South Charlotte Weekly

Tennis Player of the Year:

Happy Holidays!

HAILEY SIMON

The South Charlotte Weekly staff reflects on their favorite Christmas and Hannukah memories

page 20

Starts on page 10 Serving The Arboretum, Ballantyne, Blakeney and SouthPark communities

Locally Owned & Operated www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Volume 14, Number 52 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015

Rusty Bucket restaurant to open in SouthPark

Ohio-based restaurant opens first North Carolina location in south Charlotte

by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

Sophomore Riley Goodling plays with a baby while her mother eats during Charlotte Country Day’s holiday luncheon for the homeless. Courtney Schultz/SCW photo

Charlotte Country Day high school students helped serve lunch, cleaned dishes and handed out homemade desserts during the school’s holiday luncheon for the homeless. Courtney Schultz/ SCW photo

Rusty Bucket & Tavern, a casual, Ohiobased neighborhood grill, will be opening a new location at SouthPark’s Sharon Square in summer 2015.

The new restaurant will be located at Sharon Square, a mixed-use community development at Sharon and Farview roads by Pappas Properties and Allen Tate Co. The restaurant will occupy a 4,800-square-foot space and include a courtyard, outdoor dining area and fire pit.

Rusty Bucket founder Gary Callicoat opened the first location in 2002 in the Columbus, Ohio suburb of Dublin. The restaurant featured a menu of pub classics and over 80 beer (see Rusty Bucket on page 4)

Charlotte Country Day serves homeless community South Charlotte school’s Interact Club serves lunch to Charlotte’s homeless

by Courtney Schultz courtney@thecharlotteweekly.com

High school students from Charlotte Country Day gave over 100 homeless men, women and children of the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte and The Salvation Army of Great Charlotte’s Center

of Hope a warm meal for the holiday season during their 24th annual holiday luncheon on Friday, Dec. 19.

Students from the south Charlotte school’s Interact Club served lunches and homemade desserts, washed dishes and entertained children at the annual event during Charlotte County Day’s winter break.

“Today’s about giving back to our community. This time of year, it’s not

about what you receive, but it’s about what you give back,” Forrest Hamil, Charlotte Country Day senior and president of the school’s Interact Club, said. “This is one of the ways that students and faculty can give back to our surrounding community.”

Patricia Prieto Treviño, one of the Interact Club’s advisors and a Spanish teacher at Charlotte Country Day, sees the luncheon as an opportunity

for the south Charlotte school’s students to show their character, values, morals and leadership skills, as well as foster a future path of giving back.

Prieto, who is in her second year as one of the club’s advisors, said she’s seen upperclassmen mentor underclassmen during the organization and execution of the luncheon.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for all (see Charlotte Country Day on page 12)

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 12; A&E, 16; Calendar, 18; Sports, 20; Classifieds, 23

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News

Company ‘goes beyond’ with coat drive Ballantyne business collects more than 700 coats for homeless individuals

by Josh Whitener josh@thecharlotteweekly.com

GoBeyond SEO’s name is about more than branding or even a business philosophy – the Ballantyne company’s core values are rooted in giving back to the community, according to Trish Saemann, the company’s director of business development.

GoBeyond SEO recently put its mission to the test in an effort to make the impending winter a little more bearable for individuals in need in the Charlotte area. The company organized the Queen City Coat Drive to collect new and gently-used coats for the homeless. The drive brought in more than seven times the company’s goal of 100 coats – a total of 706 coats, plus a collection of gloves, hats and warm clothing, Saemann said on Monday, Dec. 22.

GoBeyond SEO collected coats and blankets before Christmas on a whim last year, following a string of unseasonably cold days, Saemann said. The company collected and donated 56 coats and 25 blankets to homeless individuals in Charlotte.

“Last year, there were several dates in December … where the temperature really dropped abnormally,” Saemann said.

“I remember kind of freaking out a little bit, (saying), ‘I can’t believe it’s that cold. How are those people who are homeless going to stay warm?’”

Because last year’s impromptu coat and blanket drive was such a success, Saemann thought GoBeyond SEO – a smaller company, with six employees – could feasibly collect 100 coats this year. She began collecting for the drive in mid-October and jumpstarted the endeavor through

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

flyers sent to GoBeyond’s strategic partners, some clients and other individuals and businesses Saemann knew personally and thought might want to help.

The company also took to social media, promoting the drive through an email campaign, GoBeyond SEO’s Facebook page and the business’s Twitter account, using the hashtag #QueenCityCoatDrive. Saemann said the response was both surprising and overwhelming, as hundreds of new and gently-used coats were donated to the Queen City Coat Drive over about two months.

“The business community in Charlotte, I feel, is very progressive,” she said. “They really take care of their own and know how to (give back).”

South Charlotte businesses and institutions Blue Line Technologies, Inc.; Savvy + Co of Ballantyne; Manus Academy; and Hawk Ridge Elementary School contributed to the Queen City Coat Drive, along with GoBeyond SEO and a handful of other businesses’ individual donors. The donations will be given to A Child’s Place, an organization that works to meet the needs of more than 4,000 Charlotte-area homeless children, according to its website. A handful of the donations also will go to the Charlotte-area Crisis Assistance Ministries, where they will benefit clients in need.

Saemann said she’s grateful for the community’s contribution to the Queen City Coat Drive, as well as for her company’s dedication to giving back.

“We’re really excited, but we’re humbled, too,” she said.

“This shows that … even small organizations can do a big thing. One of the key factors is we didn’t name our company ‘GoBeyond’ by accident – it’s our intention to take a step to improve the community at large.”

GoBeyond SEO employees give back to the community through other means, such as working with local Habitat

GoBeyond SEO collected over 700 coats for homeless individuals. Photo courtesy of Trish Saemann

for Humanity organizations, throughout the year. Saemann said the company plans to begin using its social media platform over the next few months to highlight “unsung heroes,” such as firefighters, teachers and other individuals who have made a difference in their communities, and she encourages other companies to find ways to give back, as well.

“I encourage any business or organization with even a small modicum of influence to make an effort to help (others),” Saemann said.

Find more information about GoBeyond SEO at www. gobeyondseo.com.

South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 3

News

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Rusty Bucket (continued from page 1)

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Page 4 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

selections. Since opening in 2002, Rusty Bucket has spread to four states (Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Indiana) and 17 locations. The SouthPark location will be the first in North Carolina.

“The food is described as great, casual fare,” said Burt Philips, owner of Attuned Marketing Partners, the restaurant’s marketing firm. “Their concept is casual, fun and food done very well. It’s a little different from what’s offered in the area now.”

Rusty Bucket & Tavern’s menu features a selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and pizzas, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients such as Mahi-mahi tacos, double bacon cheeseburgers and ahi tuna wraps.

The restaurant will be the third in Sharon Square, joining Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, a Dressler restaurant that opened in November, and Corkbuzz Wine Studio. Sharon Square, which is located adjacent to Philip’s Place, is also home to Charlotte’s first Whole Foods Market.

“The three restaurants offer a little something different,” Philips said.

“They’re going to do well and compliment each other and compliment the SouthPark area.”

“Sharon Square is an ideal location for us, and we’re thrilled with the fact that

Peter Pappas Rusty Bucket will have a large outdoor patio and presence at the center of this SouthPark area community,” said Callicoat.

Callicoat and his team had been looking for a location in the Charlotte area for some time, Philips said. Many of the restaurant’s clientele from the Midwest relocated to the Charlotte area, making it a good fit for the restaurant’s first North Carolina location.

The initial concept for Rusty Bucket’s first North Carolina location began last year. Brian Roth of Pappas Properties and the developer’s founder, Peter Pappas, visited the restaurant’s first location in Dublin earlier this year.

“They came back singing their praises about it,” Philips said. “Rusty Bucket was looking at a lot of different locations… but this ended up being a good fit.”

The neighborhood grill also prides itself on giving back to the local communities in which they do business by supporting local schools, nonprofits and organizations focused on families, health, safety and education. Several Rusty Bucket locations hold annual coat drives, 5Ks and participate in Round it up America – a program that asks patrons to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, which then allows the extra change to be donated to various non-profit agencies.

The SouthPark location will be open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week. www.thecharlotteweekly.com

News

Remi Healthcare engineer serves Guatemalan community

by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

Brian Whelan, one of the engineers at south Charlotte-based Remi, took his expertise to Guatemala last month along with three other Biomeds (BMETs, clinical engineers and imaging engineers).

Whelan served the community of Coban, located in central Guatemala.

Whelan and his team traveled to the Regional Hospital of Coban with Biomeds without Borders in conjunction with the Heinemen Foundation of Charlotte, which is part of Carolinas HealthCare System. While in Guatemala, Whelan helped unpack, inspect and install over $1.2 million dollars worth of donated equipment from Heineman.

The equipment helped improve the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, specifically by installing incubators to keep newborns warm.

“In the hospital, any given day there are multiple births, and the real issue was that they didn’t have any incubators,” Whelan said. “That’s one of the basic necessities in the United States.

Upon arrival, we installed incubators, and it was probably the most humbling experience I’ve had.”

Whelan and his team spent six days in

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Brian Whelan, an engineer at Remi helped install incubators at the Regional Hospital of Coban. Photo courtesy of Remi

Guatemala working in the hospital and training the staff on proper use of the new equipment. He said that having a hands-on experience in a Third World country was a life changing experience.

“I can donate money and give my time here but it doesn’t have the same effect,” he said. “It was such a humbling experience. The health care that we have in the U.S. we take for granted. When a baby is born (in Guatemala), they have no medication, no incubators, and they’re at a huge disadvantage compared to our health care.

“It was humbling to be able to help. I plan on returning soon.”

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South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 5

News South Charlotte Weekly

News Briefs

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

QuietStream Financial Supports Second Harvest Food Bank

EDITORIAL Features Editor

Layout Editor

Josh Whitener

Liz Lanier

Sports Editor

Art Director

Hannah Chronis

Maria Hernandez

News Writer

A&E Editor

Courtney Schultz

Dee Grano

News Writer

Faith Columnist

Ryan Pitkin

Rev. Tony Marciano

ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Adrian Garson DISTRIBUTION Manager Mike Kochy

QuietStream Financial, a national commercial real estate company headquartered in south Charlotte, raised nearly $5,000 and collected 552 pounds of food to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina.

Second Harvest Food Bank serves 14 counties in North Carolina and five counties in South Carolina. Ninety percent of funding comes from corporate donations.

“Over the last 12 months, our organization has grown considerably,” said Rob Finlay, CEO of QuietStream Financial, in a release. “As we continue to grow, so will our organization’s corporate responsibilities. It’s only natural for us to want to give back to those less fortunate in our community and help make Charlotte a better place to live and work.”

QuietStream has grown from less than 30 employees at the start of 2014 to nearly 100 today. Their growth also allows them to support Levine Children’s Hospital by collecting monetary donations and games during the holiday season.

Bruce Julian Clothier relocates to SouthPark Bruce Julian Clothier is relocating to SouthPark on Sunday, Dec. 28 after 14 years in the Arboretum shopping center.

The store offers men’s clothing, including suits and casual attire, as well as custom-made suits, accessories, shoes and formal wear.

In preparation of the move, Bruce Julian is offering a liquidation sale through Dec. 28. Customers will be treated to a complimentary Bloody Mary mix while receiving 20 percent off full-priced items, 50 percent off shoes, four for $395 suits among other incentives.

“I was over in SouthPark 20 years before, so it’s kind of like going back home for me,” Bruce Julian, owner, said.

“We’re going on Selwyn and it’s all about speciality shops over there, so I think it’s a better fit. That’s what I am. I’m going to where I’m more expected and everything there is smaller and groovy so I think the fit is right.”

The new location will be slightly smaller than the current store at the Arboretum, Julian said, but will still feature a unique and changing inventory.

Bruce Julian is currently located at 8128-300 Providence Road in the Arboretum. The new SouthPark store will be at 2913 Selwyn Ave. Bruce Julian’s grand opening at the SouthPark location is on Dec. 28 at 8 a.m.

South Charlotte Weekly

Letters to the Editor

PUBLISHER Associate Publisher Randi Trojan Founder Alain Lillie Advertising: adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

South Charlotte Weekly is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Dear Editor, As the Elm Lane/Ballantyne Commons Parkway Project slowly moves forward, necessary detours are made as parts of the roadways get repaved and reshaped. The current detour has part of Elm Lane near StoneCrest closed and traffic re-routed through the shopping center. Did anyone think to change the traffic signals on Rea Road (near StoneCrest) to recycle faster so cars inside the shopping center wouldn’t be backed up too long? No. Hopefully there won’t be any real emergencies like fire or EMS until this detour is finished.

Jon Schuller Charlotte, NC 28277

CMPD Animal Care & Control

Orphaned Animals Available for Ad❤ption Name: Gizmo ID: A1040505 Breed Mix: Chow mix Age: 3 years Weight: 66 lbs Sex: Neutered Male Date of Arrival: 8/4/14 (Surrendered) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

Meet Gizmo, a truly one-of-a-kind pooch whose current issues are far outweighed by his ability to bring a smile or laugh to all he meets. Gizmo arrived at the shelter 20-25 pounds overweight, heartworm-positive and with untreated hypothyroidism. At 66 pounds, he is now 15 pounds lighter, has successfully completed heartworm treatment, and has stabilized thyroid levels that will require (inexpensive) medicine for the remainder of his life. His hair is beginning to grow back in slowly. He is neutered and house-trained and has an enviable seize-the-moment outlook on life. With all his exuberance Gizmo does need work on his impulse control, especially regarding food, treats and toys which at times (though not always) he guards obsessively; he loves playing with older children, but is not the right dog for families with toddlers. He is great on his walks, rarely stopping to sniff, always interested in what’s around the next bend. Animal Care and Control adoption fees apply. Contact foster family directly at mandee871@hotmail.com. VIP: Only $10 to adopt!

GIZMO

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

Page 6 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

Name: Greta ID: A1076704 Breed Mix: Shorthair, Dilute Calico Age: 6 years Weight: 8 lbs Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 7/24/14 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations.

Has been microchipped.

“I’m a fantastic girl and wonderful companion!

I’ve been waiting for my forever family to find me for a long time and have lots of love, purrs and gentle companionship to offer. I like to be near my people and will often curl up or hang out nearby when you’re busy. I enjoy attention and affection, have done wonderfully in my foster home and am living with other cats. I really enjoy playing and chasing toys and often play with the 5 month old foster cat here! If you have questions or would like to meet me please contact my foster mom Diane at dmcdermottcharlotte@gmail.com” VIP: Only $10 to adopt!

GRETA

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

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

News

South Charlotte Weekly

Crime Blotter

•17400 block of Meadow Bottom Road: Jewelry box containing $54,195 worth of jewelry stolen from home.

Dec. 22 •4000 block of Providence Road: $4,000 Honda Civic stolen. Dec. 22

Vandalism/Hit-and-Run The following crimes were committed in the south Charlotte area between Dec. 17 and 22, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Home/Business Break-ins •10200 block of Old Ardrey Kell Drive: Construction home broken into twice. Suspects removed kitchen range and left it in yard. Dec. 19

Vehicle Break-Ins •5400 block of Werburgh Street: $5 in change stolen and $116 in damage to Toyota Camry during break-in.

Dec. 22 •2400 block of Huntingtowne Farms Lane: Nothing stolen during vehicle break-in. Dec. 22

Property Theft •Belk, Southpark Mall: $112 in jewelry and clothing accessories stolen from business. Dec. 20 •Macy’s, SouthPark Mall: $110 worth of clothing stolen from business. Dec. 21 •Victoria’s Secret, Blakeney Shopping Center: $900 worth of clothing stolen from business. Dec. 21 •Best Buy, Blakeney Shopping Center: $400 Xbox stolen from business. Dec. 21 •Target, Blakeney Shopping Center: $104 worth of clothing stolen from business. Dec. 21 •1800 block of Runnymede Lane: $100 inflatable snowman stolen from yard. Dec. 22

•6100 block of Carmel Road: $500 damage to trees and landscaping in hit-and-run. Dec. 21 •10400 block of Columbia Crest Court: $1,100 damage to Saab 915 in hit-and-run. Dec. 21 •4400 block of Sharon Road: $800 damage to Mercedes Benz in hit-and-run. Dec. 21

Drugs •Rite Aid, 3345 Pineville-Matthews Road: Suspect obtained $100 worth of Percocet under false pretenses.

Dec. 17 •8500 block of Waters Point Court: Possession of marijuana. Dec. 22

Miscellaneous •8100 block of Noland Woods Drive: Victim found unusual structure behind home she believes was being used to watch her family. Dec. 19 •1700 block of Whispering Forest Drive: Simple assault. Dec. 20 •12300 block of Paperbark Circle: Aggravated assault.

Dec. 20 •3600 block of Huckleberry Road: Public disorder; affray. Dec. 21 •6100 block of Kingstree Drive: Suspect assaulted a government official and threatened the official. Suspect also did $500 damage to ambulance door while being detained. Dec. 21

Charlotte attorney gets 10-year prison sentence in “Wax House” case

by Ryan Pitkin ryan@thecharlotteweekly.com

On Thursday, Dec. 18th, a judge sentenced a Charlotte attorney to 10 years in prison for her role in a complex mortgage-fraud scheme that ran out of south Charlotte and Waxhaw for years.

Michelle Mallard, 47, pled guilty to conspiracy to money launder and commit mortgage fraud, among other charges, during her 2013 trial.

Mallard was part of a cell of six defendants charged with targeting neighborhoods, including Providence Downs South, Piper Glen and other neighborhoods in south Charlotte and Union County.

The scheme began when a promoter would agree with a builder to purchase a property at the “true price.” The cell would then arrange for a buyer to purchase the property at an inflated price.

In most circumstances, the buyer would agree to purchase the property in his or her own name and sign whatever documents were necessary, in exchange for a hidden kickback. The builder would sell the property at the inflated price, the lender would make a mortgage loan on the basis of that inflated price, and the difference between the inflated price and the true price would be extracted at closing and distributed among the conspiracy, according to the allegations contained in her 2012 indictment.

Mallard’s sentence is longer than the other five members of her cell, who have been sentenced to prison terms between 18 and 42 months. In all, 89 people have been convicted or pled guilty to charges related to the “Operation Wax House” investigation.

U.S. District Judge Frank Whitney of Charlotte accused Mallard of trying to obstruct justice and committing perjury by trying to rescind her guilty plea during her trial.

He ordered Mallard to be taken directly into custody following her sentencing on Thursday.

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News South Charlotte Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following dining locations from Dec. 18 to 22.

28226 • Hungry Howie’s, 8334 Pineville-Mat-

thews Road – 95 • Los Paisas Restaurant, 8318 PinevilleMatthews Road – 90.5 • McDonald’s, 7721 Pineville-Matthews Road – 93.5 28270

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Lowest Score: • Flamin’ Crawfish, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road, suite 170, 28209 – 87.5 Violations included: No certified food safety manager; employee beverages stored on main food prep surface and cutting board; hand sink in men’s restroom doesn’t administer hot enough water; cooked pork blood from meat department of a supermarket without any labeling or product identification; shell stock in containers bearing source identification tags that are affixed by the harvester or dealer; shell stock without tag attached; clams without tags identification; raw fish stored over ready-to-eat foods in bottom of prep unit; chemical sanitizing dish machine not sanitizing; bean sprouts and raw eggs held above proper temperature; many cooked proteins without date marks; and raw oysters on menu, but does not provide customer advisory for animal foods served raw or under-cooked.

No restaurants inspected this week.

28277 • Arooji’s Wine Room, 5349 Ballantyne

Commons Pkwy. – 98 • Firebirds, 7716 Rea Road – 96.5 • Flying Biscuit, 7930-B Rea Road – 97 • Lure Oyster Bar, 8420 Rea Road – 96 • Newk’s Express CafÊ, 9815 Rea Road – 96 28209 • Brazwells Premium Pub, 1627 Montford

Drive – 93 • Flamin’ Crawfish, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road, suite 170 – 87.5 • Good Food, 1701 Montford Drive – 98 • Nolen Kitchen, 2829 Selwyn Ave. – 96 28211 • Block & Grinder, 2935 Providence Road

– 95

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All Scores: 28210 • Wolfman Pizza, 8504 Park Road – 97

About the grades‌Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70.

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2015

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

Health & Wellness (Content-focused Issues) As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year.

Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyperlocal stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful featurestories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

Issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 October 2

Summer Camp Guide (Content-focused sections) Eager to find just the right happy campers? The Weekly’s Summer Camp Guides are the perfect fit. These special sections offer a costeffective advertising vehicle, coupled with helpful camp editorial content, to reach your target market during this peak camp registration period.

Issue date:

Home Sales

Back to School

(Monthly section)

(Content-focused issue) It’s back to the books and basics with advertisements in our must-have back-to-school issues. Featuring the latest college guidance tips, school system updates and education trends, our two back-to-school issues are resources you won’t want to miss.

Issue date:

August 14

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Performing Arts Preview 2015-2016 (Special pullout section) Our informative guide is your best yearlong resource for the hottest performances in the Charlotte area. With summaries of the year’s must-see theater, dance and music performances, our Performing Arts Preview is a must for every Queen City cultural arts enthusiast.

Issue date:

September 25 South Charlotte, Union County and Matthews-Mint Hill 55,000 circulation

Culinary Corner (Monthly section) 1st Issue of the Month

South Charlotte Weekly’s popular Culinary Corner is published the first issue of every month and written by Charles Jenkin, a South Charlotte resident and host of WBT’s This Show is Cookin’. Culinary Corner is one of the bestread sections in South Charlotte Weekly and generates a plethora of reader feedback each month.

Arts & Entertainment (Bi-monthly section)

2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

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From local performances to the national stage, we’ve got the arts community covered.

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com. www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 9

News

Celebrating Change

by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

Each Christmas Eve, my two sisters and I join our parents and celebrate the evening at Grandma Dockeryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house.

My dad is one of four boys and the only one with Hannah Chronis children, so weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been spoiled from a young age â&#x20AC;&#x201C; unapologetically raking in presents from our adoring aunts and uncles and soaking up compliments of how wonderful we are (though, as the years have passed, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve begun to realize that our relatives are undoubtedly biased after watching home videos that captured our once-proclaimed â&#x20AC;&#x153;cutenessâ&#x20AC;? as just annoying tweens craving attention).

When I was 9 years old, my Uncle Kenny looked at my sisters and me and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know, before you know it, you girls will be bringing boys home on Christmas Eve.â&#x20AC;?

I laughed. And laughed and laughed and laughed. What a ridiculous thought!

I would never bring a boy to Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. This was my family and my

Christmas Eve, and heaven forbid someone else coming in and getting more attention than me! It was ludicrous.

But here we are, many years and many Christmases later and just like every year, things have changed.

On Nov. 8, I got married. My last name changed from Dockery to Chronis and for the first time in my life, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be bringing a â&#x20AC;&#x153;boyâ&#x20AC;? home for Christmas and deep into Dockery territory â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a thought that wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made my 9-year-old-self cringe.

But family means something a little different this year. Familial boundaries I once so rigidly defined are now fluid and flexible. My sisters are now his sisters.

My grandma is now his grandma, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m beginning to realize that sharing family is a beautiful thing.

My hope and prayer this year is that family can mean a little something different to all of us this holiday season.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re celebrating with a new baby or without a loved one, embrace the change and embrace the family you make for yourself. Tradition is beautiful and cherished, but change can be, too â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if we let it.

And though life undoubtedly looks a little different this year than it did last, or when you were a child, it really is wonderful.

Home is where the heart is

by Josh Whitener josh@thecharlotteweekly.com

Christmas Eve is going to be strange this year.

Ever since I can remember, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gathered each year on the evening of Dec. 24 at my grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Our ChristJosh Whitener mas Eve traditions begin with a fingerfood dinner, followed by an annual reading of the Nativity story as told in Luke 2.

Then we pass out presents and find out who drew whose name, while the kids eagerly tear into a plethora of toys, games and goodies. After several hours of laughter and enjoying one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s company, we bid farewell to PePaw (yes, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what we call him â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you might chuckle, but to us itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s practically his God-given name) and make the short drive from Belmont to McAdenville to see the countless displays of dazzling Christmas lights.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been my favorite Christmas tradition from the time I was a child, eagerly awaiting Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival, to adulthood, waiting with anxious excitement to â&#x20AC;&#x153;help Santaâ&#x20AC;? bring gifts to my own kids.

But that tradition as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve known it

wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take place this year.

My 84-year-old PePaw suffered a series of health issues from August to mid-October, and my family was forced to make the tough decision of placing him in an assisted living center. His house was emptied and placed on the market, and will no longer serve as the warm centerpiece behind so many holiday traditions, the biggest being Christmas Eve. My heart aches when I think about not spending Christmas Eve at my PePawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house; when I realize my 4-month-old son, Aiden, will never experience Christmas Eve at his Great-PePawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; when I face the reality of the new normal.

But in the midst of the sadness, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found hope and joy. We still have my PePaw. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still celebrate with each other, just at a different place. The rest of our traditions will remain the same.

Home isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a building. This might sound clichĂŠ, but home truly is where the heart is. The classic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll Be Home for Christmasâ&#x20AC;? was written about soldiers serving overseas during the holidays, and carries the powerful message of no matter where you are, your heart can still be home.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all take a moment this season to forget the trimmings, trappings and holiday stress and cherish what truly matters: those we hold dear.

Merry Christmas.

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Page 10 â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ South Charlotte Weekly

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

News

Christmas: It grows on you

by Ryan Pitkin ryan@thecharlotteweekly.com

One may assume that Christmas means more for a child than for an adult, but it’s been my experience that the holiday becomes more meaningful as you Ryan Pitkin mature.

Sure, running down the steps on Christmas morning and seeing the presents laid out under the tree was a feeling that no child lucky enough to experience it will ever forget. But as I get closer to 30 years old, I can’t help but be thankful that I now look forward to Christmas for family reasons as opposed to materialistic ones.

For nearly 20 years, my family has taken turns hosting a Christmas Eve party with the two families of my closest childhood friends. As children, we boys would fill a large plate with as many Chick-fil-A nuggets as we could take from the spread and run off to whatever room hosted video games,

discussing what sort of presents we hoped to rip open come sunrise.

I’ve now hosted the party in my own home for three years running and, while the same three families have stayed close and attend each year, it’s noticeably a better experience as all in attendance have grown into adults who appreciate each other’s company.

I now look forward to all of the siblings around my age, who in the past decade have flown the coop and started lives of their own, joining with the parents, who each have had such an integral, individual impact on each younger person’s childhood in the room, and simply catching up on what the last year has brought for all of us, good or bad.

I now look forward to my sister coming down from her home in the mountains – only two hours away, but seemingly further at times – to spend the weekend in Charlotte, beginning with that night.

Sure, some gifts will be exchanged the following morning, but everyone’s mind will be far from that on Christmas Eve, and that’s the way it should be.

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A tale of two religions

by Courtney Schultz courtney@thecharlotteweekly.com

This year marks the first year I won’t be waking up in my parents’ home on Christmas morning.

The past four years I’ve scurried home after grueling exams to the welcoming arms Courtney Schultz of home-cooked meals, tinsel around the tree and endless cups of eggnog.

After graduating college this past May, I moved out on my own to an apartment with the responsibility of decorating my place, among others.

Some people might find my holiday decorations a bit befuddling because I am Jewish, but I have a tall Christmas tree glimmering in my apartment window.

I grew up in a household of tolerance and acceptance. My father is Jewish and my mother is Christian, so we always celebrated holidays from both religions, which means the “most wonderful time of year” meant Hanukkah and Christmas in my household. www.thecharlotteweekly.com

My elementary-school-aged self thought that celebrating both holidays just meant more presents, but as I matured I realized both Christmas and Hanukkah share similar meanings.

To me, both holidays commemorate miracles of God: the birth of Jesus is a Christmas miracle, and the oil in the menorah burned for eight days, when the oil was only expected to last for one day (another miracle).

The holiday time should be a reminder of all of the everyday miracles in each other’s lives. The small blessings we experience each day, such as getting the last one of your favorite muffins at Dunkin Donuts or finding $5 in an old pair of jeans.

That’s why I proudly decorate my apartment with a tree, lights, poinsettias and other traditional Christmas decorations. Because they remind me to think of the little things that make up the great parts of my life. They are part of the tradition of acceptance that I grew up with and remind me of the love and compassion revolved around the holiday season.

Of course, I have my menorah on my table as well, but no decoration defines or takes away from the spirit of the holiday season: the season of being thankful.

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www.facebook.com/waltonwoodseniorliving South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 11

Education Charlotte Country Day (continued from page 1)

of our students to come together and work in one single effort,” she said.

The Spanish teacher said the club has taken on a transformation this year to become primarily studentrun, which she felt showed in Friday’s events. Previously, the advisors coordinated the club’s projects, but, this year, the students orchestrated events and the faculty offered guidance and input.

“We share our experiences and we share some knowledge about what it is to be a positive leader to the community,” Prieto said.

The club has about 90 members, making it the biggest club in the school. Forrest hopes the Dec. 19 event demonstrates the club’s mission to serve.

“The main purpose of our club is to give back to the community around us and interact with the people of our community,” Forrest said. “We get a lot out of (the luncheon event). Obviously, the service part is giving something to a good cause, but also, our empathy level grows. I’ve been doing this for the past four years and have had conversations with (the people from the shelters). A lot of these people are college graduates and very capable people, but

because of a couple unfortunate circumstances they are (homeless) today … we’ve learned that at any given time anyone can be homeless.”

The interactions with the homeless have developed the school’s empathy toward others and gives them a chance to interact with individuals they may not come in contact with otherwise, he added.

“I think it’s very important for our students, as well as our faculty, to always be in touch with people out there (in the community), especially with people that are in need,” Prieto said. “They are less fortunate than our own students. I think it’s a great thing for our kids to start connecting and start really understanding what’s going on outside school.”

The luncheon is not the only way the club reaches out to the community. Charlotte County Day hosts the Mecklenburg County Special Olympics at the school, and the Interact Club volunteers with the athletes before the county and state games to help them prepare.

The club also has formed a partnership with the area’s Rotary Club International. Next year, the Interact Club plans to partner with Rotary Clubs and other schools to plant trees in the community.

Preito’s goal is to build the club

(Above) Charlotte Country Day high school students hosted children while their parents enjoyed a lunch provided by the school.

Courtney Schultz/SCW photo

with more members and partnerships to help create a greater and stronger community, she said.

Visit www.charlottecountryday.org to find more information about the school, located at 1440 Carmel Road in south Charlotte.

(Top right) One of the Interact Club advisers, Patricia Prieto Treviño, right, helps a student hand out lunches to homeless men and women.

(Bottom right) Sophomore Grace Goch nurtures a baby while her mother enjoys lunch from Charlotte Country Day’s holiday luncheon event through the school’s Interact Club. Courtney Schultz/SCW photos

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Circulation: 13,000 Readership: 26,325

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Page 12 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Education

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PART-TIME HOME DELIVERY DRIVERS NEEDED

Courtney Schultz/SCW photo

Citizen School helps inspire middle school students Quail Hollow students showcase their knowledge at special event

by Courtney Schultz courtney@thecharlotteweekly.com

Quail Hollow Middle School students showcased their knowledge at the WOW! event on Dec. 17, through apprenticeships with community professionals at Citizen School.

Citizen School is a national nonprofit that extends the school day for middle school students in low-income communities and gives them hands-on training in different fields with business professionals. Students engage in 10-week apprenticeships led by citizen-teacher professionals to help connect the classroom with real-world situations and experiences.

“We are a combination of academic assistance and real world experience,” said Jake House, executive director of Citizen Schools – North Carolina.

Over 100 sixth graders at Quail Hollow, located at 2901 Smithfield Church Road in south Charlotte, participated this semester.

Professionals from businesses such as Microsoft, Belk and Bank of America helped students with problem solving and leadership skills through an array of different projects. The students demonstrated their knowledge to parents and community members on Dec. 17 when they presented their projects.

One group, with the help of Andrew Kerr, technical account manager at Microsoft, learned how to build a computer. At the WOW! event, the group demonstrated how to build the computer and discussed its internal operations.

“It was fun learning different parts of the computers,” said Megan Nunez, a sixthgrader from the group. She added that the group also learned how to increase a computer’s speed while learning valuable www.thecharlotteweekly.com

real-world lessons like public speaking and teamwork.

Kerr decided to volunteer at Quail Hollow through the encouragement of his coworkers, who also volunteer for the program. He became involved with computers in middle school and hopes to inspire students to find hidden passions for computers.

“If we can inspire just one student, then that makes it all worth it,” Kerr said. “Everyone has that moment where it clicks for them – that moment where they find their passion.”

LaToya Marcus, Citizen School campus director at Quail Hollow, hopes that Citizen School will help students invest in their future careers and explore different opportunities.

“Studies show that if a girl is not shown STEM (science, technology, education and math) opportunities by sixth grade, she won’t choose them (as a career path),” Marcus said.

Citizen School seeks to minimize an opportunity gap between lower- and upperincome families, in which lower-income children might not have as many opportunities, such as after-school activities, for exploration and personal growth. The program gives participants the building blocks to begin investing in and thinking about future careers, Marcus said.

“If we know that the school is the focal point of the community, we need to bring the resources to the school. All schools with children from no matter what neighborhood should all have the same opportunities,” House said.

Program leaders hope Citizen School will give students a plan for the future and help them lay out practical and specific steps to get there, Marcus said.

“We want them to be leaders – today and tomorrow,” she said. “We’re giving them the skills and knowledge that they need.”

Visit www.citizenschools.org for more information about Citizen School.

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group is looking for a few

good drivers who are available to deliver our award-winning newspapers Thursdays, Fridays or both. As with the drivers who have been with us for more than a decade, each new hire will train on one (1) small route for a week or two. Upon satisfactory completion of training, new drivers will be given new routes, as they become available, to grow their earnings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS… Gas prices are high, how many miles will I have to drive?

All of our home-delivery routes are tightly configured and mapped to deliver specific subdivisions, thus keeping the mileage and gas needed to a minimum.

Where do I pick up the newspapers?

Our warehouse is conveniently located just off of I-485 in Pineville.

When do I get paid?

As an independent contractor, you receive your paycheck at the beginning of each month for the previous month’s route deliveries.

Do I have to buy the newspapers or delivery supplies?

No. All of Carolina Weekly’s newspapers are free. In addition, we provide the correct number of poly bags for each route at no charge. We also provide updated weekly route sheets and detailed route maps.

Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings.

For more information, please contact:

Mike Kochy (704) 849-2261 delivery@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 13

Education

Ballantyne Elementary gives books and warmth to Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless

by Courtney Schultz courtney@thecharlotteweekly.com

While many students munched on popcorn and watched holiday movies before winter break last week, the fifth-graders at Ballantyne Elementary School took time to give back to their community.

On Friday, Dec. 18, the fifth-grade students held a different kind of winter celebration with their project â&#x20AC;&#x153;Books and Blankets,â&#x20AC;? where they created 42 fleece tie blankets, two baby blankets and eight scarves and collected 211 books and $663.79 for The Salvation Army Center of Hope.

The Center of Hope sleeps an average of 300 homeless women and children each night and Ballantyne Elementary students wanted to give them some warmth.

Kathleen Kelly, a fifth-grade teacher at Ballantyne Elementary, has worked with Charlotte Family Housing for years and established the program to offer students a chance to contribute. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After some discussion (with other teachers), we decided to make something to give back to the community,â&#x20AC;?

Kelly said.

The fifth-grade teacher team wanted to create a craft that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the typical glittery project thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often thrown away,

said Mary Hudson, a fifth-grade teacher at Ballantyne Elementary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all had that holiday craft that ends up just being glue and glitter,â&#x20AC;? Hudson said, adding the tie blankets were a resourceful, hands-on craft that the students could create themselves.

Parent volunteers cut the fabric for the students and the students knotted the fabric together to create the blankets during their winter parties. The money and book collection started during the Thanksgiving holiday and the fifth grade set a goal to raise $600. The fifth-grade teachers wanted each student to have the chance to participate, and some parents offered to match the money raised to ensure the students met their goal.

Students watched videos regarding homelessness in Charlotte, before making the craft on Dec. 18, and discussed their experiences witnessing homelessness.

Many students have seen homelessness while walking around downtown Charlotte, Hudson said. Some students discussed destitution in their native countries, such as India.

One out of five homeless children in North Carolina live within eight miles of downtown Charlotte, and 20 percent of North Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homeless live in Charlotte, according to the Urban Ministry

Fifth-graders (from left) 10-year-old Josh Langdon, 9-year-old Srikar Muraki, 10-year-old Emma Capelli and 11-year-old Morgan Paige Simmons worked together to create a tie blanket for the Center of Hope. Courtney Schultz/SCW photo

Center. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not fair for some kid to be homeless,â&#x20AC;? said 10-year-old Anna Washaw, a fifth-grader at Ballantyne Elementary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every kid should have the same share of blankets.â&#x20AC;?

Kelly hoped the project would help students become more globally aware and give them a chance to see how others live. She feels the fifth grade is the last year the students will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;shelteredâ&#x20AC;? before they move on to middle school, so she hopes the project also will help

Health& Wellness

inspire them to give back as future citizens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just want them to know that what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re used to is beautiful, supportive homes and that not all kids have that,â&#x20AC;? said Kelly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to open their eyes to the world around them.â&#x20AC;?

Multiple students said they were glad to help others, and the school hopes to continue to expose students to areas of need. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes me feel good that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing something for the world,â&#x20AC;? Anna said.

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+BO t "QSJM +VMZ t 0DU Circulation: 25,000 Readership: 54,675

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www.thecharlotteweekly.com

2015

SPORTS CALENDAR

Football Previews 2015 (Special pullout section) The absolute must-read section of the year, our unrivaled football preview sets the standard with highlights of high school football teams in southern Mecklenburg and Union County, covering more than 40 private and public schools.

These special pullout issues provide an in-depth resource for readers all season long, including feature stories, schedules and team rundowns before the season’s first touchdowns.

Issue dates:

August 21 Southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation August 28 Union County 17,000 circulation

Basketball Preview 2015 (Special pullout section) As the leader in high school sports coverage, our boys high school basketball preview is highly anticipated each year. The special pullout issue provides an in-depth resource for readers all season long, including feature stories, schedules and team rundowns before the season’s first tipoff.

Issue dates:

November 13 Southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation

Super Teams (Seasonal) The best of the best high school athletes are recognized for their season’s achievements. In addition to the rankings, the player of the year is highlighted with a feature story.

Issue dates: Football January 9 Swimming (Girls & Boys) March 13 Basketball (Girls & Boys) March 20 Golf (Boys) June 5 Track & Field (Boys) June 12 Track & Field (Girls) June 19 Tennis (Boys) June 26 Lacrosse (Boys) July 3 Lacrosse (Girls) July 10 Soccer (Girls) July 17 Softball July 24 Baseball July 31 Golf (Girls) November 20 Cross-Country (Girls) November 27 Cross-Country (Boys) December 4 Tennis (Girls) December 11 Volleyball (Girls) December 18 *Dates subject to change.

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com. www.thecharlotteweekly.com

South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 15

Arts & Entertainment

Trash, treasure and treat Dulce Tavares turns discarded items into art

by Dee Grano ae@thecharlotteweekly.com

“When it came time to pick a career, I thought, ‘No one can make money making art,’” said mixed-media artist and Matthews resident Dulce Tavares.

As a child growing up in Brazil, Tavares drew and molded clay, but set aside art to pursue science. She forged a career as a professor of microbiology and immunology, until she and her family moved to the United States 18 years ago. When her academic credentials failed to transfer to American academia, Tavares reinvented herself – a knack she has turned into a full-time job in art.

After moving to Charlotte in 2001, Tavares worked in a day care center, where she befriended a boy whose mother asked Tavares to paint a mural for him. Tavares reproduced the cover of a greeting card she found in his room to rave reviews. Then, the referrals for more murals started coming in – requests for jungle animals, sports stars and fairy tale characters that adorn the lower school of Charlotte Latin.

Knowing what appeals to children and sparks their imagination is second nature to Tavares. She started teaching classes at the Matthews Community Center seven years ago.

Her first success was a puppetry summer camp, for which she made a proscenium from a big cardboard box, curtains and rope.

“The kids had a blast,” recalled Tavares, who calls her work as a teaching artist “really rewarding.”

“Dulce is able to translate her expertise as an artist into teaching points for the children,” said Colten Marble, cultural recreation manager for the town of Matthews, who organizes classes and camps for the Center. “She always comes to me with awesome ideas for keeping her classes

fresh and relevant.”

Tavares launched a new camp called “Zen Adventures,” a full-day experience with yoga, dance and activities in “upcycling,” where kids turned recycled materials into art. She offered as part of the camp homemade “raw food” snacks, like smoothies, ice cream and “sushi” made with crushed cauliflower instead of rice. Though the sweet stuff was more popular with the children, the camp broadened their horizons.

“Kids are authentic, spontaneous and unafraid of criticism or judgment,” Tavares said. “Expanding their knowledge improves their lives and creates awareness to parents.”

In addition to teaching kids at the Matthews Community Center, the SOAR Academy for home-schoolers and the Behailu Academy in NoDa, Tavares has been invited to return to Brazil to teach her puppetry program.

As she challenges her students, Tavares also challenges herself. She was one of nine artists selected from the region this fall to participate in the Arts & Science Council’s (ASC) Community Supported Art (CSA) project, for which Tavares had to create 50 unique pieces of art.

She opted to make three-dimensional sculptures she called “Alien Plants,” quirky combinations of recycled bottles, unused earplugs and toothpicks, used light bulbs and other found objects. She covered each piece in papier-mâché and embellished them. She painted them with vibrant colors in her trademark folk-art style and created custom boxes for each.

This prolific experience was a growth opportunity for Tavares, a self-proclaimed perfectionist who admits to painting over something completely if it does not meet her expectation. Her attention to detail is reflected in her work.

“The first person I try to please is myself,” said Tavares. “I have to look at it and say, ‘I love it.’”

“Dulce’s work shows that you can breathe a second life

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into something,” said John Horne, the ASC Cultural & Community Investment program director who is charge of the CSA program. “She creates beautiful art that connects emotionally with people and evokes a reaction.”

Tavares became a teaching artist last year at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, where she taught “batik,” a technique of manual wax-resist dyeing applied to cloth where she used homemade stamps to create beautiful patterns. She taught a workshop earlier this month on “eco jewelry,” where students made earrings from scraps of plastic and “faux” wood blinds. Tavares also works part-time in the paint department at Lowe’s Home Improvement, where she collects discarded materials for her projects.

“They call me the garbage lady,” Tavares joked.

Her artwork is proof it’s never too late to turn what is seemingly nothing, into something extraordinary.

View Tavares’s murals at her Flickr page www.flickr.com/ photos/muralsbydulce. Register for a 2015 summer camp with Tavares at the Matthews Community Center, at www. matthewsfun.com. Summer camp registration starts Feb. 1.

SALES REP POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group has open positions in the newsroom. The group publishes the South Charlotte Weekly, Union County Weekly, MatthewsMint Hill Weekly, and The Pineville Pilot from our south Charlotte newsroom.

REQUIREMENTS These positions will be responsible for writing content for three weekly papers and one monthly paper in the Charlotte region.

The right candidates should be prepared to write eight to 10 articles a week, take photos, copyedit and participate in weekly budget meetings to give input on story ideas from our editors. These positions will cover a variety of topics, ranging from government coverage to feature writing. The candidates should be versed in AP style; comfortable working mornings, evenings and weekends; and have experience covering community news. Candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, references and three to five published articles.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, list of references and a portfolio showing their recent work to Alain Lillie at alain@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group is looking for additional sales reps for our growing group of award-winning community newspapers.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, able to meet deadlines and have excellent communication skills. Advertising sales experience preferred; strong outside sales experience required. We offer salary plus commission, cell phone, paid vacation and a great territory.

E-mail your resumé to

alain@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com No phone calls, please.

Page 16 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

12/18/14

Arts & Entertainment

The performing arts group The Possibility Project recently received a Cultural Innovation Grant from the Arts & Science Council. Photo courtesy of The Arts and Science Council

South Charlotte Weekly

Arts & Entertainment News & Notes

Community School of the Arts and Charlotte Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir to merge Community School of the Arts and the Charlotte Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir will merge as of Jan. 1, 2015.

Through the merger, Charlotte Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir will become part of the Community School of Arts, and its choral program will continue under its current name, according to a news release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The decision to merge stems from both organizationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shared commitment to providing the best in accessible arts education to meet the needs of the community.

This merger will provide students of both programs with new educational and performance opportunities, as well as create synergies and growth opportunities for the combined organization,â&#x20AC;? the organizations said in a news release.

Community School of the Arts was founded in 1969, and the Charlotte Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choir was established in 1986. Find more information about the organizations at www.csarts.org or www. charlottechildrenschoir.org.

The Possibility Project of Charlotte receives Cultural Innovation Grant The Arts & Science Council recently announced The Possibility Project of Charlotte as the newest recipient of an Arts & Science Council Cultural Innovation Grant, which supports emerging cultural organizations that â&#x20AC;&#x153;show promise programmatically and innovation in serving diverse audiences,â&#x20AC;? according to a news release.

The grant is a partnership between the Arts & Science Council and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The foundation supplies $15,000, which is matched by a coaching award and additional support from the Arts & Science Council to help guide a receiving programâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development. www.thecharlotteweekly.com

The Possibility Project is a youth leadership program that uses performing arts to address culturally-relevant social issues, the release said. The program will use its grant to develop five original Partnership Outreach Performances â&#x20AC;&#x153;that tackle topics that are important to the participating youth,â&#x20AC;? read the release.

The Arts & Science Council has supported emerging cultural organizations through Cultural Innovation Grants for six years. Other organizations that received such grants this year include One Voice Chorus and A Sign of the Times of the Carolinas.

Find more information about the grant program and other Arts & Science Council endeavors at www.artsandscience.org.

Learn more about The Possibility Project at www.possibilitycharlotte.org.

Silent Images releases end-of-year video Local nonprofit Silent Images recently released its end-of-year video, a short production created to say â&#x20AC;&#x153;thank youâ&#x20AC;? to its supporters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year we turned the cameras on ourselves to offer you a lighter video and a little more insight into the heart of our team,â&#x20AC;?

Silent Images founder David Johnson said in a news release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚIf you watch the video until the end, you will be rewarded with some fun and embarrassing outtakes...it was good for my team and me to be reminded how difficult it is to be on the other side of the camera.â&#x20AC;?

Silent Images served more than 130 charities in 2014, the release said. The nonprofit works locally, nationally and globally, using still and video footage to tell stories of hope in the midst of oppression, poverty and hardship.

View the end-of-year video at vimeo. com/114029797. Find more information about Silent Images at www.silentimages. org.

Send arts and entertainment news items to ae@thecharlotteweekly.com.

DON QUIXOTE

# "

" !

#

Tickets starting at just $19.

The Classics Concert Series is presented to the community

by Wells Fargo Private Bank.

South Charlotte Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 17

Calendar Ongoing through 12.28.14

Ongoing through 12.28.14

Ongoing through 12.31.14

Gingerbread Lane Visits

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Story of the Little Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Cellphones for Soldiers drive

Area residents can visit the annual Gingerbread Lane for free to view gingerbread creations until Dec. 28. Visitors can see the winners of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition, which includes two independent categories for professional and amateur entries.

Contact 704-248-4055 with any questions.

The Charlotte Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theater is presenting the United Statesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; premier of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Story of the Little Gentleman,â&#x20AC;? a tale about the true meaning of friendship. This yuletide treat runs through Dec. 28 and is designed for children 3 years old and older.

The play is based on the book by award-winning author Barbro Lindgren. It tells the story of the little gentleman who nobody seems to have time for, making him sad. But he soon discovers a wonderful new friend who changes his life forever. This beautiful, funny and moving tale features live musicians and a uniquely intimate style all its own.

Visit www.ctcharlotte.org for show times or to order tickets.

Mark Antioch and Ameriprise Financial Corporation are collecting gently-used cellphones for their fourth annual Cellphones for Soldiers drive to help our troops call home.

In honor of our past and present veterans and the upcoming holiday season, Ameriprise Financial is collecting gently-used or new cellphones through Dec. 31.

The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte

Ongoing through 12.28.14 Wednesday through Sunday 1 to 5 p.m Holiday Afternoon Tea Enjoy Holiday Afternoon Tea in the lobby of the renowned Ballantyne Resort throughout December. Afternoon tea includes a variety of seasonal loose-leaf tea blends along with savory tea sandwiches, traditional confectionaries and delicious holiday treats.

Tea is served Wednesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday through Dec. 28 with the exception of Christmas Day. A harpist will perform during afternoon tea. Reservations are required and the cost is $32 for adults, $16 for junior patrons and champagne tea is available for $40 per person.

Call 704-248-4100 for more information or to make reservations.

1000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte

Ameriprise Financial, 8832 Blakeney Professional Drive, suite 302, Charlotte 1.01.15 Thursday 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Family Night at Chick-fil-A StoneCrest

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theater of Charlotte, 300 E. Seventh St., Charlotte 12.30.14 Tuesday 6 p.m.

Nook Class Whether you are a seasoned Nook enthusiast or just curious, join Nook experts for an in-store class designed to teach, entertain and inspire.

Get the family together and have dinner at Chick-fil-A at StoneCrest.

Chick-fil-A StoneCrest will feature crafts for kids, a balloon artist and photo opportunities with the Chick-fil-A cow.

7910 Rea Rd., Charlotte

Dec. 28

Barnes & Noble - Arboretum, 3327 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte

Vacation Stop?

Yes, we offer that, too.

SPORTS WRITER WANTED Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group is looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic community journalist to cover high school sports in Mecklenburg and Union counties.

REQUIREMENTS The right candidate should:

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1SFGFSBCMZ DBOEJEBUFT TIPVME MJWF JO TPVUI $IBSMPUUF .BUUIFXT Mint Hill or Union County. /Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x201C;ÂŤÂ&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;ÂŤĂ&#x160;Â&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x160;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160;ÂŤÂ?i>Ă&#x192;iĂ&#x160;iÂ&#x201C;>Â&#x2C6;Â?Ă&#x160;`iÂ?Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x203A;iĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x17E;J DBSPMJOBXFFLMZOFXTQBQFST DPNĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;V>Â?Â?Ă&#x160;

Page 18 â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ South Charlotte Weekly

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, list of references and a portfolio showing their recent work to Alain Lillie at alain@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com.

www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Calendar 1.03.15 Saturday 11 a.m.

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Event â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Storytime Join Barnes & Nobles staff at 11 a.m. in the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department every Saturday morning for storytime and an activity.

Barnes & Noble - Morrison Place, 4020 Sharon Road, Charlotte 1.8.15 Thursday 4 to 8 p.m Family Dinner Night at Earth Fare Earth Fare provides families with affordable, healthy alternatives to their conventional staples.

Every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m., kids eat free at Earth Fare with the purchase of an adult meal, valued at $5 or more. Children must be present in order to receive a free meal.

Earth Fare - Ballantyne, 12235 Community House Road, Charlotte Earth Fare â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SouthPark, 721 Governor Morrison Street, Charlotte 1.12.15 Monday 7 p.m.

Maintaining Healthy Plants in Your Garden Learn the basics needed to make sure your garden survives and thrives. Plants often fail in our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape because simple steps were not taken. Greg Paige, curator, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories and Arboretum, will discuss a sustainable approach that will get gardeners off on the right foot and stay on course. Attendees will also find out about favorite performers that adapt with a little bit of tough love.

This Charlotte Garden Club program is free and open to the public. Refreshments at 7 p.m., program starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit www. charlottegardenclub.org for more information.

Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte

Send us your events!

Want to see your event covered in our community calendar? Let us know about it!

Send an email to news@thecharlotteweekly. com with all pertinent information. Be sure to include the date, time, cost to attend and a description of the event. Please send events at least two weeks in advance for the best chance of being included in the calendar.

Items are not guaranteed publication, as we consider factors such as relevance to the community and how close the event is to our coverage area. www.thecharlotteweekly.com

1.13.15 Tuesday 7 p.m.

Author Event: Deborah Johnson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Secret of Magic Prize-winning author Deborah Johnson tells an enthralling, inspiring and important story of the postwar American South in The Secret of Magic. Like millions of returning World War II veterans, Lt. Joe Howard Wilson wanted just one thing: to get back to his hometown as quickly as possible. But as a black man, he was a second-class citizen in the country he nearly died defending. At a rest stop, he calls his father to let him know he will be home in a few hoursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time. He gets back on the bus, looking forward to their reunion. But when a white police officer demands that he and the other passengers in the black section of the bus give up their seats for a few German POWs, Joe Howard refuses. Two weeks later, his dead body is found.

FINAL WEEKS

| discoveryplace.org

Park Road Books, 4139 Park Road, Charlotte 1.17.15 Saturday 1:30 p.m.

Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo Race Presented by Charlotte Running Club in association with the Greater Charlotte Health & Fitness Expo presented by Novant Health, this road race travels along the historic streets of Charlotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chantilly neighborhood. The four-mile race will make two complete two-mile loops, making it spectator friendly. The race will also feature a unique twoperson relay where each team member will run the two-mile loop once. There will also be a kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fun Run. The race begins at 1:30 p.m. at The Park (formerly the Merchandise Mart). Call 704995-2878 for more information or to register.

3 TICKETS, 3 PIZZAS, 3 SODAS

Chantilly Shopping Center, Briar Creek Road, Charlotte

FROM $60

1.27.15 Tuesday 4:15 p.m.

American Girl Book Club

Customize Your Night!

An American Girl Book Club for children ages 8 to 11 years old. Participants will discuss and share opinions on this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selected American Girls, Julie and Ivy, and celebrate the Chinese New Year. Registration is required for this program and begins Jan. 20. You can register in person or by calling 704-416-6600.

South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte

Choose the number of tickets you need and get a pizza and soda with each ticket!

DEC 27 7 PM vs Magic

800.4NBA.TIX Package price varies by seating location and advertised prices are plus applicable fees.

South Charlotte Weekly â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 19

Sports

South Charlotte Weekly’s

Girls tennis super team Avery Hunter

Fleming Landau

Maddie Weber

Charlotte Country Day

Charlotte Latin

Myers Park

Hailey Simon

Katie soden

Rachel Marthinsen

Ardrey Kell

Myers Park

Charlotte Catholic

The Bucs’ No. 1 played a key role in Country Day’s run to a title. Hunter, who is still just a junior, is a two-time all-state pick, and this year led the Bucs to a 14-3 record and their second consecutive N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association title.

The only freshman to make the first team, Landau had a smashing debut this season.

She starred for the Hawks all year, playing their No. 1 line while compiling a 17-3 record in singles. Landau lost only one set to a private-school player, falling in a three-set tiebreaker.

Simon was the main force behind the Knights, as she won the So. Meck 8 title and was a Western Regional finalist while playing Line 1 all year. Simon qualified for the state tournament, where she won her first-round match and is in line for a huge career as she’s just a sophomore.

Another key cog in the Mustangs near-perfect season, Soden played No. 2 for the Mustangs.

She was an all-conference, allregion and all-state selection after going 14-2 in singles and 17-6 in doubles, teaming with her sister, Gaby.

The Myers Park No. 1 player, Weber had a standout year leading the Mustangs to the state finals and a 16-1 season. The all-state, all-region and all-conference sophomore went 18-7 on the year, including claiming the Southwestern 4A title.

Marthinsen led a talented group of Charlotte Catholic underclassmen to a So. Meck 8 regular-season title and a 22-3 overall mark.

The sophomore compiled a 14-7 singles’ record as the Cougars No. 1, and teamed with Megan Leonard to go 20-7 as the team’s No. 1 doubles tandem.

Player of the Year:

Second

Sullivan Higson, Providence

Catie Nelson, Charlotte Catholic

Team:

Caroline Kurami, Providence Day

McKinley Riley, Charlotte Catholic

Coach of the Year:

Megan Leonard, Charlotte Catholic

Gaby Soden, Myers Park

Calvin Davis, Charlotte Country Day

Simon strikes back

by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

Ardrey Kell sophomore Hailey Simon looks like an average 15 year old. She’s a star at Line 1 on the Knights’ tennis team, she excels in the classroom, volunteers with the Charlotte Tennis Association and still makes time to be a leader in her school’s DECA Club.

No one would suspect that Simon was diagnosed with moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss at the age of 4, causing her to lose nearly 50 percent of her hearing.

The condition left Simon unable to participate in team sports but she didn’t let it stop her from shining on the Ardrey Kell tennis court.

“The hearing loss prevented me from playing team sports because I couldn’t hear the other teammates,” Simon said. “I had to find a sport that could fit my lifestyle and I found tennis that way. Playing tennis is so relaxing for me. I love going out there and competing and especially the mental side of it. There’s so much mentality going into it.”

Simon was a natural at the sport and quickly found a spot in the Knights’ lineup. Last season, she played at the No. 2 spot and only dropped two matches all season.

This year, Simon took over Line 1 and went undefeated in conference play before winning the So. Meck 8 individual singles’ title and becoming the Class 4A West regional runner-up.

After two back-to-back seasons leading the Knights and the So. Meck 8 conference, Simon is the 2014 South Charlotte Weekly Tennis Player of the Year.

“She fit the bill perfectly,” said firstyear coach Courtney Carlton. “She’s a mental player. She leads the team and taught a lot of the new girls and helped lead them. They all took the cue from her.

I couldn’t ask for a better Line 1 and she knew what she had to do to win so it wasn’t a problem.”

Simon said her goals at the beginning of the season to win the individual singles’ conference tournament and make it to the state tournament in individual

Page 20 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

Hailey Simon, Ardrey Kell

singles. Practicing with the Knights team, a private coach and traveling to compete in USTA tournaments, Simon finished the season checking off each item on her to-do list.

The three-star recruit is currently ranked the No. 11 tennis player in the state according to www.tennisrecruiting.net but even with a lofty list of accomplishments under her belt, Simon said she still has a lot left to do.

“I definitely want to make it back to states next year in singles and make it farther than last year,” she said. “I want to make myself better and keep pushing myself to do more. I’m hoping for a state win before I graduate. It’s going to take a lot of training but I have great coaches and great support. I just need to stay focused.”

Though it’s the school’s off-season, Simon plans to continue competing in USTA tournaments through the spring and summer with hopes of garnering interest from college coaches.

But for now, she’s focused on making the most of her two years left at Ardrey Kell and continuing the legacy she’s starting to establish – a legacy she would’ve never thought possible after her diagnosis.

“I have to be confident,” Simon said. “I can never be completely satisfied.”

Hannah Chronis/SCW photo www.thecharlotteweekly.com

Sports

sports shorts

by Hannah Chronis hannah@thecharlotteweekly.com

2014 all-conference football selections announced The following football players received all-conference honors for the 2014 season.

Ardrey Kell: Bonte Freeman, Josh German, Rhett Huddleston, Jared Hunt, Ryan Jones, Matt Messler, Twazanga Mugala, Will Sapyta, Taleni Suhren, Omari Wingard, Raymond Wright, Mason Veal Charotte Catholic: Jaret Anderson, Marco Baeza, Nick Bruno, Jack Flassler, Xander Gagnon, Matt Kowaleski, Braedon Mead, Conner Miller, Ryan Miller, Alex Lapiana Myers Park: Tahir Taylor, James Morris, Bo Owens, Donnie Harris, Tadarin McNeil, Noah Smith, Tommy Wayne, Clay Norris Providence: Jacob Bernstein, John Biasucci, Grant Dixon, Jordan Fehr, Dimitri Gonzalez, Jack King, Brian Mattar, Tyler Pistorio, Dru Seabrook, Caleb York South Meck: Devin Andrews, John Brannon, Austin Chapman, AJ Elam, Zach Gilbert, Moryah Johnson, Chance Kennedy, Austin Smith, Antonio Williams South Meck’s Stephen Griffin was named the Defensive Player of the Year; Ardrey Kell’s Bryce Maginley was named the Offensive Player of the Year; and Charlotte Catholic coach Michael Brodowicz was named the 2014 Coach of the Year.

South Meck retires Joy Cheek’s jersey South Meck High School retired Joy Cheek’s No. 30 jersey in a special celebration held Dec. 18 after the varsity girls 39-30 win over West Meck. Cheek led the Sabres to a 2006 state

championship under former Sabre coach Troy Gaston.

Cheek, named an All-American, led the Sabres to a 95-19 record during her four years at South Meck. She became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,770 points and 992 rebounds and averaged 15.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game. Cheek continued her career at Duke University before becoming the No. 35 overall draft pick in the WNBA (2010).

Cheek is currently an assistant coach at Ohio State University.

“Joy is the first female player ever at South Meck to obtain such a magnitude of accomplishments,” said current Sabre coach Cristie Mitchell.

Cheek’s No. 30 jersey now hangs alongside Walter Davis and Bobby Jones in the rafters of the Sabres gymnasium.

Independence boys win BSN Sports Buccaneer Classic Senior guard Justin Boyce scored a team-high 14 points in the Patriots’ 49-43 win over Charlotte Country Day (4-7) on Dec. 19 in the championship round of the BSN Sports Buccaneer Classic at the Bruton Smith Athletic Center. Boyce finished the game with four rebounds and a steal. Six-foot-seven forward Christian Taylor led the rebounding effort with 11.

Independence (3-8) has been strong defensively all season and showed their strength in the championship game by holding the Bucs to without a field goal until two minutes into the second half.

Michael White led the scoring effort for the Bucs with 14 points.

The Patriots got off to a slow start dropping their first seven games but have since won three of their last four and are 1-1 in Southwestern 4A conference play.

They host Mallard Creek on Dec. 27.

Home Service Directory

Girls Basketball Player of the Week: Michaela Daniels, Providence

Senior guard Michaela Daniels tossed in 12 points in the Panthers 36-26 win over Berry but what was more impressive was her 13 steals. Daniels leads the Panthers in scoring this season, averaging 12 points per game and 6.5 steals.

Boys Basketball Player of the Week: Raequan Scott, Butler

Scott led the Bulldogs scoring effort in a three-point win over Myers Park on Dec. 18 with 22 points. The senior guard also had four steals and is leading the Bulldogs in scoring, averaging 19.3 points per game.

boys basketball

su p e r 7

1) Ardrey Kell (9-1) 2) Providence Day (8-3) 3) Butler (9-2) 4) Charlotte Christian (8-2) 5) Charlotte Catholic (7-2) 6) Providence (5-4) 7) South Meck (4-6)

girls basketball

su p e r 7

1) Myers Park (10-1) 2) Ardrey Kell (8-2) 3) Butler (9-2) 4) Providence Day (8-2) 5) Rocky River (7-2) 6) Covenant Day (9-4) 7) Charlotte Christian (6-4)

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South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 21

Home Service Directory

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Page 22 â&#x20AC;˘ Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ South Charlotte Weekly

Licensed, Insured & Bonded

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HELP: LOST DOG, \”Dotty\”, Australian Cattle mix, 7yrs, 35lbs.

Lost 8/1/14, Rea Rd. Black/White, black patch right eye. pink/ grey collar. Contact Kim 704-763-3661.

Her loving family misses her very much!

No. 1111 No. 1111 8

7

may have fallen off. He has seizure. Call Cindy – 704-614-5600.

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South Charlotte Weekly • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • Page 23

Back Surgery WARNING!

Spinal Stenosis and Bulging, Herniated, and Degenerative Discs Symptoms Are NOT The Problem

Charlotte, NC -- In a 2002 issue of Neurological Focus, a peer-reviewed article was published by a Dr. Michael D. Martin, MD et al. in which the third sentence states: “The disc itself is active tissue that contains significant mechanisms for self-repair.” That article was published by a neurosurgeon and written directly for neurosurgeons.

The treatment that is provided at the Charlotte Spine and Pain Relief Center is revolutionary and is specifically designed to artificially re-create the pump mechanism in the discs which allows the spinal discs to heal and repair. The best part of the treatment is that it uses no drugs, no injections, and no surgery. Plus it’s painless and many patients fall asleep while undergoing the treatment.

Now the symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling that most experience with bulging, herniated or degenerative discs are NOT the problem. The definition of a symptom: “something that indicates the existence of something else.” It is just like the dashboard of “The Disc Itself is Active your car telling you that something is wrong Tissue...” (brake lights out, engine needs to be checked, overheating, etc.) Those lights that appear in The amount of treatment needed to allow So what does that really mean to us? It your car dash are NOT the problem. You can the discs to heal and repair varies tells us that the disc itself does have a God- remove the lights surgically or put a piece of from person to person and can only be determined after a detailed neurological given ability to heal and repair if provided and orthopedic evaluation. We do NOT the proper mechanisms for self-healing. accept everyone for treatment and will let There is a specific mechanism inherent in you know if we can accept your case for each of the spinal discs called the “pump treatment. mechanism of disc nutrition” (see Fig 1).

When this mechanism is not working Dr. Helmendach, DC at the Charlotte Spine properly, the spinal discs will begin to die and Pain Relief Center will do a spinal disc causing bulges, herniations, and eventually severity examination to determine the spinal stenosis. extent of your disc damage for only $70 (normally $150). This examination will The spinal disc is one of the very few tissues consist of a detailed neurological evaluation, in the body that does not have a direct extensive orthopedic testing, and a detailed You wouldn’t ignore your car’s check engine blood supply for circulation. The only way analysis of the findings of your evaluation. light...so don’t ignore your health. that the disc gets the circulation of water, He will sit down with you and go over your oxygen and nutrients for self-repair is via this specific disc pump mechanism. What duct tape over the lights but the problem condition with you in complete detail. You happens when you decrease circulation will NOT be fixed...the problem is still will know exactly what is causing all your pain (or other symptoms). in any type of tissue, whether it be animal present. tissue, plant tissue or human tissue? Exactly, it begins to become weak and degenerate. Let’s take a look at a plant for example...if Dr. Helmendach will be offering this thorough the leaves on a plant begin to turn brown, spinal disc severity examination from now would you say that the brown leaves are the until Friday, January 9th, 2015. plant’s problem? Of course not, the leaves turning brown is just a condition that is Call 704-228-3882 to make an appointment telling you that there is something wrong with Dr. Keith Helmendach, to determine if with the plant. The plant is unhealthy and your spinal discs can be treated. needs water and nutrients. You could spray paint the leaves green but it just covers up NOTE: Charlotte Spine and Pain Relief the condition. The underlying problem still Center is located in Charlotte, NC at 7215-A exists and will continue to produce brown Lebanon Road. leaves until you fix the actual problem.

Accepting most major insurance for new patients In your spine, when the pump mechanism including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare. of disc nutrition fails, the disc will begin Federal beneficiary restrictions may apply.

Figure 1: Proper anatomy of the discs and the pump mechanism of disc nutrition.

to degenerate and become weak. This weakness in the disc is what produces the bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs.

IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND.

Call 704-228-3882 Page 24 • Dec. 26, 2014 to Jan. 1, 2015 • South Charlotte Weekly

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