Union County Weekly

Forest Hills Athletics Director Warren Taylor is this week’s guest picker Page 20

September 18, 2015 Vol. 10 No. 38 Twitter @ucweekly www.unioncountyweekly.com

Quarterbacks in the making Practices are longer, competition is tougher and the stakes are higher. But for young up-andcoming quarterbacks in Union County, it’s that kind of pressure that’s developing their potential to become some of the best QBs to come through the system.

Page 20

Pool proposal hits wall Mecklenburg Swim Association hopes to build an indoor swimming facility off Rea Road, but a brick wall stands in the way.

Page 3

Indian Trail roads pass century mark The town hasn't seen major road improvements since its incorporation in 1907, but several big projects could be in Indian Trail's future.

Page 4

Never forgotten Schools across the county honored the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Page 15

News Briefs 6 | Opinion 7 | Crime Blotter 9 | Education 13 | Faith 16 | Calendar 17 | Sports 19 | Classifieds 23

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Page 2 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

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Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 3

Indoor pool proposal at Rea Road hits brick wall Swim facility could reduce travel time for youth

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

WAXHAW – A brick wall is all that stands in the way of Mecklenburg Swim Association’s efforts to build an indoor swimming facility at the corner of Rea and Tom Short roads.

The proposed 15,000-square-foot training center would sit on two acres by the Kohls and Hunter Oaks subdivision. It’s part of nine acres once designated for a three-story office building that didn’t come to fruition.

The office building project was supposed to have a wall to serve as a buffer for Hunter Oaks residents. But the indoor swimming facility sits on a portion of that property with developers preferring a more natural buffer instead of the brick wall.

Brian Smith, of Urban Design Partners Charlotte, has been working with Mecklenburg Swim Association (MSA) on the project. Smith says the wall was no longer needed, since the indoor swim facility is a less intense use than a three-story office building.

A handful of Grayscroft Drive residents spoke during a Sept. 8 public hearing about the project. Some said they didn’t oppose having an indoor swimming facility next door, but they’d prefer that a sixfoot high brick wall separate it from their properties.

“I look at my backyard and see the trees that are marked and see that it’s not that far off from where my kids are playing,” said Nicole Stankoski, noting she and others were considering moving without the wall.

John Yeagley said he and neighbors wanted the opportunity to speak to the developer and planning commission to talk about the proper buffer for the project.

Peter Perers, head coach at MSA, said the group wants to be a good neighbor, but at the same, he doesn’t feel the project should be held to the standards of the three-story office building, especially since his proposal follows the county’s buffer rules.

“I’m just a guy trying to put up a pool,” Perers said. “So anytime we talk about sixfoot tall brick walls that goes five acres, that makes me nervous.”

Union Commissioner Stony Rushing mentioned the idea of possibly starting the brick wall on Perer’s parcel and having the next developer continue it once the use for the rest of the land is identified.

For the swim facility to move forward, MSA needs county commissioners to amend the project’s planning unit development permit. But opposition from Grayscroft Drive residents concerned them.

The nature of the request requires a vote without any conditions, according to Brian Matthews, executive director for the Union County Planning Department.

So while commissioners can’t ask MSA to add back the wall, they could continue the public hearing in hopes that the developer meets with concerned residents and brings back revised plans for the property.

Commissioners chose to continue the public hearing on Oct. 5.

Proponents of the proposal say the facility would increase access for Union County youth who are having to travel to Charlotte for swim practice.

“One of the challenges we’re running into is with all the building that is taking place, there is more and more pressure on a very limited number of facilities for swimming for these youngsters to participate in,” Waxhaw resident Kevin Raines said. “When you go to various meets, it’s standing-room only sometimes.”

Melissa King-Pierce, swim coach for Marvin Ridge High School, said coaches across her conference are asking athletic directors to look into the feasibility of offering swimming during school time, because they can’t find pool space for meets.

Marvin Ridge uses Mecklenburg Swim Association’s facility in Charlotte, but the school is limited to two days a week and the team doesn’t return home until 10 p.m.

“We are starving for pool space,” KingPierce said.

The Weekly

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I just sat down to read through Union County Weekly, as I always do on a Saturday afternoon, and was SHOCKED to say the least by a letter that was printed in response to the girls that were posted in the Sept. 4 issue on their first day of school.

My daughter was one of those girls and for someone to tell me to "Get a CLUE" is pure ignorance and stupidity. I can't speak for the other parents who volunteered the pictures of their children to be printed, I can, however, speak for myself in saying that my daughter isn't allowed outside without me or her father outside with her.

We watch our daughter like hawks! And that is an understatement! Do I worry about her? More than anything! We have taught our daughter the do's and don’ts of strangers and we go over them constantly. However, we refuse to live in fear and to allow people with such negative outlooks to scare us from sharing the beautiful love of our lives (our daughter).

Yes, the world has changed. Yes, social media can be scary. But when you live in fear you are only feeding into the negative.

UCW, please keep doing what you are doing and please do NOT let the negative people stop you from bringing residents all sorts of news and pictures! You all post pictures of kids at schools who have won contest, football games, or who have made special accomplishments.

I find the first day of school pictures no different.

Thank you!

Jolene Coppinger (see Letters to the Editor on page 6)

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 4 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

After 100 years, town rolling on infrastructure

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2015-16 Town Transportation Plan

INDIAN TRAIL – Town Manager Joe Fivas is often asked why Indian Trail has traffic congestion. People want to know if it has anything to do with out-of-control growth.

While growth is certainly a factor, Fivas contends the town invested virtually nothing into its transportation infrastructure for more than a century.

The only road improvements he knows of in the 100 years since Indian Trail’s 1907 incorporation are small resurfacing projects and the extension of Faith Church Road. Meanwhile, the town’s population grew from 15,000 to nearly 38,000 residents.

The town didn’t even have a public works department until 2010.

“We barely had a shovel,” Fivas said, noting the community was among the 25th largest in the state while operating at a capacity for a town of 200 residents.

But the town has made up for lost time.

In 2011, town council launched the “Pathways to Progress,” a plan designed to improve mobility by allowing commuters to travel on a three- to four-lane loop to local attractions.

Since, Indian Trail has built and widened roads, passed its first transportation bond package and increased oversight from seven miles of streets in 2007 to about 60 miles today.

Council members also approved a threeyear transportation plan last month.

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wouldn’t detract from the town’s road needs.

Town staff will soon begin engaging consultants about continuing construction along Chestnut Parkway, as well as widening Indian Trail Road and upgrading its streetscape.

The town began building the first of three segments of Chestnut Parkway in 2013. It is scheduled to begin construction on the second phase in 2016 and get state funding for the third phase by 2020.

Widening Indian Trail Road to three lanes from Old Monroe Road to U.S. 74 before 2020 is another goal. The town has been doing preliminary work on the project, but will need to study how to pay for it. Sources could come from developers, local or state money, grants, or special tax districts.

“I think we need to start having a conversation about how do we move the 100-year legacy of Indian Trail Road and make it into a vibrant streetscape area to bring in different kinds of businesses,” Fivas said.

Old Monroe Road is scheduled for 2024, but Fivas believes the project could be fast-tracked a few years after recent discussions with the N.C. Department of Transportation. A big question mark is whether NCDOT will fund the entire project or reimburse the town for construction on certain segments of the road.

Councilmember Gordon Daniels has asked town staff to compile a list of three projects that won’t require state or county participation, but that Indian Trail can do with its own resources and grant money.

Daniels favors continuing to work with the NCDOT on big-picture projects involving state roads, but he’d also like to go ahead and start improving local streets.

“Give the residents something,” Daniels said.

The council has also directed staff to begin evaluating how Indian Trail can eventually use upwards of $2 million in grants to connect neighborhoods via greenways.

Mayor Pro Tem David Cohn told Fivas that he wants to ensure any commitment to greenways

• Design/permit/right-of-way for Chestnut Parkway phase II (Gribble and Old Monroe roads).

• Planning for Chestnut Parkway phase III (Gribble and Matthews-Indian Trail roads).

• Design/apply for grant for Sardis Church and Unionville-Indian Trail roads (intersection).

• Design/right-of-way for Indian Trail and Gribble roads (intersection).

• Design/right-of-way for Indian Trail and Matthews-Indian Trail roads (intersection).

• Design/consultant/public process for Indian Trail Road streetscape (Gribble and Matthews-Indian Trail roads).

• Construction for Sardis Church Road sidewalk (Unionville-Indian Trail Road and Brittany Downs).

• Construction for Rogers Road sidewalk (Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road and Villas of Sun Valley).

2015-16 NCDOT Transportation Plan

• Design/construction for U.S. 74 intersection improvements.

• Streetscape design for U.S. 74 intersection improvements.

• Construction for Indian Trail Road Bridge replacement/road widening.

• Construction for Poplin Road roundabout.

2016-17 Town Transportation Plan

• Construction for Chestnut Parkway phase II (Gribble and Old Monroe roads).

• Planning for Chestnut Parkway phase III (Gribble and Matthews-Indian Trail roads).

• Construction/grant for Sardis Church and Unionville-Indian Trail roads (intersection).

• Construction for Indian Trail and Gribble roads (intersection).

• Construction for Indian Trail and Matthews-Indian Trail roads (intersection).

• Construction for Indian Trail Road streetscape (Gribble and Matthews-Indian Trail roads).

Upcoming projects

These are projects identified for potential infrastructure improvements through Pathways to Progress. The first nine projects are projected over the next five years. The last four are targeted for 10 years.

• Complete and begin construction on second and third sections of Chestnut Parkway.

• Begin construction on Old Monroe Road by 2020.

• Complete Monroe Expressway and access roads and two Indian Trail interchanges before 2020.

• Widen Indian Trail Road to three lanes from Old Monroe Road to U.S. 74 before 2020.

• Widen Unionville-Indian Trail Road from Faith Church Road in 2016.

• Construct Faith Church Road to Old Monroe Road.

• Construct roundabout at Rocky River Road.

• Build intersection at Sardis Elementary School.

• Construct new intersections at four intersections at U.S. 74.

• Widen Rogers Road intersection.

• Widen Sardis Church Road to three lanes.

• Widen Younts Road to three lanes.

• Widen Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road to three lanes.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 5

September festivals returning to Stallings, Weddington this weekend

by Josh Whitener josh@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

As summer draws to a close and area residents prepare for cooler weather and shorter days, two Union County towns have their sights set on their annual September festivals.

Stallings and Weddington will host their respective town events, Stallings Fest and the Weddington Country Festival, on Saturday, Sept. 19. Though each festival boasts its own theme and is run by its own town, event organizers from both towns say the events have the same goal: to bring the community together for a day of family fun.

Sunday Brunch Starting September 6 9am-12:00pm

Saying goodbye to summer

Stallings Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Stallings Municipal Park, 340 Stallings Road.

The annual festival is a carnival-type event that will include dozens of rides and activities for children; live entertainment, including for the first time Top 40 band RadioJacks; and food, business and arts and crafts vendors.

“The (weather) forecast (for Stallings Fest) is looking good – all things are favored for us to have a great day at the park, people to come out and be part of the community, meet their neighbors and just have a good family time,” Dena Sabinske, director of parks and recreation for Stallings, said.

Sabinske estimates 5,000 people attended last year’s Stallings Fest, and she’s expecting just as many attendees this year – if not more. (see Fall Fest on page 9)

New Menu Items Mention this AD for One Free Beverage with Brunch & Free Appetizer with Future purchase of any entree 704-847-4884 2945 Weddington Rd. Matthews, NC 28104 www.eatmariospizza.com Josh Whitener/UCW photo

Saturday, September 19th 5:00-8:00 P.M. Union County Agricultural Center (3230 Presson Road in Monroe)

$20 presale tickets ($25 at the door) $10 kids age 10 & under Purchase tickets online at www.opreachout.org or at Finders Keepers Resale Store in Monroe

Participating Restaurants: Java Jeff Hathaway’s Chicken ‘n’ Biscuits Nothing Bundt Cakes Carolina Cake Artistry Kate Clyde’s Catered Creations Edible Arrangements Cakes by Anjella Pig-N-Vittles of Monroe

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Stone Table Chili’s Bar & Grill Bisonte Pizza Chick fil-A Olive Garden Longhorn Steakhouse Zaxby’s Title Sponsor

Of Union & Stanly Counties

Additional Sponsors:

WIXE radio 1190

Hargett & Sons Trucking

Soundbiz DJ Service of Waxhaw

City of Monroe

Friends of Operation Reach Out

Calvary Baptist Church of Monroe

Renovate It State Utility Contractors Union Accounting Services Enterprise Fitness & Personal Training Center Rabon Insurance Agency, Inc. J. Bennett Glass, attorney Gordon Funeral Home Faulkner’s Drugs

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www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 6 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

The Weekly

News Briefs

WWW.UNIONCOUNTYWEEKLY.COM

Visit www.madisonscoffee.com or call 704628-0106 for more information.

(continued from page 3)

Dear Editor, In reading your Union County Weekly, Vol. 10 No. 37, I was disheartened that no mention was made of the Sept.

11 anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks. I guess it wasn't important.

Bill Pearce

10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154 Charlotte, NC 28210 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 www.unioncountyweekly.com

Editorial

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Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Business Editor Josh Whitener Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Pastor John Munro

Advertising Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson Andrea Mounts

Business Publisher Jonathan McElvy Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling

Design Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Press Releases: hannah@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Union County Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Madison’s Coffee House re-opened for business Sept. 1 HEMBY BRIDGE – Madison’s Coffee House re-opened its doors to patrons earlier this month, after several months of being out of operation.

The business closed its doors on June 27. Former owner Dawn Stodolski sold the company to Kelly and John LaPatriello, who re-opened the coffee shop, still at its 7878 Idlewild Road location, on Sept. 1.

The couple has chosen to offer all of the shop’s previous menu items – including coffee, lattes, macchiatos, tea, java freezes and smoothies – along with muffins, brownies and bagels imported from New YUork and served with cream cheese or bacon, egg and cheese.

Madison’s also has added 10 flavors of deluxe ice cream from Mooresville Ice Cream Company, as well as a a Lil Orbits Mini Donut Cart, where employees make doughnuts in front of patrons as orders are placed. The business’s menu also now includes Belgian waffles served in a variety of ways, such as with powdered sugar, maple syrup, fresh fruit and more.

The LaPatriellos also added a limited lunch menu, which they plan to expand in the near future. The business is still pet friendly, with an outdoor patio for patrons with pets, and additional staff have been hired to move drive-thru traffic more quickly.

Letters to the Editor

Indian Trail honors Sept. 11, 2001 INDIAN TRAIL – Indian Trail community members and leaders gathered at Crossing Paths Park to honor the lives of those lost in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center with a flag-lowering ceremony and moment of silence.

"None of us will forget," Mayor Michael Alvarez said. "Today's a day where we're all family, all differences aside. We came together on this day, 14 years ago, as a family. And on this day, what we need to take notice of is that those who put on a badge, whether it be firefighters, law enforcement officers, deputies - they showed their courage. They ran toward a crumbling building, knowing there was a chance they wouldn't come back. Today is a day we honor them, and those that we lost."

Volunteer day at Dogwood Park WESLEY CHAPEL – The next volunteer work day at Dogwood Park is slated for Sept.

26, a Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jobs are available for all ages and students will be able to sign off on volunteer hours. Volunteers under 18 years old must have a parent signature to participate.

Letters to the Editor do not reflect the views of Union County Weekly.

Dear Editor, I was asked recently what are the issues that I want to address in my campaign to be mayor of Indian Trail. I said that my top priority was roads and road improvements.

From 1907 when Indian Trail was incorporated to 2007 there were no known town initiated transportation improvements. Two exceptions were a few resurfacing projects and Faith Church Road, which involved state and local funding. The town simply does not own or control the roads we use to commute.

It’s no wonder we are at an impasse when it comes to roads and traffic congestion. Our population grew from 364 in 1960, to 2,000 in 1990. Population jumped another 10,000 by 2000 and tripled to over 33,500 in 2010. Today, we stand at an estimated 38,000 residents.

While the population grew the state did nothing about roads in Indian Trail. The real problem with road congestion is not population per se; it is under investment in our road infrastructure. We have failed to keep pace with population growth.

My opponent says, “Let’s choke off population growth by growing the town in a ‘slow, constant and controlled manner,’ along with applying more stringent zoning laws and town ordinances.” Sooner or later, voters need to understand “slow growth” will not build the roads needed and will not solve our current and future transportation problem. To solve the transportation problem the mayor, town council and town manager must persuade the NCDOT, which owns the roads, and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization, to raise our road priorities in a state and regional system. This is precisely what the town is attempting to do, and what I plan to do if elected.

Roger J. Fish

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Ad❤ption Name: Lola ID: A1026909 Breed Mix: Lab Age: 9 years Weight: 74 lbs Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 11/2/14 Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

Lola is a very gentle and calm girl. She may be older but she loves to walk daily and be outdoors. She’s happy with a one mile stroll. She has met male and female dogs of different sizes and gets along very well with them all. She doesn’t have any interest in toys or balls, but loves to cuddle. Although she’s a little needy she has no separation anxiety and does great uncrated during my work day. My neighbors say they don’t hear a peep out of her when I’m gone. She has never destroyed a single item in my house and has never had an accident. She has no food dominance or aggression at all.

She would do best in a home with kids over 7 years old. She does have a prey drive to cats! She tried to chase a couple of times. Overall she’s a great pet! Very low maintenance and sweet!

My contact info is arajvong@gmail.com for any potential adopters.

LOLA

CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road

Name: Roosevelt ID: A1092277 Breed Mix: Shorthair Age: 3 years Weight: 9 lbs Sex: Neutered Male Date of Arrival: 9/9/15 (Surrendered) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

ROOSEVELT

You’re working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I’ll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I’ll just plop in your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don’t you? I’ll help you with all your chores, and I’ll help you relax when we’re done. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without me. Please contact my foster parent at jones.elizah@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more about me.

8315 Byrum Drive / animals.cmpd.org ADOPTION FEES RANGE FROM $63 TO $103

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www.unioncountyweekly.com

Don’t hitch your wagons to reckless drivers

by Jonathan McElvy jonathan@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

A

s many of you know (and some may not), my job has changed tremendously over the past few months. Our small media company now owns newspapers in Charlotte and Houston, and that means my time is now evenly divided in four distinct places: home, airports, North Carolina and Texas.

For almost 12 years, I have written a weekly column to very select groups of readers, and for the past three years, those readers have been located in Houston. Now, with the addition of a new group of newspapers, we have more than 150,000 readers each week.

Readers in Charlotte likely don’t know what to make of me yet; those in Houston have got me pegged quite well. I believe newspapers that don’t publish opinions are like cars that don’t have windows. Columns like this are designed to give you a view into the people who run your community newspaper, and so long as our company has stewardship over your newspaper, we plan on publishing the opinions of our editors, readers and even me. Columns are designed to drive discussion, and newspapers that don’t spur conversation miss their greatest responsibility.

At The Weekly, our editor Hannah Chronis will offer perspectives on local issues important to our readers in south Charlotte, Union County, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville.

Meanwhile, the format and focus of my

column is going to shift to address larger issues – ones important to both Houston and Charlotte. I’m going to try to offer observations on topics and events that are not specific to neighborhoods, but rather important to our lives. And whether Hannah is writing about local elections or I’m writing about national trends, my hope is that all of our content creates conversation among our readers. And every once in a while, we may even try to make you laugh.

So what does all this mean? It means I’m going to write about people like Kim Davis, the county clerk in Rowan County, Kentucky, who spent six days in jail because she refuses to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.

For most of my career, I’ve made it a point to never question a person’s intentions, and I won’t start now. I am quite confident, though, that Republicans have once again missed the boat by creating national celebrity for someone who has not earned national celebrity.

Think about it this way: Democrats hitch their wagons to A-list celebrities in Hollywood. They ask people like George Clooney and Ellen DeGeneres to fight their public battles, and those people are professionally trained to look appealing and well-spoken in front of cameras. Meanwhile, the single-mostembarrassing moment in the GOP primary campaign, thus far, has been the image of candidate Mike Huckabee holding the hand of Davis in front of a rural courthouse, exclaiming victory for one woman’s release from the county lock up.

You see, the issue isn’t even about celebrity.

Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 7

The Weekly

The great movements of social resistance didn’t happen because Rosa Parks got on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama. They happened because people – white and black – began to change the way they thought about “separate but equal.” People in America haven’t started to shift their thinking that, all of a sudden, gay marriage is a bad thing. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

In 2009, a Gallup poll found only 40 percent of Americans supported gay marriage.

In 2014, the same organization’s poll found that 55 percent of Americans now support same-sex marriage.

When Republicans (and I’m usually one of them) fight the issue of gay marriage, they fight for those three catch words: “Sanctity of Marriage.” Yet for some reason completely unfathomable to me, Republicans like Huckabee want to ride the coattails of a woman like Davis who has been divorced three times, had two children out of wedlock, and has no proven record for respecting the “Sanctity of Marriage” so important to this cause.

From what I’ve read, Davis has changed her life over the past four years. She is now a devout, Democratic Christian, and her cause is one she takes personally. In fact, she’s told some she isn’t opposed to issuing same-sex marriage licenses. She just doesn’t want her signature on them.

If Republicans want to impact social change, they need to start picking better spokespeople.

Social Media Posts

Union County residents have a lot to say on social media about both the community and current events. Keep checking in and tagging Union County Weekly on Facebook and Twitter to have your posts featured in the paper!

Ashley Hobensack @ahobensack23 Sept. 10 You know you live in Waxhaw when you see a chicken on the side of the road.

Claire Kennedy @clairexkennedy Sept. 9 Just saw a girl taking a selfie in front of the Waxhaw liquor store… what has this world come to?

Lonnie @supadude_234 Sept. 15 Can we just acknowledge the fact that Marvin Ridge has their own geofilter on SnapChat?

Chase Smith @ChaseS16 Sept. 12 CATA is undefeated and Weddington lost to Monroe… What an interesting year.

Erin McAllister @Erincheer2 Sept. 12 You know you live in Waxhaw when there’s missing cows…

Becca Wells @becca_wells27 Sept. 11 It’s about one whole school coming together screaming their hearts out for one team. Couldn’t be prouder to be a Weddington Warrior. #BIGDUB

WELCOME BACK TO BEING YOU.

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Take the first step toward joint pain relief by registering for a FREE hip and knee replacement seminar.

Visit CarolinasHealthCare.org/JointPain Tuesday, September 29 | 6 to 7 p.m.

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Make an appointment with a boardcertified orthopedic surgeon 704-512-7973.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 8 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Union County Health Department inspected the following dining locations between Sept. 7 and 13: Lowest Scores: • Gator’s Deli, 2316 Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road – 91 Violations included: No certified food protection manager on duty; uncovered employee drink stored above equipment/food; sanitizer not at proper strength; salads, deli chubs and cheeses not kept cold enough; pastrami held past expiration date; various foods without date marks; wiping cloths stored out of sanitizer solution; glass door of reach-in unit unable to maintain foods at proper temperatures, unit must be repaired and correction verified; non-commercial refrigerator added to facility; septic system sized for nine seats, but 10 seats were observed in the facility. • Bojangles’, 2200 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 91 Violations included: Uncovered employee drink stored above condiments; containers of butter/cinnamon/glaze left uncovered next to hand sink; fryer shortening stored uncovered in storage area; raw sausage patties stored above bo-berries and pies; fried chicken not kept hot enough; ham, sausage and liquid eggs not kept cold enough; blanched fries not marked with time; employee took rice off stove and prepared for hot holding when final cook temperature was not hot enough; flies throughout facility; single-service items stored uncovered in shed; low-boy/drawers unable to consistently hold foods at cold enough temperatures; general cleaning needed.

28079 • Francesco’s Pizzeria, 6751 Old Monroe Road, suite 102 – 97

• Gator’s Deli, 2316 Waxhaw-Indian Trail Road – 91 • Jack’s Pizza, 5850 E. Hwy. 74 – 96.5 • Metrolina Christian Academy cafeteria, 732 Fairview Indian Trail Road – 98.5 • New York Pizza & Pasta, 624 Indian Trail Road – 96.5 28104 • Harris Teeter Deli, 7800 J Stevens Mill Road – 94 • Stallings Elementary School cafeteria, 3501 Stallings Road – 98 28110 • Blessings Deli, 107-A and B Jefferson St. – 93.5 • Bojangles’, 2200 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 91 • Jin Jin, 221 E. Franklin St. – 96.5 • No. 1 Chinese Buffet, 1008 W. Roosevelt Blvd., suite J and K – 96 • Piedmont High School cafeteria, 3006 Sikes Mill Road – 100 • Sardis Elementary School cafeteria, 4416 Sardis Church Road – 97 • Sun Valley High School cafeteria, 5211 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 99 • Union County Early College cafeteria, 4209-A Old Charlotte Hwy. – 98.5 • Walter Bickett Elementary School cafeteria, 830 S. Martin Luther King Drive – 98.5 28112 • No restaurants inspected this week.

28173 • Marvin Elementary School cafeteria, 9900 MarvinWeddington Road – 99.5 • Marvin Ridge Middle School cafeteria, 2825 Crane Road – 98.5 • South Providence School cafeteria, 500 S. Providence Road – 100 • Waxhaw Elementary School cafeteria, 1101 Old Providence Road – 100

The Weekly

Development Briefs Union County roads could see updates The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) will consider including six Union County roads among its priority highway improvement projects.

The CRTPO was scheduled Sept. 16 to approve 22 highway projects in Mecklenburg, Union and Iredell counties to submit to the N.C. Department of Transportation for potential inclusion into the 2018-2027 Transportation Improvement Plan. The NCDOT scores projects on factors such as congestion, safety and costs.

Union County projects include: • Providence Road South – Widen to multi-lanes from Rea Road Extension to N.C. 75 in Waxhaw. • Waxhaw Bypass – N.C. 75 Bypass of Waxhaw from N.C. 16 east to N.C. 75 east. • Potter Road – Widen to four lanes from Old Monroe Road to Pleasant Plans Road in Stallings. • Lawyers Road – Widen to four lanes from Interstate 485 to Stevens Mill Road in Stallings. • Old Monroe Road – Widen to four lanes from Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road to Airport Road in Indian Trail. • New Town and Marvin roads – Convert intersection to roundabout in Marvin.

The CRTPO can also submit projects to improve transit, rail, aviation, as well as bike and pedestrian lanes.

Building a sidewalk network along Stallings and Stevens Mill roads that would connect residential subdivisions to Stallings Elementary School is among pedestrian projects being considered.

The CRTPO will seek public input before adopting the 2018-2027 plan in 2017.

Planning group considers airport upgrades MONROE – The Monroe Airport could have 13 projects worth $22.5 million added to the 2018-2027 Transportation Improvement Plan. (see Development Briefs on page 13)

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The Weekly

Crime Blotter

Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 9 Fraud • 3000 block of Semmes Lane: $600 cash obtained by false pretenses. Aug. 31 • 4900 block of Alexis Drive: Credit/debit cards.

Sept. 9 Hit and run • 600 block of South Indian Trail Road. Aug. 31

The following incidents were reported between Aug. 31 and Sept. 10: Hemby Bridge Break-ins, vehicles • 7000 block of Idlewild Road: $650 handgun stolen. Sept. 6 Indian Trail Break-ins, buildings • 5900 block of White Cliffs Drive: $300 collectible coins, $300 digital safe, $10 documents, $80 purse and $100 jewelry stolen. Sept. 3 Break-ins vehicles • 3700 block of Braefield Drive: Sept. 2 • 3300 block of Creek Trail Road: $1 purse/handbag/wallet stolen. Sept. 2 • 3300 block of Creek Trail Road: $400 refrigerant, $600 laptop, $100 printer and $1 wifi hotspot.

Sept. 2.

• 1000 block of Green Terra Road: $100 music player stolen. Sept. 3 • 1000 block of Green Terra Road: Sept. 4 • 2000 block of Holly Villa Circle: $250 backyard fence damaged. Sept. 4 • 200 block of William Clark Trail: $587 firearm stolen. Sept. 4 • 3400 block of Braefield Drive: $200 purse/wallet, $150 sunglasses and bank deposit bag stolen.

Sept. 4 • 2000 block of Savoy Court: Sept. 6 • 3000 block of Streamlet Way: $2,000 golf clubs, $500 range finders and $500 golf bags stolen. Sept. 8 • 2000 block of Cadberry Court: $895 vacuum pump, 265 refrigerant gauges, $360 micrometer, $280 refrigerant scale and $165 tank. Sept. 10 • 4900 block of U.S. 74: $1,100 drivers window and door and $900 window damage. Sept. 10 • 2000 block of Planters Knoll Drive: $1,555 hand tools. Sept. 10 • 6500 block of Afterglow Lane: $750 scanner, $700 scanner and $7.80 cigarettes. Sept. 10

Fall Fest (continued from page 5)

In addition, families will have one last chance to enjoy the Stallings Park Interactive Fountain before it becomes inactive until May 2016.

The Stallings Fest Stage Agenda includes: • 10 a.m. – DJ music party • 11 a.m. – Opening remarks by Stallings Mayor Wyatt Dunn • Noon – Chief Short Safety Magic Show • 12:30 p.m. – Toma Dojo True Karate performance • 1 p.m. – Energy Dance Complex performance • 1:30 p.m. – LANTi Music Group performance • 2 p.m. – Magic show by Magician Criswell • 2:30 p.m. – Spark Martial Arts performance • 3 and 3:30 p.m. – DJ music party • 4 to 6 p.m. – Top 40 band RadioJacks In addition, the festival will include a photo booth all day; free face painting and balloon art from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and more. Find more information at www.stallingsnc.org.

Property damage • 1100 block of Saratoga Boulevard: $400 in damage to vehicle. Sept. 3 • 3700 block of Brookstone Trail: $100 glass window damaged. Sept. 3 • 3700 block of Brookstone Trail: $4,500 in damage to vehicle. Sept. 3 • 6400 block of Howey Bottoms Road: $40 mailbox damaged. Sept. 6 • 3100 block of Flaggstone Lane: $300 vehicle damage. Sept. 8 Thefts • 4300 block of Old Monroe Road: $310.44 merchandise stolen. Aug. 31 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $56.11 merchandise stolen. Sept. 1 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $35.36 fish tank plants and $9.94 merchandise stolen. Sept. 3 • 5850 block of U.S. 74: $8.28 yogurt and $16.96 cat food stolen. Sept. 4 • 3600 block of Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road: $50,000 bobcat and $10,000 trailer. Sept. 4 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $48.24 DVDs and $11 hair bows. Sept. 5 • 4700 block of Indian Trail-Fairview Road: $1,800 riding mower. Sept. 6 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $28.46 makeup, $6.94 toothbrushes, $57.42 other merchandise stolen. Sept. 6 • 4300 block of Old Monroe Road: $800 water meter stolen. Sept. 8 • 100 block of Unionville-Indian Trail Road: $40 license plates stolen. Sept. 8 • 100 block of Business Park Drive: $20 license plate stolen. Sept. 8 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $10 shirts stolen.

Sept. 8 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $29.88 brow brushes, $18.84 sports drinks and $30.80 drinks stolen.

Sept. 8 • 2100 block of Younts Road: $72.14 toothbrushes stolen. Sept. 10 Unauthorized use of vehicle • 7800 block of Idlewild Road: Sept. 1

Welcoming fall

The Weddington Country Festival was founded as a fall festival four years ago to kick off the season, and has grown each year, according to event organizer Barbara Harrison.

The festival, funded entirely through sponsorships, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Weddington town hall, 1924 Weddington Road. New for 2015 is a 25-foot rock climbing wall, several additional rides and activities for kids and a photo booth.

Repeat favorites will include a pumpkindecorating contest for kids, a bake contest and sale, arts and crafts vendors, food for sale and live entertainment, courtesy of bluegrass band The Hinson Girls. Senior citizens can eat for free. Whispering Hope Farms also will return to host a petting zoo.

Harrison estimates at least 2,000 people attended last year’s festival, and she expects just as many, if not more, to turn out this year.

“This year, we’ve done some more advertising … so, I really expect it to be pretty busy,” she said. “One thing I don’t want to do is move (the event’s location) – I think that area is perfect to have community event like this.”

Call 704-846-2709 for more information.

Lake Park Break-ins, buildings • 3800 block of Sages Avenue. Sept. 10

Sexual exploitation of minor • 6500 block of Shalom Way: second-degree offense. Sept. 5

Stallings No major offenses reported.

Thefts • 4500 block of Tom Starnes Road: $80 camera stolen. Sept. 1 • 1600 block of South Providence Road: $15.99 makeup stolen. Sept. 6 • 9000 block of Tintinhull Lane: $500 leaf blower stolen. Sept. 9 Weapon on school property • 500 block of South Providence Street: Sept. 4

Weddington Property damage • 300 block of Rea Road: $2,000 bulldozer and $3,000 skid damaged. Sept. 3 Break-ins, vehicles • 7000 block of Stirrup Court: $200 cash and $75 wallet stolen. Sept. 5 • 700 Evans Manor Drive: $50 purse, $20 cash, credit/debit cards and drivers license stolen. Sept.

9 Waxhaw Break-ins, vehicles • 6700 block of Blackwood Lane: $2 cash stolen.

Aug. 31 • 6700 block of Blackwood Lane: $5 cigarettes stolen. Aug. 31 • 6500 block of Blackwood Lane: $300 CD/DVD players, $200 gift cards, $150 GPS devices, $200 video games, $100 cash stolen. Aug. 31 • 6600 block of Blackwood Lane: credit car stolen. Aug. 31 • 5500 block of Shady Brook Court: $120 cash, $50 electronic devices and $5 house keys stolen.

Aug. 31 • 500 block of Springwood Drive: $2 cash stolen.

Aug. 31 • 500 block of Springwood Drive: $150 GPA device stolen. Aug. 31 • 6500 block of Blackwood Lane: $2 cash stolen.

Aug. 31 • 6700 block of Blackwood Lane: Aug. 31 • 400 block of Springwood Drive: $700 phone, EBT card, $350 purse, $10 cash, 100 shoes, $100 Adderall, duffle bag, MP3 player, and phone charger stolen. Sept. 1 • 1200 block of High Brook Drive: Sept. 1 Identity theft • 600 block of Birchwood Drive: Sept. 3 Property damage • 1700 block of Walden Pond: $300 mailbox damaged. Sept. 1 • 700 block of Cavendish Lane: $400 mailbox.

Sept. 5

Wesley Chapel Break-ins, vehicles • 6500 block of Blackwood Lane: $3 cash stolen.

Aug. 31 • 6200 block of Adelaide Place: $3 cash stolen.

Aug. 31 • 6300 block of Crosshall Place: Aug. 31.

• 1200 block of High Brook Drive: $200 headphones stolen. Aug. 31 • 6700 block of Blackwood Lane: $3 cash stolen.

Aug. 31 • 6700 block of Blackwood Lane: $30 knives, $150 MP3 player, $10 ear phones, $400 gift cards, $50 flashlight and phone stolen. Aug. 31 • 1200 block of High Brook Drive: $200 phone and $100 GPS device stolen. Aug. 31 • 1200 block of High Brook Drive: Aug. 31 • 1200 block of High Brook Drive: $30 movie passes stolen. Aug. 31 • 6200 block of Adelaide Place: Sept. 1 • 400 block of Cotton Wood Circle: $60 ratchet set and $15 wallet stolen. Sept. 9 Embezzlements • 5900 block of Weddington Road: $200 cash stolen. Sept. 1 Fraud • 6000 block of Lowergate Drive: credit card fraud. Sept. 8 Hit and run • 200 block of Airport Road: Sept. 1 Thefts • 6300 block of Weddington Road: $281.94 fragrances stolen. Sept. 6 • 6300 block of Weddington Road: $346.55 groceries, $79.98 kids pool and $59.99 fragrance stolen.

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Page 10 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Eight challengers vying for three seats in Indian Trail election

by Justin Vick justin@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

INDIAN TRAIL – The ballot for Indian Trail town council has the makings of a very interesting game of musical chairs, as eight challengers campaign against incumbents David Cohn, David Drehs and Christopher King.

This week, Union County Weekly focuses on the challengers.

Pamela Demaria

Pamela Demaria can dedicate as much time as necessary to serving the council, considering she retired last year as development director of the Siskey YMCA. She’s gained a reputation for community service through her involvement in the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and board member for various nonprofits.

Her campaign platform consists of vision, leadership, planning and partnerships. The latter, especially with neighboring towns, is one way she feels Indian Trail can see more movement on state road projects.

She’d like the council to become more efficient by focusing on discussion that moves members toward their goals.

She’s lived in town for 13 years.

Gary Evans

Gary Evans has withdrawn from the race, even though his name will remain on the ballot.

Evans is endorsing incumbent David Cohn and challengers Michal Faulkenberry,

Amy Stanton and Mark Wireman.

“We all believe in honesty, integrity and being a true voice of the people,” Evans said.

“Building a new $8 to $10 million town hall without the taxpayers’ blessing is not acting with the best interest of the Indian Trail citizens. That is called arrogant and irresponsible government.”

Michael Faulkenberry

Michael Faulkenberry has stayed involved in town government, despite not winning a seat on the council two years ago.

Faulkenberry regularly attends council and committee meetings.

He doesn’t want the agendas of town council members or planning documents to override the input from the public or the free market.

“There’s a need for residents and business owners to have a voice,” Faulkenberry said, mentioning the lack of a public referendum for the town hall project as a recent example.

He wants to make the town more business-friendly by easing up on code enforcement and restrictions to signage. He’s also in favor of approving a longer-term contract with the sheriff’s office.

He serves as a caregiver for his wife, whom is battling cancer. He’s lived in Indian Trail since 1999.

Tiffany McGee

Tiffany McGee is a Union County native with experience in the corporate world. She moved to Indian Trail after college for the lower tax rates, great schools, housing value

and proximity to Charlotte.

McGee directs sales for a power supply company in Charlotte.

She wants to ensure more businesses locate in town to help spread the tax burden.

Roads and infrastructure are also a campaign priority. She wants the town to leverage its resources to hold the N.C. Department of Transportation accountable for state-maintained roads.

She sees a need for increased communication so residents can be more involved.

Tripp Melton

Tripp Melton hopes to take on issues involving traffic congestion, economic development and public safety, culling from his service and work experiences in commercial real estate.

Melton owns Sports Clips Haircuts and Syndicate Real Estate Inc. He has served on the Indian Trail Board of Adjustment and as vice chairman of the Economic Development Advisory Committee.

Melton would like to cut red tape to make it easier to do business. He’d also like to take a look at concerns small businesses have with the sign ordinance.

He and his wife are expecting their first child in February. He’s lived in Indian Trail for five years.

Suzanne Schooler

Suzanne Schooler works as an after-school program teacher at Union County Public Schools, according to her Facebook page.

She could not be reached for this story.

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Cyber-security consultant Mark Wireman led a committee opposed to the park bond in 2012, not because he was against recreation, but he questioned the financial repercussions of the bond.

Wireman was against the council approving the town hall project without letting the voters decide.

He wants to allow residents to be more informed about town government. One of the unique ways Wireman is already doing that is through podcasting.

“The roads have to get fixed in this town,” Wireman said, noting he’d be willing to put stringent controls around development so that infrastructure catches up to support growth.

He’s lived in Indian Trail since 2009.

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Amy Stanton’s husband, Roger, previously served on the town council. Roger encouraged Amy to enter the race after she saw an opportunity for residents to have more of a voice in their government.

Stanton wasn’t against the council building a new town hall, but she feels the council should have let residents decide rather than council.

“Some councilmen have agendas and they are doing it their way,” Stanton said. “The residents are being told to move along.”

Her family moved to Indian Trail in 2008. They were attracted to the low taxes, small-town, family oriented community.

She works in billing for a homebuilder.

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Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 11

PVFD aftermath breeds conflicting views from Weddington council candidates

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Weddington’s town council elections for District 2 and 4 are underway and candidates will be tasked with returning faith back to the council, as well as addressing the future commercial and residential development of the town.

District 4 candidates newcomer Janice Propst, incumbent Barbara Harrison and former mayor Walker Davidson are looking to represent the southwestern cluster of the town.

Candidates will undoubtedly face questions regarding the town relinquishing its contract with the Providence Volunteer Fire Department (PVFD).

Walker Davidson

Davidson believes more residents are upset that the contact with PVFD ever existed.

“This number grows each time citizens take the time to read the minutes from Sept.

9, 2013 – Items B, C, & D – pages 23 through 26. What (councilmembers) Pam Hadley and Barbara Harrison did that night was, as I am quoted as saying in the minDavidson utes, ‘completely ridiculous,’” Davison wrote in an email.

“The primary thing we can do to restore the residents’ trust is to make sure Hadley and Harrison don’t get elected again…”

Davidson served as mayor from December 2011 to 2013, amongst the council that approved helping PVFD with its renovations in 2013, but he did not have a vote on the matter as mayor.

“In the District 4 election, I am the only candidate who is not directly responsible for the lawsuit that the PVFD has brought against the town. Janice Propst is a board member at PVFD. (She resigned from the board in August 2015 to run for town council). Propst has decided to file a lawsuit against the same town where she is seeking a council seat,” he wrote in an email. “It will be interesting to see the reaction of voters to someone who decided to sue them and then ask for their vote so she can represent their interests down the road. Barbara Harrison was adamant about locking the town into a 10-year contract with a $750,000 penalty that led to the current lawsuit.”

However, he said what’s important to him is adhering to the town’s Land Use Plan, which he said was “written based on the opinions of the citizens through multiple surveys” and looks to support low-density housing and limited commercial development.

Barbara Harrison

Harrison said previous councils wrestled with relations with PVFD. The current council was faced with making the final decision, but came to its conclusion after a lack of financial feasibility without raising taxes by $300 per household.

She said PVFD said they needed the money, while they covered 30 percent of

Weddington’s fire needs, and the town complied.

Harrison said she was willing to meet or talk with residents about the final decision, but no one has.

She wants to continue what the council did on Sept.

Harrison 14, which included posting decisionmaking documents to distinguish the council’s rationale behind its actions.

“We were careful about the decisions that we made,” she said.

Harrison, who is in her fourth year on council, believes the town needs to consider its transportation needs and the infrastructure surrounding that need.

“Our roads were not designed, built and maintained for the amount of traffic there is now,” she said.

She also had concerns about the effect Wesley Chapel’s annexation crisis may have on Weddington. State legislators may allow large tracts of town land to become unincorporated Union County rather than part of the town.

Harrison said she’s proud to have founded the Weddington Country Festival and hopes to continue giving back to the community.

Janice Propst

She has served on the town’s planning board for four and half years, as historic preservation commission chairperson for three years and board of adjustment.

“My family has lived in Weddington Propst for five generations – I’m the fourth generation. I’ve been involved in the process (of the town). I was disappointed in the last council and the mayor and the direction they’ve taken,” she said.

Propst said she disagreed specifically with the way the town handled the issues with the PVFD. She served as a member of PVFD’s board of directors from June 2014 to August 2015; she resigned from the position to run for council.

The candidate felt the council was not transparent in its decision-making and didn’t allow the public to speak on the issue.

“I feel like the trust and transparency of the Weddington government is gone,” she said.

She also believes the pending lawsuits could bleed the town’s reserves because of legal fees.

“The most important thing I want to do when elected is try to heal the community,” Propst said.

Propst hopes to alleviate the legal situation, as well as diminish “wasteful spending.”

She calls herself a “conservative” and wants the town to be “fiscally responsible.” She also wants to work with state legislators to handle the “growing pains” in the town’s schools and roads, as the town continues to grow.

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Page 12 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly pushed through that first hard year and decided to turn this into something that would be her legacy. Now our biggest challenge is too much work to do and not enough people to do it! We are growing so fast that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to keep up day to day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is a good problem to have, right?

The Weekly

Community Spotlight

Waxhaw resident Erin Santos lost her daughter, Isabella, to neuroblastoma â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a rare pediatric cancer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in June 2012.

Following Isabellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diagnosis, the family set up the Isabella Santos Foundation in her honor. The foundation continues its mission fundraising to fight pediatric cancer through research. The nonprofit also uses a percentage of funds raised to support area hospitals and other programs for families affected by childhood cancer.

In the spirit of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Isabella Santos Foundation will host its annual 5K for Kids Cancer on Sept. 26, a Saturday, at Ballantyne Corporate Park. The race starts at 8 a.m., and there will be additional activities including a silent auction, raffle, 1-mile kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fun run and more. Find more information and register online at 5kforkidscancer.racesonline.com.

How has the Isabella Santos Foundation grown since its inception?

The Foundation has grown tremendously. Our first event was just 170 people running a 5K that raised $7,000. Last year, we had over 2,000 in attendance and raised over $1 million by the end of 2014, not to mention events that now take place each and every month outside of the race. While the initial mission was about saving Isabella, it has turned into something much biggerâ&#x20AC;Ś saving all children and really making a huge impact in the field of neuroblastoma research.

What has been one of the challenges the foundation has faced over time?

The biggest challenge we have faced was initially whether or not to close the doors after Isabella passed away. She was the center of what we were doing, and it felt like we lost a huge piece when she was gone. But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so thankful that we

Has your work with the foundation helped you push through your grief after losing Isabella?

I never wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve thought the foundation wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve helped with the grieving process, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how I wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve survived without it. It was healthy for me to be able to continue to talk about her and hearing others do the same.

There is nothing better for a grieving mother than to see total strangers walking around in shirts with your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name on them or seeing kids put on lemonade stands in honor of your daughter. It just takes your breath away.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of your favorite memories of Isabella?

One of my favorite memories of Isabella was watching her at the last 5K she was alive to see. She was beaming with her red hair and danced the day away. She had just recently relapsed with cancer, but you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it by looking at her. She thanked everyone she met for coming and posed for picture after picture with anyone who wanted some time with her. She was so proud of the day and loved the crowd of supporters that were there with her.

What do you think Isabella would say if she could see the foundation now?

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think she would be surprised at all to see how it has grown. She was the foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest spokesperson, so she would be at every event with the microphone in hand. I think she would be pushing us to do more and more every day. She always had such a soft spot in her heart for other kids that were sick too, so I think she would play a big sister role to so many of them and tell us, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mom, we have to do more for them!â&#x20AC;? Honestly, it scares me to think of how big we would be if she were still here! I know she would be proud and would push us every day to make a difference.

Photo courtesy of Erin Santos

Neuroblastoma By the Numbers 700 children affected by neuroblastoma each year

5 years old and younger the age group most commonly affected by neuroblastoma

70 percent of neuroblastoma cases are discovered in the stage 4 phase

30 percent the five-year survival rate for stage 4 neuroblastoma

60 percent of neuroblastoma patients will relapse; only 5 percent will survive

15 percent of all pediatric cancer deaths are attributed to neuroblastoma

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Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 13

Education

State sees highs, lows in statewide college-prep tests

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

More North Carolina high schools students are acing the Advanced Placement (AP) test, but not the SAT, according to the annual College Bound Program results from The College Board.

However, parents shouldn’t be too worried about declining SAT scores as the pattern reflects a national regression and Union County Public Schools didn't fall to the decline.

More North Carolina students took AP exams in 2015, with 67,678 state students taking 125,547 exams, an 18.7 percent increase from 2014. The number of AP exam takers rose 6 percent nationally, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI). The percentage of students earning exam grades of 3, 4 or 5, the scores necessary to gain college credit at colleges and universities, increased by 9 percent overall.

The AP program offers students a chance to pursue college-level credit while still in high school, by enrolling in the course and completely an exam in May. Increased access to college-level courses has continued to be a mission for state educators and legislators and the state has continued to the tradition this year and plans to fund all North Carolina students’ AP exams in the 2015-16 school year.

The state’s AP participation rose amongst multiple racial groups from 2014, DPI said.

White students saw an 16 percent increase; American Indian students saw a 45.1 percent increase; black students saw a 22.8 percent increase; and Asian students saw a 14 percent increase.

However, the glow of progress cannot be said for North Carolina students’ SAT scores.

The state’s 2015 seniors posted an average SAT score of 1478, down five points from 2014’s average score, according to The College Board. The national average is 1490 on critical reading, math and writing tests that comprise the SAT. The state’s critical reading score, 498 points, surpassed the nation’s score, 495,

By the Numbers 68.7 percent

of UCPS seniors who participated in the SAT in 2015

1681

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59 percent

of North Carolina seniors who participated in the SAT in 2015

1533

UCPS’s average SAT score

but math and writing scores fell below the national average. North Carolina’s average math and writing scores were 504 and 476, respectively while the nation’s math and writing scores were 511 and 484, respectively.

UCPS saw an increase in critical reading, writing and composite scores from 2014, while math scores stayed stagnant. Average math scores from 2014 to 2015 remained at 526, according to DPI data. Critical reading scores increased from 506 to 512; writing scores increased from 492 to 495; and the composite score increased from 1524 to 1533.

Marvin Ridge had the highest average composite score in 2015 for UCPS with 1681.

UCPS also saw an increase in participation: 68.7 percent of seniors took the SAT in 2015, compared to 66.6 percent in 2014.

The percent of seniors taking the SAT decreased across the state with 59 percent of seniors taking the exam this year compared to 64 percent in 2014 and 67 percent in 2011.

In 2012, all high school juniors took the ACT for the first time as part of the state’s new READY accountability model, so students can use that score as a college admissions test rather than the SAT. Find more information about how specific schools performed in the SAT at www. ncpublicschools.org under “News.”

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Development Briefs

New firms form in Union County

(continued from page 8)

The following is a listing of new corporations in Union County filed by registered agents with the N.C. Secretary of State from Sept. 4 to 10.

• Axene Health Partners LLC – Joe Slater, 1511 Venetian Way Drive, Waxhaw.

• Burton Equestrian LLC – Melode Burton, 8519 Dargan Lane, Waxhaw.

• Creekside at Northwest Village LLC – Wesley Hinson, 309 Post Office Drive, Indian Trail.

• Decency International LLC – Albert Oduh, 2114 Lexington Ave., Monroe.

• Eagle Express LLC – Alla Gulyak, 3401 Arbor Pointe Drive, Indian Trail.

• Fine Bread Monroe Inc – Ben Huh, 1014 W Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe.

• FortBenz Enterprise LLC – Wade Benz, 8308 Viking Drive, Waxhaw.

Some of the improvements include: • Acquire 16 acres for future airport expansion, as well as land for more parking and hangar space.

• Build new air traffic control tower and new access road to the tower.

• Expand terminal building to accommodate a TSA checkpoint, as well as a new conference center and office space.

• Build taxi lanes and aprons for additional corporate hangar development.

• Design four new corporate box hangars.

The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) was scheduled Sept. 16 to submit the 13 projects to the N.C. Department of Transportation. The plan will be adopted in 2017.

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Page 14 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Marvin Ridge rounds up campus renovations

by Courtney Schultz courtney@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

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WAXHAW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marvin Ridge High School will officially welcome a new addition to its campus this week that PTSO members hope will increase school pride.

Katherine Billingham, a mother of twin juniors at Marvin Ridge and the PTSOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Buildings and Grounds Beautification Committee co-chair for the past six years, has worked on renovating the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roundabout for the past five years.

The roundabout, which has an 86-foot diameter, is typically the first thing people see on Marvin Ridgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus, Billingham said. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heavy traffic around it and Billingham wanted to make sure the space was not neglected. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just needed something really to convey the spirit, of the school, the student body and the staff,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to convey what Marvin Ridge is all about.â&#x20AC;?

The renovations include a large metal globe installed in the center of the roundabout, along with weeding and landscaping.

The globe was created by a local artist, Bob Doster, with design help from Marvin Ridge art students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is very much a part of our mission to prepare students for the connected global society that we live it,â&#x20AC;? said Marvin Ridge High School Principal Donna Cook. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to develop a strong intercultural understanding.â&#x20AC;?

Cook believes the globe stands as a visual representation and reminder of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission, as well as the 50 to 60 countries of birth of parents and students at Marvin Ridge.

The globe has been put in with a round, concrete base with a brick casting, and more landscaping needs will come in October.

Billingham said the committee began working on the project â&#x20AC;&#x153;with vigorâ&#x20AC;? since September of last year and began actively pursing funds then.

A large donation from a corporate sponsor, as well as help from the middle and high schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; PTSOs, helped the globe and renovation come to life, Billingham said.

The committee has since received favorable comments from staff and parents about the globe and has seen people drive around it multiple times, or stop to take pictures. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my desire to enhance as students, teachers and administration walk into the school that the first thing they see makes them smile,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They end and start their day with beauty. Even if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consciously notice, it still makes a difference.â&#x20AC;?

Billingham has been a part of multiple projects regarding the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautification, including a campus cleanup before school starts, installing garden beds around the school and planting seasonal plants, among others.

The Marvin Ridge PTSO will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the roundabout on Friday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m. at the school.

Courtney Schultz/UCW photos

The Marvin Ridge cluster will officially welcome a new addition to the high schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus this Friday that represents the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global mission.

Lancaster County Bob Doster works with Marvin Ridge High School students to design the global structure outside the school.

Photos courtesy of Katherine Billingham

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 15

The Weekly

Education Briefs Area students chosen as scholarship semifinalists The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 61st annual National Merit Scholarship Program and Union County students made the cut.

The students have the chance to earn scholarships among more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level. About 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing and about half of the finalist will win a National Merit Scholarship, according to a news release.

The following students were named semifinalists: Weddington High School’s Delaney O’Connell and Tiffany Shreves; Porter Ridge High School’s Amanda Conti; Metrolina Christian Academy’s Nathan Singleton; Central Academy of Technology and Arts’ Katy Smith; Piedmont High School’s Hayley Growcock; Cuthbertson High School’s Samuel Gordon and Jane Marryat; and Marvin Ridge High School’s Samantha Bitter and Reese Griffin.

Visit www.nationalmerit.org for more information.

Kensington Elementary earns first Hometown Hero honor WAXHAW – Tammy Rollins, a fifth-grade teacher at Kensington Elementary School,

earned Charles G. Monnett III & Associates’ Hometown Heroes Appreciation Award for Union County.

The appreciation program honors a teacher each month in Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Cabarrus and Union counties to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

Teachers are nominated by families at carolinalaw.com/hometown-hero-teacher-appreciation-program.aspx each month. This is the second year the firm gave out the awards and it will continue giving one out each month for ninth total months.

Rollins has worked in education since 1986 and in UCPS since 2004. She graduated from Towson State University and taught third and fifth grade in Baltimore. She also taught at Walter Bickett Elementary, where she taught second, third and fifth grade.

She earned $250 toward classroom supplies and her class will receive a Domino’s pizza party.

Area schools honor 9/11 Area Union County schools held activities to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept.

11, 2001 attacks last week.

Sun Valley Middle School, located at 1409 Wesley Chapel Road, has eight staff members who have served the United States, and two of them worked in the New York fire and police departments.

Students placed flags in a designated area on Sept. 10 to show respect for the victims of 9/11. Each flag placed represented two lives lost in the tragedy.

Cuthbertson High School honored first responders, military personnel and veterans at its Sept. 11 football game against Berry Academy. All participants were recognized at a ceremony beginning at 6:50 p.m. First respond-

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Sun Valley Middle students placed flags around their school represent the victims and heroes of the tragedy on Sept. 11. ers, military personnel and veterans also were permitted free admission to the game.

Anglers season begins this weekend at Boater’s Marine Area student-anglers will kickoff the 201516 Scholastic Anglers season with a variety of activities this weekend.

The first event is slated for Thursday, Sept.

17, with an initial workshop.

The workshop will be held at Boater’s Marine, 1829 Williams Road in Monroe, from 7 to 8 p.m. Participants will learn about the rules and regulations of this year’s Scholastic Anglers Challenge.

The program is a free, open invitation to any student-angler enrolled in a public, private, home or charter school in sixth- through 12th-grade.

The official start date for the 2015-16 season is Friday, Sept. 18, and the first event for the Scholastic Anglers Tournament Series

will be on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at the former Monroe Optimist Park Lake.

The Scholastic Anglers workshop series will continue throughout the school year, and will be held the third Thursday of each month.

The season culminates with the Scholastic Anglers Championship on June 4, 2016, a Saturday.

Contact Brian Booth at 704-315-7071 or visit www.scholasticanglers.com for more information.

Deadline for seventh-grade vaccinations coming up Starting this year, state law has required all seventh-grade students to have the Meningococcal and tDAP vaccinations.

Students have 30 days from the start of the school year to be in compliance with this new law. After the 30 day deadline, students will be suspended until the requirements have been met.

Contact your school nurse for more information.

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Page 16 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Faith

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

It’s not wealth that has made me happy, it’s my family

by John Munro jmunro@calvarychurch.com

“It’s not wealth that has made me happy. It’s my family.”

So said the popstar, Sting, in an interview. He comes from a poor working class background in the north of England, but now is wealthy. Do you agree that what’s most important in life is not our money or possessions or achievements, but our relationships? I believe that in life, relationships matter.

Dartmouth Medical School did a study concluding that children’s brains are “hardwired to connect.” The report states that, “more kids than ever suffer from depression, anxiety and attention deficit and conduct disorders.” The report went on to say that, “the lack of connectedness in society” is partially to blame. Without close relationships in our lives, stress and anxiety levels are more likely to increase. Yet, in our technological society close relationships are becoming harder and harder to maintain. We smile when we see people sitting at the same table buried in their iPhones rather than talking. Then we realize we sometimes do the same thing.

Meaningful and balanced relationships are essential to living a healthy life, and when these relationships are broken,

the impact on everyone is enormous.

While we all appreciate the tremendous advances in our technological society, one of the down sides is that human touch and relaPastor John H. Munro tionships may suffer. If we are not careful, we live life at such a hectic pace that even in our families and homes we don’t take time to speak, to eat together, to pray and play together, and to have fun together.

Research has demonstrated something we instinctively know – without human touch, babies and toddlers are emotionally stunted. Relationships are first experienced, learned, and modeled in the home. In our hi-tech world we need hi-touch.

I am thankful for my wife, who loves me in spite of my many imperfections and failings, and for a family that enjoys spending time together. But I confess it is so easy to get off target, and to neglect our relationships with family and friends. We can easily take one another for granted, get self-absorbed, and fail to nurture what really matters. Then

marriages and relationships may quickly fall apart.

One of the reasons I am a follower of Jesus is that through His power and forgiveness, I am able to have a relationship with God, who has made each of us in His image. The triune God made us for relationships and community. Simply put, we need one another. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, came into our world of failures, dysfunction, and loneliness so that we can know and love God. Loving God and trusting God are central to who we are. The Lord God loves us, cares for us, and has created us with a capacity to know Him personally as our Creator and Savior.

When I am struggling in life, it generally means that I am neglecting my relationship with God. The more I experience His love and forgiveness, the more I love and forgive others. Then the relationships in my life will become a higher priority.

Are you struggling in your relationships? Ask God for His help and forgiveness. Then with God’s power strengthen your relationships within and beyond your family. Let others know how much you appreciate them, and plan to spend time with them. Your goal is to have relationships which are mutually joyful and enriching – and which don’t depend on an iPhone.

‘Meet Weddington’ at Weddington UMC WEDDINGTON – Weddington United Methodist Church will hold an informational session on Sept. 26, a Saturday, at 4 p.m. for people interested in becoming church members. The meeting will be a time of informal fellowship while meeting the pastoral and ministry staff, and listening to an overview of the church.

The meeting will take place in the church’s Family Life Center Multipurpose room.

Weddington UMC is located at 13901 Providence Road.

St. Margaret’s to participate in Dog Fest WAXHAW – St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church will participate in the annual Canine Companions Dog Fest Walk ‘n Roll on Sept. 26, a Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blakeney shopping center. The event will include games for children, adults and dogs, and a walk around Blakeney.

No female dogs in heat are allowed. Dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and on a leash no longer than six feet.

Visit www.cci.org for more information.

Walking Worthy women’s conference INDIAN TRAIL – Creekside Bible Church will participate in Walking Worthy to Please God women’s conference, slated for Oct. 2 and 3 at Grace Immanuel Bible Church in Jupiter, Florida. Marlean Felix will be the conference’s featured speaker. Cost of the conference is $30. Those interested in attending can contact Holly Tartaglia for more information and to make accommodations. Registration must be completed by Sept. 23.

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The Weekly

Calendar September Affairs 17 Government Luncheon Join N.C. Reps. Mark Brody, Craig Horn and Dean Arp along with N.C. Sen. Tommy Tucker share updates and items that are up before the General Assembly and important changes Union County and businesses may be subject to.

The event costs $25 for Chamber of Commerce members and $45 for nonmembers.

An early bird registration fee of $22 is available before Sept. 10 at 4 p.m.

Contact chamber staff at 704-289-4567 for more information.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; South Piedmont Community College, salon A, 4209 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe

19 BB&T Free Shred Day

BB&T will hold a free community document shred day to shred personal paper documents and reduce potential identity theft.

Documents for potential shredding include those containing account numbers, passwords, PINs, signatures, Social Security numbers and dates of birth, which could include tax records, bank and insurance statements, canceled checks, paycheck stubs, ATM and debit card receipts and credit card statements.

Contact Wayne Russell at wrussell@ bbandt.com for more information.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; BB&T Monroe Mall branch, 2123 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

19 Annual Taste of Union

Operation Reach Out will host its annual food-tasting event, which raises money for its ministries.

The event includes samples from restaurants and caterers from Union and surrounding counties, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and music.

This year’s event will feature sample foods from Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, Chili’s Bar & Grill, Hathaway’s Chicken & Biscuits, Nothing Bundt Cakes, DeeJak’s Restaurant, Olive Garden, Java Jeff, Longhorn, Chick-fil-A, Zaxby’s, Stone Table, Bisonte Pizza and DFC Farms & Trading Co., among others.

Advanced tickets will go on sale Aug. 1, and are only $20 for adults ($25 at the door) and $10 for children 10 years old and younger.

Visit www.opreachout.org or contact 704289-4237 or tasteofunion@gmail.com for more information.

5 to 8 p.m.; Union County Agriculture Center, 2330 Presson Road, Monroe

and Bow 19 Boots Ties County Fair Come dressed in your jeans, boots, bowties and country dresses for an evening full of food, fun and entertainment at Aw Shucks!

Farms.

The event will include fun festival foods, including BBQ sundaes, brats, chili, cornbread muffins, mac n’ cheese, roasted corn and more, and fair activities, including corn maze, hayrides, petting zoo, cowboy stilt walker, old timey saloon photos and more.

Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 17 The event also will feature live music, a human foosball tournament, a live auction, dance lessons, and silent auction.

All of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Union County Community Shelter, a full service homeless shelter, soup kitchen and emergency family housing programs.

Tickets cost $60 per person or group sales of 10 tickets for $500 and must be purchased in advance at www.unionshelter.org/bootsand-bowties. The entry fee includes food, drinks and musical entertainment.

6 to 10 p.m.; Aw Shucks! Farms, 3718 Plyler Mill Road, Monroe

of Weddington 19 Town Country Festival The town of Weddington will host its annual festival, featuring “Art at the Corners.”

The festival will bring “old fashioned family fun” for all ages and feature local artist, who will display their paintings, pottery, jewelry, hand-painted clothing and sculptures for sale.

“Kids Corner” will include a pumpkin decorating booth, a spin art poster making booth, a giant inflatable slide or moon bounce, a super spinner, a rock climbing wall, double shot basketball and giant joust. Families can also have fun with the Whispering Hope Farm petting zoo and face painting.

The event will also feature a Best of Weddington Baking Contest and a free barbecue picnic for senior citizens from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Hinson Girls, a bluegrass band, will perform throughout the day.

Visit www.townofweddington.com or contact 704-846-2709 for more information.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 1924 Weddington Road, Weddington

19 Harvest Festival

Treehouse Vineyards will host a harvest festival and grape stomp for residents. The event will have live music, food and craft vendors, festival-style wine tastings and grape stomping barells.

Visit www.treehousevineyards.com for more information.

Noon to 10 p.m.; Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe

21 Support Group

YMCA Parkinson’s

This is a support group open to YMCA members with Parkinson’s disease or similar health needs. YMCA of Greater Charlotte fitness staff work with members to develop exercise strategies that focus on improving strength, balance, flexibility and cardio status.

Spouses and caretakers also are encouraged to attend and the event is free for members.

Contact Sarah Duncan at 704-716-4254 or sarah.duncan@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

1 to 2 p.m.; Genesis Room, Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

to Propel Your 23 Steps Leadership Journey Dr. Gary DePaul will present “The Missing Question that Helps Thousands toward practicing Authentic Leadership” to help professionals find ways to become better at leadership.

DePaul will discuss the current state of leadership development; find the question and answer that provides critical insight into (see Calendar on page 18)

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 18 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Calendar (continued from page 17)

authentic leadership; and three steps to take to propel a leadership development journey.

The event costs $18 for Union County Chamber of Commerce members and $25 non members.

Registration for the event ends on Sept. 21 at 4 p.m.

Contact 704-289-4567 or info@unioncountycoc.com for more information or to register.

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Chamber Office, 903 Skyway Drive, Monroe

25 Tom Conlan Concert

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wellâ&#x20AC;? Coffeehouse and Church will host recording artist Tom Conlan in concert.

Conlan has toured internationally since 1996 with songs and spoken word.

The concert is free, but there is a suggested donation of $10 at the door.

The Wellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coffee bar will offer coffee drinks, hot chocolate and other beverages.

Residents can find Conlonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music on iTunes, CDBaby and tomconlonmusic.com.

8 p.m.; The Well, 220 Main St., Pineville

Trail 26 Indian Cultural Arts Festival The Indian Trail Cultural Arts Festival will feature dance competitions, storytelling, belly dancing, Henna art, musical performances and vendors and more. There will be free activities for children, including Wax Hands, Spin Art, Arts and Crafts in the Sand (volleyball) box, a putting green and more.

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Chestnut Square Park, Indian Trail

26 Community Blood Drive

Residents can receive a free ticket voucher for the movies by donating blood with the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas.

The CBCC has donation centers in Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Hickory and Greensboro.

Call 704-972-4700 or go to www.cbcc.us to make an appointment, 2 to 6 p.m.; Sun Valley 14, 6449 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

October

3

Pumpkin Painting for Parents of Allergic Kids

Parents of Allergic Kids will host a pumpkin painting event at Dogwood Park. Participants should bring their own pumpkin but paint, brushes and decorations will be provided.

10 a.m.; Dogwood Park, 121 Lester Davis Road, Waxhaw

3

Middle School Madness

Middle school students can spend Saturday night at a fun and high-energy party instead of sitting in front of the television.

Activities include music, dancing, hoops, contests, video games, Ping-Pong, indoor soccer, dodge ball and more. Concessions also will be for sale. .

Tickets cost $9 and can be purchased at the door.

Contact Andrew Reinken at 704-716-4222 or andrew.reinken@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

7 to 10:30 p.m.; Siskey Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

5

Turning Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual Golf Tourney Fundraiser

Turning Point of Union County will host its annual tournament to benefit its organization.

Turning Point is the only organization in Union County to offer services from the domestic violence shelter, Tree House Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Advocacy Center and the Sexual Assault Resource Center.

The event will include lunch and will begin with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Dinner and awards will proceed the tournament.

The event costs $150 per person and $600 for a four-person team. Sponsorship is also available for businesses. Participants can register at www.turntoday.net.

Contact Becky Tracy at 704-288-1902 or btracy@turntoday.net for more information.

11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Rolling Hills Country Club, 2722 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

10

FFTC Fifth Annual 5K

Firefighters For the Cure will host an annual 5K race around Wingate Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus to benefit cancer research and treatment. The event also will include one-mile fun run.

Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.

The event costs $25, which includes a Tshirt.

Contact jonwill2102@gmail.com for more information.

9 a.m.; Wingate University at Irwin Belk Football Stadium, 660 N. Main St., Wingate

10 Lake Park Live!

Central Academy at Lake Park and Central Church of God will host its biggest

fundraiser of the year with a music and art festival for family fun.

The event will feature vendors of food, art and other items, as well as a silent auction featuring gift cards, certificates, merchandise, service and other savings coupons.

Vendor space is still available and costs $25 per table and 10 percent of sales will be donated to the school. As a Lake Park Live vendor, the company names will be featured on the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and publication, as well as Central Church of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website.

Contact Adriane White, Central Academy at Lake Park enrollment and community relations specialist, at 704-882-6267, ext. 254, or awhite@calpnc.org for more information.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Central Academy at Lake Park, 3624 Lake Park Road, Indian Trail

Annual Senior 27 19th Appreciation Day Union County senior citizens who live independently are invited to an annual appreciation event. The event will feature a free catered lunch, safety information and entertainment, and is sponsored by the Union County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, Sheriff Eddie Cathey, Union County Crime Prevention Committee, Inc. and the Union County Agricultural Center.

Seating is limited so reservations are required. Reserve a seat by Calling Lt. William Thompson at 704-283-3765 before Oct. 24.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Drive, Monroe

Send your community calendar information to courtney@caro lina weeklynewspapers.com

Pam DeMaria for

Indian Trail Town Council

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Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 19

The Weekly

Sports Shorts

those completions, producing 172 yards and two touchdowns, including a 95-yard bomb he took to the house.

Jalyn Hailey and Desmen Robinson made game-changing interceptions, while kicker Brayan Diaz sent the game into overtime with a 35-yard field goal.

The Redhawks host Anson on Sept. 18, but shouldn’t be challenged by the Bearcats.

Monroe will likely be undefeated when it makes the trip to Cuthbertson on Sept. 25, which will go a long way in deciding if it’s the best team in the county.

Forest Hills upsets Piedmont

Ben Doster/UCW photo

Monroe surprises Weddington We picked Cuthbertson (3-1) and Weddington (3-1) as the top high school football teams in Union County, but after a 4-0 start to the season, Monroe definitely has an argument for that title.

The Redhawks overcame mistakes and a 17-0 halftime deficit to beat Weddington, 4538, in triple overtime in front of a hostile Warrior crowd.

Monroe junior quarterback Zephaniah Wall persevered through two interceptions to complete 16-30 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. Junior wide Jadariaus McManus receiver was the recipient of four of

Piedmont was sitting fat and happy at 3-0, and appeared to be a rising power in Union County until Forest Hills stung the Panthers with a surprising 24-23 defeat on Sept. 11.

Senior running Floyd Allen led the Yellow Jackets with 12 carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns, while A.J. Allen (12 tackles and an interception), T.J. Brewer (11 tackles and a fumble recovery) and Tyrese Marsh (10 tackles) led the swarm on defense.

The Panthers have a week off with the bye to prepare for a surging CATA team (4-0).

Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge volleyball teams riding high Cuthbertson (6-1, 1-0 SCC) entered the season set on improving on last year’s 8-11 (2-8 SCC) finish, and seem to be well on its way to

Week four stats Games

Austin Kendall Sam Howell Austin Colonna Grayson Willingham Zephaniah Wall Zaccheus Rorie Clemson Allen Hadden Gsell Bryant Ferguson-Springs David Bayha Justin Radulovich PJ Papadopulos

4 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 1

Team Cuthbertson Sun Valley Marvin Ridge Weddington Monroe Forest Hills CATA Piedmont Parkwood Weddington Parkwood Cuthbertson

Games

Khris Missick 4 Caleb Deveaux 4 Christian Sanchez 4 Fabrice Funderburke 3 Jack Heda 2 Mckinley Nelson 3 Tre Butler 3 Braxton Knotts 3 Floyd Louallen 3 Christian Heinzelman 4 Matt Price 3 Clemson Allen 3 Jordan Deese 4 Zephaniah Wall 3 Izaiah Thomas 3 Bryant Ferguson-Springs 3 Ishod Finger 3 Byron Gaymon 2 Jayshawn McLaughlin 3 Austin Kendall 4 Zaccheus Rorie 3 Austin Colonna 4 Donovan Harris 3 Josh Collura 2 Kendric Ivey 4 Denzel Patton 4 Jajuan Benton 3 David Bayha 4

Team Piedmont Marvin Ridge Weddington Sun Valley CATA Monroe Parkwood Monroe Forest Hills Cuthbertson Piedmont CATA Piedmont Monroe Monroe Parkwood Sun Valley Cuthbertson Forest Hills Cuthbertson Forest Hills Marvin Ridge Parkwood Piedmont Cuthbertson Weddington Parkwood Weddington

Marvin Ridge’s boys’ soccer team came up with a major victory and gave Garinger (8-1) its lone blemish of the season when senior Bobby Muir scored the game’s only goal to lead the Mavericks past the Wildcats, 1-0, on Sept. 15.

The Mavs improve to 5-0-4 with the win, and will play again when it hosts Mallard Creek Thursday, Sept. 17.

Marvin Ridge appears to be one of the top teams going into Southern Carolinas Confer-

Player

Comp 62 43 58 49 21 26 15 7 6 6 6 1

Att

Yards

TD

99 81 81 79 35 52 34 17 15 8 19 1

937 906 776 463 413 267 206 171 88 46 44 11

10 10 4 6 5 3 5 2 1 0 0 0

Rushing Player

Mavs soccer upends Garinger

ence play, along with Weddington and Cuthbertson.

Mavs tennis off to blazing start Marvin Ridge’s girls’ tennis team burning through competition, with its most recent win coming in a dominating 9-0 shutout of victory over Piedmont to improve to 6-0 this season.

Junior Rachel Zubrinsky, who usually plays in the No. 2 spot, moved up to the No. Zubrinsky 1 role, defeating Samantha Boling (6-0, 6-0), while Hannah Scott beat Olyvia Price (6-0, 6-0), Ryleigh Burns outdueled took down Betsy Henson (6-1, 6-1), Ainsley Zubrinsky took down Sydney Widenhouse (6-0, 6-0), Ria Shah outplayed Carly Lette (6-0, 6-0), and Kayla Marr dominated Cassie Helms (6-0, 6-2).

Scott and Burns teamed to beat Boling and Henson 8-2, while Ainsley Zubrinsky and Nina VanBlarcom beat Price and Widenhouse 8-0, and Brynlee Surface and Nicole Colmenares defeated Lette and Hannah Floyd 8-1 in doubles match play.

Marvin Ridge hosted Myers Park on Sept.

16, after Union County Weekly’s press deadline.

Receiving

Passing Player

do just that with a 6-1 start to the season, including a four-game winning streak.

The Cavaliers most recent victory came in a three-set defeat of rival Weddington on Sept.

10.

Senior middle hitter Shae Doran leads the Cavaliers with 52 kills and 20 blocks, while senior libero Megan Jones has a team high 125 digs.

Cuthbertson faces a road test at Marvin Ridge, which has always been a major nemesis of the Cavs Thursday, Sept. 17.

The Mavericks are 5-2 (1-0 SCC) after beating Anson 3-0 in their first league match of the season Tuesday, Sept. 15.

Sophomore outside hitter Carly Owens leads the Mavericks with 58 kills, while junior middle hitter Erin Paulus and sophomore middle hitter Caitlyn Kiker have combined for 27 blocks and sophomore Noelle Soldo has a team-high 61 digs.

Carries 95 60 61 38 35 47 38 30 30 44 34 34 43 17 23 22 12 20 25 24 29 42 20 24 8 3 7 5

Yards 567 386 362 314 291 291 288 277 242 220 217 191 188 177 172 158 141 136 95 91 90 84 83 80 64 63 61 61

TD 5 5 3 6 1 2 3 5 2 2 1 6 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 1 4 0 4 1 0 2

Games

J.T. Cauthen Emeka Emezie PJ Lotharp Int Jeremiah Miller Alex Leshock 4 Roman White 4 Joe Bensch 4 Jadarious Mcmanus 3 Justin Bloos 4 Casey Stamper 4 Devin Adkins 4 Anthony Marple 2 Luke Burnette 1 Fabrice Funderburke 0 Jordan Blakeney 1 Desmen Robinson 0 Nick Stitt Mark Tyulyu Jonathan Jennings Cole Bell Patrick Hensley Jaylen Nixon

4 4 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 4 3

Team Rec

Yards TD

Cuthbertson Marvin Ridge Sun Valley Sun Valley Marvin Ridge Cuthbertson Weddington Monroe Marvin Ridge Cuthbertson Marvin Ridge Sun Valley Sun Valley Sun Valley Forest Hills Monroe Parkwood Weddington Cuthbertson Piedmont Cuthbertson Monroe

349 316 314 284 216 186 170 155 150 142 132 128 113 113 96 93 90 79 74 72 71 69

14 24 14 11 17 19 14 6 10 10 13 7 6 6 9 4 7 9 6 2 8 5

6 2 1 5 1 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 1 2

Defense Player

Games

Garrett Hinson Tyrese Marsh Brandon Hayes Roy Artolozaga Deyton Cook Keenon Vinson DeAndre Staton Thomas Mobley Kole Vonegidy Joey Hobbs TJ Brewer AJ Allen Miquille Bryant Trayquan Price Dontaviaus Covington Myles Moore Nolan Butler Alex Miles Jacob Mosley Tyler Crotts Ben Cook Bennett James Izaiah Thomas Nick Patterson Steven Tousa

4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 3 3 3 4 3

Team

Piedmont Forest Hills CATA Sun Valley CATA Sun Valley Monroe Sun Valley Piedmont Weddington Forest Hills Forest Hills Monroe Monroe Monroe Weddington Cuthbertson CATA Piedmont Piedmont Marvin Ridge CATA Monroe Weddington Sun Valley

Tackles 41 39 37 37 35 34 31 31 30 30 28 27 27 26 26 26 25 22 22 22 21 20 19 18 18

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 20 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Sports

Developing a young quarterback into Division I talent

by Ben Doster ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

Good quarterbacks are hard to find, and tougher to develop. However, the greater Charlotte area is littered with talented young gunslingers with ever-evolving skillsets that enable them to execute complex offenses in the face of great opposition from daunting defenses.

Take Sun Valley freshman Sam Howell, Butler junior Davis Cheek and Myers Park junior Jack Davidson, just to name a few.

Howell, who turned 15 years old on Sept.

16, has been one of the biggest surprises this season. He has completed 65-116 passes for 1,199 yards and 13 touchdowns to lead the Spartans to a 2-2 record.

“I have great players around me, and Coach (Tad) Baucom and his staff have done a great job preparing me to do the job,” Howell said.

The Spartan field general is no stranger to playing with the big boys. His father and Sun Valley offensive coordinator, Duke Howell, had him playing with fourth and fifth graders as a third grader.

Quarterbacks coach Stephen Black, a former quarterback at Gardner-Webb and Piedmont, has played an integral role in preparing him for varsity level competition.

The freshman phenom began to meet with Black this past offseason, working on dropbacks and throws.

“With Sam at this age we want to see improvements week to week,” Duke Howell said. “The arm-strength is there. We just continue to work with him on understanding the game.”

His youth doesn’t come with many limitations though. Even as a freshman, Howell is allowed to make audibles and change the protections of the offensive line in some situations. In fact, five of his touchdown passes occurred on plays he called an audible.

Baucom knows the natural talent is there.

He’s seen the young quarterback grow exponentially in a matter of months, with the most significant improvement being his ability to read defenses on the fly.

“Sam’s very humble,” Baucom said.

“None of this has gone to his head. He’s like a sponge on the field. He’s a quiet leader right now, but he’s very eager to learn and please and do right – a lot of good qualities that can make him into a nice college quarterback.”

The game has already slowed down for Howell since facing Monroe in the season opener.

“The reads were a little harder than middle school, but they were still basically the same thing,” Howell said.

For Cheek, each game has been a learning experience. He got his feet wet against Olympic, but was thrown into a rushing current in a 24-10 loss to Mallard Creek before settling into a rhythm in blowout wins over Western Alamance and Richmond Senior.

He has completed 51-77 passes for 648 and three touchdowns to lead Butler to a 3-1 start to the season.

Butler coach Brian Hales said Cheek wants to be a great player, and goes the extra mile when it comes to film study and asking questions.

But perhaps Cheek’s greatest strength is his expectation for himself – he’s learning what it takes to be a high-caliber QB and is putting in the hours in the weight room and on the field to get there.

“I think once he understands what I’m trying to do that’s going to make him even more effective,” Hales said.

The game has slowed down dramatically for Cheek since the Mallard Creek loss, especially during Butler’s win over Richmond Senior. Wins like that have grown his confidence, but there’s still room for improvement. Right now, he’s working to clean up the mental aspects of his game and sharpen the little things, like rolling out on play fakes, to the finer points of managing the offense well, making sure people are lined up and foolish penalties aren’t committed.

“He continues to grow by leaps and bounds, and when you’re having the success he’s having that’s just going to continue to grow,” Hales said.

Then, there’s Jack Davidson.

For someone who wasn’t allowed to play for nearly an entire offseason and a month of his sophomore season on JV due to a sprained right elbow, Davidson’s develop-

Week five football game previews

Attention students!

We want to see who has the best student section in Union County!

Show your school spirit and send pictures to ben@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.

Weddington at Parkwood Friday at 7:30 p.m.

It’s never an ideal week to face the Warriors, but the Rebels draw them when they’re fresh off a bitter loss. So, more than likely, they’ll be facing an angry Weddington team that eager to get the nasty taste of last week’s 45-38 triple overtime loss to Monroe out of its mouth.

When Parkwood wins it wins big, and when it loses it loses badly. The Rebels will be tasked with containing running back Christian Sanchez, who is a workhorse that gets stronger as a game wears on. Parkwood also better beware of wide receiver Joe Bensch, who is difficult to prepare for, because he can be used in a myriad of ways.

Week Four

Game Picks Hannah Chronis

Ben Doster

Warren Taylor

Olympic at Porter Ridge

Porter Ridge

Olympic

Olympic

Weddington at Parkwood

Weddington

Weddington

Weddington

Garinger at Marvin Ridge

Marvin Ridge

Marvin Ridge

Marvin Ridge

Cuthbertson at Forest Hills

Cuthbertson

Cuthbertson

Forest Hills

Sun Valley at Myers Park

Myers Park

Myers Park

Sun Valley

Monroe

Monroe

Monroe

East Montgomery at Union Academy

East Montgomery

East Montgomery

East Montgomery

Metrolina Christian at Rabun Gap

Metrolina Christian

Metrolina Christian

Metrolina Christian

Last week: 6-3

Last week: 6-3

Last week: 6-3

Overall: 27-8

Overall: 26-9

Overall: 24-11

Anson at Monroe

ment in coach Scott Chadwick’s spread offense has progressed nicely.

He has completed 58-102 passes for 672 yards and five touchdowns, and has the Mustangs sitting at 2-2.

“I think the biggest thing is reps with the receivers,” Davidson said. “The more I trust them the easier it comes. The system comes, but the reps with the receivers, that’s been the best.”

Chadwick challenged his young quarterback with a difficult nonconference schedule that included the likes of Ardrey Kell and South Meck.

“Any time you have a kid who has never started a varsity football game, there’s going to be growing pains, and he’s had a few,” Chadwick said. “For the most part, he’s more than given us a chance to win every game.”

Chadwick said Davidson’s greatest asset is his demeanor; he doesn’t get rattled by mistakes. Factor in his athleticism, understanding of the position and potential to be a leader and you’ve got a young QB who could be the next big name in Charlottearea football Howell, Cheek and Davidson should continue to improve each week with the success of their teams hinging on their play and development. The sky is the limit for all three, and opponents better shore up their no fly zones or run for their bunkers because the air raids are coming

Cuthbertson at Forest Hills Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Cavalier quarterback Austin Kendall shouldn’t have a problem breaking the 1,000-yard barrier through the air this week. Cuthbertson’s problem lies on the other side of the ball, as its defense has struggled to slow down opponents in recent weeks.

Yellow Jacket running back Floyd Louallen could be a load for the Cavs if they fail to clog the holes up front, but sometimes the best defense is a good offense and Forest Hills will have trouble keeping pace with Cuthbertson’s high octane spread attack.

Sun Valley at Myers Park Friday at 7 p.m.

While they aren’t defending one another this game pits two of the areas elite young quarterbacks against one another in Sun Valley’s Sam Howell and Myers Park’s Jack Davidson. Both offenses are capable of lighting up the scoreboard.

However, the Mustangs’ defense has proven to be a stingy one against some of the more talented teams in south Charlotte, and might be the deciding factor against the Spartans.

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation Avenue, New York,Sales N.Y. Corporation 10018 The 620 NewEighth York Times Syndication Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 620For Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 Union County ForFor Release Monday, 7, 2015Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 21 Information Call:September 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, September 1, 2015

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The Weekly

Athletes

Crossword Crossword

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Girls Athlete of the Week: Rachel Zubrinsky, Marvin Ridge

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Page 22 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Home Service Directory

s 3%26).' 5.)/. #/5.49 s To advertise, email adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com or call 704-849-2261

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Art Goralski 404-604-5363 art0814@yahoo.com

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Union County Weekly | September 18, 2015 | Page 23

Carolina Weekly Classifieds Network

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s #LASSIlEDS ARE ADVERTISED IN 3OUTH #HARLOTTE 7EEKLY 5NION #OUNTY 7EEKLY AND -ATTHEWS -INT (ILL 7EEKLY s

GARAGE SALE

Garage Sale

Large Community Garage Sale Household items, furniture, clothes, toys, games, tools and so much more. Come visit Threshold Church’s new property while you shop!

Saturday, September 19, 2015 8am - 1pm Cash and credit cards accepted. Rain or shine.

GARAGE SALE! Sept 19th 8-12, Clover Bend, Rogers Rd. Household items, rugs, bedding, misc.

Matthews Garage Sale! September 18 & 19.

8am to 2pm. 9011 Brad Ct. Christmas items, trains, collectibles, household items, men’s and women’s clothing. Kerry Greens subdivision, off Monroe Road.

HUGE neighborhood yard sale.

Matthews Plantation, Saturday, Sept. 19th 7am - 12noon near the intersection of McKee Rd and Pleasant Plains FOR SALE

For Sale

FALL SALE! Privacy Trees! We deliver! Leyland Cypress (4-5footers $29.99) (5-6footers $39.99) Colorful flowering CrapeMyrtle trees 8-9footers $69.99, Buy direct from our tree farm and save!

Call for Appt 704-426-0947 Plant Sale 20% Off all plants in stock, Hollies, Maples, Nandinas, Crape Myrtles and much more.

Delivery and/or installation available, Providence Nursery Farms, Inc., 3925 Sanford Lane Monroe NC 28110, 704.226.1800 HELP WANTED

Help wanted

Senior Statistician. Carolinas Healthcare System. Charlotte, NC. Use advanced stat & computational methods to improve quality, patient experience, & healthcare cost. Reqs Masters in Stats/ Biostats/ rel w/ coursewk in stat methodology & 5 yrs progressive stat & biostat experience to incl 5 yrs in SAS/ R stat prgrmmng langs; working w/ data sets & data manipulations; & 1 publication in scientific manuscript or conference abstract. Submit to pre-empl bkgrnd check & drug screen. Apply www.carolinashealthcare.org Ref # 64421. w Product Manager, Treatment Centers & Instruments (Sirona Dental, Inc., Charlotte, NC).

Support research & dvlpmnt by conveying US needs for planning layouts & designing dental operatory equipment w/ consideration of US needs regarding clinical & ergonomics aspects of dental healthcare practice. Req Bach in Industrial Design /rel./equiv & 2 yrs dental field product dvlpmnt or sales exp incl 2 yrs dental equipment product management exp; reading, analyzing & creating dental layout in Autodesk products (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture); in a mfg environment; & technical writing.

Req 30% U.S. travel & 10% intl travel. Apply: careersus@sirona.com, Ref#86569 Drivers: High Paying Jobs for Flatbed OTR Driver! Our trucks feature FREE DIRECTV: HBO,

Showtime & NFL Sunday Ticket. Call Today!

888-804-3051

tlcpresionpainting@gmail.com *Where Quality and Affordability Meet*

other interested parties are encouraged to attend.

AVON - Join now and start earning $$$ right away!

Go to www.startavon.com and enter marshadyer in the reference code box. Free website. Shop online at www.marshadyer.com.

Drivers: CO & O\Op’s: Earn great money Running Dedicated! Great Hometime and Benefits. Monthly Bonuses. Drive Newer Equipment! 855-582-2265

BYTESIZE COMPUTER SERVICES LLC FREE onsite service & FREE consultations. Virus Removal, Computer Hardware and Software repair, Speed up slow Desktop or Laptop Computers, one hour In-Home personalized Computer Training sessions, Repair & Purchasing and Upgrading available. We offer Personable engagements and VERY competitive pricing.

25 Years of Computer Experience. Call Mark at 704-287- 8827 or visit our website: www. bytesizecomputer services.com. References are available.

Proposals must be on standard forms furnished by the Architect and must be submitted in a sealed envelope identifying the Bidder and the proposal. Proposal forms, plans and specifications may be obtained at the Sharpe Images – 14111-C Babbage Lane, Indian Trail, NC, 28079. 704-684-0141.

James R. Vannoy & Sons Construction Co., Inc. Positions available for commercial site grading project located in Mint Hill including dozer, excavator and roller operators, off road truck drivers and laborers.

Applicants must have 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment. Please send applications or resumes to Director of Human Resources, PO Box 635, Jefferson, NC 28640 or fax to 336-846-7110 or by email at melissa.watson@jrvannoy.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer

FINANCIAL

Financial

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SERVICES

Services

NU VISIONS PAINTING

By Al Baskins on FB Let us color your world one room at a time !

Interior / Exterior Painting Commercial / Residential Cabinets / Kitchens / Baths WE SPECIALIZE IN RE-PAINTS! Deck Restorations Pressure Washing OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE painting Charlotte Al Baskins , Owner Pineville N.C. 704-605-7897 / 704-889-7479 SUMMER SPECIAL! 10% OFF WITH THIS AD! Best Painters. $80 per room, every day.

Always the best prices and service. We love our work and appreciate our clients. Our services include painting, sheet rock, popcorn, wallpaper, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing, and electrical. Free estimates.

(704)240-2258.

Tile, marble, travertine, stone pavers, installations and repairs, floors, showers, fireplace, backsplash, patios, commercial and residential. Full Warranty. Francisco Escobar.

Anything custom, construction license, insurance, free estimates. (704)977-7859. *TLC PRECISION PAINTING* *Commercial *Residential *Interior *Exterior Family owned and operated with 15 plus years experience. We are fully insured and always offer free estimates. *Ask about our other services!* Contact us at 980-239-2885 or email us at

EUROPEAN CLEANING WOMAN looking for job cleaning house, office, or apartment. I have 18 years of experience and good references.

Call Martina at (704) 628-5504 or (516) 5543960. ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ Psychic spiritual reader and advisor answers known and unknown, look into your life’s situations with a psychic reading by phone, I am a third generation Indian spiritualist I help all problems of life, I specialize in relationship problems, I can and will help you to get back on the right track in life. Fast results please call now for a better tomorrow. 580-559-6685 or 817-696-7432. ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩

SONIA E. PEREZ, CPA, PC Your taxes are my business 704-200-6659 Sonia.Perez.CPA.PC@gmail.com myveryownaccountant.wordpress.com Real Estate–For sale REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

For Sale by Owner: ONE WEEK ONLY SPECIAL! 3BR; 2BA; LR; DR; Kitchen; brick ranch style house 1549 sq. ft. + attached garage; fireplace; central Air/Heat; chain-link fenced-in backyard. 6417 Lancaster Hwy, Waxhaw. $134,000.00 with 1 acre lot or $138,500.00 with 1 ½ acre lot. Call 828-4211051 or revguy199@gmail.com LEGAL NOTICES

Legal Notices

MATTHEWS COMMUNITY CENTER ROOF RENOVATION PROJECT: The Town of Matthews will receive sealed bids for renovation of the existing Community Center Roof under one Single-Prime Construction Contract, until 4:00 PM on Thursday, September 24, 2015, in the Room 104 of the Matthews Community Center, 100 East McDowell Street, Matthews NC, when all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

There will be a pre-bid meeting for all interested contractors and potential bidders on Monday September 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM in Room 104 of the Matthews Community Center, 100 East McDowell St. Matthews, NC 28105. (phone: 704.321.7275) for the purpose of discussion of questions pertaining to the project. The Attic and the Roof will be available for inspection at that time. All Bidders, sub-contractors and

All General Contractors wishing to submit a proposal shall: 1] have on file with the Architect a current AIA A305 – Contractor’s Qualification Statement [original document only] and; 2] a copy of their current North Carolina Building License.

Plans and specifications will be on file (1) at the office of The Architect, (2) at the Matthews Community Center with Director Corey King [100 East McDowell Street, Matthews, NC], (3) at the Matthews Town Hall with Manager Hazen Blodgett, (4) at Nextplans Online Plan room.

A bid security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the contract sum shall be submitted with each bid. The bid security shall be in the form of cash, a cashier’s check or a certified check on a bank or trust company insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation made payable to the order of the Town of Matthews, NC. In lieu of making a cash deposit, the bidder may submit a bid bond executed by a corporate surety licensed in North Carolina to execute such bonds.

All bidders are advised that the Bidder must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or handicap.

All Bidders are hereby notified that they must have proper licenses under the State laws governing their respective trades at the time of submittal of bids. Bidders are also advised that this contract contains provisions requiring the Contractor to document that sufficient good faith efforts have been made to provide equal opportunity for Minority and Women Business Enterprises to participate in the contracting and material supplier opportunities available under this contract.

Bids may be held by the Town of Matthews, NC for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days from the date of the opening of Bids for the purpose of reviewing the Bids and investigating the qualifications of Bidders, prior to awarding of the Contract. The Town of Matthews, NC reserves the right to reject any or all Bids and to waive any informality in the bidding.

MISCELLANEOUS Miscellaneous HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy Direct & SAVE.

www.unioncountyweekly.com

Page 24 | September 18, 2015 | Union County Weekly

Downtown Monroe

/::=E33< />>3<7<5A TH /#4/"%2 A M P M -AIN 3TREET $OWNTOWN Treats and Prizes For All craft ACTIVITIES, bULL RIDE, giant inflatables, petting zoo and much more 1B7D7B73A /@3 @33 1B7D72/23A A=< @/B7A

Costume Contest STARTS 12 P.M. registration from 10 a.m. TO 11:30a.M.

Where the People Make the Place www.historicdowntownmonroe.org 704-292-1705