Union County Weekly July 9, 2021

Inside: Upgrading North Carolina’s worst roads could boost economy • Page 2A

Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, July 9, 2021 • Vol. 15 • No. 27

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Proposed townhomes flop under weight of public backlash

by Yustin Riopko Contributor

INDIAN TRAIL – R.D. Harrell Company will have to find another hometown for its new townhomes.

Over a year ago, the Indian Trail Planning Board reviewed a rezoning request for McClendon Place, a proposed 170-unit townhouse community with built-in retail space.

The board passed it to town council with a negative recommendation.

On June 22, council listened, voting unanimously to deny petitioner Fincher Road Partners, LLC the rezoning they would've

needed to move forward with construction on the northeast corner of Potter and Fincher roads near Austin Village.

The developer, R.D. Harrell Company, as well as planning staff and about a dozen residents – neighbors of the property – all attended council's public hearing, where the community debated in general about growth in the town and county.

Some neighbors were in favor of the project. They said the townhouses and amenities looked nice, expecting the project to improve nearby property values. Plans for amesee TOWNHOMES, Page 5A

The developer shared these renderings of what the project could look like. Photo courtesy of Town of Indian Trail

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House hunt Area listing in running for HGTV contest, 3A

Common Heart serves under-resourced families and individuals who live in Union County and the surrounding area through 11 food pantry outreaches serving an average 3,000 individuals each month, as well as economic empowerment programs that aim to move families toward stability. Photo courtesy of Common Heart

Queen's Feast Charlotte Restaurant Week returns, 1B

A YEAR OF

EXPANSION

Common Heart to celebrate new East Union center

Welcome back Hamilton headlines new festival, 1B

Healing art Painting helps grieving mother, 1B

Cute pet?

Submit a picture to our Hall of Fame, 3B

MARSHVILLE – Common Heart will celebrate the grand opening of its new East Union Empowerment Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 15 at 6022 Marshville Blvd.

The Union County Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Common Heart will provide a free cookout lunch and building tours afterward.

The public is welcome to come see how this new space is being used to distribute food and provide resources

to help families escape poverty in the eastern side of Union County.

The Marshville location serves as Common Heart’s second food pantry warehouse and Common Cupboard delivery pantry.

It will also be a homebase for economic empowerment programs to help get families out of poverty. The nonprofit also has a location in Indian Trail.

“The amazing support during the pandemic has produced a year of expansion for Common Heart,” Executive Director Keith Adams said. “It’s been a time to boldly expand and serve more families. We’ve also added mobile see NONPROFIT, Page 5A

ampaign filing may have just started July 2 for people interested in running for village, town and city councils in Union County, but we're already seeing some interesting match-ups form.

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the collection of Census data, prompting the Charlotte Flip to City Council and page 4A Charlotte-Meck- to see lenburg Board of who's on Education to de- the ballot lay their elections so far until early next year so they can redraw voting districts.

The Stallings and Weddington town councils, which are also comprised of districts will begin their filing periods July 20.

Here are a few observations from the first days of filing: • Monroe City Council members Marion Holloway and Angelia James both hope to succeed Bobby Kilgore as mayor. So we'll have at least one new face on the council this year.

• Amanda Fuller spent most of her last term on the Wesley Chapel Village Council as acting mayor after elected mayor Jan Smith left in August 2020 to take care of medical issues. Fuller looks to be elected to the role. see ELECTIONS, Page 5A

Police: Some loud pops were actually gunshots MONROE – The Monroe Police Department arrested four men in connection to firearms discharged within city limits on the evening of July 4.

Detectives determined the shots were coming from the Rushing Street area based on the multiple shots being fired.

Shortly after arriving on the scene, detectives saw multiple people in the back of the 1800 block of Rushing Street using cellphone

flashlights to manipulate what detectives believed to be firearms.

“Obviously, firing any weapon in the air in a populated area is extremely dangerous as those projectiles can do damage to property and potentially do serious harm to an individual,” Monroe Police Chief Bryan Gilliard said.

As detectives approached, one of the people began discharging an AR-15-style firearm into the air toward residential homes, according

to the police department.

Detectives commanded the people to drop the weapons and get on the ground. Two people, later identified as Dameko Maske and Demaris Dontae Witherspoon, took off running. Detectives caught Maske and Witherspoon after a short chase.

Maske was found in possession of two concealed handguns.

Detectives arrested Maske, 25 of Indian Trail, on charges of carrying a concealed handgun; resisting, de-

laying and obstructing justice; and discharging a firearm in the city limits. They arrested Witherspoon, 30, of Monroe, on charges of discharging a firearm in the city limits.

Behind the house, detectives encountered Antwon Clyburn with the AR-15-style firearm. Clyburn, 32, of Monroe, was arrested on charges of possession of firearm by a convicted felon. see GUNSHOTS, Page 5A

Page 2A • The Weekly • July 9, 2021

Girls tennis players vie for state championships STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly • Like us on Facebook • E-edition: issuu.com/ carolinaweeklynewspapers

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CHAPEL HILL – Charlotte Catholic won a state title in girls tennis at the 2020-21 NCHSAA state championships.

Catholic students Ava Tan and Kaitlyn Tozzi dominated the doubles competition while Maggie Gehrig was the last tennis player standing in singles.

Gehrig defeated players from Robinson 6-2, 6-2 for the championship, Northern Nash 6-0, 6-0 in the semifinals, Watauga 6-0, 6-0 in the quarterfinals and Cape Fear 6-0, 6-0 in the first round Tan and Tozzi defeated duos from Marvin Ridge 6-2, 6-2 in the championship, East Chapel Hill 6-2, 6-1 in the semifinals, Topsail 6-1, 6-0 in the quarterfinals and Northwood 6-0, 6-1 in the first round.

Girls tennis players from Marvin Ridge and Myers Park reached the semifinals of the 2020-21

NCHSAA state championships. The state tournament also featured players from Ardrey Kell, Cuthbertson and Independence.

4A Singles • Elyse Duley (Myers Park) defeated a South Central player 6-2, 6-4 in the first round.

• Madeline Fowler (Independence) defeated a Wakefield player 6-4, 6-1 in the first round.

• Shruthi Ramireddy (Ardrey Kell) and Anne Mason-Moore (Myers Park) qualified for the tournament.

4A Doubles • Carson Weber and Mia Basinger (Myers Park) defeated teams from Hough 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 in the quarterfinals and Cardinal Gibbons 7-6 (9-7), 6-2 in the first round.

• Meredyth Barr and Ella Bumgardner (Myers

Park) defeated a Broughton team 3-6, 7-6 (1210), 7-5 in the first round.

• Ardrey Kell duos Julia McMillan and Camden Wallace as well as Hannah Biggers and Silvia Petrikis qualified for the tournament.

3A Singles • Merritt Wilson (Marvin Ridge) defeated an East Chapel Hill player 6-2, 6-1 in the first round.

3A Doubles • Avery Sager and Jeslyn Pratiknjo (Marvin Ridge) defeated teams from Fike 6-1, 6-0 in the semifinals, North Brunswick 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals and Terry Sanford 6-0, 6-0 in the first round.

• Lacey Craig and Ally Gray (Cuthbertson) as well as Ella Sixbury and Sadie Ehrenberg (Charlotte Catholic) qualified for the tournament.

State's proposed infrastructure spending could decrease driver costs

by Nyamekye Daniel

Adobe Stock

Contributor

(The Center Square) – North Carolina's transportation system has been bruised by the pandemic, but the General Assembly's infrastructure plan could be the fuel to reduce driver costs and create jobs.

According to the National Transportation Research Group, 37% of North Carolina's major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. The deteriorated roads cost North Carolina motorists $3.8 billion a year, or $500 each motorist, the group said.

The North Carolina Senate has set aside billions of dollars in its biennium spending plan for infrastructure.

From 2015 to 2019, the federal government provided $1.01 for road improvements in North Carolina for every $1 state motorists paid in federal highway user fees, according to National Transportation Research Group. The state has received $6.7 billion from fiscal years 2016 to 2021 from the federal Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act. In the meantime, drivers bear the costs of vehicle repairs, accelerated

vehicle depreciation, fuel consumption and tire wear because of deteriorating roads, but they still must cover some of the state's maintenance and repairs costs.

More than half (54%) of North Carolina's state transportation funding comes from motor fuel tax, 25% comes from Division of Motor Vehicle fees and 21% comes from highway use tax on vehicle title transfers, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation.

The National Transportation Research Group said vehicle travel in North Carolina has increased 37%

since 2000 as the state's population also grew. It dropped by 38% in April 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with April 2019 but rebounded to 6% below March 2019 levels by March 2021.

North Carolina drivers also are subject to tolls ranging from a few dozen cents to more than $5. State officials said the tolls on the express lanes help decrease traffic congestion.

The Senate's spending plan allocates $4.3 billion to the State Capital Infrastructure Fund over the two years, from which $3 billion can be used for projects. The plan also requires

the state to make annual cash contributions to capital and infrastructure projects of $16.6 billion over the next 10 years, of which $12 billion can be used for infrastructure projects. Senate budget writers also allocated $2.8 billion over the biennium for "strategic transportation investments" and increased the General Maintenance Reserve by $250 million.

The Senate approved its spending plan June 25. House appropriations committee members started combing through the plan last week, but the full House will not hold a vote again until next week. The General Assembly must approve the budget before it can send it to Gov. Roy Cooper for approval.

The National Transportation Research Group said travel infrastructure investments could boost the state's economy. Budget writers said their allocations could accelerate outstanding projects. In the short term, those projects could create jobs. The funding also could improve traffic safety, access and mobility, which the National Transportation Research Group said could stimulate sustained job growth and competitiveness.

Robinson, Senate leader blast CMS link to critical race theory

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RALEIGH – Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and the Senate’s top officer are calling out leaders at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools after the state’s second-largest school system paid $25,000 to a top proponent of critical race theory.

The payment covered Ibram X. Kendi’s virtual presentation recently at the school district’s summer leadership conference.

“This is clear and direct evidence that critical race theory is being pushed in North Carolina,” Robinson said in a statement released June 23 from the N.C. Senate. “The fact that a public school district would pay someone who chooses to teach others that ‘the only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination’ is unimaginable.

“This kind of thinking does not help us move forward from the days of Jim Crow, in fact, it is leading us back to them,” Robinson added. “This makes it clear that the left is working to bring back a racial divide and not unity. It is time that we all take a stand as Americans against critical race theory.”

Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, joined Robinson in highlighting Kendi’s presentation for CMS. “To those who say critical race theory isn’t in North Carolina schools: The state’s second-largest school district paid $25,000 to leading critical race theory proponent Ibram X. Kendi for an event just last week.”

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson criticized Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for using the work of Ibram X. Kendi for staff training.

Maya Reagan/Carolina Journal

The news release from Berger’s office describes Kendi as “perhaps the world’s most prominent critical race theorist.”

“Kendi advocates for racial discrimination,” according to the release. “He wrote, ‘The only remedy to past discrimination is present discrimination. The only remedy to present discrimination is future discrimination.'”

Kendi also opposes capitalism, according to the release. “He advocates an overthrow (death by ‘unnatural causes’) of the economic system that has generated more wealth and progress than any in the history of the world,” the release reports. “He wrote, ‘Capitalism is essentially racist; racism is essentially capitalist. … [T]hey shall one day die together from unnatural causes.'”

Berger and Robinson assign importance to CMS’s involvement with Kendi.

“This is not some footnote to a school curriculum’s consideration of America’s racial past,” according to the news release. “This is the state’s second-largest school dis-

trict embracing a discriminatory ideology by paying $25,000 to learn from the ideology’s most prominent adherent.”

The release notes that CMS encourages students to read Kendi’s book “Stamped: Racism, Anti Racism, and You.” “This is not a public school system encouraging students to read a diversity of perspectives,” according to the Senate news release.

“It is a public school system embracing and endorsing the concepts contained in Kendi’s book.”

“To say I’m troubled by this insidious, discriminatory doctrine’s creep into North Carolina public schools is an understatement,” Berger said. “Children must not be taught that it is appropriate to engage in ‘present discrimination,’ and public schools must be held to account for advancing this dangerous line of thinking.”

It’s not clear from the news release whether Berger or Robinson plan to pursue any official action targeting CMS because of the $25,000 payment to Kendi.

The Weekly • July 9, 2021 • Page 3A

Foundation awards $10K to African American grads

The home is located at 1508 Dilworth Road in Charlotte. Photos courtesy of Dickens Mitchener

Dickens Mitchener listing picked as finalist for HGTV contest CHARLOTTE – A listing represented

by Aubrey Grier, of Dickens Mitchener, has been selected as a finalist in the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt 2021.

The month-long promotion on HGTV. com showcases homes for sale in eight categories: Amazing Kitchens, Beachfront Homes, Countryside Retreats, Curb Appeal, Downtown Dwellings, Homes with a History, Outdoor Escapes and Waterside Homes.

The Dickens Mitchener listing was selected by HGTV’s editors as a finalist in the Homes with a History category.

This private, light-filled 100-year estate is in the Dilworth neighborhood. A $6 million renovation maintains all of the original charm while updating the floor plan for a relaxed modern lifestyle. The home was restored from top to bottom, inside and out all while improving the integrity of the original structure. The entire floor-plan was reimagined to ensure the comfort and convenience for everyday living or entertaining.

Tour the 66 homes selected as finalists by viewing photo galleries on HGTV.com before casting a vote for your favorites. Nominees are represented by members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio International.

A winner will be chosen in each category based on the highest number of votes received. An overall favorite will be awarded for the listing receiving the most votes.

Each winning home will receive exposure on HGTV.com.

CHARLOTTE – Josiah Smith, of Pineville, and Michael Burks, of Matthews, will each receive a $10,000 scholarship over four years from the The Chambers– McCain Foundation of Beta Delta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.

Smith is a graduate of Harper Middle College High School in Charlotte.

He will attend Morehouse College and major in finance to become an investment banker. Smith is active in the National Honors Society, Key Club, football and RISE African American Leadership Organization.

“The scholarship committee was immediately impressed by Josiah because he was fluent in Japanese,” said Ron Ancrum, scholarship committee chair. “He has a wonderful blend of maturity, accomplishment and actively gives back.”

Burks graduated from Porter Ridge High School in Indian Trail.

He plans to major in economics/finance at UNC Charlotte and become a real estate investor and analyst. He is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, The Kappa League of Charlotte and indoor/ STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF FLORENCE Filisha Ann Rouse, Plaintiff, vs.

Christopher Rouse, Defendant.

) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

outdoor track team.

“He is a kind and courteous person and encourages others,” said Tondra White, Burks’ school counselor. “He exhibits a positive attitude with all individuals he encounters.”

The scholarship program is a result of the fraternity’s community service efforts in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

The Beta Delta Boulé has funded social programs to celebrate and promote academic excellence at every educational level – providing support through elementary to postgraduate studies.

In addition to the monetary award, Boulé Scholarship recipients will receive mentorship from Beta Delta Boulé members throughout the duration of their undergraduate careers. Mentors will support and encourage the young men in their academic and professional aspirations.

The Chambers–McCain Foundation and the Beta Delta Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity awards scholarships annually to eligible African American males in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Visit www.chambers-mccain.org for details.

IN THE FAMILY COURT TWELFTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Docket No. 2020-DR-21-617 SUMMONS

TO: THE DEFENDANT ABOVE NAMED: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of you Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office, Smith Ammons Howle, LLC, 614 West Palmetto Street, Florence, South Carolina 29501, within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, the Plaintiff in this action will apply to the court for the relief demanded in said Complaint.

June 30, 2020 Florence, South Carolina

Visit dickensmitchener.com for details about Dickens Mitchener.

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Page 4A • The Weekly • July 9, 2021

Cooper signs pension-spiking protection bill 2021 Election Ballot (so far) higher tax burden for North Carolinians.

The Senate unanimously approved SB 668 on June 22. It cleared the House, 101-3, on June 16.

North Carolina's retirement systems make up the ninth-largest public pension fund in the country and have an estimated value of nearly $118 billion. According to the systems' website, more than 300,000 state retirees are receiving a total of more than $500 million in pension and disability benefits.

Under the previous law, the state could choose not to pay the inflated pension benefits for certain teachers and other state employees who retire with an average final salary of $100,000 or higher. The employee would have to accept the reduced pension or cover the additional contributions.

According to the state treasurer's office, 25 local school boards and one community college, as of April 25, have filed 36 lawsuits seeking to avoid paying their pen-

by Nyamekye Daniel Contributor

(The Center Square) – North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has signed a bill aimed at protecting taxpayers from pension-spiking costs.

Senate Bill 668 temporarily stops local school board from suing the state for its retirement benefit cap and authorizes additional payment options for the liabilities under the cap.

Pension spiking occurs when a retiree earns more from the retirement fund than what their contributions were expected to accrue.

According to the North Carolina Department of State Treasury, it usually occurs when a state employee gets a promotion late in their career or gets leave or benefit payouts. The extra liability also can lead to across‐the‐board increases in employer contribution rates, leading to a

Is your nest egg endangered by medical costs? Consider these key steps Needing long-term care in our senior years is something many people don’t like to think about, much less plan for. But statistics show that a sizable majority of today’s 65-and-over population will eventually require some type of long-term care services, which are expensive.

In fact, they have a 70% chance of needing long-term care in their remaining years.

Other medical and health care expenses also often pile up in retirement. An average 65-yearold couple will spend $295,000 on those costs throughout retirement – excluding long-term care. With these potential bills posing threats to a stable retirement plan, it’s important to find ways to protect the savings nest egg, says Dariusz Godlewski, a licensed investment advisor representative and the president of Financial Wealth Alliance.

“Medical bills and long-term

care don’t have to drain your retirement savings,” Godlewski says. “But they will if you ignore the data and don’t plan accordingly.

“A lot of people think Medicare covers most or all of your healthcare in retirement, but that’s not accurate. As healthcare inflation continues, there are financial planning steps you can take and effective savings strategies to create a cushion in your nest egg for those needs.”

Godlewski suggests these ways to protect your retirement plan from high medical, health care and long-term care costs: • Health Savings Account.

Having an HSA is a way to build a nest egg to cover future healthcare costs, and it’s also a tax-efficient savings option. “You can contribute tax-free money, not pay taxes on earnings, and withdraw the money tax-free now or in retirement to pay for qualified

sion-spike liabilities. North Carolina State Treasurer Dale Folwell said state employers paid about $30 million for the extra costs to the retirement system. There also are $7 million in pension-spiking invoices that were issued but not paid, Folwell said.

SB 668 stops local school boards from filing lawsuits against the policy up until June 2022. It requires a working group to study whether mediation or arbitration would be better than lawsuits and to look at ways to reduce future cases and unfunded pension liabilities. The group must report its findings to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on General Government by April 1.

The measure shifts the additional employer contribution requirement for an employee from their last employer to a previous employer in certain instances. It also allows the employer contribution rate to be adjusted to include an additional contribution amount to resolve the inflated liability.

medical expenses,” Godlewski says. “And you can also put your HSA dollars to work by investing them. Some choose an investment strategy that’s more conservative than their overall retirement investment strategy.” Those enrolled in Medicare can’t make new contributions to an HSA. • Long-term care insurance.

Purchasing this kind of policy results in receiving a monthly benefit toward long-term care, either for a specified period or the remainder of one’s lifetime.

One dilemma, Godlewski says, is that long-term care insurance is expensive and policy holders buy it without knowing whether they will ever need to use it. Another option, he says, is purchasing a life insurance policy with the option of adding a long-term care insurance rider. “An LTC rider allows you to receive part of the death benefit while you’re still alive,” Godlewski says. “The death benefit can be used for long-term care

MECKLENBURG COUNTY RACES • Cornelius mayor: Woody Washam Jr. • Davidson mayor: Russell Knox Jr. • Huntersville mayor: Melinda Bales • Mint Hill mayor: Brad Simmons • Pineville mayor: John Edwards • Cornelius Board of Commissioners: Jim Duke, Mike Miltich, Thurman Ross Jr., Tricia Sisson • Davidson Board of Commissioners: Jane Campbell, Ryan Fay, Autumn Rierson Michael, Dan Ryan • Huntersville Board of Commissioners: Rob Kidwell, Derek Partee, Nancy Reed, Patrick Thomas • Matthews Board of Commissioners: Ken McCool • Mint Hill Board of Commissioners: Patrick Holton, Rhonda Walker UNION COUNTY RACES • Lake Park mayor: James Record vs. David Cleveland • Marshville mayor: Larry Smith Jr. • Mineral Springs mayor: Rick Becker • Monroe mayor: Angelia James vs. Marion Holloway • Wesley Chapel mayor: Amanda Fuller

expenses. The rider can be triggered by the diagnosis of an illness that leaves you unable to care for yourself.”

• Investments. Investing for growth maximizes your savings and creates more room to meet future medical bills. “The idea is for the assets to grow more than the inflation rate for medical expenses, which has usually been higher than consumer inflation,” Godlewski says. “There’s a risk in the medical expenses context of over-allocating to fixed-income investments. That strategy, coupled with today’s low interest rates and the effects of inflation, would lead to diminished purchasing power.”

“The costs can seem daunting, but most retirement healthcare costs can be dealt with if you’ve done proper planning,” Godlewski says. “Viewing those costs as an annual expense can make it easier to plan for and pay for them.”

On the web: www.financial wealthalliance.com

• Fairview Town Council: Patricia Kindley • Indian Trail Town Council: Clarence Alsobrooks Jr., Tom Amburgey, Cade Batchelor • Lake Park Village Council: Grace Stanley • Marvin Village Council: Brandi Smith, Wayne Deatherage • Mineral Springs Town Council: Jerry Countryman, Chelsey Felts, Bettylyn Krafft • Mineral Springs Town Council (unexpired term): James Muller • Monroe City Council: Gary Anderson • Unionville Board of Commissioners: Andrew Benton • Waxhaw Board of Commissioners: Brenda Byrd-McMillon, Jason Hall, Traci Wesolek • Wesley Chapel Village Council: Mike Como, Richard Stephens • Wingate Board of Commissioners: Thomas Legrand

How building a personal brand can bring women back to the workforce The COVID-19 pandemic drove millions of women out of the workforce. A report by McKinsey & Company showed that women comprised nearly 56% of U.S. workforce exits since the crisis began, with many leaving their jobs to take care of their children when schools and daycare facilities were closed.

It’s difficult to predict how many women will return to work, when, and the percentages of those who will come back to their old positions or take on new roles. But as the public health crisis wanes and some companies increase hiring, women who develop their personal brand will improve their chances of standing out amongst the heightened competition for jobs, says Vince Thompson, founder and CEO of the marketing agency MELT and author of “Build Brand You: How To Use Your College Experience To Find And Win Your First Job.” “It’s more important than ever for women to develop their personal brand,” Thompson says. “As some return to the workforce, they will be facing huge competition from recent college graduates and other professionals

who were laid off.

“Employers will look for differentiating factors not only in terms of skill sets and experience, but in personality traits that blend with the companies’ renewed focus on work culture and customer relations, and especially on a job prospect’s capacity for professional growth and flexibility. That means employers want to know more about who you really are, what you stand for, and what drives and inspires you.”

Thompson offers the following ways that women can build and use their personal brand to position themselves for a comeback to the workforce: • Reevaluate yourself. Thompson says solidifying or redefining your brand starts with asking yourself these questions: “With some industries changing, what fields are your top skills most in demand? What have you added to your repertoire? Did the pandemic pause spark career-change thoughts or change your perspective on what you value most in a job?” Once you’ve answered those questions, Thompson says to shape your brand

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accordingly on your social media profile and resume.

• Widen your network on social media.

Sometimes people pigeonhole themselves and limit their opportunities by networking only within their industry or among those with similar jobs. “We all make connections with people with shared interests, talents, and goals, but these days that same old approach makes it harder to stand out in the crowd,” Thompson says. “Expanding your network opens you to new opportunities in fields where employers are looking for growth-minded, talented people who aren’t afraid to leave their comfort zone.”

• Promote yourself and organize your digital brand. “For employers to get a true sense of who you are, you have to go beyond posting your resume on online employment sites,” Thompson says. “You can effectively do so by using alternative ways to display your skills, knowledge and interests.”

Thompson suggests writing blogs or articles to develop your thought leadership or to relate to others’ experiences; posting opin-

ions on things happening in your industry; taking a stand on an important community issue; and posting videos of fun or important events you attended.

• Highlight your pandemic experience.

Thompson says one advantage women have is that many have a unique story to tell from their pandemic experience. “As moms, providers, and caretakers, they got time back to spend with loved ones, and some of their guilt of having missed time with them during the working years went away,” he says. “This brought a new perspective to them about their approach to their families and life in general, what they value in a job and in employers going forward. Discussing in your social media platforms how this life-changing event affected you and your family gives employers real insight into who you are.”

“Your brand is a series of telling snapshots that can get employers’ attention quickly,” Thompson says. “It’s designed to show the overall value you bring and, just as importantly, what you truly value.”

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The Weekly • July 9, 2021 • Page 5A

GUNSHOTS (continued from page 1A)

Jayqua Edward Clyburn, 23, of Monroe, told a detective on the scene that he was going to shoot him because of the shooting investigation, officials said. De-

tectives arrested Clyburn on charges of communicating threats and resisting, delaying and obstructing justice. A warrant check on Clyburn revealed he had multiple warrants for his arrest, according to police.

“Any threat on an officer

ELECTIONS (continued from page 1A)

• Four people have already filed for the Mineral Springs Town Council, including challengers Chelsey Felts and James Muller (who is seeking the unexpired term). Indian Trail and Waxhaw each have three candidates running so far. Waxhaw is all incumbents. Indian Trail is all challengers.

• Waxhaw Commissioner Traci Wesolek, who fought breast cancer this past term, is running for reelection. So is Jason Hall, who was appointed to his seat during the pandemic, and Brenda Byrd-McMillon, who is mayor pro tem.

• Lake Park Village Councilman James

NONPROFIT (continued from page 1A)

pantries, neighborhood pop-up pantries and two new evening pantries in addition to the East Union Empowerment Center. We want everyone in the county to have access to a pantry as close as possible to their home.”

Common Heart thanked four organizations for their support in the opening: • Tyson Foods for providing a $10,000 grant to expand food pantry and economic empowerment services; • New City Church for providing materials, labor and financial support to expand and upfit the economic empowerment program space; • Food Lion Feeds for donating a walk-in cooler, financial support and providing volunteers to help prepare the space; and • Second Harvest Food Bank for donating a walk-in freezer and providing support.

Online: www.CommonHeart.org

is extremely serious, especially in situations where weapons have already been recovered,” Gilliard said. “I am extremely proud of the actions of our officers and their ability to take these dangerous weapons off the streets of Monroe safely.”

Record will challenge Mayor David Cleveland for the seat at the head of the table.

• Gary Anderson, a former Teacher of the Year at Sun Valley High School, is running for a seat on the Monroe City Council. He told Facebook followers: “I love our great city and want to see us continue to ‘Move Monroe Forward' in the right direction.”

Want more coverage?

We'll be posting updates on who enters Union County races on Facebook and Twitter as well as giving more observations daily in our CMG Insider newsletter through the close of filing on July 16. Subscribe by emailing justin@cmgweekly.com and putting “newsletter” in the subject line.

The map shows the parcels on the northeast corner of Potter and Fincher roads near Austin Village that combined to make this proposed project. Photo courtesy of Town of Indian Trail

TOWNHOMES (continued from page 1A)

nities included a saltwater pool/cabana combo, trails, sidewalks and streetlights spilling out onto the surrounding roads. The northwestern corner of the project was reserved for commercial/retail space like a coffee shop, restaurant or dry cleaner.

Project manager Colton Harrell's presentation showed trash and abandoned mobile homes scattered throughout the property as is.

“When people come to see Indian Trail,” Colton said, “this isn't what we want to be represented by.”

Council member Jerry Morse said, “What I don't like is a piece of property that's intentionally left in disarray, so that it can be used as a tool to get something you want. I bought property that had bad mobile homes on it too, and I didn't wait for a rezoning. I cleaned it up, because that was respectful to my neighbors.”

Most neighbors opposed McClendon Place vehemently. Council heard concerns mirroring those voiced by the planning board as well as residents at early community meetings: schools, construction, water/sewer capacity and more. Even though some neighbors were worried about crime, Colton Harrell expected young professionals to move into McClendon Place – “business professionals, doctors, nurses.”

"I did recently drive from this project to the new hospital that's being built in Stallings," Colton said, "and it's seven minutes from this project."

The project manager had to wait for residents in attendance to calm down and finish laughing. Their number one complaint was traffic, an analysis for which determined that if council did approve McClendon, developers would have been responsible for road improvements at Potter Road and Chestnut Lane. However the intersection residents were most worried about is already failing NCDOT standards today, even with McClendon Place scrapped from the picture, and it's not even in Indian Trail's jurisdiction. Stallings is slowly working on improvements for Pleasant Plains and Potter.

“I've driven to work there,” Mayor Michael Alvarez said. "I started out in the morning clean-shaven. By the time I got through the light, I had a beard."

More uproar yet dealt with the density: 5.58 units per acre. To appease neighbors, developers brought the original number of units down from 180 to 170 and planned for a minimum 50-foot buffer at lot lines. But it wasn't enough.

“Those are single-family homes spread out through there,” Morse said, “Whether they're third-acre, half-acre, 4-acre or whatnot, they're not apartments, townhomes, condos. I understand why people get so emotional and say, 'If you're gonna change it this dramatically, why the heck should I stay in Indian Trail?'

You can go ahead and bring in 160 new families while those 40 move out.”

Many of the residents in attendance moved from Charlotte or Matthews for a

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certain style of life. They saw the public hearing as a chance to preserve that.

"What about the turtles and the red tail hawks and the northern flickers?" resident David Williams asked. "It's such a wonderful place, and you're absolutely destroying it with all of this development. [It] is God's gift to us, and it is a sin to destroy this natural habitat in the name of profit."

Council member David Cohn said it's nice to have wilderness, but people own the land.

“You have to put yourself in their shoes,” Cohn said. “If you own property, you want to do with it something someday. Maybe it's gonna go to your grandchildren, children.”

Resident Richard Rust said Harrell's wants and needs shouldn't trump those of the rest of the people.

“The developer has deep pockets,” Rust said. “He has standing in the community.

He's tight with your planning department.

He's even on your comprehensive plan advisory board. But for all those advantages, he has no more or less rights than anyone else.”

Mayor Pro Tem Marcus McIntyre took offense to Rust's comment.

“We love our staff,” McIntyre said. “They do a wonderful job, and I stand behind them, because they work with integrity.”

Cohn said he's never taken a dollar from a developer in his life.

“Never would,” Cohn said, “but developers have done good things for this town.

They've built nice neighborhoods, movie theaters, restaurants – all which helped create these beautiful parks we have.”

R.D. Harrell was hoping to get between $290,000 and $360,000 for each 1,750- to 2,200-square-foot full brick unit.

“Our estimates show at build out, with commercial and residential, this generates right around $300,000 per year for the county and town,” Dean Harrell said.

Build out would've taken three years.

Mayor Alvarez responded to public comments that too many similar projects are already underway along Potter Road. Even though only two of them are within the limits of Indian Trail, Alvarez said it's important to look at the big picture.

"I may be here to represent Indian Trail, but everything we do affects every other town, and everything they do affects us. Saying it's just in Indian Trail is completely hogwash and irrelevant. We need to pay attention to what's going on in our neighboring towns and how we affect each other – something that's not gone on in Union County in forever. If anybody tells me that this county's worked together with its towns, they're lying or dreaming."

McIntyre said the property he lives on now near the Bonterra Village subdivision was once a strawberry field.

“There were people who may have been opposed to the neighborhood I am living in, but I still got to live here,” McIntyre said.

Alvarez made a similar comment.

“We all moved here for the same reason,” he said. “We wanted quiet. We wanted good schools. But so did everybody else who moved here.”

Page 6A • The Weekly • July 9, 2021

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Community The Weekly • July 9, 2021 • Page 1B

Hamilton to rock Novant Health's Welcome Back Festival CHARLOTTE – Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Anthony Hamilton will headline Novant Health's upcoming Welcome Back Festival on July 24 at Romare Bearden Park.

Novant Health is hosting the street festival to mark the progress made in the fight against COVID-19. The free event aims to support diverse businesses, honor healthcare heroes and celebrate milestones reached with the help of the community.

“Being a part of Novant Health’s Welcome Back Festival is such an honor,” said Hamilton, who lives in Union County. “I believe in the work that Novant Health is doing and the care they have for our communities. This says a lot

about their heart and integrity.”

No registration or tickets are required for the event. The first 1,000 people with proof of vaccination are eligible to receive a $10 food voucher for use with food vendors on-site. Vaccinations will be available at the event for both walk-ins and with advance registration. Anyone can register to get their vaccine at WelcomeBackFest.com.

Novant Health will also hold the festival next month in Wilmington and Winston-Salem.

“We are excited to announce the site locations of our three street festivals, which are designed to celebrate how far we’ve come and the people who have helped get us to where we are,” said Kati Everett, Novant Health’s chief communi-

cations officer. “We’re also delighted to work with Anthony who has been a champion for health and safety during the pandemic, first by collaborating with Novant Health last year to spread important messaging about how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic and now as the headliner for Welcome Back Fest.”

The festival will have games and entertainment for people of all ages. Novant Health continues to accept applications from local entertainers and food truck vendors to participate in the event.

Right: Earlier during the pandemic, Anthony Hamilton encouraged people to wash their hands, maintain social distancing and mask up.

Art as healing Painting provides avenue for grieving over son's death

by Cassie Liu Contributor

On a recent Saturday morning, I went to an art fair. Under the dappled shade of the trees, Rhonda Kremer’s abstract paintings shone a gentle light that immediately grabbed my attention. I was so attracted to the colors.

After a short conversation, I learned that Rhonda is a person with stories, and it was some painful experiences that led her to paint. She is also a musician and songwriter who released her first CD album in 2020.

Being curious about her stories, I asked to interview her.

Rhonda has worked with music all her life. She was a music teacher after

earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. After nine years as a public school music teacher, she taught private piano lessons and had her own piano studio teaching business.

Her life was nice and peaceful until an unfortunate trauma happened to her and her family: her 28-year-old son, Jordan. took his life. Rhonda’s heart broke.

In an instant, almost all her joy and happiness disappeared with the loss of her son. For a long period of time, grief was all she could feel.

“I get to decide how I suffer, so I chose to get it out through art,” she said.

Art has the effect of healing. After Jordan left, Rhonda created her first album

The promotion's reemergence comes as restaurants are trying to regain footing lost from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Hensley Fontana Public Relations

Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week begins July 16

see ART, Page 2B

Editor's note: Helen He, director of Junior Art League, coordinates this series, which allows youth in eighth through 12th grades to interview artists throughout the Charlotte region. She sees this as an opportunity for students to learn from artists while giving artists more exposure in the community.

Photos courtesy of Heting He

“It felt so good to release my tears, my anger and my grief through the paint.

It’s like I am painting my grief. Grief is a part of love. When you grieve hard it means you have loved hard.”

• Rhonda Kremer

New congregation supports young single adults

by Kim Button Contributor

WEDDINGTON – A new young single adult congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has formed in the south Charlotte area.

The congregation will serve those between the ages of 18 and 30 who desire to strengthen their faith and form connections with other young single adults.

Prior to its formation, these young single adults (YSA) attended traditional church services or traveled up to 45 minutes to attend a YSA congregation in

Young single adults in south Charlotte after forming their new congregation. Photo courtesy of Diane Sheppard

Uptown Charlotte.

This branch, the name of a smaller-sized Latter-day Saint congregation, will allow congregants to worship together weekly

il sum w w w.c ha rl o tte re ta

m it .c o m

and strengthen relationships with their peers.

“I’m excited to work with these amazing young adults as we build a community of love, sup-

port, and acceptance,” said Mark Beck, the ecclesiastical leader of the branch. see YSA, Page 3B

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CHARLOTTE – After a year-long hiatus, Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns from July 16 to 25 with dozens of area restaurants welcoming diners back with three-course dinners priced at $30 or $35 each.

This summer’s roster includes more than 40 restaurants in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston and Catawba counties. Restaurants in the south Charlotte area include: • Aqua e Vino, 4219 Providence Road; • Bar Marcel, 3920 Sharon Road; • Bulla Gastrobar, 4310 Sharon Road; • Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 3920 Sharon Road; • Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, 7716 Rea Road; • Global Restaurant, 314 Main St., Pineville; • Red Rocks Cafe, 4223 Providence Road; and • Village Tavern, 4201 Congress St. “The restaurant industry is striving to recover after the most devastating period it has ever endured, and the challenges unfortunately continue with staffing and supply chain issues,” said Bruce Hensley of Hensley Fontana Public Relations, which owns and operates the promotion. “For those restaurants that feel ready to participate, this event will hopefully bring more business back while helping customers rediscover the relaxing fun of a nice evening out.”

The culinary promotion launched in 2008 for mid- to high-end restaurants to showcase their offerings to diners.

First-time participants in the promotion this summer include The Wine Loft South End, Golden Owl Tavern in the University City area and Red Salt

by David Burke in Uptown Charlotte.

“The opportunity to gather with loved ones over a delicious, leisurely meal while enjoying the hospitality of a fine restaurant has been sorely missed,” Hensley said. “We hope this event will bring back some of that joy for diners while reminding them of the important place our restaurant community holds in our quality of life.”

Customers can visit Charlotte RestaurantWeek.com to view the list of participating restaurants and their special Queen’s Feast menus as well as to make reservations.

Embassy Suites Uptown Charlotte

Page 2B • The Weekly • July 9, 2021

DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from June 25 to July 1:

Lowest Scores • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 8200 Providence Road, Charlotte – 87.5 Violations include: Certified person-in-charge wasn't available; employee drinks were stored on prep top next to serving lines; walk-in cooler had leak; and chicken was held hot enough.

All Scores Charlotte (28209) • Caribou Coffee, 4327 Park Road – 98.5 • Legion Brewing, 5610 Carnegie Blvd. – 95 • Maple Street Biscuit Company, 2725 South Blvd. – 98.5 • Moosehead Grill, 1807 Montford Drive – 97 • Portofino Italian, 5126 Park Road – 90 • Reid's Fine Foods, 2823 Selwyn Ave. – 99.5 • Village Tavern, 4201 Congress St. – 94.5 Charlotte (28210) • Baoding, 4722 Sharon Road – 93 • Cafe Monte, 4705 Ashley Park Lane – 95.5 • Costa Del Sol, 10215 Park Road – 95 • Harper's Restaurant, 6518 Fairview Road – 97 • Mal Pan, 4625 Piedmont Row Drive – 97.5 • Original Pancake House, 4736 Sharon Road – 95.5 • RH Rooftop Restaurant, 6903 Phillips Place Court – 97.5 • Southern Pecan, 6706 Phillips Place Court – 97.5 • Tacos Y Mas Los Primos, 1343 Sharon Road W. – 90.5 Charlotte (28211) • AC Hotel CLT, 1824 Roxborough Road – 98.5 • Bricktop's Restaurant, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 97 • Domino's Pizza, 4350 Colwick Road – 98.5 • Doubletree Suites By Hilton, 6300 Morrison Blvd. – 97

• Hyatt Centric, 3100 Apex Drive – 95 • Kool Runninz, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 96.5 • Mod Pizza, 4914 Old Sardis Road – 95 • Phil's Deli II, 4223 Providence Road – 96 • Red Rocks Cafe & Bakery, 4223 Providence Road – 97.5 • Rexford Park Public House, 2200 Rexford Road – 96.5 • The Fresh Market (deli), 4207 Providence Road – 95.5 • Yama Asian Fusion, 720 Governor Morrison St. – 96 Charlotte (28226) • Lotus Cuisine II, 4100 Carmel Road – 96.5 • McDonald's, 8824 Pineville Matthews Road – 96 • Pete's Red Hots, 5721 Carmel Road – 100 Charlotte (28227) • Cottage Express, 7209 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. – 98 • McDonald's, 9150 Lawyers Road – 96 Charlotte (28277) • Be's Noodles & Banh Mi, 11318 N. Community House Road – 98 • Cajun Yard Dog, 8036 Providence Road – 96.5 • Cinebarre, 8008 Providence Road – 98.5 • Five Guys, 8020 Providence Road – 97 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (wine bar), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 100 • King Kabab, 14027 Conlan Circle – 98.5 • Lorenzo's Pizzeria/Scoops, 16721 Orchard Stone Run – 99 • Panera Bread, 14835 Ballantyne Village Way – 98 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 8200 Providence Road – 87.5 • Smashburger, 7804 Rea Road – 93 • Smoothie King, 8022 Providence Road – 91.5 • Viva Chicken, 11641 Waverly Center Drive – 90.5 • Zoe's Kitchen, 9848 Rea Road – 94.5 Indian Trail • Jimmy John's, 6405 Old Monroe Road – 97.5

• The Bridge Restaurant, 5902 Indian Trail-Fairview Road – 99 Matthews • Cantina Do Brasil, 4709 Margaret Wallace Road – 98 • Cmak European Deli, 1544 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 98 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3321 Siskey Pkwy. – 95 • Qdoba Mexican Grill, 2233 Matthews Township Pkwy.

– 96 • Sam's Club, 1801 Windsor Square Drive – 96 Mint Hill • Jersey Mike's, 7028 Brighton Park Drive – 95.5 • Mint Hill Rock Store BarB-Q, 7032 Brighton Park Drive – 96.5 • Thrashers Dawgs, 7732 Davis Road – 98.5 • Wayback Burgers, 7014 Tutor St. – 98.5 Monroe • American Deli, 1014 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Carniceria Morelos, 1510 Miller St. – 91.5 • Fox's Alley, 1901 Skyway Drive – 98.5 • Palace Restaurant, 1000 Lancaster Ave. – 98.5 Pineville • Shake Shake Seafood King Crab, 9925 Leitner Drive – 91 Stallings • New Asia Market (meat market), 4400 Potter Road – 100 • Sam's Mart/Amar Mart, 2700 Old Monroe Road – 100 Waxhaw • Ice Cream and Pizza Works, 3913 Providence Road – 95.5 • Pizza Hut, 703 W. S. Main St. – 100 Wesley Chapel • Harris Teeter (deli) – 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 100 • Harris Teeter (meats/ seafood), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 100 Missed last week? www.thecharlotteweekly.com

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Rhonda Kremer recently showcased her work at a festival that combined art and agriculture.

Photo courtesy of Helen He

ART (continued from page 1B)

called “Gratitude.” She said in the album notes, “I am grateful that I got to be Jordan’s mom and hopeful that this music will shed light on suicide and help erase the stigma.”

Aside from music, painting is another art form that she found as healing for her. She feels like her son lives on in her always but especially when she paints.

“I had the courage to paint after Jordan needed to go,” she said. “One day, I woke up and decided I needed to just play with color!”

Although she always wanted to paint since she was a little girl, Rhonda had never painted before. Soon after Jordan’s loss, her friend Melissa showed up at her front door and just hugged her while she cried and cried.

A few days later, Melissa dropped off some paints, a canvas and some brushes in a big brown shopping bag. She is an artist herself and a life coach for Rhonda and thought it might be healing for her to paint.

After staring at those art supplies for some days, Rhonda ordered some palette knives and started swiping paint on a canvas in a carefree way.

“It felt so good to release my tears, my anger and my grief through the paint. It’s like I am painting my grief,” she said, pausing for a moment. “Grief is a part of love. When you grieve hard it means you have loved hard.”

It has been a difficult journey for her, but she found her way out of some of the pain. Rhonda has made it through some tough times with the paintings she created, and now she can’t wait to get up early in the morning, take her coffee to her little art studio and create something that she feels needs to come out. She told me, sometimes she can’t stop painting only to break for food.

“Today I had a total breakdown and cried tons, but then later on I had a great idea that involved a blend of colors to use for the leaves of the painting and I quickly started painting again,” she said. “Now I feel happy inside, which is the title of one of the songs on my album.”

Painting has helped her to get back to a more positive lifestyle again, and it’s also helped her to realize that color is what really

intrigues her.

“Colors make me happy,” she said with a smile.

She also knits dishcloths that match the colors of the paintings sometimes.

Rhonda sometimes feels like painting is a similar process to baking a cake.

“I love to use golden heavy body acrylics because they are so buttery! They are like frosting,” she said. “I love to blend colors with my palette knives. It’s so fun! I try not to judge myself because I want to show that true beauty lies in imperfection. The more imperfect the more beautiful.”

Although her works are mostly abstract, you can find many representational elements in her paintings. Her favorite subjects to paint are music notes and dragonflies. For her, dragonflies represent change, courage, strength, rebirth and renewal.

“I paint dragonflies because they have appeared to me to show me that Jordan is right with me,” she said. “He watches over me sometimes as a hawk, sometimes as a dragonfly. Dragonflies represent our move into the light.”

Rhonda’s positive attitude toward life is also shown in many other aspects of her life.

She loves plants in her home and truly believes they help clean the air. She has a lot of pothos in her art studio to absorb paint fumes.

From the interview and my interactions with her, I found that she is a great mom and a great person. I believe Jordan is very proud of her when he looks at her from heaven.

In all the artist interviews I have done, artists do art either because it’s their passion or they just feel like doing it, but in this interview it was quite different. By talking to Rhonda, I discovered a new way to look at art. I learned that art truly has the effect of healing, and that’s why art therapy works.

When you look at art from this perspective, the perfection of an artwork doesn’t matter anymore. When you heal your heart and soul by expressing what you want to express using whatever art material you want to use, the artwork is already beautiful enough, because as Rhonda said, “Imperfection is perfection.”

Follow @rhondaspaintings on Instagram to learn more.

Kelly Barnhardt, M.S. Owner, College Admissions

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The Weekly • July 9, 2021 • Page 3B

Charlotte Media Group's

Pet Hall of Fame We are collecting the cutest photos of pets in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties for Charlotte Media Group’s Pet Hall of Fame. Unlike other Hall of Fames, we plan on adding to it frequently.

Email photos of your cute pets to justin@ cmgweekly.com or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for consideration. We’ll recognize new inductees each week!

Our social media handles are @mmhweekly, @southcltweekly, @ucweekly, @itncweekly and @weeklywaxhaw.

me focus on the Lord and draw closer reach to the broader Charlotte comto Him. Having a young single adult munity in the form of ongoing service (continued from page 1B) branch will help me learn and grow work and special service projects.

Josh Chapman, who will be attending from others who have a similar desire “Young adults want to help those the YSA branch, said he is also excited to to live a Christian life.” around them,” YSA advisor Fran Bensocialize with peers who share his values.

One of the unique features of a YSA nett said. “They have a tremendous Despite a trend toward declining branch is the opportunity for young ability to make an impact for good in church membership in America – adults to serve their peers and the com- the greater Charlotte community.” dropping below 50% for the first time munity. Members will serve through in over 80 years according to Gallup the Church’s lay ministry program, Want to join?

– these young Latter-day Saints value which will provide them leadership opThe YSA branch meets every Sunday their church membership. portunities as they serve as ecclesiastical at 2 p.m. for worship services at 5897 The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation “My faith is stronger than ever,”The saidNew advisors, teachers, activitiesSales coordinaHemby Road, Weddington. All single York Times Syndication Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018adults between the ages of 18 and 30 Angela Butler, who will be attending620For tors and ministers to each other.

Information Call: Call: 1-800-972-3550 1-800-972-3550 Information the YSA branch. “The Church helps For Additionally, the YSAs provide out- are invited to attend.

For Release Tuesday, July 7, 2020

YSA

For Release Wednesday, July 8, 2020

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ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

Sidney, 13, and Aspen, 6, are both rescued Golden Retrievers that love going to work everyday with mom Michelle Gallo as she runs errands for others. Photos courtesy of Michelle Gallo

Edited by

by Will Will Shortz Shortz Edited

Crossword

S L L U A B W E J A O N B D Y B E A T B Y W F H A T O

T A A N PI E M A S T T E R O E N Q G U A H L A T O N

O D VI E S R A V S O H W O U L T U CI T K O Y U M E T

W A X C EI S A I P S R A E A K H A L O

A R A N L C FI S L A E Y R RI E A P S

N F A R Y U VI T A H D AI ST

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C G R A A R V D E

B E O S M E B S C A S R U T EI R H E E TL EI A X

Experience. Integrity. Humanity.

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We are set up to handle all client needs remotely and safely during this crisis.

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704-841-0760 www.WeaverBuddLaw.com inquiries@WeaverBuddLaw.com 352 East Charles St. | Matthews, NC 28105

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Onlinesubscriptions: subscriptions:Today’s Today’spuzzle puzzleand andmore morethan than7,000 7,000past past Online puzzles, puzzles,nytimes.com/crosswords nytimes.com/crosswords($39.95 ($39.95aayear). year).

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Whether you are a frequent flyer, once-in-a-while traveler, or a flight attendant, you may have found yourself asking whether flying is bad for your veins. It is generally accepted that sitting in a stationary position for any extended period of time is not great for vein health.

Some tips for those traveling by plane: • Stay hydrated • Stand and stretch frequently (when the seatbelt sign is OFF) • Use compression stockings while traveling • Move your toes and flex your feet every 15 minutes or so to keep fresh blood flowing • Stand and walk up and down the aisle when you can • Rub your calves and feet (if you’re able) once per hour Using any or all of these methods could reduce the chances of complications due to flying for extended periods of time.

If you have vein issues or leg symptoms, or want to discuss your vein health or treatment options your best bet is to call Dr. Ford and his team at Vascular Solutions. His team is fully equipped to accurately diagnose and treat any vein problems including varicose veins, venous reflux disease and deep vein thrombosis. They offer minimally-invasive treatment options and treat a wide variety of vein conditions in both men and women on a daily basis.

Read more about Is Air Travel Bad for my Veins at www.vasc-solutions.com/blog

Dr. Peter Ford www.vasc-solutions.com 704-544-7535

7800 Providence Road, Suite 209, Charlotte, NC 28226

Choose a doctor that trains other doctors!

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Page 4B • The Weekly • July 9, 2021

How families can find a franchise that will set their kids up for success College has become too expensive for some families, and even some who can afford it, don’t see a four-year degree as a good investment. In a rapidly changing economy, jobs have dwindled in certain fields and many graduates can’t find work related to their degree.

As an alternative to put them on a solid career path, some parents find that buying a franchise is a way to set their kids up for success before eventually passing the business down to them, says Chris Buitron, CEO and president of Mosquito Authority.

“Owning a franchise is a great way to get your kids quick, comprehensive, hands-on business experience while giving them a big stake in the outcome,” Buitron says. “It creates a real sense of ownership and commitment that can lead to success, and it’s a proven way to leave a legacy to your family.”

Buitron offers the following points families should consider when deciding whether a franchise makes sense as a future business for their children:

• Assess the market opportunity. Buitron says a well-run franchise must be replicable and a proven concept that has shown consistent growth. Some markets are slower to develop than others, and he says thoroughly researching the targeted area’s demographics is essential to determining long-term prospects. “You need to find there is a high demand for your service if it is marketed properly,” he says. “Just because a wellknown brand franchise has performed well in different regions guarantees nothing in your new market neighborhood. The sheer size of the territory isn’t always the most important factor.”

• Do a deep dive into the franchise. One of the benefits of buying a franchise is having a team guiding the franchisee through the entire process of running the business.

But before committing, Buitron says, a potential buyer should take a deep dive into the franchise’s operational platforms and business relationships, a process best done by talking to numerous franchisees. “Talk

with as many franchisees as you can to get a wide perspective on the franchisor through the franchisees’ experiences with the company,” Buitron says. “You mainly want to find how supportive the franchisor is, see supporting documents on all finances, see how long it took various franchisees to achieve profitability, and hear how hard they have to work to achieve and maintain success.”

• Weigh the initial investment. The cost of buying a franchise varies greatly, with the majority running in the $50,000 to $200,000 range, depending on the industry. Other franchise fees can run between $20,000 to $50,000, the lowest price being usually for home-based or mobile franchises. Along with the franchise fee there may be other start-up expenses, such as attorney and professional fees, inventory, signage, equipment, and other build-out costs for your location. “One of the advantages of choosing a franchise, rather than starting your own business, is you have a good feel

going in as to what your initial costs are going to be,” Buitron says. “Your fellow franchisees have given you an accurate picture.”

• Weigh the vulnerability factor. One lesson businesses learned from the pandemic was how vulnerable some were to a sudden and severe dip in the economy. “This is where essential businesses make a lot of sense,” Buitron says. “Or even in tough conditions, niche franchises can survive if they’ve developed a loyal following. The bottom line you need to consider before committing to buy is whether the franchise is dependent on specific market conditions.”

“Building up a franchise as a family-run operation can bring a family closer together and result in the kind of business success that’s hard to find,” Buitron says. “And with jobs hard to find for college graduates, helping run a franchise and learning all the ropes make the family investment well worth it in the long run.”

On the web: www.mosquito-authority.com

Thank you for voting Mint Hill Dance Center as your Best Dance Studio of Matthews and Mint Hill!

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Living life and looking ahead

The Weekly • July 9, 2021 • Page 5B

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

HELP WANTED Electrical Engineer.

Multiple openings. Apply & set microprocessor based protective relays.

Complete relay setting files, coord’n studies, setting & maintaining basis documentation. Operate computer-assisted engg & dsgn s/ware or eqpmt to perform engg tasks. Test & commission microprocessor-based protective relay devices on site. Prep tech’l drawings, specs of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation & operations conform to standards & customer reqmts. Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engg projects or products. Direct or coord configuration, installation, maintenance, support, & testing of electrical systems. Reqmts: Must have at least Bach’s deg in Electrical Engg or the foreign equiv. Jobsite: 5031B W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269. Send resumes to: Power Relaying Solutions, PLLC., 5031-B W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28269.

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THE HANDY MAN

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HELP WANTED Position available in Charlotte, NC. Design and develop solutions on the Salesforce.com platform, using Apex and Visualforce programming language. Identify complex problems and create solutions to resolve them.

Integrate Salesforce with 3rd party applications and other tools. Apply: ATTN: CK-TP, Barings, LLC, 300 S Tryon St, Suite 2500, Charlotte, NC 28202.

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HELP WANTED Applications Analyst Programmer III (Open Systems) – Harris Teeter, Inc., Matthews, NC: Resp for consulting w/the bus users to gather info abt processing needs, objectives, functions, features, & input & output reqs to dvlp functional reqs as well as provide sppt during bus planning of new process solutions.

Reqs Bach degree in Comp Sci, Comp Engng, CIS, Math, IT, a rltd tech field or the eqvlnt edu + 8 yrs of progressive post-degree exp incldg 3 yrs of bus exposure in a distrbtn or retail rltd field using Visual Basic, .NET, Web dvlpmnt, PL/SQL, T/SQL, TCP/IP Stored procedures, ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), Visual Interdev & multi-tiered design, VB script, Java Script & Active Server Page (ASP), ADO.net, VB/C#.net, & ASP.net,.

Reqs exp w/structured coding & object-based coding, change mngmt & scheduling tools, File transfer methods (FTP, AS2), & debugging tools.

Must have legal authority to work in the U.S. EEOE. Mail resume: Balaji Raman, Harris Teeter, Inc., 701 Crestdale Road, Matthews, NC 28105 Ref. 24731.0028

Tony DeMarzo

Over 20 years experience | All work is guaranteed

HELP WANTED French Teacher Middle & Upper School. Providence Day School, Inc. Charlotte, NC. Teach 4 French classes to grades 6 -12 incl AP classes.

Reqs Bach in English, French, Lang / educ field / rel / foreign equiv.

Reqs spoken & written French fluency & 4 yrs direct middle / upper sch French teach exp incl at least 5 Adv Level classes; organize classrm & teach mtrials; utilize oral & written comm w/ students, parents & faculty; collab as team mbr w/ other world lang tchers; teach in comm proficiency prog & curriclm design like ACTFL; incorp. firsthand knwldge of French region, ntnl & itl culture & customs into class exp; & 3 yrs utilize Google Suites & Classroom, Blackbaud.

Must be AAPPL Tester. M - F 7:45 - 3:45 during academic yr & occasionally from hme. Must be able to wrk remotely if necessary. All hires submit to criminal BG chck. Apply: PDS.Frenchteacher@ providenceday.org Ref# 106826

DeMARZO

- Quality, highly experienced teacher and performer - Ballantyne & Indian Trail

Piano Instruction Pat Moehring 704-564-4275

WE PAINT INTERIOR, EXTERIOR AND CABINETS

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HELP WANTED

GARAGE SALE

IT Maintenance Systems Analyst sought by Equitable Financial Life Insurance Co for Charlotte, NC location. Perform complex system analysis & identify core business rqmts & issues to create, enhance & implmnt softwr solutions.

Rqmts: Bachelor’s deg or for equiv in Comp Sci, Softwr Engnrg, Elec Engnrg or rltd fld & 12 yrs of progr, post-Bacc exp as Softwr Dvlpr or rltd pos.

Full term of exp must incl: 8 yrs of exp in COBOL, JCL, & DB2 or VSAM. Must have at least 3 yrs of exp in softwr dvlpmt for insurance & annuity products; wmA/Vantage-one, DSS, design dvlpmt & ENDEVOR, IBM Utilities, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, File Aid, File manager, SAR, Zeke Debugger & Easytriev. FMLI cert required.

40 hrs/wk. Direct applicants only. Send resume to Equitable Financial Life Insurance Co, Attn: HR, 8501 IBM Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28262.

Job code RS01658. EOE M/F/D/V.

GARAGE SALE: July 9/10th. 10944 Casetta Dr., Matthews.

Off Hwy.51 in Bella Sera. Time: 8 am to 2.

Tools, 15-inch TV, art, quality cottons, sewing accessories, home décor, furniture, housewares. Rain or shine.

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In the matter of: THE PETITION OF THOMAS EDWARD CONLEY AND SHELBI NICOLE CONLEY FOR THE ADOPTION OF M. M., AN INFANT FEMALE UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVECIVIL

ACTION NO: 23-2021-A-27

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Notice to Stephen Ray Mitchem, father of the above baby girl, M. M. born on or about 11/14/2011 in Logan Regional Medical Center, Logan, West Virginia.

Notice is hereby given that a verified Petition of Adoption was filed in Logan County Circuit Court on said child, which will request that the father’s parental rights be terminated. You are notified your rights may be terminated in the proceeding and any you may appear and defend any such rights within thirty (30) days from the first publication of this notice. If you fail to respond within the required time after service, said person may not appear in or receive further notice of the adoption proceedings. The Court presiding over this matter is the Circuit Court of Logan County, Logan County Courthouse, Logan, WV. Response shall be made to the clerk and adoption attorney listed below. A copy of said Petition and Order can be obtained from the undersigned Clerk. Done this the 14th day of June, 2021.

Mark McGrew Logan County Circuit Clerk 300 Stratton Street Logan, WV 25601

Adoption Attorney for Petitioners: Robert T. Noone, Esq. Adoption Attorney PO Box 1050 Logan, WV 25601

Page 6B • The Weekly • July 9, 2021

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2945 Matthews-Weddington Rd. | Matthews, NC 28104