut at 11:30 a.m. Register in advance. Visit charlotteareachamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Matthews Area Chamber events
MATTHEWS – e Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a business luncheon.
• Julie Blum, client engagement director for CarolinaPEO, presents “HR 101: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Business,” during the Monthly Chamber Business Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews. Members pay $20 in advance (up to 24 hours before the luncheon) and $25 up to the day of the event. Others pay $25. Register in advance. Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber events
MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts a football outing, business luncheon and after-hours networking.
• Members bond over NFL football during Carolinas Chamber Day from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 9 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. e event includes breakfast, networking and a ticket to the Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints game. Register in advance.
• Fire Chief David Leath talks about re safety and Terry Aaseby, of Terry V. Aaseby CPA, PLLC, talks about tax implications of recent legislation during the Monthly Member Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 11 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, 7500 Olde Sycamore
Drive, Mint Hill. Members pay $18. Others pay $24. Register in advance.
• Members network during Business After Hours from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Nov. 12 at Carolina Hemp Company, 11205 Lawyers Road, Unit B, Mint Hill. Register in advance. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Pineville NC Chamber events PINEVILLE – e Pineville NC Chamber of Commerce hosts morning networking.
• Members network at the Chamber Monthly Co ee and Roundtable Discussion from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 12 at Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte Pineville, 425 Towne Centre Blvd., Pineville. Register in advance. Visit pinevillencchamber.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber events MONROE – e Union County Chamber of Commerce celebrates a pair of member milestones and hosts a luncheon with lawmakers.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Hays Dentistry with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at 1002 Aspinal St., Suite C, Waxhaw. Register in advance.
• Union County lawmakers discuss legislative updates during the Public Policy Luncheon: General Assembly from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Union County Agricultural Center, 3230-D Presson Road, Monroe. Members pay $25. Others pay $40. Register in advance.
• Members celebrate the relocation of Sodoma Law Union with a ribbon cutting from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 13 at 111 W. Franklin St., Monroe. Register in advance. Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
15 area football teams to play in state playoffs
CHAPEL HILL – Fifteen football teams in southern Mecklenburg and Union counties have qualified for the state playoffs.
e North Carolina High School Athletic Association released playo brackets on Nov. 2, featuring eight classi cations for the rst time. First-round games kick o Nov. 7, though six area teams will have a rst-round bye. Subsequent rounds will be played every Friday until the nals on Dec. 11 to 13.
3A
• No. 19 Union Academy plays No. 14 Owen in the rst round. e winner plays No. 3 Eastern Randolph.
5A
• No. 8 Monroe has a first-round bye. The Redhawks play either No. 9 West Rowan or No. 24 Southern
Guilford.
• No. 11 Forest Hills plays No. 22 Smoky Mountain in the rst round. e winner plays No. 6 Franklin.
6A
• No. 5 Sun Valley has a rst-round bye. e Spartans play either No. 12 Olympic or No. 21 Ragsdale.
• No. 8 Charlotte Catholic has a first-round bye. e Cougars play either No. 9 A.C. Reynolds or No. 24 South Caldwell.
7A
• No. 2 Weddington has a rst-round bye. e Warriors play either No. 15 Marvin Ridge or No. 18 Chapel Hill.
• No. 3 Independence has a rst-round bye. e Patriots play either No. 14 Page or No. 19 McDowell.
• No. 11 Porter Ridge plays No. 22 Cuthbertson in the rst round. e
winner plays No. 6 Richmond Senior.
• No. 13 Butler plays No. 20 Hopewell in the rst round. e winner plays No. 4 Mooresville.
• No. 15 Marvin Ridge plays No. 18 Chapel Hill in the rst round. e winner plays No. 2 Weddington.
8A
• No. 3 Myers Park has a first-round bye. The Mustangs play either No. 6 Pinecrest or No. 11 Chambers.
• No. 7 Providence plays No. 10 Ardrey Kell in the rst round. e winner plays No. 2 West Charlotte.
• No. 8 South Mecklenburg plays No. 9 Palisades in the rst round. e winner plays No. 1 Hough.
• No. 10 Ardrey Kell plays No. 7 Providence in the rst round. e winner plays No. 2 West Charlotte.
Women’s tennis players win state titles
CHAPEL HILL -- Stu-
dent-athletes from Ballantyne Ridge, Charlotte Catholic and Myers Park have won state championships in women’s tennis.
For the first time, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association crowned champions in eight classi cations.
Here is how teams from southeastern Mecklenburg County and Union County did in the playo s.
6A
• Ella Davis and Madison McWilliams of Charlotte Catholic won the doubles state championship with Vita Varney/Milly Williams of J.H. Rose, 6-0, 6-1, in the rst round; Zada Meachem/ Zola Meachem of Berry, 6-2, 6-1, in the second round; and Larson Berry/Abby Talton of Watauga, 6-0, 6-2, in the championship.
• Carla Perezgrovas of Charlotte Catholic reached the second round of the 6A
singles bracket after defeating Chloe Yount of J.H. Rose, 6-1, 6-0, in the rst round.
7A
• Juliana Andrea Castellanos Trujillo of Ballantyne Ridge won the singles state championship with victories over Nicole Ryan of Cardinal Gibbons, 6-0, 6-0, in the rst round; Lina LaVigne of New Bern, 6-2, 6-3, in the second round; and Kylie Ryan of Cardinal Gibbons, 6-2, 6-0, in the championship.
• Eleri Pratiknjo and Riona Ray of Marvin Ridge reached the doubles state championship game with victories over Jenna Navarro/Emma Cheek of Cardinal Gibbons, 2-6, 6-2, 6-0, in the first round; and Bintu Kamara/Ashby Gansman of Page, 6-1, 6-2, in the second round.
• Evie Kayes and Mariana Cuebas of Weddington were among eight duos to qualify for the 7A doubles bracket.
• Eva Tiwan of Ballantyne Ridge was among eight
players to qualify for the 7A singles bracket.
8A
• Teagan Reilly and Lila Cheatwood of Myers Park won the doubles state championship with victories over Samantha Barnes/Omisha Sinha of Panther Creek, 6-1, 6-1, in the rst round; Carson Margulies/Camryn Dysart of Millbrook, 6-2, 6-3, in the second round; and Natasha Wallace/Vivian Wu of Providence, 6-2, 6-4, in the championship.
• Natasha Wallace and Vivian Wu of Providence reached the doubles state championship game with victories over Brianna Stewart/ Ella Smith of Green Hope, 7-6 [7-1], 6-4; and Avrie Helm/Cohlsan Wortham of Millbrook, 6-3, 6-2, in the second round.
• Kate McLaughlin of East Mecklenburg was among eight players to qualify for the 8A singles bracket.
OPPORTUNITY from 1A
one another, how neighborhoods thrive together and how opportunity is built through collective effort,” said Kathryn Firmin-Sellers, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Charlotte. Civic organizations like the Charlotte Executive
Leadership Council and more than 100 nonprofits have already aligned their work to the Opportunity Compass. e latest version brings together data from funders, nonpro ts and best practices, allowing nonprofits and funders to update their data as it becomes available.
“By seeing all of this
and the strength of every breast cancer survivor, thriver, ghter, caregiver, and woman doing good in our world created something truly special. is amazing community is the heart of My Breast Friend’s Wedding. We are so grateful to everyone who joined us for an extraordinary evening to connect, make memories and support Go Jen Go.”
Proceeds bene ted e Go Jen Go Foundation, a nonpro t that provides nancial assistance to more than 110 families per month in the Greater Charlotte area who are facing the nancial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis.
“Many thanks to everyone who said ‘yes’ to making a di erence at My Breast Friend’s Wedding,” said Susan Evren, executive
a 100% clearance rate of homicides in 2024.
“I am deeply humbled and honored to return to Charlotte to serve the community and lead CMPD into its next chapter," Patterson said. "Reducing violent crime and disorder, enhancing community engagement, and increasing employee morale and wellness are among my top priorities. I look forward to working collaboratively with law enforcement partners and community stakeholders to make Charlotte one of the safest cities in the nation."
Charlotte City Council members, as well as leaders from civil rights, community and faith-based groups,
information together, the community knows not only what we should be focused on, but also who’s funding it, who’s working on it, and where there is movement,”
Chisholm said. “ e updated Opportunity Compass will be a valuable tool in tracking and measuring how Charlotte-Mecklenburg maintains that momentum.”
director of e Go Jen Go Foundation. “Everyone’s love, laughter and generosity will lift up local breast cancer patients and families in meaningful ways. What a beautiful reminder of the power of women coming together to make an impact.”
On the web: mybreastfriendswedding.com
provided input as part of the search process. More than 600 CMPD o cers provided input through an anonymous survey. The city received more than 850 responses to a community survey.
Patterson will succeed CMPD Police Chief Johnny Jennings, who is retiring at the end of the year. Jennings has been CMPD Police Chief since July 2020 and joined CMPD in 1992.
“I’d like to congratulate Chief Patterson and proudly welcome her back to CMPD as the next chief of police,” Jennings said. “She accomplished great things during her previous tenure here and I’m thrilled that she is returning to lead the department. As an internal candidate with external experience, she brings familiarity with the
agency and already-established, strong relationships in the community.”
Quick Facts
• Estella Patterson was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1996 to 2005, serving combat tours in Kosovo and Iraq, twice receiving the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service and reaching the rank of captain.
• Patterson is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
• She has held leadership roles in law enforcement professional associations, including the N.C. Police Executives Association, the N.C. Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies.
AT CARMEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ,education is more than academics—it’s a Christ-centered journey that shapes hearts and minds. Our college preparatory program is taught through the lens of a biblical worldview, equipping students to re ect Christ in all ares of life. We are a community where academic excellence, artistic expression and athletic distinction are developed through intentional discipleship. We partner with Christian parents to prepare and challenge students to love God, know themselves and serve their world.
You’re invited to discover how Carmel Christian is committed to nurturing each student’s God-given potential. Join us for open house or register for a tour! GRADES K-12 OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 18, 6:30 PM RSVP at carmelchristian.org/starthere
Accepting online applications for 2026-27 Academic Year.
carmelchristian.org
Indian Land Target is Now Open.
Molly Grantham (left) emceed the event. Shawna Dye Culik served as event chair. Photo courtesy of The Go Jen Go Foundation
Southern Christmas Show offers tons of shopping
CHARLOTTE
– The 58th annual Southern Christmas Show will feature more than 400 holiday merchants showcasing the latest gifts, treats, holiday décor and gourmet goodies.
Marketplace Events hosts the show from Nov. 13 to 23 at e Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road. is year’s theme is Santa’s Workshop.
e show is the equivalent of more than 11 football elds of shopping, with more than a third lled with one-of-a-kind handmade items.
Visitors can stroll through Olde Towne Village, lled with charming storefronts and gifts for everyone on their list. ey can also be inspired by the Dazzling Designer Rooms, showcasing creative décor ideas around this
year’s theme. ose looking to deck their halls can explore Christmas Tree Lane with unique ideas and inspiration for every style of holiday home décor.
Families can marvel at the intricate model train village, complete with detailed designs and a scavenger hunt.
Visitors are invited to sip and sample at the Wine Pavilion or enjoy matinees of holiday lms.
e Entertainment Stage will feature choir performances and sing-alongs.
Santa Claus will be on hand to hear holiday wishes from guests of all ages. Photos with Santa will bene t Shriners Hospitals for Children.
e show o ers unique experiences:
• Get a sneak peek of the show during a Preview Night from 5 to 9 p.m. Nov. 12. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to e Sandbox. Attendees will enjoy free parking, hors d’oeuvres, treats from more than a dozen food partners and a performance by Eugene Murphy Jr., season six winner of “America’s Got Talent.” e rst 250 shoppers will receive a keepsake ornament. Tickets cost $30 online and at the door.
• ose wanting to beat the crowds can attend an Early Bird VIP morning from 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 15. e rst 250 VIP shoppers will receive a keepsake ornament. Tickets cost $28 online and at the door.
• Wonderfully Made – An Evening with Lysa TerKeurst and Proverbs 31 Ministries is a new attraction. e event includes special
guests Jenny Wheeler and Operation Christmas Child. It takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 20. Tickets cost $15 and will only be available at the box o ce.
• Girls Night Out will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21 and features prize giveaways and shopping. Tickets cost $15 and will only be sold at the door.
Want to go? e Southern Christmas Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ursday through Saturday, Nov. 13 to 23 at e Park Expo and Conference Center, 800 Briar Creek Road. Visit southernchristmasshow.com for event and ticket information.
Coffee Republic, 3016 Weddington Road – 96.5 • Jersey Mike’s, 3116 Weddington Road – 93.5 • Portrait Gallery, 118 E. Charles St. –96.5 • Santé, 165 N. Trade St. – 98.5
– 95
returns to Stumptown Station.
This second annual celebration brings friends, neighbors and local businesses together for a night of fun and fellowship, all to support the Matthews HELP Center, a nonpro t providing short-term crisis assistance to families and individuals across the greater Matthews area.
Admission is simple. Guests are asked to bring non-perishable food items, gas cards, or grocery gift cards, all of which will be donated directly to Matthews HELP Center. A portion of the evening’s proceeds from Stumptown Station will also benet the organization’s programs and services.
“I’m honored to host this event again and to see our community show up year after year,” said Chris Melton, event organizer. “It’s truly a party with a purpose, a night where we can celebrate the holidays, enjoy great music and make a real di erence for our neighbors in need.”
e evening will feature: • Live entertainment by Drew
from Charlotte’s Mix
107.9.
• Signature holiday cocktails and drink specials from Stumptown Station
• Festive fun, dancing and giveaways throughout the night.
• Co-hosted by Bobby Klein, owner of Stumptown Station, the event continues to grow through the generous support of local partners, including the Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce.
“This event captures everything that makes Matthews special: generosity, connection and community spirit,” Klein said. “We’re thrilled to open our doors again for an evening that celebrates both joy and giving.”
Melton encourages local business owners to join the cause through sponsorships, prize donations or participation.
“It’s a wonderful way for businesses to connect with the community and share in the spirit of the season,” he said.
Want to go?
Chris Melton’s Super-Big Holiday Party & Extravaganza takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 9 at Stumptown Station, 107A N. Trade St., Matthews. Bring a non-perishable food item, gas card or grocery gift card for admission to benefit the Matthews HELP Center.
The Southern Christmas Show features merchants from the Charlotte area and across the county.
Chris Melton
CLASSIFIEDS
Senior Developer. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. May teleco w/in comm dist of Charlotte, NC off. Dsgn, & dev scalble, hi-qlty SW sol. M-F 40 hrs/wk & Bi-mnthly Rel Deploymnts fr 8p – 10p. Reqs Bach / Mast in CS, SW Engg / rel / equiv. Reqs w/ Bach 5 yrs, w/ Mast 3 yrs, SW engg / SW dev exp incl 3 yrs (w/ Bach / Mast): Objct Orientd tech incl Core Java, J2EE, JSP, JDBC, & Web Srvcs REST/SOAP; EXTJS 5, JavaScript, HTML & CSS; 2 yrs (w/ Bach / Mast): BPMN logic in app usng Activiti Proc Engine; dev SQL queries, Stored Proc, Functions, & Triggers in IBM 10.x DB; Java Collctions Frmwrk, Threads & Concurrent Prog, Servlets, & Secur; Spring Frmwrk & Hibernate; 1 yr (w/ Bach / Mast): Jenkins w/ Maven for build mgmt. Apply: res to: shared.talentacquisitionoperations@ compass-usa.com & ref #116944.
Senior Business Intelligence Developer. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. May teleco anywhr in US, rprt & trav occ to Charlotte, NC loc. Cond in-dpth mtngs w/ stkhldrs to undrstnd bus. Trans bus obj into measurable data. M-F 8:30A – 5:30P EST. Reqs Bach / Mast in Math, Stat, Engg, / CS / rel / equiv. Reqs if Bach 6 yrs, if Mast 4 yrs: part in full LC of BI dev, fr reqs gathrng to deplymnt & UAT; dsgn, dev, & main scalble BI sol focsd on fin rprtng; monitr rprts to ensr data integr & rprt func is upkept; prov traing & spprt to end-usrs on new rprts & dshbrds; wrk w/ teams on SW dsgn & dev prjcts; BI dev; wrk w/ stkhldrs of var lvls; if Bach 5 yrs / if Mast 3 yrs: use entrprse BI tools like Looker, PowerBI, / Microstrategy; data modl, data WH, & ETL proc; use SQL & lg datasets. Reqs 10% US trav. Apply: res to: shared.talentacquisitionoperations@ compass-usa.com & ref #117247.
SEO Specialist (Charlotte, NC) SEO(Search Engine Optimization) Specialist develops and implements effective search engine optimization strategies to improve the restaurant’s online visibility, attract potential customers, and enhance brand awareness. Requires a blend of creative design sensibilities to optimize our digital content effectively. Collaborate with the marketing & culinary teams to develop highquality content, such as blog posts, menu descriptions, & promotional materials, that resonate with our target audience and adhere to SEO best practices. 40hrs/wk, Offered wage: $48,547/yr, Associate’s Degree in Arts or related required. Resume to UNC KQ, LLC Attn: James Park, 9605 N Tryon ST, STE H, Charlotte, NC 28262
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NORTH CAROLINA STILL ISN’T VERY URBAN
By John Hood Contributor
RALEIGH – According to the latest count by the U.S. Census Bureau, North Carolina has added yet another metropolitan area. Has our state become an urban colossus?
Not really, although most of our state’s cities are growing at robust rates. What actually happened was that the Census Bureau reclassi ed the Pinehurst-Southern Pines region as a metropolitan area. It used to be considered a micropolitan area. What distinguishes the former from the latter is the presence of an urban core of at least 50,000 people.
After the bureau released its updated model in 2023, there were 16 metropolitan statistical areas lying wholly or partly within North Carolina. ey were, in order of population size, Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, Raleigh-Cary, Greensboro-High Point, Winston-Salem, Durham-Chapel Hill, Wilmington, Asheville, Fayetteville, Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, Jacksonville, Burlington, Greenville, Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, Pinehurst-Southern Pines, and the North Carolina part of the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk metro.
e Census Bureau then groups some metropolitan and micropolitan areas together –again, on the basis of commuting patterns – into what are called combined statistical areas. at’s the scale at which we can see the Triangle region, the Piedmont Triad, the greater Charlotte region, the Sandhills and so on.
One purpose of the bureau’s statistical areas is to convey the extent of economic integration. Each area, whether metropolitan or micropolitan, has a principal city. If at least a quarter of the people in a nearby county commute into the principal city to work, that places them within the statistical area.
It’s a useful exercise as long as we don’t misinterpret what it means. By the Census Bureau de nition, the vast majority of North Carolinians live in metropolitan areas. Most do not, however, consider themselves to be residents of an urban area. Nor should they.
e 22,055 residents of Anson County, for example, live within the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro. If Anson is urban, there’s no such thing as rural.
Populous ring counties such as Johnston (in the Raleigh-Cary metro), Randolph (in the Greensboro-High Point metro), Henderson (in the Asheville metro) and Brunswick
(in the Wilmington metro) still contain large stretches of low-density housing and farmland. Even the likes of Wake, Mecklenburg, Durham, and Guilford have more than a few undeveloped parcels.
Moreover, to confuse “metropolitan” with “urban” – and then to distinguish urban areas from “rural” areas – is to miss the point entirely. e largest group of state residents are neither urban nor rural. ey live in the suburbs.
at is, at least, how they see it. In last year’s exit poll of North Carolina voters, 53% said their neighborhood was suburban, with 28% picking urban and 20% rural. A recent survey of adults by High Point University had it at 44% suburban, 18% urban and 34% rural. A Carolina Journal Poll of likely voters had it at 44% suburban, 13% urban and 40% rural. Di erences in wording and sampling methodology aside, it’s clear that only a small minority of North Carolinians identify as urban dwellers.
None of which is to say our cities aren’t critical engines of innovation, dynamism and growth, or that metropolitan statistical areas aren’t useful tools for describing our state’s commuting patterns, economic relationships and regional cultures.
But let’s not mistake handy labels and statistical tools for lived experience. e vast majority of North Carolinians live in suburbs, exurbs and towns. Most will never live in urban cores. ey don’t want to. Indeed, an increasing number don’t want to work in downtowns, either. ey prefer remote employment, hybrid employment or workplaces dispersed within and among the spokes of the metropolitan wheel, not ones concentrated within its hub. ey like being close to grocery stores and other retailers o ering frequently purchased items but don’t appear to mind driving longer distances for other shopping, entertainment and recreational experiences.
If developers, policymakers, and transportation planners pretend otherwise, if they substitute their own preferences for revealed ones, they’ll end up wasting a great deal of time and money.
Call it sprawl if you like. North Carolinians won’t care. ey call it home.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
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Review your health insurance options for 2026
By Mike Causey Contributor
is is the time of the year when many people are deciding which health insurance plans will cover them in 2026. e other day, we released the rates for those covered under the A ordable Care Act for next year.
Causey
Rates for the 2026 ACA will go up an average of 28.6% next year. Increased costs in health care as well as the expiration of federal subsidies result in premiums going up for many in the individual market.
Open enrollment for the 2026 ACA policies runs from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2026. Signing up by Dec. 15 ensures your coverage will begin on Jan. 1, 2026. Coverage for those signing up after Dec. 15 will begin on
Feb. 1, 2026.
People purchasing ACA health insurance need to go to healthcare.gov and nd which plan works best for them. It’s more important than ever to begin researching health insurance options early.
While many may nd the increased premiums and absence of subsidies troublesome, it’s important to maintain health insurance.
Failure to do so could result in nancial ruin for you and your family should you have a serious medical emergency or accident.
A serious accident or medical emergency could result in tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in hospital bills. e risks of not having insurance could be too great to bear.
In addition to ACA plans, other options may be available. ese include:
• Enrolling in job-based coverage. is may be the most a ordable option for many individuals and families. If you’re employed and
your employer o ers health bene ts, you may qualify to enroll in health insurance through your employer, even if you declined this coverage in the past. You may also be able to enroll in coverage through your spouse’s employer or, if you’re younger than 26, through your parents’ employer.
• Enrolling in a plan through a private insurer. You may purchase coverage through an agent or broker, or directly from a health insurance company. You may nd plans that cost less than the ACA plan. Just be sure they provide the coverage you need.
• Enrolling in a student health plan. If you’re younger than 30 and enrolled in school, you may be eligible for a student health plan. Contact your school to explore this option.
Contact an insurance agent who can listen to your personal situation and help you understand your options. If you’re in good
health and don’t think you’ll need medical care, you may want to ask about plans that have higher deductibles and copays as a means of making your monthly premiums lower. is could be a way of managing risks and your budget in case you have an unanticipated health emergency.
You may wish to contact your member of Congress to express your concerns about the subsidy expiration.
If you feel overwhelmed or need assistance understanding your options, feel free to reach out to consumer specialists at the Department of Insurance. We have specialists eager to assist. Give us a call from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 855-408-1212.
Mike Causey serves as North Carolina insurance commissioner.
THE PSYCHOLOGY BEHIND PUMPKIN SPICE
By Shari Bresin Contributor
Now that we’re o cially in pumpkin spice season, it made me wonder … what is the history of pumpkin spice?
How did this seasonal staple come about in the rst place?
And what makes it so embedded in “fall culture?”
While the craze took o after Starbucks debuted the pumpkin spice latte in 2003, the pumpkin spice blend itself is over 200 years old, with two spice- lled pumpkin pie recipes found in the 1798 cookbook “American Cookery.”
By the 1930s, spice manufacturing companies combined the ingredients into a
single product, so people no longer had to buy the separate spice ingredients – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves are the core components. Its purpose is to enhance the flavor of pumpkin. It doesn’t contain any actual pumpkin.
While this might be common knowledge to many, Reddit threads tell us otherwise, as there are people on there that are shocked to learn that there is no pumpkin in pumpkin spice, similar to how there is no hamburger in Hamburger Helper. Pumpkin itself is bland; you wouldn’t even want your latte tasting like actual pumpkin. It is mostly made of water (up to 90%), and so the pumpkin spice is needed to make it more appetizing in various pumpkin dishes.
Meck Connect is roads with more sidewalks, crosswalks, and enhanced intersections. It’s also smart tra c signals to help ease congestion. There’s 50% more bus service, 15-minute frequency on busy routes, and 18 new Microtransit zones for on-demand pickup. And there’s 43 miles of new rail, including access to the airport.
ese days, however, pumpkin spice anything (latte, donuts, cookies, cream cheese, yogurt, etc.) have more sugar than authentic pumpkin, if it has any at all, and may have some, all, or none of the spices of pumpkin spice.
Basically, food companies make pumpkin spice products to remind you of pumpkin pie, which we usually have positive associations with ( anksgiving, family time, cozy nights, cooler weather, etc.).
Because we like joy and happy memories, food that reminds us of this (plus the scarcity e ect that it’s a limited time) prompts us to buy it. e high sugar content also makes us come back for more.
Some food companies simply put caramel coloring in the product to make it look like pumpkin, and various preservatives to give it a look and taste of pumpkin pie without actually putting pumpkin or pumpkin spice in it, solely to capitalize on the pumpkin fad during this time of year.
More marketing than pumpkin goes into it.
In fact, you may recall the outrage over a decade ago when Starbucks customers learned that there wasn’t any pumpkin in the pumpkin spice latte, leading Starbucks
Find fall comfort in a bowl of pumpkin crumble
(Family Features) If you’re ready to embrace the avors of fall, look no further than a classic: pumpkin desserts. Instead of the typical pumpkin pie, mix things up this year with this Pumpkin Crumble treat from Cookin’ Savvy, an easy, delicious solution for satisfying that sweet tooth. Once you’ve nished enjoying every last bite, head to Culinary.net for more comforting dessert inspiration.
Pumpkin Crumble Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy” Servings: 8-12
to change the recipe and add pumpkin puree to the pumpkin spice avored syrup in 2015.
But based on the popularity of it before then, it’s clear that pumpkin wasn’t even necessary taste-wise, but people demanded it based on principle.
So, are your pumpkin spice foods really made with pumpkin, just the spices or just avoring agents and preservatives?
You will have to read the ingredients list to nd out.
And it’s not just food.
Pumpkin spice candles, air fresheners and hand soaps are also popular this time of year. e scent is just as powerful as the taste in evoking comforting memories.
Have you ever had a pumpkin-spice product during the other months of the year?
It just doesn’t have that same comforting e ect.
So whether you love or hate this pumpkin phrenzy, it’s safe to say this fall tradition is here to stay.
Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.
1 can pumpkin 1 can evaporated milk 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1
Heat oven to 350 F.
bowl, mix pumpkin, evaporated milk, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin spice and cinnamon. Pour into greased 9-by-11-inch baking dish.
In separate bowl, mix cake mix, pecans and white chocolate chips. Sprinkle over pumpkin mixture. Pour butter evenly over top. Do not mix or stir. Bake 1 hour.
To make whipped cream: Using hand mixer, whip heavy whipping cream and sugar un-
