South Charlotte Weekly Jan. 22, 2021

Inside: Leaders try to fix NCDOT’s budget pothole • Page 2A

Brought to you by Charlotte Media Group Friday, Jan. 22 • Vol. 21 • No. 4

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

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455 homes proposed on site once zoned for hospital

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Crescent Homes wants to build up to 455 housing units on nearly 19 acres once identified for a hospital on the north side of Marvin Road just south of the Colinayre shopping center.

The homebuilder needs to get the property rezoned for residential uses. It's currently zoned for office space, but the city's Gener-

al Development Policies support housing of more than 17 units per acre, according to city rezoning manager Dave Pettine.

Crescent Homes appeared before the city council Jan. 19 for a public hearing on the rezoning, which calls for 395 apartments and and 70 townhomes. At least 70 apartments will be designated for age-restricted affordable housing units. see HOSPITAL, Page 5A

Vacant land will be converted into a mix of apartments and townhomes between Bexley Crossing at Providence and the Colinayre shopping center. Photo courtesy of City of Charlotte

Help wanted

Billions Gov. Cooper pushes for statewide bond, 4A

City council looks for new member

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

in preparation for unforeseen emergencies.

“In scripture, we are taught that ‘if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear,’” said Stake President Ladd Hall, the leader over the South Charlotte Latter-day Saint congregations. “[We] take this admonition very seriously … Our preparedness allows us the opportunity to not only bless our own lives, but also the lives of our neighbors and friends.”

Victoria Watlington hopes the Charlotte City Council will fill James Mitchell's vacant at-large seat with a proven, courageous, adaptable, thoughtful and data-based leader with some level of business acumen.

“We've got a lot of important initiatives going on right now that are very complex – that have financial and strategic components,” said Watlington, who represents District 3 on the council. “It's important to me for someone to be able to come in and hit the ground running.”

The council approved a process Jan. 19 for replacing Mitchell, who resigned from his seat Jan. 11 to pursue a business opportunity.

Registered voters ages 21 and older with the ability to vote in city council elections can apply for the seat through Jan. 26. The council will hold a forum for nominees on Jan. 29 and formally swear in the new member on Feb. 8.

Members were split about whether to consider appointing someone who plans to run for the council seat later this year. City Attorney Patrick Baker said council members can ask potential appointees their intent, but they're not allowed to bar someone from running. However, each member has an individual vote on the appointment.

Councilmembers Julie Eiselt and Malcolm Graham don't think it's fair for an appointed member to run for the same office.

“When you have a candidate that has been appointed, they automatically have access to the media and

see GIFT, Page 5A

see COUNCIL, Page 5A

To the races Steeplechase decides on 2021 event, 6A

Team Rubicon volunteers sort a 16,000 lb. donation of food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Holiday magic Artist inspired by Christmas snow, 1B

16,000-pound gift Families fast to prepare for emergencies

by Kristen Anderson Contributor

CLT oddities TV show explores Charlotte’s monsters, 4B

Virtual read Library surpasses E-book milestone, 2B

Four Charlotte area food pantries recently received a donation of more than 16,000 pounds of canned food and dry goods from a distant location – Salt Lake City, Utah.

A semi-truck sent by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made the three-day journey to bring this much-needed donation to Loaves & Fishes, Esther’s Heart for Transformation, Pineville Neighbors Place and the Care to Share pantry located at the Greater Bethel AME Church.

“This year we have seen a tremendous spike in the need to provide necessary food for food-insecure people,” said Raphael Sebastian, board president for the Care to Share pantry. "We have been very, very blessed to receive help and support from organizations like the Latter-day Saints who stepped up and provided us a wealth of groceries” Jane Shutt, executive director for Pineville Neighbors Place, said the haul would go a long way in feeding neighbors.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ are known for their storage of food and other supplies

Andrea King (left) picks up two pallets of food for Esther’s Heart for Transformation with the help of Stake President Steve Page, his wife Lisa, and missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Photos courtesy of Diane Sheppard

Vlogger gives platform to Black perspectives

by Karie Simmons karie@cmgweekly.com

Cute pets Meet the latest Hall of Fame inductees, 6A

YouTube is awarding grants to Black creators from around the world and Charlotte’s own Jouelzy is one of them.

The grants are part of the #YouTubeBlackVoices Fund, which is dedicated to investing in Black creators and artists, providing them with resources to elevate their perspectives. Grant recipients get access to partner support, seed funding to help develop their channels, training, workshops and networking programs.

Jouelzy, 35, was among 132 oth- channel in 2010 to talk to womer grant winners. She is a cultural en like her about current cultural commentator on YouTube and topics that impact women of color. the founder of #SmartJouelzy said she noticed a BrownGirl, where she lack of “real Black womcurates discussions cenen” on the platform who tered around pop culture The person had an educated and wittrends with a political ty perspective. that I was history lens. In January wasn't being “The person that I was 2020, she launched the represented.” wasn’t being represented,” SBG Book Club with Jouelzy said.

• Jouelzy the goal of widening the Over the past decade, space for the public to engage with Jouelzy has amassed 212,000 subresearch, theory and history across scribers on YouTube and 13.4 mila wide range of backgrounds and lion views across all her videos. Her knowledge bases. see YOUTUBE, Page 5A Jouelzy started her YouTube

“

Check out Jouelzy on her YouTube channel. Photo courtesy of YouTube

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Page 2A • The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021

Panel recommends funding increase for NCDOT

by Johnny Kampis Carolina Journal News Service

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NEWSLETTER

RALEIGH – Less than a year after an audit of the N.C. Department of Transportation found massive overspending, a blue-ribbon panel is recommending the department get a 40% budget hike.

The N.C. First Commission recently suggested that state transportation should get an additional $2 billion annually to deal with crumbling infrastructure brought on by time and a growing population. North Carolina transportation spending is now more than $5 billion annually, combining state and federal funds.

The panel said the best way to find the additional money is through raising taxes and fees at the state and local levels. The report suggests that a boost of the Highway Use Tax from 3% to 5% would add $6 billion to state coffers over a decade. It also proposed increasing the state sales tax by one-half or three-quarters of a cent, putting the extra money toward transportation.

Suggestions also include implementing “road impact fees” on online retailers such as Amazon that have boomed during the pandemic, taxing ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft, building more toll

roads, and increasing registration fees for electric vehicles.

The committee indicated it was thinking outside the box on standard transportation funding because of the paradigm shift in travel. Electric and hybrid vehicle use is increasing and standard automobile engines are becoming more fuel efficient.

“Our transportation investments rely on just a few revenue sources, each of which is tied to long-standing assumptions about how many of us drive, how much we drive, what kinds of vehicles we drive, and how we purchase goods and services,” the committee wrote in the report.

“Those historic assumptions are now quickly becoming obsolete.”

A House committee received the report as the next two-year session begins. Republican lawmakers will have to support the recommendations, but GOP members have been leery of raising taxes.

The suggestion to increase funding for NCDOT comes eight months after an audit found that the department overspent its budget by $742 million in 2019.

State Auditor Beth Wood’s office found that NCDOT intended to spend $5.94 billion in 2019, but overshot that number by 12%. The report blamed NCDOT officials for not basing their spending plan on

actual cost estimates for projects.

The department also didn’t monitor how the spending plan was enforced in its 14 highway divisions, the audit said.

Wood said then that the NCDOT managed billions of dollars without external controls and lacked legislative oversight on its spending plan.

She said department officials knew they had money issues in 2018, but didn’t slow down spending to compensate.

The audit spurred lawmakers to act last summer. A funding bill for the department added more oversight, including requiring more transparency in spending and restructuring its governance board.

Wood said this week she’s optimistic NCDOT funds will be better spent based on the controls put in place by the legislature. For example, the lack of divisional oversight resulted in much of the overspending. NCDOT divisions will start receiving their money quarterly rather than all at once and must report spending each quarter.

The bill also requires Wood to conduct a comprehensive annual audit of NCDOT to ensure the department doesn’t repeat its spending missteps.

“If there are holes in what the General Assembly required them to do, I will find those sooner rather

than later,” she said.

A report by John Locke Foundation Senior Vice President for Research Brian Balfour said the General Assembly needs to tighten oversight of NCDOT spending before giving the department more money.

“Rewarding [NCDOT] with yet another form of a taxpayer bailout would serve to enable their irresponsible behavior,” Balfour said.

Joe Coletti, a JLF senior fellow, said since the NCDOT needs to learn to live within its means before receiving more money. It no longer can simply create a spending plan.

“It seems premature, to say the least, to say we need to spend another $20 billion over 10 years on transportation,” he said.

Legislators cut half a billion from the NCDOT budget in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coletti said the long-term effects of the pandemic should be studied before increasing transportation funding.

He pointed out that even after the health emergency subsides, more people will likely work from home, which means less commuting, but online commerce will likely continue to boom, which means more deliveries.

“What does that mean for roads?

What does that mean for congestion? We don’t know,” he said.

Former Panthers star becomes advocate for re-opening schools

by Andrew Dunn Carolina Journal News Service

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Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (left) chats with Jimmie Johnson at the Speedway Children’s Charities Gala. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Motor Speedway

A former Carolina Panthers star has now become an advocate for re-opening North Carolina schools for in-person instruction.

Greg Olsen, who spent nine seasons with the Panthers at tight end, sent a series of tweets this week urging Gov. Roy Cooper and other state political leaders to allow students back in the classroom. He cited a study from Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill doctors that found “extremely limited” COVID transmission in schools, as well as comments from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Dr. Robert Redfield that schools aren’t major spreaders of the disease.

“Parents need to start being their children’s best advocate. These public officials are doing damage to our kids they may never bounce back from,” Olsen wrote. “Schools need to be open. Period … Our community leaders need to wake up and make decisions that are in the best interest of ALL children.

We are leaving thousands of children behind who need to be in school.”

Olsen has arguably become the high-

est-profile advocate for re-opening North Carolina schools.

Cooper ordered schools to close in March as the coronavirus began spreading in the state, and students began attending classes online. Later in the summer, he loosened restrictions to allow elementary schools to bring students back in some circumstances.

But a large percentage of the state’s school districts remain in fully remote learning. Some school districts, such as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, briefly reopened for part-time schooling before returning to completely digital instruction.

Some state leaders, including Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, have pushed for schools to allow parents to opt-in to fulltime instruction.

Olsen is currently playing for the Seattle Seahawks, but he maintains his home in south Charlotte. He is also the founder of Receptions for Research, which helps families with children suffering from congenital heart disease, and has a long-standing partnership with Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.

Olsen has three school-age children.

BBB's annual report delves into complaints, reviews Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont and Western North Carolina released its 2020 annual report, detailing consumer activity related to businesses located in the BBB’s 37-county service area.

The report includes statistics on consumer complaints, verified customer reviews, website inquiries and the top five types of businesses that generated the most complaints.

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Consumer Complaints In 2020, consumers filed more than 22,000 complaints against area businesses, showing an increase in 36% from 2019. “The large increase in customer complaints certainly coincides with the year we saw as a whole. With many businesses struggling financially and fighting to remain open, there was much more room for error,” said Tom Bartholomy, president of the BBB of Southern Piedmont and Western North Carolina.

“We’re really hoping that 2021 is a much better year for our economy and making sure consumers are satisfied is extremely important.”

In spite of the large increase in complaints, the BBB was still able to resolve

According to Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont and Western North Carolina, consumers filed 36% more complaints against area business in 2020 than in 2019.

92% of all complaints submitted.

The top complaint generators for 2020 were as follows: 1. banks 2. home improvement 3. gun dealers 4. auto repair 5. auto dealers.

is a great resource for that.

We are thrilled to see customers continuing to take advantage of this outlet by sharing positive or negative feedback about their experience with a business.”

Verified Customer Reviews In 2020, customers submitted more than 14,500 verified reviews about businesses, showing an increase in 12% from 2019. “Customer reviews continued to grow in 2020,” Bartholomy said. “Potential customers always want to know what third parties say about a business they're considering working with, and the BBB

Website Inquiries In 2020, total inquiries were up 37% over 2019, showing a total increase of just over 900,000.

“It’s great to see the number of inquiries up, as this represents more consumers using our website to vet businesses before making purchases,” Bartholomy said. “It continues to prove how important accreditation truly is to consumers.”

Visit the Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org

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The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021 • Page 3A

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Page 4A • The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021

N.C. governor pushes multibillion-dollar bond for a major debt issuance. He said the debt study “is a ‘can,’ not a ‘should,’” and that prudent financial management will be espeRALEIGH – Gov. Roy Cooper is again cially important in the coming year.

“It’s a credit card limit based on a fantastic pushing for a multibillion-dollar infrastructure bond, but Republican leaders caution credit score,” he said. “I can certify as N.C. that North Carolina’s still-unsteady econ- Treasurer and the keeper of the purse that omy makes it impossible to tell whether it our ability to maintain North Carolina’s solvency during these economic lockdowns is would be prudent.

In remarks to the N.C. Association of directly related to the conservative budgeting County Commissioners on Jan.14, Cooper and bonding decisions made before anyone said “now is the time” for such a bond. He heard of COVID.” He pushed back on Cooper for using low listed a number of places he’d like to spend the money – including construction at pub- interest rates as a rationale for borrowing now.

“There are many needs that need to be lic schools and community colleges and universities, water and sewer lines, and other properly evaluated without the simplistic seduction of low interest rates,” Folwell said. infrastructure needs.

Among those needs are the potential to “You’re never going to find better interest rates,” he said. “Our economy needs the bolster core government functions in an money, and this is the time for North Caro- uncertain time. The COVID-19 pandemic lina to move forward with a significant in- has thrown traditional budget planning into disarray. frastructure bond. I’m hoping The Fiscal Research Diviwe can work together with the “Our economy needs the money, sion had hoped to have a new legislature to do that.”

Cooper’s comments on a and this is the time forecast in August, but still has not published an updated prebond appear similar to his pre- for North Carolina diction. vious bond proposals. In last to move forward The available numbers are year’s $25 billion recommend- with a significant ed budget, Cooper asked for a infrastructure bond. troubling: Last year’s tax revenue was $900 million less than $4.3 billion bond issuance to I’m hoping we can the year before, after several include $2 billion for public work together with years of steady increases. schools, $1 billion for colleges This leaves leaders in the and universities, $800 million the legislature to General Assembly in wait-andfor water and sewer infrastruc- do that.”

• Gov. Roy Cooper see mode. Senate leader Phil ture, and $500 million for afBerger, R-Rockingham, hasn’t closed the fordable housing.

The year before, Cooper called for $2 door on a bond issuance, but he isn’t willing billion or more in bonds. The General As- to commit to pursuing one, either. He does, sembly instead opted to fund capital projects however, appear to anticipate capital spendthrough a pay-as-you-go fund. That budget ing in this year’s budget.

“We don’t know what the revenue forecast never made it past the governor’s veto.

Voters would need to approve a bond issu- will be for this year,” said Berger spokesman Pat Ryan. “If the outlook is much better ance of the size Cooper is proposing.

It’s true that interest rates across the board than anticipated and the state has a substanare at historic lows as the Federal Reserve tial surplus, then pay-as-you-go could still be tries to boost a still-struggling economy. In the right path forward. If the state’s revenues October, the state issued $400 million of take a big hit, then a bond may make sense bonds under the Connect NC program at for one-time expenditures like infrastructure 1.48%, which State Treasurer Dale Folwell projects. The Senate will consider the options described at the time as likely the lowest rates once our revenue picture becomes clearer.”

The last major bond, known as the Conseen in a century. Folwell’s latest debt affordability study also found that the state could nect NC Bond, was championed by thenbear additional bonds of roughly $1 billion Gov. Pat McCrory before the legislature passed it in 2015 and voters approved it in per year for the next decade.

But Folwell isn’t so sure it’s the right time 2016.

by Andrew Dunn

Carolina Journal News Service

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The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021 • Page 5A

GIFT (continued from page 1A)

This principle is not just taught to church members, the institution of the church practices it as well. Church-owned farms and production facilities grow and produce millions of pounds of food each year through the help of thousands of volunteers. The food is distributed to those in need through 124 “Bishops’ Storehouses” located around the world. The largest storehouse is in Salt Lake City, Utah.

To pay for this program, church members skip two meals once a month and donate the cost of those meals, and often more, to the Church’s Welfare Program.

These donations, called fast offerings, are used to fund the storehouses and other humanitarian programs for those in need regardless of race, religion or nationality.

This delivery of storehouse food to the Charlotte pantries included high-demand items such as peanut butter and beef stew, as well as staples like green beans, spaghetti sauce and pancake mix.

“The Lord blessed us this year with bounteous crops, and as a result, we're able to distribute these products where they're most needed,” said Rick Long, one of the church’s welfare managers.

This isn’t the first time that truckloads

Jouelzy has amassed 212,000 subscribers since starting her YouTube channel in 2010.

Screenshots from YouTube

YOUTUBE (continued from page 1A)

most popular video “Why Black People Don’t Travel to Africa,” uploaded in July 2018, has over 600,000 views and nearly 8,000 comments.

She attributed her success to her authenticity and integrity, and the fact that she only produces content she’s proud of.

“I’ve been on YouTube and I’ve seen a lot of trends and I’ve seen a lot of friends get lost trying to keep up with the trends,” she said.

Some of Jouelzy’s most recent videos include “Why I Ain’t COVID Shaming Folks,” “The Dangers of Instagram Filters,” “The Complicated Response to Kamala Harris as VP” and “Outrage is a Profitable Social Currency.”

She has also interviewed North Carolina Sen. Jeff Jackson and in March 2019,

COUNCIL (continued from page 1A)

participated in a Booktube where she and other YouTubers sat down with Michelle Obama to discuss her book “Becoming.”

Jouelzy was surprised to learn she was receiving a YouTube grant, but said she’s excited to be part of the platform’s push to elevate Black voices. She plans to use the money to further

HOSPITAL (continued from page 1A)

Collin Brown, who is representing Crescent Homes for the rezoning case, reminded city council that Novant Health intended to build a hospital at the site only for

Smart Brown Girl Book Club and continue creating content for her YouTube channel.

“I hope I have inspired people to create content at times when they felt they weren’t worthy of being seen,” Jouelzy said. “My advice is just to start from some place and you have to be consistent.”

the health care system to move the project across the street to the Hall Farm site.

“When compared to the current zoning, it's actually a significant decrease in traffic from a health institution,” Brown said of the townhomes.

it feels very unfair, especially for an at-large race,” Eiselt said.

Councilmembers Braxton Winston, Victoria Watlington and Dimple Ajmera preferred not to block candidates from running.

Ajmera was appointed in 2017 to fill John Autry's District 5 seat on the council when he joined the N.C. General Assembly. She went on to campaign for an at-large seat later that year.

The project would extend Ballancroft Parkway to connect to Marvin Road, which would add turn lanes and a pedestrian refuge island at the intersection. A deceleration lane would be added to Johnston Road for right-in access to a new street on the property.

of food for the hungry have made their way from Salt Lake City to local pantries.

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, and during a time when many suppliers have been dealing with food shortages, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sent 20 truckloads, carrying approximately 800,000 pounds of food, to the Carolinas.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to follow the example of Jesus Christ and partner with local pantries to bless and care for the needs of children in our communities,” Charlotte Central Stake President Steve Page said.

It is a sentiment also expressed by Reverend Dr. Abdue L. Knox, pastor of the Greater Bethel AME Church, which sponsors the Care to Share pantry.

When asked what motivates him in his work, he replied, “Jesus was talking to his disciples one day … and He said to them, ‘Inasmuch as you do to the least of these, you do to me.’ We’re here in Charlotte, one of the wealthiest cities in the United States.

And yet we have so many children who are going to bed at night hungry. We have so many mothers and fathers who are worrying themselves sick over how they are going to feed their families … We have the space [for a food pantry]. Why not use what we have to be a blessing to others?”

“It should be up to the residents to decide who gets to serve them and not city council members,” she said, noting people appointed to state seats often campaign to keep them.

Ajmera mentioned how Mitchell supported minority and small businesses. She hopes his successor will continue to be a strong voice for the most vulnerable in the community.

“I look for a candidate with courage and conviction,” Ajmera said. “I look for the candidate who is go-

No one spoke against the project during the public hearing. Councilman Ed Driggs did not attend the meeting due to illness but Mayor Vi Lyles credited Crescent Homes for its commitment to affordable housing.

“They have stood with us when

ing to speak up for the areas that have been left behind – university, east and west parts of our city where we need to continue to invest more and focus on revitalizing neighborhoods.”

Want to serve?

Visit https://charlottenc. gov to fill out the form.

Residents with questions about the process can contact the city clerk’s office at cityclerk@charlottenc.gov or 704-336-2248.

we started out on this affordable housing journey,” Lyles said. “To see this continuation of an investment that's going to be in a place where people say that there are good schools, good jobs and opportunities for people is very important.”

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Page 6A • The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS Shelter prepares for Souper Bowl of Caring MONROE – The Community Shelter of Union County is gearing up for the Super Bowl by participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring,which benefits programs that provide emergency shelter, food and rehousing to Union County residents.

Last year’s campaign raised more than $35,256, with combined donations from Union County Public Schools totaling $21,604 through individual school campaigns.

“Every year, individual schools in the UCPS system host fundraising drives for our Souper Bowl of Caring, typically raising $25,000 to $28,000 to feed the hungry and house the homeless in Union County,” said Melissa McKeown, CEO of the shelter. “Even last year, when schools were fighting the impact of the COVID virus, they stepped up, honoring their commitment to raise funds.”

Souper Bowl runs through March 15. Any organization, school, business or family can participate. Contact Jeff Rogers at 704-261-3083 or Jeff.Rogers@ UnionShelter.org to learn how.

ers to make donations since it has had “little to no income over the past two years.” A portion of donations will go to the Alzheimer's Association.

MARA wins impact grant MATTHEWS – Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association was among 15 nonprofits sharing nearly $30,000 raised

by Incenter employees to bolster them during COVID-19.

Incenter, a family of companies serving lenders and mortgage bankers, gave the grants to organizations where they do business.

The firm provides financial relief to staff members facing personal hardships, as well as nonprofits focused on human services, youth and veterans.

Matthews announces facility closures

MONROE – Union County Public Schools says several students and staff members may have been exposed to COVID-19 after four students at Stallings Elementary tested positive.

UCPS closed the school for students and staff from Jan. 20 to Feb. 2. They'll work remotely until the school reopens Feb. 3.

UCPS staff is working with the individuals and Union County Public Health to determine close contacts.

MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews urges residents to stay home as much as possible and follow the Mecklenburg County Public Health directive, which puts in place new guidelines to help protect people from COVID-19.

“We are asking the people of Matthews to continue being good neighbors and follow Mecklenburg County’s recommendations to stay home,” Town Manager Hazen Blodgett said. “As COVID-19 continues to spread at a much higher rate than we’ve seen during the pandemic, it is critically important that we take action to protect ourselves and our community from the virus.”

The town closed the Crews Recreation Center and the Matthews Community Center to the public through Feb. 2.

Remote learning at Crews Recreation Center will continue to operate.

Steeplechase will continue without in-person audience

'Married at First Sight' groom releases book on personal growth

Stallings Elementary moves to Plan C

MINERAL SPRINGS – The Charlotte Steeplechase Foundation has decided to hold the 2021 Queen's Cup Steeplechase on April 24 without an in-person audience. The race will be livestreamed instead.

“The choice to run at all was based on giving horsemen and horses in training an opportunity to compete, bolstering a sport which continues to suffer from the loss of opportunities due to the ongoing pandemic,” the foundation wrote to supporters.

The foundation encourages support-

CHARLOTTE – Keith Manley II has released “Life is Just: A Walk Within,” his first literary project since marrying a stranger on Lifetime's reality TV series, “Married at First Sight.”

The novel dives into personal subjects like his upbringing, romantic relationships and unaired moments of his TV marriage. “'Life is Just' essentially started as just a journal that I was using to vent about different things that I was going through,” he said. “But it transformed, as I wrote, into something that I felt could prove

It’s a

beautiful life

helpful for other people going through the same things.”

Charlotte Symphony revises concert schedule CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Symphony will suspend rehearsals, recordings and live virtual concerts through Feb. 2 in light of the county's new COVID-19 directive.

All four previously announced virtual concerts – “Mozart Night Music,” “Holst + Elgar,” “Mozart + Wirén” and “Beethoven Symphony No. 1” – have been rescheduled for Feb. 6 to April 24.

Classical Series subscribers will also receive free access to a bonus concert, previously recorded at Symphony Park.

Visit www.charlottesymphony.org/ classical for ticket information.

Charlotte Media Group's

Pet Hall of Fame We've scoured the archives of all of our weeklies to find the cutest pets in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties. They represent the inaugural class of Charlotte Media Group's Pet Hall of Fame.

Unlike other Hall of Fames, we plan on continuing to add to it much more 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 handles are @southcltweekly, @mmhweekly, @ucweekly, @itncweekly and @weeklywaxhaw.

Fifth Third Bank supports Atrium Health Foundation CHARLOTTE – Fifth Third Bank and Atrium Health Foundation partnered in 2020 for Atrium Health’s COVID-19 Feeding Program to ensure people could safely quarantine without hunger or hardship.

The bank recently committed to additional support of Atrium Health’s continued Coronavirus Mobile Testing Center efforts with a $10,000 donation.

The mission of the center is to address the needs of underserved and minority communities.Atrium Health is improving access to care by adding coronavirus testing sites using GIS data to determine where they are needed most.

Charlotte participates in national memorial for lives lost to COVID-19 CHARLOTTE – The City of Charlotte participated Jan. 19 in the national memorial for lives lost to COVID-19.

The memorial feature the lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C.as well as the illumination of buildings and ringing of church bells in a national moment of unity and remembrance.

Several buildings in Uptown Charlotte lit up, including Truist Center, Bank of America Tower at 620 South Tryon St. and Bank of America Stadium.

“As we reflect on 2020, we must recognize that unity and empathy will hold this country together,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “We must protect ourselves by protecting others so that we are able to not just survive, but thrive.”

Buddy McGee not only loves children and adults but the 5-year-old Shih Tzu gets along with other dogs. Buddy loves to be petted and praised so much, his parents think he'd make a great therapy dog. Photo courtesy of Emma Jo and Mac McGee

Pirate and DJ became best buddies despite having different personalities.

DJ has a lot of energy to burn while Pirate likes to calmly cuddle. Photo courtesy of Alyssa Stewart

No for w Ta Ne kin w Ap g Re art ser me vat io nt Ho ns me s

Accomplished artist Peggy Bond envisioned retirement as a masterpiece. She found it at Matthews Glen.

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Arts Entertainment The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021 • Page 1B

Christmas snow inspires painting

An artist will help make this butterfly sculpture pop. Photo courtesy of Town of Waxhaw

Waxhaw launching rotating art contest

Kent Paulette painted “Charlotte Reflections” after he was inspired by the beautiful fall colors at his home studio in the North Carolina mountains.

There was a magical snow on Christmas Day as Paulette was working on the painting. He went outside and stuck his face in the snow to wake up his spirit and senses. He also added some snow directly to the paint to stain the canvas.

The five-foot-wide painting will be auctioned off Jan. 30 during the 2021 Dream Gala. The event raises money for Dream on 3, a nonprofit allowing kids with a disability or life-altering

condition to live out their ultimate sports dreams.

“I donated this painting to Dream on 3, because I think they're really helping to make dreams come true and bring joy and magic to the Dream Kids' lives,” Paulette said.

Last year's black-tie event in Founder's Hall drew 700 people and raised $676,185 for Dream on 3. Paulette's painting, “Charlotte's Dreams” sold for $11,000 during the live auction.

Paulette, who grew up in Hickory, has fond memories of visiting Charlotte to go to Discovery Place, Neighborhood see SNOW, Page 3B

Kent Paulette incorporated creek water and Christmas snow into his painting “Charlotte Reflections.” He's auctioning off the piece during the Dream Gala. Photo courtesy of Kent Paulette

by Justin Vick

justin@cmgweekly.com

The Waxhaw Parks and Recreation Department is calling on artists to enhance the butterfly sculpture located across from David G. Barnes Park.

Dena Sabinske, parks and recreation director, said the Waxhaw Public Art Selection Jury has been conducting an inventory of the town's art and thinking of ways of reimagining it. They came up with the idea of a rotating art contest to engage citizens and visitors similar to the giant rocks you see on school campuses.

“There's many different ways that we can help promote art for the town and different ways to actually see it and have interaction,” Sabinske said. “It gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling of coming down into Waxhaw and to have that interaction and pops of color we all know that provokes happiness.”

Schools, scout troops, civic groups, businesses that promotes art or local artists are eligible to apply. The application outlines all the rules. The process includes interviews with the artists and town commissioner approval. The artwork would be complete around June and remain intact until the next contest the following year.

Sabinske sought feedback from the commission during their Jan. 12 meeting. Waxhaw Mayor Ron Pappas suggested upgrading the sculpture's aluminum base so that it better enhances the art. He also proposed elevating it off the ground a bit so it looks like it is taking flight.

Sabinske sees the opportunity to move the butterfly sculpture into the park planned for downtown.

She also envisions the potential of expanding the project to lure artists from outside of Waxhaw so the town has its very own museum in downtown, the park system or along its trails.

“I love this idea and it sounds so much fun,” Commissioner Anne Simpson said of the rotating art contest. “Just the thought of how this can even continue to grow as we grow and the applications of it is amazing.”

Evolving inspiration Creativity proves pandemic-proof for artist

by Heting Liu Contributor

Attracted by the characters and heroes that he saw in cartoons and comic books, Nicholas Stewart started drawing. He later enrolled in an art school, thinking he wanted to pursue a career in animation.

“After experimenting and trying out different things, eventually I fell in love with fine art and became a painter,” Nicholas said.

He was influenced by many other painters, sculptors and the nature around him. He developed a unique way of using texture.

“There’s a master who said that there are three basic things of art – the artist, nature and materials,” he said. “The important thing for artists see INSPIRATION, Page 3B

Nicholas Stewart's recent series of work, “Prometheus Collection,” was inspired by his son, Charlie. It explores the figurative horizon.

A Prometheus figure is in every painting. Photo courtesy of Heting Liu

About this series: 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.

Eagle Scout creates walking story at park the next page in a children's book.

The first book to get the storywalk treatment is “Do You WonLogan Kee chose to work with der About Rain Snow Sleet And Hail?” the Waxhaw Parks S T R A T E G I E S G R O U P Parks and Recreation Director and Recreation Dena Sabinske said one unique Department on feature of the storywalk is the a project to help stands can be moved in the event him become an ofS inclement weather.

Eagle Scout. But Kee T R A T E G I E S G R O U P is meant forto families, his contribution to Helping“This you Cross the Bridge Retirementbut the park system could have a far it also has our information about FOR ANY RETIREE the park system and our fun map,” greater impact than him earning 3 QUESTIONS Sabinske said. in protecting your a rank.

Are you interested savings market volatility?

Installing thefrom stands only took Kee, who is part of Boy Scout retirement Do you want an income that you could Troop 120 in Marvin, planned a day, but Kee has been planning never outlive? and installed a storywalk along the the concept since the summer. a reasonable Keeyou setbeasatisfied goal towith raise $2,500 Twelve Mile Creek Trail within Would rate of return (4 - 7%) with no downside MillBridge. Park visitors can walk market risk?

STORYWALK, Page 4B to each of the 10 stands to read If thesesee questions are important to you,

by Justin Vick

justin@cmgweekly.com

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The storywalk features stands with pages of a children's book and info about the town's park system. Photo courtesy of Town of Waxhaw

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Page 2B • Jan. 22, 2021 • The Weekly

DINING SCORES

Books on demand

The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected these restaurants from Jan. 8 to 14:

Char-Meck Library surpasses 1M E-book and audiobook checkouts in 2020 Charlotte Mecklenburg Library reached a record-breaking one million digital book checkouts in 2020.

The library system has been providing readers 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks for several years through OverDrive and its Libby reading app.

Reader interest and usage has grown Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s infrastructure allows patrons to continue every year. reading even during reduced hours due to COVID-19. CMG file photo “The library is committed to keeping our community engaged and ed- cludes biographies, romance and chil3. “White Fragility” by Robin Diucated by providing equitable and dren/young adult.

Angelo free access to both physical and digital 4. “Talking to Strangers” by Malmaterials,” said Caitlin Moen, chief Top 5 E-book titles borrowed in colm Gladwell customer officer and library director 2020: 5. “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

1. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Stone” by J.K. Rowling “We're proud to be a part of the mil- Delia Owens lion digital downloads and prouder 2. “White Fragility” by Robin DiWant to get a book? that the Charlotte-Mecklenburg com- Angelo Readers in Mecklenburg County munity sees the value in their library 3. “Educated” by Tara Westover need a valid library card to access digiand uses our free resources to such a 4. “Little Fires Everywhere” by Ce- tal books from Charlotte Mecklenburg great extent.” leste Ng Library's OverDrive-powered digital The highest-circulating title Char5. “The Giver of Stars” by Jojo Moyes collection. Sign up for a library card at lotte Mecklenburg Library readers https://www.cmlibrary.org/getacard. borrowed through OverDrive in 2020 Top 5 audiobook titles borrowed Readers can use any major device, inwas “Where the Crawdads Sing” by in 2020: cluding Apple, Android, Chromebook The New1.York Times Syndication Delia Owens. The top-circulating “Becoming”

by Michelle Sales ObamaCorporation and Kindle. Visit https://plcmc.overEighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 genre, thrillers, represents the most 620 2.

“Where the Crawdads Sing” by For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 drive.com/ or download the Libby popular in a vast catalog that also in- For Delia Owens Wednesday, March 4, 2020 app to get started.

Release

Edited by Will Shortz

Crossword ACROSS

54 Home of the first man to walk on the moon, the first American to 32 Take rudely orbit Earth and 4 Tank top? the first American 36 Want an actress woman to walk in 10 Risky thing to go from “Mad Men”? space out on 39 They’re often lit 55 Want an actor 14 QB Manning from “Here 40 Company whose Come the 15 Lofty ambitions bathroom sinks Girls”?

16 Single’s bars? are named for 58 Just pretend Swedish bodies 17 Want an actress of water 59 Robotic from “Soul supervillain in the Food”?

41 Female first “Avengers” compadre sequel 19 The buck stops 60 Bad marks here 42 Words of honor 61 Colorful 20 Creepazoid’s 43 Playground neckwear gaze rebuttal 62 Attempts it 21 Stripped (of) 44 Want an actor 63 Part of a tavern 22 Hat for a chef from “Rogue One”?

23 Want an actor DOWN from “Wonder 49 Deck divided into 1 Drooping flower Woman”? the Major and feature Minor Arcana 27 Cobbler’s supply 2 Sheet of ice 28 Vow to get even? 50 Org. seeking 3 Common kind clean skies of pen for 29 Pennsylvania illustrators N.L. team, 51 By the dawn’s early light? familiarly 4 Many an animated meme ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 5 Thinks the world of A H H S H A M U G A T O R 6 Stroke on a letter C O Y R A N O N E L O P E 7 “Leave it to me!”

C O M P O U N D W L A P E L 8 Comedian Wong E D N A L E E R S M O N A 9 Ad by MADD, e.g.

S O A R M A L C O L M X S O L O C U P P R O O R E 10 Something most people don’t go L A S E R Y O G I S into more than G E N E R A T I O N Y once a year E G R E T W A S T E 11 Like many dinar N R A O R C T H E S A M E spenders C O N T R O L Z E R I N 12 Demerit L A D E B E A K S L E N T 13 Lie in the sun O N E A L F I N A L F O U R 18 Car fronts S E U S S T R O V E L E E Day, e.g.: E R R E D S E X E D A T E 22 Turkey Abbr.

1 Texting pal, maybe

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PUZZLE BY JEREMY NEWTON

24 Suffix with good and willing 25 Spanish table wine 26 Mixer option 27 “Out, out!”

29 Nightcap go-with, in brief 30 Game of checkers?

31 Danish coins 32 More sticky and viscous 33 Increase the stakes

34 Mythical ship that gave its name to a constellation 35 Words before nose or hair 37 Generic dog name 38 Bread accompanying saag paneer 42 ___-forgotten 43 Addled 44 Happy cowpoke’s cry

45 Cable news anchor Hill 46 Quiet corners 47 Univ. units 48 “La Traviata,” for one 49 It’s monumental 52 Place to veg 53 Medicinal qty.

55 “Who woulda thunk …?”

56 Suffix with crap 57 John Winston ___ Lennon

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.

Lowest Scores • 9 Spices Indian Cuisine, 8145 Ardrey Kell Road – 80 Violations include: Person in charge wasn’t ensuring food safety and handling guidelines were met; hand sink didn’t have hot water; opened/ unpackaged/unwrapped raw chicken, raw shrimp and raw fish mixed together in pan in walk-in freezer; can opener with build-up on blade; some foods weren’t cooling fast enough; some foods weren’t held cold enough; foods in prep coolers or walk-in cooler didn’t have date marks; and two spray bottles of chemicals didn’t have identification.

• Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 87 Violations include: Employee used bare hands to wash soiled dishes; paper towels weren’t at hand sink by sushi station; employee wiped debris off gloved hands and continued with food prep without washing hands and changing gloves; shrimp tempura and rice didn’t cool fast enough; and restaurant didn’t place time stamps on some food when items were prepped and removed from temperature control.

All Scores Charlotte (28209) • AMC Park Terrace 6, 4289 Park Road – 99 • Brawley's Beverage, 4620 Park Road – 99 • Harris Teeter (produce), 2717 South Blvd. – 99.5 • Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream Park Road, 4203 Park Road – 99 • The Steak N Hoagie Shop, 3401 South Blvd. – 98.5 • The Traveling Comida Show, 4151 Park Road – 97 • Zack's Hamburgers, 4009 South Blvd. – 98.5 Charlotte (28210) • Burger King, 4709 Sharon Road – 98.5 • Domino's Pizza, 8510 Park Road – 97.5 • JC Tacos, 1343 Sharon Road W. – 94 • Taipei South, 10106 Johnston Road – 95.5 • Waffle House, 501 Westinghouse Blvd. – 96.5 • Wolfman Pizza, #18504 Park Road – 98.5 Charlotte (28211) • American Girl Charlotte Bistro, 4400 Sharon Road – 98 • Earth Fare (meat/seafood), 721 Governor Morrison St. – 95.5 • Felix Empanadas, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 99 • Five Guys, 4400 Sharon Road – 98 • Gigi's Kitchen, 3500 Latrobe Drive – 97 • Harris Teeter (seafood), 6701 Morrison Blvd. – 97 • McDonald's, 1035 N. Wendover Road – 98.5 • Nori Japan, 4400 Sharon Road – 91 • Renaissance Patisserie, 6401 Morrison Blvd. – 97 • Showmars, 4400 Sharon Road – 97 Charlotte (28226) • Chuck E Cheese, 7701 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98 • Harris Teeter (deli), 4100 Carmel Road – 96.5 • Harris Teeter (market) 4100 Carmel Road – 98 • McDonald's, 7721 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97.5 • Mr. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 87 • Wingstop, 8334 Pineville-Matthews Road – 98 Charlotte (28227) • American Deli, 7309 E. Independence Blvd. – 94 • Earp's Express (food Stand), 7020 Brighton Park Drive – 100 • Gong Cha, 7808 Rea Road – 96.5 • K's Asian Xpress, 10102 Albemarle Road – 94.5 • La Luna 2 (restaurant), 8829 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. – 93.5 • La Luna 2 (meat Market), 8829 E. W.T. Harris Blvd. – 98.5 Charlotte (28270) • Be Em Asian Kitchen, 1848 Galleria Blvd. – 91 • The Southern Gourmet, 9101 Monroe Road – 95 Charlotte (28277) • 9 Spices Indian Cuisine, 8145 Ardrey Kell Road – 80 • Akropolis Cafe, 8200 Providence Road – 98.5 • The Blue Taj, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way – 97.5 • Chipotle Mexican Grill, 11619 Wa-

verly Center Drive – 98 • Clean Juice, 7918 Rea Road – 92.5 • Famous Toastery, 8430 Rea Road – 97.5 • Flying Biscuit, 7930 Rea Road – 95 • Hampton Inn And Suites, 11935 North Community House Road – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 15007 John J. Delany Drive – 97 • Harris Teeter (pizza/cheese island), 15007 John J Delaney Drive – 100 • Lotus Cafe, 8610 Camfield St. – 90 • New South Kitchen & Bar, 8140 Providence Road – 96.5 • Penn Station East Coast Subs, 9805 Sandy Rock Place – 96 • Qdoba Mexican Eats, 16631 Lancaster Hwy. – 98 • Showmars, 10612 Providence Road – 95.5 • Sprouts Farmers Market (deli), 15121 Ballancroft Pkwy. – 96.5 • Sprouts Farmers Market (produce), 15121 Ballancroft Pkwy. – 100 • Sprouts Farmers Market (sushi), 15121 Ballancroft Pkwy. – 97 • Starbucks Coffee, 6432 Rea Road – 99 • Subway, 13855 Conlan Creek – 93 • TPC Piper Glen Grill And Cafe, 4300 Piper Glen Drive – 97 • Wendy's, 11640 Providence Road – 95.5 • Zeitouni Mediterranean Grill, 3419 Toringdon Way – 99.5 Indian Trail • Great China, 610 S. Indian Trail Road – 97 • Quik Trip, 5650 W. U.S. 74 – 96.5 • Sonic, 14315 E. Independence Blvd.

– 96.5 • Subway (Walmart), 2101 Younts Road – 98 • Taco Bell, 13710 E. Independence Blvd. – 97.5 • Tap And Vine, 6443 Old Monroe Road – 97 • Walmart Supercenter (deli), 2101 Younts Road – 94 Matthews • Americana Restaurant, 1628 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 96 • Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins, 3114 Fincher Farm Road – 96.5 • Primavera Pizza, 1319 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 93.5 • Tropical Smoothie Cafe, 2309 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 99 • Wendy's, 11145 E. Independence Blvd. – 98.5 • Zoe's Kitchen, 2309 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 96 Mint Hill • Earp's Amoco (food Stand), 7930 Fairview Road – 98.5 • J Birds Burger Jointe At Penny's Place, 7920 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 96.5 • New Asian Cuisine, 7114 Brighton Park Drive – 94 Monroe • American Deli, 1014 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Carniceria Morelos, 1510 Miller St. – 90 • Claws, 812 N. Charlotte Hwy. – 91 • East Coast Wings + Grill, 5140 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 96 • Food Lion (deli), 801 E. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 • Food Lion (meat market), 100 E. Sunset Drive – 95.5 • Food Lion (deli), 100 E. Sunset Drive – 96.5 • Fox's Alley, 1901 Skyway Drive –100 • Hathaway`s, 1310 Roosevelt Blvd.

W. – 97 • SPI Express, 2303 Morgan Mill Road – 98 • SPI Express, 2623 Sikes Mill Road – 90 Pineville • BJs Wholesale Club (deli), 11715 Carolina Place Pkwy. – 98.5 • Dive N, 109 N. Polk St. – 97 • Food Lion (deli), 317 S Polk St. – 98.5 • Food Lion (market), 317 S Polk St. – 99 • Machu Picchu, 310 S. Polk St. – 94 • Sabor Latin Street Grill, 9105 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 Stallings • Athens Pizza, 2920 A Old Monroe Road – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (deli), 15080 Idlewild Road – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (meats/seafood), 15080 Idlewild Road – 99.5 Waxhaw • McDonald's, 2532 Cuthbertson Road – 91 • Pizza Hut, 703 W. South Main St. – 100 • Queens South Bar & Grill, 1201 N. Broome St. – 96 Weddington • Poppyseeds Bagels, 13645 Providence Road – 98.5

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Page 3B • Jan. 22, 2021 • The Weekly

Hunting trip reinvigorates disabled veterans

by Ashley Skinner Contributor

6,000 acres.

Four veterans.

A lifetime of memories.

The Independence Fund, SMG Inc. and Duke Energy recently gave wounded veterans a chance to connect and experience independence through outdoor activities at a hunting event in Inglis, Florida.

The event, Hunting for Independence, is an initiative started three years ago by The Independence Fund, an organization dedicated to helping catastrophically wounded, injured or ill veterans, caregivers and their families.

“I’ve been a recipient of The Independence Fund for a couple of years now, and I’ve been on a few trips with them,” Army veteran Daniel Selbee said. “They’ve impacted and changed my life greatly, helping me through some of the treatment programs and getting me out of the house. I rarely get out, so these opportunities mean so much to me.”

As part of The Independence Fund’s Mobility Program, the goal of Hunting for Independence is to get veterans to participate in the activities that they love and can no longer do. With the support of mobility equipment like The Independence Fund’s all-terrain

INSPIRATION (continued from page 1B)

to do is how we tie all three together.”

Inspiration is very important for an artist. His visual inspiration usually comes from objects like stained-glass windows, altars and shrines, but aside from that, small things that make up our everyday life are also sources of inspiration for him.

“I get excited about different things around the world,” he said. “I always look around to find things that can spark something for me to work off of.

I usually carry a sketchbook along with me when I’m out to catch the ideas and inspirations that suddenly come to me.”

Since the pandemic started, flowers became the perfect life models for him. He is always excited about the beauty of flowers, using color, rhythm and texture to capture floral arrangements is satisfying and can brighten up his quarantine.

trackchairs, these American heroes can bond with other veterans through meaningful experiences.

“Being able to get veterans out of their homes and together for a hunting trip is really amazing,” said Phil Limauge, mobility program manager for The Independence Fund.

“We’ve also taken veterans to South Carolina a few times. It’s always a really good time.”

While the veterans spent their three-day respite sitting in blinds waiting for their prime shot, their caregivers and families enjoyed the experience of a lifetime: swimming with manatees.

“My husband usually doesn't participate in veteran overnight events because of his seizures. With his unpredictable evenings and mornings due to seizure activity, it makes it hard to be away from home and me and even harder to do early mornings,” said Heidi Selbee, caregiver program contractor for The Independence Fund and Selbee's caregiver.

“Meanwhile, our daughter and I were able to enjoy some quality time together making memories with the other family who attended. I was able to organize our caregivers and families the amazing opportunity to swim with manatees. It was a memory none of us will ever forget.”

Hunting for Independence was made

possible in South Carolina and Florida by Duke Energy. As the landowners to the hunting grounds, Duke Energy has allowed The Independence Fund the opportunity to provide a special hunting experience to the organization’s wounded veterans. SMG handles the lease for the hunting ground in Florida, providing the hunters with guides, meals and equipment, preparing the blinds and positioning the hunters for the best potential outcome.

“During these trips, wounded veterans are partnered with experienced hunting guides to participate in the hunt,” said Sam Johnson, executive vice president of The Independence Fund’s Charlotte office. “Ultimately, it’s Duke Energy’s decision that allows us to make this event possible, and SMG goes above and beyond to give our veterans a firstrate experience.”

Throughout the three days of hunting, veterans were able to connect, relax and take time away from the stresses of daily life. In a special appearance during the last lunch, the Citrus County Sheriff and Army veteran Mike Prendergast presented the veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award.

“When I retired from active duty, I started working with the Florida governor at the time, Rick Scott, and we created the Gov-

ernors Veterans Service Award,” Prendergast said. “When he retired as the governor and went on to work in the Senate, he gave me the last of these medals to pass out to the veterans who manifest all those things that are about duty, honor, country and the reason why we served in the first place. These guys here today have earned this award.”

The Independence Fund’s Mobility Program is geared toward helping catastrophically wounded, injured and ill veterans get back outside by providing them with all-terrain trackchairs. These all-terrain trackchairs help veterans, like Air Force veteran James “Tip” Tipton, regain the ability to do the things they love and transform their lives for a better future.

“I received my trackchair on-stage at a Florida Georgia Line concert in 2019; it and The Independence Fund have given me the freedom, knowledge, courage and power to believe I can be normal again,” Tipton said.

“I owe them the biggest gratitude for taking me into their programs, and I truly believe what they do is so important. Before I met them, I was feeling like life was over and I was doomed. If it wasn’t for them and trips like Hunting for Independence, I don’t think I would be around today. I’m still around because of them and what they do.”

What also brightens up Nicholas’ life is his 3-year-old son. The role of a father has influenced his art career.

“The work-life balance has flipped upside down since the birth of my son, Charles,” he said. “Classes and studio time are all structured around sleep and preschool.”

Since the birth of his son, Nicholas started to paint with brighter colors, which he describes as “color that glows.”

“My son is always inspiring me with his strength and curiosity,” he said. “He is also the sun in our family – the center of our system – and can always warm the people around him.”

Theatre and Charlotte Hornets games.

He brought those warm memories along with a bit of nature to “Charlotte Reflections.”

In addition to the snow, Paulette also collected water from the creek in his backyard to mix with the paint.

He used a large palette knife to paint the thick texture in “Charlotte Reflections,” with rough texture on the top half of the painting for the trees and buildings and a softer texture on the bottom for the water's reflection.

Want to learn more?

Nicholas Stewart serves as lead instructor for Braitman Studio in Charlotte. Visit www.braitmanstudio.com/ nicholas-stewart to learn more about the studio and www.nicholasmstew art.com for details about the artist.

Photo courtesy of Heting Liu

Want to attend the Dream Gala?

This year's Dream Gala will be live online Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Enjoy a night filled with music, professional athletes, a silent auction, and the stars of the show – the Dream Kids.

Register to attend for free at dreamon3.org/dream-gala-registration.

SNOW (continued from page 1B)

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Page 4B • Jan. 22, 2021 • The Weekly

FOX Nation's 'Monsters Across America' makes stop in Charlotte FOX Nation, FOX News Media’s subscription-based streaming service, debuted the second season of the series “Monsters Across America” on Jan. 19.

Kacie McDonnell hosts the three-episode season that follows the platform’s lifestyle personality as she travels across the United States in search of people and places connected to monster sightings.

Mysteries explored in this installment include the New Jersey Devil, the Pennsylvania Thunderbird, and a series of inexplicable events in Charlotte. Here's a preview into each episode: • Episode 1: The Jersey Devil – McDonnell follows the trail of the legendary Jersey Devil, often thought of as a flying biped with hooves, into the state’s Pine Barrens. Many claim that within the forest lies the origin of

STORYWALK (continued from page 1B)

through GoFundMe, a platform where people donate to various causes. His fundraiser generated $2,710, which helped pay for building materials.

“I put in a lot of work and I hope

the creature, which can be traced back to a monstrous local birth.

• Episode 2: The Pennsylvania Thunderbird – A set of clues lead McDonnell to Williamsport, Pennsylvania – home of the Little League World Series – where she learns the legend of a savage, giant bird.

• Episode 3: Charlotte’s Web of Mysteries – McDonnell travels to Charlotte, where she investigates a trio of mysteries involving a lake monster, a beast in the hills and the high frequency of performing conjoined twins.

Where to watch: FOX Nation is a direct-to-consumer on-demand streaming service designed to complement the FOX News Channel experience with a members-only destination for fans. It costs $5.99 a month/$64.99 a year.

my product lasts for a while,” Kee said. “I just want to make sure it is high quality and looks good out there for years to come.”

Sabinske recognized Kee during the Jan. 12 town commission meeting. Mayor Ron Pappas asked the young man what he hoped to do as a career.

Kacie McDonnell will explore some of the Queen’s City’s biggest mysteries in the third episode of the series, “Monsters Across America.” Photo courtesy of FOX News

Kee hasn't picked a college yet but he plans on becoming an architect. He said the project, from the planning to keeping everything within budget, was good preparation for that career.

“Becoming an architect also leads to becoming a developer too, so be careful with that,” Pappas

joking warned.

Being an Eagle Scout mom, Commissioner Tracy Wesolek said she knows how hard Kee worked on the project.

“I have been to several Eagle ceremonies and this is the first one I've seen of a project like this,” Wesolek said.

Commissioner Jason Hall said seeing such projects takes him back to the days when he was an Eagle Scout.

“It's going to offer just a tremendous amount of value to our community,” Hall said. “I can't wait to get out and see it myself.”

Gingersnap 5K shows resilience in spite of COVID

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COVID-19 couldn't stop Girls on the Run Union County from holding its 11th annual Gingersnap 5K. The event has become a mainstay on the Waxhaw events calendar, raising $30,000 to $35,000 annually for the nonprofit designed to build confidence and healthy living habits among girls.

“Much like everything else in the world, COVID challenged us, but we saw it as an opportunity to create something meaningful and just changed what we had traditionally done,” said Rachel Horne, community engagement and events coordinator for Girls on the Run Union County. “We had a hybrid 5K, which is the first time ever for us, meaning that participants

got to choose if they wanted to participate virtually or in-person.”

The 11th annual event, which was held Nov. 21, attracted 324 participants and raised more than $12,000.

Horne was on hand for the Jan. 12 town commission meeting for the official check presentation, which was also held virtually.

“In this environment, if you get to raise anything, you've done good,” Mayor Ron Pappas said.

Horne thanked Novant Health and Connolly Orthodontics for sponsoring the 5K. “We are happy and proud to report that we had a safe, responsible event with zero cases tracked back to our event,” Horne said. “We had a total of 324 participants that were spaced out in waves across the 30-minute span.

“There were no spectators,

Top 10 finishers from 2020 Gingersnap 5K on Nov. 21: 1. Jordan Foley, 20:43 2. Steve Habegger, 21:20 3. Stephanie Austin, 22:24 4. Jonathan Kisch, 22:31 5. Kristina Combs, 23:44 6. Sean Butler, 23:45 7. Lindsey Morizio, 23:51 8. Kimberly Guy, 24:56 9. Brian Preston, 25:15 10. Aaron Parker, 26:07

no vendors – nothing kind of fun that we traditionally have but the fact that we were able to pivot and host an event virtually and in-person was really special to us.”

Horne hopes the event can get back to some form of normalcy next year. But even if COVID-19 persists, she said Girls on the Run Union County has a blueprint of how to do next year's event.

On the web: www.ginger snap5k.com

Helping Small Businesses is our Passion In honor of 2021, Charlotte Media Group launches a $21,000 Marketing Grant Program to help small businesses in the communities we serve.

We know local small businesses have taken the hits of COVID19 harder than most. It is our goal by launching this marketing grant program that we can assist the #SMBs who need it most when it comes to creating visibility and driving traffic back into their stores, restaurants, and offices.

We will be awarding 10 local businesses with grants of $2,100 to use on marketing platforms with Charlotte Media Group and it’s family of digital and print products.

Each of the businesses that are chosen will be assigned a dedicated marketing consultant to work with them on the best ways to use the grant to harness their advertising messaging, create visibility, and ultimately drive traffic back to their business.

What’s in it for us? We believe in our ability to leverage the audiences we’ve built over the past decade to connect the community with the small businesses around it. When a business is chosen to receive one of these grants, our team will walk beside them for the duration of the grant flight time and help them track and measure any changes or growth that are coming from the marketing we invest for them. We believe in what we do and we are willing to invest in small businesses in our markets who could use a program such as this right now.

- Adrian Garson/Publisher

C G Charlotte Media Group

If you are interested in being a participating business in this unique grant program, please visit this link:

https://charlottemediagroup.org/smb-resource-center

The Weekly • Jan. 22, 2021 • Page 5B

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