SPECIAL EDITION:
Inside: 3 ways millennials can help baby boomer parents get fit • Page 3A
Thrive Over 55 Friday, March 16, 2018 • Vol. 13 • No. 11
Helping seniors proves rewarding
ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com unioncountyweekly.com
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
Role models
CHARLOTTE – Indian Trail resident Lauren McLamb and her mother served as primary caregivers to her grandmother until she passed away last year. That experience led them to a new chapter in their lives – providing care to people outside of their family. Both started working for Seniors Helping Seniors. “We provide in-home or in-facility care services that empower seniors to continue to live
15 people fighting for seniors, 6A
independent lives by taking care of day-to-day tasks that become more challenging as they age,” said McLamb, operations director. Those tasks may include light housekeeping, yard work, cooking, shopping and even transportation. While other in-home providers require a half-day of service, Seniors Helping Seniors has a two-hour minimum. Franchise owner Lynn Musolf will initially go out and meet with potential clients. She’ll perform an in-home assessment to find out their needs. Seniors Helping Seniors then matches clients with caregivers that best fit their personality and schedule. “Our in-home senior care starts with a clear
understanding of who the client is and what to make their life a little easier and a little brighter,” McLamb said. “Whatever services they need and whenever they need them, we think they’ll discover that having assistance from a warm, caring and dedicated senior caregiver can make all the difference in the world.” McLamb’s mother, Ann Rodermund, said people tend to use the service most frequently for companionship. “They just want somebody to talk to,” Rodermund said. see HELPING, Page 5A
These bowls are designed to remind you of the less fortunate. Photo courtesy of Lisa Hall
Ready to retire?
Arts help the hungry
Find tips to navigate its three stages, 7B
Nursing homes Counties inspect them for cleanliness, 4A
Forest Hills’ Trey Belin fires up a 3-pointer during the March 10 Class 2A State Championship game in Chapel Hill. The Yellow Jackets beat Greene Central for the title. Paul Nielsen/UCW photo
Nothing but net Forest Hills makes free throws in the final seconds to beat Greene Central for the state basketball title, 1B
Strong joints Doctor offers advice to stay active, 6A
Team culture Union Academy players support each other, 1B
Easter Bunny hopping to Indian Trail INDIAN TRAIL – The Easter Bunny has commissioned a team of helpers at Indian Trail’s parks and recreation department to prepare 15,000 eggs for his upcoming Hop to IT Easter celebration. The event, to take place March 24 at Chestnut Square Park, will not only include the most eggs ever seen in the history of Hop to IT, but also crafts, music, outdoor lawn games, a scavenger hunt and free photos with the Easter Bunny (bring your camera). Families need to arrive early to register their children for the Easter egg hunt, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Hunts take place at 10:30 a.m. (3 and younger), 10:45 a.m. (ages 4 to 7) 11 a.m. (ages 8 to 10). A scavenger hunt, for children ages 10 and older, starts at 10:30 a.m. “The Easter Bunny has given us specific instructions that he wants this to be the biggest and best Easter Egg
Last year's event featured arts and crafts. Photo courtesy of Town of Indian Trail
Hunt ever seen,” Special Events Coordinator Hayden Kramer said. Visit www.itsparksandrec.com or call 704-821-8114 for details.
WAXHAW – Marvin Ridge High School is raising money for the Union County Community Center through its “Giving from the Heart” art show and soup dinner. The event takes place 5 to 8 p.m. March 21 in the school cafeteria, 2825 Crane Road. Students will prepare a variety of soup recipes, as well as make pottery bowls that guests may take home after the event. The bowls are meant to serve as a reminder of those less fortunate in the community. Art students from all curriculums will showcase their various talents. Entertainment includes performances from the MRHS Check! Improv Troupe, chorus and band departments. There will also be a fine art auction, as well as raffle items donated by vendors and supporters. Proceeds from the auction will go toward buying a grand piano for the school’s choral department. Union Power Cooperative provided grant funding for the event. Nothing Bundt Cakes will provide desserts. Tickets for the dinner cost $6, which includes dessert and pottery bowl. Entry-only tickets will be sold for $3 each. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the event, but the bowls are limited to the first 200 paid dinner attendees. Email Chris Roncone at chris. roncone@ucps.k12.nc.us or Meryl Baumgarten at meryl.baumgar ten@ucps.k12.nc.us for details.
Forum tackles opioid addiction from multiple angles Great grappler Sun Valley alum dominates in college, 1B
INDEX Crime................................................................................5B Classifieds............................................................. 8B Calendar.................................................................... 2A Sports.............................................................................. 1B Puzzles.........................................................................9B
WINGATE – Wingate University will host the third installment of the Engaged Citizenship Series: Escaping Opioid Addiction on March 18. The Union County Sheriff’s Office and Union County Public Schools are sponsors of the forum, scheduled to start at 4 p.m. March 18 at the Batte Center. Admission is free. “To break this cycle, we all must work together. It is not just a law enforcement, emergency services, pharmaceutical industry, medical or criminal justice problem,” said Tony Underwood, public information officer with the sheriff’s office. “It is a community problem, and the only way to curb the trend is through education
Spring Forward into Fitness!
thout Last chance toinjoining wi e. fe paying a jo
and awareness.” Underwood, who worked as an SBI agent for 26 years, says the opioid epidemic is “much more deadly and serious than drug trends from the past.” He has been coordinating opioid-crisis information sessions at Union County high schools and will help expand the conversation at Wingate’s event. The session will include a veteran from the state’s crime lab who will talk about drug-abuse trends of the past three decades. The audience will hear from law enforcement officers, court officials, emergency medical providers, school employees, a state lawmaker and pharmacists.
They will also hear residents’ personal stories of opioid addiction and get a chance to discuss what actions they can take to help friends and loved ones avoid the same path. Those who attend will learn how to spot signs of opioid abuse in those around them. “We hope to have a bedroom of sorts set up in the Helms Art Gallery of the Batte Center,” explains Jeff Atkinson, assistant vice president for Wingate’s Ballantyne campus. “Our law enforcement and EMS partners will be on hand to tell parents what types of clues to look for that could
• Over 90 Aerobic Classes/Week • 14,000 sq. ft. Fitness Room • Free Weights • Cardio Equipment - Over 110 Pcs. • Weight Machines • Senior Yoga and Water Aerobics • Swim Lessons • Racquetball
see FORUM, Page 5A
• Indoor Pool & 2.5 Acre Water Park • Indoor Run/Walk Track • Novant RNs On-Site • Health Screenings • Nutrition/Exercise Coaching • Double Gymnasium • 1/2 Mile Outdoor Walking Course
Spend Spring Break with Us! EXPIRES MARCH 31ST!
Located off Hwy 74 across the street from Lowe’s on Hanover Dr. in Monroe
704-282-4680