Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Butler earns grant to innovate school’s media center

Runner of the Year: TANNER SUTTER

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Volume 7, Number 51 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014

CMPD identifies suspect of threats against Providence HS

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

includes new formal and casual dining venues, a fitness center, an assisted living residence with 80 suites and a second phase, according to Messer.

“There is already strong interest in both the carriage homes and apartments, and we expect them to sell out quickly,” said Messer, who added pre-sales began in October and have already generated a great deal of interest. “Seniors are moving into our communities at a younger age and want accommodations that offer a variety of activities and amenities, along with a plan to meet possible future health needs.”

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department has identified the person who initiated social media threats this weekend against Providence High School, located at 1800 Pineville-Matthews Road, but no charges have been filed against the perpetrator.

The individual is not a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools student, but authorities will not release the executor's name, according to a statement from CMS Deputy Superintendent Ann Clark.

The perpetrator made threats against Providence on Saturday and again Monday through a phone app, Yik Yak, that allows participants to anonymously post messages.

One post on Saturday read, “Providence students…enjoy this lovely weekend with your awesome friends and perfect family. Come Monday, you will be repaid for all the pain you have caused me for years.” Another read, “… wait til Monday when I … blow your brains out of your head …”

CMPD swept the area over the weekend and secured the building on Monday morning to attempt to secure the school’s safety.

Providence High School Principal Tracey Harrill sent an email to parents on Sunday, stating students would be “greeted by police and staff members,” and would not congregate in open areas in the school, but in their individual classrooms. She also wrote there would be increased police presence throughout the school week, but added Providence would operate on a normal schedule. Students said their bags were not checked.

More threats came Monday morning, including a post that read, “This is where I become

(see Plantation Estates on page 4)

(see Providence High on page 11)

Plantation Estates readies for Matthews expansion

Signs have been erected at the future home of Plantation Estates, a 256-unit independent living center being built at the intersection of Fullwood Lane and South Trade Street. Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

by Andrew Stark editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – After waiting nearly six years since receiving its initial approval, Matthews-based Plantation Estates is expanding its facility at a 44-acre parcel of land at the corner of Fullwood Lane and South Trade Street in downtown Matthews.

The construction is set to begin in spring 2015, and will include 256 independent-living units in the first phase of the project. It is estimated construction could take anywhere from four to eight years to complete.

Between 14 and 18 units total will be constructed on the

property. The newly-constructed living options will be completed with underground parking and 40 one-story villas with two-car garages. The approximate 1,800to 2,100-square-foot villas will have two bedrooms with a den, two bathrooms and availability in a choice of styles.

“Plantation Estates has been in business for 26 years and has been a very successful community with high occupancy,” Plantation Estates executive director Stephen Messer said. “We don’t have villas and duplexes currently, so the expansion gives us another type of living accommodation.”

The overall project also

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 10; Rev. Tony, 17; Calendar, 18; Sports, 19; Classifieds, 23

Page 2 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News

A passion for painting Best in Show winner at Mint Hill Arts exhibit reflects on experience as an artist

by Josh Whitener josh@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – For Ken Halstead, art is a way of life.

Halstead grew up in a household full of artists and learned to appreciate art at a young age.

“I studied printmaking and painting in school and have been painting and drawing and Ken Halstead doing design for over 30 years,” Halstead said.

Halstead chose to bring his talent to the Mint Hill community by joining the nonprofit Mint Hill Arts last month. Little did he know he would win the coveted Best in Show award in his second month with the Mint Hill Arts at the nonprofit’s most popular show – the annual Ann and Bill Litaker Exhibit, a juried show held each December.

“Buddy and the Peppers,” Halstead’s oil

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pastel painting, was chosen by this year’s guest judge, Eldred P. Hudson, chairman of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Art Department. Halstead received the grand prize of $300, contributed by Mint Hill Dentistry.

Halstead completed the painting about five years ago and felt its color and theme would be a good fit for the Ann and Bill Litaker Exhibit.

The painting was inspired by a cockatiel parakeet named Buddy Bird, a pet Halstead owned for about 25 years.

“We’d let him have the flight of the house, and he often would get into things, like pizza that was left over or something, so I did a drawing of a bird (and its) fascination with little objects,” Halstead said. “I guess that was the inspiration.”

Halstead also had two other works that placed in the show – a watercolor portrait called “Ed’s Head on a Prayer Shawl” won second place in the Water Media category; and another watercolor, “Christmasism,” earned an honorable mention in the same category.

When it comes to the media Halstead uses for his works, he isn’t picky.

“I really like the way oil paints work … and the way oil paintings texturize,” he said.

“I’ve also done a bit of acrylic painting and am attracted to watercolor, too. I’m a painter, so I guess it really doesn’t matter much – it depends on the mood of the day.”

Mint Hill Arts has hosted an annual juried

show in December for years to recognize artists like Halstead, and the show was named the “Ann and Bill Litaker Exhibit” several years ago to honor a couple who contributed heavily to Mint Hill Arts. Though Bill Litaker died before the show bore his name, Mint Hill Arts co-president Romie Mizell said the annual exhibit is an important way to honor his memory, as well as celebrate his wife, Ann, who still frequents Mint Hill Arts.

“There’s nothing like (having a) beautiful gallery to honor Bill and Ann’s contributions to us,” Mizell said.

This year’s show features 87 different pieces of artwork of various media, contributed by dozens of artists, including Mint Hill Arts members and nonmembers. “(The purpose of the show) is two-fold. One is (it gives artists) the opportunity to compete against quality artwork, and two win prizes,” Mizell said. “There’s also the idea that artists get to be seen by different people, as the show is highly attended and draws a huge crowd (each year).”

The artwork will remain on display at the Mint Hill Arts gallery until the end of January, as the nonprofit will not host a January exhibit at its gallery. People can view the artwork during normal gallery hours, and much of the artwork is for sale. Mint Hill Arts will be closed for the holiday season beginning Dec. 21 and will re-open on Jan. 2, 2015. Call 980-2265532 for more information.

The gallery is located at 11205 Lawyers Road, suite A. Winners of the 2014 Ann and Bill Litaker

Exhibit include: • Best in Show – “Buddy and the Peppers”

by Ken Halstead • Painting – “The Thoughts Between the Light” by Glenwood Barnes, first place; “Wind Up Birds Can’t Fly” by Barbara Travell, second place; “Yellow Black Street” by Anne Harkness, third place; “Poppies” by Nena Hartz and “Blue” by Veronica Maldonado, honorable mentions • Water Media – “Mia’s Sunbeam” by Judy Mizell, first place; “Ed’s Head on a Prayer Shawl” by Ken Halstead, second place; “Chevre In The Making” by Judy Mizell, third place; “Blue and Gold Hydrangeas” by Janis Schneider and “Christmasism” by Ken Halstead, honorable mentions • Three-Dimensional – “Ghost Ship” by Kathy Yates, first place; “Inside Out” by Susan Lackey, second place; “Infinity” by Kathy Yates, third place; “Turkey Trot” by Rita Bowers and “Cezanne’s Teapot” by Connie Agard, honorable mentions • Photography – “Self Portrait CS6A” by David Novak, first place; “Shadow of Your Nose” by Michael Hutchinson, second place; “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Pat Joiner, third place; “Waiting in Line” by April McDermott and “Vintage Christmas” by Molly Davis, honorable mentions • Mixed Media – “On a Down Town Train”

by Gina Rugito-Anderson, first place; “Mattie” by Susan Lackey, second place; “Women Explained” by Susan Lackey, third place; “Sail On #3 & 4” by Anne Harkness and “Micro Galaxy” by Carol Clayton, honorable mentions.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 3

News

Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

Plantation Estates (continued from page 1)

After the first phase is completed, Plantation Estates will build a new skilled care center at its current location, 733 Plantation Estates Drive in Matthews as part of the second phase.

Messer said the timing of the expansion works well for the company, which has operated in Matthews off N.C. 51 for nearly three decades.

“The economy is turning around, and we’re seeing a big turnaround in the real estate market which has struggled since 2007 or somewhere around there,” Messer said.

“We have high demand, and with the housing market getting back on its feet we feel like now’s a good time.”

Messer said the 256-unit expansion will offer a combination of duplex cottages and apartments.

The existing Plantation Estates only has apartments, so the expansion will give the company another option for its senior citizens.

“The expansion will give us the opportunity to grow and to bring in additional residents that we couldn’t do without expansion,” Messer said.

“We’ve been dealing with a waiting list for years and years. This gives us more of an opportunity to serve seniors, and it also gives us a product that we don’t currently have.

“The waiting list depends on the units people are interested in. We have one- to three-bedroom apartments, so the waiting list can go from one to three years. Some people want a first-floor apartment only, and some are more flexible, but there is a waiting list for all units. The expansion will help with the demand, and also give us another option to offer.”

Plantation Estates was originally approved in 2008 and was set to Page 4 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

begin construction shortly thereafter. However, after the recession hit and the economy took a downturn, the project was put on hold.

In the meantime, the expansion has experienced some resistance.

At an August 2014 meeting, Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly reported a standing-room crowd – particularly including Hampton Green residents, who back up to the existing facility, and Matthews residents – who fear an already traffic-heavy area will become increasingly congested.

The new facility will have its main entrance on South Trade Street directly across the street from Country Place, near the entrance to the Four Mile Creek Greenway and Matthews United Methodist Church. A second road will be built on Fullwood, approximately a quarter mile past the intersection of South Trade Street and Fullwood Lane.

“The connection road that will cross over Fullwood and connect both sides of the property with a stoplight,” Messer said. “You will be able to cross both sides of the property without having to go on Highway 51, so that is a bonus for us.”

Messer said the expansion has been necessary for some time to meet the demand, and once completed will offer a premier retirement destination in the state.

“I don’t see it as competition for this side of the road; it’s just an addition that we’re excited about and that will give more options to our seniors that we don’t currently have,” he said.

“We’re real excited about the villas because we don’t have that right now – we’re all apartments. A lot of people like the feeling of being out there kind of on their own – it will give people both options and help us better serve the Matthews community.” www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

News

Mint Hill Zaxby’s faces discussion over construction issues

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Zaxby’s restaurant will soon have a home in Mint Hill, though there are still concerns over what amenities the new store will have.

The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners discussed a proposed drivethrough at a public hearing at its most recent meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11.

Drive-though facilities are subject to the issuance of a conditional district rezoning approval, according to a memo from the petitioner to the board. The drive-through would line the building, which is located at 6828 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill, and face the parking lot, said Beth Middleton of Mint Hill Partners, LLC, the property owner of the land.

Commissioners also had concerns over where a dumpster would be placed at the property. The dumpster will connect to the building, but renderings of the development caused concern because the commissioners said it looked as though

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the dumpster was not connected.

Commissioner Tina Ross said she wanted to ensure the dumpster would not be seen from the road and would be covered with brick and screening. She also wanted to make sure the restaurant’s panel boxes would be screened and unseen from the road, which Middletown ensured would be the case.

Many of the dumpsters along Highway 51 line up to the road, said commissioner Lloyd Austin, but Ross also questioned whether there would be light posts with brick pavers along the sidewalks surrounding the building.

Middleton said Zaxby’s plans to place the lights with the decorative posts to blend with the property, but had to check with Zaxby’s on the specific details.

Town Attorney Kevin Bringewat said he wanted to make sure the light issue was dealt with before the town moved forward with the conditional rezoning.

The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners’ next meeting will be held Jan. 8, 2015, a Thursday.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 5

News

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

News Briefs Mint Hill PD sends notice for found property

MINT HILL – Mint Hill Police Department has lost-and-found property Courtney Schultz in their possession, according to a news Dee Grano release.

News Writer Faith Columnist The department has the following Ryan Pitkin Rev. Tony Marciano found items: cellphones and chargers; TVs; keys; purses/wallets; MP3 playADVERTISING ers; bicycles; GPSs; and miscellaneous Charlotte Conway paperwork.

Adrian Garson Anyone who believes an item may be theirs must provide a serial number veriDISTRIBUTION fication and a photo ID. Manager All inquires are by appointment only, Mike Kochy and the department will not accept walkins, according to the release. AppointPUBLISHER ments can be made by contacting the Associate Publisher department at 704-545-1085, Monday Randi Trojan through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Founder Any items that are not claimed after 30 Alain Lillie days of notice will be disposed of, according to a North Carolina general statute.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Matthews PD looking for suspect of armed robbery

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department is looking for the suspect in an armed robbery with shots fired that occurred at 3212 Campus Ridge Road on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Officers responded to the report

at about 2 p.m. and found the victim unharmed.

“The suspect was described as a black male with a full beard, has gold earrings in each ear, approximately 5’8 with a slim build, wearing a dark gray zip-up hoodie, gray jeans, and was armed with a black revolver,” read a news release from the police department.

The suspect was last seen running south in the parking lot of the address where the incident occurred.

Anyone who has information about this case should contact the Matthews Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 704-847-5555.

Mint Hill takes more steps regarding curb and gutter changes

MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners took steps toward determining the fate of the town’s curb and gutter ordinance at its most recent meeting on Thursday, Dec. 11, after John Thomas, of Sustainable Design Consultants, Inc. proposed a text amendment to the ordinance on Nov. 13.

Thomas sought to remove the curb and gutter requirement for any existing or proposed public street within the Goose Creek Watershed, stating that the current ordinance is “at odds” with federal standards of protection for the heelsplitter mussel in the watershed.

Thomas feels the filter of storm water to the watershed does not properly protect the watershed and suggests using grassed swales instead of curb and gutter.

However, town manager Brian Welch said he’s sure the Mint Hill ordinance is in accordance with the law and is not unlawful.

The Mint Hill Planning Board approved the text amendment at its meeting on Nov. 17, but recommended the board defer the application to Mint Hill staff to work with the applicant to refine the amendment “with the goal of providing an acceptable, alternative street cross section and method for handling storm water,” according to a memo from Mint Hill planning director John Hoard.

Thomas said Mecklenburg County has made changes to curb and gutter standards in relation to the watershed, and wants Mint Hill to follow suit.

“My perspective as a designer, I think there’s a problem with local design standards. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed, or it’s going to keep coming up again,” Thomas said.

Welch voiced concerns regarding swales, stating they would fill up with water and need to be maintained frequently, but Thomas said that in his experience, homes with the swales did not have those problems.

Commissioners agreed the town needed to look further into changes to the ordinance, and will seek information from the town’s engineer, who will likely be hired in the next few months.

Mayor Ted Biggers said he’s glad Thomas brought the amendment before the board “because it’s forcing (their) hand to make a decision on this.”

Commissioners plan to contact Rusty Rozzelle, program manager for Mecklenburg County Water Quality, to seek guidance regarding the ordinance.

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Page 6 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Crime Blotter The following people were arrested in Matthews between Dec. 8 and 14, according to the Matthews Police Department: • Clarence Lorenzo Hall, 9600 block of East Independence Boulevard: Possession of marijuana; possession of methamphetamines; possession of a stolen firearm. Dec. 10 • Kylee Rebecca Callaham, 13800 block of Phillips Road: Driving while impaired. Dec. 11 • Ezell Adams, Jr., 11400 block of East Independence Boulevard: Failure to stop at scene of crash; possession of stolen goods; driving with revoked license. Dec. 11 • Chet Alexander McBeath, 3300 block of Tracelake Drive: Assault on a female; possession of heroin; possession of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 12 • Audrey Elizabeth Purdy, 1800 block of Windsor Square Drive: Underage consumption of alcohol; possession of drug paraphernalia; simple possession of marijuana. Dec. 13 • Winston Paul Patrick, 300 block of Vinecrest Drive: Driving while impaired; driving with open container of alcohol; reckless driving. Dec. 13 • Chelsea Faye Torres, 1600 block of Reid Harkey Road: Driving while license revoked. Dec. 13 • Matthew Lockhart Allen, 1300 block of Crescent Lane: Driving while license revoked. Dec. 13

• 400 block of Courtney Lane: $5,000 Acura containing $800 Samsung cellphone stolen. Dec. 13 • 3200 block of Campus Ridge Road: $900 damage to car door in armed robbery; iPhone 6 case and cellphone case, worth $21, stolen.

• 14200 block of Phillips Road: $50 mailbox stolen. Dec. 13

Vandalism • 600 block of Clearbrook Road: $150 damage to mailbox. Dec. 8 • 700 block of East John Street: Honda Civic vandalized; damage estimate not listed.

Dec. 8

• 400 block of East Matthews Street: Two rear tires on Chevrolet Camaro, worth $45, damaged. Dec. 8 • Matthews Free Medical Clinic, 196 S. Trade St.: $10 toilet dispenser damaged. Dec. 10 • 3200 block of Williams Road: $10 solar lights damaged. Dec. 12

Drugs • Outback Steakhouse, 9623 E. Independence Blvd.: Possession of marijuana; possession of marijuana with intent to deliver; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of a stolen firearm. Dec. 10

• 9800 block of Idlewild Road: Simple possession of marijuana; possession with intent to deliver heroin; maintaining a dwelling/vehicle for the distribution of narcotics; possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Dec. 11 • 3300 block of Tracelake Drive: Possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of heroin; drug violations; assault on a female. Dec. 12 • Sam’s Club, 1801 Windsor Square Drive: Underage possession of alcohol; simple possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 13 • 300 block of Vinecrest Drive: Driving while impaired: possession of marijuana; open

(see Crime Blotter on page 8)

The following crimes were reported in Matthews between Dec. 8 and 14, according to the Matthews Police Department:

Vehicle Break-Ins • 1800 block of Gander Lane: $1,000 damage to front windows of three vehicles damaged; tablet, headset, earbuds, backpack, clothes and wireless router, worth $820 total, stolen. Dec. 11 • 6600 block of Independence Pointe Parkway: $50 damage to door lock. Dec. 11

Larceny • MTB Mechanical, 1201 Industrial Drive: Sixty wooden panels, worth $5 total, stolen.

Dec. 8 • 10700 block of Monroe Road: Copper wiring, aluminum coverings and metal piping, worth $1,100 total, stolen. Dec. 9 • Carwash Solutions, 10701 Monroe Road: Eight-foot aluminum shaft, worth $800, stolen. Dec. 9 • Sleep Inn, 9900 Matthews Park Drive: $1,700 stolen in armed robbery. Dec. 9 • Bed, Bath and Beyond, 10530 Northeast Pkwy.: $800 in vacuums stolen. Dec. 9 • 3000 block of Summerland Drive: Wallet containing credit card, debit card, driver’s license and oxycodone, worth $30 total, stolen. Dec. 11 • 2500 block of Lakeview Circle: Flatbed utility truck, worth $6,000 stolen; truck had blue tarp and a bundle of shingles, worth $175, in truck bed. Dec. 12 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 7

News Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department reported the following sanitation scores at the following dining locations in the Matthews and Mint Hill area from Dec. 9 to 15.

All Scores: 28105 • Café 157, 157 N. Trade St. – 100 • China Express II, 3607-8 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 97.5

Crime Blotter (continued from page 7)

container of alcohol; reckless driving. Dec. 13

Fraud • Sam’s Club, 1801 Windsor Square Drive: Fraud. Dec. 8 • 14800 block of Middlesborough Drive: $275 fraudulent check cashed. Dec. 11 • 3100 block of Rice Road: Credit card fraud. Dec. 13

Other • Hair Spa, 3923 E. Independence Blvd.; Harassing phone calls. Dec. 9 • 11400 block of East Independence Boulevard: Felony hit and run; possession of stolen goods; driving during revocation. Dec. 11 • 140000 block of Creekside Drive: Simple physical assault; domestic dispute. Dec. 11 • 9600 block of East Independence Boulevard: Communicating threats; assault by pointing a gun. Dec. 12 • 12300 block of Woodbend Road: Simple physical assault. Dec. 14 The following people were arrested in Mint Hill between Dec. 8 and 14, according to the Mint Hill Police Department: • Benjamin Rex Hildreth, 8800 block of Fairview Road: Driving while license revoked.

Dec. 8 • Edwin Morris Otuel, 3500 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Possession of Schedule II drug; possession of Schedule IV drug; possession of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 8 • Gary Michael Randolph II, 9200 block of Lawyers Road: Prescription fraud.

Dec. 9 • Jesse Dean Caves, Belle Grove Manor Lane, address not listed: Driving while impaired. Dec. 10 • William Maurice Farris, 9600 block of Stoney Glen Drive: Possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 10 • Chukwudi Paul Onyema, 9600 block of Stoney Glen Drive: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 10 • Correy Austin Eason, 5800 block of Oak Drive: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 12 • Shakira Mack Davis, 5600 block of Page 8 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

• Sante, 165 N. Trade St. – 99 28227 • Starbucks, 7036 Brighton Park Drive – 98

About the grades…

Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70. Find more details on Mecklenburg County restaurants at the health department’s website, http:// charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ HealthDepartment/Pages/Default. aspx.

Barnsdale Road: Simple physical assault. Dec. 13 The following crimes were reported in Mint Hill between Dec. 8 and 14, according to the Mint Hill Police Department:

Home/Business Break-Ins • Bonterra Builders, 13010 Telfair Meadow Drive: $950 worth of copper tubing stolen.

Dec. 8 • Bonterra Builders, 13010 Telfair Meadow Drive: Goose neck faucet and microwave/ stove combination, worth $900 total, stolen.

Dec. 13

Vehicle Break-Ins • 10900 block of Persimmon Creek Drive: Two credit cards and debit card stolen. Dec. 11

Larceny • Alpha Omega Construction, 9426 Scorpio Lane: $8,845 worth of roof shingles stolen.

Dec. 8 • CVS, 3610 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Socks, Katy Perry gift set, Butterfinger cups, glitter purse, head phones and portable speaker, worth $58.31 total, stolen. Dec. 9 • 13000 block of Telfair Meadow Drive: $680 safety hand rail guard system. Dec. 9 • 9600 block of Heartwood Lane: $50 worth of gas stolen from automobile. Dec. 10 • 7200 block of Forest Rader Drive: $28 registration plate stolen. Dec. 11 • 9500 block of Stoney Glen Drive: Watch, necklace, bracelet and engagement ring, worth $3,370 total, stolen. Dec. 12 • Dollar Tree, 3611 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Unlisted amount of currency stolen during armed robbery. Dec. 14

Fraud • Walgreens, 9202 Lawyers Road: Suspect attempted to get hydrocodone with fake prescription. Dec. 9

Other • Wilco Hess, 13354 Albemarle Road: Twoliter Mountain Dew destroyed when suspect fired weapon inside store. Dec. 9 • 5600 block of Barnsdale Lane: Simple physical assault. Dec. 13 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 9

Education Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Education News & Notes

Independence seniors win writing contest MINT HILL – Independence High School seniors Caleb Canipe, Christian Mills and David Toma won the 2014-15 Martin Luther King Jr. Writing contest and will compete against other high school writing entries in CharlotteMecklenburg Schools.

The first-place winners receive a $500 cash award, medals and other prizes including publication of their work, an invitation to the annual Queen City leadership and prayer breakfast at the Charlotte Convention Center and a ride on the float in the city’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

This year’s contest theme is “Let Freedom Ring,” and all winners will be announced on Jan. 18, 2015, a Sunday, at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. program to be held at West Charlotte High School.

Crestdale welcomes two new teachers MATTHEWS – Crestdale Middle School recently welcomed two new teachers to its sixth-grade team.

Dan Martelle is the new sixth-grade science teacher. He worked at Stallings

Elementary School in Union County Schools and is in his 11th year of teaching. His teaching philosophy, according to Crestdale’s newsletter, is, “In the success of each child and is dedicated to meeting all of their needs.”

Virginia Henrie is the new sixth-grade science and social studies teacher, replacing Synthia Gerson.

She is joining the Crestdale faculty from Pennsylvania, and is in her 14th year of education. The school’s newsletter reads she believes in Dr. Seuss’s philosophy, “You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself any direction you choose.

There’s no one ‘you-er’ than you.”

Crestdale also will welcome a new sixth-grade exceptional education teacher after the holiday break because the current teacher, Mitchell Levine, will be retiring.

Rocky River earns grant for new laptops MINT HILL – Rocky River High School, located at 10505 Clear Creek Commerce Drive in Mint Hill, was among a dozen schools in three states chosen for the 2014 Champions Grants from the Jimmie Johnson foundation.

The school received $45,443 to purchase laptops and carts to support a Computers On Wheels program.

“We are really fortunate to have such great partners,” CMS Deputy

Page 10 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Superintendent Ann Clark wrote in a news release.

Butler needs proctors for state final exams MATTHEWS – Butler High School will need parents and community members to help proctor January mid-term and final exams, which begin Jan.13, 2015, a Tuesday, and finish on Jan. 16, 2015, a Friday, and Jan. 20, 2015, a Tuesday, will be a make-up day for students who have missed an exam.

People can register as a Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools volunteer by going to the CMS website (www.cms. k12.nc.us) and clicking on the link that reads, “Register to volunteer in CMS.” Volunteers must be 18 years old or older, and have a valid North Carolina address.

Testing coordinator Vickie Fosdick will train volunteer proctors before each day of testing at 7 a.m. All tests will be completed no later than 10:30 a.m.

Interested people should email the testing coordinator at Vickie.fosdick@ cms.k12.nc.us.

Queen’s Grant finds the code MINT HILL – Students at Queen’s Grant Community School took part in the Hour of Code on Friday, Dec. 12, a worldwide event organized by Code.org, to encourage students to learn how to use computer code.

Students took an angry bird or a zombie and coded it so it will move around the screen. The students are enjoying the program and are excited about coding on the computer, according to a news release.

Code.org organizes the event because there is a shortage of computer programmers compared to the high demand, the news release read.

Queen’s Grant is located at 6400 Matthews-Mint Hill Road in Mint Hill.

Matthews Elementary to host multicultural fair MATTHEWS – Matthews Elementary School will host its annual Multicultural Fair on Feb. 19, 2015, a Thursday, as a chance for parents and students to share their cultural heritage, according to the school’s newsletter.

The fair consists of cultural displays and performances. Each student and family will have an opportunity to create a display or presentation for the fair that will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. that day.

CMS-approved participants may share their customs, occupations, stories of immigration, items of display, cultural games, crafts, favorite cultural stories and anything of cultural interest, the newsletter read.

Interested families should go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/57JY8XM by (see Education Notes on page 11)

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Education

Providence High School saw increased police presence after an individual made threats against the school over social media. Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

Providence High (continued from page 1)

famous,” with an image of a gun and another that read, “The itsty bitsy students came up the water spout down came my bullets and washed them all out.”

Many parents and students chose not to attend school on Monday with the investigation still pending. Some believed the school should have closed or at least permitted excused absences, an act CMS would not guarantee on Sunday evening could happen if students chose not to attend school.

“I chose to keep my kids home. They couldn't sleep at all last night with all the stress. They are very afraid to go to school, and I don't feel safe letting them go,” wrote one parent on CMS’s Facebook page.

Clark said in her statement law enforcement would continue to investigate to identify any other individuals who might be involved in the threats at Providence or other CMS schools.

Similar postings about Ardey Kell High School were posted on Yik Yak as well over the weekend. There were two extra officers posted at Ardrey Kell High on Monday, and principal David

Education Notes (continued from page 10)

Friday, Dec. 19, to register to participate.

CMS internship program deadline coming soon The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Academic Internship Program is now accepting applications for spring 2015 and the deadline is Friday, Dec. 19.

Students participating in the program will earn academic credit. In order to receive internship credit, a student must complete a total of 135 hours to earn one credit. www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Switzer contacted parents through a phone message to inform them they would take precautions to ensure the school’s safety.

CMS Police are still trying to determine whether the same individual who made threats against Providence made those against Ardrey Kell.

CMS continues to wait for next steps and will ensure increased security over the week at all schools that have had threats made against them.

“Be assured that district officials are taking these threats very seriously and will prosecute any offenders to the fullest extent of the law,” Clark wrote in her statement. “It is important for our community to know that school safety is our number one priority and CMS fully investigates all threats, including social media posts, targeting our students, staff or schools. We will continue to pursue each threat posted via email or social media and will work with local and federal law enforcement agencies to prosecute each person involved.”

CMS Police had not pressed charges

by Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s press deadline, but authorities said charges could be pending.

Applicants must have the following criteria in order to be considered for placement: be 16 years old or older; sign and submit a student-parent agreement form; submit the intern recommendation form; complete and submit a resume; and review the orientation video and meeting with their school’s career development coordinator prior to interning.

The group internship offered by CMS for the spring are for engineering, health science and hospitality and tourism.

Students can apply at www.cms.k12. nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/cte/pages/ internships.aspx.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 11

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 13

Education

Butler earns grant to innovate school’s media center

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – A group of theater students at Butler High School felt the school’s media center needed an update. The group detailed what Butler’s media center lacked, such as outdated technology and slow computers, and helped earn $75,000 to improve its media center, thanks to the Belk Bowl PNC Innovation Lab contest.

“It was an innovation challenge. We did an open call to elementary, middle and high schools to submit a video and say what their media center is in need of. They want a more innovative space,” said Nikita Sanders, Belk’s community relations specialist.

“So, show us if the books are outdated, if the scenery is outdated, if the technology is outdated and submit a video as to why they feel they should receive a grant from Belk and Synders-Lane to reinvent their media center.”

The videos had to meet specific criteria to be considered as they had to be two to five minutes in length, show student involvement and show media center needs such as torn carpet or outdated technology.

Belk received about 35 entries, and picked three Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for the grant, choosing Hidden Valley Elementary School and Collinswood Language Academy along with Butler.

Giving back to the community is one of Belk’s core values, Sanders said. Belk wanted to start within the Charlotte community after seeing a need to bolster schools’ media centers.

“The world is moving so fast, and technology is such a big need right now, so to be able to give the students more access to that (is great),” Sanders said. “Giving them a warm and inviting space, giving them a space that is large enough to fulfill their needs, those are the big things that we’re looking for.”

Butler Principal John LeGrand said the grant was a perfect fit for his school’s media center.

“Our media center is about 17 years old now, so it’s time for an update. This is going to allow us to add some things in that we weren’t able to afford otherwise. This is a big shot in the arm for our media center,” LeGrand said. “We try to make our media center be the center of our school, the hub of our school. This will help us update it so students will want to be in here more and utilize the updated resources.”

Butler’s media specialist Anne Bucci wrote the grant to Belk and said she saw the importance of the updates.

“The media center touches every single student,” Bucci said. “We’re in the center of the school. We have the ability to attract all the students, so (we’re) getting them

Page 14 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

in here, getting them interested in books, computers and all the things that are going on that relate to what’s going on in the classrooms.”

Butler opens the media center to students beyond school hours, in the mornings and afternoons, to allow students to use its resources.

“We want is to be an open place where classes can come in and do research and check out stuff with their research,” LeGrand said. “This is a place that supports each one of our classrooms, and I think the best way to do that is open access, and that’s what we’re trying to do here at Butler.”

Bucci said she’s thrilled that Butler won the grant, but added that the work has just begun to determine how the money will be spent in the library to best benefit Butler.

“Libraries are changing and it’s really exciting,” said Bucci. “Having been at Butler since the school opened (in 1997) and to be a part of what’s going on with libraries and the transition to a learning common (a full-service learning, research and project space) and changing the way the space is used because the way that the kids use computers and do things here at school, it’s changing.”

Bucci has potential plans for the $75,000 grant, including painting accent walls and vibrant colors in the library to make the space “more inviting,” where students can

be creative and create a gaming space.

“We’re adding to what we have in this space and making it a more inviting place for kids to come and visit,” Bucci said.

LeGrand hopes to update the technology of the school, add more books and work with Bucci to determine the best ways to use the funds.

The participating students felt that they’ve left their legacy at Butler through helping improve Butler’s media center.

“It means a better learning space for future Butler students and means that I left my mark. Everyone (involved in the video) left their mark and did their part,” said senior Katie Cole, who helped with Butler’s video submission, and suggested using the grant to make the space “more comfortable” for studying.

Junior Keaton Delane, the project’s videographer and editor, felt proud of the group’s accomplishment, saying he felt the video united the group for a positive cause.

“I hope that is makes for a better learning environment,” Keaton said. “For some kids, it’s hard to focus. For extracurricular activities and just studying, I think it’s really going to help a lot. Kids will focus more and have a better experience at Butler.”

The winning students also earned tickets to the Belk Bowl on Dec. 30, a Tuesday, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

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Around Town

Celebrate the season with a local church Faith-based organizations to host Christmas services, musicals and more

by Josh Whitener josh@matthewsminthillweekly.com

As the holiday rush draws to a close, a handful of local churches are taking time to celebrate the season’s sacred side with special Christmas services.

So whether you’re looking to celebrate on Sunday before traveling for the holidays, on Christmas Eve before a quiet night at home or on Christmas morning after waking up early with the kids to open presents – Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s guide to local seasonal church services has something for everybody.

And remember – if your church is hosting a special event, let us know about it. Send an email to news@matthewsminthillweekly. com with the date, time and location of the event, as well as a few details on what attendees can expect.

Live Nativity on Christmas Eve MINT HILL – Blair Road United Methodist Church will host a live nativity on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24.

Families with children interested in taking part in the event are invited to arrive at 4:45 p.m. in the church’s Fellowship Room. Parts will be assigned on a first-come basis. The

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nativity will take place at the beginning of the 5 p.m. service, and children will return to join their families after.

Find more information at www. blairroadumc.org. The church is located at 9135 Blair Road.

Christmas Eve services at Christ Covenant MATTHEWS – Christ Covenant Church will host Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 and 7 p.m.

Both services will be candlelight worship services, and the 7 p.m. session will include communion. Find more information at www. christcovenant.org.

Christ Covenant Church is located at 800 Fullwood Lane.

Carmel Baptist to host holiday worship, Christmas Eve services MATTHEWS – Carmel Baptist Church will host holiday worship services at Sunday, Dec. 21, at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m., and Dec. 28, a Sunday, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. The church will not hold Discipleship Communities either Sunday.

Carmel Baptist also will host Christmas Eve worship services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 2, 3:30, 5 and 6:30 p.m. Child care will be available for children 2 years old and younger at the 2 and 3:30 p.m. services.

People are encouraged to sign up to attend a service online at www.carmelbaptist.org/ (see Christmas listings on page 16)

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 15

Around Town

Christmas listings (continued from page 15)

Christmas-and-the-queen-city.

Carmel Baptist is located at 1145 Pineville-Matthews Road.

Christmas Eve, seasonal worship at Cross and Crown MATTHEWS – Cross and Crown Lutheran Church will host Advent worship on Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 6:45 to 7:15 p.m., and Sunday morning worship services at 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. on Dec. 21. Sunday school will take place at 9:30 a.m.

The church will host Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 and 9 p.m.

Nursery care will be provided at the 5 p.m. service.

Cross and Crown will host worship on Dec. 28, a Sunday, at 10 a.m. only. Find more information at www.crossandcrown.org.

Cross and Crown Lutheran is located at 300 Pineville-Matthews Road.

The Longest Night, Christmas Eve services MINT HILL – Philadelphia Presbyterian Church will host The Longest Night on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the church chapel.

The worship service is sponsored by Stephen Ministries and will “focus on hope in the midst of difficult times” for people who are experiencing grief during the holiday season, such as a personal crisis or the loss of a loved one.

Philadelphia Presbyterian will host

Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 and 11 p.m. in the sanctuary, with the 5:30 p.m. service geared toward families with children. The 11 p.m. candlelight service will include special music and communion. Find more information at www.philadelphiachurch.org.

Philadelphia Presbyterian is located at 11501 Bain School Road.

Christmas Mass at St. Luke Catholic MINT HILL – St. Luke Catholic will host Christmas Mass on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 4 and 7 p.m. The church also will host a special Mass just before midnight to ring in Christmas Day. St. Luke will host Mass on Christmas morning, Thursday, Dec. 25, at 9 and 11 a.m., with a Spanish Mass scheduled for 1 p.m. Find more information at www. stlukechurch.net.

St. Luke Catholic is located at 13700 Lawyers Road.

Idlewild Baptist to host Christmas Eve 5K, candlelight service MINT HILL – Idlewild Baptist Church will host the third annual Following the Star 5K on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, Dec. 24, with race-day registration and packet pickup at 8 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. Proceeds will benefit the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, which supports international missionaries.

Idlewild Baptist will host a Christmas Eve

Page 16 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. The service will include scripture, music, testimony and more. Find more information at www. idlewildbaptist.org.

Idlewild Baptist is located at 12701 Idlewild Road.

Spirit Ringers to perform at Matthews Presbyterian MATTHEWS – The Spirit Ringers Handbell Choir will perform a concert on Sunday, Dec. 21, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at Matthews Presbyterian Church. Find more information at www.matthewspresbyterian.org.

Matthews Presbyterian is located at 207 W. John St.

Children’s Christmas program, church Christmas party MATTHEWS – People are invited to Matthews Church of God’s annual children’s Christmas program on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m., followed by the church’s annual Christmas party at 12:30 p.m. Find more information at www.mcog.thischurch.org.

Matthews Church of God is located at 517 E. John St.

Mint Hill Baptist to host Christmas musical, Christmas Eve services MINT HILL – Mint Hill Baptist Church will host “Why For Us?,” a Christmas concert featuring the children’s, youth and adult choirs, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21, at 6 p.m. both nights.

The church will host Christmas Eve services on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 7 and 11

p.m. The 7 p.m. service is a “white gift worship” service for children and their families, and the 11 p.m. candlelight service will include communion. Find more information at www.minthillbaptist.org.

Mint Hill Baptist is located at 7835 Matthews-Mint Hill Road.

Christmas services at First Baptist Matthews MATTHEWS – First Baptist Church of Matthews will host a special holiday service, “Christmas Presence,” on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 9 and 10:30 a.m.

The church will host a Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 5 p.m. Find more information at www.fbcmatthews.org.

First Baptist Matthews is located at 185 S. Trade St.

Morning Star Lutheran to host Christmas pageants, services MINT HILL – Morning Star Lutheran Church will host its annual youth Christmas pageant on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. Elementary-aged members of the church also will tell the Biblical story of Christmas at the 8:30 and 11 a.m. worship services.

Morning Star Lutheran also will host a children’s Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 12:30 p.m. The church will host special music programs at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m., and worship services at 7 and 10 p.m.

Morning Star Lutheran is located at 12509 Idlewild Road.

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Around Town

Real Help

guest column

for Real Living

The day I sang the “Mighty Mouse” song in church

by Rev. Tony Marciano news@matthewsminthillweekly.com

When I was a young pastor, I led the congregational singing of hymns and preached the sermons. My father used to say that my preaching was really good, but Rev. Tony my singing Marciano was really bad. One day he looked at me and told me to shut off the microphone when I lead the hymns, and I think there was a compliment in that sentence.

Today I sit in the pew and listen to some good preaching. There is always a call to action – some may ask you to get out of the pew and make a difference in the world.

That’s where I almost got in trouble at church.

The pastor preached a sermon about being salt and light in the world. He challenged us to touch the hearts and lives of others who need our helping hand. It was a moving sermon. While my ministry at Charlotte Rescue Mission is all consuming, something said I needed to be part of what God was asking this congregation to do.

He had us all stand up as he moved into his “call to action.” He challenged us to touch the hearts and lives of others. As he finished making the final appeal, he asked us to raise our hand if we felt the Lord calling us to be part of this special ministry. He turned to step away from the podium and immediately the band started playing a rousing chorus of “All to Jesus I surrender.” I found myself standing with my hand held high in the air. Then it happened.

In the back of my mind, I wasn’t singing the same song as the band.

They were different words – very different words, and a very different tune. Instead, I found myself singing the “Mighty Mouse” song. www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

I could hear the words as clearly as when I watched that TV show as a kid. “Here I come to save the day.”

I could feel those words echoing through the back of my head. In a moment I realized why my hand was raised. What the church was about to do would positively impact people in crisis. It would bring them help and hope. But those words, “Here I come to save the day,” clued me in that I was about to do this in my power and my strength.

It was about me and my need to fix broken, hurting people.

I lowered my hand. I could not say, “Yes” to this invitation. This wasn’t about serving them, this was about me and my need to feel good about helping others. For whatever good I was about to accomplish would sit in the shadow of the motivation of my heart. I knew there would be another project for which I could serve. This one required me to step aside and not let my needs trump the greater good God wanted to accomplish.

I lowered my hand. After lowering it, I prayed for the congregation. There were other people standing that perhaps had not yet raised their hand. I believed it was them and not me that God called to be involved in this project. I prayed that God would move on their heart and life and let them see the hand of God upon them. They would be hidden behind the cross as they served in Jesus’ name.

Since that time, there were other opportunities I had to sing the “Mighty Mouse” song. I’ve realized that my good intentions were being driven by my need to come across as helpful and nice. As I paused, I realized it may not have been in the best interest of the individual and their becoming all God created them to be. I’ve learned to back off.

I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Visit www. charlotterescuemission.org for more information.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 17

Around Town Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Calendar 12.20.14 Saturday

Matthews Farmers Market, 8 to 10 a.m.

The Matthews Community Farmers Market reopened for its Winter Market season, which runs through March.

The Winter Market features a variety of goods including arugula, Asian greens, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, escarole, greenhouse lettuces, green onions, kale, kohlrabi, field-grown lettuces, micro greens, mushrooms, mustard greens, pac choi, pecans, radicchio, rutabagas, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, turnips, winter squash, fresh-cut flowers, assorted culinary herbs, dried fruits, vegetables and more.

Visit www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com for more information.

Matthews Farmers Market, 188 N. Trade St., Matthews

Dec. 20

12.21.14

12.30.14

Sunday

Tuesday

The Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble, 4:30 p.m.

Charlotte Woodcarvers meeting, 9 a.m. to noon

The largest community handbell group in the Piedmont area, the Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble, will perform its free holiday concerts.

The “Welcome, Yule” concerts will be directed

by Charlotte Bronze’s artistic director and conductor Timothy H. Waugh. The concerts are free, and families are welcome.

Twenty-two ringers ranging from 14 years old to senior citizens will perform on four sets of bells (two sets of Malmark, one set of Schulmerich and one set of Whitechapel) and two set of chimes (both Malmark).

The program includes classic favorites, such as “White Christmas and “Sleigh Ride,” as well as newer arrangements of “A La Ru” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Original handbell compositions will include Arnold Sherman’s “Laudation” and “Cascades.”

The Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble includes two community handbell groups and was founded in March 2011. Just 4 years old, the group has already performed in many festivals and events in Charlotte and across the state.

In addition to the Matthews concert, on Monday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m., CBHE will perform in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church at 501 N. Tryon St. in Charlotte.

Morning Star Lutheran Church, 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews

The Charlotte Woodcarvers meet weekly on Tuesday mornings in Matthews.

All skill levels, from the most experienced to new carvers wishing to learn to carve, are welcome to join the Charlotte Woodcarvers.

Woodcraft Store, 1725 Windsor Square Drive, Matthews

1.8.15 Thursday

New Friends of the Carolinas, 11:15 a.m.

New Friends of the Carolinas, a social group open to all women new or native to the Carolinas, will hold a welcome coffee.

New Friends of the Carolinas offers a broad range of activities and functions for its members. Through participation in social events and interest group activities, members establish lasting friendships and become acclimated to their new community. Activities are supported by membership dues and fundraising events, and are constantly expanding to meet the needs of membership. Members are encouraged to take an active part in the organization, but the level of participation is optional to each member.

Call 866-213-9183 or visit www. newfriendsofcarolina.com for more information.

208 S. Trade St., Matthews

Send us your stuff!

Have an event going on in Matthews and Mint Hill people should know about? Well, let us know! Send us an email about your event, including when and where it is, any cost involved and how people can learn more or get involved. Email us at news@matthewsminthillweekly.com.

Page 18 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

1.9.15 Friday

Date Night Drop Off, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Date Night Drop Off allows parents an opportunity for a kid-free evening on the town. The service is open to children 7 to 13 years old.

Participants will receive a free discount card or gift certificate to a local restaurant to enjoy, and the cost is $7 for the first child and $3 for each additional child.

Kids will enjoy gym games, dancing, movie screenings and more while parents enjoy a night out to themselves. Email BDlugosz@MatthewsNC.com or call 704.708.1287 for more information.

Crews Road Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

1.10.15 Saturday

Discover the Rockies by rail. 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The Rocky Mountaineer traveling road show makes a stop in Charlotte for this unique experience.

Join AAA Travel Agents, and Mint Hill residents Jeannie and John Connors and experts from Rocky Mountaineer at this special travel event to discover why more than 1,000,000 guests have experienced Rocky Mountaineer’s award-winning rail journeys.

This world-renowned luxury train travels by daylight through the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and Alberta, and is an unforgettable way to experience the majestic Canadian Rockies.

This is a free event, but space is limited. Light refreshments will be served and small door prizes will be presented. The doors open 30 minutes before the show. Call 800-374-2865 to register or for more information.

Crowne Plaza Charlotte Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive, Charlotte

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Sports

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s boys cross-country super team Haywood Ferguson, South Meck

Nick Linder, Providence Day

Runner of the Year:

Coach of the Year:

Jack Paddison, Providence Day Steve Touranjoe, Providence Jack Ratterree, Charlotte Latin

Logan Sutter, Providence

The South Meck freshman had a smashing debut, running 16:23 to finish just nine seconds off the pace and finish third in the So. Meck 8 conference meet. He didn’t stop there, as Ferguson tied for seventh in the region (16:15) and placed 33rd in the state (16:50.73).

Linder was a key cog in the Chargers machine that continues to turn out conference and state champions. The senior finished second in the CISAA conference meet (15:25), second in the state meet (15:50.61) and ran one of the five fastest times of any boy – public or private school – in the state.

Ratterree was the Hawks’ frontrunner all year, leading them to a second-place conference finish and a fifthplace showing at the state meet. The junior ran 16:02 at the CISAA meet to take third and was seventh in the state (16:3.38). Ratterree will be a state title contender next year.

Sutter had a hand in keeping the Providence tradition alive as his ninth-place finish at the Western Regional (16:19) helped guide the Panthers to the team title. The junior was also fifth in the So. Meck 8 conference meet (16:30) and 45th in the state (17:02.14).

Joe Harbacevich, Myers Park

Tanner Sutter, Providence

Chris Smith, Myers Park

Jack Paddison, Providence Day

The Southwestern 4A champion ran 17:13 at the Myers Park home course to pace the Mustangs to the team title. The senior also was fourth in the region (16:12) and placed in the top 40 in the state (16:55.36).

Second team:

The junior helped lead the Panthers to the So. Meck 8 and western regional title as he won the individual title (16:03) and was sixth in the region (16:14).

The Mustang junior had an impressive season leading his team to a conference title and third-place regional finish. Smith was second in the conference meet (17:15) and third in the region (16:05) – where he finished two seconds off the pace – and was 28th in the state (16:47.02).

Paddison teamed with Linder to form a dynamic duo and also ran one of the five-fastest times in the state.

Paddison backed up his CISAA conference title (15:19) with a state championship (15:48.14) making him the latest on a long list of Charger standouts.

Hayden Blalock, Providence

William Glenn, Providence Day

Andrew Kiss, Providence

Jason Port, Ardrey Kell

Noah Dolhare, Providence Day

Ryan Kavanaugh, South Meck

Shad McGrew, Butler

Ben Talbert, South Meck Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

The New Black and Gold Standard

by Andrew Stark editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Tanner Sutter remembers walking into his first cross-country practice as a freshman at Providence, a school that has produced success at all levels of the sport, and at first felt a little intimidated by the tradition that had come before him.

“My first day of practice during my freshman year I remember watching these guys run at the front and I thought, ‘I’m never going to be on par with these guys,’” Sutter said. “But seeing where they were made me work to try to catch up to them.”

Sutter quickly earned his stripes for the Panthers, and by the time his freshman season ended, he was the Panthers’ No. 5 runner helping Providence claim the 2012 Western Regional title.

This season Sutter, who just closed out his junior season, was again on board for a challenge after the Panthers had to replace Wyatt Maxey, the 2012 and 2013 regional champion, the 2013 state champion and one of the most decorated runners in school history.

“We came together over the summer,” Sutter said. “It was a big thing trying to move on without Wyatt here. It was a big change on the team because we all came together more and I think that was good for our team. I think it was a big mental challenge that we all put upon ourselves, and I www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

think we succeeded at it, which was big for us.”

Led by Sutter, the Panthers certainly succeeded.

Sutter ran a personal-record 16 minutes, 14 seconds to win the So. Meck 8 conference meet, helping the Panthers claim the team title. But it’s how he did it that was impressive.

“I was glad that I finally got the opportunity to lead the team and to lead some races,” Sutter said. “Most often in meets there are people that are faster than me, but I try to lead the team as best as I can. I think it was good for myself and to show the guys that I could go out and win some races.

“When I get in that position, I try to never look back. I had one guy from South Meck that was ahead of me at the conference meet and he got out to a pretty good gap on me to start the race. I tried to close it down gradually, and never take my eyes off him. My mind toward winning the race rather than getting a PR, but they both happened.”

Sutter wasn’t done there. Entering the Western Regional, the pre-race projections had the Panthers well off the lead, but they didn’t listen to the naysayers and focused on running their race.

Sutter finished sixth in the region, running 16:14 again and helped lead the Panthers to the regional crown, a big step for a team who had lost Maxey and who few people figured

had the firepower to contend.

“We came into the regional meet projected to be 40 points down, but we didn’t let that do anything negatively. To win that meet was special and is a highlight of the year,” said Sutter, who is the 2014 Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Boys Cross-Country Runner of the Year. “This is great for us because I don’t think people thought we’d be here and I didn’t think I’d ever be where I am.

“After the conference race was really cool.

A lot of the JV team came up to me and was jumping on me and congratulating me, so it made me feel like I had done something to help them. To see those guys motivated like that is really cool.”

And next year, those JV runners, who dominated their circuit this year, will be on varsity helping Sutter build on the new Providence tradition he helped start anew.

“Next year is going to be really good. We’re going to be really confident, but we know we still have a lot of work to do,” Sutter said.

“We were proud of how we ended the season and we have all of our top 10 runners running. We’re going to be confident, but we’re not going to let it go to our head. Now there’s much more expectation of us to do well. We’re projected to be higher than our team has ever been.”

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 19

Sports

sports shorts boys basketball

by Andrew Stark editor@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Queen’s Grant’s Mitchell, Rocky River’s Roberson top Meck County wrestling tournament Queen’s Grant senior Nic Mitchell won the 138-pound division and Rocky River’s Anthony Roberson took first in the 195-pound division at the Mecklenburg County wrestling championship, which was held Dec. 13 at Olympic High.

Mitchell is Anthony Roberson the Class 1A No. 1-ranked 138-pound wrestler in the state, according to Retrorankings.com while Roberson is ranked No. 5 in the Class 4A division.

Independence had five wrestlers who placed in the top four of their respective weight classes including Waleed Alkoor, who was second in the 126-pound division, Tayshon Risher, who was the runner-up in the 182-pound weight class, and Xavier Lenear who placed second in the 220-pound class.

In addition, Daniel Rodriguez was fourth in the 152-pound class and Miguel Tejada came in fourth in the 160-pound division.

Rocky River’s Upright Odoemena was fourth in the 138-pound division.

Independence placed fifth in the team competition with 105 points, and were followed by Queen’s Grant, who was 13th with 53 points, and Rocky River, who placed 14th with 43 points.

Hough won the tournament with 214.5 points and were followed in the top five

by South Meck (164.5), Mallard Creek (154.5), Charlotte Catholic (137) and the Patriots with 105 points.

Hough and South Meck each had three individual champions.

14 points, and sophomore guard Matthew Statile added 11 points for Independence.

Senior Christian Taylor had six blocks and five rebounds and sophomore Robert Bomar had five points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals for the Patriots.

The win started the Southwestern 4A season for both teams, and snapped a seven-game win streak for the Patriots (1-7, 1-0) while signaling what’s shaping up to be a long season for the Eagles (0-9).

The Patriots play Hickory Grove on Dec. 19 as part of the BSN Buccaneer Classic at Charlotte Country Day.

Butler girls bounce back Coming into the season, coach Mark Sanders was high on his team as they had more returning players and more depth than they’ve had in the past couple of seasons.

Now, after suffering their first loss of the season in a 10-point defeat against Berry on Dec. 10, the Bulldogs can add resiliency to their list after bouncing back with a convincing 59-34 win at Garinger on Dec. 12.

Kobe Leigh and Fairen Sutton led the way with 18 points apiece, and freshman Rinnah Green chipped in with nine points, eight steals, three assists, three rebounds and a pair of blocked shots.

Kobe Leigh The Bulldogs had a big rebounding edge, as well, as Carlena Houser recorded eight rebounds and Tia Thompson and Courtney Barrett added seven apiece.

Butler has a tough test with defending state champion Myers Park on Thursday, Dec. 18 before traveling to Rock Hill for a three-day holiday tournament beginning on Dec. 19.

Harry’s big day leads Patriot boys to win column

Charlotte Latin to host 12-team holiday wrestling duals tournament

Independence senior guard Kadeem Harry led the Patriots to their first win of the season, a 65-51 victory over East Meck on Dec. 12.

Harry paced the Patriots with a career high 16 points on 5-11 shooting on offense, and also added a career-best 10 steals while contributing three rebounds.

The Patriots got out of the gates quickly, taking a seven-point lead after the first quarter. The game remained close until the final frame, when Independence outscored East Meck 20-10 to pull away.

Junior guard Marcus Thomas overcame an off shooting night to still deliver

The Charlotte Latin Holiday Wrestling Duals Tournament, which will take place Dec. 22-23 at the Belk Student Activity Center on Latin’s campus, is back for another year.

The tournament runs from 2:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 22 and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 23.

The event will feature six mats with 12 teams from around the state including Charlotte Latin, Charlotte Catholic, Cox Mill, Cuthbertson, Grimsley, Independence, Jay M. Robinson, Leesville Road, Providence, Providence Day, Riverside and Sun Valley.

Page 20 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Tickets for the event are $8 per day or $12 for a two-day pass for adults, and students are $6 per day or $10 for a two-day pass. Children ages 5 years old and younger are free.

Concessions will be available, and proceeds benefit the Witness to War Foundation.

Butler boys make it three straight The Butler boys basketball team has rebounded from consecutive losses to West Charlotte and Charlotte Catholic, and have now reeled off three consecutive wins as they set to face Myers Park in a conference showdown on Thursday, Dec. 18.

The Bulldogs got back on track with a 57-45 win over Vance on Dec. 9 as RaeQuan Scott scored 26 points and Orlando Robinson tallied 16 points and five Orlando Robinson assists in the win. The Butler defense limited the Cougars to 32 percent shooting (18 of 56), and Jah’lil Carter had 12 rebounds in the win.

Scott’s 22 RaeQuan Scott points led Butler to a 69-58 win over Berry the following night. Robinson chipped in with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Artur Labinowicz scored 14 points and added seven rebounds.

Two nights later, the Bulldogs upended Garinger, winning 67-56, behind Scott’s 16 points and six assists. Carter added a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds and Robinson had 11 points, five steals, five assists and four rebounds.

The Bulldogs played East Meck (0-9) on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and travel to 3-5 Myers Park on Thursday, Dec. 18 in a game of two of the favorites to win the Southwestern 4A.

Covenant Day girls get back on track After suffering their worst loss of the season in a 26-point loss to Charlotte Catholic on Dec. 9, the Covenant Day girls basketball team got back on track with a 56-40 win over Carmel Christian on Dec. 13.

sup er 7 1) Ardrey Kell (7-1)

2) Providence Day (7-3) 3) Butler (5-2) 4) South Meck (4-3) 5) Providence (4-3) 6) Charlotte Christian (8-1) 7) Charlotte Catholic (6-1) Also receiving votes: Charlotte Latin (6-3)

girls basketball

super 7

1) Myers Park (9-1) 2) Ardrey Kell (6-2) 3) Butler (6-1) 4) Providence Day (7-2) 5) Rocky River (6-2) 6) Covenant Day (8-3) 7) Charlotte Christian (6-3) Also receiving votes: Charlotte Catholic (6-2) The Lions used a 19-2 run in the second quarter to put the game out of reach, and coasted for their eighth win of the season.

Sophomore Sarah Billiard Sarah Billiard again led the way for the Lions, posting a double-double with 20 points and 17 rebounds, while adding six blocked shots, four assists and two steals in the win.

Senior Hannah Billiard scored 12 points and added 11 rebounds in the win, which pushed the Lions to 6-1 at home this season.

Covenant Day next plays Erwin in the Rock Hill holiday tournament they will play in from Dec. 19-22.

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Sports

BASKETBALL GAME STATS Girls Points Name Janelle Bailey Aliyah Mazyck Sarah Billiard Erin Whalen Fairen Sutton Kobe Leigh Ariana Nance Chanin Scott Cydne Pennington Claudia Dickey Caroline Dennehy Michaela Daniels Ali Fitch Hannah Billiard Kerstie Phills Rydeiah Rogers

School Providence Day Myers Park Covenant Day Providence Day Butler Butler Rocky River Myers Park Charlotte Latin Charlotte Latin Charlotte Christian Providence South Meck Covenant Day Charlotte Christian Myers Park

rebounds Name Sarah Billiard Lyric Mitchell Janelle Bailey Chi-Chi Maduegbunam Jaiden Mason Chanin Scott Carrie Eberle Hannah Billiard Grace Gach Meghan Fleury

assists Name Kiera Dowell Claudia Dickey Aja Stevens Michaela Daniels Quiera Gilmore Stepahnie Ferraro Meredith Harris Sarah Billiard Kennedy Boyd

Games 9 3 11 9 7 7 9 3 8 8 8 7 7 11 4 2

Points 20.4 19.3 16.5 16.2 14.9 14.3 14.3 12.7 12.5 12 11.8 11.7 11.7 11.1 10.5 10.5

School Covenant Day Myers Park Providence Day Providence Charlotte Christian Myers Park Charlotte Catholic Covenant Day Charlotte Country Day Providence

Games Rebounds 11 14.8 3 12 9 10.4 7 10.4 8 10.4 3 10 8 9.4 11 9.3 4 8.8 7 8.7

School Charlotte Latin Charlotte Latin South Meck Providence Ardrey Kell Charlotte Catholic Charlotte Christian Covenant Day Providence Day

Games Assists 5 5.8 8 4.9 8 4.3 7 4.1 7 4 7 3.7 8 3.4 11 3.2 9 3

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steals Name Kiera Dowell Michaela Daniels Fairen Sutton Claudia Dickey Lyric Mitchell Ali Fitch Stepahnie Ferraro

blocks Name Carrie Eberle Chi-Chi Maduegbunam Sarah Billiard Hannah Billiard Lucy Pedlow Lyric Mitchell Grace Gach Melissa Roulier Ali Gakenheimer

School Charlotte Latin Providence Butler Charlotte Latin Myers Park South Meck Charlotte Catholic

Games 5 7 7 8 3 7 7

Steals 5.8 5.6 4 3.8 3.7 3.7 3.6

School Charlotte Catholic Providence Covenant Day Covenant Day Charlotte Country Day Myers Park Charlotte Country Day Charlotte Catholic Charlotte Country Day

Games 8 7 11 11 5 3 4 8 6

Blocks 5 3.9 3.5 2.7 2.2 2 2 2 2

School Charlotte Christian South Meck Butler Myers Park Providence South Meck Grace Academy Charlotte Latin Grace Academy Butler Carmel Christian Providence Day Providence Rocky River Rocky River South Meck Grace Academy Queen’s Grant

Games 9 3 7 7 7 3 9 9 9 7 5 10 7 8 7 3 8 5

Points 23.8 23 20.6 19.6 19.1 18.3 17.8 17.4 17.1 16.3 16 15.2 14.9 14.9 14.7 14.3 14.1 14

Boys

Points Name Trey Phills Khayleb Connelly RaeQuan Scott Zaqwaun Matthews Dalen Dotson Kamil Chapman Shawn Morrison Parker Julian Jaylen Thompson Orlando Robinson Remele Everett-Hicks Grant Williams Devon Dotson Leito Holloway Keyon Wesley Grant Hedberg Cole Klaren David Perry

rebounds Name Grant Hedberg Jaylen Thompson Patrick Tape’ Mac Brydon Jah’ lil Carter Quadrian Jamison Joe Scibelli Josh Freund Grant Williams Josh Howard

assists Name David Perry Tireq Marrow Jalen Blakeney Seth Davis Dalen Dotson Jace Weir David Hermann Devon Dotson RaeQuan Scott Cole Klaren

steals

Name Tireq Marrow Devon Dotson Cole Klaren Jalen Blakeney Trey Phills Kamil Chapman Lee Houck

blocks Name Patrick Tape’ Jah’ lil Carter Christian Taylor Grant Hedberg Quadrian Jamison Joe Scibelli Grant Williams

School South Meck Grace Academy Queen’s Grant Carmel Christian Butler South Meck Charlotte Catholic Ardrey Kell Providence Day Providence Day

Games Rebounds 3 15.7 9 13.4 6 12.8 5 9.6 7 9.4 3 8.3 7 7.9 8 7.9 10 7.5 10 7.5

School Queen’s Grant Rocky River South Meck Ardrey Kell Providence Queen’s Grant Charlotte Latin Providence Butler Grace Academy

Games Assists 5 6.2 6 5.5 3 4.3 8 4.3 7 3.9 5 3.8 8 3.8 7 3.6 7 3.6 8 3.5

School Rocky River Providence Grace Academy South Meck Charlotte Christi an South Meck Myers Park

Games 6 7 8 3 9 3 7

Steals 3.5 3.3 2.9 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.4

School Queen’s Grant Butler Independence South Meck South Meck Charlotte Catholic Providence Day

Games 6 7 8 3 3 7 10

Blocks 8 2.4 2.4 2.3 2.3 2.1 1.9

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Page 21

Page 22 • Dec. 17 to 22, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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