Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Volume 7, Number 52 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014

Running to support global missions

South Trade Street construction to start soon

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Runners will take to the trails behind Idlewild Baptist Church this Christmas Eve for the third annual Following the Star 5K, a race that benefits international missionaries. Photo courtesy of Christy Godwin

Christmas Eve 5K returning to Mint Hill

by Josh Whitener josh@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MINT HILL – Runners will join together this Christmas Eve for the third year in a row to celebrate the season while supporting global missionaries.

The annual Following the Star 5K will take place Wednesday, Dec. 24, at Idlewild Baptist Church. Packet pickup and race day registration is at 8 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m.

Idlewild Baptist is located at 12701 Idlewild Road.

The church started the 5K in

2012 in part to offer families an opportunity to be involved in a race on Christmas Eve. “The racing community loves the 5K, and this is the only one that’s run on Christmas Eve (in the Charlotte area),” Christy Godwin, race organizer, said.

The race also is popular among runners, Godwin said, because it’s run along a trail through the woods behind the church, as opposed to streets or sidewalks like many area 5Ks. “I think it’s just the scenery and getting off the road – that’s always what’s nice about the trail run,” she said. “The softer ground is a plus for runners, too.”

However, the main reason for

the 5K is to raise funds to support international missionaries.

The proceeds from Following the Star are given to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, an annual endeavor that raises funds for missionaries stationed overseas.

Mint Hill native David Petro has experienced the impact of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering first hand. Petro, along with his wife, Heather, and their three children, has spent a number of years serving as a missionary overseas and is currently stationed in Zambia, Africa.

“The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering supports about 4,900

MATTHEWS – Contractors will begin their first steps toward widening South Trade Street in early January 2015, and town officials want drivers to be mindful of the construction.

The extensively-discussed $5.2-million project will include widening about half a mile of South Trade Street from Matthews United Methodist Church to the south of Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) fields, improvements to a section of the intersection of Fullwood Lane and South Trade Street and building a new exit from the Courtney neighborhood to the traffic signal at MARA fields.

The contractor, Sealand Contractors of Charlotte, was free to start any time, but chose to wait until after the holiday season and will begin work in the first few weeks of January, Matthews Public Works Director Ralph Messera said.

Sealand, which had the lowest bid at $4.2 million, will start to clear out the right of way and remove trees in the first phase, and then will begin erosion control and silk fencing, Messera added. That process should take a few weeks, and contractors will then start grading the road in preparation for widening.

Messera said a major holdup for this preliminary phase is that Duke Energy needs to move its power poles away

(see Christmas Eve 5K on page 5)

(see South Trade on page 4)

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

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Page 2 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Being ‘able’ to plan for the future Matthews mom says ABLE Act could provide financial assistance to her 6-year-old son

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act won U.S. Congressional approval on Tuesday, Dec. 16, and will help individuals like Matthews resident Vicki Vila and her 6-year-old son, Nino, who has Down syndrome, plan for their future.

The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities to set up a special savings account for disability-related expenses that won’t be taxed or be considered as supplemental security income (SSI) or another means-tested benefits.

People with disabilities previously lacked the ability to create tax-free disability savings accounts, similar to 529 college savings plans, to pay for essentials, such as education, housing and transportation, according to a news release from the National Down Syndrome Society. People could risk losing federal benefits if the funds in their savings accounts exceeded certain amounts.

Vila said she’s excited that she can plan for her son’s future, like she would for her typically developing daughters, who are 6 and 9 years old.

“Before, (Nino) couldn’t have assets over $2,000, which seems unfair,” the Matthews mom said.

People eligible for an ABLE account are those who become disabled before 26 years old and receive SSI or files a disability certification under IRS regulations.

Vila said the public could have misconceptions about what people with disabilities, such as Down syndrome, are capable of.

“I think the biggest misconception is that they’re not competent, and (Nino has) blown us away with so many things,”

Vila said, adding that sometimes people with Down syndrome struggle to express themselves and that the public needs to figure out a way to listen.

Some believe burdens against individuals with disabilities aren’t often discussed.

“If you don’t have disability in your life, you don’t really think about it. It may not be malicious; it’s just not something that they think about,” the Matthews parent said.

Vila, who is a member of the communications committee for the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, is happy that the ABLE Act gives relief to families across all income levels, including many who don’t have the financial standing to create a saving account.

“I think that when it comes for planning for the future, a lot of people don’t want to talk about it,” Vila said, adding the ABLE Act is more “every man.” “Even if they have a typical child, they may not have the money to invest in the future, so they feel there’s no use in talking about it.”

Kathryn Lariviere, executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, said the ABLE Act also will help the disabled community and the association.

“As an organization, what it is does (is allow us to start)

Nino (center) often spends time with his older sister, Eva (left), and his twin sister, Veronica. Photo courtesy of Vicki Vila

Thanks to the ABLE Act, Matthews resident Vicki Vila, might be able to plan for the future of her 6-year-old son, Nino, who has Down syndrome. Photo courtesy of Erin Schauer

putting some programs into place for next year to help these people enter the job market,” Lariviere said, who has a son, Cameron, with Down syndrome. Cameron will be 10 years old at the end of the month.

The association plans to create programs to help people with Down syndrome develop social skills, such as shaking hands, holding a conversation and how to act during an interview.

The ABLE Act hasn't entirely changed employers’ perspectives on individuals with disabilities, but will likely instead help shape future opinions regarding those individuals, Lariviere said. She feels people don’t realize individuals with disabilities are part of the community and have the potential to succeed.

“With these skills (they can learn in the programs), they’ll be giving back to the community, and we’ll see changes in those stigmas simply because they’re going to see them (in the workplace) more,” Lariviere said.

Personally, she’s happy the ABLE Act will allow Cameron to save money to become independent as an adult and live a fulfilling life.

Sources say President Barack Obama will soon sign the legislation into a law. Find more information at www.congress. gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/647.

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(continued from page 1)

from the road to make way for the road extension. Piedmont Gas also will need to install a new gas line in places where the line was too shallow, he added.

The director said the first phase should not cause traffic issues, as the contractor cannot close any lanes and plans to leave the pavement in place for a long time.

The town still has not received the finalized timeline from the contractor, but is expecting it soon. Town staff urges residents to stay alert and slow down around the construction site through the project’s duration. Motorists are encouraged to allow more time to travel and should not expect construction work to take place during morning or afternoon rush hour.

“The fact that it’s a construction area – you have to watch out for moving equipment. You have to watch out for other people who aren’t paying attention,” Messera said. “There will be barrels along the side of the road – the usual things you see along the road of a construction site.”

Residents neighboring the construction site should expect increased noise, and the contractors might work on some Saturdays.

The town will maintain all driveways at Matthews Methodist Church on Sundays, as well as the entrance to the church from Country Place Drive.

However, Courtney residents will finally receive sought-after relief after the project creates a new exit to a nearby traffic signal. Since the town couldn’t place an additional signal 200 feet from an existing signal, the neighborhood asked for a connector road to the signal at Chesney Glen Drive at the MARA fields.

The new exit will give residents “easier, safer access between their homes and Trade Street,” read the town’s website. The exiting entrance to the neighborhood will convert to right-in/right-out access.

As part of the project, the contractor will have a two left-turn lanes at South Trade Street onto Fullwood Lane. A receiving lane will be installed on Fullwood to receive the turn that will then merge back into one lane as vehicles travel toward N.C. 51.

Some residents have concerns regarding whether the bridge located immediately before the

intersection of Weddington and Pleasant Plains roads will be widened to complete the widening project. Town staff hopes the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will start to widen the bridge prior to the completion of the South Trade Street project.

The project is currently in draft for state funding in the 2016 fiscal year, Messera said.

The town could see new problems if the state funding doesn’t come through for the bridge project.

“It would definitely reduce the benefit of widening the road on the section from the creek up to Fullwood (Lane),” Messera said.

“It needs to be the whole length.

If it’s not widened, it would still be a two-lane section there in the middle.”

The NCDOT also plans to build the second phase of its project to connect Chaphyn Lane to Weddington Road, which will cross the Four Mile Creek.

Messera said residents might experience lane closures, as the NCDOT might have to bring in trucks of dirt to widen the fill.

The town hopes its project will provide much-needed traffic relief along South Trade Street for the more than 21,000 vehicles that use the road each day.

“If you envision an hourglass, you’ve got two roads coming in at South Trade (Street) and Fullwood (Lane) from downtown, coming into right now a one-lane or twolane section with one lane in each direction, and then they flair out again at Weddington and Pleasant Plains roads, so it’s been an incredible chill point. If you envision an hourglass right there at that narrow spot, it’s what the current road is like,” Messera said.

The project’s projected completion date is mid-March 2016, and South Trade Steet will be a fourlane divided roadway with landscaped medians. The contractor will have to pay liquidated damages of $500 per day for each day past the established completion date. If the town experiences poor weather, Sealand can ask for an extension, but Messera does not anticipate that to be a problem.

“A year should be long enough to do the project,” Messera said.

The town will host a groundbreaking ceremony in early January, but a specific date has not yet been determined. Find more information including updates about the project at matthewsnc.gov.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

News

Christmas Eve 5K (continued from page 1)

missionaries serving around the world,” Petro said in an email.

“One of the great things about the LMCO is that 100 percent of the funds given go directly to support field personnel … This provides us with a salary, a house, medical care, a vehicle to drive, diesel and materials to home school our kids and so much more. It also pays for visas and work permits.”

Following the Star also is branching out this year to support another cause – an all-girls school in Bangladesh, The Light of Hope Center. People will be able to purchase crafts made by students of The Light of Hope Center, with all proceeds going back to the girls at the school.

Since its inception two years ago, Following the Star has attracted people from across the Charlotte area, as well as people from other states who happen to be in town visiting friends or relatives for the holidays.

“It’s a holiday, people are in from out of town and … instead of sitting in front of a TV all morning, they have an activity to do,” Godwin

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said.

Petro is grateful for those who have supported Following the Star and the missionaries it benefits, and encourages people to continue participating in the race.

“The Following the Star 5K is much more than just another race; it helps carry the Gospel to the nations by supporting the missionaries carrying that Gospel,” Petro said in the email. “It is not only a race with a purpose, but it is also a race with eternal results.”

Find more information and register online at www.followingthestar. racesonline.com.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 5

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News Briefs Teen shoots break-in suspect in Mint Hill incident MINT HILL – A 14-year-old boy fatally shot a break-in suspect Tuesday, Dec. 16, when the intruder broke into a back window of George and Anna Marie Wyant’s home on Rolling Fields Road, in an unincorporated area just outside of Mint Hill.

Isai Robert Delcid, 18, broke into the home and the Wyants’ grandson shot Delcid with a pistol his grandparents keep in the house.

Delcid was attempting to break in with his brother, Carlos Delcid, who was charged with first-degree burglary, according to a police report.

Matthews planning board meeting rescheduled

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Planning Board cancelled its Tuesday, Dec. 23, meeting, due to the holiday season, and rescheduled to meet Jan. 6, 2015, a Tuesday, at 7 p.m.

The board will meet in the Hood Room in town hall, located at 232 Matthews Station St. Call the planning department at 704708-1234 or visit www.mathewsnc. gov for more information.

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Mint Hill to hold public hearing regarding family care homes MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners will host a public hearing on Jan. 8, 2015, a Thursday, at 7 p.m. regarding a text amendment to the unified development ordinance to establish a minimum separation distance between Family Care Home facilities.

Mint Hill staff wanted to establish a distance of 2,640 feet, or a halfmile, between those homes, as well as establish different categories for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia patients than those being rehabilitated, said senior planning director John Hoard.

After the public hearing, the petition will be reviewed by the planning board, who will meet next on Jan. 20, 2015, a Tuesday. The planning board will make a recommendation, and the board of commissioners will review and decide on the amendment. The anticipated meeting date to review the planning board’s recommendation is Feb. 12, 2015, a Thursday.

All meetings will be held in the McEwen Assembly Room in town hall, located at 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane.

Mint Hill Women’s Club taking items for auction MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Women’s Club is taking auction items for its annual fundraiser to help the club support area organizations.

The Card/Game Fundraiser will take place on Feb. 24, 2015, a Tuesday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, located at 11501 Bain School Road, in the Kerr building.

The club has given yearly donations to Mint Hill organizations, including the Mint Hill Historic Society, Mint Hill Arts, Mint Hill Library, Central Piedmont Community College students from the 28227 zip code and more, said Carol Hull, vice president and program coordinator of the club.

The money raised at the fundraiser will determine how much will be distributed throughout the Mint Hill community, Hull added.

Call 704-545-5354 for more information about the club and fundraiser.

Matthews, Mint Hill give ‘green’ holiday gift ideas

Both Matthews and Mint Hill have provided residents with eco-friendly gift ideas to reduce holiday waste.

The towns have suggested the following “earth-friendly” gifts for those last minute shoppers: tickets to a concert or play; free babysitting; reusable lunch bag or coffee mug; a family heirloom; house plant; bird feeder and seed; canvas shopping bag; and more.

Visit www.minthill.com and www. matthewsnc.gov for more gift ideas.

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Page 6 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Crime Blotter EDITOR’S NOTE: Matthews arrests and incident reports from the Matthews Police Department will be included in next week’s issue.

The following people were arrested in Mint Hill between Dec. 15 and 21, according to the Mint Hill Police Department: • Jared Michael Penoyer, 13400 block of Albemarle Road: Order for arrest, probation violation.

Dec. 17 • Muktarr Saidu Kanu, Hoods Crossroads, 3607 Jared M. Penoyer MatthewsMint Hill Road: Simple possession of a schedule VI substance; possession of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 18

• Anthony Kirkpatrick Gourdine, 6400 block of Wilson Grove Road: Breaking and entering, nonforced entry; first-degree trespassing.

Dec. 18

Anthony K. Gourdine The following crimes were reported in Mint Hill between Dec. 15 and 21, according to the Mint Hill Police Department:

Home/Business Break-ins • 6400 block of Wilson Grove Road: Breaking and entering, forced entry; criminal damage to property, causing $500 in damage to wooden door. Dec. 17 • 4500 block of Stoney Trace Drive:

Television and DVD player, worth $974.99 total, stolen when apartment broken into through non-forced entry.

Dec. 18 • 10200 block of Cromarty Lane: Air Jordan shoes, miscellaneous Victoria’s Secret clothing items, 50-inch Sanyo television, 32-inch Samsung television and PlayStation 3, worth $2,604 total, stolen when home broken into through forced entry. Dec. 18 • 6400 block of Wilson Grove Road: Breaking and entering, non-forced entry; nothing listed as stolen. Dec. 18

Vehicle Break-Ins

Nine cymbals, cymbal carrying case, hardshell pedal carrying case, two double bass pedals and universal drive shaft, worth $2,235 total, stolen. Dec. 17 • 10500 block of Blair Road: $35 North Carolina registration plate stolen. Dec. 18 • 3400 block of Mayhew Forrest Lane: $449 handgun stolen. Dec. 18 • 10300 block of Idlewild Road: $1,500 MacBook Pro stolen. Dec. 18 • 10000 block of Santa Fe Lane: $1 in electricity stolen when meter tampered with. Dec. 18

Fraud

• 15500 block of Thompson Road: GPS unit, silver charm bracelet and USB cigarette lighter adapter, worth $360 total, stolen from vehicle. Dec. 16 • 9600 block of Buckskin Lane: Book bag, iPod headphones, language book, North Carolina driver’s license, gift card and house key, worth $156.50 total, stolen from vehicle. Dec. 18

Larceny • 5200 block of Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road: $500 motorcycle stolen. Dec. 15 • 6200 block of Danbrooke Park Drive: $200 in electricity stolen when meter tampered with. Dec. 17 • 13200 block of Albemarle Road:

• 7300 block of Meadow Glen Drive: Uttering a forged instrument. Dec. 17

Other • 7800 block of McWhirter Road: Simple assault; communicating threats; assault by pointing a gun. Dec. 15 • 9500 block of Stoney Trace Drive: Simple physical assault; located missing person. Dec. 17 • 3500 block of Dan Hood Road: Fire investigation after single occupancy dwelling burned, causing $20,000 in damage. Dec. 18 • 6400 block of Wilson Grove Road: First-degree trespassing. Dec. 18

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The Mecklenburg County Health Department reported the following sanitation scores at the following dining locations in the Matthews and Mint Hill area from Dec. 16 to 21.

Lowest Score: • Fontanella Italiano Ristorante, 10412 E. Independence Blvd. – 93 Violations included: No food protection manager on duty; employee beverage above steam well; large stock pot of tomato sauce in walk-in refrigerator held at improper temperature overnight; multiple items held at improper temperatures; and pizza preparation table not holding approved temperatures.

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All Scores: 28105

• Cracker Barrel, 9330 E. Independence Blvd. – 98.5 • Fontanella Italiano Ristorante, 10412 E. Independence Blvd. – 93 • Hao Chee Fresh CafÊ, 3122 Fincher Farm Road, suite 600 – 96 • Taste of Europe Polish Cuisine, 10915 Monroe Road – 96.5 28227 • Showmars, 6850 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 96.5 About the grades‌ Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70. Find more details on Mecklenburg County restaurants at the health department’s website, http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/ c o u n t y / H e a l t h D e p a r t m e n t / Pa g e s / Default.aspx.

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2015

EDITORIAL CALENDAR

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

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

Issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 October 2

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

Issue date:

Home Sales

Back to School

(Monthly section)

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

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August 14

February 6 and 20 March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17

2nd Issue of the Month

Whether it’s branding, listings, open houses, or mortgage rates and offers, our monthly Home Sales section is a perfect fit. In the second issue of every month, each newspaper publishes home sales for its coverage area. Space is very limited, so don’t miss out and call to reserve your space today for this monthly section dedicated to your industry … home sales.

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

Issue date:

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

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

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

Arts & Entertainment (Bi-monthly section)

2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

When it comes to reaching the performing arts crowd, this must-read section delivers the best reader demographics in the Charlotte market.

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

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 9

News

Home is where the heart is A tale of two religions

by Josh Whitener josh@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Christmas Eve is going to be strange this year.

Ever since I can remember, we’ve gathered each year on the evening of Dec. 24 at my grandfather’s house. Our Christmas Eve traditions Josh Whitener begin with a fingerfood dinner, followed by an annual reading of the Nativity story as told in Luke 2.

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

It’s been my favorite Christmas tradition from the time I was a child, eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival, to adulthood, waiting with anxious excitement to “help Santa� bring gifts to my own kids.

But that tradition as we’ve known it

won’t take place this year.

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

But in the midst of the sadness, I’ve found hope and joy. We still have my PePaw. We’ll still celebrate with each other, just at a different place. The rest of our traditions will remain the same.

Home isn’t a building. This might sound clichĂŠ, but home truly is where the heart is. The classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmasâ€? was written about soldiers serving overseas during the holidays, and carries the powerful message of no matter where you are, your heart can still be home.

Let’s all take a moment this season to forget the trimmings, trappings and holiday stress and cherish what truly matters: those we hold dear.

Merry Christmas.

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

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

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

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

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

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

My elementary-school-aged self

thought that celebrating both holidays just meant more presents, but as I matured I realized both Christmas and Hanukkah share similar meanings.

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

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

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

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

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Page 10 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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News

Celebrating Change

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Each Christmas Eve, my two sisters and I join our parents and celebrate the evening at Grandma Dockery’s house.

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

When I was 9 years old, my Uncle Kenny looked at my sisters and me and said, “You know, before you know it, you girls will be bringing boys home on Christmas Eve.” I laughed. And laughed and laughed and laughed. What a ridiculous thought!

I would never bring a boy to Grandma’s house. This was my family and my

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

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

On Nov. 8, I got married. My last name changed from Dockery to Chronis and for the first time in my life, I’ll be bringing a “boy” home for Christmas and deep into Dockery territory – a thought that would’ve made my 9-year-old-self cringe.

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

My grandma is now his grandma, and I’m beginning to realize that sharing family is a beautiful thing.

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

Whether you’re celebrating with a new baby or without a loved one, embrace the change and embrace the family you make for yourself. Tradition is beautiful and cherished, but change can be, too – if we let it.

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

Christmas: It grows on you

by Ryan Pitkin ryan@matthewsminthillweekly.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 11

Education

Covenant Day celebrates its 25th anniversary

by Courtney Schultz courtney@matthewsminthillweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Covenant Day School is celebrating a quarter-century transformation this year as a ministry of Christ Covenant Church to a Christ-centered, collegepreparatory school.

School alumni and officials said infrastructure has changed, but the community atmosphere and Christian focus remained.

Covenant Day was founded in 1989 as a ministry of Christ Covenant Church, serving kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Over the next five years, the school added sixth through ninth grades. The school eventually added 10th through 12th grades, as well a transitional kindergarten, built a new high school building in 2005 and joined both the Metrolina Athletic Conference and the Independence Schools Athletic Association.

“Our mission statement is the reason for starting the school,” said Larry Kirkman, vice chairman of the Covenant Day board of trustees and one of the elders of the church who voted to approve the school. “A Christian worldview, academic excellence and affordability for the community were what we wanted.”

Kirkman feels the mission statement represented exactly what the elders wanted,

and the school has continued to stay true to its mission throughout the 25 years.

“The mission statement says it better than I can, that we were looking to provide that quality education,” he said.

Twenty-five years ago, Lori Myers, a second-grade teacher at Covenant Day, and Sherry Dixon, a first-grade teacher at Covenant Day, were two of the first teachers at the school after both graduating from Covenant College.

“Once you’re here, it really is amazing,” Dixon said, adding the welcoming faculty also drew her to the school.

When Myers first arrived on campus, she said she felt the excitement from the teachers working together and providing a family environment.

“The encouragement that you get from the faculty to try different things, it’s unbelievable,” Myers said. “In my profession, I can run my classroom, and that was very helpful as you’re developing your teaching style.”

Covenant Day opened with one classroom building, and parents would spend nights waiting in line to obtain a spot at the school. Today’s campus includes more buildings, including a high school building, which is currently at capacity.

“I think for many years, it had a low profile,” Kirkman said. “A huge amount of

parents came from word of mouth. That’s one of the things we really wanted to address, that we were the best-kept secret around. We wanted people to know about us and what our mission was and how we fulfill that mission.”

Covenant Day Head of School Mark Davis hopes the school will continue to grow and believes the school has developed to help students become college- and career-ready through its programs and opportunities.

Myers is particularly proud of the school’s aquaponics technology program, This Green Fish, which started in 2012.

With the technology – growing fish and vegetables in a symbiotic system – the school hopes to create a sustainable system to help feed orphans in Haiti, according to the school’s website. The program is intended to benefit multiple countries, Myers said.

Leaders hope current and future students will carry out the school’s mission and inherit the same vision as the school’s founders.

“Our retention rate is well over 93 percent every year,” Kirkman said. “It says to us that high majority are pleased with our school and the school is working really hard to increase (more) opportunities for students.”

Davis hopes the school’s $14 million

Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

capital campaign, “Our Legacy,” which began this year, will help the school grow by building a new high school and long-term facilities to expand capacity and move students out of modular units currently on the campus.

“We hope that we would be able to continue to serve the communities of south Charlotte well and look forward to growing as a school,” Davis said.

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Education

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Education News & Notes

Matthews students receive grant for aquarium project MATTHEWS – Latin students of Matthews from Master’s Academy, Carmel Christian School and The Bridge received a Bridge Initiative Grant from the Classical Association of the Middle West and South for their “Ancient Aquatic Adventures” project.

The project will be a part of the Georgia Aquarium’s STEAM events, occurring during the Atlanta Science Festival on March 22, 2015.

The students will provide a mosaic-making booth, a Roman numeral booth, a derivative scavenger hunt and an Aesop’s fable coloring sheet.

The project will be in collaboration with Emory University’s Carlos Museum, which is sharing digital images of ancient artifacts with an aquatic theme, according to a news release.

Patriot Playmakers to host fundraiser for SETC Independence High School’s theater department, the Patriot Playmakers, will host the Applebee’s Flapjack fundraiser on Jan. 17, 2015, a Saturday, to raise funds for the group to go to the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) Play Festival in Chattanooga, Tenn., in March.

Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased from any Patriot Playmaker or by contacting Paula Baldwin at paula.baldwin@cms.k12.nc.us.

Lebanon Road Elementary asks for more parental input MINT HILL – Lebanon Road Elementary School invites its parents to take a parent involvement and interest survey to help the school better plan for information sessions, groups and other training opportunities for parents and caregivers in the future.

Parents can find the survey at lettersfromleo.wordpress.com.

Contact Darius Foster dariusj. foster@cms.k12.nc.us with any questions.

Covenant Day now accepting applications MATTHEWS – Covenant Day School is currently accepting applications for students who will be new to the school in the 2015-16 school www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

year. The deadline to be considered for the first round of acceptances is Jan. 15, 2015.

Parents can apply at www. covenantday.org/admissions/ student_applications.html.

The application period is not re-enrollment for current Covenant Day students; re-enrollment takes place after Christmas, and students will receive a letter from Covenant Day at that time.

Contact the admissions office at 704-847-2385 with any questions.

Independence students earn perfect scores Two Independence High School students have earned perfect scores in the Microsoft MOS powerpoint 2013 exam.

Senior Nataly Antal and freshman Jacob Pearson are now eligible to compete in the 2015 U.S. National Championship in Orlando, Fla., in June.

The contest is intended to help students showcase their skills with Microsoft Office tools. The competition began in 2002 and is the only contest endorsed by Microsoft, according to a news release.

CMS: Seven things families need to know about school options lottery Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has laid out seven tips parents need to remember as they prepare to make selections from the CMS online and magnet school options for the 2015-16 school year. Call 980-3435030, email magnets@cms.k12.nc.us or visit www.cms.k12.nc.us/magnets for more information on the lottery options.

• Know the deadline Families can submit applications from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily through Jan. 26, 2015, a Monday. The last day for new students to enroll and be eligible for the First School Options Lottery is Jan. 12, 2015, a Monday.

More key dates can be found at www. cms.k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ StudentPlacement/Pages/KeyDates. aspx.

DRIVERS NEEDED

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

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

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

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

For more information, please contact:

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(see Education Notes on page 14)

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 13

Education

Education Notes

with any questions about these numbers.

(continued from page 13)

• Know where to find the online application Parents can find the application at www.cms. k12.nc.us/application/Pages/Login.aspx. A Spanish version will be available soon. CMS will provide free computer access at all CMS Learning Community offices, CMS schools and the Smith Family Center, located at 1600 Tyvola Road, through Jan. 26, 2015, according to a news release. Computers at these locations will be available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families can contact Student Placement for assistance from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 980-343-5335. Spanish-speaking representatives are available at the Smith Family Center.

• Make sure your child is enrolled as a current or future student Students new to CMS in the 2015-16 school year must enroll in the system by Jan. 12, 2015, to be eligible for the first magnet lottery, the release said. Students who enroll after Jan. 12 will be eligible for the second magnet lottery, which runs from March 9 to June 5, 2015.

• Have your student identification and PIN numbers readily available CMS has already sent individual assignment notifications home with all students at their respective schools. The notifications included each student’s identification and PIN numbers.

Students who are new to CMS will receive the information in the mail. Contact 980-343-5353

• Attend informational sessions The school option lottery information sessions are available at the Smith Family Center until Jan. 26, 2015, a Monday. Signups for onehour sessions are available online at www.cms. k12.nc.us/cmsdepartments/ci/MagnetPrograms/ Pages/default.aspx.

The annual school options fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 10, 2015, a Saturday, at Berry Academy, located at 1430 Alleghany St. in Charlotte.

• Know your options When entering a student’s information, the application will automatically populate with the schools where transportation for the students is eligible. However, parents can follow a link to see more schools.

CMS will offer 52 school options at 52 schools for the 2015-16 school year.

“School options are Cooperative Innovative High Schools, Career and Technical Education programs and magnet themes including International Baccalaureate; Military and Global Leadership; Leadership and Global Studies; Montessori; Learning Immersion/Talent Development; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM); Traditional; Early College High School; Middle College High School; Visual and Performing Arts; and World Languages. All CMS students are taught the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Magnet programs are

Luci Koester, a Butler High School senior, was named the November Matthews Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Senior. Photo courtesy of Butler High School

theme-based to promote students' interests, abilities and talents,” the release read.

• Lottery notifications Lottery assignment notification letters will be sent to families in mid-February 2015.

Send us your education notes!

Email education story ideas, school notes, photos and honor rolls to education@ matthewsminthillweekly.com.

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Circulation: 17,000 Readership: 38,475

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2015

SPORTS CALENDAR

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

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

Issue dates:

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

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

Issue dates:

November 13 Southern Mecklenburg 38,000 circulation

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

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

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

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 15

Arts & Entertainment

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

by Dee Grano ae@matthewsminthillweekly.com

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

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

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

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

Her first success was a puppetry summer camp, for which she made a proscenium from a big cardboard box, curtains and rope. “The kids had a blast,� recalled Tavares, who calls her work as a teaching artist “really rewarding.� “Dulce is able to translate her expertise as an artist into teaching points for the children,� said Colten Marble, cultural recreation manager for the town of Matthews, who organizes classes and camps for the Center. “She always comes to me with awesome ideas for keeping her classes

fresh and relevant.�

Tavares launched a new camp called “Zen Adventures,� a full-day experience with yoga, dance and activities in “upcycling,� where kids turned recycled materials into art. She offered as part of the camp homemade “raw food� snacks, like smoothies, ice cream and “sushi� made with crushed cauliflower instead of rice. Though the sweet stuff was more popular with the children, the camp broadened their horizons. “Kids are authentic, spontaneous and unafraid of criticism or judgment,� Tavares said. “Expanding their knowledge improves their lives and creates awareness to parents.�

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

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

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

This prolific experience was a growth opportunity for Tavares, a self-proclaimed perfectionist who admits to painting over something completely if it does not meet her expectation. Her attention to detail is reflected in her work. “The first person I try to please is myself,� said Tavares. “I have to look at it and say, ‘I love it.’� “Dulce’s work shows that you can breathe a second life

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

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

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

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

Health& Wellness

2015

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Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail adsales@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com Page 16 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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12/18/14

Arts & Entertainment Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Arts & Entertainment News & Notes

Heritage museum to close for the holidays MATTHEWS – The Matthews Heritage Museum will be closed Thursday to Saturday, Dec. 25 to 27, for the Christmas holiday.

The museum also will close for New Year’s Day on Jan. 1, 2015, a Thursday, and will reopen Jan. 2, a Friday.

Currently on display is the exhibit Santas On Parade. The exhibit will run through Jan. 10, 2015, a Saturday.

The museum’s normal hours are Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $4 for adults and $2 for visitors 11 to 17 years old.

Children 10 years old and younger can attend for free, and the museum offers free admission to all visitors on the first Saturday of the month.

Find more information at www. matthewsheritagemuseum.org.

The museum is located at 232 N. Trade St.

Beth Harvey Beth Harvey named Mint Hill Arts Volunteer of the Month MINT HILL – Nonprofit arts group Mint Hill Arts recently named Beth Harvey the 2014 December Volunteer of the Month.

Harvey joined Mint Hill Arts earlier this year and has worked on the education committee, served as a gallery host and participated in several art shows, according to a news release.

She is a self-taught artist who gave up painting a number of years ago to raise her three sons, who are now grown.

Harvey’s youngest son, Conrad, leads the Zebra Party band, which has provided live entertainment at several Mint Hill Arts gallery shows. Harvey created a special painting of zebras in honor of Conrad, which is featured in the Mint Hill Arts December show, the annual Ann and Bill Litaker Exhibit.

The show will remain on display through January.

Harvey, who was honored at a recent reception celebrating the opening of the Ann and Bill Litaker Exhibit, started Collegium Study Center for home-schoolers, a program that is still thriving in Colorado, according to the www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

release. She also runs an online study center for home-schoolers at www. harveycenter.org, through which she teaches Latin and “great books,� the release said.

Find more information about Mint Hill Arts at www.minthillarts.org, or call 980-226-5532. The Mint Hill Arts Gallery is located at 11205 Lawyers Road, suite A. Silent Images releases end-of-year video MATTHEWS – Local nonprofit Silent Images recently released its end-of-year video, a short production created to say “thank youâ€? to its supporters. “This year we turned the cameras on ourselves to offer you a lighter video and a little more insight into the heart of our team,â€? Silent Images founder David Johnson said in a news release. â€œâ€Ś If you watch the video until the end, you will be rewarded with some fun and embarrassing outtakes...it was good for my team and me to be reminded how difficult it is to be on the other side of the camera.â€?

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

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

Community School of the Arts and Charlotte Children’s Choir to merge CHARLOTTE – Community School of the Arts and the Charlotte Children’s Choir will merge as of Jan. 1, 2015.

Through the merger, Charlotte Children’s Choir will become a part of the Community School of Arts, and its choral program will continue under its current name, according to a news release. “The decision to merge stems from both organizations’ shared commitment to providing the best in accessible arts education to meet the needs of the community. This merger will provide students of both programs with new educational and performance opportunities, as well as create synergies and growth opportunities for the combined organization,� the organizations said in a news release.

Community School of the Arts was founded in 1969, and the Charlotte Children’s Choir was established in 1986. Find more information about the organizations at www.csarts.org or www.charlottechildrenschoir.org.

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

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 17

Calendar 12.27.14 Saturday Matthews Farmers Market, 8 to 10 a.m.

1.3.15 Saturday Paws to Read, 10:30 a.m. to noon

1.6.15 Tuesday Maternity Center Tour – Matthews, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

The Matthews Community Farmers Market re-opened for its Winter Market season, which will run through March.

The Winter Market features a variety of goods, including arugula, Asian greens, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, collards, escarole, greenhouse lettuces, green onions, kale, kohlrabi, field-grown lettuces, micro greens, mushrooms, mustard greens, pac choi, pecans, radicchio, rutabagas, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, turnips, winter squash, fresh-cut flowers, assorted culinary herbs, dried fruits, vegetables and more.

Find more information at www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com.

Matthews Farmers Market, 188 N. Trade St., Matthews

Children 3 to 11 years old are invited to boost their reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a trained, attentive volunteer therapy dog. Registration is not required. Call 704-416-5200 for more information.

Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

The Novant Health Matthews Medical Center will host free tours of its maternity center. The tours last about an hour and are open to expectant mothers and one support person. Tourists will visit the labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum areas. Guests will meet in the main lobby of Matthews Medical Center prior to the tour. Registration is required. Call 704-384-4949 for more information.

Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy., Matthews

12.29.14 Monday Adaptive Experience for Adults, 1 to 2 p.m.

Middle school kids are invited to join the Siskey Family YMCA for a “fun and high-energy” middle school party. The event will include music, dancing, hoops, contests, video games, basketball, indoor soccer, gaming tournaments, dodgeball, foosball, ping-pong, concessions and more. This event takes place on the first Saturday night of every month. Tickets are $9 and can be purchased at the door. Concessions will be for sale in addition to admission cost. Contact Andrew Reinken at 704-716-4222 or Andrew.reinken@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

The Mint Hill Library is offering a program filled with literacyrelated activities specifically designed for adults with autism spectrum disorders, sensory integration issues or other developmental disabilities. Registration is required. Call 704416-5200 for more information or to register.

Community Room, Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

1.3.15 Saturday Middle School Madness/ Saturday Night at Siskey, 7 to 10:30 p.m.

1.8.15 Thursday New Friends of the Carolinas, 11:15 a.m.

New Friends of the Carolinas, a social group open to all women new or native to the Carolinas, will host a welcome coffee.

The group offers a broad range of activities and functions for its members. Through participation in social events and interest group activities, members can establish lasting friendships and become acclimated to their new community. Activities are supported by membership dues and fundraising events, and are constantly expanding to meet the needs of members. Call 866-213-9183 or visit www.newfriendsofcarolina.com for more information.

208 S. Trade St., Matthews

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

REQUIREMENTS The right candidate should:

Christmas Christmas

to a Traditional, Classical Anglican Church Eve Services

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Family Eucharist Service 11AM

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5PM

December 31st

New Year’s Eve Service 11PM

Page 18 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Calendar 1.9.15 Friday Date Night Drop Off, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Matthews’s Date Night Drop Off will allow parents to experience a kid-free evening on the town. The service is open to children 7 to 13 years old and their parents. The cost is $7 for the first child and $3 for each additional child, and participants will receive a free discount card or gift certificate to a local restaurant. The supervised child care will provide gym games, dancing, movie showings and more for kids who attend, while parents can enjoy a night out to themselves. Email BDlugosz@MatthewsNC.com or call 704-7081287 for more information.

Crews Road Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews 1.10.15 Saturday Technology Learning Day, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Matthews Community Center is offering assistance on the second Saturday of every month to anyone who has questions about computers or needs help with a project. Help will be given in a variety of areas including Mac OS and Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet usage, digital photography and movies, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, software for backing up files, Quicken, networking and general how-to advice. Call 704-321-7275 or email Colten Marble at cmarble@matthewsnc. gov for more information.

Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell St., Matthews 1.10.15 Saturday Fourth and Fifth Grade Fun Night, 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Kids in fourth and fifth grades are invited to join the Siskey YMCA for a night of dancing, games, prizes and hanging out with other kids their own age. The event will include a DJ, sporting tournaments, a moonbounce and karaoke. Admission costs $8, and concessions will be available for purchase at an additional cost. Contact Andrew Reinken at 704-7164222 or Andrew.reinken@ymcacharlotte.org for more information.

Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road, Matthews

Dec. 27

1.15.15 Thursday Lunch & Learn for Nonprofits, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

JAJ Nonprofit Resource will host a Lunch & Learn event for area nonprofits. The event’s theme, “Nonprofit Taxes – Getting Ready to Submit Your 990,� will help organizations prepare for the tax season. Cost to attend is $15, which covers lunch and handouts. Find more information at www.jajnonprofitresource. com/events, or call 704-560-9202.

Casa Rita’s, 9727 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews

1.15.15 Thursday Matthews Police Citizen Patrol, 6 to 8 p.m.

The Matthews Police Department will host a Citizen Police Academy. This nine-week program provides citizens with 18 different blocks of instruction, ranging from the criminal justice process to how the agency is structured and operates daily. Citizens will have the opportunity to ask questions of the instructors and guest speakers. The classes will be held at the police department every Thursday night, and the only two requirements are that participants live or work in the Matthews area and pass a background check.

Citizens are currently able to print an application from the Matthews town website, www.matthewsnc.gov. Applications must be turned in to the Matthews Police Department

by Dec. 31, a Wednesday. Contact officer Tim Aycock at 704-841-6754 or taycock@ matthewsnc.gov for more information.

Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews Ongoing through 2.28.15 Tuesday through Saturday Chris Austin Fine Art Photography, 2 to 9 p.m.

On Tuesdays through Saturdays, renowned Charlotte skyline photographer Chris Austin has certified some of his prints for a winter exhibit. Austin’s works are well known in the Charlotte area and include his limited edition “Rainbow over Charlotte� and one of his newest releases, “Canyon Light.�

Attendees must be 21 year old or older, and admission is free.

Grape’s Wine Bar, 2233 Matthews Township Parkway, suite G, Matthews

Send your events to news@ matthewsminthillweekly.com

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 19

Sports

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s

Girls tennis super team

Second Team:

Avery Hunter

Fleming Landau

Maddie Weber

Charlotte Country Day

Charlotte Latin

Myers Park

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

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

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

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

Hailey Simon

Katie soden

Rachel Marthinsen

Ardrey Kell

Myers Park

Charlotte Catholic

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

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

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

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

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

Sullivan Higson, Providence

Catie Nelson, Charlotte Catholic

Caroline Kurami, Providence Day

McKinley Riley, Charlotte Catholic

Megan Leonard, Charlotte Catholic

Gaby Soden, Myers Park

A New Chapter

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Independence High School has never been known for its tennis program – until recent years, that is.

When current senior Ali Kinard and doubles’ partner Griffin Basden qualified for the N.C. High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A Western Regional tournament last season, they made Independence school history and began rewriting the story of Patriot tennis.

Kinard has been a part of the Patriot team since her freshman year when she started at Line 5. Over the course of her career, she’s played in the Patriots’ Top 6 lineup each season and this year played at Line 2 behind Valeria Beltran, a Bolivian exchange student who occupied the top spot.

With Beltran, Kinard and Basden occupying the top spots, Kinard and Co. led the Patriots to finish second in the Southwestern 4A behind Myers Park – one of the best finishes in school history.

“Tennis here has definitely changed since I started playing as a freshman,” Kinard said. “I played with all seniors then and they taught me what they wanted Independence tennis to be about. I was a captain junior and senior year so by then I knew I would have to help the freshmen girls coming up into the program so we could be competitive but also fun.”

With Kinard’s leadership, the Patriots finished 4-1 in the Southwestern 4A, earned a spot in the regional tournament for the second year in a row and made it into the Class 4A state tournament for the first time this decade.

“The program has grown so much in a positive way,” Kinard said. “We have so many talented girls that have come through and I think that will continue to grow and hopefully help grow the program.”

Kinard, the vocal leader on the Patriot team, also had undeniable talent that led her to a 7-3 regular season singles record occupying one of the toughest spots in the lineup. After a record-breaking season and helping spearhead the resurgence of Patriot tennis, Kinard is now the 2014 Matthews Mint-Hill Weekly Tennis Player of the Year.

“This season was really incredible,” she said. “It was definitely a big change, having a new coach (James Starnes) but he helped us bring all of our talent together and helped us prepare for different teams we played, especially the tougher ones. We all worked together this season and made it really special.”

And though Kinard lined up at one of the top spots, she didn’t let the pressure get to her head and was able to walk away with a near-perfect record.

“There’s definitely pressure playing at Line 2 because you know you’re going to play some of the best girls in the area, especially at the harder schools,” she said.

“It’s tough because you know you’re score matters as to whether the team wins but I just put that behind me. I

Page 20 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Player of the Year: Ali Kinard, Independence Coach of the Year: James Starnes, Independence

didn’t let it get to me and just focused on winning.”

That’s exactly what she did. More importantly, Kinard’s enthusiasm for the Patriot tennis program has encouraged younger players to come out for the team as well as help the school rally around smaller athletic programs.

“I’m definitely going to miss it,” she said. “I’m going to miss all of it – going to regionals, playing in the conference tournament with my teammates and getting to compete at states. But I really hope the program just keeps growing and getting bigger and better.” www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Sports

sports shorts

by Hannah Chronis hannah@matthewsminthillweekly.com

Butler boys escape Myers Park Raequan Scott put up 22 points on Dec. 18, leading the Bulldogs to a narrow 56-53 win over Myers Park.

Despite going into the second half trailing 33-24, the Bulldogs had big third- and- fourth quarter performances, outscoring the Mustangs, 32-20.

Scott had help from sophomore Jah’lil Carter who tossed in 19 points and led the rebounding effort with seven while recording four blocked shots and three steals.

Guard Orlando Robinson had eight points in the win.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 7-2 and 3-0 in Southwestern 4A conference play. They pick back up in 2015, hosting Rocky River on Jan. 6.

Ravens win four of five Despite a slow start to the season, the Rocky River boys basketball team has won four of their last five, including a 72-65 win over East Meck on Dec. 18, improving to 5-9 on the season and 2-0 in Southwestern 4A play.

Keyon Wesley had 23 points in the win and leads the Ravens scoring effort this season as he’s averaging 14.8 points per game. Leito Holloway shot 63 percent from the floor to put up 19 points and was nine of 14 from the free throw line in the win.

The Ravens travel to Butler on Jan. 6.

Southwestern 4A all-conference football selections announced The following football players from the Southwestern

4A conference were named all-conference selections on Dec. 15: Offensive line – Jerome Simpson (Butler), Cody Klutz (Butler), Michael Andryc (Butler), Paulus Bonar (Independence), Anthony Small (Independence), Tahir Taylor (Myers Park), James Morris (Myers Park), Matt Donohue (Porter Ridge), Philip Agbesi (Rocky River), Michael Dunlevy (Rocky River) Running backs – Benny LeMay (Butler), Bryon Collins (East Meck), Quantavius McGill (Independence), Elijah Jett (Rocky River) Quarterbacks – Kelvin Hopkins (Independence), Clay Norris (Myers Park) Wide receivers – Alex Barrow (Butler), Will Walton (Independence), Pierre Lockwood (Independence), Tadarin McNeil (Myers Park), Bryan Newsom (Porter Ridge), AJ Barrett (Porter Ridge) Tight ends – Jacob DeLuca (Butler), Jamar Jenkins (Independence) Kicker – Ryan Brush (Independence) Offensive specialist – Deion Washington (Independence)

boys basketball su p er 7 1) Ardrey Kell (9-1) 3) Butler (9-2)

3) Butler (7-2)

4) Charlotte Christian (8-2)

4) Providence Day (7-2)

5) charlotte catholic (7-2)

5) Rocky River (7-2)

6) Providence (5-4)

6) Covenant Day (8-3)

7) South Meck (4-6)

7) Charlotte Christian (6-3)

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Defensive line – Jalen Couser (Butler), Chris Allen (East Meck), Brice Gallman (Garinger), Kima Bell (Independence), Christian Colon (Independence), Caleb Walker (Independence), Donnie Harris (Myers Park), Brandon Luallen (Rocky River) Linebackers – Jarrett Norman (Butler), Christian Dixon (Butler), TJ Elliott (East Meck), Michael Lundy (Garinger), Jimmel Twine (Independence), Chris Mangum (Independence), Noah Smith (Myers Park), Jacari Major (Rocky River) Defensive backs – Clifton Duck (Butler), Adonis Alexander (Independence), Tim Marshall (Independence), Tommy Wayne (Myers Park), Chase Suznevich (Porter Ridge), Bryson Traywick (Porter Ridge), Darin Washington (Rocky River), Kaylan Love (Rocky River) Punter: Bo Owens (Myers Park) Defensive specialist – Elijah Small (Independence) Rocky River’s Jaire Alexander was named the Southwestern 4A Defensive Player of the Year. Butler’s Anthony Ratliff was named the 2014 Offensive Player of the Year and Independence coach Joe Evans was the 2014 Conference Coach of the Year.

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Cats cradle boarding beautiful 5 star cats only kennel. Huge sunfilled suites, 3 levels, climbing tree. Pickup/ delivery. 20% Senior discount. For rates and requirements call 704.771.6052 www.

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

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

Her loving family misses her very much!

No. 1111 No. 1111 8

7

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

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Page 23

Back Surgery WARNING!

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

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

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

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

When this mechanism is not working Dr. Helmendach, DC at the Charlotte Spine properly, the spinal discs will begin to die and Pain Relief Center will do a spinal disc causing bulges, herniations, and eventually severity examination to determine the spinal stenosis. extent of your disc damage for only $70 (normally $150). This examination will The spinal disc is one of the very few tissues consist of a detailed neurological evaluation, in the body that does not have a direct extensive orthopedic testing, and a detailed You wouldn’t ignore your car’s check engine blood supply for circulation. The only way analysis of the findings of your evaluation. light...so don’t ignore your health. that the disc gets the circulation of water, He will sit down with you and go over your oxygen and nutrients for self-repair is via this specific disc pump mechanism. What duct tape over the lights but the problem condition with you in complete detail. You happens when you decrease circulation will NOT be fixed...the problem is still will know exactly what is causing all your pain (or other symptoms). in any type of tissue, whether it be animal present. tissue, plant tissue or human tissue? Exactly, it begins to become weak and degenerate. Let’s take a look at a plant for example...if Dr. Helmendach will be offering this thorough the leaves on a plant begin to turn brown, spinal disc severity examination from now would you say that the brown leaves are the until Friday, January 9th, 2015. plant’s problem? Of course not, the leaves turning brown is just a condition that is Call 704-228-3888 to make an appointment telling you that there is something wrong with Dr. Keith Helmendach, to determine with the plant. The plant is unhealthy and if your spinal discs can be treated. needs water and nutrients. You could spray paint the leaves green but it just covers up NOTE: Charlotte Spine and Pain Relief the condition. The underlying problem still Center is located in Charlotte, NC at exists and will continue to produce brown 7215-A Lebanon Road. leaves until you fix the actual problem.

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

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

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

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

Call 704-228-3888 Page 24 • Dec. 23 to 29, 2014 • Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com