Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly Nov. 24

Inside: Cougars, Mustangs still alive in football title hunt • Page 1B

Cancer scare Sports editor Andrew Stark wasn’t alone, 1B

Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 • Vol. 10 • No. 47

Police ask for help with shootings

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261

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FALL ART CLASSES Matthews is among several towns from Charlotte to Monroe decked out in Christmas spirit. File photo

27 ways to celebrate the holidays

Blocking China We can’t let countries exploit economy, 2A

Upscale fashion Woman opens new store in SouthPark, 3A

End of season Butler takes rare loss from Myers Park, 1B

Most people fall into two camps – those who lament seeing Christmas decorations the day after Halloween and those who embrace them. But now Thanksgiving has passed.

There’s no turning back.

Several towns from Charlotte to Monroe are offering tree lightings and holiday festivals with arts, crafts, amusement rides and opportunities to whisper Christmas wishes into Santa’s ear.

Here are 27 events across southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties to help maintain your Christmas spirit over the next month. Eggnog helps, too.

Charlotte: Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland’s 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink features holiday lights, décor and attractions, like Santa’s Pub and a coffee shop. The rink will also host live music, guests, activities and special events throughout the season.

103.7 WSOC will have live country music artists every Friday night.

• When: Through Jan. 8, 2018 • Where: Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Road

• Details: www.winterwonderlandsouthpark.com

Charlotte: Photos with Santa

Santa Claus visits SouthPark Mall to hear what kids want for Christmas and mark the occasion with photos. Visit www.southpark.com for hours and photo package pricing. Santa even takes photos with pets 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 10 (make appointments at www.

Eventbrite.com) • When: Various hours through Dec. 24 • Where: 4400 Sharon Road • Details: www.simon santa.com.

Better Business Bureau offers tips for a better Black Friday

Charlotte: WinterFest

Carowinds gets into the holiday spirit with WinterFest. The amusement park boasts millions of lights, as well as live entertainment, ice skating; crafts; and holiday food.

Ticket prices vary.

• When: Various times through Dec. 30 • Where: 300 Carowinds Blvd.

• Details: www.carow inds.com

MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Police Department is investigating two shootings that occurred minutes apart Nov. 14.

Officers were dispatched 10:37 p.m. to a shooting at the 8800 block of Brigadier Lane, where they found a 41-year-old victim on his back. He was taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte with life-threatening injuries.

Police are investigating the motive and circumstances, but they said the shooting didn’t appear to be a random act.

Officers were dispatched at 10:45 p.m. to the Victoria Park Apartments parking lot on Stoney Trace Drive, where they found a vehicle struck by bullets. Occupants told police they were shot at by subjects that came out of an apartment.

Police said the shooting was a carryover from an incident in Charlotte earlier in the evening.

Officers learned that several rounds traveled into adjacent buildings. They recovered 13 shell casings from the parking lot and one spent round on the bedroom floor of an apartment where a woman was in bed at the time.

Anyone with information on the shootings is asked to call police at 704-545-1085.

There’s so many holiday happenings, you have no reason to sit at home sulking in boredom. File photo

Indian Trail: Christmas Parade

The IT’s A Wonderful Life Christmas Parade starts at 4 p.m. on Post Office Drive, turns right onto Matthews-Indian Trail Road, passes the town hall and wraps around Chestnut Square Park. After the parade, gather at the park

for the tree lighting, photos with Santa and games.

• When: 4 to 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 • Where: Post Office Drive to Chestnut Square Park, 320 Chestnut Pkwy.

• Details: www.indian trail.org see CHRISTMAS, Page 4A

The day after Thanksgiving was originally dubbed “Black Friday” as a negative due to traffic, crowds and hostile behavior. It’s now a positive for many people who get excited about the lines, the crowds and especially the deals. Now it’s the single busiest shopping day of the year. American consumers plan to spend an average $935.58 during the holiday shopping season this year, according to National Retail Federation’s survey conducted by Prosper Insights. see FRIDAY, Page 5A

Rep. Pittenger envisions U.S. 74 as interstate Monroe leaders worry about how the proposal could affect city’s road network, economy

INDEX Business.................................................................... 3A Crime................................................................................ 2A Dining Scores..................................................6A Sports.............................................................................. 1B Faith....................................................................................3B Calendar....................................................................4B Crossword..............................................................4B Classifieds..............................................................5B

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converting it into an interstate is vital to maintaining this necessary infrastructure, creating jobs and boosting economic growth,” Kennedy told Kilgore.

Kilgore shared the email with city staff. They identified some initial questions, such as how the measure would affect the Monroe Bypass, upcoming improvements to U.S. 74 and traffic flow.

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Monroe leaders also believe converting the existing U.S. 74 would “devastate” the city’s commercial corridor.

Monroe Engineering Director Jim Loyd reached out to a colleague at the N.C. Department of Transportation, who passed his concerns up the food chain.

“The concern appears to be that upgrading the corridor to

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If taken literally and the project follows the current alignment of U.S. Highway 74, the economic impact to the existing corridor would be devastating.”

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MONROE – Monroe leaders oppose U.S. Congressman Robert Pittenger’s idea to convert the stretch of U.S. 74 from Charlotte to Wilmington into an interstate.

While the idea could result in a faster trip to the beach and attract economic development throughout the corridor, Monroe leaders are concerned about how the conversion would specifically affect their city.

Pittenger’s legislative director, Brian Kennedy, emailed Monroe Mayor Bobby Kilgore on Sept.

29 asking for a letter of support of the conversion.

“This highway is an important corridor for trade, stretching from Charlotte to Wilmington, and

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an interstate route would decimate the towns which they travel through,” State Traffic Engineer Kevin Lacy wrote in an email dated Oct. 18. “The language in the federal law generally identifies the corridor and should not be taken as literal.”

Staff drafted a letter for the city council to sign off on Nov. 14 that supported Pittenger’s general idea, but sought clarification about on a few points before giving full-fledged support.

“Personally, I wouldn’t even support the idea,” Councilwoman Surluta Anthony said.

She offered a motion that leaders not state the support the idea.

The council agreed.

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Page 2A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017

We shouldn’t let China exploit America’s economy

S

hould a company controlled by the Communist Chinese government be allowed to purchase a major U.S. military supplier?

Obviously, the answer is “no.” Yet shockingly, the deal almost went through.

Last year, a Chinese-backed shell company announced plans to purchase Lattice Semiconductor, the third-largest American producer of critical, proprietary technology used in satellites and missile defense equipment. The deal would have given the Chinese government full access to critical U.S. national security information.

China has also made efforts to purchase insurance and financial firms, which contain troves of sensitive personal data and invest in real estate near U.S. military installations.

These are just a few examples. China is buying U.S. companies at a breathtaking rate. Between 2010 and 2016, Chinese investment in the United States increased by over 900 percent.

While some were legitimate business investments, many were part of a strategic Communist Chinese government effort to infiltrate the U.S. economy, steal our technology, target our critical infrastructure and compromise our defense apparatus.

China is quickly emerging as America’s greatest geopolitical challenge. They are intent on establishing

Robert Pittenger Congressman

themselves as a global superpower, standing toe to toe with the United States.

However, their communist economy lacks the innovation and ingenuity to compete with the United States. As a result, their military and technology capabilities are noticeably deficient.

To keep pace, China’s communist leadership has resorted to cyber warfare.

Under the guise of “benign financial investment,” the Chinese are also purchasing critical U.S. companies in order to steal our technology and information.

Their actions carry dire national security implications that, if left unchecked, could cause irreversible damage to our economy and defense apparatus.

America’s first, and only, line of defense against malicious foreign investment is the little-known Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, which is charged with reviewing the potential national security implications of foreign investments.

The problem is that CFIUS is a relic of the Cold War not substantially upgraded since the 1970s. CFIUS is simply not built to counter the threats imposed by 21st century cyber warfare and the global economy.

We live in a radically dif-

ferent world. The threats we face from China are far different than what we faced from the Soviet Union.

These include the developing threats of technology, information and cyber warfare.

As our economy and technology evolves, so do the national security implications of direct foreign investment. From the ability to proliferate propaganda to cyberwarfare to the stealing of critical technology, these threats are very serious.

For over two years, I have been leading a bipartisan effort to highlight these new risks and build support for a solution. After several months of painstaking work, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn and I recently introduced bipartisan legislation to overhaul and modernize CFIUS. Our bipartisan legislation provides our government with the necessary tools to track and evaluate Chinese investment to determine which transactions threaten America’s national security. Richard Burr and Devin Nunes are among several bipartisan co-sponsors.

Investments that pose a threat to our national security will be blocked.

We are putting China on notice. No longer will the U.S. stand powerless as China exploits the inherent freedom of our economy in order to steal our technology, compromise our security or threaten our way of life.

Foreign Limited Liability Company Globenet Telecommunications, LLC filed for Application of Authority with the Department of State on July 6th 2011, with jurisdiction in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Address of office being 5995 Rolling Ridge Drive Kannapolis NC 28081. This foreign limited liability company has not changed names since formation and does not operate under any fictitious name. The undersigned is the authorized officer in the jurisdiction of its formation at the time of filing and is acting secretary of state of Globenet Telecommunications LLC and in this capacity shall provided, on request, a copy of articles of organization thereof with all amendments there to. David L. Middleton 5995 Rolling Ridge Drive, Kannapolis NC 28081.

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CRIME SCENE The Matthews Police Department reported the following crimes Oct. 30 to Nov. 6:

stolen. Nov. 2 • 1800 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $800 iPhone stolen. Nov. 3 • Cracker Barrel, 9330 E. Independence Blvd.: $25 tri-fold wallet, $10 cash and cards stolen. Nov. 3 • 4800 block of Hickory Lake Lane: Checks stolen. Nov. 4 • 100 block of Matthews Station Street; $45 notary stamp stolen. Nov. 4 • Target, 1900 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $896 household goods stolen. Nov. 4 • Hibachi Buffet & Grill, 9925 E. Independence Blvd.: $800 smart phone stolen. Nov. 4 • 10700 block of Monroe Road: $150 jacket stolen. Nov. 5 • 2700 block of Heathershire Lane: $350 sound bar and $40 air compressor. Nov. 5

Break-Ins, Vehicles • 900 block of Mangionne Drive: $300 revolver and $30 holster stolen. Nov. 2 • 600 block of Clearbrook Road: $100 knife and $50 jacket stolen. Nov. 3 Burglary • 2300 block of Hargett Road: $200 amplifier stolen.

Oct. 30 Counterfeiting • 10500 block of Northeast Parkway: Counterfeit bill. Nov. 4 Drug Violations • 3000 block of Sam Newel Road: Drug violations. Nov. 2 Fraud • 9600 block of East Independence Boulevard: Credit card fraud. Oct. 30 • 1200 block of Industrial Drive: Obtaining money/ property by false pretense.

Oct. 31 • 2500 Brightmoor Ridge Drive: Credit card/ATM fraud.

Nov. 1 • 300 block of Crestdale Road: Credit card/ATM fraud.

Nov. 3

Thefts, Vehicles • Matthews Swim Tennis & Golf, 2110 Pleasant Plains Road: $2,500 golf cart and $800 golf cart charger stolen.

Nov. 2

Property Damage • Fountains Matthews, 10624 Parris St.: Damage to irrigation valve. Oct. 31 • 1500 block of Cameron Matthews Drive: Damage to vehicle. Nov. 2 • 10800 block of Monroe Road: Damage to door window and window panel. Nov. 3 • Texas Roadhouse, 10450 E. Independence Blvd.: Damage to window. Nov. 3 • 3100 block of Winding Trail: Damage to tire. Nov. 4

The Mint Hill Police Department reported the following crimes Oct. 30 to Nov. 5:

Miscellaneous • McDonald’s, 9607 E. Independence Blvd.: Fictitious tag. Nov. 4 • 300 block of Park Square Place: Communicate threats.

Nov. 5

Alcohol & Drugs • 9700 block of Stoney Glen Drive: DWI. Nov. 2 Break-Ins • 5900 block of Oak Drive: $200 computer and $200 gaming console stolen. Nov. 2 • 12700 block of Idlewild Road: Break-in reported. Nov. 3 • 9700 block of Truelight Church Road: Break-ins reported. Nov. 4

Thefts • 100 block of West John Street: License and social security card stolen. Oct. 30 • Keffer Hyundai, 9010 E. Independence Blvd.: $750 impact gun stolen. Oct. 30 • 2800 block of Oxborough Drive: $1584 coffee maker stolen. Oct. 30 • Home Depot, 1837 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Larceny. Nov. 1 • 100 block of East John Street: Pack of cigarettes, candy and fountain drink stolen. Nov. 2 • 1600 block of Matthews Township Parkway: $1,600 trailer, $500 scaffolding set, $300 burner gas barbecue and $75 wheelbarrow stolen.

Nov. 2 • Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: $85.79 jacket

Break-Ins, Vehicles • 8500 block of Olde Stonegate Lane: $800 computer and $400 computer stolen.

Nov. 5 • 5900 block of Brightstar Valley Road: Break-in reported. Nov. 5 • 9900 block of Edwards Place: $270 computer hardware/software and 15 stolen.

Nov. 5 • 5900 block of Brightstar Valley Road: $150 wallets.

Nov. 5 • 7700 block of Markus Drive: Break-in reported. Nov. 5 • 7100 block of Woodbridge Valley Circle: Break-in reported. Nov. 5 • 9800 block of Markus Drive: Break-in reported. Nov. 5

• 10000 block of Markus Drive: $1,100 computer hardware/software and $25 purse/wallet stolen. Nov. 5 • 5900 block of Versage Drive: $30 and $10 phone charger stolen. Nov. 5 Counterfeiting • Rite Aid, 9107 Lawyers Road: Counterfeit currency.

Nov. 2 Drug Possession • BB&T, 11425 Lawyers Road: Possession of schedule II and IV control substance, as well as open container and paraphernalia. Oct. 29 • 8800 block of Milton Morris Drive: Possession of marijuana with intent to sell/distribute. Oct. 31 • 11500 block of Idlewild Road: Possession of schedule II controlled substance and paraphernalia. Nov. 2 Property Damage • 10200 block of Atchinson Drive: Damage to glass front door. Oct. 29 • 10300 block of Truelight Church Road: Damage to property. Nov. 1 • 13800 block of Jonathan’s Ridge Road: Damage to window. Nov. 1 • 7400 block of Lancashire Drive: $2,500 motorcycle stolen. Nov. 2 Thefts • 4100 block of Terry Terrace: Theft and damage to property involving buckets of paint, box of putty, extension cords, lights and projects and air conditioning unit. Nov. 1 • 5000 block of Stoney Pond Lane: Theft involving wheels and tires. Nov. 2 • 36009 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $999 Pepsi hand-held device stolen. Nov. 2 • 10300 block of Albemarle Road: Wallet and $400 cash stolen. Nov. 4 • 10300 block of Brush Creek Lane: License plate stolen.

Nov. 5 Miscellaneous • 9700 block of Idewild Road: Assault on a female.

Oct. 29 • 8100 block of Dennis Road: Simple physical assault. Oct. 30 • 11500 block of Idlewild Road: Carry concealed weapon. Nov. 1 • 11500 block of Possessing/ concealing weapons, stolen firearm and firearm by felony.

Nov. 1 • 4400 block of Stoney Trace Drive: Discharging a weapon within city limits. Nov. 3 • 10500 block of Old Brassle Drive: Communicating threats. Nov. 5

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017 • Page 3A

BUSINESS BRIEFS Plaza under new ownership PITTSBURGH – ECHO Realty bought the Matthews Township Shopping Center last month.

The 128,650-square-foot center at Independence Boulevard and Matthews Township Parkway in Matthews was built in 1995.

The center is anchored by a 58,500-square foot Harris Teeter and a 36,000-square foot Stein Mart. Rack Room Shoes, Hallmark and Chipotle are there, too.

Thomas Karet, CEO of ECHO Realty, said his company is not only focused on Charlotte, but also acquiring centers anchored by best-in-class grocery stores.

Falguni Patel, of Matthews, recently opened the upscale boutique Scout & Molly’s in the Speciality Shops at SouthPark. Karie Simmons/MMHW photo

Matthews woman opens new SouthPark boutique

by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – Scout & Molly’s is the newest store to open in the Specialty Shops at SouthPark and owner Falguni Patel is hoping the upscale boutique becomes a one-stop shop for customers of all ages.

“A mom can come in with her teenage daughter and they can both find something they like,” she said. “It’s trendy, but classic and there’s jewelry and sunglasses and accessories.

I mean, head to toe we have everything.”

The store, which had its grand opening on Nov. 18, has been a long-time coming for Patel. The 34-year-old from Matthews previously owned an Indian bridal boutique in Virginia and has been itching to open a store in Charlotte ever since she moved to the area.

Patel said she learned about Scout & Molly’s while searching for franchise opportunities and was drawn to the company’s dedication to philanthropy. She plans to host guest speakers at the store as well as fundraising events and special promotions that benefit local charities.

“It’s not just about the clothes. It’s not just about fashion,” she said.

Patel has been working on the store for the past nine months, from choosing a location to

picking out the merchandise, overseeing the renovations and hiring an experienced team of personal stylists to help customers choose their looks.

Patel said she ultimately chose to open in the Specialty Shops at SouthPark, located at the corner of Morrison Boulevard and Roxborough Road, because it aligned well with Scout & Molly’s customer base.

“SouthPark is like a destination,” Patel said.

“Nothing can compare to SouthPark and the whole vibe you get from this area.”

Now that the Scout & Molly’s is officially open, Patel hopes word spreads and new customers continue to stop in, especially since the store relies heavily on foot traffic from the shopping center. So far, she said, sales have been good and she’s enjoying the feeling of being a business owner again.

“Providing people with the best quality and customer service – that makes me feel good,” she said.

MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Planning Board has rescheduled its Nov. 20 meeting to Dec. 5, postponing a discussion on the proposed Cadence Mint Hill subdivision.

The project could bring 247 single-family lots on 125 acres next to Jefferson Colony.

Access would be provided at Bartlett Road, as well as two stub streets connecting to Jefferson Colony.

The planning board convenes 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Mint Hill Town Hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane. The board’s recommendation will go to town commissioners, whom could vote on the rezoning as early as Dec. 14.

Charity qualifies for $50K CHARLOTTE – SignUpGenius will donate $50,000 to four nonprofit partner organizations, including Christian Adoption Services, in honor of Giving Tuesday and to encourage charitable giving during the holidays.

Matthews-based Christian Adoption Services places domestic and foreign-born children with adoptive Christian families.

SignUpGenius will present $12,500 to the nonprofits, including Samaritan’s Purse, Brookstone Schools and African Christians Fellowship International, on Nov. 28.

USO salutes Harris Teeter MATTHEWS – Harris Teeter received the

Corporations form in region RALEIGH – Registered agents filed the following corporations Nov. 10 to 16: Matthews • CLT Creative LLC – Michael Dunagan.

• 8 Renovate CLT LLC – Mirna Pineda.

• The Black Label Group LLC – Dave Label.

• US Installation Group LLC – F. Weaver.

Charlotte (28227) • Cotswold Springs Condominium Owners Association Inc. – Robert McGarty.

• FX All Pro LLC – Jabir High.

• Mint Home Properties LLC – Juan Cobas.

• Settles Enterprises Corporation – James Settles.

• Stewart & Co. Cleaning Services LLC – Lizeth Stewart.

Mint Hill • BEL3 Solutions Inc. – Brett Lofton.

• Credit Rx LLC – Rebecca Nichols.

• Fire & Ice Therapeutic Massage LLC – Ashley Dwyer.

• JWM Image Consultants Inc. – Thomas Mann.

• Magnolia Creative LLC – Tamra Morris.

• Olive Branch Sign Installers LLC – Terry Aaseby.

• SBS Plumbing LLC – Samuel Seegers.

State approves pathway RALEIGH – The NCWorks Commission certified a health-care pathway at its Nov. 15 meeting for a nine-county region that includes Mecklenburg and Union counties.

Known as NCWorks Certified Career Pathways, the plans help job seekers enter particular industries. Employers collaborate with the state’s workforce and education professionals to design them.

Want to go?

Scout & Molly’s is located in the Specialty Shops SouthPark at 6401 Morrison Blvd. Visit www.southpark.scoutandmol lys.com to learn more or shop online.

Better Business Bureau urges consumers to support local companies on Small Business Saturday After the crowds and chaos of the Black Friday sales, check out the small, local and independent businesses participating in Small Business Saturday, a day to celebrate small businesses and all they do for their communities. According to the SBS Consumer Insights Survey, 95 million people shopped with small business on SBS. Small Business Saturday was started

by American Express, a BBB Accredited Business. Better Business Bureau is pleased to support Small Business Saturday for the fifth year and urges consumers to support small businesses in their community. BBB offers the following tips when you “shop small” on Small Business Saturday: • Get involved. Many communities are hosting special events, and being involved in SBS shows that you support the businesses that make your community unique. Find out what local events are happening in your area on the Small Business Saturday website or check with our local chamber.

• Do your research. Check out businesses

Cadence Mint Hill discussion postponed until Dec. 5

USO of North Carolina’s Teer Award, given to a business that shows commitment to assisting in the organization’s mission.

For six years, Harris Teeter has raised more than $4.6 million through its register campaign in stores.

“Throughout the year, we continually work together on projects and events that help, not just our military, but the entire community,” USO of NC President and CEO John Falkenbury said.

ahead of time and find out what past customers have to say at bbb.org. Find out what stores and businesses in your area are participating in Small Business Saturday by going to shopsmall.org.

• Sign-up for email alerts. Many stores have Small Business Saturday specials just for people who have signed up to receive their emails.

• Check social media. Many small businesses will advertise their SBS sales via social media, so be sure to check your favorite small businesses on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Use #ShopSmall to search for information or to share plans with your friends.

• Invite your friends and family. Visit your favorite local stores, try some new ones, get a head start on the holidays and enjoy time with loved ones.

• Ask for gift receipts and save warranty information. Be sure to pass along any information about returns, exchanges, repairs, and warranties to the person who will use the item.

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Page 4A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov, 24, 2017

CHRISTMAS (continued from page 1A)

Lake Park: Christmas Celebration

Celebrate Christmas in a charming village setting with the annual Christmas tree ceremony. The festival includes music and carriage rides.

• When: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 • Where: Gazebo Park, Mother Teresa Drive • Details: www.lakepark nc.gov

Marvin: Tree Lighting

Spectators at the Village of Marvin’s annual tree lighting get treated to hot chocolate, cookies and musical performances. Santa Claus is scheduled to make an appearance. The village is collecting unwrapped toys for the Christmas Bureau.

• When: 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 9 • Where: Marvin Efird Park, 8909 New Town Road • Details: www.marvinnc. org

Matthews: Matthews Ballet

The Matthews Ballet presents “The Nutcracker.”

Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for children (ages 12 and younger). Buy tickets by

calling 704-321-7275.

• When: 7 p.m. Nov. 25 & Dec. 2 and 3 p.m. Nov. 26 & Dec. 3 • Where: Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. • Details: www.mat thewsnc.gov

Matthews: Hometown Holiday

An afternoon of Christmas fun culminates with a tree lighting. Activities include crafts and entertainment.

• When: 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 2 • Where: Town Green Park 232 Matthews Station Street • Details: www.mat thewsnc.gov

Matthews: Victorian Christmas Teas

The Matthews Women’s Club Service League transports guests back to Victorian times. Enjoy Christma carolers while sipping on tea and munching on sweets.

Tickets cost $30. Register in advance.

• When: 7 p.m. Nov. 30, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 1 to 3 • Where:: Historic Reid House, 134 W. John St. • Details: 704-849-5063

Matthews: Breakfast with Santa

Santa Claus dines with

children, ages 2 to 8 years old. Kids not only get their photos taken with Santa, but also make crafts. Tickets cost $5. Call 704-321-7275 for details.

• When: 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 9 & 16 • Where: Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. • Details: www.mat thewsnc.gov

Matthews: Toy Exhibit

Learn how toys evolved from wind-up tin toys to action figures and puzzles at the Matthews Heritage Museum’s latest exhibit “Toys of Our Youth: A Collection of Toys of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.” Visit www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org for details.

• When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays • Where: Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade St. • Details: www.matthews heritagemuseum.org

Matthews: Christmas Traditions

Barbara Taylor, director of the Matthews Heritage Museum, presents an illustrated talk about the origin of many of the traditions celebrated at Christmas. Learn holiday trademarks like why people started to decorate their houses at Christmas

We here at the newspaper are doing Santa Claus a solid by publishing letters to Santa on Dec. 15, as well as forwarding children’s wish lists to the North Pole as he prepares for an ambitious schedule of appearances. Email letters to justin@cmgweekly.com or mail them to P.O. Box 1104, Matthews, NC 28106. File photo

or kiss under mistletoe. The free event, “Christmas Traditions,” is not suitable for believers of Santa Claus.

Register in advance by calling 704-708-4996.

• When: 2 p.m. Dec. 9 • Where: Matthews Public Library, 230 Matthews Station St. • Details: www.matthews heritagemuseum.org

Matthews: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a play about a down-onhis-luck banker considering ending his life. A guardian angel intervenes. Tickets cost $13 for adults and $11 for students and seniors.

• When: Various times, Dec. 1 to 17 • Where: Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St. E.

• Details: www.mat thewsplayhouse.com

Mint Hill: Tree Lighting

Santa has promised to stop by at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The music of the “Olde Towne Carolers” will be heard throughout the square. The Queens Grant Community School choir will perform. Hot chocolate and cookies from Daphne’s Bakery will be served.

• When: 7 p.m. Nov. 30 • Where: Mint Hill Town Hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane • Details: www.minthill. com

Mint Hill: Jingle All the Way 5K

The Mint Hill Police Department hosts its second annual Jingle all the Way 5K

Walk/Run. Runners, walkers, joggers and dogs will be dressed in holiday attire. The event benefits the Mint Hill Police Department Volunteer and Explorers programs.

• When: 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Dec. 2 • Where: Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park, 8850 Fairview Road • Details: https://goo.gl/ Ck4Mm4

Pineville: Tree Lighting

What do carolers, stilt walkers, balloon artist, juggler and Santa have in common? They are all entertaining the crowd at Pineville’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Other attractions include a candy cane hunt, train ride and bonfire.

• When: 3 to 5:30 p.m. see CHRISTMAS, Page 5A

Holiday Open House December 7th, 1 - 4 p.m.

We’ve decked the halls at Waltonwood Providence!

Join us for a tour of our festive community and learn about the worry-free retirement residents enjoy here every day.

Refreshments and entertainment

RSVP by December 4th P ROVIDENCE

(704) 753-7123

Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 www.Waltonwood.com | www.SinghJobs.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017 • Page 5A

CHRISTMAS

lit up like a … Christmas tree (pun intended). The town will debut a new 26-foot-tall tree at this year’s lighting. There’s plenty of other things worth seeing, such as music, train rides, bounce houses as well as appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph.

• When: 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 • Where: Stallings Municipal Park, 340 Stallings Road • Details: www.stallingsnc.org

(continued from page 4A)

Dec. 2 • Where: Lot beside fire department • Details: www.pinevillenc.gov

Monroe: Tree Lighting

Santa Claus and Mayor Bobby Kilgore usher in a holly jolly good time at the city’s tree lighting.

The event includes train and trolly rides, Christmas music, petting zoo, amusement rides and snow.

The lighting starts at 7 p.m.

• When: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 • Where: Downtown Monroe • Details: www.parks.monroenc. org

Monroe: Christmas Around the World

Waxhaw: Christmas Parade If you find yourself in the Ballantyne area in December, then stop by The Ballantyne for Gingerbread Lane. The hotel showcases gingerbread homes made by professional and amateur snack builders. File photo

506 Green St. • Details: www.parks.monroenc. org

bread houses. Register by Nov. 29.

• When: 8 to 10 a.m. Dec. 2 • Where: Monroe Crossing, 2115 West Roosevelt Blvd.

• Details: www.shopmonroe crossing.com

Monroe: Hot Chocolate Monroe Parks & Recreation gives families the opportunity to Party learn how other cultures celebrate Christmas. The event includes samples of South American cuisine.

• When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 • Where: J. Ray Shute Center, 506 Green St. • Details: www.parks.monroenc. org

Enjoy hot chocolate while making crafts and learning gift-wrapping techniques – just like Santa’s elves.

• When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 • Where: Old Armory Community Center, 500 S. Johnson St. • Details: www.parks.monroenc. org

Monroe: Holiday Gift Fair

Monroe: Community Christmas Celebration

Monroe: Breakfast with Monroe Parks & Recreation Santa

transforms the J. Ray Shute Center into a winter wonderland with food and activities.

• When: Noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 2 • Where: J. Ray Shute Center,

FRIDAY (continued from page 1A)

Retailers are gearing up for the big day, especially the “big box” stores that sell name brand appliances, housewares, electronics, and other popular gift items.

Newspapers are stuffed with sale flyers, commercials are promoting the “door buster” deals, and online ads promise the best bargains.

Better Business Bureau offers these tips to make your Black Friday shopping experience productive: • Learn about advertising tricks and gimmicks. Check it out at bbb.org/adtruth to learn how to identify the most common schemes and

Santa Claus takes a break from making toys to eat Chick-fil-A breakfast with some of his favorite children, 10 years old and younger.

Children can also decorate ginger-

cons.

• Do your research. Read product reviews, check out bbb.org for Business Reviews, look at the sales flyers and ads, compare prices, look for early promotions and “flash sales.”

• Read the fine print. Some stores only honor sale ads during a certain time frame, or on certain days. Some stores may only allow you to purchase one item, particularly large, popular and/or deeply discounted products. Make sure you understand the sale policies.

• Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are only available online, but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous

Searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Monroe Crossing hosts a Holiday Gift Show featuring local boutiques. Vendors can sign up through Nov. 29.

• When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 2 • Where: Monroe Crossing, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd.

• Details: www.shopmonroe crossing.com

Waxhaw: Festival of Lights

Stallings: Christmas in the Park

Waxhaw: Senior Citizens Christmas Party

Stallings Municipal Park will be

retailer’s website, so make sure you are shopping with a legitimate site.

• Sign-up for email alerts. Many stores release their best Black Friday deals to people who have signed up to receive their emails.

Just make sure it’s the real business and not a scammer.

• Ask for gift receipts and save warranty information.

Be sure to pass along any information about returns, exchanges, repairs, and warranties to the person who will use the item.

Check out bbb.org to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, report a scam, read tips, follow us on social media, and more.

The JCPenny store at Windsor Square recently remodeled its appliance department.

File photo

JOin uS!

Holiday Open House Tuesday, December 5th 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Stop by our Holiday Open House and see what life at Waltonwood Cotswold is like this season and all the seasons that follow.

You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a tour, visit with residents, and learn about the worry-free lifestyle we provide.

Culinary Treats | Community Tours

C OTSWOLD

RSVP today.

704-209-4082

5215 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28211 www.Waltonwood.com | www.SinghJobs.com

The Waxhaw Christmas Parade takes on the theme of the second act of “The Nutcracker,” dubbed “The Land of Sweets.” Get ready to wave to marching bands and other floats going down Main Street. Announcers tell you who made each float. Santa rings in the after-party at 4:30 p.m. at Waxhaw United Methodist Church.

• When: 3 p.m. Dec. 10 • Where: Downtown Waxhaw • Details: www.waxhaw.com

Experience downtown Waxhaw like you’ve never seen it before – lit up by 500,000 lights. Guests enjoy a nativity scene, amusement rides, music and carriage rides. It’s so fun, Santa is planning to visit.

• When: 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 2 • Where: Downtown Waxhaw • Details: www.waxhaw.com

Waxhaw doesn’t leave its senior

citizens out in the cold. They treat those ages 60 and older to a Christmas luncheon with music. There will be plenty of cheer thanks to a tradition dating back to 1989.

• When: Noon Dec. 1 • Where: Waxhaw Bible Church, 6810 Pleasant Grove Road • Details: www.waxhaw.com

Waxhaw: Menorah Lighting

The Town of Waxhaw and the Ballantyne Jewish Center celebrate Chanukah with a Menorah lighting ceremony. Children’s activities precede the main event at 4:30 p.m.

• When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 • Where: Downtown Waxhaw • Details: www.waxhaw.com

Weddington: Tree Lighting

The Town of Weddington provides cookies, s’mores and hot chocolate, while KO and Spoon’s BBQ serve up food truck fare, at the annual tree lighting. DJ Fannie Mae brings the beats, while Santa Claus drops the ho-ho-ho.

• When: 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 • Where: Weddington Town Hall, 11924 Weddington Road • Details: www.townofwedding ton.com For more holiday news and events, visit www.matthewsminthillweekly. com

Page 6A • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017

The priceless gift of holiday gab

DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants Nov. 10 to 16:

28105 • Costco meat market, 2125 Matthews Township Pkwy. - 100 • Genghis Grill, 9727 E. Independence Blvd. - 95.5 • Kabob-Je Rotisserie & Grille, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy. - 96.5 • Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, 9623 E. Independence Blvd. - 94.5 • Panera Bread, 1904 Matthews Township Pkwy. - 97 • Pepero Oriental Foods, 10520 Monroe Road - 93.5

by Katie B. Jerome

Hill Road - 97 • Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, 304 S. Sharon Amity Road - 95 • Taco Bell, 8812 Albemarle Road - 99 • Urban Air Trampoline Adventure Park, 9108 Lawyers Road - 98.5

Contributor

My favorite dish at our holiday dinners never has anything to do with food. It’s the savory conversations that I crave. The heartfelt chatter of close family and friends enhances each occasion like a special mix of spices. Salty.

Sweet. Sometimes a little nutty.

“Remember when…?”

“I have to admit…”

“Are you kidding me?”

“Wait. What?!”

It’s always been that way for me. Growing up, food never took center stage at holiday get togethers. People did.

Both young and old were encouraged to perform. No experience required.

Conversation effortlessly bounced around our dinner table like a helium balloon

28104 • Athens Pizza, 2920 Old Monroe Road, Stallings - 100 • China Cafe, 15080 Idlewild Road, Stallings - 98.5 • Lucy’s Bakery, 4522 Potter Road, Stallings - 98.5 • Target Pizza Hut/Starbucks, 6350 Weddington-Monroe Road - 99.5

28079

28227 • Big Guys Pizza, 6914 Matthews-Mint Hill Road - 97.5 • Bojangles’, 6915 Albemarle Road - 97 • Circle K, 4921 Independence Blvd. - 94 • Food Lion meat & seafood, 6275 Wilson Grove Road - 98.5 • McDonalds, 9150 Lawyers Road - 96 • Mint Hill Rock Store Bar B-Q, 7032 Brighton Park Drive - 98 • Publix meat market, 6828 Matthews-Mint

• First China, 6640 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail - 94.5

28173 • Subway, 3905 Providence Road, Waxhaw - 99 • The Catering Place, 1802 Walden Pond Lane, Waxhaw - 93

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kept afloat in a crowd. The gabfest continued long after leftovers turned cold and candles burned low.

When the youngest grew too fidgety to stay seated, they were excused to play – under the table, of course. Toy trucks then traveled over shoes and shins. Little engine noises revving and fading to match the comforting rhythm of laughter and love drifting down from above.

Although unscripted, holiday conversations contributed more useful curriculum than any school text ever could.

Want to practice the art of persuasion? Try convincing your mom, dad, aunt and uncle to let your cousins spend the night. Interested in lively debate? Take a position on tattoos (pro or con) as you dig into the sweet potato soufflé.

Religion and politics? Bring it on with second helpings.

Power versus push mowers?

Only if you dare.

We kids’ absorbed the rules of communication just by being present. Make eye contact. Pay attention to body language. Listen before you speak.

Then there was the issue of style. From quiet humor to steady peacemaker, each persona had a skilled delivery. Smart sarcasm was my personal favorite, but it was a punishing apprenticeship to assume.

Of course, the real magic went beyond mechanics. As the words flowed between us, little bits of wit and wisdom filled up different needs in each of us. Stories told with misty eyes defined such things as resilience and empathy— without even mentioning the words. New ideas mingled with cherished tradition. In the process, motivation and purpose were sometimes redefined.

Kate Jerome is the author and series creator of Arcadia Kids new interactive children’s books series, “Lucky to Live in…”Follow her on Twitter and learn more about her latest series at www.katejerome.com.

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One year my grandmother decided to predict her grandchildren’s occupations. She moved quickly through the group. Doctor. Lawyer. Architect. Grown-ups and children all nodded in agreement at our dear matriarch’s keen assessments.

Then Nana got to me – and paused.

I remember feeling frozen in time. With mounting dread, I wondered if I was the unredeemable kid of the clan.

Then the magic happened.

She looked me directly in the eyes and said in the most heartfelt, loving voice.

“Katie, you can be anything you want to be.”

To this day, I remember the impact of those words sinking deeply into my soul. I believed her. And, truth be told, her words have guided me through critical career pivots my entire life.

So as holiday lists begin to grow, consider adding the intentional gift of holiday gab.

Meaningful conversations don’t require skill but they do require time. They can’t be forced. Rather, they incubate as thoughtful comments mixed in with everyday banter until a certain word or phrase flips a switch to make a real connection.

Once unleashed, the influence of meaningful conversations can never be predicted.

But rest assured, they have the potential to grow into superpowers that can mend fences, cure loneliness, inspire action and change lives.

Not bad for something you don’t even have to wrap!

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SPORTS Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017 • Page 1B

Andrew Stark Sports Editor

Giving thanks after my scary cancer diagnosis

Previous ranking: No. 4 The Mustang offense did its usual thing even without star receiver Elijah Bowick, who missed the game with an injured ankle. Quarterback Brayden Hawkins threw for 172 yards and a pair of scores and ran in the go-ahead touchdown on a keeper. But the 28-24 win over Butler – the Mustangs first over the Bulldogs since 1999 – was about defense as they limited Butler’s ground game to 38 yards on 29 carries. It was one of the biggest wins in

On June 21, 2017, I received the type of news that literally knocks the wind out of you.

After visiting an oral surgeon who advised I get a CT scan in an attempt to determine why I was experiencing pain in my jaw, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a fancy name for throat cancer.

Within a few days, a PET scan revealed that the tumor had originated in my right tonsil and had spread into my lymph nodes. Although the diagnosis was grave, my oncologist insisted that head and neck cancer was treatable, and with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, I had a good chance of beating it.

I knew I’d fight it with everything I had, and that’s what I did.

In the weeks that followed, I received 35 bouts of radiation and three rounds of chemotherapy at the highest possible dosage.

The radiation itself was not that terrible, however the after effects have been brutal. As the days progressed eating and drinking became more difficult and I was forced to rely on a feeding tube that was inserted through my small intestine.

I hated that feeding tube, but for a month and a half it provided me with the nourishment that I needed to live.

Then there was the chemo.

The first batch wasn’t terrible, but the last two were rough.

The chemo left me severely nauseous, more tired and weak than I’d probably ever been and unable to do much other than lay on the couch and sleep.

As an active father of three – my kids are ages 3, 6 and 8 – the fatigue was probably the most difficult part as my family still needed to participate in “life as usual.” There was school, work, soccer and football games, housework, etc. – as all of us working parents know can be exhausting without cancer. The beauty of children, however, is they are resilient and forgiving. They still seemed to look at me as the same old daddy – maybe just now a much thinner version. When I would explain to my 3-year-old daughter that I was sick, she would insist on me going to see Doc McStuffins who she was certain could get me healthy again.

Initially post treatment, in late September, I was healing and getting stronger each day. Determined to ditch that dreaded feeding tube, I ate everything I had been craving – nachos, hot dogs, hamburgers, chili, sushi and most everything else. I had started to gain weight but have

see SUPER, Page 2B

see STARK, Page 2B

Myers Park quarterback Brayden Hawkins comes out of the pile to hand the ball to the referee after scoring the winning touchdown of Myers Park’s 28-24 win over Butler on Nov. 17. Andrew Stark/MMHW photo

Myers Park turns tides, ends Butler’s season Mustangs hadn’t beaten Bulldogs in 18 years, then knocked them out of playoffs

by Andrew Stark andrew@cmgweekly.com

Many of the players who took part on either side of Butler and Myers Park’s second round playoff battle Nov. 18 weren’t even born yet the last time a Bulldog football team had lost to the Mustangs.

The streak began Sept. 24, 1999, when the Mustangs pulled out a 17-14 win over Butler.

They would lose to Butler later that year in the playoffs, and Myers Park would go 6,627 days – a span of 19 games in which Butler outscored them 674-176 – before putting an end to it in a statement-making 28-24 comefrom-behind win on Butler’s home field.

They had been in this position before with a chance to beat the Bulldogs in 2016 – they lost 53-0 – and on Oct. 6 of this year.

“Where we are is a program, this is where we have to go to take the next step,” Chadwick said before the Oct. 6 matchup.

“Last year, we won 11 games, but in our two opportunities (Vance in a playoff loss and Butler) against the upper echelon teams in Charlotte we came up short. We’re certainly knocking on the door of being in those upper teams in Charlotte – and I think if you’re an upper-echelon team in Charlotte, you’re automatically a top team in the state – and for us to put ourselves in that group, we’re going to have to beat these guys one time.”

Myers Park took a 7-0 halftime lead and appeared ready to end the streak the first time the teams met. But Butler scored on its closing four second half possessions, frustrating the Mustang defense and piling up mountains of rushing yards in the second half where they’d throw just one pass attempt in a 28-7 domination, So as the teams prepared to play once again, in the biggest spotlight they’ve ever met in – at least was the case for Myers Park – Chadwick told his team in the pregame meeting something that stuck with them.

He said then that if they were to knock off Butler, it would be the best feeling they ever had.

This is to a team that has won 11 games in back-to-back sea-

sons for the first time in school history and has set a school record with five shutouts while surrendering the fewest points per game for any Mustang team since 1999.

Butler coach Brian Hales knew this meeting would probably be a little different than the first one, but said his team would go into it with a business as usual approach.

“Maybe the only thing is we’re going to make our kids really aware that they’ve got the revenge factor on their side,” Hales said before the game. “Everyone always talks about how it’s hard to beat a good team twice this time of year and it is tough. But I think we’ve improved a great see MUSTANGS, Page 2B

Southern Mecklenburg Super 7

Cougars, Mustangs remain alive and will host third round 1. Charlotte Catholic (12-0)

Previous ranking: No. 1 Star running back Milan Howard had another typical day at the office with 150 yards of total offense and two scores as the Cougars rolled Stuart Cramer. The Cougars, who have been unstoppable in the playoffs so far, are also getting huge contributions from their smothering defense, quarterback Chris Walton and seemingly everyone who takes a snap.

After their 42-7 win, they remain the runaway favorites to win the 3A crown, although Weddington won’t be a cakewalk this week.

This week: vs. Weddington (10-3)

2. Charlotte Christian (10-1)

Previous ranking: No. 2 The Knights took their time in the state championship game and led Providence Day 13-7 at the half. They exploded for 27 points in the third quarter behind huge games from stars Justus Woods (26 carries, 205 yards, three touchdowns), Garrett Shrader (15-21, 241 one TD and 12 carries, 112 yards and another score) and Ricky Kofoed (seven catches, 156 yards, TD).

This week: Season complete

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Page 2B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017

MUSTANGS (continued from page 1B)

deal since the first time we played them, but we’re far, far from where we can be.”

The Bulldogs were the ones who would come out swinging first in the playoff showdown.

Nijere Peoples capped off Butler’s opening scoring drive with a seven-yard touchdown run to get his team out to a 7-0 first quarter lead.

Four minutes later, a Butler drive stalled in the red zone, but Alex Harrell connected on a 32-yard field goal attempt to put Butler up 10-0.

The Mustang sideline appeared lifeless at that point as they needed a spark of any kind to believe they could knock off the Bulldogs.

That would come twofold in the second quarter, starting with a seven-yard touchdown run from running back Khamal Howard. Less than three minutes later, quarterback Brayden Hawkins connected with senior receiver Emanuel Alston on a 42yard scoring strike that would put Myers Park up 14-10 with three minutes to go in the first half.

As the teams went into the halftime break, Chadwick said he was very much aware of how Butler had gouged his team in the second half of a close game in the first meeting, and along with defensive coordinator Andy Markatine, came up with a plan.

“We had a really good plan and we decided that we were going to try to do everything we could to make them throw the ball to beat us,” Chadwick said.

“If they beat us throwing it, so be it, but we were going to focus in on stopping their run game.

“We told them that we were winning last time at the half and got pounded pretty good, so let’s turn the tide on them in the second half in this one.”

The plan worked to perfection as neither team scored in the third quarter and Myers Park outgained Butler 172-126 through the air and held Butler to just 164 yards of total offense.

The Mustangs defense limited Butler’s vaunted run game to 47 yards on 21 carries, but the Bulldogs were not going to go away.

Quarterback Christian Peters hit Keyon Lesane on a 51-yard touchdown score just 40 seconds into the fourth quarter to put Butler up 17-14.

Myers Park quarterback Brayden Hawkins, who completed 17-28 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns, found Muhsin Muhammad III on a 11-yard strike to put the Mustangs back up 2117 with 6:28 to play.

After the Mustangs stalled on an ensuing drive, they punted to Butler’s TJ Cusick who ran back the kick 62 yards, putting Butler up once again, 2421 with 3:31 left.

“Several times we could have hung our heads,” Chadwick said. “We were down 10-0 to start the game. They took the lead twice in the second half and our kids just kept fighting and kept fighting.”

On the ensuing kickoff, Josh Curry ran the Butler kick over midfield to set up the winning drive and shift the momentum back

to Myers Park.

“The key play was Josh Curry, a senior who has been in this program for four years, makes a great play on that kickoff return to put us in good position and we finish off that drive,” Chadwick said.

The Mustang offense would take over from there and after a long drive Hawkins called his own number for a one-yard quarterback scramble that put the Mustangs up 2824 with 1:42 to play.

Butler and Peters had to pass the ball from there, and after four straight well-defended incompletions, the Mustangs had finally got the monkey off their back.

“What does this look like?” Chadwick said to his team moments after the biggest win in school history as he imitated pulling something heavy off his back. “We got that thing off our back. I told you how this was going to feel in our pregame meeting and it beats everything you’ve ever done doesn’t it?”

The Mustangs erupted in cheers and celebration.

“I’m really happy for our seniors especially,” Chadwick said. “These are guys who walked into our program that when they got here had seven losing seasons out of the last eight.

Why would you want to come here and play football here? But they took the leap of faith to come here and do what they did and they’re walking out of here with a school record for wins.

“Right now, this win just means everything. I can’t tell you how happy I am for our guys right now.”

Pick Up Some Nifty Giftys

STARK (continued from page 1B)

recently regressed a bit which is all part of the process. I now suffer from trismus, a condition that prevents my mouth from opening more than a few millimeters due to the radiations effect on my jaw. Also the radiation has caused extensive damage to my soft palate and it now does not close all the way, which makes it difficult to eat or drink without substances coming back out through my nose. It also has resulted in a speech impairment which can make the job of a reporter difficult.

But, like the rest of the year, this too shall pass.

From the beginning of my cancer diagnosis, my support system has been what has kept me going.

My family, neighbors, co-workers and friends have been my anchor and overwhelm me with prayers and words of encouragement as I battle this disease.

The Crestdale Middle School community, where my wife is the assistant principal, has been unbelievable. Throughout this or-

deal every few days a different staff member would arrive with groceries, a hot dinner, or gifts for our children. One staff member made rosaries for all of our children that I have hung on their beds.

I am so grateful for my support system as I truly believe I would not be where I am today without their prayers and encouraging words.

My wife always says that life is 10 percent about what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it.

It’s true, but the people that have supported me and my family have made my response that much easier. To this day I get texts of encouragement and see people – some of whom I hardly know – out and about who shake my hand and tell me they’re praying for me.

As I reflect on my year I have come to realize the impact of love and compassion on healing. Although I am far from out of the woods, I truly would not have made it through some of my darkest moments without such a caring community.

That’s what this time of year is most about and why, despite a not-so-good year, I’m more thankful than ever.

The Myers Park bench begins to celebrate their win in the waning seconds of Myers Park’s 28-24 second round win over Butler. The Mustangs will host Hough on Nov. 24. Andrew Stark/ MMHW photo

SUPER (continued from page 1A)

Myers Park’s history.

This week: vs. Hough (10-3)

4. Butler (8-2)

Previous ranking: No. 3 Butler looked like they were going to roll Myers Park, scoring on both of their first two drives, but they couldn’t overcome a late Mustang touchdown in a 28-24 loss.

The Bulldogs have nothing to hold their heads down about as they started a host of underclassmen on both sides of the ball and will leave this bad taste in their mouths all off-season as they get ready to come back even better in 2018.

This week: Season complete

5. Providence (9-4)

Previous ranking: No. 5 The Panthers got into a 21-3 hole that they were never able to dig their way out of as they ended their wonderful season with a 41-13 loss to Page. Jack Cherry threw for over 260 yards and a touchdown and Caleb Ogunmola hauled in 100-plus receiving yards. Star running back Julian Boddie added a rush touchdown to his gaudy numbers,

but it wasn’t enough. The Panthers won their most games since 2014 and had winnable losses at Myers Park (41-38) and at Butler (26-25) slip away.

This week: Season complete

6. Providence Day (9-3)

Previous ranking: No. 6 The Chargers had a great year despite losing in the state championship to Charlotte Christian. They won just three games a season ago and turned that into their most wins in a season since 2011. Plus, the Chargers return a host of skill position and key performers for the next few years, so this looks like just the start of something special.

This week: Season complete

7. Charlotte Latin (9-4)

Previous ranking: No. 7 Coach Larry McNulty got to ride off in the sunset as a state champion in the most fitting end a coach has seen in a long time.

It’s very well deserved as McNulty is well respected and has been a pillar for 32 years at Latin. In the 2A championship, the Hawks blitzed Country Day 33-0 behind Demarkes Stradford (159 rush yards, three TDs) and quarterback Martin Sumichrast (104 rush yards, two touchdowns; 120 passing yards).

This week: Season complete

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Adoption Name: Henrietta ID: A1130649 Breed Mix: Shorthair Rabbit Age: 1 year Weight: 4 lbs

NO JOINING FEE Black Friday ONLY Exp. 11/24/17

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HENRIETTA

Come meet Henrietta! She is healthy and ready for her new home.

She’ll be spayed when adopted. Only $58 to adopt!

CMPD Animal Care & Control also holds an adoption event

the first Saturday of each month at the SouthPark Mall located at 4400 Sharon Road

Give the gift of fitness, massages and more!

Name: Fish ID: A1130444, A1130445, A1130446 Date of Arrival: 10/24/17 (Confiscated)

On occasion we will bring in animals from homes and apartments where the owners were evicted.

In these situations we could bring in anything from cats and dogs to a variety of small pets.

FISH These 3 fish were confiscated during an eviction and the owner was unable to return for them. They are now available for adoption at only $2 each. Bring a container to safely transport them home.

FYI: Animal Care & Control is CLOSED on November 23 and 24.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017 • Page 3B

Father doesn’t plan weddings, just rehearsal dinners Tony Marciano Reverend

W

hen I got married, my mother prepared the meal for the rehearsal dinner. We ate in our backyard and my mother cooked homemade eggplant.

We enjoyed her excellent cooking and off we went for the wedding rehearsal.

Fast forward to 2012 when my son was getting married.

I was told as the father of the groom I oversaw the rehearsal dinner. That’s easy, it’s a cookout in the backyard. My about-to-be-daughter-in-law informed me I had to pay for the meal at the restaurant.

My only other experience at a wedding rehearsal was at a pizza restaurant and the bridal party wore shorts and T-shirts.

I told Delee if I was paying for it, I was in charge. Since the wedding reception was very Southern, I could make this very Italian.

Over the course of three children getting married, I have hosted all their wedding rehearsals. I take all the guests through Italian traditions that have been done from genera-

tion to generation.

The evening begins with the couple sawing a log in half. This is to test if they can work together. Since none of the restaurants allowed us to bring in a two-man saw, we had them assemble LEGO sets. At Ed and Christin’s rehearsal dinner, I added a timed test. They had to assemble it before we finished singing along with Dean Martin to the song, “That’s Amore.”

At Will and Maria’s dinner, they had to braid three cords into one. Will handed it to Maria and she got it done immediately.

Next item was the antipasti.

For Anthony and Delee’s dinner, I brought in prosciutto wrapped around honeydew from home. It symbolized the sweetness and bitterness of marriage.

After the meal, there is a lot of singing. At each dinner, the groom and the groomsmen sang, “My Girl” by The Temptations to the bride to be. We added Christin singing “My Guy” to Ed as the last one. When Maria got married, Will and the groomsmen sang “Maria” from West Side Story to her.

At our last rehearsal dinner, we added the song, “Funiculi, Funicula.” It’s a great, fun lov-

ing Italian song.

At Ed and Christin’s dinner, I also added the Venetian Table. The restaurant allowed us to bring in a display of Italian cookies. There was also 36 crème filled pastries including cannoli. We wrapped it up with the Tarantella. It is the most frenzied way guests wish the about to be married couple good luck. Dancers hold hands and race clockwise until the music speeds up and then they reverse directions. Why do this? I am grateful to Delee who started me down this path over five years ago. Each dinner was built on a foundation that was invisible to the eye. But to the heart, it said, “We love you and we want the very best for you. You are more than a son-in-law or a daughter-in-law, you are now family. This is our way of welcoming you to the family.”

I’m out of kids to marry off.

But if your son or daughter is getting married, call me. I’ll tell you how to make a memorable rehearsal dinner that is so much more than just the food.

I’ll be back in two weeks.

Until then, live well my friend.

FAITH BRIEFS Goal of 1,000 turkeys met INDIAN TRAIL – Common Heart reached its goal of collecting 1,000 turkeys Nov. 15 to deliver to families in need.

Families throughout Union County, Matthews and Mint Hill would receive turkeys and fixings to prepare their own Thanksgiving meals.

This all-hands-on-deck volunteer event is the Cupboard’s biggest delivery day, Executive Director Keith Adams said.

When the program started 10 years ago, the charity gave away just over 100 Thanksgiving baskets, Adams said.

The charity serves the community through food pantries, thrift stores and community resource center.

Call 704-218-9060 or visit www.common heart.org for details.

Blood center giving away stuffed pups to children CHARLOTTE – Community Blood Center of the Carolinas in bringing joy to children this holiday season through its 13th annual Puppies for Patients program.

Donors who give blood or platelets through Dec. 31 will sign a gift tag that will then be attached to a stuffed toy puppy.

The center will deliver the puppies to children in area hospitals and care facilities.

Visit www.cbcc.us to make an appointment.

Greater Matthews Habitat building 107th home MATTHEWS – Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will break ground on the construction of its 107th home.

Habitat lost Family Services Coordinator Sandy Marano to breast cancer last year.

Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity partners with families who volunteer 400 hours toward their new home. Habitat provides them with a 0 percent, 30-year mortgage loan. File photo Greater Matthews Habitat’s next build will be the second home built in her memory.

This one will be a Women’s Build.

The ceremony starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 2 at 4821 Morningwood Drive.

Those interested in donating to the Sandy Marano Memorial Build can visit www.great ermatthewshabitat.org to make an online gift or send a check to PO Box 2008, Matthews, NC 28106.

Gun range, fast food eatery holding blood drives CHARLOTTE – The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas announced several blood drives for the Matthews area.

They are as follows: • Dec. 18, 5 to 8 p.m., Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews.

• Dec. 19, 3:30 to 7 p.m., Point Blank Range, 10726 Monroe Road, Matthews.

• Dec. 27, 4 to 7 p.m., Chick-fil-A, 9010 Albemarle Road, Charlotte.

Visit www.cbcc.us for details.

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The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Page 4B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017

CALENDAR Book Club The Homeschool Monday Book Club convenes at the Matthews Library to discuss Kirby Larson’s “Hattie Big Sky.” The club is for ages 12 to 17.

Registration is required. Call 704-416-5000 or visit www. cmlibrary.org for details.

2 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

it difficult to understand and manage new behaviors. Marc Rizzo, a licensed marriage and family therapist, presents a one-hour seminar packed with information and exercises to help parents build new strategies for communicating and connecting with their teens.

6 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Nov. 28

Nov. 30

Nov. 27

Book Club The Teen Book Club at the Matthews Library discusses Kirby Larson’s “Hattie Big Sky.” The club is for ages 12 to 17.

Registration is required. Call 704-416-5000 or visit www. cmlibrary.org for details.

4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Jewelry Program Sandra Smith helps you determine if there are valuable pieces of costume jewelry hiding in your collection at the next Mint Hill Arts meeting. The presentation, dubbed “What’s in your Jewelry Box?,” includes a drawing for an item of Smith’s handcrafted jewelry. Costume jewelry spanning 95 years will be displayed.

7 to 8:30 p.m.; 11205 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill

Nov. 29 Teen Talk As children enter the teenage years, parents often find

Tree lighting Mint Hill’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony includes a visit from Santa, holiday music and hot chocolate at Mint Hill Town Hall. Bring a non-gender specific toy to benefit the Mint Hill Police Department’s toy drive.

7 p.m.; 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane, Mint Hill

Dec. 1 Art Intake Mint Hill Arts holds intake for its biggest show of the year, the Ann and Bill Litaker Exhibit. The show, which is open to anyone, has four categories: water media, photography, painting and other visual arts. Prizes range from $25 to $300. Intake continues 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 2 at the gallery. The exhibit is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday through Jan. 24. Visit www.minthillarts.org or call 980-226-5532 for details.

4 to 6 p.m.; 11205 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill

Crossword ACROSS 1 Row 5 Worn out 10 The Kleenex of cotton swabs 14 Predator of dolphins 15 Press secretary ___ Huckabee Sanders 16 ___ Major (Big Dipper’s constellation) 17 4/4 19 Smidgen 20 Prepare to be knighted 21 Indianapolis-toCleveland dir.

22 To whom “break a leg” is said 23 Period in Congress 25 Basketball highlight 27 11/11 32 Hay and such for farm animals 36 “The Raven” poet

37 Prefix with space 38 Girlfriends in Paris 39 “Great Expectations” protagonist 40 Tiptoe, perhaps 41 Drug informant, informally 42 “The Lord of the Rings” baddie 43 Walk like a two-year-old, say 44 20/20 47 Trolley 48 Division of baseball’s N.L. or A.L. 53 Always trying to get one’s way 56 Green: Prefix 58 Wear away 59 European automaker 60 50/50

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE B A R B S

A G E R S

M A S C

Y A K O V

A U P S T E

N O T I N

D R A G

B M S G A A I R G I R E H T L I G D O E C A N D I D B A D O V R P H A N D A T O N I V E R T A C T E N U E A F I L M D I T O S A I L A L M Z O O N D S E R R

H O C U S

F L O T S A M

J E T S A M

O R D N T O T E R

K E V V I P A N I O N S K U R E C T M O T O P E N E R

A R I E S

A N D Y

N O E N D

A R T S Y

62 “The Simpsons” character with a palindromic name 63 “Sexy” woman in a Beatles song 64 Start running 65 Butcher’s cut 66 Put in office 67 You are, south of the border DOWN 1 Argyle pair 2 Lying on one’s stomach 3 Zeniths 4 Takes the wildness out of 5 I.R.S. digits: Abbr.

6 It lasts 20 years 7 The Emerald Isle 8 Say “When I was with my good friend Barack last week …,” e.g.

9 Word ignored when alphabetizing 10 Something that gives you a sinking feeling 11 Home-run run 12 Analogy words 13 Jack of the old “Tonight Show” 18 Mount of ___ (Jerusalem landmark) 22 Advice-giving Landers 24 “___ the land of the free …”

26 Dubai’s home: Abbr.

28 Some long novels 29 Monopoly card

Edited by Will Shortz 1

2

3

4

5

14

6

9

10

25

27 34

36

38

31

50

51

52

40

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43

45

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47 54

30

37

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29

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41

13

22

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12

19 21

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11

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No. 0808

48

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PUZZLE BY DAN FLANAGAN

30 Asia’s disappearing ___ Sea

39 Really, really old 40 One of 154 by Shakespeare 31 Oxen connector 42 Eggs 32 Dracula’s biter 43 Lowest digit 45 Word repeated 33 Vizquel with 11 before “again” Gold Gloves 46 Like Warhol’s 34 Like some Marilyn Monroe straits painting 35 Olympic event 49 Onetime HBO won by Bruce series set in New Jenner in 1976 Orleans and Ashton Eaton 50 Standard dog in 2012 and name 2016

51 “Skyfall” singer 52 Periods after Mardi Gras 53 Summer hangout 54 “I’ve had it ___ here!”

55 Org. in Carl Sagan’s “Contact” 57 Surrender 60 Suffix in many language names 61 Ready

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Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.

Church Directory

These colorful snowflakes were created by local children touched by the pain of poverty.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017 • Page 5B

Wanting to run a classified ad? CALL 704-849-2261 Monday - Friday. We accept credit cards.

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

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Ladies: are you looking for a hairdresser that still does roller sets, perms, normal colors and more?

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Man completes marathon in every state

by Crystal O’Gorman Contributor

Charlotte native Ross Baker doesn’t let Type 1 diabetes slow him down. He set out to complete a marathon in every state and DC 17 years ago. Last month, his dream became a reality.

“I’m extremely grateful and thankful that I could do it,” he said. “Despite all the ups and downs in my life, to be able to complete it and I still enjoy running – I was just as excited the last one as I was the first marathon I ever completed.”

Baker attributes much of his success to his tubeless insulin pump – OmniPod. The OmniPod is an insulin management system that includes a wireless personal diabetes manager and a POD that stores up to three days worth of insulin. The Pod is also waterproof and easily adheres to the body.

He was introduced to this device in 2013 by his Endocrinologist Dr. Rao of Charlotte Medical Clinic. Baker said he had heard of continuous pump devices before, but he was skeptical. He didn’t want to be attached to something all the time. He felt it would be cumbersome.

After learning this device was tubeless, he decided to try it and was immediately satisfied with the results.

“I can turn it on and off and manipulate it easily through the course of the race … when you run, your adrenaline goes up and so does your blood sugar, so I

OmniPod is covered by some insurance. Visit www.myomnipod.com for more information about the device. Photo courtesy of OmniPod.

get back to normal a lot quicker than the conventional way with the OmniPod,” Baker said.

He said planning marathons and training was a challenge when using traditional bolus insulin shots. He described how on race days he would have to take a shot within the first hour of the race and would need to remain focused on how he was feeling to get through the race safely.

With OmniPod, the results were quick and he could take in the atmosphere and better enjoy the experience.

Baker said it not only changed the way he was able to handle race days but also how he was able to train for marathons.

Before he would always try to plan to run with other people. Bates said he enjoyed

the companionship, but it was also out of necessity. He didn’t want to be stranded on the road alone during a sugar imbalance, because it could be very dangerous.

He was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a freshman in college. He still remembers how difficult it was to adjust his life to keep his blood sugar stable. He also said there was no way to hide the needles.

“It separates you and isolates you,” he said. “It makes you feel different.”

Baker is in federal law enforcement, so he works out of the office often. He said he appreciates how OmniPod is discrete and doesn’t get in the way of him doing his job.

“It allows me to not focus on my diabetes and just enjoy my life.”

Page 6B • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Nov. 24, 2017

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18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens F-Mount Lens/DX Format 27-600mm (35mm Equivalent) Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/40 Three LD and Three Aspherical Elements

$649.00

24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor EXPEED 4 Image Processor 3.2" 1,229k-Dot RGBW Tilting LCD Monitor Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps Multi-CAM 3500FX II 51-Point AF Sensor Native ISO 12800, Extended to ISO 51200

$1999.99 - $525=

$1475.99