Union County Weekly Jan. 7, 2022

INSIDE ▼ Carolina Thread Trail unveils adventure map PAGE 3B Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 • Vol. 16 • No. 1

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Watson previews budget process

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

ABOUT US P.O. BOX 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 justin@cmgweekly.com charlottemediagroup.org

MONROE – Union County Manager Mark Watson told county commissioners Dec. 17 that bonds at the levels of funding requested

by Union County Public Schools and South Piedmont Community College would likely result in some additional funding.

Watson kicked off the Union County fiscal year budget planning Dec. 17.

Each of the county’s service areas, such as emergency services and public works, will provide updates and context about their budgets to commissioners over the coming months.

In addition to the budget process, Watson outlined some large topic areas that the county will be focusing on over the next 12 months, such as strategies for water line extension and sewer capacity.

The county will be engaged in various phases of master planning, with regards to water and sewer,

parks and an assessment on space needs for Union County government, schools and courts.

Commissioners will also have discussions on long-range capital planning to determine how projects get funded and when they get funded.

The county will hold a joint meeting this month with Union County Public Schools and South Piedmont Community College to outline the capital planning process with regards to potential bond referendums in the fall.

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Those are some pretty heavy lifts,” Watson said. “There are plenty of next-level strategic plan efforts that are just as important.”

Watson reminded the board of past funding decisions that will need extra operational expenses moving forward.

These include the opening of a sheriff’s office in May, emergency services building in June, board of elections office in October and Monroe-Union Economic Development office in October.

TikTok chef Recipes attract 1.3 million followers on social media app

Back in time We celebrate 20 years in business, 2A

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

tional and social learning skills.

The activities include a tic-tac-toe puzzle, colored tires and mailboxes where participants move objects from one mailbox to another.

CHARLOTTE – Trazia Rae has built a following of 1.3 million people on TikTok not by piggybacking off the latest viral trend or dancing in front of the camera. The selftaught Charlotte chef has done it by developing recipes from scratch.

In some of her most recent videos, Trazia whips up Southern favorites, such as Chicken Fried Steak and Cheerwine BBQ Sauce. She also posts videos about growing your own food and preparing meals for under $10.

“It’s honestly crazy when I sit and think about it – I have 1.3 million people who want to like watch me cook and help them learn how to cook,” she said. “It’s crazy.”

It may be crazy, but it’s not by chance. She has worked hard to get to this point.

Initially skeptical of the social media app, Trazia started posting full-time to TikTok about a year and a half ago. She Rae had to figure something out as the pandemic prevented her from returning to her food industry gig.

She noticed large jumps in followers after she posted recipe videos. Sponsorships began rolling in.

Now she has an agent and creates content full-time across multiple social media platforms.

“I go back and watch my older videos and I kind of cringe sometimes,” she said. “Why’d you do that? Why’d you say that?”

Over the past two years, she’s seen improvement in how she cooks and creates content. She incorporates quick cuts into her TikTok videos, which tend to make difficult dishes look easy.

She has a lot of followers who are vegan. They encourage her to create more recipes that suit their tastes.

“I really feel like doing all this and having people pushing me and helping me has also made me not only change as a creator but as a person as well,” she said. “I am very thankful.”

see TRAIL, Page 5A

Follow Trazia Rae @TraziaRae.

15 to Watch People to keep an eye on in 2022, 3A

Two Hearts One Language Founder Janie Smith said the new trail is really important for the well-being of the nonprofit's clients. Photo courtesy of Two Hearts One Lanuage

Path to recovery Two Hearts One Language opens sensory trail

Year in Quotes A look back at our favorite comments, 1B

Cute babies Hospitals deliver New Year's babies, 3B

New neighbors See home sales from our coverage area, 4B

by Lee Noles Contributor

MONROE – Since its inception in 2015, Two Hearts One Language has helped people find balance with mental, physical and emotional needs by working with horses. The nonprofit added to that belief by opening a sensory trail in the countryside of Union County in December.

“There are all kinds of activities to keep them focused and have them working at reaching and grabbing things,” founder Janie Smith said of the new trail.

“It sounds like real simple things for you and me but for someone with focus control … it is really important.”

Smith said Hunter Newstreet was a big reason the trail came to fruition. Newstreet was looking to achieve his Eagle Scout rank and approached Smith about helping her organization for his community project. Newstreet and other Boy Scouts from his troop cleared the area on the property of The Inn at Rosehill and Rosehill Stables. He worked closely with Two Hearts One Language head counselor Tabetha St. Arnauld to develop a program to fit the needs of riders.

“He did it all,” Smith said of Newstreet, who also raised the money for the trail. “It’s a huge

Hunter Newstreet, who was seeking his Eagle Scout, helped get the ball rolling on the project. Photo courtesy of Two Hearts One Language

resource we use for the kids who are working on control issues and focus issues. It’s a big, big thing.”

The trail’s loop-pattern design has a dozen stops placed throughout the nearly 600-foot path to help riders develop physical, emo-

Page 2A • The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022

page 18

Going Beaten down back to the future Volume 2, Number 1 • Jan. 5-11, 2007

Union County Weekly | Jan. 5-7, 2007

STAY CONNECTED • Twitter and Instagram: @mmhweekly. @ucweekly, @southcltweekly, @weekly waxhaw and @itncweekly

UCPS bans corporal punishment policy

by Alison Woo editor@unioncountyweekly.com

www.unioncountyweekly.com

her daughter. “Look how hard it would be to hit her in the right spot. It would be very easy to damage a sciatic nerve or her spine.”

Majni’s words hung in the air.

“The board has an awesome opportunity to break the cycle of violence and protect. Will each of you be a protector or an enabler?” she challenged.

UCPS board members voted 6-3 to place a formal ban on the use of corporal punishment in the county’s schools.

There had been a moratorium on the policy for the past two years, instituted by Superintendent Jerry Thomas, current Superintendent Ed Davis’ predecessor.

But the policy, which educators said was mainly used on the district’s elementary school students, had never officially been changed. Principals and the superintendent agreed to find another way to discipline students.

Majni was inspired to bring her daughter to the meeting so that board members would put a face to the policy. “I need to know that my children are safe at school and that the leadership can create positive and effective discipline methods,” said Majni, a Waxhaw resident who also has an 8-year-old daughter in the school system.

Several other parents, all of whom live in western Union County, joined Majni in her quest to wipe the policy off the

An independent an

books. Waxhaw resident Peggy Dean, a board member of Parents and Teachers Against Violence in Education and one of the most vocal leaders opposing the policy, urged the board to consider changing its stance.

New words for old issue It was kind of a manic Dean Arp, UCPS board chairman, hen Jamie Majni, armed with a Monday when I looked down quickly responded to comments Dean paddle, approached the podium at our media kit during a staff with her 6-year-old daughter, made at the board’s December meeting • Like us on Facebook Anna, those assembled at the Union by adding the item to January’s agenda. meeting and saw the line, “This is a very important issue,” he said.

County Public Schools’ monthly board • E-edition: issuu.com/ "founded in 2002." meeting Tuesday, Jan. 2, crackled with “We, as a board, are trying to do the pubcarolinaweeklynewspapers "Should we make a big deal anticipation. Seeing the angelic redlic’s work.” about this?" I asked Publisher Previous boards had been deadlocked haired elementary school student standAdrian Garson. when the issue first surfaced two years ing next to a paddle that spanned almost CONTACT US two-thirds of her petite frame, one couldago. But with three new board members At that point, Adrian's reand a growing public discourse about n’t imagine trying to hit her with it.

PUBLISHER sponse started to get drowned with the policy, Arp sensed it was time to “She weighs 35 pounds,” Majni said of Adrian Garson out by a 1980s montage perrenew the conversation. adrian@cmgweekly.com formed by Huey Lewis and “At the risk of being aggressive, I asked Mary Ellis (assistant superintendent of the News. The sweet sounds MANAGING EDITOR administration for UCPS) to draw up lanof saxophone echoed through Justin Vick guage that would essentially ban the punmy head as I pictured myself justin@cmgweekly.com ishment,” Arp said as board members summoning a DeLorean time received copies of potential verbiage. machine from "Back to the “That is by no means an attempt to put ART DIRECTOR language down, but to provide a method Future" and going through Lonna Koblick for a ban.” Arp, who is in favor of corporal time to search for unique tidart@cmgweekly.com punishment, said that he hoped a combits from newspapers of Charpromise could be made, allowing parents ADVERTISING lotte Media Group's past. to elect to use corporal punishment.

Charlotte Conway Six-year-old Anna Majni holds a paddle that had been Then I realized 20 years ago (more on page 5) used in Union County schools. charlotte@cmgweekly.com was nowhere near the 1980s, News we have computers now and flammable liquids in the garage may have SUPPORT everything should be on the Matthews-Mint Hill Weeklycongestion | Jan. 5-7, 2007 acted as an accelerant to the fire, but Vines ADMINISTRATOR Proposed parking lot might relieve Four Mile greenway server. Montage over. said that investigators report they did not Aspen Earley

by Alison Woo back end of the car sticking out.” find that to be the case. The final report is

by Frank DeLoacheTurns way atout, Rea not Road everything and Bevington is Place.

Matthews’ Four Mile Creek aspen@cmgweekly.com frank@matthewsminthillweekly.com and Mint Hill residents who Investigators say a house fire that killed “It started in the dashboard area of the due in a few weeks. there.Matthews The first issues we have Greenway nearly complete now drive to use the greenway won’t have is now vehicle but fire officials weren’t able to pinMeanwhile, a fund for the Parry family Charlotte City Councilman Andy Dulin to wait2004, much longer Matthews’ are from and for every nowown two young Stallings sisters Dec. 27Construction of Matthews’ first greenway, being blamed on the family’s sport a certain cause or area,” he said. Vines has been created by their church. Financial Fourutility Mile Creek,point is expected to be complete admitted he’s “jacked” parking spaces at Four Mile Creek greenway to be finished. and (see then, I notice the occawithin two months, vehicle. Brett Vines, Union County’s public addedweather that it’spermitting, “not uncommon in a vehicle contributions may be sent to the Parry the Shops at Piper Glen. sidebar article) town spokeswoman Annette Privette Keller “Officer, get this man,” Mayor Anthony cyclists, parents with sional Runners, issue iswalkers, missing. information officer, said the fire started in fire to not know the reason because there Family Fund at Morningstar Lutheran said.

Foxx joked at a Dec. 20 city council zoning children and adults with dogs have flocked NEWSLETTER the Parry family’s 2006 Honda Pilot,Construction which are soinmany parts; it’s hard to determine.”

Church, 12509 Idlewild Road, Matthews, began November 2009, well.

Doesn't matter. hearing, after hearing Dulin’s confession.Oh to the greenway and their cars routinely fill greenwaySpeculative stretches from Squir- suggested that gas or was “three-quarters in the garageand withthethe reports NC 28105. ❑ The problem for Foxx and shopping center the fewplenty parking spaces the north side There's of onmaterial rel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, officials is that they would have to arrest of two-lane Bevington Place and routinely to the Matthews Community Center, 100 here.takeEvery issueat the of Shops 2022, a lot of people for taking parking places parking spaces at Piper E. McDowell St. It also offers a path from while using the Four Mile Creek Greenshopping centera across the street South Trade Street to East John Street. we'llGlen share either picture, way, across the street from the center. and the Touchstone community across One trail, which runs from East John storyElmorLane.layout that makes The new greenway has proved wildly Street to Brenham Lane, is complete, and residents can use it now, Privette Keller popular with area residents, but with that County park officials hope to offer some that particular week unique. said. To access this trail, use neighborhood success has come a problem: parking, relief for parking congestion by installentrances at Brenham Lane, Woody Creek offerings, especially on the eastern end of the green-In this week's (see Greenway on page 14) Road, Privette Street or East John Street. two-time NBA MVP Steph There is no public parking for this trail, however, at this time.

Curry lights up Bojangles' Once the greenway is complete, residents can park at the Matthews Community CenColiseum in Charlotte, beter or Squirrel Lake Park. The greenway loved Four Mile Creek Greis constructed with asphalt, concrete and boardwalk materials. No motorized transenway is on the brink of portation is allowed on the greenway, and pets must be leashed, Privette Keller said. completion in Matthews and The trails are open from dawn to dusk.

Subscribe to our free email Kara Lopp/MMHW photo Union County Public Schools Find construction updates online at newsletter to stay on top Work on Matthews’ Four MIle Creek Green- www.matthewsfun.com and click “Project formally leaves the spanking way is expected to be complete within two Updates.” Announcements are updated at The popularity of the Four Mile Creek Greenway in south Charlotte has created a problem: of everything we are pubparking. This is the regular scene on Bevington Place at Rea Road, where greenway users jockey months. But residents can already use one least every two weeks.

Charlotte Weekly | Jan. 7-13, 2005 toway,the parents.

–and Justin VickBevington section, accessible through neighborhood enthen negotiate their often with children pets, across lishingfor inparking printplaces andand online, Bobby Cochran/CW photo

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Cause for fatal fire found

Frank DeLoache/MMHW photo

Union County U C R l Estate ty Real

to get to the greenway. People also “jack” parking places in the Shops at Piper Glen.

as well as what we’re sharing across our social media platforms. Visit one of our websites for a link to subscribe.

– Kara Lopp

trances or off East John Street (above).

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Jan. 7-13, 2011 • Page 11

ARTS .

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Page 4A • The Weekly • Oct. 22, 2021

15 people to watch

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Here are 15 people we’ll be watching very closely over the next year. Most are new to their roles or face new challenges.

Matthews-Mint Hill Ken McCool Matthews Board of Commissioners Being the top vote-getter in the 2021 election led to him being appointed mayor pro tem. With a more prominent role, McCool may manage meetings when Mayor John Higdon is away or mix it up more with leaders from other towns.

Clark Pennington Matthews Police Department While Matthews is a safe community, its police department gets more calls for service annually. Chief Pennington will try to convince commissioners to grant him more staff while some elected leaders will nudge him to recruit more Black officers.

Carol Sawyer Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education The CMS school board recently voted to change its districts. Sean Strain keeps most of south Charlotte, but Sawyer takes over a more conservative area in Mint Hill. She tends to vote differently than Strain on many issues.

Kwame Stith Rocky River High School Ericia Turner served as principal at Rocky River High School from 2016 to 2021. Stith served as an understudy and earned the promotion to principal in mid-September. He has an opportunity to build tradition at the 12-year-old school.

Mark Tofano Matthews Board of Commissioners As commander of the Matthews American Legion Post, we’ve heard a lot about Tofano’s sense of patriotism. As a newly sworn-in Matthews commissioner, we should see more of his entrepreneurial spirit.

South Charlotte Tariq Bokhari Charlotte City Council He had tense moments with council colleagues and executive staff in 2021 over ambitious projects he thought needed more vetting. Bokhari may emerge in 2022 as a strong advocate for a more walkable city.

Robert Folk Myers Park High School Folk will work to improve the climate at Myers Park High School, where sexual assault victims felt dismissed by the previous administration. He’s not just a veteran principal (since 2006), but he’s also a Myers Park alum.

Marcus Jones City Charlotte Charlotte’s city manager will need to hire new directors for planning and housing/neighborhood services.

He also has reengage leaders across the region to support the city’s transit goals.

Tepper Tepper Sports & Entertainment David Tepper has joined an elite group of people to own more than one professional sports team. Charlotte FC will mark its Major League Soccer debut in February while the NFL’s Carolina Panthers will have a long off-season to retool.

Raynard Washington Mecklenburg County Gibbie Harris has been in the forefront of local COVID-19 response.

Washington just replaced her as public health director. It will be interesting to watch his interactions with county leaders and the public during a third year of the pandemic.

Craig Horn Weddington Town Council Mayor Horn enters office with five terms under his belt as a state legislator. He has served on the Weddington Town Council before, but it will be interesting to see how time in Raleigh has affected his views and skills as a local leader.

Melissa Merrell Union County Board of Education The UCPS board chair hasn’t flinched from any criticism regarding the district’s stance on COVID-19 quarantines and masks.

Merrill may shake up the county commissioners race by campaigning for more resources for schools.

Union County

Ashley Nowell Town of Waxhaw Waxhaw has earned kudos in recent years for revitalizing downtown, but one of its newest hires could take those efforts to the next level. The town hired Nowell to serve as downtown development director after serving a similar role in Missouri.

Marion Holloway Monroe City Council Monroe is in a good place financially, but the new mayor must improve morale at city hall. The council, which has three new members, has to hire a new city manager and move forward from last year’s drama surrounding a council member.

Mark Watson Union County Watson and his department heads are preparing a conservative county budget amid inflation, lagging infrastructure investments and the potential of a school bond referendum. Will he recommend a budget that doesn’t raise taxes?

Charlotte leaders talk bridge-building in new video series CHARLOTTE – Community leader David “DaeLee” Arrington will host Bridge Builder Conversations, a nine-part video series meant to explore the opportunities and challenges of building bridges across racial, social, economic and other differences.

The series, premiering in January 2022, is sponsored

by Bank of America and Black-owned creative agency HUE HOUSE. “Taking steps to know and understand one another can be a transformational experience,” shared Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte. “Community bridge-building is important for progress, and we applaud this series and are proud to be one of the sponsors.”

Bridge Builder Conversations will feature uncommon, unscripted conversations with trailblazers and cultural leaders, including Hugh McColl and Harvey Gantt. Each episode is about 60 minutes, and viewers can expect authentic dialogue with each guest unveiling their personal journey and experiences in their industries.

Dae-Lee describes the documentary-style series as a mix between HBO’s “The Shop,” NPR’s “Code Switch” and Jada Pinkett Smith’s “Red Table Talk.”

“My hope is that Bridge Builder Conversations will offer a window into the value of creating safe space for authentic conversations across difference, which I believe can move us all to contributing to real sustainable

change rooted in a genuine care for one another,” DaeLee explained.

Bridge Builder Conversations is a resource from Bridge Builder Consulting, an innovative, relationship-centered consulting agency, engaging organizations and their leaders as they navigate diversity, equity and inclusion work.

Dae-Lee’s Bridge Builder Motivational Journal is now available, as well as the Bridge Builder Patreon and Bridge Builder Motivations podcast on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

“Dae-Lee is a natural at creating authentic conversation,” said Molly Shaw, former president and CEO of Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, who is featured in Bridge Builder Conversations. “He creates spaces that feel safe, asks questions that are real and truly cares about finding common ground in our humanity,” Bridge Builder Conversations Lineup Highlights Bridge Builder Conversations kicks off on Jan. 13, with remaining episodes releasing every other week.

Details for the series can be found at WeBridgeBuild. com.

• Hugh McColl, former chairman and CEO of Bank of America • Harvey B. Gantt, first African American elected as mayor in Charlotte • Michael Marsicano, president and CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas

The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022 • Page 5A

Vaccine photo irritates some Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, we published several graphics of some of the people that made our round-up of the 100 Biggest Newsmakers.

The most popular (or unpopular) graphic was one of Union County Public Schools Superintendent Andrew Houlihan. He earned Regional Superintendent of the Year and subsequent raise and contract extension.

But what set a lot of people off was the photo of Houlihan getting a COVID-19 vaccination. It was taken during a mass vaccination event for educators.

People assumed there was an ulterior motive to us using this photo. It just happened to be the most recent and fastest photo of Houlihan we could find on the server.

School board member Kathy Heintel was among those who believe a more appropriate photo should have been used.

The school board has been critical of the state’s leadership during the pandemic. They’ve rebelled against mass gathering requirements last school year for graduation and questioned quarantine guidelines during this school year.

Here are a few of the more than 200 comments from the Houlihan post. We clumped them into two categories.

We Suck

He himself should be livid you used this image of him. You should be ashamed for pushing this ridiculous agenda. Move on, it’s been almost 2 years. We can all make our own life decisions. – Mary Grens DeGaetano Surely they could have found a more honorable photo? A better choice of photo would have been one with awards and students. – Allison Powers Of ALL of the great accomplishments as a superintendent, this is the picture you chose to represent him and our schools? Why? So disgusted with this forced agenda. – Tiffany Skrabacz

Maybe We Don’t Suck

For those commenting on the photo choice, Dr. Houlihan worked with Atrium health to set up vaccine clinics for those teachers and staff who chose to be vaccinated. Many teachers used this option and appreciated the availability. A simple “congrats” would be enough, no need to spread negativity. – Kimberly Crooks Church Thank you Dr Houlihan for being part of the solution. It’s all personal Choice until you exercise yours apparently. – K Lee Smith

Unbelievable! WRONG Picture to represent the Superintendents accomplishments.

Some of y’all are so triggered. – Melissa Banks

TRAIL

that you do have the power to do it. You can’t change what is going on outside of you, but you can change what is going on inside of you.”

Smith has been around animals since she was a child on her family farm in Union County. She trained horses and taught riding lessons before getting certified to help with mental health by using horses in 2004.

Two Hearts One Language started more than a decade later and has seven rescued horses and 15 volunteers.

Smith said her goal is to expand the hours offered while continuing to raise money. Forty sessions are available with each costing as much as $60.

“A lot of our families can’t afford to pay that, and we are a nonprofit, so we don’t turn anyone away,” Smith said. “The need is so great and it is so effective.”

(continued from page 1A)

The design of the trail also helps people develop skills to combat anxiety and better handle social situations by working with horses through nonverbal cues, body movement and the tone in their voice. Survivors of domestic violence, at-risk youth and people with autism and ADHD are some of the participants who benefit from the techniques Two Hearts One Language have offered.

“The main thing it does for you is that it gives the power back to you, because you want the horse to do something and the horse wants to do it for you,” Smith said.

“The horse is not going to have to change.

You are going to have to change the way you say something.

“The horses do make (the riders) realize

Page 6A • The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022

Community The Weekly • Jan.. 7, 2022 • Page 1B

“If we want upward mobility, if we want Mecklenburg County to attract and retain talent, then let’s start by putting our young scholars first.” – School board member Jennifer De La Jara to Mecklenburg County Commissioners on Jan. 5 to fully fund Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ 2021-22 fiscal year budget (1/08)

“If we jam this through in the next 60 days, we’re going to have to spend the next several years in monthly rezoning meetings trying to figure out how we get ourselves out of the situation we create for ourselves with a plan that is ultimately just full of a lot of aspirational themes.” – Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari on not trying to rush a decision on a comprehensive plan (3/5, m)

“You can not continue to openly fund failure and expect that we are going to build strong children.” – Jordan Boyd to Mecklenburg County commissioners on Jan. 5 on advocating Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools be held accountable for a widening achievement gap (1/08)

“I represent pretty much 40,000 people and I’m their voice.

At this point, I’m going to be a bull in a china shop. I’m going to make as much noise as possible until they are ready to work fairly with us.” – Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez on playing hard ball with NCDOT (3/5)

“We’ve had a lot of philosophical discussions about mandating vaccinations. We’re kind of going under the peer pressure philosophy.” – Matthews Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh upon telling town leaders only 15% of first-responders had been vaccinated through Jan. 11 (1/18) “Now that I’ve entered into pageantry, I especially want all ages of girls and women to know you can get dirty and still be pretty, too. You can be tough and classy, have on tennis shoes one minute then throw some heels on the next.” – Retired boxer Carrie Flock after winning Ms. NC America’s United States on Jan. 9 (1/18) “This is a very great country. I chose to come here. I chose to become a citizen. I am still proud of this country irrespective of some of the things that are going on right now. I have a lot of hope for this country.” – Indian Trail Mayor Pro Tem Marcus McIntyre on making Juneteenth a staff holiday (1/22) “This is not political. It’s a time to heal. It’s a time to bring everybody together.” – Indian Trail Councilman David Cohn on approving Juneteenth as a town holiday (1/22) “The Spotlight Players’ small but mighty nine-person cast is proof of musical theater magic. No sets, costumes or 40-person ensemble is needed to bring us into the thrilling world of 1920s New York City.” – Composer Dan Mertzlufft on the performance of Spotlight Players at the 2021 Junior Theater Festival Online Extravaganza in January (1/24) “The area designated as the veterans memorial had been left to literally decay to an absolutely disgraceful state. We couldn’t even lay the wreath on the memorial wall because there was nothing but dirt and mud there. The names on the wall were so encased with algae that you could not even read some of the names.” – Mark Tofano in January on the state of the veterans memorial prior to the American Legion fixing it up (1/24) “Accounting gets this bad rap of being kind of stuffy and boring. I can say working for the Town of Matthews is never boring. The board, the manager’s office and our lovely auditors always keep me on my toes.” – Senior Finance Specialist Lindsey Wiggs said upon Matthews earning a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 22nd consecutive year (1/29) “Our local businesses care about our community. They know their customers by name. They are our neighbors and our friends. They are what make our town unique.” – Mint Hill Mayor Brad Simmons in January on the importance of supporting small businesses (1/29) “If Charlotte is a stock, I’m investing be#cause what we’re doing is something that I think it’s somewhat unique,” he said.

“We listen to our residents.” – Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones said during a Jan. 28 town hall meeting (2/5) “There are plenty of options for residents looking for senior housing in Wesley Chapel. We already have problems with failing roads, traffic, stormwater and overcrowded schools. We want to encourage a healthy rural environment for our residents.”-- Acting Mayor Amanda Fuller to county leaders are about a senior housing community proposed for Waxhaw-Indi

an Trail Road near Weddington Road (2/12) “2020 was actually a great year for the Town of Waxhaw in spite of setbacks like floods, drink ing water issues, rallies and the COVID-19 pandemic.” – Waxhaw Mayor Ron Pappas during a Feb. 9 town hall (2/12) “Pineville is the last little community in Charlotte to revamp.

We look forward to being part of the area’s vibrant and exciting growth.” – Kevin Devanney, of Margaux’s Wine, Pizza & Market, heading into the opening of the restaurant (2/19) “I would have never thought that being here in elementary school, that I would be a Teacher of the Year here.”-- Yaronda Kilgo, a kindergarten teacher at East Elementary, the same school she attended as a girl (2/19) “We’re not just meeting for coffee anymore.” – Jessica Tullar on the Matthews Chamber of Commerce emphasizing its support for business owners (2/29) “This will bring health care right into the backyard of the communities we serve.” – Saad Ehtisham, president of Novant Health Greater Charlotte Market, during the groundbreaking for Ballantyne Medical Center (3/5, photo)

“It has gotten to the point where it’s time to make some noise and let the people know we hear you. We’re doing the best we can against a bureaucratic monster that answers apparently to no one but themselves that misappropriates money and severely needs to be audited, stripped and rebuilt from the ground up.”

– – Indian Trail Mayor Michael Alvarez on playing hard ball with NCDOT (3/5)

““It does not destroy property values. It does not destroy the character of neighborhoods.

It’s just makes our community a lot more inclusive.” – Charlotte Councilman Malcolm Graham on the Charlotte Future 2040 plan (6/25)

the best of

what people said in 2021

“I get a big lump in my throat when I think about all this coming to an end.” – Steve Poston on retiring from Wingate University after 50 years of service (3/12, photo) “Honestly, I wondered how in the heck I got elected mayor and what kind of a situation we had got our#selves in. I learned to pray and I ask God to give us the ability to make decisions to make Mint Hill proud.” – Robert Long reflecting March 11 on Mint Hill’s 50th birthday (3/19) “We’re sitting here having these same conversations. It’s just overly frustrating to me because we continue to ask and plead with staff. To be honest, we need disruptive innovations here that are going to solve things like this because we’re not going to pave or plan our way out of it right now.” – Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari on how the congestion along Providence Road is not going to be solved by a magic solution (3/19) “We want a great city but right now we’re not willing to spend the money that going to be necessary to build a great city.” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles on hesitancy to put money toward road infrastructure (3/19) “Inevitably, progress is stunted by outside forces of political posturing. While we discuss semantics and minutiae, Matthews veterans are subjected to a cold and unnecessary controversy.” – Matthews Mayor Pro Tem Renee Garner on how a gesture to honor veterans with a memorial park became political (3/19, mug) “Matthews has been in existence for 142 years and we do not have a veteran’s park. I think it’s time to change that.” – Matthews Mayor John Higdon before the town commissioners approved the creation of Matthews Veterans Memorial Park (3/26) “This is the biggest no-brainier in history,” Indian Trail Councilman David Cohn on supporting a bill that would let the town charge a hotel occupancy tax (3/26)

“It doesn’t mean that we don’t teach that history. It simply means we don’t honor those folks and the way they have been honored up until now.” – Charlotte Councilman Larken Egleston on renaming streets (2/12)

“At some point in time, we’ve got to put a stake in the ground and stick our necks out. Whether that politically costs us, that’s for each of us to decide. We can’t fall into the trap of the what-ifs. We have to dream a little bit here.” – Stallings Councilman John Martin on moving forward with planning for a downtown (4/16) “He gave everything he had for this community. He’d want us to press on.” – Waxhaw Community Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad Fire Chief Greg Sharpe said following the passing of Capt. Ronald McGarvey (4/30) Every day, I get the opportunity to just work with some really amazing women who inspire me and they meet me on such a creative level. Our administrative staff is just so great and they support us in any way that we need. They’re rock stars. They’ve done an amazing job navigating through these crazy times and just leading us with such grit and grace.” – Hannah Park on winning Union County Public Schools Teacher of the Year (5/7) “I feel a profound pit in my stomach. I really feel quite ill seeing these statistics. I believe the headline for the public and for the media should be what a profound crisis in education in this community is experiencing.” – Commissioner Leigh Altman in May in response to CMS testing data (5/14) “This truth hurts. It casts a shadow over our university, my alma mater, and is not in keeping with who we are today, what we value and how we strive to be more inclusive for the students who study here and the people who work here.” – Wingate University President Rhett Brown on officials realizing the institution’s namesake had ties to slavery (5/14) “I’m sitting here crying because I’m hearing information I’ve heard before and there’s no support for Black children in this district.” -- Commissioner Vilma Leake on learning of CMS’s performance during the budget season (5/14)

Page 2B • The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022

Cooking

Celebrity chef shares comfortfood recipes for holidays CHARLOTTE – ‘Tis the season for gathering with loved ones, and celebrity chef Kevin Winston is sharing popular comfort food recipes perfect for your dinner table.

The chef who has prepared dishes for Steve Harvey, Anthony Hamilton and Christian McCaffrey provides step-bystep instructions for a delicious prime rib and a sweet-potato cornbread recipe that puts a fresh twist on the Southern staple.

“The trend of gathering at home is sticking around, and this is an entree and side dish that can elevate your menu and win over your guests,” said the Charlotte-based chef. “They’re some of my most-requested dishes.”

With the impact on the supply chain due to the pandemic, Winstonwho has more than a decade of experience under his belt, says the recipes also include many ingredients that people may already have in their homes.

“We’ve all had to navigate the challenges of trying to shop for our favorite items. Luckily, you can head to your pantry for several items on the recipes’ ingredients lists,” he said. “In the end, it’s about sharing a meal with the people who mean the most to you. I’m glad that we’re safely returning to those traditions.”

Get the recipes for Winston’s oven-roasted prime rib and sweet potato cornbread below.

Oven-Roasted Prime Rib Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: Approx. 2 hours, 20 minutes Servings: 4 Ingredients • 4 pounds prime rib roast • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence • kosher salt Instructions 1. Place rib roast on a plate and bring to room temperature, about 4 hours.

2. Preheat an oven to 500° F (260° C).

3. Combine butter, pepper and herbes de Provence in a bowl; mix until well blended. Spread butter mixture evenly over entire roast. Season roast generously with kosher salt.

4. Roast the 4-pound prime rib (see footnote if using a larger and smaller roast) in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Turn the oven off and, leaving the roast in the oven with the door closed, let the roast sit in the oven for 2 hours.

Remove roast from the oven, slice and serve.

Cook’s Note: Your cooking times will vary depending on the size of your prime rib roast. To calculate your cooking time, multiply the exact weight of the roast by 5. Round the resulting number to the nearest whole number. The rib is cooked at 500° F for exactly that many minutes. For example, for a 6 pound roast: 6x5=30, so cooking time is 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and wait 2 hours before opening the oven door. Remove the prime rib and slice into the most perfectly medium-rare meat you’ve ever seen.

Sweet Potato Cornbread Prep time: 30 mins Cook time: 1 hour Servings: 18 Ingredients • 1 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon nutmeg • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 1/2 cup sweet potato puree • 2-4 tablespoons honey • 1/2 cup milk • 2 large eggs

ACROSS 1 Forest hatchling 6 Home of Hells Canyon and Heavens Gate Lookout: Abbr.

9 Root site 14 Chitchat 16 St. ___, only nation named for a woman 17 1968 Clint Eastwood western with six nooses on its poster 18 Much-trapped animal in wilderness America 19 It’s hardly a Champagne cooler 20 “Why ___?”

21 Highest peak in N.Z. 22 “Sick, dude!”

23 Cheer at a Texas football game

26 Exclamation usually made in a high voice 29 Enemy agency in “Get Smart” 30 Cleaner brand with the slogan “Hasn’t scratched yet!”

32 Dead spot 34 91, in old Rome 37 Toy boxer in a classic two-player game 40 Something much sold on St. Patrick’s Day 41 PBS series since 1974 42 Some long sentences 43 Emcee’s need 45 Be all thumbs?

46 “Show the world what you’ve got!”

52 Short-term job 54 Rob who directed “This Is Spinal Tap”

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

S K E W E R T S A R

W H I M P E N A M A R C R E A I T W O H L S D I E I N T E D G I L E S T S S A A I L P R I N S A D A E N E W

L I O N O M O O H O F P R R S E E B B E L I M N D E L I R W O N D Y X I I L I M B T E A S A T L G H A S S A L A I L A M B

I C A N N O V A O G R E S X D R A X P O A N G E L A B I L E R L A N I E N I B U T N T I P O O K R A P R U N G A N D Y M E A N

T E S T R E D D O T

55 15-time N.B.A. All-Star Duncan 57 This, that or the other 58 Combine 59 “Hands in the air!” … or a literal hint to 17-, 23-, 37- and 46-Across 62 Tall, slender wineglass 63 Shapes of many car air fresheners 64 Like computer data, with “in” 65 London ___ 66 Cheeky

Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or oil if browned bottoms are preferred, or use muffin liners to keep them lighter yellow.

2. Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.

3. In a large pot over medium heat, brown your butter. Let your butter melt untouched. Once it starts to simmer with little brown flecks at the bottom, whisk constantly until butter is lightly golden and fragrant. This will add extra flavor to our muffins.

4. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Whisk until fully incorporated.

5. Next, whisk in sweet potato, milk and honey (whisk well). By now, the mixture should have cooled, but if still hot, allow to cool for a few more minutes before whisking in eggs.

6. Once the eggs are incorporated into the batter, add your cornmeal-flour mixture and whisk until few lumps remain.

7. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until muffins are golden and cooked through.

8. Insert a toothpick in the center to test for doneness. If it comes out clean, the muffins are ready! Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then place on a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. Treat yourself with a hot-from-the-oven muffin. Spread with butter, honey or enjoy all on its own.

About Chef Kevin Winston Born in Missouri and raised in his family’s renowned Kansas City BBQ joint, Chef Kevin Winston was innately drawn to a career in the kitchen. The classically trained chef and father of two has worked in kitchens from coast to coast.

Winston’s down-home upbringing paired with his classical culinary training resulted in a cooking style that’s accessible and artful. His cooking philosophy is simple: healthy eating can and should be delicious and satisfying.

In the 10 years since launching his business, Winston landed high-profile jobs catering on tour for pop stars and in the homes of pro athletes, such as Thomas Davis and Stephon Gilmore. He also had the opportunity to cook for the late rapper Nipsey Hussle and comedian Steve Harvey.

DOWN 1 Fall color 2 “Some jerk he is!”

3 Cha cha slide, e.g.

4 Lang. of 16-Across 5 Counterfeiter trackers, in old lingo 6 “Does this seem fine to you?”

7 Jab 8 German cry 9 Dillydallier 10 Kitchen utensil brand 11 Best ___ 12 Use for a bed 13 Partner of recreation 15 [Gulp!]

21 Eponymous hypnotist 24 Classic Scottish breakfast item 25 Nut

Cold Foam offers a velvety sweet cloud on drinks.

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Charlotte (28270) 704 Korean BBQ, 8320 Pineville Matthews Road – 94 Best Wok, 1717 Sardis Road – 97.5 Chin Chin Restaurant, 9856 Monroe Road – 97 Food Lion (deli), 9848 Monroe Road – 99.5 Rios Steakhouse, 1605 Galleria Blvd. – 93.5 Wendy’s, 1801 Sardis Road – 99 Charlotte (28277) 131 Main, 9886 Rea Road – 96.5 Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, 15105 John J Delaney Drive 94 Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy. 96.5 Bamboo 7 Asian Cuisine, 15025 Lancaster Hwy. – 98.5 Basil Thai Cuisine, 7800 Rea Road 95.5 Bay Leaf Indian Grill, 14027 Conlan Circle – 93 Bradshaw Social House, 8440 Rea Road – 93.5 Brixx Wood Fired Pizza, 9820 Rea Road – 97 Buffalo Wild Wings, 10706 Providence Road – 98.5 Cabo Fish Taco, 11611 N. Community House Road – 99 Char-Cuties, 8025 Ardrey Kell Road – 97.5 Five Guys, 8020 Providence Road – 98 Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 11135 Golf Links Drive – 97 Jade Villa Asian Bistro, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way 94.5 Korean Restaurant, 7323 E. Independence Blvd. – 97 Lorenzo’s Pizzeria/Scoops, 16721 Orchard Stone Run – 99 Manhattan Bagel, 8040 Providence Road – 96 McAlister’s Deli, 8046 Providence Road 99 Midwood Smokehouse, 12410 Johnston Road 95 Oggi Ristorante Italiano, 16646 Hawfield Way Drive – 96 Papa John’s, 16049 Johnston Road – 94.5 Pei Wei Asian Diner, 13855 Conlan Circle 98.5 Pio Chicken, 9816 Rea Road 96 Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 11611 North Community House Road 96 Sheng Ramen, 15201 John J Delaney Drive – 96.5 Smashburger, 7804 Rea Road – 96.5 The Porters House, 7417 Waverly Walk Ave. – 96.5 Via Roma, 7416 Waverly Walk Ave. – 95 Vintner Wine Market, 8128 Providence Road 97.5 Zinicola, 14835 Ballantyne Village Way – 99.5 Indian Trail Athenian Grill, 614 South Indian Trail Road – 99 Charlotte National Golf Club, 6920 Howey Bottoms Road – 95.5 Food Lion (produce), 7876 Idlewild Road – 99 Jalapenos, 633 Indian Trail Road S. 98.5 Nor’east Treats And Eats, 3307 Arbor Pointe Drive – 95.5 The Bridge Restaurant, 5902 Indian Trail-Fairview Road – 98 Tickle My Ribs, 6640 Old Monroe Road – 100 Waffle House, 13727 E. Independence Blvd. – 94

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Charlotte (28227) Big Al’s Pub & Grubberia, 9306 Albemarle Road – 95.5 Mi Barrio Halal Latin Grill, 7308 E Independence Blvd. – 94.5 Urban Air Trampoline Adventure Park, 9108 Lawyers Road – 99.5

Mineral Springs Gordon’s Gas-N-Grill, 5720 N.C. 75 – 100

29 31

Charlotte (28226) Barrington’s, 7822 Fairview Road 100 Blanchard’s Deli, 5721 Carmel Road – 98 Bombay Grille, 8706 Pineville-Matthews Road – 90 Bonchon, 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 Cabo’s Mexican Cuisine & Cantina, 6676 Carmel Road 93 Chick-fil-A, 3117 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98.5 Chili’s Grill & Bar/ Its Just Wings, 8302 Pineville-Matthews Road 96.5 Flip-A-Los, 7629 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98.5 Great Wall of China South, 6666 Carmel Road – 91 Harris Teeter (deli), 4100 Carmel Road – 98 Harris Teeter (produce),4100 Carmel Road – 99.5 Hungry Howie’s, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road 98.5 Subway Sandwiches, 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road – 93 Trio Restaurant, 10709 Mcmullen Creek Pkwy. – 94.5 Wan Fu Chinese Restaurant, 10719 Kettering Drive – 97

Matthews Beantown Tavern, 130 Matthews Station St. – 90.5 Food Lion (market), 9848 Monroe Road 99.5 Stacks Kitchen, 11100 Monroe Road – 97.5

21 23

Charlotte (28211) Alternative Chef, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98.5 Aqua E Vino, 4219 Providence Road – 97.5 Auntie Anne’s, 4400 Sharon Road – 90.5 Bulla Gastrobar, 4310 Sharon Road – 96 Chex Wings, 1116 McAlway Road – 96 Circle K, 4500 Randolph Road – 94.5 Cordre, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 95 Hunan Express, 901 N. Wendover Road 98 Los Pinos Mexican Restaurant, 911 N. Wendover Road – 97 Mezeh Mediterranean Grill, 4920 Old Sardis Road – 95 Mizu, 3100 Apex Drive 95.5 Nordstrom Marketplace Cafe, 4400 Sharon Road – 97 Nordstrom’s E-Bar. 4400 Sharon Road – 96 Starbucks, 4400 Sharon Road – 99 Starbucks, 6701 Morrison Blvd. – 99 Superica Stawberry Hill, 4223 Providence Road – 94 Tacos Rick-O 1, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99.5 Tacos Rick-O 2, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 98.5 Yama Asian Fusion, 720 Governor Morrison St. – 95.5

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Lowest Score Zoe’s Kitchen, 6100 Fairview Road, Charlotte – 86 Violations include: Certified food protection manager was not available; paper towels weren’t available at hand sinks; inspector saw uncovered pans and containers of food; chicken, house-made salsas, house-made hummus, cooked veggie medley, spinach, feta, cooked mushrooms, cream sauce, chicken salad and steak were not held cold enough; and garlic in oil and roasted veggie medley were not date marked.

Charlotte (28210) Dogwood Souther Table & Bar, 4905 Ashley Park Lane – 96.5 Hampton Inn & Suites, 6700 Phillips Place Court – 97 Jersey Mike’s, 10110 Johnston Road – 99.5 Mal Pan, 4625 Piedmont Row Drive – 97.5 McDonald’s, 8560 Park Road 98.5 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant, 10707 Park Road – 94 PF Chang’s China Bistro, 6809 Phillips Place Court – 92.5 Palm Restaurant, 6705 Phillips Place Court – 92.5 Taipei South, 10106 Johnston Road – 97 What The Fries, 10707 Park Road – 98.5 Zoe’s Kitchen, 6100 Fairview Road – 86

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information 1-800-972-3550 Food includes Bacon BurritoCall:The Creme Brulee Latte has For Release Thursday, April 11, 2019 and Everything Bagel silky smooth flavor.

Crossword

Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Dec. 17 to 23:

Charlotte (28209) Groucho’s Deli, 5110 Park Road – 95 Maple Street Biscuit Company, 2725 South Blvd. – 99 Park Road Soda Shoppe, 4121 Park Road 98 Reid’s Fine Foods, 2823 Selwyn Ave. – 92.5 Reid’s Fine Foods, 4331 Barclay Downs Drive 96 Summit Coffee, 4625 Piedmont Row Drive – 95.5 The Traveling Comida Show, 4151 Park Road – 98.5

Scooter’s Coffee offers winter menu Scooters Coffee has locations in Indian Trail (5859 W. U.S. 74) and Monroe (1306 W. Roosevelt Blvd.).

On the web: www.scooterscoffee.com/menu.

DINING SCORES

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PUZZLE BY BRIAN THOMAS

27 ___ Terr. (geographical designation until 1889)

36 “___ a long story” 51 Danglers from rear-view mirrors 38 “Heroides” poet 53 Hit musical 39 Cosine of 0 with the song 28 “Ain’t that the 44 Bolting down, say “Everything’s truth!”

Coming Up 46 Company that Roses” 30 Clothing item merged with with hooks Heinz in 2015 56 N.Y.S.E. and 31 Chemical 47 “Nervous” sort Nasdaq: Abbr. variation 48 Get ready for 59 Tanning fig.

33 Champagne a Mr. Universe specification contest, say 60 Madre’s hermano 34 Halo and Gears of 49 Benjamin War 50 Like computer 61 1970s-’80s 35 Goes on data, with “in” cause, for short

Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

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

Mint Hill Food Lion (produce), 8118 Blair Road – 98 Jersey Mike’s, 7028 Brighton Park Drive – 95 Taxco Mexican Restaurant, 7106 Brighton Park Drive – 96 Monroe Broome Street Burgers, 1951 Dickerson Blvd. – 99.5 Captain D’s, 1301 W. Roosevelt Blvd. 98.5 Macs Fish and Chicken, 2399 W. Roosevelt Blvd. 99.5 Mayfair Seafood, 2568 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 Monterrey Restaurante Mexicano, 1006 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95.5 Napoli Italian Restaurant, 2263 W. Roosevelt Blvd. 98 O’Charleys, 2412 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 99 Palace Restaurant, 1000 Lancaster Ave. – 98 Papa Johns, 6701 Old Monroe Road – 95.5 Pizza Hut, 1013 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 100 Red Bowl Asian Kitchen, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 92 Shake Shake Seafood, 2841 W Hwy 74 – 100 The Skinny Cook, 1643 W. Franklin St. – 90.5 Takara Steakhouse And Sushi Bar, 2515 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 93.5 The Derby Restaurant & Bar, 1012 Skyway Drive 97 Pineville Applebee’s/Cosmic Wings, 10921 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 96.5 Charley’s Philly Steaks, 11025 Carolina Place Pkwy. 97.5 Chatpatay, 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road – 96.5 Dorchester, 12930 Dorman Road – 97 Middle James Brewing Company, 400 N. Polk St. – 99 Red Lobster Restaurant, 9415 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98 Stallings 7-Eleven, 15000 Idlewild Road – 99 Harris Teeter, (produce), 15080 Idlewild Road – 95 Waxhaw Cork & Ale, 113 E North St. – 96.5 El Vallarta Mex Express, 1201 N. Broome St. – 96 G.R.I.T.S. Home Cookin, ‘7909 Lancaster Hwy. – 93.5 Maxwell’s Tavern, 112 East South Main St. 98 McDonalds, 2532 Cuthbertson Road – 98.5 Provisions, 107 West South Main St. – 98.5 Subway/Circle K, 5905 Waxhaw Hwy. – 98.5 Walmart Neighborhood Market Store, 2520 Cuthbertson Road 99 Wendy’s, 1000 Kemble St. – 96.5 Weddington Rock Store Express, 13801 Providence Road – 91.5

Oh baby!

The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022 • Page 3B

Tony Marciano Reverend

Sharing New Year’s wishes

2021 was very untypical. You and I have wrestled with vaccines, masking and all that is involved with trying to avoid the virus.

At Charlotte Rescue Mission, we struggled how to serve the community on Thanksgiving Day while keeping the residents in our alcohol and drug addiction recovery program COVID-free. We had to think out of the box and do things differently. After discussing it as a team, we came up with the idea to serve our residents in our drug and alcohol recovery program in the main mission building. At the same time, we would serve our community guests in our café.

Our guests came to the mission and we were thrilled to serve them breakfast. Meanwhile, the media arrived to see what we were doing. I was able to share with them our vision for showing dignity and respect to our guests through the gift of a wonderful Thanksgiving meal. One of the reporters I knew quite well. In previous years, he would arrive early and pretend to be flipping eggs on the griddle. It was great to catch up with him.

He wanted to do an interview with me.

With staffing shortages, he was not assigned a cameraman as was normally the case in the past. Not only was he the interviewer, but he was also operating the camera. He wasn’t familiar with using the camera and was having some technical difficulties. He was stuck.

A reporter from a competing network offered to help him. He was thankful. Lighting was also an issue. The other reporter offered to use his light and help address the shadows. I was doing an interview with a reporter from network A while the reporter from network B provided batteries and lighting.

As these two competing men worked together, I was suddenly taken back to age 15 and found myself in the church youth group. There was a song we sang back then that I haven’t heard in decades. The chorus says, “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

I smiled as I watched two men who put aside their differences so that we could tell the community the story that Thanksgiving at Charlotte Rescue Mission was more than a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, string beans and dessert. Instead, we could use that plate of food to show dignity and respect to our neighbors.

As we begin this new year, you and I will have our own opinions on wearing or not wearing masks, whether we should be vaccinated or not be vaccinated. It’s when we see the other person with a different opinion as the enemy, someone we won’t talk to, someone we won’t associate with, someone we socially ostracize simply because their viewpoint is different from ours.

Those two reporters compete every day.

They earn their living by getting you to watch their network and not the other guy’s network.

A few weeks ago, devastating tornadoes came through Mayfield, Kentucky. A woman had managed to survive the tornado. She was very grateful to be alive. On camera, she went on to say, “You don’t have to like somebody. You don’t have to agree with somebody. We are all humans and deserve to be treated with love and respect.”

I still hear that chorus from my youth, “They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well my friend.

The Rev. Tony Marciano serves as executive director for the Charlotte Rescue Mission.

Area maternity wards announce their first deliveries of 2022 FAR LEFT: Carly Yearwood, of Huntersville, holds Jameson Eugene Yearwood.

He arrived at 12:12 a.m. Jan. 1 at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center. Photo courtesy of Novant Health LEFT: Dr. Beverly Belle delivered Anaia at 2:07 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center. Jorge Crespo and Stephanie Roman welcomed Anaia. Photo courtesy of Novant Health

RIGHT: Winston-Salem residents Elena Upshaw and Maurice Little celebrated the delivery of Yanis Waylon Little on Jan. 1 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. Photo courtesy of Novant Health FAR RIGHT: Dr. Clara Croce delivered Greyson Lee Evans at 1:51 a.m.

Jan. 1 at Atrium Health Cabarrus. Greyson was Atrium Health’s first baby born in Mecklenburg County. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health

Thread trail unveils map to adventure CHARLOTTE – The Carolina Thread Trail has redesigned its interactive online trail map.

The map allows users to find information about nearly 500 miles of publicly accessible trails, greenways and blueways (river trails for paddling) within the network.

The website’s facelift provides information about recreation opportunities across 15 counties in the greater Charlotte

region. Residents of the Carolinas and holiday visitors to the Charlotte region are able to find an outdoor adventure on any of the Thread Trail’s blueways or land trails by searching for a location or filtering by type of activity, difficulty or ADA accessibility. Increased mobile functionality on the site allows users to find their next outdoor adventure while on the go.

“Living a healthy, active life-

Scott Clark Auto Group donates vehicle to youth in partnership with police

CHARLOTTE – Scott Clark Auto Group teamed up with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Police Athletic League for the fourth year to recognize one of its own youth participants, Mekhi Cooper.

Cooper was gifted with a Nissan Rogue for his participation in the program.

“We are thrilled to have great kids and great community partners. It is such an honor to see the faces and the lives we change through strong community. Particularly for Mekhi, he deserves this honor,” CMPD Captain Chickoree said.

Cooper began participating in CMPD PAL in 2017, when the program started its martial arts curriculum. He attended each weekly session and eventually began leading the classes when Chickoree had to step down from teaching while his wife was battling COVID. The 20-year-old, who recently lost his mother, continued attending his classes at Central Piedmont Community College during this time.

“CMPD PAL offers incredible resources for young people who just need a connection. Whether it is through academics, the arts or athletics, we appreciate getting to be a part of helping shape some of our future leaders,” said Chris Cady, managing partner for Scott Clark Auto Group

‘Wicked’ propels ticket sales CHARLOTTE – Despite the pandemic’s impact on live events, Ovens Auditorium saw increases in both ticket sales and revenue when compared to 2019, which can be largely attributed to a record-breaking run of Broadway’s “Wicked.”

Presented in partnership with Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the four-week, 32-performance production was seen by more than 70,000 patrons this past fall. Its final week of performances marked the highest-grossing week ever for a show presented

by Blumenthal Performing Arts at Ovens Auditorium.

“We had high hopes for ‘Wicked’ as the first show to reopen in our theaters at full capacity, but the experience exceeded our expectations,” Blumenthal CEO Tom Gabbard said. “Our audiences went above and beyond in adhering to the mandatory

mask policy and the wildly successful engagement showed us what we suspected all along: that audiences are ready and eager to get back in the theater to experience the electricity of live performance once again.”

Other high-selling 2021 shows included Rauw Alejandro, Gabriel Iglesias and “Blippi the Musical.”

These performances led Ovens Auditorium to be ranked ninth among theater venue in the world in ticket sales, according to Pollstar’s Year End Ticket Sales Report. Theater shows at Ovens Auditorium between Nov. 2020 and Nov. 2021 sold 91,842 tickets and grossed $8,122,722, according to the report.

“As Charlotte’s largest-capacity theater and an integral piece of the city’s arts and culture history, Ovens Auditorium has been a beloved part of our community for decades,” said Tom Murray, CEO of the CRVA.

style starts with having access to safe outdoor spaces in your own neighborhood,” said Blair Primis, OrthoCarolina senior vice president, marketing and talent management. “Carolina Thread Trail’s new, improved trail map website moves our community forward by leaps and bounds to take advantage of the amazing network of greenways across the Carolinas. We couldn’t be prouder to support this work.”

Users who create a profile on the website can also track the trails and blueways they complete and earn digital badges when they hit milestones.

Badges include designations like the Trail Trekker for completing five or more walks, hikes or runs on the Thread Trail and the River Roamer for your first paddle on a blueway.

On the web: carolinathread trailmap.org.

Page 4B • The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022

December 2021

Home Sales ADDRESS

DATE SOLD

28079 28079 Annadale 1009 Terrapin St Dec. 29 1000 Loudoun Rd Dec. 17 Bonterra 4221 Twenty Grand Dr Dec. 17 1054 Preakness Blvd Dec. 17 1502 Belmont Stakes Ave Dec. 3 1103 Belmont Stakes Ave Dec. 3 Brandon Oaks 5226 Courtfield Dr Dec. 31 6560 Long Nook Ln Dec. 22 2005 Whippoorwill Ln Dec. 7 Colton Ridge 1016 Master Gunner Ct Dec. 14 3006 Sandbox Cr Dec. 1 Crismark 7006 Fine Robe Dr Dec. 28 5109 Forest Knoll Ct Dec. 15 5000 Paddle Wheel Ln Dec. 10 4000 Fine Robe Dr Dec. 8 Fieldstone Farm 10003 Blue Stream Ln Dec. 22 2004 Singletree Ln Dec. 7 1016 Rural Farm Rd Dec. 3 Lake Park 4102 Logan Cr Dec. 30 5303 Fennell St Dec. 20 6515 Creft Cr Dec. 17 4313 Sages Ave Dec. 3 Sheridan 2012 Clover Hill Rd Dec. 16 Taylor Glenn 11007 Magna Ln Dec. 29 1002 Wayland Ct Dec. 22 2015 Magna Ln Dec. 13 3006 Magna Ln Dec. 6 28104 28104 Brookhaven 1117 Lytton Ln Dec. 16 Callonwood 1049 Fleming Ln Dec. 29 1046 Fleming Ln Dec. 20 3682 Privette Rd Dec. 16 1032 Murandy Ln Dec. 1 Chestnut 1116 Butterburr Dr Dec. 29 1107 Butterburr Dr Dec. 1 Chestnut Oaks 4112 Cedar Point Ave Dec. 3 Fairfield Plantation 7427 Edgefield Ct Dec. 20 15901 Lawing Ct Dec. 14 7117 Stoney Ridge Rd Dec. 9 6600 Stoney Ridge Rd Dec. 9 Heather Glen 1000 Nickalaus Dr Dec. 17 Highgate 4008 Blossom Hill Dr Dec. 30 Lindenwood 1413 Shade Tree Ct Dec. 10 Quintessa 2003 Princessa Dr Dec. 23 Shannamara 7321 Kidwelly Ln Dec. 30 5811 Ammanford Ct Dec. 21 8133 Glamorgan Ln Dec. 17 Woodbridge 3024 Stevens Schultz Ln Dec. 14

28105 28105 Annecy 2514 Annecy Dr Dec. 16 Ashley Creek 1139 Ashley Creek Dr Dec. 29 Brightmoor 1126 Cindy Carr Dr Dec. 29 2600 Willowdale Ln Dec. 17 2358 Fernridge Ln Dec. 16 Country Place 515 Wilcrest Dr Dec. 20 1000 Country Place Dr Dec. 20 Habersham 11020 Ballards Pond Ln Dec. 15 The Heathers 13408 Kintyre Ct Dec. 28 13735 Strathaven Dr Dec. 14 Matthews Estates 640 Clearbrook Rd Dec. 2 Oakcroft 2823 Oakcroft Dr Dec. 2 Roxbury 4004 Lamington Rd Dec. 9 Sardis Forest 623 Trail Ridge Rd Dec. 30 405 Scarborough Ln Dec. 22 9608 Hinson Dr Dec. 14 9732 Leeswood Ln Dec. 2 Sardis Plantation 224 Rosedale Ln Dec. 17 Williams Station 2802 Cross Tie Ln Dec. 14 Windrow 2246 Light Brigade Dr Dec. 1 Winterbrooke 2539 Winterbrooke Dr Dec. 2 Wynchase 9643 Chanson Place Dec. 29 28134 28134 Cardinal Woods 13702 Bluffton Ct Dec. 10 12019 Harmon Ln Dec. 2 McCullough 3120 Kennys St Dec. 13 13810 Jacks Ln Dec. 10 Parkway Crossing 12522 Druids Glen Dr Dec. 29 The Cottages 13224 Old Compton Ct Dec. 16 Woodside Village 12100 Dolomite Dr Dec. 16 28173 28173 Anklin Forest 8917 Red Barone Place Dec. 1 Barrington 8501 Fairgreen Ave Dec. 15 1212 Autumn Ridge Dr Dec. 8 Champion Forest 1317 Dobson Dr Dec. 29 The Chimneys of Marvin 10009 Chimney Dr Dec. 20 10111 Silverling Dr Dec. 1 Cureton 3012 Scottcrest Way Dec. 7 Firethorne 1200 Firethorne Club Dr Dec. 8 1001 Firethorne Club Dr Dec. 1 The Gardens on Providence 1021 Sherringham Way Dec. 27 Hunter Oaks 1300 Grayscroft Dr Dec. 2 Lawson 1225 Screech Owl Dr Dec. 28 1108 Hoyle Ln Dec. 21 1805 Deer Meadows Dr Dec. 20 4239 Oxford Mill Rd Dec. 16 3101 Ringtail Dr Dec. 16 Marvin Creek ​​113 Orchard Hill Ct Dec. 13 101 Turkey Hunt Ct Dec. 9 3009 Groves Edge Ln Dec. 3 MillBridge 6013 Oakmere Rd Dec. 30 172 Golden View Dr Dec. 29 2013 Linn Cove Dr Dec. 29 7031 Hamilton Mill Dr Dec. 28 2029 Vettura Ct Dec. 22 2008 Deep River Way Dec. 21 3017 Lydney Cr Dec. 20 3025 Lydney Cr Dec. 20 7007 Fallondale Rd Dec. 17 2007 Fallondale Rd Dec. 17 1101 Walbury Hill Rd Dec. 15 5037 Hamilton Mill Dr Dec. 15 1019 Hamilton Mill Dr Dec. 14 713 Landau Rd Dec. 14 5025 Millbridge Pkwy Dec. 10 5016 Henshaw Rd Dec. 9 4009 Lydgate Dr Dec. 8 4081 Henshaw Rd Dec. 3 1013 Hudson Mill Dr Dec. 3 313 Jude Ln Dec. 2 New Towne Village 1209 Haden Dr Dec. 16

SALE PRICE

$428,000 $468,000 $484,200 $400,000 $470,000 $534,000 $309,000 $359,000 $378,000 $435,000 $510,000 $524,500 $530,000 $410,000 $484,500 $490,000 $410,100 $445,800 $436,000 $360,000 $450,750 $340,000 $440,000 $495,100 $359,900 $360,000 $420,000

$735,500 $430,000 $430,000 $457,200 $579,000 $589,000 $542,888 $412,000 $472,000 $260,000 $352,500 $268,000 $630,080 $1,300,000 $565,500 $985,000 $403,000 $601,000 $559,500 $542,000

$380,000 $399,000 $374,100 $401,000 $365,000 $300,000 $337,000 $305,000 $384,000 $346,000 $460,000 $405,000 $703,000 $471,500 $382,500 $342,000 $392,500 $542,000 $395,000 $365,000 $432,000 $418,000

$401,000 $407,500 $565,000 $460,000 $486,000 $345,000 $315,000

$705,000 $611,000 $610,000 $875,559 $900,000 $775,000 $455,000 $1,140,000 $1,360,500 $1,187,500 $585,000 $535,000 $650,000 $495,000 $700,000 $695,000 $1,025,000 $777,333 $970,000 $521,000 $725,000 $470,099 $540,000 $560,473 $491,000 $514,576 $511,500 $650,111 $565,000 $445,000 $560,000 $552,000 $489,047 $470,324 $600,000 $650,000 $485,000 $592,000 $618,900 $410,000

Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com

ADDRESS

DATE SOLD

Oak Brook Estates 9100 Valley Brook Ct Dec. 29 $675,000 Park Providence 2208 Coltsgate Rd Dec. 1 Providence Downs 1120 Real Quiet Ln Dec. 22 1113 Real Quiet Ln Dec. 9 Providence Downs South 11009 Strike The Gold Ln Dec. 20 9814 Aristides Dr Dec. 14 Providence Estates 3409 Sandalwood Ln Dec. 15 Providence Glen 7811 Montane Run Ct Dec. 21 Providence Grove 8104 Penman Springs Dr Dec. 10 8121 Brisbin Dr Dec. 1 Quellin 8006 Mynelle Ct Dec. 21 Somerset 8922 Waltham Forest Ct Dec. 6 Stonegate 1015 Applegate Pkwy Dec. 1 Weddington Trace 1105 Crooked River Dr Dec. 28 1206 Oleander Ln Dec. 22 7119 Yellowhorn Trail Dec. 13 1210 Crooked River Dr Dec. 6 Wesley Oaks 407 Ranelagh Dr Dec. 6 507 Springwood Dr Dec. 6 6712 Blackwood Ln Dec. 3 1168 Woodwinds Dr Dec. 28 28210 28210 Cameron Wood ​​3107 Windstream Ct Dec. 20 3339 Silver Pond Ct Dec. 9 3208 Old Chapel Ln Dec. 2 Park Crossing 10264 Foxhall Dr Dec. 20 10622 Pentreath Ln Dec. 17 10025 Hanover Hollow Dr Dec. 16 28226 28226 Candlewyck 7342 Winnington Cr Dec. 16 2944 Heathgate Rd Dec. 14 Challis Farm 5903 Lismore Valley Ln Dec. 21 Providence Springs 1928 Bardstown Rd Dec. 3 Quail View 735 Lindstrom Dr Dec. 15 4225 Quail View Rd Dec. 15 Sturnbridge 4517 Pendock Ct Dec. 22 Wessex Square 4312 Truscott Rd Dec. 16 28227 28227 Ashe Plantation 9931 Hanging Moss Trail Dec. 29 Bainbridge 9600 Edwards Place Dec. 9 10624 Woodhollow Rd Dec. 8 Brighton Park 5716 Whitehawk Hill Rd Dec. 10 5847 Whitehawk Hill Rd Dec. 10 Davis Trace 14535 Davis Trace Dr Dec. 23 Ellington Oaks 7116 Mcewen Place Dec. 20 6452 Robin Hollow Dr Dec. 7 Fairington Oaks 5428 Turkey Oak Dr Dec. 10 Farmwood 6201 Gold Wagon Ln Dec. 22 5427 Birchhill Rd Dec. 22 6509 Hollow Oak Dr Dec. 21 4815 Golfview Ct Dec. 14 7220 Canterway Dr Dec. 10 Lakehaven Estates 11625 Ranburne Rd Dec. 15 Olde Sycamore 10904 Sycamore Club Dr Dec. 21 Oxfordshire 5711 Sugarcane Ct Dec. 13 Reigate 14810 Bridgewater Ln Dec. 23 Summerwood 10517 Sable Cap Rd Dec. 7 10527 Sable Cap Rd Dec. 3 Telfair 11226 Lela Gardens Way Dec. 3

SALE PRICE

$865,000 $413,000 $1,205,000 $1,760,000 $1,150,000 $1,180,000 $1,975,000 $640,000 $555,000 $572,300 $600,000 $539,900 $560,000 $750,501 $680,000 $830,000 $855,000 $555,000 $535,000 $454,000 $600,000

$460,000 $435,000 $591,000 $800,000 $820,000 $565,000

$346,000 $416,000 $975,000 $825,000 $762,500 $865,000 $440,000 $530,000

$639,000 $394,000 $476,000 $369,900 $540,000 $900,000 $578,000 $590,000 $575,000 $451,000 $427,000 $695,000 $437,900 $332,000 $324,000 $419,000 $520,000 $335,000 $808,000 $677,000 $650,000

28270 28270 Alexander Hall 6703 Alexander Hall Dr Dec. 10 $557,500 East Providence Estates 2517 East Providence Dr Dec. 15 $450,000 Hampton Leas 6633 Pensford Ln Dec. 29 $425,000 2013 Lynbridge Dr Dec. 13 $470,000 Hembstead 2201 Wharton Ln Dec. 21 $885,000 Huntington 1116 Laurel Park Ln Dec. 14 $765,000 McKee Woods 6205 Falls Lake Dr Dec. 13 $450,000 Providence Plantation 3613 Providence Plantation Ln Dec. 29 $701,000 4030 High Ridge Rd Dec. 29 $849,900 3215 Plantation Rd Dec. 15 $1,685,575 2601 Grimmersborough Ln Dec. 10 $862,500 5025 Carillon Way Dec. 6 $810,000 2800 Providence View Ln Dec. 3 $880,000 St. George Place 2101 Waltham Ln Dec. 14 $720,000 Willowmere 2228 Winthorp Ridge Rd Dec. 14 $485,551 2814 Yorkview Ct Dec. 13 $515,000 2915 Alpine Forest Ct Dec. 7 $535,000 3323 Mannington Dr Dec. 6 $345,000 28277 28277 Ardrey 10026 Triple Oak Rd Dec. 22 9010 Cotton Press Rd Dec. 7 Ardrey Chase 9904 Paxton Run Rd Dec. 2 Auburn Place 10223 Threatt Woods Dr Dec. 1 Ballantyne Country Club 10808 Dobbs Ct Dec. 20 15441 Brem Ln Dec. 15 Cady Lake 5126 King Arthur Dr Dec. 15 Carlyle 11538 Mcginns Trace Ct Dec. 10 Highgrove 7814 Pemswood St Dec. 9 Hunters Gate 12800 Landing Green Dr Dec. 29 Landen Meadows 8221 Tonawanda Dr Dec. 1 Mitchell Glen 9620 Mitchell Glen Dr Dec. 14 Piper Glen 4619 Piper Glen Dr Dec. 15 6320 Mitchell Hollow Rd Dec. 15 4300 Old Course Dr Dec. 3 Providence Country Club 11800 Pine Valley Club Dr Dec. 1 Raeburn 11604 Charnwood Ct Dec. 29 12333 Parks Farm Ln Dec. 17 8542 Ducksbill Dr Dec. 15 12340 Parks Farm Ln Dec. 15 12016 Parks Farm Ln Dec. 9 Raintree 8123 Raintree Ln Dec. 21 9204 Doe Ct Dec. 15 3533 Windbluff Dr Dec. 9 9221 Rainbow Forest Dr Dec. 3 Southampton 10906 Chamberlain Hall Ct Dec. 1 Stone Creek Ranch 10431 Alvarado Way Dec. 17 Thornhill 6319 High Creek Ct Dec. 30 6113 Rosebriar Ln Dec. 16 10723 Summitt Tree Ct Dec. 15 Weston Glen 14206 Eldon Dr Dec. 28

BUSINESS BRIEFS

$677,625 $685,000 $700,000 $430,000 $855,000 $1,222,000 $575,000 $500,500 $1,065,000 $570,000 $425,000 $467,000 $902,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,077,000 $362,000 $408,000 $380,000 $400,000 $348,000 $582,000 $540,000 $650,000 $385,000 $505,000 $445,000 $550,000 $475,000 $581,750 $525,000

TowneBank supported the Salvation Army of Charlotte by adopting 50 children through the Angel Tree program. Jane Beck, Charlotte operations manager, and Dick Davidson, business beetle supervisor, recently dropped off donations at the Salvation Army of Charlotte. Photo courtesy of TowneBank

Woody’s Seafood Saloon opens at Ballantyne Corners CHARLOTTE – Woody’s Seafood Saloon has opened at Ballantyne Corners Shopping Center, according to MVP Properties.

This is Woody’s second location after their flagship location at Cruz Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The restaurant is known for its island attitude and Shark Bites appetizer.

The 3,531-square-foot space includes ground-level dining, a patio and a rooftop bar at the intersection of North Community House Road and Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

Pride Awards to honor Bank of America’s Kieth Cockrell CHARLOTTE – Kieth Cockrell, president of Bank of America Charlotte, will receive the Pride Award.

His career has spanned more than 38 years in financial services with a number of key executive roles.

He has served as vice-chair of the Global Diversity & Inclusion Council and was instrumental in establishing employee networks at Bank of America, including the Black Professional Group and the Hispanic/Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement.

The Pride Awards 2022 starts at 11:15 a.m.

Feb. 24 at The Westin Charlotte.

The theme, Breaking Barriers, will celebrate diverse minority and small business ownership and the importance of corporate supply chain diversity.

On the web: PrideAwards.net

U-Haul Rentals available at Trust Towing & Recovery CHARLOTTE – U-Haul Company of North Carolina announced that Trust Towing & Recovery signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Charlotte community.

Trust Towing & Recovery at 5416 Mt. Holly Huntersville Road will offer services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

Spectrum awards $10,000 to Block Love Charlotte CHARLOTTE – Spectrum announced a donation of $10,000 to Block Love Charlotte, as part of its national community philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

Block Love Charlotte provides meals and daily essentials to the houseless community.

The organization also assists with providing temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness including pregnant women and those with severe health issues.

Spectrum Employee Community Grants has provided funding to 293 local nonprofits in 31 states throughout the company’s service area since its inception in July 2019.

StarMed Healthcare opens South Boulevard location CHARLOTTE – StarMed Healthcare has expanded its COVID-19 testing and vaccination services by opening a location at 6859 South Blvd..

The site began serving patients in mid-December. Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

StarMed is offering testing to people of all ages. There is no cost to the individual, with or without insurance. Patients don’t need a referral and walk-ups are welcome.

Mac’s Speed Shop plans expansion to new city CHARLOTTE – Mac’s Speed Shop expects to open a new location in Concord in late spring/early summer 2022.

Its “Beer, Bikes and BBQ” concept will pay homage to its core values with a lighted vehicle display and a new large outdoor patio with a stage for live music. There will also be fireplaces for the outdoor dining area, plus a new indoor/outdoor room and bar with an interior stage.

The restaurant is at 8021 Concord Mills Blvd. Mac’s has locally owned and operated stores in Charlotte’s South End and Steele Creek neighborhoods, Matthews, Greensboro, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Cornelius.

Lanna Palmer (left) and Lauren Williams (right), with Logical Position, display donated toys collected during the digital marketing agency’s Toys for Tots drive.

Photo courtesy of Logical Position

Marketing firm donates toys CHARLOTTE – Logical Position has dropped off donations from a toy drive at Toys for Tots collection sites.

The digital marketing agency, which has a Charlotte office, aimed to spread cheer to children by collecting bins of toys from its Charlotte, Chicago and Portland offices.

“We continue donating to Toys for Tots because it has made a difference in the lives of less fortunate children for more than 70 years,” said Emmy Thomas, brand and marketing director for Logical Position.

Dental office opens with emphasis on technology CHARLOTTE – Steele Creek Modern Dentistry is accepting adult and pediatric patients at 2114 Freeman Park Drive.

Dr. Paul Gebhart and Ali Shahrestani opened the practice Dec. 14.

It provides patients modern dentistry with advanced technology, including the Epic health records system that integrates a patient’s acute as well as primary and dental health history all in one place.

On the web: www.steelecreekmodern dentistry.com

Thomas & Hutton hires pro CHARLOTTE – Thomas & Hutton announced Nestor Hernandez as its new licensed professional engineer.

Hernandez recently passed the professional engineer civil exam and completed the experience required to become an official professional engineer in North Carolina.

He joined Thomas & Hutton’s Charlotte Civil Department as a designer in 2018.

His current projects include the I-85 Commerce Center in Rowan County, I-277 Rail Trail Pedestrian Bridge in Charlotte, Scotland County Incubator Park in Laurinburg and Fire Tower Road Industrial in Rock Hill.

Intech wins $25,000 grant CHARLOTTE – INTech Foundation has received a $25,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant for INTech Academy programs as part of Spectrum’s five-year, $7 million commitment to digital education.

Funding will allow INTech Foundation to expand its software development workshops and further enhance its summer internship program. For high school seniors who plan to study engineering or any technology discipline, INTech Foundation will provide them with a scholarship toward their studies in college.

INTech Foundation is one of 49 nonprofits that Spectrum is supporting through 2021 Spectrum Digital Education grants.

Dunkin’ raises awareness for blood donations CHARLOTTE – Dunkin’ is teaming up with the American Red Cross to provide 25,000 vouchers for a free medium iced coffee and a classic donut for Red Cross blood and platelet donors in North Carolina.

Throughout January, donors will receive a voucher for a free medium iced coffee and a free classic donut, redeemable at participating Dunkin’ restaurants in the Charlotte region, while supplies last.

Make appointments by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting www.

RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767.

The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022 • Page 5B

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE 1st Saturday-1st Saturday1st Saturday! Sidewalk Sale!

1st Saturday of every month at Servant’s Heart! Don’t miss it! Rock bottom prices on a variety of items not usually carried in our shop!

10am-5pm9229 Lawyers HELP WANTED PART TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED 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.

Must be able to pass DMV background check. For more information, please contact: adsales@cmgweekly.com Director, Analytics and Informatics in Charlotte, NC: Provide guidance, direction & oversight for the mgmt & the performance of healthcare/clinical business analyst involved in creating & implementing both reports & analysis. Reqs.: Master’s deg. & 2 yrs. exp. Mail CVs to: Novant Health Inc., 108 Providence Rd. Charlotte, NC 28207, Attn: HR. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

Team Lead, Development.

AGDATA, LP, Charlotte, NC. May telecommute from w/ in Charlotte area. Maintain existing SQL processes.

Apply implemented busi logic for processes & SSIS automation. Dev, test, QC & maintain code for client fulfill & internal apps. Supervise 7 subords. Reqs Bach Comp Sci / rel / equiv. Reqs 5yrs: prog resp SW dvlpmt exp incl 5 yrs: SQL; T-SQL; SQL Srvr Integration Svcs; SQL Debug; SQL Server Report Svcs / othr rprtng tools; Relation DB theory; 3yrs: data migration; Rprtng Srvcs; & Data cleanse mthds.

Hires submit to BG chck.

Send resume to: HR, 6801 Morrison Blvd, Ste. 100, Charlotte, NC 28211.

Ref: #107394.

Cloud Admin sought w/ Associate’s or Foreign Equi. in CIS or Business Admin & 24 months of work exp as S/ware Professional for N/work Admin & Application (Production) Support exp on various OS platforms incl Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Oracle Linux, IBM AIX & Sun Solaris & Cognitive about dsgng, deploying & operating highly available, scalable & fault tolerant systems using Amazon Web Services (AWS). Managing File server EMC Isilon supporting both the protocols NFS & CIFS. Managing SSSD based AD integrated service account across all the Linux hosts.

Planning, documenting, & supporting high availability, data replication, business persistence, failover, & failback using VERITAS Cluster Server for Unix (Linux/AIX) environment.

Dsgn, dvlp & modify s/ware systems, using scientific analysis & mathematical models to predict & measure outcome & consequences of dsgn. TRAVEL MAY BE REQD TO UNANTICIPATED WORK SITE LOCATIONS. Aspiring candidates should mail their resumes to HR Manager, Enterprise IT Solutions LLC, 525 North Tryon St, Ste 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Job Loc: Charlotte, NC.

WANT TO RUN A CLASSIFIED AD? Call 704-849-2261 Monday-Friday

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HELP WANTED Software Architect for Dentsply Sirona in Charlotte, NC. Use your progress. exp defining comprehensive solutions; full life cycle exp; bus. analysis/redesign w/ architecture & implement.; req’d. analysis & concept., logical & detail. design skills; Adobe AEM; search tech. integrate w/content mgmt. incl. Google Search API & chordiant; design., implement., & support. enterprise level apps & Java, J2EE, C# & .NET, responsible for ecommerce platform architecture & solutions; define, design. & implement. industry best practices; advise leadership team on industry & tech. trends; & be expert for sourcing solution architecture info. & eCommerce platform integration. Bach’s in Computer Eng’g & 5 yrs. exp. req’d. Resume to Tiffany.Brook@ denstplysirona.com.

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Page 6B • The Weekly • Jan. 7, 2022