Matthews-Mint Hill by Charlotte Media Group

Vol. 9 No. 41

October 7, 2016 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Backyard Birds turns 20 Backyard Birds celebrates its 20th anniversary this month with special events throughout October. Page 3

Indy hosts reunion Classmates from Independence's first graduating class gathered together to celebrate homecoming. Page 13

From Mint Hill to Addis Ababa Mint Hill couple launches nonprofit to help urban street kids by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

Mint Hill native Trent Post remembers what it was like to grow up in a home without a father. As one of three boys being raised by a single mom, Post’s life quickly headed in a dangerous direction as he searched for his own identity, purpose and fulfillment. It’s a search that put him on a long and scary path, but one that ultimately developed him into who he is today – the founder

and executive director of Make Your Mark, a nonprofit he started with his wife to care for kids and families living on the streets by meeting basic and eternal needs. “My dad left when I was three,” Post said. “Looking back, I know that’s what led me into searching for my purpose and identity. But I did it in all the wrong places. I did it through acting out and being the life of the party. Everyone wanted to party with Trent because I’d do anything. I was using all kinds of substances by the time I was 10 or 11 years old just to escape my anger and pain.”

Post dropped out of Independence High School during his junior year to sell drugs full time – not for the money, but to fill the need of being wanted and accepted. By his 21st birthday, Post was standing in a court room after accumulating three DWIs and other felony charges, and spent 60 days in jail. Two weeks after being released, he met Carmen at a rave club Uptown. She would eventually become his wife. “Our lifestyle was so broken, and I got to the point where I started to realize that,”

Fit & Healthy Our quarterly Fit & Healthy issues features stories on the upcoming walk to end diabetes and more. Page 9

(see Nonprofit on page 4)

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Page 2 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 3

Backyard Birds celebrates 20 years

Month of celebrations Backyard Birds, located at 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy., has announced a month’s worth of activities surrounding its 20-year anniversary:

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Debbie Foster remembers a backyard filled with cardinals and gold finches after putting out the seed Roger Ford recommended upon her first few visits to Backyard Wild. But Foster was dismayed to see a hawk snatch one of her precious gold finches. She almost started to chase the hawk down her driveway. Foster held back tears as she told Ford what happened. “That is great,” Ford told her. “You wanted to attract birds to your backyard, and you clearly succeeded or the hawk wouldn’t have been there. It’s all the circle of life.” Twenty years later, Foster continues shopping at the store. It’s now called Backyard Birds, and the people behind the counter are Roger Ford’s children, Jason Ford and Cari Mull. The store is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month. The late Roger Ford worked in the electrical trade most his life, but he enjoyed feeding birds and building them houses. He opened the Backyard Wild in 1996 and ran the store for about eight years. He went to the coastal city of Southport to open another Backyard Wild, letting Jason Ford and Mull manage the Matthews store. They ran the store for about 10 years before each wanted a change. They handed the store over to someone they trusted, a loyal customer in Laurie Horne. She has 30 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, most notably with Belk.

• Oct. 8: Debbie Foster hosts a seminar, “How to Create Certified Wildlife Habitats;” noon to 2 p.m. • Oct. 8: Carolina Heritage Nursery and It’s Elemental Landscape Design host a native plant sale; 2 to 4 p.m. • Oct. 15: Tony Lombardino leads a guided bird walk; 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Colonel Francis Beatty Park. • Oct. 15: Carolina Beer Temple and Seaboard Taproom and Wine Bar offers free tastings; 4 to 7 p.m.

Laurie Horne, Jason Ford and Cari Mull are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Backyard Birds. Go to Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s Facebook page for 13 photos of the store. Justin Vick/UCW photo.

“Laurie had been a real good customer since day one,” said Jason Ford, who still works at the store. He credits Horne for boosting its social media presence, as well as increasing the number of gifts. Seed continues to be the top seller that keeps people coming back. Other stores sell cheap blends full of millet and milo, the type of filler that birds throw to the ground to get to the tastier seeds, Jason Ford said. Bird feeders and houses are popular. Customers can also find birdbaths, garden flags, chimes, field guides and lawn ornaments, alongside adult coloring books, plush toys, rubber ducks and

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• Oct. 22: Carolina Raptor Center and feathered ambassadors visit; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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other gifts. While birds are the store’s focus, customers love to share their love-hate relationship with squirrels. “Squirrels help us stay in business more than anything,” Jason Ford said. “Half our customers love them, feed them and take care of them. The other half are trying to stop them. They are good for business.” Backyard Birds focuses on education and outreach, including bird walks at nearby parks. The store supports the Carolina Waterfowl Rescue through the sale of rubber ducks and calendars. Staff collects donations and supplies during quarterly visits from the program.

• Oct. 28-30: The store offers door prizes throughout the weekend. • Oct. 29: Carolina Waterfowl Rescue and special guests visit; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Oct. 30: Trick-or-treating activities all day.

Fall happens to be great time for bird watching, considering it’s migration season. They are more visible with fewer leaves on trees. There isn’t as much natural food, prompting birds to get greedy at feeders. Staff is there to help. “If someone comes in here and has a question, there’s someone in here who can answer it,” Foster said.

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Page 4 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Nonprofit (continued from page 1)

Post said. “I remember crying out to a God that I didn't know or understand and begging him to change something.” A month into their marriage, 23-year-old Post was arrested for trafficking ecstasy. It was the change he’d been waiting for, and what should’ve been a 7-year sentence was reduced to 15 months. “I knew that was the answer to my prayers,” he said. “I got mercy I didn't deserve and that’s when I completely changed my life. The peace and comfort – everything I had been looking for in those temporary things like toxic relationships, drugs, anger – God filled in that moment. It changed my whole perspective on life.” After his sentence, the Posts moved into west Charlotte in 2006 with the hopes of flipping a house for resell. They began inviting their neighbors – many of whom where prostitutes and drug abusers – into their home to help build relationships and care for those that were so often ignored and overlooked in society. When Post looked at the children living on his street without stable homes and fathers, he remembered his own upbringing; that’s when Make Your Mark was born. “There were no whiteboards, there was no strategic planning,” he said. “It was, ‘Here’s a need. What are you going to do about it?’ It started with love. Love is the most basic need that everyone in the world desires.” The Posts began using a run-down community center to meet once a month and provide neighborhood kids with a place to eat free pancakes, play games, have fun and, as Post says, just be kids. The most important part of the ministry is that it’s relational; kids are encouraged to come back because they feel valued and cared for. While Make Your Mark was just getting started in urban Charlotte, the Posts went to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on a short-term mission trip with their church. On the last night of the trip, the Posts visited a home with 31 girls who used to live in filthy conditions on the streets. It was that night the Posts met three-year-old Kalkidan. Today, Kalkidan is their 14-year-old adopted daughter. “I remember walking the streets with Kalkidan’s birth mother and we got to this filthy corner and she stopped and pointed at the street we were on and said, ‘That’s where I gave birth to Kalkidan,’” Post said. “I wept. I knew God was speaking to me to get kids off the streets and keep it from happening.” After several more trips to Ethiopia, the Posts decided to move to Addis Ababa full time in 2011 to expand Make Your Mark’s mission while continuing its work in Charlotte. The Posts spent the first year and a half getting to know the area, culture, language and issues before fully expanding Make Your Mark. Now, the nonprofit in Ethiopia is specifically geared toward getting kids off the streets, preventing the problem from happening and empowering locals to be part of the solution.

Photo by Tamara Lackey Photography

Make Your Mark operates a Day Center where street kids can come to bathe, eat lunch, read the Bible and play games. At the end of the day, they return to the streets. Those who keep coming to the Day Center and show a desire to come off the streets then have the opportunity to stay in the Transformation Home. Make Your Mark hopes that, after kids stay in the home for one to two years, they will learn how a family should function and how to build healthy relationships with others. The Transformation Home is not permanent, though; the ultimate goal is to work with other organizations and churches to train and equip Ethiopian families in domestic adoption and place kids in stable families to keep them off the streets and prevent the problem from happening. And the Posts are setting an example – with two biological children of their own, they now also play the role of Mom and Dad to an additional nine Ethiopian children. “More than programs, we’ve seen these kids need hugs. They need high fives. They need encouragement,” Post said. “That rehabilitates them more than anything. Kids need family relationships. That’s our vision. All kids should be able to live in a loving family environment.” Post, who is in Charlotte for a few weeks fundraising, will leave to go home next week, where Carmen is taking care of their children. The nonprofit, which still maintains its Charlotte branch, recently expanded to the Bronx in New York. “We’re going to keep growing and keep going where God is taking us,” Post said. “This isn’t about opening up a building. This is about being in the community and walking alongside these people. It’s about changing lives through long-term relational ministry.” Make Your Mark is looking for stability partners to make monthly contributions to continue the nonprofit’s work and help children get off the streets. Interested in learning more about how you can help? Visit www.myminternational.org or email info@mymministries. org for more information.

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The Weekly

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I just read your opinion in the MatthewsMint Hill Weekly. Thank you so much for putting in writing our feelings about last week and the distrust of law enforcement. We totally agree with your opinion that President Obama has done nothing to help racial tensions since he took office. That has been evident on numerous occasions. We also think that many of these demonstrators are not even from Charlotte and may even be paid to come and cause trouble. The part about the media is spot on. We were out of town when this first happened, so we watched the news on TV. As usual, they're looking for problems to "hype" things up and get ratings. It wasn't the Charlotte that we know. When things went peaceful, we were dropped off the map! Your opinion was something the big papers, including the liberal Charlotte Observer, would never print. Thank you, Nona and Norm Peetz Mint Hill Dear Editor, In taking the time to read the thoughts you shared, it appears you make the same mistake you seem to accuse so many others of. As a 47-year-old black woman, I have the experience your statements don't seem to consider,

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 5 much less attempt to understand. I have lived in the suburbs of Charlotte since 1996. My entire family, from youngest to oldest, have always known what areas to drive or not drive through if the driver was a black male to avoid being harassed by police. My father was a professional driver and consistently advised on where he and his sons had to be careful. Police harassment is not based solely on the color of the officer. It is based on institutional instruction, negative stereotypes and profiling. Your article seems to lack any awareness of this reality. There is nothing chic about living in a society that seems so unconcerned about other people's reality or experience in “our” USA. There is a sad but certain reality to what leads to a riot, and it is never avoided by remaining in an ivory house of judgment. When you find unfounded cries of racism, you may actually be dealing with a mental health issue. That is also another area of redress in “our” USA. Thank you, Alisha Smith Charlotte Dear Editor, Just a quick note to say that I enjoyed your piece in the Weekly (Talk is cheap in wake of shooting) and agree with you completely. It is most disheartening that the mainstream media is owned by a liberal group with their own agenda. I had to cancel my subscription to The Charlotte Observer because (except for one page, below the fold) it is now entirely a liberal rag. Keep up the good work! Virginia Prunczik Charlotte

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Page 6 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

PO Box 471083 Charlotte, NC 28247 Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Editorial Managing Editor Hannah Chronis Education Editor Courtney Schultz Development Editor Justin Vick Sports editor Ben Doster Faith Columnist Rev. Tony Marciano

News Briefs Cooking demo at farmers’ market MATTHEWS – Santé restaurant chef and owner Adam Reed will hold a cooking demonstration at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 9 a.m. Reed will discuss how to get more out of food instead of throwing it away, reduce waste and stretch ingredients over multiple meals during the “waste-free” demonstration. Visit www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com for more information.

Advertising Mike Gianpetro Sam Hart

Design Art Director Maria Hernandez Layout Editor Erin Kirby

Business President Jonathan McElvy Publisher Kelly Wright Associate Publisher Frank Vasquez Business Manager Brent Epling Advertising: kelly@cmgweekly.com Letters to the Editor: hannah@cmgweekly.com Press Releases: hannah@cmgweekly.com

Adam Reed of Santé will hold a cooking demonstration Saturday.

Artists aim to ‘Capture Mint Hill’ MINT HILL – Mint Hill Arts is sponsoring a Plein Air Paint Out, “Capturing Mint Hill,” on Oct. 21 and 22, a Friday and Saturday. Artists will be painting local landmarks, sites of historical interest, and other notable spots inside the Mint Hill town limits. All artists in the region are invited to participate. An awards ceremony and “wet paint sale” will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the Mintv Hill Arts gallery, located at 11205 Lawyers Road. The public is invited to attend. Entry fee for artists costs $15 in advance and $20 day of. Check in is from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Maps will be handed to participants. Register online and find more information at www.minthillarts.org.

League of Women Voters to hold local debate with PBS CHARLOTTE – The League of Women Voters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg will host a series of debates featuring local candidates in the Nov. 8 General Election. PBS Charlotte’s Jeff Rivenbark, Danielle Kosir and Jason Terzis will moderate the debates, which will feature candidates for N.C. House of Representatives, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and District Court Judge. Taping will take place Oct. 11 and 12 at PBS Charlotte studios, and the debates will be broadcast on Sunday, Oct. 16 at noon.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. Cost is $5 for adults, which must be paid in advance. Children 16 years old and younger are free.

Lester to lead presentation MATTHEWS – Local historian and president of the Matthews Historical Foundation Paual Lester will host a presentation on the Fullwood Restoration Winners on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7:15 p.m. The presentation will discuss the Fullwood Restoration Award, which began in 1999 as a way to honor Matthews property owners in recognition of the restoration of their property while making a positive impact on the town and neighborhood. To date, the award has been presented to 11 Matthews property owners. The presentation will show who has received the award, and why. The meeting will take place at the Matthews Woman’s Club, located at 208 S. Trade St., with a reception beginning at 7 p.m. The event is free for foundation members and $5 for nonmembers.

Downtown ghost tour returns MATTHEWS – The Matthews Historical Foundation will hold its walking ghost tour through downtown for the second year in a row. The tour will take place Saturday, Oct. 29, with tours at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Space is limited, so advanced registration at 704-846-6693 is required. The tour will take participants through the town’s historic district while they learn about local history and ghosts who “haunt” the town. The museum will be open at 7 p.m.

This downtown ghost tour returns for the second year in a row. Photo courtesy Matthews Historical Foundation

Charlotte Catholic’s PAWS Club to hold adoption event CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Catholic High School’s PAWS Club will hold an adoption event with the Humane Society of York County on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Charlotte Catholic High School. The event will feature pets available for adoption, along with Catholic students selling local crafts, jewelry, photography, candles and soap. Charlotte Catholic is located at 7702 Pineville-Matthews Road.

Send news briefs to hannah@cmgweekly.com

CMPD Animal Care & Control Orphaned Animals Available for Ad❤ption

LISA MARIE Name: Lisa Marie ID: A1111759 Breed Mix: Pit mix Age: 5 years Weight: 35 lbs Sex: Female (will be spayed) Date of Arrival: 9/7/16 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

STACEY Name: Stacey ID: A1111509 Breed Mix: Short Hair Age: 4 years Weight: 6 lbs Sex: Spayed Female Date of Arrival: 9/2/16 (Stray) Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

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

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

C G Charlotte Media Group

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 7

The Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.

Business Briefs

Mecklenburg recruits $163.4 million in investment The Mecklenburg County Office Economic Development attracted $163.4 million in capital investment and the promise of 2,174 jobs to the economy last fiscal year. The following seven firms were approved for economic development incentives: • Albemarle Corporation: 120 jobs and $12.9 million. • Corning Optical Communications: 650 jobs and $38 million. • Dimensional Fund Advisors: 316 jobs created and $98 million invested. • Nutec: 38 jobs and $10.6 million. • RBUS Inc.: 500 jobs and $5 million. • Republic Services: 350 jobs and $6.8 million. • TTI Floor Care: 200 jobs and $5 million. The office is working with Thomas P Miller Associates to study how to best stimulate small business. The consultant will benchmark best practices, as well as develop programming and staffing recommendations. Peter Zeiler, executive director for the county economic development office, said the study will be done in March 2017 and results will be included in the fiscal year 2018 budget request. “If we’re interested in generating greater economic activity, we should be focusing our incentives on the engine of the economy, which is small businesses,” said Trevor Fuller, chairman of the county commission.

Board seeks Youth Voice MATTHEWS – The Matthews Planning Board seeks a second Youth Voice for the 2016-17 school year. The board, which reviews development projects and visions for future growth, has had a teen representative since 2010. Candidates should not only live in Matthews and attend high school, but also: • Attend monthly planning board meetings on fourth Tuesdays and town commissioners planning-related meetings on second Mondays at 7 p.m.; • Express opinions in meetings on whether development is appropriate and appreciated by youth; • Be interested in exploring urban planning or local government fields as a career; Applications are available at www.matthewsnc. gov. They are due by Oct. 17.

Carillon breaks ground on center MINT HILL – Carillon Assisted Living will break ground on its eighth assisted living center in the Charlotte region on Thursday, Oct. 6, at 5601 Margaret Wallace Road. The company plans to open the 84-unit center in 2017.

Sports clinic opening ‘compleat’ MINT HILL – Compleat Rehab and Sports Therapy celebrates the grand opening of the Mint Hill clinic that opened this summer. Christin Donofrio serves as the lead therapist of the Mint Hill clinic, which offers physical therapy, as well as pre- and post-op rehab. The grand opening takes place Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at 7427 Matthews-

Mint Hill Road. Visit www.compleatrehab.com or call 980729-6525.

Windsor Run hosts chamber networking event Oct. 13 MATTHEWS – The Matthews Chamber of Commerce will hold its Business After Hours networking event at Windsor Run. Erickson Living launched the retirement community this year on 60 acres off McKee Road. Southern Gourmet will cater the event, scheduled for Oct. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m., at 2010 McKee Road. Register in advance by calling 704-847-3649 or going to www.matthews chamber.org.

County jobless rate stays steady CHARLOTTE – Mecklenburg County’s unemployment rate remained at 4.7 percent from July to August, according to Sept. 28 statistics from the N.C. Department of Commerce. Some 26,908 of the 571,118-person labor force were unemployed in August.

Corporations form in region Registered agents filed these new corporations with the N.C. Secretary of State from Sept. 23 to 29: Matthews • Carolina Headwaters LLC – Shem Unger, 3122 Laurelwood Drive. • Cesar A Leon LLC – Cesar Leon, 7628 Carrington Forest Lane. • Curcio Law Group PLLC – Lindsey Curcio, 10550 Independence Pointe Pkwy., suite 200. • DLH Consultants LLC – Dianna Hinkle, 4600 Jamesville Drive. • Eureka Jewelry LLC – Pavel Tyshchuk, 4709 Margaret Wallace Road, suite 105. • Hart's Holding LLC – Kendra Hart, 11120 Monroe Road, Unit B. • Independent Realty LLC – Susan Braithwaite, 243 Walnut Point Drive. • J&M Pet Transport Inc. – McKay Barber, 418 Wilcrest Drive. • Pena 1 St Quality Home Improvement – Hector Sanabria, 4017 Scarlet Drive. • Reed Bryant & Son LLC – Daniel Bryant, 2528 Brightmoor Ridge Drive. • Soter LLC – Matthew Lindsey, 2305 Axford Lane. • The Evolution of Girls LLC – Carolyn Vanderhall, 1122 Sam Newell Road, suite 105. • Top Dozen LLC – Aleksandr Krupchenko, 1925-B Windsor Hill Drive. Mint Hill • Berachah Events LLC – Tirzah Caffee, 8328 Early Bird Way. • Berachah Properties LLC – Tirzah Caffee, 8328 Early Bird Way. • Char Meck GC LLC – Bryce Smith, 8501 Tower Point Drive, suite 2L7. • Lindsay Marie LLC – Lindsay Andrew, 7427 Matthews Mint Hill Road, suite 105-105. • Lugo Landscaping LLC – Evaristo Quezada, 6532 Montezuma Trail. • Messer Insurance Group LLC – William Rice, 4301 Morris Park Drive. • Temple Wellness Clubs LLC – Ricky Fletcher Jr., 8117 Tremaine Court, unit J.

Affording long term care – the short story by Crystal L. Welton Contributor

Because individuals are living longer, it’s likely that most will require some form of long term care (LTC). LTC includes a range of services and support, such as in-home care, care in an assisted living facility, respite care, and skilled nursing care (SNC). The rising cost of care leaves individuals concerned that they’ll be unable to afford necessary care or be required to deplete all their assets for only a few years of care. In North Carolina, the average monthly cost of an assisted living facility is approximately $3,000, while the average monthly cost of SNC is between $8,000 and $12,000. Beyond paying for care out-of-pocket, there are alternative LTC payment options. LTC insurance is one payment option, which reimburses policyholders a daily amount for LTC services and support in a variety of settings. Many policies have limits on how long or how much they’ll pay. Some policies function as hybrids - they’re available to pay for LTC if needed; however, if the insured dies before utilizing it for LTC, it pays out a death benefit like life insurance. Another option is State-County Special Assistance, which offers two programs: one for individuals able to remain in-home; and one for those in residential facilities, including adult care homes, family care homes, and group homes. Specific eligibility requirements for this program include income and resource limits. NC Waiver programs provide funding for support and services to help older individu-

als or individuals with disabilities continue to live in their homes and communities, rather than in institutional settings. An individual must meet the income and resource limits for these programs, and require SNC, the cost of which must be less in the home or community versus at a facility. Unlike Medicaid, Waiver programs aren’t an entitlement; with limited capacity and funding, there’s a waitlist. In NC, Medicaid is a common source of LTC funding. Eligibility for Medicaid requires an individual to need SNC and to meet income, resource, and other requirements. Medicaid provides financial protections for the spouse in the community. If eligible, the institutionalized individual uses his income first to pay for care, and Medicaid pays the difference. Proper elder law planning uses certain techniques to preserve your resources and maintain eligibility for the Special Assistance, Waiver or Medicaid programs. Contact the experienced elder law attorneys at Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A. to discuss your specific LTC planning needs. Crystal L. Welton is an estate planning, estate administration, elder law, and special needs planning attorney at Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A. Contact Crystal at Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A. at (704) 844-1400. The information contained in this article is general in nature and not to be taken as legal advice, nor to establish an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Crystal L. Welton or the law firm of Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.

Join us for this FREE Event The Law Revealed: Public Benefits 101 Eligible for public benefits that can help with day-to-day costs and health care expenses? Are you maximizing your benefits? Elder law and special needs planning attorney Crystal L. Welton breaks down the basics and answers your questions.

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Page 8 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Stallings warming up to retail alliance by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

STALLINGS – Chris Platé received a much warmer reception on his second attempt at convincing Stallings leaders to join a five-town alliance to recruit retail to Union County. Platé, executive director for Monroe-Union County Economic Development, was met with hesitancy Sept. 13 when he explained how Stallings could join the group with a $10,000 investment over five years. Stallings Town Council said it needed more time to digest the proposal. Councilmember Shawna Steele mentioned chasing additional retail might not even be in the town’s interest right now. Two weeks later, members acknowledged that having someone at Monroe-Union County Economic Development solely recruiting retail could help improve the quality of life in Stallings. “Being on the planning board for 12 years, this came up for discussion several times,” Councilmember Deborah Romanov said. “The planning board felt like we needed someone to work for us to look for opportunities to bring businesses in.” Stallings Town Council is scheduled to vote Oct. 10. Wingate has agreed to join the alliance, while Indian Trail and Waxhaw are still asking questions, Platé said. Monroe was the catalyst of this effort. “Particularly in Monroe, we’ve seen closures of some of our larger, more stable retailers like a Kmart,” Platé said. “What’s really occurring, there is a shift in the demographic where Monroe is becoming a little bit more wealthy in certain

The Weekly

Recipe Dean & Deluca shares fall-inspired recipe It’s officially fall and Dean & Deluca is celebrating with fresh, local produce and autumninspired recipes, like Pumpkin and Pancetta Stuffing, featured below.

Pumpkin & Pancetta Stuffing 5 cups ½-inch white bread cubes, crust included 1 small pumpkin (1 ½ lbs.) 2 tablespoons olive oil ¼ pound pancetta, chopped 4 large shallots, sliced ¼ cup celery, diced 3 tablespoons minced garlic ½ cup mix fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, and rosemary) ¼ cup dried figs, halved ¼ cup shelled and lightly toasted pumpkin seeds 3 tablespoons butter ¼ cup chicken stock Salt and pepper to taste • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spread the bread cubes on an oiled sheet pan and bake until light brown, about 20 minutes

areas, so the demographic is not there to support a Kmart.” Such demographics are shifting more to the Marshville area. Platé has noticed a glut of the same types of restaurants, like chicken or fast food restaurants in Indian Trail or steakhouses in Monroe. That level of saturation could eventually lead to empty buildings. “I think we need to be a little bit more aggressive, particularly with the changes that have occurred in Union County,” Platé said. “It just makes more sense to have a little bit more of a plan to go out and figure out what each community wants.” Once the towns sign the agreement, Platé estimates it would take two months to hire someone, four to six months to develop a work plan with the five towns, and eight to nine months to be fully operational. Steele, initially skeptical, said the timeline would conclude just as Stallings finishes rewriting its comprehensive plan. She’s drawn to the idea of retail helping stimulate mixed-use projects, but she also mentioned it would be nice for people to dine or shop in Stallings. Focusing on retail could allow towns to find ideal suitors for areas, such as Stallings, where parcels have been choked off, Platé said. Retail could potentially complement residential areas. Platé sees strengths in Stallings based on its subdivisions and interchanges, even though the town will lose a major retail corridor at U.S. 74 and Stallings Road to the Monroe Expressway. “I don’t decide what goes in Stallings,” Platé told the council. “You tell me what you want and we’ll try to go get it. whether its economic development or retail.” • Split the pumpkin in half and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Cut pumpkin flesh away from rind, and cut flesh into 1-inch cubes. Measure out 2 cups in a large bowl and set aside. Discard rind. • In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over moderate heat. Add the pancetta and cook for five minutes, until lightly crisp. Add shallots and celery, and cook until translucent, about five minutes. Add garlic and cook another three minutes. Set mixture aside. • Mix together pumpkin cubes, baked bread cubes, herbs, dried figs, pumpkin seeds, and butter and season with salt and pepper. Add the pancetta mixture and chicken stock. Mix well. • Either stuff a 14-16 pound turkey with the mixture and roast immediately, or put the mixture in a large, buttered roasting pan and cover with foil. Bake covered for 15 more minutes. Serve. Dean & Deluca is located at 7804 Rea Road in StoneCrest at Piper Glen, 6903 Phillips Place Court in SouthPark and 201 S. Tryon St. in Uptown. Do you have a favorite fall recipe? Let us know! Email hannah@cmgweekly.com for a chance to have your recipe featured in the paper.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 9

Fit & Healthy

Hendrick Honda serves community

Carolinas HealthCare System CEO buys $1.7M home

Hendrick Honda might be known for its location on South Boulevard featuring new and used vehicles, but the dealership also is plugging into the local community with a focus on giving back. Recently, the Hendrick Honda team headed to Myers Park High School as the Mustangs took on South Meck where they helped cook hamburgers and hotdogs for the concession stand while feeding the coaches, police personnel and staff pulled pork, chicken and ribs. Visit www.hendrickhonda.com for more information.

by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

CHARLOTTE – Eugene Woods bought a $1.7 million home in the Foxcroft subdivision within five months of starting his tenure as president and CEO of Carolinas HealthCare System. The home, just a short drive from SouthPark Mall and Sharon Elementary School, was one of the most expensive properties sold last Eugene Woods month in southern Mecklenburg and western Union counties. It also was one of five homes to sell last month in the Foxcroft subdivision, according to statistics from the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association. Three other homes sold in the $900,000s.

Woods has a vision

Woods joined Carolinas HealthCare System in April after working as president and chief operating officer at CHRISTUS Health in Irving, Texas. He replaced Michael Tarwater, CEO since 2002. “This is one of the most comprehensive and highly integrated healthcare systems in the nation, combining extraordinary care with an unwavering commitment to the region,” Woods said in a February media release upon his hiring. “Carolinas HealthCare System has a tremendous track record

Jason and Stephanie Hurley won last year’s annual Hendrick Honda raffle. By purchasing a $10 ticket, the Hurley’s were entered for a chance to win a brand new Honda Odyssey. Money raised from the raffle helps support local youth athletics. Photo by Anne Wilkinson.

and is well-positioned to be in the forefront of the transformation of healthcare in America.” Woods oversees more than 60,000 full-time and part-time people in at least 900 locations in the Carolinas, including 39 hospitals and 200 primary care locations. He’ll chair the American Hospital Association next year. Woods and his wife, Ramona, have two children.

House has a history

The home, which dates back to 1983, previously belonged to Dr. Joan Brigham, the wife of the late Dr. Craig Brigham. Craig worked as a surgeon at OrthoCarolina Spine Center. One of his patients, Bissell Companies Chairman Smoky Bissell, named a building under construction at Ballantyne Corporate Park after the late doctor. “He has ensured good health for me for the last 15 years,” Bissell said at the building’s topping-out ceremony in March. “It’s a great pleasure we name this for him.” Before the Brighams bought the home in 1997, it belonged Allan Bristow, head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 1990 to 1996. The two-story home includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms and more than 6,000 square feet. The real estate listing by Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties touted its “chef ’s dream kitchen” and “amazing flow for entertaining.”

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Page 10 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Fit & Healthy

Optimal Health Medicine Center Integrative, Holistic, Functional Medicine

Medical board reviews misconduct, treatment by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

The North Carolina Medical Board took action against a handful of professionals from Mecklenburg and Union counties over the past year. The board investigates complaints against physicians and physician assistants to ensure they are following state standards. The board took 222 public actions in 2015, according to its most recent annual report. Actions range from issuing public letters of concern to revoking medical licenses. Here’s a summary of public actions taken against professionals in Mecklenburg and Union counties from October 2015 to 2016. Visit www.ncmedboard.org for details.

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Hysterectomy procedure

Dr. Gerald Bernard Taylor, who practiced in Charlotte, received a letter of concern in November 2015 after performing a hysterectomy on a patient that was 24 weeks pregnant. The letter states he doubted a pregnancy screening and relied on the patient saying she wasn’t sexually active. Her records indicated otherwise. There also wasn’t documentation of contraceptives or pregnancy tests on her pre-operative evaluation.

Failure to diagnose

Benedict Onwukwe Okwara, who practices internal medicine in Monroe, received a public letter of concern last month after he failed to diagnose hyperthyroidism in a pregnant Indecent liberties patient he treated three times in September Kim Marie Latterner, a physician assis- and October 2015. Another doctor diagtant in Matthews, was nosed the patient with issued a notice Sept. 28 an enlarged thyroid in Did you know? that her license was goNovember 2015. Oking to be revoked, fol- Mecklenburg County is home to 3,287 wara has to complete a licensed physicians and 672 physilowing her conviction professional assessment cian assistants. Union County has 204 of two counts of inin internal medicine licensed physicians and 49 physician decent liberties with a within six months of the assistants. child. Latterner has 60 consent order, as well as Source: North Carolina Medical Board days to request a hearany additional remedia2015 Annual Report. ing before her license is tion from the assessment revoked. The board orwithin a year. dered her not to treat patients younger than 18 years old in March after Matthews Police Coronary techniques arrested her in December 2015 on statutory Joseph Thomas McGinn Jr., chair of the rape/sex offense charges. cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute in Monroe, reSexual offense ceived his license to practice medicine in Dr. Mario Augusto Hernandez, who prac- North Carolina, but not without concern. A ticed family medicine in Charlotte, had his cardiovascular surgeon had concerns about license suspended following a December McGinn’s “technical and surgical decision 2015 arrest on charges of three counts of fel- making” during two coronary artery bypass ony second-degree sexual offense. Three pa- grafting procedures. McGinn presented retients said he inappropriately touched them. views from other surgeons supporting his Hernandez acknowledged to the board that work, but the board advised him to re-exchaperones should have been present during amine his decisions in future cases. the exams.

Pre-signed prescriptions

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patients, including one testing positive for traces of ecstasy.

Kent Seitz, a pediatrics doctor in Charlotte, was reprimanded in March and had to pay a $2,000 fine after an investigator found 17 pre-signed prescriptions in a desk drawer. Seitz left undated, pre-signed prescriptions with a staff member. An expert expressed concern about Seitz not documenting substances found in urine screens for three

Driving impaired

To end on a positive note, Joel Wesley Thompson received a temporary license in March that allows him to practice medicine as a physician assistant. The board suspended his license in August 2015 following a March 2015 DWI arrest that violated a 2012 consent order. The board mentioned his “good therapeutic progress.” He must refrain from using alcohol, though.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 11 eration Sidekick can be found at www.apbf. dog . Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s race raised $17,000. Registration costs $35. Participants are encouraged to run or walk with their dog.

The Fit & Healthy

Health Briefs

The Joint celebrates health with special offer in October MINT HILL â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â The Joint Chiropractic is celebrating National Chiropractic Health Month with an introductory offer through Oct. 31 that includes an exam, consultation and adjustment for $19. The firm opens weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Mint Hill Commons, located at 6820 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Appointments arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t needed. Call 980-229-2528 for details.

American Pit Bull Foundation announces second annual race CHARLOTTE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The American Pit Bull Foundation will hold its second annual Rescue Me 5K Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to noon at McAlpine Creek Park, located at 8711 Monroe Road. The event will include a 5K run and walk, vendors, family and pet-friendly activities, food and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Sidekick, an American Pit Bull Foundation initiative to rescue and train pit bulls as service dogs for military veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. Each day, more than 22 veterans commit suicide, and nearly 3,000 pit bulls are killed. APBF is the first organization to connect the two groups to help each other. More information on Op-

Cyclers head to Charleston to support rehab programs

The Rescue Me 5K encourages participants to run with their dog.

Walk For Freedom raises awareness of human trafficking CHARLOTTE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On Saturday, Oct. 15, hundreds of Charlotte residents will participate in the A21 Walk For Freedom at Romare Bearden Park to shine a spotlight on the 27 million men, women and children affected by human trafficking. A21 is a global anti-human trafficking organization with 12 offices around the world. Charlotte is one of more than 260 locations participating in the walk to end modern-day slavery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One step at a time. One dollar at a time. One life at a time. We will abolish modern-day slavery,â&#x20AC;? said A21 Founder Christine Caine. The Walk For Freedomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinguishing factor is a single-file line of participants dressed

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in black, with black tape covering their mouths to represent those trapped in human trafficking. The walk begins at 9:30 a.m. and will move throughout the city, passing the Fahrenheit building, Duke Energy and Panthersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stadium to return to Romare Bearden Park. Visit www.a21.org/charlotte to sign up.

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MONROE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A team of 20 cyclists left Carolinas HealthCare System Union in Monroe Sept. 30 to bike to Charleston, South Carolina, while raising money and awareness for Adaptive Sports and Adventures Program (ASAP) at Carolinas Rehabilitation during â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cycle to the Sea.â&#x20AC;? During the ride, cyclists with disabilities will use their arms to pedal hand cycles during the 240-mile route from Monroe to Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Carolinas Rehabilitation is a part of Carolinas HealthCare System hospital, which provides sporting programs for both teams and individuals with disabilities. In addition to handcycling, activities include power soccer, fishing, water skiing, rugby, kayaking, scouting, tennis, snow skiing and golf.Â Money raised by the ride will support ongoing ASAP programs.

Nonprofit â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Grin Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sends 38 families to Disney World CHARLOTTE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ace & TJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grin Kids, a Charlotte-based nonprofit aimed at enhancing the lives of terminally ill and chronically disabled children, sent 38 families to Disney World last week for a dream vacation.

On Sept. 28, Terminal E of Charlotte-Douglas International Airport was used exclusively for Ace & TJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grin Kids. Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, along with several Disney characters, helped send children down a red carpet for a magical send off. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are truly thankful to everyone who has helped us make this trip possible,â&#x20AC;? said Grin Kids co-founder, TJ. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We pull out all the stops, which even includes exclusive use of an airport terminal, to help provide every family with an unforgettable start to their trip.â&#x20AC;? Since its inception in 2000, Ace & TJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grin Kids has taken more than 300 families on a weeklong Disney vacation. Visit grinkids.org for more information.

Terminally ill children will have the vacation of a lifetime at Disney World, thanks to Grin Kids.

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Page 12 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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The American Diabetes Association will hold its annual Step Out Walk on Nov. 5. Photo by ADA.

ADA holds Step it Out Walk to fight, prevent diabetes Family-friendly walk to take place Uptown next month be early in life or later.” For Favaloro, participating in the walk is personal; his son has juvenile diabetes. “Having a son with juvenile diabetes, this CHARLOTTE – On Saturday, Nov. 5, more event is particularly meaningful to me,” he said. than 1,500 people will meet at BB&T Ballpark “It takes courage to manage the condition and Uptown to participate in the American Diabetes we support those who tackle it head on for themAssociation’s Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes. selves or loved ones. It’s a cause close to our hearts It’s a small number in comparison to the and we strive to be leaders in the fight against it.” 195,000 people with diabetes living in CharDuring the walk, those lotte. with diabetes will be dubbed During the November Step Out Walk to “Red Striders,” identifiable event, companies, nonprofby their red T-shirts. Red End Diabetes its, church groups, families Striders are participants with and friends will come toSaturday, Nov. 5 type 1, type 2, gestational or gether to raise awareness BB&T Ballpark pre-diabetes. of diabetes, participate in 324 S. Mint St. Red Striders will serve as a healthy activity and raise the event’s “VIP” and receive money to stop the disease, 7:15 a.m. registration their own personalized web which kills more people an9 a.m. walk page to share their story, as nually than AIDS and breast Register at www.diabetes.org/ well as a special recognition cancer combined. stepoutcharlotte gift on walk day. Apart from the emotional For Urundi Moore, a effects of living with diabetes pharmacist at Walgreens in Monroe, participatand caring for those with the disease, it also has ing in Step Out is about more than just raising a huge financial impact; the ADA says it costs money and awareness; it’s about uniting with the more than $245 billion annually in health care community to show support. and lost productivity. “So many of our patients deal with diabetes,” The walk, which is the ADA’s signature fundhe said. “We support our patients. They are not raising event, hopes to raise enough money to in this alone. Sometimes, you want to step out support diabetes research and ultimately find a of the box and get out there in the community cure. and do something a little different, and I think Participants are encouraged to raise money this is it.” to walk in the event. On average, walkers raise Moore said by 2020, an estimated 1 in 3 peoabout $240 per person, with family teams raisple will be living with diabetes. This will be his ing about $1,200 and corporate teams just under first year participating in the walk. $4,000. The goal for this year’s Charlotte walk “I’m really excited,” he said. “We want to show is to raise $300,000. That will largely depend that we support the community’s efforts in findon the involvement of businesses and corporate ing treatments for the disease. This gives us a participants, such as Ballantyne-based NSC Fichance to support them other than just our typinancial. cal counseling.” “Our organization has been involved with the Registration for Step Out Walk to Stop DiabeADA efforts in Charlotte for many years and our tes will begin Saturday, Nov. 5, at 7:15 a.m. with team looks forward to walking every single year the walk following at 9 a.m. Visit www.diabetes. for a cure,” said John Favaloro, managing partner org/stepoutcharlotte to learn more. of NSC Financial. “All too often, our friends and families are impacted by this disease, whether it by Hannah Chronis

hannah@cmgweekly.com

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Education

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 13

Independence celebrates 50 years of history

by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

MINT HILL – This past weekend embodied the true meaning behind the term “homecoming,” particularly for Independence High School alumni. As current Independence students gathered to cheer on the football team, the first students of Independence High School gathered to talk about their memories. Independence opened its doors in 1966 – 50 years ago – as one of the first fully integrated schools as part of an Experimental Model School Unit partially funded by a federal grant. This was a time when collaborative race relations were only just beginning and older generations still weren’t comfortable with students intermingling. Those first students gathered together for the Independence homecoming game on Sept. 30 and at the Cactus Rose Grill, which is owned by an Independence alumnus, to reminisce about their experiences.

Building race relations

Janet Saunders, of the class of 1968, said her first experiences with African Americans were on trips with her father to drop of electronics he fixed for her black coworkers. At the time, black people were still not permitted to visit white neighborhoods. Saunders was forced to

wait in the car and not play with black children, since it was thought to be unsafe. Saunders had been exposed to other religions and cultures before, but Independence was the first place she sat beside a black student in class. Despite the racial tension outside the school doors, inside the halls at Independence, things looked a lot different. Students formed a “tight group” in the school’s first year, said Gail Garland Johnson, a 1969 graduate. “It was good exposure,” Saunders said. “We had always been limited to thinking about people in a certain place.” Johnson said students of all races formed bonds and she can still recall the first day of school, when a banner hung in the mezzanine, welcoming students to the school. “We had lots of school spirit during the first year that we were together there,” she said. The first group of students even left their own piece of history that’s still used today – the school’s cannon, marking IHS field goals

Distinctive retirement living in

and touchdowns. Independence’s first students, of all ages and races, banded together to win the cannon from a radio station. Lawrence Mayes, of the class of 1968, came to Independence from J.H. Gunn, a black high school in Charlotte. He said many students had “anxieties” based on preconceived notions of different races, but they were quickly alleviated. “I’m sure there were tensions there, but it was not so obvious,” Mayes said. “There were a few snags, and I think that would be normal.” For Mayes, Independence helped create an environment of acceptance, while dispelling myths amongst races within the first few weeks of school. Tensions flared, though, when court-ordered busing hit Mecklenburg County five years after the school opened. Saunders’ brother was a participant in mandated busing, forcing him to pass “five overpasses on his way to school.”

A big “I” in integration

Independence is known for its football program, including a 109-game win streak during the 2000s that helped create familial culture on the team. But it wasn't always that way. When the football team began, it wasn't integrated; not because of race issues, but because many black students came from high

schools that didn't offer football. With the mantra of “separate, but equal,” all-black high schools didn’t gain community support or enough enrollment to launch football teams. “J.H. Gunn, the best black school in the country by most opinions, was closed as a high school and all of those students were sent to IHS,” Saunders said. The first cheer squad was all-white, Saunders remembers, before school leaders enacted a quota of black students on the team. “It was something new, but we were all classmates. I found for the most part that we didn’t have any trouble with it,” Johnson said. “I think it was a good thing because it brought differences that we could learn from. It was a good experience because everyone was treated like they ought to be treated at the time.” Independence has changed dramatically since its doors opened 50 years ago, growing its student body from about 600 students in the 1960s to more than 2,500 students today. The school community has seen many state championships and notable alumni walk through its doors, including Miss USA 2005 Chelsea Cooley, Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Smith and TV star and Broadway performer Kim Morgan Greene. Johnson said she hasn’t been back to Independence since she graduated, but she hopes students can experience fond memories like she did.

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Page 14 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

Education Briefs N.C. not the best for teachers

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Many politicians, education advocates and educators have said North Carolina doesn’t treat teachers well. Whether it’s their pay, opportunity for growth or per-pupil spending, North Carolina doesn’t have the reputation for “teacher-friendliness.” North Carolina ranked 44th out of all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia along 16 indicators of teacher-friendliness. Key factors included being ranked 38th in average starting salary for teachers; 43rd in school safety; 46th in 10-year change in teacher salaries; 44th in public school spending per students; 33rd in median annual salary for teachers; 31st in teachers’ income growth potential; and 32nd in pupil-teacher ratio. About a fifth of all new public school teachers leave their positions before the end of their first year — nearly half of them never last more than five, according to National Center for Education Statistics. Many teachers, especially novices, transfer to other schools or abandon the profession altogether “as the result of feeling overwhelmed, ineffective, and unsupported,” according to ASCD. “It’s therefore no surprise that the high turnover rate among K–12 teachers has been likened to a revolving door,” WalletHub said in its study. Find more information about how North Carolina stacked up at wallethub.com/edu/ best-and-worst-states-for-teachers/7159/.

Schools gain sportsmanship recognition with NCHSAA

celebrates the Grand Opening of Servant’s Heart! 9229-N Lawyers Rd. (Beside Dollar General) Saturday, October 8th, 10am-5pm

11:00-2:00 Come see the Chick-fil-A cow, enjoy cookies, tea, and lemonade. Spin the wheel for free Chick-fil-A food. 10:00-5:00 Everyone who spends $10 or more in our store will be entered into a drawing for gift baskets. Servant’s Heart is a non-profit organization whose purpose is helping those in need. Our boutique has high quality, new and gently used items donated by our community; items such as men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, housewares, and home décor. Prices start at $1. We are open to the public and proceeds help people who are struggling financially.

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association held its Region 6 meeting in Charlotte on Sept. 19 and six Charlotte-Mecklenburg high schools were recognized for being “ejection-free” in the 2015-16 school year. Providence and Independence high schools were among those recognized. “This reflects a high degree of sportsmanship at these schools,” Superintendent Ann Clark wrote in an email to CMS faculty. Kelly Lewis, athletic director at Independence, also received the Region 6 Charlie Adams Distinguished Service Award for his years of service.

MES looking for volunteers MATTHEWS – The Matthews Elementary School PTO is looking for CMS-approved volunteers to help throughout the school year. Volunteers can join the clerical team, which helps teachers by making copies and laminating items for classrooms. Contact Megan Perry at meganperry@yahoo.com for more information. Volunteers also can help out at Stingerfest, the fall school carnival, on Oct. 8. Shifts including setting up at 8 a.m., helping during the festival and cleanup shifts afterwards. Visit www.signupgenius.com/ go/30e0d4ea4ad23a0fa7-stingerfest for more information. Another opportunity includes an Off Campus Teacher Lunch for each grade level each quarter, which will require volunteers to supervise each class during that time. Visit www.sign-

upgenius.com/go/30e0d4ea4ad23a0fa7quarter for more information. Volunteers also can help at the school store from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m. throughout the week. Sign up at www.signupgenius.com/ go/30e0d4ea4ad23a0fa7-stinger. Want to volunteer, but can’t with these opportunities? Contact messtingervolunteers@ gmail.com for more information about ways to help. All volunteers must register at www.cmsvolunteers.com. Don’t have the time to volunteer? Community members can donate to teachers various projects at: goo.gl/QndP2C and goo.gl/ sFH1Eu.

Matthews native named community college vice president MATTHEWS – Matthews-native Harry Starnes was recently named the vice president of instruction at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro. He has spent the last 16 years in higher education and the last five at ECC. In the new position, he will oversee all degree, diploma, certificate Harry Starnes and continuing education programs at the college, which serves about 13,000 students. “We are delighted that Dr. Starnes has agreed to take on a new role at Edgecombe Community College,” says ECC President Deborah Lamm. “He brings an ideal blend of experience as an instructor, university administrator, and as a dean here at ECC. He has contributed significantly to the successes of the college over the last five years, and his clear commitment to this institution and its students will help move us forward.” Starnes joined ECC in February 2011 as dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences. His student-centered focus as dean will continue to guide his work as vice president. “I believe the student is the center of all that we do, and their success is my number one priority,” he said. Starnes holds a bachelor’s degree in education from UNC Chapel Hill, an M.Ed. from UNC Greensboro, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from East Carolina University. He completed the 2014-15 North Carolina Community College Leadership Program and is currently enrolled in the North Carolina State University Executive Leadership Program.

Goddard Schools help Bright Blessings collect books Goddard Schools partnered with Bright Blessings to collect more than 5,000 new and gently used books for underprivileged children in the area. The book drive is part of the schools’ initiative to promote literacy and teach children the importance of giving back to the community. Preschoolers enjoyed guest readers to read their favorite books, activities and more. “It is so sweet to see the children give back to their community,” said Bronwyn Pressley, of Bright Blessings. “Your generosity will make a positive difference for many deserving children across the community.” Visit www.goddardschool.com for more information.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 15

Every Student Succeeds Act places limitations on CMS

Education

CMS students improve on SAT, AP tests by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students performed better on the SAT this year. The average overall district score, which was 1,475 points out of 2,400, on the three-part test rose by nine points from 2015 to 2016. The district gained four points on average for critical reading, five points in math and showed no change in writing. State and national average scores continue to outshine CMS. The state’s average scores were 502 in reading, 508 in math, 475 in writing and 1,485 overall, up seven points over the prior year. Nationally, the average SAT score was 494 in reading, 508 in math and 482 in writing. The national average overall was 1,484, representing a six-point decline from the previous year.

“I am pleased with our steady progress in preparing every student to graduate ready for college-level work and the rigor of a highly competitive global workplace,” said Superintendent Ann Clark. “There is still more work to do. We will continue our efforts to broaden student access to more rigorous coursework and increase performance on these tests to expand mastery of the coursework.” The number of CMS students in ninth through 12 grade enrolled in Advanced Placement courses increased 3.4 percent, to 8,780 in 2016 from 8,492 in 2015. The number of students taking AP tests rose 1.3 percent, to 8,622 from 8,512 and the number of exams with a score of three or higher increased 4.7 percent, to 8,333 from 7,960. The number of CMS students taking the SAT declined to 4,872 in 2016 from 5,289 in 2015.

Charts courtesy of CMS

by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

With the passing of federally mandated Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December 2015, all states and school systems must determine ways to measure student accountability to ensure they’re learning properly. Although ESSA says its “first year” requirements don’t take effect until the 201718 school year, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools staff has gotten a head start on how the district will carry out requirements. Much to many parents’ and teachers’ dismay, ESSA maintains that required testing for reading and math in third through eighth grades, once in high school and “grade-span testing” in science. The federal legislation also requires subgroup reporting and 95-percent testing requirements. Each state must develop an accountability system to ensure schools reach all subgroups based upon proficiency, growth, graduation rates and English proficiency – a significant change that moves ESL from Title III and district levels only into a mainstream and federal measure, assessment participation and other non-academic indicators to show “it’s more than just test scores,” said Frank Barnes, CMS chief accountability officer. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction wants input from local school systems regarding whether the state wants to use growth or another factor to gauge schools of ESSA standards. The input from district staff does not require board approval, Superintendent Ann Clark said, but serves as a representative of the board and staff’s thoughts. CMS doesn’t decide what the district will use; DPI and the State Board of Education will choose. NCDPI has proposed many nonacademic indicators, including attendance, digital learning or suspensions, as means of nonacademic measures.

CMS had a 25-person working group that included community partners, parents, teachers and principals to determine their recommendations. The majority of the working group wanted to use growth as an accountability indicator. DPI also asked the group to recommend other indicators the state could use if they didn’t go with growth to measure accountability. Clark said the group somewhat was constrained by the methods they could recommend because CMS uses more metrics, such as school climate surveys, of accountability than other districts, but the metrics recommended had to apply to the whole state. The group’s preferred indicators included science proficiency, school climate and parent involvement in elementary school, among others; science proficiency, chronic absenteeism and teacher engagement for middle school; and college and career readiness, school climate and ACT Workkeys for high school. “We talk about college and career readiness under high school indicators and not under elementary and middle school. I think to myself that college and career ready doesn’t just happen in high school,” BOE member Ericka Ellis-Stewart said. “If you’re waiting until that latter part, maybe we’re missing the boat.” Clark said that’s already a focus within the district to ensure college and career readiness before high school within its strategic plans, but it might not fit within state metrics. However, staff voiced concern that some metrics would not be equally carried out at higher-need schools. If chronic absenteeism were used, a higher-need school would have to work harder to meet the metric standards. Barnes said district staff would voice its recommendations to the state, but the ultimate decision is in the state’s hands. Clark said CMS could see increased ESSA standards, as well as separate state standards in the future.

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Page 16 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

My opponent Bill Brawley believes that â&#x20AC;&#x153;IMPROVED TRANSPORTATIONâ&#x20AC;? includes giving a foreign company a 50-year contract to charge us $20/day in tolls. In fact, he was one of the few legislators who voted to KEEP the toll roads in our area.

CHARLOTTE OBSERVER: â&#x20AC;&#x153;From the beginning, too many details involving this contract and its negotiation have been shrouded in secrecy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and that lack of transparency is troubling.â&#x20AC;? -Jamal Little Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve built my business from the ground up, employ dozens of employees and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a mother so I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time for misguided and divisive politics that are paralyzing our state. Join the I-77 Business Plan in supporting me as your new Representative. I will chart a new course based on fiscal responsibility that starts by fighting against tolls, whether theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on Independence Blvd, I-485 or I-77!

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Crime Blotter The following incidents were reported between Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 in Matthews, according to the Matthews Police Department: Fraud â&#x20AC;˘ Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road: Obtaining $50,000 of furniture through false pretense. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ Longhorn Steakhouse, 9950 E. Independence Blvd.: $9,000 cash stolen through fraud. Sept. 30 Property Theft â&#x20AC;˘ Kohlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd: $530 of T-shirts and $282 of makeup shoplifted. Sept. 26 â&#x20AC;˘ Verizon Wireless, 2218 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $650 cellphone stolen. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ Novant Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $75 cellphone and charger stolen. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ Old Navy, 10530 Northeast Pkwy., suite I: Possessing a stolen tag. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 2300 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Honda, license plate, cosmetics, purse, wallet, coins, check books and jewelry, worth $5,159.86 total, stolen. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 11000 block of East Independence Boulevard: $100 Galaxy S5 stolen. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ Intown Suites, 9211 E. Independence Blvd.: $14,000 Hyundai Sonata stolen. Sept. 29 â&#x20AC;˘ 10500 block of Paces Avenue: $9,000 motorcycle stolen. Sept. 30 â&#x20AC;˘ Circle K, 3424 Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $20 purse stolen. Sept. 30 â&#x20AC;˘ 400 block of South Freemont Street: $2,400 of rings stolen. Oct. 1 â&#x20AC;˘ Marshallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 2530 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Larceny by employee. Oct. 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 1400 block of Crescent Lane: $53.97 spark plugs stolen. Oct. 1 Drugs and Alcohol â&#x20AC;˘ 11100 block of East Independence Boulevard: Possession of schedule VI controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 200 East Charles Street: Driving while impaired; driving while license revoked; hit and run. Oct. 1 â&#x20AC;˘ 1100 block of Brandonwood Drive: Possession of marijuana. Oct. 2 Property Damage â&#x20AC;˘ 3800 block of Campus Ridge Road: $100 of damage to barbwire fence. Sept. 27 Vehicle Break-In â&#x20AC;˘ 500 block of Walnut Point Drive: Laptop, firearms and ammunition, suppressor, range bag and hearing protection, worth $2,950 total, stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ 800 block of Lightwood Drive: $4 cash and a Starbucks gift card stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 900 block of Winter Wood Drive: $3 cash stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 1100 block of Acacia Street: Larceny from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 1100 block of Acacia Street: $1 checkbook stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 1300 block of Falkenburg Court: Larceny from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 900 block of Lightwood Drive: $600 cellphone stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 1100 Bloom Wood Lane: Larceny from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28

â&#x20AC;˘ 1100 Bloom Wood Lane: $75 of cash and coins and $20 car wash certificate stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 1300 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: In-dash car stereo, dashboard Bezel and car stereo, worth $1,650 total, stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 29 â&#x20AC;˘ Country Inn & Suites, 2001 Mt. Harmony Church Road: Vehicle break-in, causing $150 of damage to rear window and $150 of damage to passenger window. Sept. 30 â&#x20AC;˘ Sleep Inn, 9900 Matthews Park Drive: Cash, center console tray, flashlight, charge cords and GPS, worth $525 total, stolen during a vehicle break-in, causing $200 of damage to door lock. Oct. 1 Miscellaneous â&#x20AC;˘ Matthews Police Department, 1201 Crews Road: Harassing by social media. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ 9200 block of East Independence Boulevard: Communicating threats. â&#x20AC;˘ Microtel Inn, 1603 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, suite 122: Harassing phone calls. Oct. 2 The following incidents were reported between Sept. 26 to Oct. 2 in Mint Hill, according to the Mint Hill Police Department: Fraud â&#x20AC;˘ 5800 block of Phyliss Lane: Prescription fraud. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ Harris Teeter, 7036 Brighton Park Drive: Credit card fraud. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ 10600 block of Wood Meadow Drive: Fraud by electronic manipulation. Sept. 28 Property Theft â&#x20AC;˘ 7-Eleven, 4300 Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road: $76 cash and $5 cigarettes stolen in armed robbery. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ 9200 block of Lawyers Road: $8 laundry basket shoplifted. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 4500 block of Stoney Trace Drive: $20 cash, $300 handgun and $52 of food stolen during an armed robbery. Sept. 30 Property Damage â&#x20AC;˘ 8900 block of Glencroft Road: $125 of damage to table. Sept. 27 Vehicle Break-In â&#x20AC;˘ 10800 block of Tyler Brooks Lane: Laptop, laptop charger, files, computer hardware and prescription glasses, worth $706 total, stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 4800 block of Sela Court: $10 wallet and $20 cash stolen during a vehicle break-in, causing $200 of damage to passenger glass window. Sept. 29 â&#x20AC;˘ 6800 block of Fenning Drive: $5 cash stolen from a motor vehicle. Sept. 29 â&#x20AC;˘ 9500 block of Stoney Glen Drive: Shotgun, shotgun shells, gun case, driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, wallet, credit card and cash, worth $601 total, during a vehicle break-in, causing $100 of damage to vehicle door lock. Sept. 29 Home/Business Break-In â&#x20AC;˘ 5100 block of Stoney Pond Lane: TVs, cellphone, purse, X-box and shoes, worth $1,495 total, stolen during a break-in with non-forced entry. Sept. 27 â&#x20AC;˘ 9300 block of Aylesbury Lane: $475 of TVs and $50 microwave stolen during a break-in with non-forced entry. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 6100 block of Brightstar Valley Road: Break-in, causing $200 of damage to front door and $100 of damage to inside door. Sept. 28 â&#x20AC;˘ 7500 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: Ladders, tool boxes and tools, worth $170 total, stolen during a building break-in. Sept. 29

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 17

Faith

After 104 days, I laughed at my leaky sink by Tony Marciano

tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

I will confess that 2015 was personally a difficult year. I found happiness eluding me. I read the book, “The Happiness Project” which helped some, but not enough. As 2016 began, Rev. Tony Marciano I found myself watching a video on happiness. The author said up until the 1980s, it was believed that the brain was hard wired. Today, with MRI’s, it was shown we could rewire our brain. In order to do this, we would have to change what we do. The requirements included journaling. While I had a journal, I didn’t quite know what to do with it. Now, I had a purpose. Here is what I did for 21 days: 1. Journal three things I was grateful for 2. Journal one positive experience for the day 3. Exercise 4. Meditate and pray 5. RAOK – do a Random Act of Kind-

ness. 6. FOD – Feet-on-desk I added Feet-on-desk. It was inspired by a video that said how we sit expresses how we see ourselves. Just like animals in the wild who appear larger when they feel threatened, how we sit in a chair – small or big – says a lot about how we see ourselves. She challenged us to put our feet on the desk and lean back in our chair or stand with our hands on our hips in the “Wonder Woman” pose. For 104 days, I recorded things I was grateful for. I wrote about positive experiences. I checked yes or no whether I exercised, prayed, did a RAOK and did FOD. If I missed a day, the next day I had to catch up. I passed day 21, day 50, day 75, and day 100. On day 104, my wife told me about a leak in the kitchen. I climbed under the sink while she ran the water. I could see the water coming, but wasn’t sure where it came from. I slid further under the sink and saw the water coming out of a quarter inch hole in the garbage disposal. I began to laugh. More than laugh, it turned into a long deep belly laugh. I think she thought I lost it. My house has two kitchens – one for my wife and one for my mother. My mom never used her kitchen – she used my kitchen. For

years, our garbage disposal formed the same holes. Each time I repaired it with JB Weld. After a while, it had so much JB Weld, I had to replace the garbage disposal. My mother’s unit was taking the same path. Trust me, I wasn’t happy about the leak. I had to rebuild the floor below the sink. Rather than complain, it allowed me to use wood working tools I had ignored for years. I had a good time completing that project. I think both authors were onto something. I was forced to pause and write three things I was thankful for. Then, I had to journal one positive experience. All this reminded me of what the hymn writer said, “Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Perhaps the hymn was inspired by the scripture verse that says, “Rejoice in all things, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Let me challenge you to try this experiment for 21 days. Let me know how your attitude changes. I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend. Rev. Tony Marciano is the executive director of the Charlotte Rescue Mission. He is available to speak to your group. Find more information at www.charlotterescuemission.org.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Matthews UMC hosts Marciano MATTHEWS – Matthews United Methodist Church will present “Seasoned to Perfection,” on Tuesday, Oct. 11, featuring guest speaker Rev. Tony Marciano. The event begins at 11 a.m. Cost is $7, which includes lunch served at noon. Make reservations in advance at 704-815-1982.

Community Forum at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Oct. 26 MATTHEWS – Rev. Larry Whitley, senior pastor at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, and Rev. Chuck Wilson, senior pastor at Matthews United Methodist Church, will hold a community forum on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. The forum will feature Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor, Matthews Chief of Police, members of the state highway patrol, local clergy and citizens. Tonya Rivens of WBTV-3 will serve as the moderator.

Jonesville AME Zion to hold family, friends celebration MATTHEWS – Jonesville AME Zion Church will hold a Friends and Family Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16, after the worship service. The celebration will include lunch and games. On Sunday, pasta will be served beginning at 1 p.m. with a concert featuring the Johnson Family following at 3 p.m. The church is located at 11700 Idlewild Road.

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Page 18 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

Calendar October

Pokémon Go!

Indie Author

Teenagers try to “catch ‘em all” on a Pokemon-hunting expedition around Mint Hill area using the popular Pokemon Go app. Register in advance. Call 704-416-5200 or visit cmlibrary.org/programs for details. 3 p.m.; Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Celebrate national Indie Author Day with authors Sherry Rentschler and Tonya B. Rivers, as well as publisher Jaime Washington. All three talk about their writing and publishing experiences. Registration is required. Go to www.cmlibrary.org/events or call 704-4165200. 10 a.m.; Mint Hill Library, 6840 MatthewsMint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Animal Blessing

Fullwood Animal Hospital hosts a client appreciation picnic and blessing of the animals. Get fed at 12:30 p.m. Get your pets blessed by Father Tom Woodle at 2 p.m. 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.; 4101 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews

CML Presents

Electronics Recycling

Barbecue Fundraiser

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library presents an event in which the Matthews Playhouse has fun with “Charlotte’s Web” Children, 5 to 8 years old, can learn about the story through games and activities. Registration is required. 3 to 4 p.m.; Matthews Branch Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Cub Scout Pack 214 partners with Greenteknology to hold an electronics recycling event. They will accept old computers, phones, printers, faxes, copiers, cables, speakers, cameras, tapes, CDs. DVDs, and video games. 9 a.m. to noon; Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 S. Trade St.

Boy Scout Troop 65 holds a barbecue fundraiser. Buy a pound of barbecue, a barbecue plate or three sandwiches for $9. Sale sites are located at the intersections of Idlewild and N.C. 51, Lawyers Road and N.C. 51, Wilson Grove Road and Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road and at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or when barbecue runs out); Mint Hill

Live Music

The Apple Brother’s Band performs at Beantown Tavern. The band consists of brothers Mike, Pat and Tim Apple and their nephew, Brian Apple. The Charlotte band’s influences include Miles Davis, U2 Peter Frampton and Van Halen, according to their Facebook page. Call 704-849-2023 for details. Evening; 130 Matthews Station St., Matthews

Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson signs autographs during a meet and greet at AAA Collectibles. Tickets cost $15. The shop recommends people book a time slot to avoid waiting in line for his autograph. Call 704-847-5901 for details. 2 to 3:30 p.m.; 100 W. John St., Matthews

11 Book Club

The Books and Banter Book Club discusses “Room” by Emma Donoghue. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. The club is for adults. Go to www. cmlibrary.org/events or call 704-416-5200. 1 p.m.; Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

11 Road Improvements

The N.C. Department of Transportation hosts an open house on proposed improvements to East John Street-Old Monroe Road from Trade Street in Matthews to Wesley Chapel-Stouts Road in Indian Trail. 4 p.m.; Stallings United Methodist Church, 1115 Stallings Road, Stallings

11 Beer Run

Feel less guilty about drinking so much beer. Join the Carolina Beer Temple Run Club, which takes on routes ranging from one to five miles Tuesdays through downtown Matthews. Finish the run with water or a Belgian beer. 6:45 p.m.; Carolina Beer Temple, 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews

12 Chamber Luncheon

Page Crawford, host of “Good Day Charlotte” on FOX 46, will be the keynote speaker at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking luncheon. The lunch starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by the presentation at noon. Call 704-847-3649 or visit www.matthewschamber.org. 11 .m. to 1 p.m.

12 Community Breakfast

Business, community, and education leaders, parents and policymakers rally in support of public education at MeckEd’s 5th Annual Community Breakfast. Tickets and breakfast cost $55. Sponsorship opportunities range from $3,000 to $15,000. 8 to 9:30 a.m.; Westin Charlotte, 601 S College St, Charlotte

13 Book Club

The Evening Edition Book Club discusses “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley. The event, targeted to adults, is part of the library’s Community Read series. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library. Go to www. cmlibrary.org/events or call 704-416-5200. 1 p.m.; Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

13 Tap Takeover

Sixpoint Brewery takes over the taps at Carolina Beer Temple. Some of the New York company’s year-round beers include Sweet Action, Bengali, The Crisp and Resin. Go to www.carolinabeertemple.net/ our-events for details. 6 to 9 p.m.; Carolina Beer Temple, 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews (see Calendar on page 19)

UNCC EDUCATIONAL SAL ON

Geology and the Civil War Wednesday, October 19th 7:00 p.m. at the Waltonwood Providence Independent Living Theater

Presented by Scott Hippensteel, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at UNC Charlotte $10 donation encouraged to benefit UNCC Student Programs. Please make your $10 donation at time of check in at the Concierge desk. Cash or check payable to Waltonwood Providence.

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Calendar (continued from page 18)

14 Health Seminar

Dr. Michael Smith, of Carolinas Natural Health Center, presents a free seminar on how to get your health back. Reservations are required by calling 704-708-4404. Go to www. CarolinasNaturalHealth.com for details. 10 a.m.; 1114 Sam Newell Road.

Community Read

The Matthews Branch Library screens the 1931 classic “Frankenstein,” starring Boris Karloff. The screening is part of the Community Read series. 1:30 p.m.; Matthews Branch Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

14 Public Health

Crystal Welton, an attorney with Weaver, Bennett & Bland P.A., presents a free health-care seminar, dubbed “The Law Revealed: Public Benefits 101.” Welton discusses Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid to name a few programs. Register by calling the Levine Senior Center at 704-846-4654 by Friday, Oct. 7. 10 to 11 a.m.; 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews

15 Meet and greet

The Ballantyne Breakfast Club will host a candidate meet and greet barbecue, provided by Queen City Que. The free event will give the public a chance to meet candidates running for office. A cash bar will be on site. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Ballantyne Hotel, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy.

15 Barbecue & Beer

Blues Brews & BBQ returns to Stallings, bringing a unique blend of live music and tasty pig. See who serves the region’s best barbecue or craft beer in a cook-off. There’s even a beer garden. 1 to 7 p.m.; Stallings Municipal Park, 340 Stallings Road

Health Seminar

19 Book Club

The BooYA! 5th and 6th Grade Book Club discusses “The Wednesday Wars” by Gary D. Schmidt. The book club meets monthly. The talk about titles and authors in the Young Adult section of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Registration is required. 6 p.m.; Mint Hill Library

Firearms Seminar

Dan Schwarz leads a Basic Introduction to Firearms seminar at Point Blank Range. The seminar, targeted at ages 8 and older, does not include any live ammunition since it’s not a shooting course. The seminar costs $10. Go to www.pointblankrange.com for details. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; 10726 Monroe Road, Matthews

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 19

20 Nonprofit Seminar

Locally Owned & Operated

Keith Adams, executive director of Common Heart, talks about engaging volunteers at the next JAJ Nonprofit Resource LLC’s monthly Lunch & Learn for Nonprofits. The seminar costs $15 and includes lunch. Register at www.jajnpr.com/lunch---learn-. html 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Casa Rita’s, 9727 E. Independence Blvd, Matthews.

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22 Medicine Drop

The Mint Hill Police Department encourages the community to bring unused or expired medicines to the Operation Medicine Drop Take Back Event. Let law enforcement will dispose of the medications for you. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Publix, 6828 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

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22 Fall Festival

The Matthews Chamber of Commerce hosts Fallfest, a craft beer crawl and cornhole tournament. The festival includes live music and brews from more than 20 local breweries. Tickets cost $60 for VIP, $45 for general admission and $20 for designated drivers. Proceeds benefit Matthews Free Medical Clinic. Noon-5 p.m.; Harley-Davidson of Charlotte, 9205 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews

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Page 20 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Sports

Independence keeps falling, Bulldogs set for clash with Mustangs by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Independence was making progress going into what appeared to be a winnable homecoming game against Porter Ridge despite the Patriots’ winless record, but the Pirates crashed the party Sept. 30. Independence hung around for a quarter, but was quickly overwhelmed with turnovers, mistakes, penalties and a 31-point explosion by Porter Ridge in the second quarter that propelled the Pirates to a 44-0 win. Porter Ridge wasn’t overly impressive on offense, but the Pirates were dominant and opportunistic on defense. They forced the Patriots into seven turnovers, including six interceptions that led to a bevy of points. It’s difficult to imagine that beating Porter Ridge dealt Independence (0-7, 0-2 Southwestern 4A) didn’t somehow stunt the Patriots’ growth from the past few weeks. Couple that with the damage the school’s administration has done in recent years to the football program, the hole Independence has to climb out of gets deeper and deeper. That’s unfortunate for what was once a proud and dominant program, but it’s even more unfortunate for the players and coaches. These kids need stability, which means anoth-

Passing Name Garrett Shrader Davis Cheek Bates Jones Jack Davidson Luke Hefferly Antonio Wallace Jack Cherry

Team

Gabe Montgomery DeMarkes Stradford Travis Prince Nijere Peoples Merrick Haston Jack Brigham Tim Newman

Receiving Name Kusegi Cureton Blake Proehl Porter Rooks Jaylen Erwin Terrelle Brown Elijah Bowick Dirk Cureton

Defense Name Christian Dixon Connor Fewin Osita Ekownu Beau Snuggs Cole Brown Ryan Brouse Chris Elliot

Completions Attempts 105 88 68 85 77 84 55

Charlotte Christian Butler Charlotte Latin Myers Park Ardrey Kell South Meck Providence

Rushing Name

er coaching change could be a negative blow to the program. Now that Independence has a head coach, players, parents and other coaches like in Hal Brown, who has been with the Patriots for 20 years, the school should drop the interim label and promote him to the role on a permanent basis for at least a few years, if he’s willing and able to take it. That would help build continuity amongst the players and coaches, as they seek to build Independence back into a competitor once again. The school’s administration can’t continue to run coaches off after two years, a season or even few months. If there’s a need for change, then the administration should start by looking in the mirror and reform itself before making another premature or unnecessary coaching change. Also, who would want to coach at a school that is on its fourth head coach in three years? That doesn’t sound like a stable job. Name an established head coach who is a proven winner and is chomping at the bit for an opportunity like that. I can’t think of one either. Brown is a good place holder, and should be given the opportunity to right the ship for the next few years, which would be a good time for Independence to fix itself and regain a reputation

157 133 106 140 163 133 106

Completions Yards

Providence Day Charlotte Latin South Meck Butler Ardrey Kell Charlotte Catholic Country Day

120 82 102 94 102 55 104

Team

Butler Country Day Providence Day Charlotte Christian Providence Day Charlotte Latin Charlotte Latin

1418 1388 1188 1185 1138 1086 900

18 16 19 13 10 9 11

TD 13 12 7 12 4 8 6

Receptions

Yards

30 24 29 25 20 25 26

702 504 438 437 417 324 311

9 7 5 4 6 5 6

Butler Providence Providence Day Ardrey Kell Charlotte Christian Myers Park Butler

Team

1038 793 699 680 647 500 472

Yards

Tackles 82.5 74 68 63.5 63 59 58

of stability before it begins another search for a new football coach. Butler (6-1, 2-0 Southwestern 4A), which is in the midst of its quest to defend its conference crown, is at a much different place than its archrival, Independence. The Bulldogs have their biggest game of the regular season when they visit Myers Park (6-1, 1-0 Southwestern 4A) Thursday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. “It’s all about business over here,” Butler coach Brian Hales said. “When we talked about our goals at the beginning of the season and through the offseason, the No. 2 one on the list was to win the conference championship, so while this game doesn’t necessarily decide the conference champion, obviously, it’s going to go a long ways in determining it. “As far as the kids go, this is the stuff they play for, to play in big games, to play in championship type atmospheres.” Fortunately for the Mustangs, they have had an extra week to prepare for Butler, but Hales, his staff and players haven’t even had a week to prepare for this throwdown. They didn’t watch any film from their 55-21 win over East Meck Sept. 30, but went straight in to preparing for Myers Park and watching film on the Mustangs. Butler does have one clear cut advantage over

Defensive Player of the Week Nejuan Worthy Butler It’s becoming more apparent each weekthat Butler senior defensive end Nejuan Worthy can’t be blocked. He added to his leading sack total with five more quarterback takedowns behind the line-of-scrimmage during the Bulldogs’ 55-21 win over East Meck, Sept. 30.

Offensive Player of the Week: Nijere Peoples Butler Butler junior running back Nijere Peoples gashed East Meck for 238 yards and five touchdowns on only 14 carries. That made for 17 yards a touch. He also reeled in a 61yard touchdown pass. The Bulldogs rode Peoples to a 55-21 victory over the Eagles Sept. 30.

Myers Park. It’s been in more big games in recent years, which could give it a slight edge down the stretch if the game is close at the end. “We talked with the team about it, games like this, this is where leadership is really going to be important,” Hales said. “When you’re playing a good team they’re going to have success. “The reality is you’re not going to win every play, so it’s going to take those leaders to get everybody calm and realize whether it’s a big play for us or it’s a big play against us it’s not the end of the world and there’s another play to come.” The Bulldogs can’t get too high or too low. They must remain steady and mentally tough regardless of what happens. Defensively, the Bulldogs must slow down Myers Park’s quick passing game, but can’t afford to ignore the Mustangs’ big play capability through the air with the deep ball. Butler defensive coordinator Michael Nahum will have his linebackers and defensive backs coached up to keep everything in front of them. It will be difficult to pressure Myers Park senior quarterback Jack Davidson since he gets rid of the ball so quickly, but Butler must find a way to get to him. Senior sack master Nejuan Worthy will play a significant role in that effort.

Football Picks Games: Butler at Myers Park East Meck at Rocky River Harding at Ardrey Kell Berry at Providence West Meck at South Meck Charlotte Catholic at Olympic New Covenant at Charlotte Christian Charlotte Latin at Davidson Day Bishop Sullivan at Providence Day Carolina Pride at High Point Christian Guest picker:

Greg Simmons Charlotte Christian baseball coach Butler East Meck Ardrey Kell Berry West Meck Catholic Charlotte Christian Latin Bishop Sullivan Carolina Pride Last week: 11-1 Season: 52-16

Hannah Chronis Butler East Meck Ardrey Kell Providence South Meck Catholic Charlotte Christian Davidson Day Bishop Sullivan High Point Christian Last week: 11-1 Season: 51-17

Ben Doster Butler Rocky River Ardrey Kell Providence South Meck Catholic Charlotte Christian Latin Providence Day High Point Christian Last week: 11-1 Season: 55-13

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 21

Sports

Indyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hamilton commits to Temple Independence senior forward/center Justyn Hamilton, a defensive stalwart, made his college decision when he verbally committed to Temple University Monday, Oct. 3. He chose Temple over 19 other Division I scholarship offers. DePaul was his runner-up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I took my official visit, it really opened my eyes to what they had and where I could fit in their program,â&#x20AC;? Hamilton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I talked it over with my parents, and we thought that was the right choice for me.â&#x20AC;? The Owlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coaching staff plans to employ Hamilton as a stretch four, rim protector and defensive anchor. His length and athleticism enables him to be active all over the court to cut off passing lanes and deny shot opportunities. Hamilton, who has made considerable strides offensively since he set foot on Independenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s campus as a freshman, has improved his jumpshot and ball-handling. He believes he and his teammates are capable of contending and even winning a state title, which is something he hopes to accomplish during his final year with the Patriots. Hamilton, a 6-foot-10 athletic and rangy post presence, averaged 9.6 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 4.5 bpg and 1.3 spg last season as a junior to help the Patriots reach the third round of the state playoffs and a 21-8 (10-2 Southwestern 4A) finish. He should build on those numbers, and

the Patriots appear to have what it takes to possibly surpass last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I came here freshman year, I definitely couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see myself where I am now without coach (Preston) Davis,â&#x20AC;? Hamilton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helped me out a lot really imJustyn Hamilton prove my game. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pushed me. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I could have done it without him.â&#x20AC;? His parents and Team United also played vital roles in helping him reach this milestone. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It means a lot,â&#x20AC;? Davis said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It definitely reassures me that what I was trying to do as far as build a program the right way and try to help these guys develop as players and individuals that they recognize it and they appreciate it. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to hear that, but ultimately the kid, his parents, my staff, my assistant coaches and his teammates itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a team effort to try to push everybody to be better. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad he appreciates my time and my efforts, but ultimately he had to decide to put the work in and do what he needed to do to become better. Seeing where he was coming in as a freshman to seeing the growth heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made and the amazing thing is heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a lot more growth to do.â&#x20AC;?

Boys Athlete of the Week: Thomas Bruefach Independence

Girls Athlete of the Week: Erin Hundley Butler

Independence senior cross-country runner Thomas Bruefach placed 21st at the Wendyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invitational open race at McAlpine Park Oct. 1, but he recorded a personal best for this season with a time of 16 minutes and 59.11 seconds.

Butler senior right side hitter Erin Hundley, who is a four-year starter and two-time all-conference volleyball player, has been integral to the Bulldogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; success this season. Hundley, a cocaptain, has recorded 185 kills, 42 blocks, 185 digs and 52 aces so far.

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Photo by St. John Photograpjy

Lions fighting to hold court by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Covenant Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis team is two weeks away from the playoffs, and is poised to surpass last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quarterfinals appearance and 10-5 finish. The Lions (7-4) were not in the conversation for being a state title contender this time a year ago, but they made noise and are set to prove last season wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a fluke. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think they came back with more belief in themselves,â&#x20AC;? coach George Wolbers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That can be an intangible. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the biggest difference in them.â&#x20AC;? Sophomore Anna Daniels, senior McKinley Riley and junior Madison Wall have performed at a high level and provided key leadership. Juniors Ava Murchison, Lauren Boyles and Erika Fager also have contributed nicely. Sophomores Paget Barlow and Rachael Boyce and freshmen Viktoria McCue and Meredith Strause have

proven they are ready to compete at the varsity level when given opportunities. This group of girls has a strong bond, which enhances the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chemistry. The Lions played some of their best tennis of the season when they were without some of their top players in the lineup due to injury or illness this season. Those outstanding efforts even came in losses to perennial powers Charlotte Catholic, Charlotte Country Day and Durham Academy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought we put together the kind of fight and the kind of performance and the kind of belief in ourselves that I would love to see every match,â&#x20AC;? Wolbers said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That performance attitude is the one that gives you the outcome.â&#x20AC;? Covenant Day hopes to improve its standing within the CISAA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That would ultimately benefit us if we are fortunate enough to be accepted into the state tournament and try to do as a close to the performance of last year as possible,â&#x20AC;? Wolbers said.

Queens Grant baseball to host golf tournament Queens Grantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball team will hold a golf tournament at Red Bridge Golf Club in Locust, N.C. Friday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. The tournament, which is a fundraising event, will support the Stallions baseball team. The proceeds from the event will fund the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring break tournament and final renovations to the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new baseball field, which will open in the spring in time for the start of the upcoming season. Cost is $70 per person, or $250 for a team of four. Registration and payment is due by Oct. 14. Contact Queens Grant athletics director and baseball coach Dan Kerr via e-mail at kerr@queensgranthigh.org or phone 704-201-2056 for more information.

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Page 22 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Oct. 7, 2016 | Page 23

Carolina Weekly Classiﬁeds Network

To advertise, visit www.carolinaweeklynewspapers.com

s #LASSIlEDS ARE ADVERTISED IN 3OUTH #HARLOTTE 7EEKLY 5NION #OUNTY 7EEKLY AND -ATTHEWS -INT (ILL 7EEKLY s does roller sets, perms, normal colors and more? For Sale

PANTHERS TICKETS! Two tickets available for each home game of the season. Upper deck, Section 547, Row 1, Seats 22 and 23. Call (704) 536-7295 or (704)953-0941. FALL SALE: Privacy Trees- LeylandCypress (3-4’tall) $19.99, (4-5’tall) $29.99, GreenGiants (3-4’tall) $29.99, (4-5’tall) $39.99, BlueSapphire, NellieHolly, CrapeMyrtle, EmeraldGreen, etc, Buy direct from the tree farm! Free delivery, plus we install! 704-426-0947. Help wanted

Engineers: Separation and Filtration Engineer (job code 617)/ Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer (job code 616), to work in Charlotte, NC, exp. required. Send resume to Benjamin Cassiday, HR Manager, Royal Appliance Manufacturing Co. dba TTI Floor Care North America, 7005 Cochran Rd., Glenwillow, OH 44139. Must ref job code listed above. Salem looking to hire an experienced medium/ heavy duty diesel truck mechanic to work weekdays servicing our growing company’s service center needs in our Pineville, NC shop. Hours: 2nd shift (2:30pm to 10:00pm, Mon-Fri) Some rewarding Benefits with Salem: Excellent Pay, Benefit Package, Vacation Pay & Referral Bonuses Must have your own tools Apply online, www.salemleasing.com Call 1-800-709-2536 with inquiries.

Drivers: Excellent Wages + Monthly Bonuses up to $500+. Guaranteed Hometime. BCBS Benefits. No Touch. CDL-A 1yr exp. 855-842-8498 NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING Employment – Drivers Experienced OTR Driver: 53’ van run from WI to PA to NC. Flexible home time. 99% no touch. Top pay, vacation, 410K, health insurance. Requires a Class A CDL, 2 years OTR experience With good MRV. References. Call Ruth/Mike 1-800-222-5732 or Visit ttitrucking.com 110416

PART-TIME NEWSPAPER DRIVERS NEEDED Candidates must have a clean driving record, proof of auto insurance and be able to lift 50-75 lbs. Additionally, the ideal candidate can work Thursday, Friday, or both and can make a long-term commitment to grow their workload and earnings. For more information, please contact: Brent Epling brent@carolinaweeklynewspapers.com SERVICES

J&D Painting – Interior/Exterior Residential Painting, light carpentry, wallpapering (and removal). Licensed and insured. FREE ESTIMATES! 25 years of experience. Call Oscar at any time. (980) 258-4148. Experienced nanny seeks part time position for preferably 1 child in Charlotte to start this month of September. I have even raised my own child. I will help educate, play, sing songs, arts and crafts plus more with your child. I am CPR certified. I am prior veteran with good work ethic. I hope to hear from a family real soon by phone at (980) 318-7663. 092316 Ladies: Are you looking for a hairdresser that still

some fun! 124 West John Street in Matthews. www.blackbeltworlmatthews.com.

Real Estate–rental

Call Melissa (704)621-0909, or Ann (704)9952117. We also make house calls for the infirmed. Located in Matthews. Cleaning woman looking for job cleaning house, office, or apartment. I have 18 years of experience and good references. Call Martina at (704) 8935028 or (516) 554-3960. Flooring Experts: tile, showers, backsplash, carpet. Commercial & Residential hardwood, laminate, vinyl vct. Insurance and 100% warranty free estimates. Call Francisco Escobar with Anything Custom Construction 704 977-7859.

Rooms for rent for shared living. Regular rooms $495, master for $575, all utilities included. Located in Mint Hill, NC, 28227. Contact A. Morgan at 704-208-7891. MISCELLANEOUS

Come one, come all to the Annual Pancake Breakfast at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, which will be held on Saturday, October 8th in Mint Hill. The breakfast will last from 7:30-10 a.m. and the cost is $8.00 for everyone ages 7 & up. All children under 6 are free.

Discount Painters—Affordable painting services! $80.00 per room. Our services include painting, sheet rock, installation, popcorn removal and repair, wallpaper removal, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing and electrical. We appreciate our clients. FREE ESTIMATES: (704)995-9206.

HERO MILES - to find out more about how you can help our service members, veterans and their families in their time of need, visit the Fisher House website at www.fisherhouse.org SAPA Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800211-9233 for FREE DVD and brochure. SAPA AVIATION GRADS WORK WITH JETBLUE, BOEING, DELTA, AND OTHERS- START HERE WITH HANDS ON TRAINING FOR FAA CERTIFICATION. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 SAPA

Enjoy fun for the entire family at Black Belt World Matthews for our 1st Annual Fall Festival on October 22, 2016 from 11 AM-5 PM. Plates are $10 and Sandwiches are $5. This fundraiser will benefit a remodel of our Do Jang. There will SWITCH & SAVE EVENT from DirecTV! Packages be BBQ, bounce house, carnival games, board starting at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, breaking, Taekwondo demonstrations, and ministarz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX FREE GENIE HD/ lessons. you are interested in taking classes DVR Upgrade! 2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included The New YorkIfTimes Syndication Sales Corporation we are offering one month free for a $45 uniform with Select Packages. Some exclusions apply 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 The Newpurchase! York Times Syndication Sales Corporation Come support school and have Call for details 1-800-421-2049 SAPA For Information Call:our1-800-972-3550

620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Monday, October 3, 2016 For Release Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, September 27, 2016

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www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 24 | Oct. 7, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

THE ECONOMY: THEN & NOW In January of 2011, as I first took office and Republicans gained a legislative majority for the first time in 112 years, North Carolina had the highest taxes in the southeast — personal income taxes were as high as 7.98% and businesses were taxed at 7.1%. And Democrats continued to raise sales taxes year after year, despite promising that these increases would only be temporary.

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In spite of these very high taxes on our hardworking citizens, Democrats in Raleigh not only saddled us with a structural budget deficit of over $2.5 billion, they put us in debt to the federal government for another $2.7 billion in borrowed money. That’s “billion,” with a b.

A lot has changed in the last five years. Our Domestic Product has grown 25.5% over the last five years to $519.6 billion. For the first time in nearly a century, we’ve restructured the tax code. At the end of this year, our highest personal income tax rate will be 5.49% — the lowest in the southeast. And the corporate tax rate will be 3%, the lowest in the entire nation.

NON-PARTISAN TAX FOUNDATION RANKING

We’ve also increased the standard deduction, meaning that everyone pays lower taxes. In 2011, the non-partisan Tax Foundation rated us 44th in the nation for tax climate; we are now rated #11, the most dramatic jump in the nation. And that $2.7 debt to the federal government? Not only did we manage to pay it off in full, we also erased our state’s $2.5 billion deficit and we added nearly $1.5 billion to our savings account in the process.

BILLBRAWLEY103.COM • PAID FOR BY THE BILL BRAWLEY COMMITTEE