Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Page 1

Vol. 9 No. 45

November 4, 2016 www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

making a difference

10

nonprofits to know page 8 News Briefs 6 | Opinion 14 | Education 15 | Crime Blotter 18 | Faith 21 | Calendar 22 | Sports 24 | Classifieds 27

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Page 2 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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The Weekly

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, I want to first of all thank you for the opportunity to express my freedom of public speech in this way. As a member of both the community and of the church, I wanted to express my personal sadness and concern over the disrespectful tone and accusatory candor with which a previous letter writer to this publication has pursued the issue of the sale of the old water tower property. I believe our elected leaders and all members of the community – of which the church certainly is – are to be respected, even in disagreement. It is my hope that we find ways to express our differences in healthy and edifying ways. For those who have followed this matter closely, there have certainly been some passionate and important discussions, but my personal take has been that majority of the Matthews commissioners have repeatedly handled themselves with diligence and integrity. I have witnessed first-hand the church’s members, other representatives of the community, and the majority of the commissioners skillfully navigate both healthy, and at times intense, debate reasonably well. As of this letter, the process has yet to land a decision at either party’s desired destination. But frankly, based on what’s been presented, I believe there is a happy medium that benefits both sides and it will

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 3 be reached. The church has said and demonstrated it is for the town, and the town has said it is for its community. The political process is an interesting thing to behold – and I have confidence that good men will lead well, and good things will happen as a result. For readers and members of the community, my encouragement is to be present at the meetings, read the agendas and minutes, and get involved so you can decide for yourselves. Brandon Fields Mint Hill Dear Editor, I’m 61 years old and I’m a Republican. I make this choice based not on the election of any president, but rather on the foundational history of the Republican and Democratic parties. Advocacy of any organization should have as its principles a reflection of your personal foundation. Here are 10 reasons why: • In 1828, the Democratic Party was founded and its first president, Andrew Jackson, promoted and signed the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Native American Indians were removed from their homeland and forced to walk across the Mississippi River to reservations. This resulted in the first mass terrorist attack in our country with more than 4,000 men, women and children dying from starvation, disease and weather extremes. This became known as “The Trail of Tears.” President Jackson then sold their land at bargain prices to white settlers in ex(see Letters on page 19)

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Page 4 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Habitat chapter has new leader by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will hand over the keys to a new home to the Okitapanya family Nov. 12, but the dedication ceremony will be especially meaningful for the charity’s staff. It will be dedicated in the memory of Sandy Marano, who died after a 12-year battle with cancer in September. Marano, 52, was the business and family services director for Habitat. She worked

with families to achieve their dreams of obtaining decent, affordable housing. The affiliate has built more than 100 homes in Matthews since 1989. Last year, Habitat for Humanity International allowed the affiliate to expand its scope to include Mint Hill and Stallings. Ralph Jackson has joined the affiliate as its new executive director. This marks the fourth and probably final Habitat affiliate of his career. “This affiliate is further along than any I’ve started with in all my time,� said Jack-

son, noting his staff is extremely professional and dedicated to the mission. “They’re on the cusp of what I would consider a great affiliate with house production and general impact on a community.� The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity is finishing up two homes in its Sunrise Crossing community on Matthews School Road. The Okitapanya home will be ready for the family to move in by Thanksgiving. The second, built next-door, will be ready by Christmas. The Okitapanya home was built through Habitat’s Women Build, a program designed to encourage more women to get involved with the charity. “When you come out as a volunteer you

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don’t have to have any experience whatsoever,� said Dawn Barber Folmar, director of development and volunteer services. “You don’t have to have ever picked up a hammer.� Members of the volunteer committee will layout each task and take people step-bystep through the construction process. Folmar said there’s a comradery shared by volunteers on site that makes the process fun. St. Matthews Catholic Church in Charlotte is sponsoring the project under construction next door. Team builds typically take 14 weeks to complete, with work primarily done on Saturdays. Eleven families are waiting for new homes after going through Habitat’s stringent vetting process. They have met the financial guidelines that prove they’ll be able to pay a monthly mortgage. They don’t have to make a down payment, but they do have to put in 400 hours of sweat equity, which could be spent on-site building homes or working in the ReStore. Some people turn to Habitat because they live in overcrowded or unsafe housing conditions. “We’ve had family selection members go out to visit people where everyone in the family slept in one room and they didn’t have a bed,� Folmar said. While Habitat helps mom and dad financially, the long-term benefit of this work is that children will grow up in stable neighborhoods, Jackson said. The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity expects to build two more homes by the end of the fiscal year, as well as take advantage of its expanded service area by looking for property to develop in Mint Hill. Community support is needed to help Habitat reach its goals. The community can donate their time on the construction sites or ReStore, as well as gently used furniture and household items to be resold to generate money for additional builds. Habitat’s website is set up to accept onetime, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual donations. Businesses and groups can sponsor the construction of a house for $75,000. Habitat plans to honor Marano annually through the Sandy Marano Memorial Build for the Cure. They will recruit breast cancer survivors or people related to those fighting the disease. The community may attend the dedication of the Okitapanya home on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. at 1001 Matthews School Road.

Want to learn more? The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity’s offices and ReStore are located at 2447 E. John St. The ReStore opens Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find this story online or go to our Facebook page for photos from the ReStore. Call the ReStore at 704-845-2760 or Habitat at 704-847-4266.

Go to www.greatermatthewshabitat.org for details.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 5

Sunday Brunch starts at 10am at $10 Rabies Cats & Dogs

$17 Distemper

Cats & Kittens with Parvo for Dogs & Puppies

Watch your games here 18 craft beers 21 TVs inside or out

3-year Distemper Vaccine now available

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212 Unionville Indian Trail Rd, Indian Trail, NC:

Fantastic , 1.5± acre building lot with 260± feet of frontage on Unionville Indian Trail road. Public Water and Sewer, High traffic pattern, less than 1 mile from 74 and adjacent to Union West Regional Library. Excellent investment and/or development opportunity!

E Independence Blvd, Indian Trail, NC:

21.6± tract of commercial land in quickly growing area, only 2 miles from I-485, surrounded by Class A businesses / residential developments, over 500 ft of frontage on E Independence Blvd (Hwy 74) & access on N Indian Trail Rd, expansion of Hwy 74 will allow continued growth.

T. Randolph Ligon, CAI • NCAL8951 - SCAL1716 - NCRL183864 - SCRL17640

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Page 6 | Nov. 4, 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

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 Editorial: hannah@cmgweekly.com Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly is published by Charlotte Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

News Briefs Mint Hill Arts opens exhibit MINT HILL – Mint Hill Arts will present a new exhibit at the Town Hall Gallery titled, “Capturing Mint Hill,” which showcases art from its plein air paint out. The theme focuses on scenes from the local community, and also will feature paintings and photographs by Mint Hill Arts members that relate to the area, past and present. A reception will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to honor the participating artists. The public is encouraged to attend. The show will be available for viewing at town hall between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in December.

Taylor elected to board MATTHEWS – Matthews Mayor Jim Taylor was selected to a two-year term on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina League of Municipalities. Taylor will help oversee the advocacy and membership service efforts of the league, which represents more than 540 cities, towns and villages across the state. League members selected Taylor during the organization’s annual conference, CityVision2016 Accelerate! held in Raleigh last week. League Executive Director Paul Meyer said he looks forward to working with Taylor and a diverse group of board members that reflects the diverse visions of North Carolina cities and towns.

use bho uary u l c an s! ar d doll in J ion- begin 16 en l l i m s 0 n One ovatio ore 2 ren bef

Historical Society to hold tour MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Historical Society will lead guests on a Civil War Lantern Tour on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. Guided tours will take place every 15 minutes and last one hour. Attendees will learn about how the Civil War affected citizens across the country, while speaking with soldiers, surgeons, deserters and children at arms. Call for reservations at 704-573-0726 or email info@minthillhistory.com. Admission is free. The tour will take place at the Carl J. McEwen Village, located at 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Road.

Town seeks input on roads MATTHEWS – Matthews town staff encourages business owners and residents to attend a “Let’s Talk Roads” information session on Thursday, Nov. 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Matthews Town Hall, located at 232 Matthews Station St. Attendees will hear about transportation projects in and around Matthews, including: • U.S. 74 and E. Independence Boulevard widening and improvements • Interstate 485 express lanes • Weddington Road and I-485 interchange • Idlewild Road roundabout • Next phase of South Trade Street improvements • Section “A” extension of McKee Road • East John Street widening project Matthews Public Works Director C.J. O’Neill said the information given at this meeting is important because “these road improvements will affect everyone and many people are not aware of the planning, funding, or construction status of many of these projects.” A question-and-answer period will be included at the end of the presentation.

The Weekly

Restaurant Scores The Mecklenburg County Health Department inspected the following restaurants from Oct. 24 to 30. Lowest Score: • Best Wok II, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 92.5 Violations included: Raw shrimp and scallops stored over noodles and sauce packs in the low boy; cooked chicken stored in a raw chicken top on the counter; build-up on veggie peelings, based of a meat cutting knife and on the slicer; bottle of sanitizer at zero concentration; all TCS items in the walk-in cooler; and lettuce in the flip top cooler at improper temperature. All Scores: 28105 • Best Wok II, 1819 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 92.5 • Chen Fu, 9623 N E. Independence Blvd. – 95 • Genghis Grill, 9727 E. Independence Blvd. – 94 • Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy. – 95.5 • Pepero Oriental Foods, 10920 Monroe Road – 94 • Publix deli, 3110 Fincher Farm Road – 100 • Taste of Europe Polish Cuisine, 10915 Monroe Road – 97.5 • Tropical Bakery of Charlotte, 11100 Monroe Road – 98 28227 • Dunwellz Custom Kitchen and Pourhouse, Brighton Park Drive – 99.5 • Woodlands Pure Vegetarians, 7128A Albemarle Road – 97.5

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

The Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.

Business Briefs

Attorney wins Pro Bono Award

Market makes rental ranking

MATTHEWS – Legal Services of Southern Piedmont presented Garrity & Gossage LLP with the 2016 Outstanding Firm Pro Bono Service Award. The firm received the honor Oct. 25 in Charlotte at the 2016 Pro Bono Awards, a program that recognizes lawyers who donate time to people in legal crisis. The firm, which specializes in elder law and estate planning, consists of attorneys Jennefer Garrity, Kim Gossage, Larissa Stein, and Tyler Mays. The Matthews Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the firm’s new location at 344 W. John St. with a ribbon cutting Thursday, Nov. 3, from noon to 1 p.m. Call 704-841-0661 or go to www.garritygossage.com for details.

SEATTLE – Charlotte renters are more likely than others to be moving to the market from another locale, according to a new Zillow analysis. Charlotte ranks 10th among in Zillow's ranking of markets with largest percentage of renters seeking to move in at 25.6 percent. Zillow used data from Renter Profiles filled out by renters as they prepared to move to determine which cities are attracting outsiders. "An influx of people moving to new cities is among the drivers affecting demand and therefore affordability in many of today's housing markets," Zillow Chief Economist Svenja Gudell said. "Rising rents become even more pronounced in booming markets like Nashville, Portland and Denver, not only because so many people want to move in, but also because so few people want to move away."

Matthews to offer GovDeals MATTHEWS – Christopher Tucker, finance director for Matthews, anticipates the town uploading auctions in the coming weeks for several surplus vehicles and equipment to GovDeals.com. The town has used the government surplus website to sell obsolete computers, tires, furniture and equipment. Tucker said the website is the most popular of its kind and gets better results than live auctions. The easiest way to find Matthews surplus is to search by zip code 28105. Mint Hill also uses the website. The town recently unloaded three vehicles, including two police cars.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police receive large blanket donation CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department received 219 blankets from Mint Hill Helping Hands as part of CMPD’s Operation Sleep Safely campaign. The police department collected blankets for the Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter. Donations could be dropped off at division team offices throughout October.

Town seeks right-of-way for trail MATTHEWS – Town leaders recently authorized staff to buy 80 feet of right-of-way for the Crestdale Heritage Trail and future extension of Greylock Ridge Road. The town has budgeted $254,000 for the property.

McGee Corporation collecting toy donations for children MATTHEWS – The McGee Corporation is collecting donations through Nov. 14 for the Union County Christmas Bureau to ensure needy children enjoy the holidays. Donations may include bicycles, toys, nonperishable food and clothes. The company is also accepting unwrapped donations during the Monroe Christmas parade on Nov. 20. The company specializes manufactures canopies. Call Gloria Haney at 704-296-4312 or go to www.facebook.com/mcgeecorporation/ for details.

Area could survive zombies ATLANTA – CareerBuilder ranked Charlotte 31st among 53 of the largest metro areas in terms of its ability to survive a zombie apocalypse. The index is scored on factors in four categories: ability to defend against the virus, ability to contain the virus, ability to find a cure and ability to outlast the epidemic with an ample food supply. The zombie virus is transmitted via biting or contact with infected blood. The study is based on data from Emsi, CareerBuilder's labor market analysis arm.

Corporations form in region Registered agents filed these new corporations with the N.C. Secretary of State from Oct. 21 to 27: Matthews • C & J Properties of Matthews LLC – Kenneth Brown, 474 W. Matthews St. • Dirtt Gaming LLC – James Crawford III, 1150 Crews Road, suite F • Girl Friday Assistants of NC LLC – Dorothy Mastorakos, 2538 Cross Point Circle, apt. 24 • JCC Burn LLC – Christina Craft, 1711 Kings Manor Court. • Jeffers and McCoy LLC – Scott Jeffers, 1008 Heritage Acres Drive. • Johannes Law PLLC – Kenia Johannes, 11025 Monroe Road, suite H. • Nassif Realty LLC – Laura Edwards, 13901 Double Girth Court. • North Parts Corporation – Gerardo Quintero, 1419 Crescent Lane, Apt C. • WWD - RALEIGH LLC – A. McKaig III, 222 Beltway Blvd. Mint Hill • 4U Appliance Repair L.L.C. – Shawn Crenshaw, 7427 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, suite 105 PMB 197. • Diversified Investing Group LLC – Wendell Long, 11223 Blair Road. • Goldstar Project Group LLC – Stanley Miller, 8223B Tower Point Drive. • Huffman Marketing LLC – Michael Huffman, 11323 Whispering Leaf Court. • JLD Transportation LLC – Joe Davenport, 11322 Brangus Lane. • Relationship Counseling Group LLC – Christopher Matthews, 2101 Sardis Road N., suite 208 • Sustainable Land Development Inc. – Lauren Haffner, 9229 Aylesbury Lane. • Top-Notch Landscaping & Design LLC – Darrell Rivers, 9033 Gray Willow Road. • Zafran Kabab Palace International LLC – Riaz Khan, 7620 Rolling Hill Road.

What to do if you’re in an accident by M. David Bland Contributor

Millions of automobile accidents occur in the United States - about a third involve personal injury or death. If you’re in an accident, here are seven key things you should do. 1) Stop the vehicle. Never leave the accident scene; you can face criminal prosecution. The rare exception: if there’s a minor accident in a remote or isolated location where you are or you could be in danger of an assault or robbery, go to the nearest safe location and immediately call the police. 2) Call the police to document what took place, even if you don’t think there are serious injuries. Any insurance company will want to see a police report. 3) Check on all drivers and passengers to determine if anyone needs medical attention. Don’t move an unconscious or seriously injured person before medical help arrives unless danger such as fire, drowning, etc. requires immediately moving them. 4) Report what happened truthfully to the police. Get any witnesses’ names and contact information. Don’t apologize or accept any blame at the accident scene. If you’re not seriously injured and have a cell phone camera, take pictures to show what happened, any collision damage, and cause of accident. 5) If anyone was injured, hire an experienced attorney for legal advice. If you’re at fault, your insurance company will likely provide a lawyer to defend you if a settlement can’t be reached. If you’re injured and not at fault, most lawyers

will represent you on a contingent fee basis, receiving a percentage of damages awarded. 6) Be careful. Speak to a lawyer first, and understand your rights before discussing the accident with anyone else. Do NOT talk to an insurance representative without your lawyer’s express knowledge. Frequently, insurance adjustors representing the other parties will try to get an injured person to acknowledge that he was to some degree to blame. In NC, contributory negligence prevents a person with any degree of fault from receiving any recovery. 7) Do not accept any insurance company’s settlement offer until you’re certain all your physical injuries have been treated and you’re compensated for any future medical treatment you may require. Your attorney can help determine expectations regarding future medical costs, disability, future pain, lost wages, etc. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back for additional compensation. The lawyers at Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A. have been helping people injured in automobile accidents for over 30 years. Contact us at 704-844-1400 to be sure you know your legal rights and obligations. M. David Bland is a partner and civil litigation attorney who handles personal injury cases. Contact David 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 attorneyclient relationship between the reader and M. David Bland or the law firm of Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.

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Shepherd’s Place

The Shepherd’s Place provides care for kids in need by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

Secluded on more than 200 acres in rural Union County is a haven for kids in need. Nearly three decades ago, Sal and Pauline Citro felt a calling to reach kids whose families were going through financial or emotional crisis. After years of planning and preparation, the couple opened The Shepherd’s Place Children’s Home in Monroe to provide a safe place for children in need as their parents dealt with challenging circumstances. When age and health issues prevented the Citros from carrying on their mission, Rev. Tim Cruse of Shining Light Baptist Church stepped in to take the reins. The six-bedroom house, which includes a commercial kitchen, living room, playroom and six bathrooms, is now home to a couple who cares for six children – three of their own and three in temporary care. “We’re coming alongside families who are in crisis and need help until they can get back on their feet,” Cruse said. “We’re so excited about being able to help

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these children, and give them a home where they’re loved and cared for.” Children are connected with the home via word of mouth. If someone in the community or in Cruse’s congregation hears of a need, they often suggest The Shepherd’s Place. The nonprofit doesn't take custody, but instead signs guardianship papers to properly care for the children on their parents’ behalf. Part of Cruse’s desire to help others through the children’s home stems from his own upbringing. “I grew up in a really bad situation,” he said. “It helps me instantly connect with these kids. When I tell them how I grew up, they feel comfortable talking and can identify with me. That’s something God has put on my heart. I know what it’s like to go without food, without heat in winter and to have no adult supervision. I’ve lived through that and to tell these kids that God had a plan for me and has a future for them, that’s what I want them to know and believe.” As the home continues to grow, its needs grow as well. Cruse encourages the community to consider year-end donations to help underwrite costs so The Shepherd’s Place can continue providing a home for kids

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in need. Cruse is currently searching for a 12passenger van to help transport the children to school at Shining Light Academy. It’s recently outgrown its seven-passenger SUV with the addition of another child to the home. “When our most recent girl came down for a visit, she saw the room she would be staying in and started to tear up,” Cruse said. “She said it could be her dream home. She’s so excited to be here.” Eventually, Cruse hopes the land at The Shepherd’s Place will grow to include an education building and individual cottages for children and families.

The Shepherd’s Place PO Box 1743, Monroe www.theshepherdsplace childrenshome.com Bright pink walls line one of the girls bedrooms at The Shepherd’s Place Photo courtesy of Tim Cruse

Christian Adoption

Christian Adoption Services looks to future by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Christian Adoption Services has placed more than 2,000 children into loving homes over the course of its 37-year history – a testament to the work of its founders Jim and Doris Woodward. Jim retired as executive director in March. Doris retired as domestic program coordinator last month. Kevin Qualls took over the reins earlier this year as president of Christian Adoption Services. His background is in ministry, having served as next generation pastor at First Baptist Church Charlotte and south campus pastor at First Baptist Church Indian Trail. Qualls will serve as the spiritual leader of Christian Adoption Services and work to build relationships in the community. He’ll be hiring an executive director soon. “The executive director focuses on the inner-workings of adoption with families and making sure everything functions and flows within the organization,” Qualls said. “My job is bringing awareness to adoption.” Qualls has spent the past several Sundays traveling to churches across the Carolinas to speak about the rewards of adoption. He’s scheduled to speak at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church in Greensboro on Nov. 6 and Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Matthews on

Nov. 20 He said the biggest misconception about adoptions is that the birth parents will eventually whisk their children away from their adopted homes. The state gives birth-moms a seven-day window to change their minds. “I think people watch too many Lifetime movies,” Qualls said jokingly. “Most adoptions are very open today.” The nonprofit will host an informational meeting on domestic and international adoption on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at its Matthews office. Parents will learn about the process. Christian Adoption Services strives to build God’s kingdom by connecting vulnerable children to Christian homes. The charity averages about 50 adoptions a year, both domestic and international. Facilitating international adoptions has been one of the charity’s specialties. The Woodwards initially focused their charity on helping children in El Salvador. They eventually broadened the charity’s scope to include domestic adoptions once they moved to Matthews in 1989. The charity has offices in Matthews and Rocky Mount, as well as pregnancy counselors that work for them across the state. Qualls wants to expand the ministry to reach more birth moms. Christian Adoption Services also is active in the local community.

Staff and volunteers participated in the Matthews Alive parade over Labor Day weekend. The nonprofit raised more than $22,000 through its inaugural golf tournament in September at Cedarwood Country Club in Charlotte and $46,000 through its Giving Hope and Changing Lives banquet in March at Calvary Church in Matthews. Carolina Panthers receiver Jerricho Cotchery and his wife, Mercedes, attended the banquet and shared their adoption story during the banquet. “God has really blessed us tremendously,” Qualls said. “We’ve impacted a lot of families and helped a lot of birth moms this year.”

Christian Adoption Services 624-100 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews 704-619-3533 www.christianadopt.org

Photo courtesy of Christian Adoption Services

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 9

beds for kids

Beds for Kids supplies furniture for families in need by Justin Vick

blankets and 26 quilts to the nonprofit in August. Faith-based Project 658 donated homemade pillowcases last month. Mattress donations poured in from Broad River Furniture, Tempurpedic and Tempur Sealy in recent weeks. The nonprofit has enjoyed a relationship with the Meck South Rotary Club since 2011. Proceeds from the club’s Bloody Marys on Five golf tournament helped support Beds for Kids. The nonprofit invites the community to volunteer by helping the staff Saturday mornings at its Charlotte warehouse, as well as picking up and delivering furniture or assisting with office tasks. German exchange students from Providence Day School recently volunteered at the warehouse, while Homes2 Suites by Hilton helped deliver a bed to a family. The charity’s board of directors consists of the likes of Paul Finnen, owner of real estate appraiser Paul E. Finnen & Associates and Charlie Malouf, CEO of Ashley Homestore licensee Broad River Furniture. Carolina Panthers long snapper J.J. Jansen also serves on the board. “He really has a strong belief in supporting the community,” Fogarty said of Jansen. “He started volunteering with us in the offseason and expressed an interest in helping by serving on the board.” All Pro tight end Greg Olsen also is part of the team. Olsen appeared in a commercial on

justin@cmgweekly.com

Beds For Kids packed a delivery truck late last month with enough donated furniture for a mom and her six children, ranging in age from 2 to 12 years old. Executive Director Daniel Fogarty points to a recent study that estimates 7,500 children in Mecklenburg County have permanent housing but are sleeping on floors. He believes the need is actually twice that. His five-year-old charity specializes in “Furnishing Futures.” The nonprofit expects to finish out the year serving 1,800 children. “It’s been our biggest year yet,” Fogarty said. “We’re continuing to grow with more and more support.” Beds for Kids isn’t an agency that’s heavily funded. It doesn’t receive government grants or funding from the United Way. Fogarty attributes its growth to individual families. The nonprofit’s average cash donation is about $150. A donation of as little as $25 can provide a bed kit, $150 yields a twin bed set and $450 furnishes a home. Fogarty encourages people to consider donating furniture they no longer need. This includes families looking to upgrade their furniture or put some in storage. BB&T donated 157 pillows, 76 sheet sets, 39

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behalf of Ashley Home Store, calling for the community to donate sofas, dressers, kitchen tables and lamps to support the nonprofit’s mission. “As a dad I know how important a good night sleep is for kids, but thousands of children in our community sleep on the floor every night,” Olsen said in the 30-second commercial. Beds for Kids is centered in Mecklenburg, but it is experiencing interest from Iredell and Cabarrus counties. More donations are coming in from Union County. “As we continue to get more and more donations, it allows us to take on more areas of need,” Forgarty said.

Beds for Kids 1800 Camden Road, Charlotte 980-422-1192 www.bedsforkids.org

Common Heart

Common Heart plans to donate 1,000 turkeys by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

Eleven years ago, Indian Trail-based Common Heart was a new nonprofit just getting off the ground and trying to make a difference. Now, it’s grown from four friends looking to fill a need in Union County to a team of more than 800 volunteers, three food pantries and three mobile pantries serving more than 750 families in Union and Mecklenburg counties each month. The ‘heart’ of the faith-based nonprofit is to help families in need receive groceries to feed their loved ones that they would not be able to afford otherwise. By partnering with local churches, businesses and organizations, Common Heart helps build relationships with those in the community who could use some extra support and kindness. That kindness will be on display more than ever in a few weeks. During November, Common Heart preps for its biggest volunteer event of the year – the Great Turkey Countdown. This year’s 10th annual event seeks to provide 1,000 turkey dinners and sides to 1,000 families so they can prepare a Thanksgiving meal for their family. Residents are encouraged to drop off

frozen turkeys and nonperishables, such as canned vegetables, stuffing and gravy mix, at the Common Things Thrift Store, located at 321 Indian Trail Road N. Donations are accepted Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Nov. 14. “When we started this Thanksgiving program nine years ago, we gave away just over 100 Thanksgiving baskets,” said Common Heart Founder and Executive Director Keith Adams. “The effort – thanks to the community's generosity – has grown steadily since then, and this year we hope we can serve 1,000 families.” The event will culminate with a volunteerled packing event on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 6:30 a.m. to noon, as hundreds of volunteers will pack and deliver the dinner baskets to residents in Union County, Matthews and Mint Hill. Volunteers can sign up at www.tur keys.commonheart.org. Adams said earlier this year that ultimately, the goal of Common Heart is to show the love of God through caring for neighbors. Providing families with turkeys during the holiday season is just one small way to do that. “We want those people that are in need to know they aren’t alone,” he said. When it’s not gearing up for major events like the Great Turkey Countdown and fundraisers such as the annual Fourth of July

Firecracker Run, Common Cupboard Golf Classic and Love in Action Banquet, the nonprofit relies on the steady and consistent support of volunteers who help operate the Common Cupboard food pantry and Common Things Thrift Store. Non-perishable food items for Common Cupboard and gently used clothing, as well as financial donations, are always needed to help Common Heart continue its mission. A donation of $25 provides a week’s worth of groceries delivered to a family of four.

Common Heart 16 Business Park Drive, Indian Trail 704-218-9060 www.commonheart.org

Common Things Thrift Store 321 Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail 704-234-8168

Photo by Kara Lopp

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Alliance for Children

Monroe nonprofit serves low-income children by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

Monroe-based Alliance for Children dedicates its efforts to making sure every child in Union County has the opportunity for a bright future. The nonprofit addresses the entire spectrum of early childhood needs, including physical, emotional and educational, for low-income children. “To put it simply: We provide programs and fund programs that deal with children birth to 5 years old and their families so they can be successful in kindergarten and beyond,” said Alliance Executive Director Linda Smith. These needs are acquired through various programs, including Smart Start, N.C. Pre-K and early education services. Smith said research has shown that children’s first 2,000 days are critical to their development of personalities, language and literacy. Even babies need engagement to help develop their literacy skills early on. Alliance has a “Smart Start Resource Center” that serves a library with multi-cultural and educational materials for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Parents, childcare providers and students also can borrow toys, books and musical instruments for play, or to strengthen motor skills. The nonprofit also provides resources to lowincome families, including Best Start, a program at Forest Hills and Monroe high schools that

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helps pregnant and parenting teens access information about health, child development, and parenting practices to complete their high school education; Circle of Parents, a community group that discusses raising children with special needs; Motheread, a parenting course that give parents methods to support the ageappropriate, literacy skill development of their infants, toddlers and preschoolers while improving their own listening, speaking, reading and writing skills; care subsidies for working families, so they can afford childcare; and Nurturing Parent Program, which provides intense group parenting sessions for families receiving services from child welfare or who are experiencing the early stages of child maltreatment. The nonprofit also provides breastfeeding and inclusion support – particularly to Hispanic families – as well as assists child-care professionals to take college-credit classes at no cost. Smith said Alliance analyzes their services regularly to ensure they are the best methods to reach Union County kids. “We have those pockets of children who may and may not be able to have the same experiences as others,” she said. “We provide parents with tools that they need (and) help improve childcare setting and the education programs so they can meet those high quality standards.” Alliance receives some state funds, but runs on essential private donations from foundations, corporations and individuals. They receive Smart Start funding, but mostly need to fund the programs not under that designation through

grants and gifts, Smith said. “Supporting the total needs of children and their families prepares them for school and lifetime success. Research show that low family income, chronic health problems, developmental delays, low education level of the mother and poor familial relationships can devastate a child’s future success in school,” the organization said. “Research shows that every $1 invested in high-quality early education for low-income children translates into $7 cost savings down the line because these children require fewer special services as they grow up.” Donations can be made through calling 704-226-1407 or writing a check to “Alliance for Children” and mailing to P.O. Box 988, Monroe, NC, 28111.

Alliance for Children 105 Cedar St. Monroe theallianceforchildren.org 704-226-1407 Photo courtesy of Alliance For Children

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry provides help during financial crisis by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

Forty years ago, a group of local clergy gathered together to discuss how to meet the needs of low-income families in Mecklenburg County. In 1975, Crisis Assistance Ministry was born and officially opened in Dilworth United Methodist Church. What began as a small group of people looking to address the needs of those less fortunate has grown into one of the largest assistance ministries in the county, serving an average of 200 households each day. “The purpose of Crisis Assistance Ministry when it was founded was to create a place where the community comes together to help each other in a way that’s the most efficient, not only for the community, but for those being served through its programs,” said Communications Manager Tovi Martin. The heart of the nonprofit has stayed the same over the years, as it continues to serve Charlotte’s community by meeting the needs of those in financial crisis. Its services include emergency financial assistance, such as covering a family’s utility bills to ensure gas isn’t cut off during the winter, screening for available public benefits and providing clothing, shoes and essentials through its free store, among others. “We want to prevent homelessness and ensure dignity,” Martin said. “People come to us

when they are in a financial crisis and at risk of being evicted, but they also come to us when they need things like school uniforms for their children and can’t afford them. The idea is to ensure people have their basic needs met.” Meeting those needs wouldn't be possible without the support of the community. About a third of the nonprofit’s work is done by volunteers, ranging from retired couples who volunteer on a weekly basis to large corporate groups from Uptown who donate their time monthly. Volunteers contribute more than 55,000 hours each year, which equates to more than $1 million, Martin said. The work of volunteers helps Crisis Assistance Ministry maintain low overhead costs. It’s designated the Lead Agency for emergency financial assistance in Mecklenburg County. Volunteers are needed to perform a variety of jobs, including serving in the free store, helping at the nonprofit’s furniture bank, conducting clothing drives, inspecting and sorting donations and providing meals and snacks for customers waiting in the lobby at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Clothing, furniture and financial donations also are needed. Next month, the nonprofit will kick off its annual coat drive that runs through January. Residents are encouraged to donate their gently used or new coats to those who otherwise wouldn’t have one. “From year to year, kids outgrow coats and, if you have three children, that can get expensive,”

Martin said. “We want kids to be warm at the bus stops, or adults who leave at 5 a.m. for their job. Especially going into winter, we want to make sure we’re keeping families safe and warm. “We want to meet needs, but we also want people to feel valued.”

These snowflakes were created by children touched by the pain of poverty and the joy of hope.

Photo courtesy of Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry 500-A Spratt St., Charlotte

You can save them from the downward spiral toward homelessness with a gift today.

crisisassistance.org/holiday

704-371-3001 www.crisisassistance.org

Preventing homelessness. Preserving dignity.

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 11

TUrning point

Turning Point steps in when others walk out by Hannah Chronis hannah@cmgweekly.com

MONROE – Turning Point, a domestic violence shelter based in Monroe, has helped victims of abuse rebuild their lives since 1989. Since its foundation, the nonprofit has grown from a four-bedroom house on four acres to a state-of-the-art 11,000square-foot facility with 10 bedrooms that can house 42 guests. Turning Point exists to end domestic abuse and sexual assault, and does so by providing victims with safe shelter, as well as advocacy and prevention programs to help them get back on their feet and leave the shelter for violence-free homes. Despite the circumstances of clients at Turning Point, Executive Director Ashley Lantz makes sure the Monroe facility feels like home. Bright yellow walls line the hallways where bedrooms are located, and a new, fenced-in playground gives children a safe place to play. Meals are served family style. “We really want to make it feel like a home while they’re here,” Lantz said earlier this year. But running a nonprofit with a $1.2 million operating budget comes with its

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own set of challenges. Finding transportation so clients can go to and from work, as well as finding affordable housing when they’re ready to leave the shelter, are just a few issues Lantz and her team address on a regular basis. “It’s a challenge, but we’re fortunate to have a strong support system,” she said. That support largely comes from the surrounding community. Last year, volunteers contributed 14,755 hours of work, which equates to seven full-time employees. All services and programs are free for those staying at Turning Point, thanks to grants, donations from businesses and churches and money raised through Second Chance Boutique – the nonprofit’s thrift store. More than 30 percent of the nonprofit’s budget comes from Second Chance, which operates locations in Monroe and Waxhaw. Clients can stay at the shelter as long as they need, and as long as they are working toward gaining their own, independent safe housing with a provided case manager. Most stay three to four months. Once a client leaves, Turning Point staff checks in with them at 30, 60 and 90 days since their departure, and again one year later. Last year, 93 percent of

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clients who made it through Turning Point’s domestic violence prevention and awareness program were still living in violence-free homes. Along with its prevention programs for adults, Turning Point also runs a sexual assault resource center, available 24-7, a “HERO Program,” which helps children identify their feelings and learn anger management, as well as a teen dating violence program that works with area high schools. “Half of the women who come in here met their abuser during high school and started that relationship then,” Lantz said. “We want to stop abuse before it starts.”

Turning Point PO Box 952, Monroe 704-283-9150 www.turningpointnc.org Photo courtesy of Turning Point

Justice Ministries

Justice Ministries helps victims of sexual exploitation by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com

Mark Blackwell has worked hard to raise awareness about sex trafficking in Charlotte. The Charlotte native launched Justice Ministries in July 2010 to fight the sexual exploitation of women after learning at a conference how girls were being forced into prostitution. His ministry has helped more than 400 survivors since. Justice Ministries carries out its mission in four ways: • Reach out: Finding and building trust with victims of sexual exploitation tends to be the most steady and recurring objective of the four. This is as simple as distributing business cards with a hotline number. • Relocate: Getting women out of compromising situations and into emergency housing. This requires staff and volunteers to respond at the drop of a hat when someone calls the hotline number. • Rehabilitate: Partnering with other agencies to provide a healing environment. This is where its network gets stretched to meet the customized the needs of each woman. • Rise up: Helping women transition into independent lives through case manage-

ment. Blackwell describes this as the most challenging because it’s looking long term. “Many of the ladies who come to us are starting from scratch,” Blackwell said. “We try to get them educational resources, workforce opportunities and housing.” The nature of this outreach can be dangerous as staff and volunteers locate women who dance at strip clubs or are involved in sexually explicit websites. Blackwell has said in interviews with local media outlets that women have called the ministry’s hotline after getting beaten or threatened. Back in the ministry’s early days, all of the calls to the hotline came directly from women. Now the ministry receives most of its referrals from law enforcement, which tends to neutralize a lot of the threat. Blackwell remembers when his ministry served 10 clients the first year of the hotline. Then 30 the next year. Then 100. Then 100 more. “With the number of women we’re serving each year, it’s very tough to maintain that pace with a team of five staff members,” Blackwell said. Blackwell admits his staff has been running on fumes. While sex trafficking has been getting a lot more awareness, Blackwell hopes to achieve a more consistent flow of donations rather than large lump sums. It’s harder to plan ahead without that

monthly consistency. Blackwell hopes increased funding will lead to more staff and housing innovations. He envisions helping women get out of the sex trade by providing opportunities for sustainable housing. Justice Ministries will celebrate its accomplishments and look ahead to the future at its Light the Way 2016 holiday dinner and silent auction. The fundraiser takes place Dec. 15, from 7 to 10 p.m., at Hilton Charlotte University Place, located at 9629 J.M. Keynes Drive. Tickets costs $30 for singles and $50 for couples through Nov. 11.

Justice Ministries PO Box 11154, Charlotte 980-236-9313 www.justiceministries.org Debra Engelhardt-Nash and Anne McKelvey stand with Justice Ministries Founder Mark Blackwell outside of Sharon United Methodist Church. The church held a baby shower for survivors of human trafficking last year.

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Servants With a Heart

Servants with a Heart alleviates hunger by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

Charlotte residents Suzanne and Jeff Yoh started Servants With A Heart in 2011 because of a calling toward service work. They recognized the need to alleviate hunger in their community and in Latin America, so they began hosting packing events, in which volunteers assemble packs of rice, soy, vitamin powder and vegetables that are delivered to impoverished children in Nicaragua and the local area. Each pack provides six meals for a child in need. About 90 percent of the packs travel to Nicaragua and the other 10 percent are given to local food banks, such as Second Harvest Food Pantry. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere after Haiti, and Nicaraguan children often live in trash dumps and consume mud patties and tree bark for nourishment. Servants With A Heart partners with Furniture Factory Outlet World in Waxhaw to send the packs to Nicaragua to feed 80,000 to 100,000 children weekly. The food also is shipped and distributed to families through a partnership with the Perry Brown family and their nonprofit Samaritans International. “Poverty looks different there than it does here,� Yoh said. “There is more of an opportunity here to find food, while there, they don’t have anything to eat.� Many community groups, including Union Academy and some Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, have conducted their own packing events in the past few years. Groups must raise the funds to conduct the packing event, with a $7,500 minimum required to fulfill 50,000 meals. Servants With A Heart educates volunteers about Nicaragua, overseas poverty and good nutrition habits through a presen-

tation and then gives groups a hands-on experience to pack food themselves. Elon Park Elementary was the first CMS school to participate with Servants With A Heart in September 2015. “It was important to (Principal Chuck Fortuna) that our students have a hands-on opportunity to pack meals and be educated about other children around the world,� Kelly Ludwick, the event’s organizer, said. “I think the hands-on experience hits them a lot harder and helps them understand what they’re doing.� Servants With a Heart welcomes additional volunteers for their packing events, but the volunteer shifts are first filled by the organization that raises the funds for the meal packing event. Community members also can join the nonprofit’s leadership team or can donate at www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr.

Servants With A Heart 14531 Nolen Lane, Charlotte 704-756-9803 info@servatnswithaheart.org servantswithaheart.org

Ways to Give Back Donate or participate in and/or host a packing event Courtney Schultz/MMHW photo

" " " "

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Dr. Ann Walters, Headmaster 704.238.8883 UnionAcademy.org

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10 to Know

#10

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 13

Classroom Central

Classroom Central gives students the tools they need by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

Charlotte-based nonprofit Classroom Central wants students in the greater Charlotte area to be prepared for school. But some, particularly those who live in poverty, can’t always afford school supplies. That’s where Classroom Central steps in. Classroom Central’s mission is to equip “students living in poverty to effectively learn by collecting and distributing free school supplies.” The nonprofit serves more than 100,000 students in poverty in more than 200 schools in six school districts, including Mecklenburg and Union counties. They carry out their mission through multiple programs, including a “free store,” in which teachers and other personnel can “shop” for free school supplies and then given to the students; its Classroom Up program, the first of its kind in the United States that allows teachers to order essential school supplies via an online portal, which are then delivered to the school; its Mobile Free Store, in which Classroom Central delivers essential items to the high-poverty schools that are geographically farther from the free store; and its Backpacks

& Basics, which supplies kits and backpacks to high poverty schools. The mobile store has been critical for Union County Public Schools, including Monroe High School. “It can be difficult for teachers to visit the free store for a variety of reasons,” Lauren Johnson, Classroom Central director of communications and marketing, said earlier this year. “Some of them have their own children, they’re coaches after school or have second or third jobs.” Classroom Central will set up a “Pop Up Shop” at Monroe High on Nov. 3, where about 150 teachers will receive up to $127 worth of school supplies. Johnson added many teachers don’t receive all their necessary supplies because of low school system budgets and would have to “dig into their own pockets” to buy supplies if Classroom Central did not provide them. She said teachers’ families would have to cut back in order for their classrooms to have what they need. Classroom Central provides support mainly through teachers, because they often know the needs of the students, Johnson added. She added the supplies are particularly important during the second semester, as the student population changes from August and less people think about

school supplies during the second semester. All of Classroom Central’s contributions are through private donations and Johnson said the best way for an individual is through financial contributions. She said the nonprofit can purchase $5 worth of supplies for $1 through business partnerships. Visit www.classroomcentral.org for more information about how to help.

Classroom Central 2116 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte 704-377-1740 ClassroomCentral.org Donations needed include: Reading book, composition books, scissors, glue sticks or monetary donations. Until Nov. 30, The Leon Levine Foundation will match any new or increased financial gifts to Classroom Central. Photo courtesy of Classroom Central

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Page 14 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Opinion

Those metal cart racks are there for a reason

L

et’s face it: This election has us all in a bad mood. We’re mad at the constant stream of news, the negative reports about our candidates and, to be honest, I think most of us would rather have two different options anyway. If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right? So if we’re going to be in a bad mood anyway, I say we take advantage of the sourness and just get everything off our collective chests. To that end, I’m launching a one-day campaign (feel free to join me) against offenders of some of the worst crimes against humanity, start-

ing with people who refill drinks at restaurants. I like iced tea. Order it nearly every time I go out to eat. And you may think I’m a wimp, but I like to add a little sweetener to my tea – you know, the pink packets that apparently gave rats cancer a decade ago but are now OK to consume. There’s a methodology to perfectly sweetening tea, right? If the restaurant has large glasses, I normally use one complete pink packet. If it’s a regular-size glass, it’s about half a packet. It’s a beautiful formula that ensures a perfect beverage. And therein lies the problem. I take four sips of my tea (about one quarter of the glass now emp-

ty) and a short-ish lady comes by with a pitcher and dumps fresh, unsweet tea in my glass. The formula is now shot, and I really have no idea how much pink cancer to add to my glass. Lunch is now ruined and until I can get that glass completely empty, I partake in a game of shoo-fly with the drink lady. I don’t know. Maybe nobody else has this problem, but you’d think restaurants would have figured this out by now. If they haven’t, I’d rank them right up there with the people producing TV shows these days. Back on Dec. 13, 2012, the Federal Communications Commission enacted a law that TV commercials could not play louder than the programming they accompany. Before that, it was standard practice to blast the commercials three times louder than the actual shows.

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Good for the FCC, but have you ever played a game of “Attack the Remote?� You and the wife finally get the kids to sleep. Ah, time to relax. You flip on the TV, start watching a show, and you realize the main character’s voice sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher. “Will you turn it up a little?� So I grab the remote, turn up the volume, and we now know that Sherlock is perilously close to walking into a firing squad. He gets a call, walks away and all forms of holy catastrophe take place. Bombs explode, cars squeal, lightning bolts and you, the viewer, pull an abdominal muscle trying to attack the TV remote. It’s a mad dash to the volume button because your house is shaking, your kids are screaming and you think, for a brief moment, that your house may have, in fact, been attacked by Sherlock’s assailants. We all think TV producers are among the smartest of the bunch. They get their names on the credits and we all want to be like them. If they can’t figure out a way to get some consistent volume on our TV shows, I’d just as soon have them all fired and relegated to grocery store clerks, which happens to be where my pet peeves run rampant. I’ll admit, I have a serious judgment problem at grocery stores. After I fill my cart with items that are marked up 3,000 percent, I walk to the front of the store and its 14 check-out lanes, three of which are actually open because I don’t qualify for the Express lane. You’re about to make one of the most important decisions of the day: Which line do I choose? You check out the clerk to see how fast her fingers are moving. You spy on the bagger. Is he just happy to be there, talking merrily to the customer, or is he firing cereal boxes in the same bag as the rice. And last, you carefully judge the people in line. How much is in their cart? Do they have coupons in hand? My formula does not work because I always choose the wrong line. Always. The one that looks the shortest is not always the swiftest. And it turns out the coupons and the quantity are not the main culprits. It’s the nice lady who wants to talk to the clerk. She compliments earrings. She wants to know what happened to the berry flavored Metamucil. She wants a price check on the apricots because she’s pretty sure they cost $1.25 a pound, not $1.29. I know this is crude, but when you have six people in line behind you, maybe the four cents aren’t that big of a deal? To me, you are only a little better than my greatest nemesis: the Grocery Store Sluggard. When you unload your bags in the car, it is not OK to shove your grocery cart to the front of your car and drive away. There are metal cages for these carts, and if you are so lazy that you can’t walk the extra 10 yards to put the cart in its rightful place, you probably loaded too many Little Debbies in your car to begin with. This is not hard stuff. When you leave a grocery cart floating in a parking lot, you officially become the worst of the worst. Not only are you a lazy jerk, but you have absolutely no concern for the next person who thinks they have a parking place, only to find it occupied by your slothfulness. Put your carts away, people. If you don’t, you’re as bad as the presidential candidates on next week’s ballot. Email jonathan@mcelvymedia.com

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 15

Education

CMS board looks to vote on long-term plan to increase trust by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education has a lot weighing on its shoulders next week, as the board will be voting on the student assignment plan, which includes where additional magnet seats will lie, on Nov. 9. The Nov. 9 vote will be conducted in a process, in which the BOE will vote school by school to add specific programs. Those programs include the “Year 1” options that will open for the 2017-18 school year. CMS staff have created a four-year rolling plan, but all projects won’t be set in stone on Nov. 9. “The rolling plan is intended to be just that. We have a number of conversations currently occurring at schools that are not yet reflected in that plan. Those that are reflected in the 2018-19 and beyond school years are ones in a deeper level of development,” Superintendent Ann Clark said. “We felt like it was important to let board members know what was on the horizon.” Schools will be added to the listing in the future, including in the Eastway and Garinger feeder pattern. Many students from Garinger spoke out about how the programs on the first few years aren’t on the east side of the county. “I would have loved to have attended a magnet school of the area of my interest and I’m sure students at Garinger would love the same,” said one Garinger senior, who has an interest in performing arts. Clark believes the rolling plan will develop to include schools in those areas. The vote is set to only be the specific programs for the 2017-18 school year and not further. The additional programs for 2017-18 would grant almost 2,700 additional magnet seats in the first year and 3,630 seats when all programs are at capacity. Clark hopes to double the total magnet seats in the district in the first four years of the rolling plan. The first set of programs include an early educators early college at UNC Charlotte, public service and JROTC academies at Hawthorne and moving Palisades Park Elementary to Winget Park. District staff said they would bring forth the anticipated costs and funding sources for each program by Nov. 9, but CMS won’t know the increased transportation cost of students using new magnet programs until January when students sign up. Clark also said CMS would shorten the time in-between Phase I and Phase II lotteries, so they can acquire the actual additional transportation costs sooner. The second lottery will begin four weeks after the first one ends. CMS staff still plans to use socioeconomic status (SES) as leverage for the student assignment lottery. SES will be determined by census and self-reported data. CMS would try to balance low-SES and high-SES students in a full magnet and to give priority

to low-SES students in partial magnet programs. The district also will give a priority in the lottery to students of consistently low-performing schools. The number of students in the six (three elementary and three middle schools) statedesignated low-performing schools that would be eligible through the priority within the proposed policy’s guiding principles is 2,564 students, but Clark said many of

those schools have partial magnet programs. Many students within those schools have opted for the specialized program, so only the “home school” students could use the lottery. CMS staff garnered community feedback about student assignment beyond public hearings at meetings, including superintendent coffees, live Facebook chats, several school-specific community engagement session and community town halls to share

“best thinking,” which community members could participate with online. CMS plans to conduct more town halls and school-specific engagement meetings before Nov. 9 and will incorporate that feedback into the final plan. Assistant Superintendent of School Options Akeisha Craven-Howell said the most crucial part of the student assignment plan is awareness and increasing participation in (see Student Assignment on page 16)

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Page 16 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

clude voting on those projects, because some of them were only possible if a 2017 bond (continued from page 15) referendum passes, as well as some 2018-19 projects don’t have specific details set, such the school options lottery. CMS has hired as the partial magnet program at Quail HolSOLID to help spread the message about low Middle School. She worries there are options and will share the outline for the too many uncertainties. awareness and marketing plan during the Ellis-Stewart worries that if they don’t Nov. 9 meeting. They plan to use SOLID vote for the extra seats for 2018-19 it will for targeted marketing and reaching specific feel reminiscent of times the BOE hasn’t communities. kept a promise regarding a specific project. Ericka Ellis-Stewart worries CMS still She wants the community to see a level of isn’t answering the lingering questions of commitment from the board. the community, particularly regarding what “As a parent, for me to support you in a the district is going to bond, you have to ‘wow do to ensure children me,’� said Chairman Want to share your have access to a proper Mary McCray. “Right thoughts before Nov. 9? education. now, we need to ask “We need to be Town hall meetings at East & West ourselves, ‘Is this going Mecklenburg high schools at 7 shooting for no schools to wow and is 2018-19 to 8:30 p.m. and online. (that) are a ‘C,’� Ellisgoing to wow people Stewart said. “I know Community engagement sessions at enough?’� we still have 25 schools Sedgefield Secondary Montessori She suspects people – that are low-performon Nov. 3 particularly in the east ing. We’ve got to figure side – are not impressed this out soon because our students can’t wait with this plan because there isn’t anything their future.� tangible for the east side. The Alves consulting group suggested “We need to show the community that community creating a center, but Ellis- we’re all in,� McCray said. Stewart pointed out that CMS hasn’t deterEric Davis suggested the BOE vote for mined how they would carry that out and implementation for the first year and comincrease access to programs and informa- mit to planning for the following years. tion, particularly for individuals with lan“We’re stating that we believe in the work guage barriers. that’s been done thus far. Maybe more Ellis-Stewart and other BOE members schools will be added to it,� Davis said. also worried about only voting for the 2017Visit goo.gl/JgzCDV for the entire “best 18 projects on Nov. 9 and wondered about thinking� plan for the new student assignincluding projects for 2018-19 as well. ment plan. Clark said CMS staff didn’t intend to in-

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 17

Education

Covenant Day students showcase female empowerment across the globe by Courtney Schultz courtney@cmgweekly.com

MATTHEWS – Covenant Day School students found a way to empower themselves and other women across the globe through photography, thanks to AshaBelle, a nonprofit that helps women in New Delhi. Central Delhi Congregation of Delhi Bible Fellowship invested in a local slum called Zakhira and saw a need to partner with the community to provide healthcare, educational opportunities and sponsorship. The fellowship launched an income generation project, in which women were trained to make jewelry, so they could help their families without making meager wages working hard labor. The ministry then asked Jon and Kim Freeman, Americans who lived in New Delhi, to take over the income generation arm of the ministry and AshaBelle was born. “We got involved because there are no options for women there. If you’re born in (the slums), you have very few privileges and rights,” Kim Freeman said. “Most of the women have to work long hours for little pay to support their families.” The ministry teaches women how to make jewelry, as well as crochet. But Kim Freeman is quick to say that AshaBelle is not about providing charity, but creating opportunities. AshaBelle works to empower the women living in New Delhi by giving them a living wage and work they can be proud of. The Freemans then sell the jewelry in the United States. When the Freemans moved to Charlotte recently, Kim realized she wanted to establish the business in this community. While attending Carmel Baptist Church, Freeman reached out to Katie Spata, an art teacher at Covenant Day who has a digital photography class, about helping to showcase the newest jewelry.

She needed individuals to take photos of the jewelry for their website and social media. “I was excited with what they did,” Freeman said. “They were eager to understand what we were doing.” Spata originally was approached to complete the photography herself, but realized the project would be a good opportunity for her students. Freeman shared about the program and allowed the students to have creativity to shoot the jewelry on models. “Kim had done most of the shooting herself of just the product, so we wanted to get it on people and have it seen that way,” Spata said. Classmates, as well as community members, served as the models for the jewelry. “It was a great opportunity to reach out to the community in that way and for AshaBelle to share that line with (both) generations,” Spata said. “It’s really important to show the versatility of a piece on multiple generations because you’re selling to multiple crowds.” Spata saw the projects as an opportunity for students to try different techniques. All the students were new to photography, but could explore various poses and styles. The teacher hoped students gained knowledge of the ministry and recognize its purpose. She wanted them to recognize that AshaBelle serves as a ministry to the women in Zakhira to have an income that doesn’t include prostitution, which could be a reality for those women that Covenant Day students might not realize. “I think that’s always mind-blowing to these kids when they have to consider someone even their age providing for their family in a type of way like that,” she added. “I think it was good for them to relate to that level and then to empower women in our community and each other with this jewelry line. (We’re) making them feel beautiful … the company wants to communicate relationships

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and empowerment for women.” Spata hopes this partnership will make way for more opportunities for her students and build more relationships. Find more information about AshaBelle at AshaBelle.com.

A photography class at Covenant Day School built a partnership with an Indian ministry to showcase a jewelry line that empowers women. Photos courtesy of AshaBelle.

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Page 18 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

The Weekly

Crime Blotter The following incidents were reported between Oct. 24 to 30 in Matthews, according to the Matthews Police Department: Fraud • Best Buy, 2109 Matthews Township Pkwy., suite 400: Credit card fraud. Oct. 24 • 700 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Forgery. Oct. 24 • BB&T, 1321 Matthews Township Pkwy.: Forgery. Oct. 24 • Office Depot, 10025 E. Independence Blvd.: Credit card fraud. Oct. 28 • 5300 block of Firelight Lane: Obtaining money/property by false pretense. Oct. 30 Property Theft • 500 block of East Charles Street: $575 cash stolen. Oct. 24

• Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: $551.49 of clothes stolen. Oct. 24 • Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd.: $199.49 of clothes stolen. Oct. 24 • 10500 block of Paces Avenue: $15,000 Ford fusion stolen. Oct. 25 • 800 block of Old Pine Lane: $44,000 Mercedes Benz and $36 registration plate stolen. Oct. 26 • 11000 block of East Independence Boulevard: $300 of sterling silver jewelry stolen. Oct. 26 • Carmel Baptist Church, 1145 PinevilleMatthews Road: $400 cash stolen. Oct. 26 • CVS Pharmacy, 1305 Matthews Township Pkwy.: $100 of razor items shoplifted. Oct. 26 • Royal Park Nursing and Rehab, 2700 Royal Commons Lane: $5,000 Dodge stolen. Oct. 27 • 4900 block of Hickory Lane: $5 political sign stolen. Oct. 29 • 4700 block of Morningwood Drive: $139 of tools stolen. Oct. 29 • Holiday Inn Express, 9420 E. Independence Blvd.: $800 handgun stolen. Oct. 30 • 4200 block of Hounds Run Drive: $10 political sign stolen. Oct. 30

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• 600 block of Matthews Township Parkway: $20 political flag stolen. Oct. 30 Property Damage • BBT&T Bank, 110 E. John St.: $2,000 of damage to brick wall, $100 of damage to garbage can and $1,000 of damage to metal duct. Oct. 24 • Applebee’s, 9616 E. Independence Blvd.: $400 of damage to SUV. Oct. 24 • 2400 block of Hamlet Court: $800 of damage to a trampoline and $200 of damage to grass. Oct. 27 • Chick-fil-A, 9905 Matthews Park Drive: $400 of damage to sunglasses; simple assault. Oct. 29 • Windsor Park, 10140 Northeast Pkwy.: $200 of damage to Porta Jon. Oct. 30 • Big Lots, 10416 E. Independence Blvd.: $2,000 of damage to automobile. Oct. 30 Vehicle Break-In • 2300 block of Tory Oak Place: Medicine, credit cards and $100 cash stolen during a breaking and entering of a vehicle. Oct. 25 • Royal Park Nursing and Rehab, 2700 Royal Commons Lane: Comb, pills, chapstick, pen, shopping cards, papers, social security card, debit card, ID, purse and wallet, worth $117 total, stolen from a motor vehicle. Oct. 27 • 900 block of Matthews Common Drive: $750 of cellphones and $25 owner’s manual stolen from a motor vehicle. Oct. 30 Home/Business Break-Ins • 4900 block of Morningwood Drive: $170 chainsaw and $300 push mower stolen during a breaking and entering. Oct. 26 Miscellaneous • 30000 block of Pleasant Plains Road: Harassment. Oct. 24 • 2000 block of Kimway Drive: Communicating threats; harassment. Oct. 25 • 1800 block of Swaim Drive: Communicating threats. Oct. 26 • 1800 block of Matthews Township Parkway: Simple assault. Oct. 29 • McDonald’s, 9607 E. Independence Blvd.: Simple physical assault. Oct. 30 • 1200 block of Driftway Point Road: Harassing phone call. Oct. 30

The following incidents were reported between Oct. 24 to 30 in Mint Hill, according to the Mint Hill Police Department:

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bundles of shingles stolen. Oct. 27 • 9400 block of Peckham Rye Road: $2,000 of assorted jewelry stolen. Oct. 27 • 10300 block of Topeka Drive: $200 handgun stolen. Oct. 30 Property Damage • 6600 block of Old Magnolia Lane: $900 of damage to rear glass; violation of valid protection order. Oct. 28 • 8900 block of Lawyers Road: $1,000 of damage to parking lot entrance gate. Oct. 28 Fraud • 2400 block of Fox Hound Road: Fraud. Oct. 30 Vehicle Break-Ins • 9300 block of Aylesbury Lane: GPS system, phone charger, loose change, worth $97 total, stolen from a motor vehicle. Oct. 25 • 8100 block of Blair Road: $600 plate compactor stolen from a motor vehicle, causing damage to rear of the vehicle. Oct. 27 • 7100 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $300 of sunglasses and $5 cash stolen during a vehicle break-in, causing $300 of damage to door handle. Oct. 27 • 6000 block of Morris Farm Lane: $625 firearms, $90 firearms magazine and $20 backpack stolen from a motor vehicle. Oct. 27 Home/Business Break-Ins • 10700 block of Connell Road: TVs, Xbox, Playstation, laptop, external harddrive; safe, wallet, headphones, cellphone, social security cards and video games, worth $4,304 total, stolen during a breaking and entering with forced entry. Oct. 25 • 7400 block of Lawyers Station Drive: Breaking and entering with forced entry, causing $200 of damage to door frame and $100 of damage to sheet rock wall. Oct. 26 • 3900 block of Matthews-Mint Hill Road: $40 cash and $600 electric golf cart stolen during a breaking and entering with forced entry, causing $150 of damage to the window. Oct. 28 • MertroPCS, 9229B Lawyers Road: $350 of damage to glass door from a breaking and entering with forced entry. Oct. 30 Miscellaneous • 4100 block of Rivendell Lane: Unauthorized use of conveyance; assault on female; false imprisonment; $100 of damage to cellphone; interference with emergency communication; violations of valid protection order. Oct. 28

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Letters (continued from page 3)

change for votes. He overwhelmingly won a second term. He also owned more than 100 slaves on his Hermitage Plantation. • In 1854, the Republican Party was founded with its primary mission to abolish slavery and in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected as the first Republican President. The Democratic Party passionately supported slavery. • In 1864, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution – the abolishment of slavery. One-hundred percent of Republican Senators voted for, but 67 percent of Democratic Senators voted against. • In 1868, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the 14th Amendment to the Constitution – equal citizenship for all people. • In 1870, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the 15th Amendment to the Constitution – equal voting rights for all people. All Republican Senators voted for, but all Democratic Senators voted against. • In 1871, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the Enforcement Act – suspending the actions of the Ku Klux Klan, which was founded and funded by the Democratic Party. One-hundred percent of Republican Senators voted for it. All Democratic Senators voted against. • In 1875, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the Civil Rights Act – equal treatment of citizens. Ninety percent

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 19 of Republican Senators voted for, but all Democratic Senators voted against. • In 1920, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution – voting rights for women. Eighty-two percent of Republican Senators voted for, and 46 percent of Democratic Senators voted against. • In 1957, the Republican Party sponsored and passed the Civil Rights Act – legalizing school desegregation. All Republican Senators voted for, and 39 percent of Democrats voted against. • In 1964, the Democratic Party sponsored and passed the Economic Opportunity Act – our current welfare system. Eightyone percent of Democratic Senators voted for, and 76 percent of Republican Senators voted against. There are other reasons for my decision, but the 10 listed above are documented historic events that are not questioned. The movie “Hillary’s Americaâ€? is a great resource for this information. Americans, please do your homework before you vote. Mike Maxson Matthews

Letters to the Editor do not reflect the views of Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. Send letters to hannah@cmgweekly.com.

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Page 20 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

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Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 21

The Weeklies Food Drive

Faith

Charlotte Media Group will host a food drive for Common Heart, as part of its Great Turkey Countdown. We will collect food through Nov. 21.

You can’t downsize, you’re not 30 years old by Tony Marciano tonym@charlotterescuemission.org

The lease on my son’s and daughter-in-law’s apartment was up for renewal. Being the fiscally frugal people they are, they decided not to accept the increase in rent. They chose to relocate. Delee started shopping for other apartments and did some price comparison. At the time, they were in a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment. As she continued to research prices, she learned they could save a substantial amount of money if they decided to move into a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment. Since they do not have children, they chose to downsize. You’re probably wondering where they put the contents of a two-bedroom apartment into a onebedroom apartment? The moving portion was very interesting. They had only moved into their current apartment 18 months before. There were some boxes they never unpacked. They decided if they hadn’t used it in 18 months, they didn’t need it. Off it went to Goodwill. This “downsizing� continued throughout the move. Since they like to camp, they found a place to store their equipment. It was clever how they did it. What was most significant was not the items they decided to keep or discard. It was what they both said. They didn’t want “things.� They didn’t

need to keep collecting “things.� They wanted experiences. They would use their savings to go on vacations they previously couldn’t afford. How different that view is from that of my world growing up. When I was a kid, Rev. Tony Marciano I heard my father talk about his childhood as a kid growing up in the depression. He didn’t have toys. He had a picture of a car he cut out of a magazine. His generation wanted their children to have everything they didn’t have. They did a good job of loading up baby boomers. I once read a bumper sticker that said, “The one who dies with the most toys wins.� My son and his wife have it right. When you collect things, you have to store them, maintain them, repair them and dust them. Some you have to insure and pay taxes on. When we collect “things,� it can make us feel good about what we have, as if collecting “things� gives us significance. Sometimes, “we buy things we can’t afford to impress people we don’t like.� What are the important things? I think it is faith, family and friends. It’s about the people in

Hooked on alcohol or other drugs? Anuvia Prevention & Recovery Center has partnered with the Matthews Free Medical Clinic to offer low cost assessments in your area.

our lives, the relationships we have with them, spending time and laughing with them all while making memories with them. This Thanksgiving, you and I will gather around the Thanksgiving table. Many families have a tradition of going around the table and asking each person to say what they are thankful for. For me, it’s my son being married to an incredible woman and watching them navigate this thing called life. It’s walking my daughter down the aisle with the confidence I can turn her hand over to her soon to be husband, knowing he will genuinely love her. It’s learning that the empty nest is better than I thought. It’s wonderful. It’s going to New Jersey for a family wedding and catching up with my last remaining aunt and having a meal around her table. It’s beginning to understand that God deeply loves me. I know that Christ died on the cross for my sins. Translating that act as a tangible expression of God’s love is transformational. I disagree with that bumper sticker I mentioned earlier. It does go back to what is important - faith, family and friends. My son has it right. 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.

Readers are encouraged to join in, and can drop off items at our office, 9506 Monroe Road, Charlotte.

The Weekly

Faith Briefs

Concert at Clear Creek MINT HILL - Clear Creek Baptist Church will hold a bluegrass gospel concert on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Clear Creek Baptist is located at 9015 Ferguson Road. Visit www.clearcreekbaptistchurch.com for more information.

Blair Road United Methodist to hold marketplace Nov. 12 MINT HILL - Blair Road United Methodist Church will hold a marketplace on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the church's family life center. The market will feature Thirty One products, jewelry, Pampered Chef, books, crafts, holiday decor, Tupperware and more. Proceeds will benefit the United Methodist Women and its missions. Blair Road UMC is located at 135 Blair Road.

%

Craft Show

The road to recovery starts here. We’re here to help, give us a call.

704.841.8882

Matthews United Methodist Church 801South Trade Street ‡ Matthews, NC 28105

www.craftsinmatthews.com

Funds raised from the 2016 Silent Auction and Eatery will go to COS Kids in Matthews.

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Page 22 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

4

The Weekly

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 to 4 p.m.; Mint Hill Library, 6840 MatthewsMint Hill Road, Mint Hill

Calendar November

3

Welcome Coffee

New Friends of Carolina, a social group open to women new or native to the Carolinas, holds a welcome coffee for new and perspective members. Contact the group at 866-213-9183, www.newfriendsofcarolina.com or www.facebook.com/newfriendsofcarolina for details. 11:15 a.m.; Matthews Women’s Club, 208 S. Trade St., Matthews

3

Ribbon Cutting

The Matthews Chamber of Commerce cuts the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of Garrity & Gossage LLP’s new location. The firm specializes in elder law and estate planning. Noon to 1 p.m.; 344 W. John St., Matthews

3

First Thursday

3

Tap Takeover

The Red Brick Partnership resumes its First Thursday Matthews Downtown Crawl. The monthly mini-festival features activities, shopping and a market. 5 to 10 p.m.; Downtown Matthews

Charlotte-based Thirsty Nomad takes over the taps at Carolina Beer Temple. Buy flights and discounted draft beer. Call 704-847-2337 or go to carolinabeertemple.net for details. 6 to 9 p.m.; 131 Matthews Station St., Matthews

FURNITURE CLEARANCE SALE

Pokemon Go

5

Art Exhibit

Mint Hill Arts opens its latest exhibit, “Capturing Mint Hill,” at the town hall art gallery. The exhibit showcases art from the organization’s recent plein air paint out. See the exhibit weekdays through December, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 980-226-5532 for details. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.; 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane.

5

Civil War

The Mint Hill Historical Society offers a chance to experience what it was like to live during the Civil War with a lantern tour of the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village. Speak with soldiers, deserters, children-at-arms, chaplains and surgeons. Guided one-hour tours take place every 15 minutes. Group tour sizes are limited. Admission is free. Donations are accepted to help preserve Mint Hill’s history in the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village. Make reservations by calling 704-573-0726 or emailing info@ minthillhistory.com 7 to 9 p.m., 7601 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

5

Holiday Crafts

The 11th annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair includes vendors, a bake sale, book sale, basket raffle, and lunch available

Bedrooms, Dining Rooms & Living Rooms

As we make room for new market merchandise

for purchase. Call 704-846-4654 for details. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Levine Center, 1050 DeVore Lane, Matthews

7

Historic Village

The Mint Hill Historical Society invites the community to Wine, Wagons and What Is It?, a free open house at the Carl J. McEwen Historic Village. Guests can stroll through the village, visit museums and learn how to help preserve Mint Hill history. Call 704-573-0726 or email historical@bellsouth. net for details. 6 to 7:30 p.m.; 7601 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

7

CMS Town Hall

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools talks about proposed changes to student assignment for 2017-18 at a town hall meeting. Learn how the district will create more choices for people of all socio-economic backgrounds. Click the town hall button at www.cms.k12.nc.us to learn more about the meeting. 7- 8:30 p.m.; East Mecklenburg High School, 6800 Monroe Road, Charlotte

7

Geek Club

8

Book Club

The Teen Geek Club convenes with a focus this month on Pokemon Go. They also talk about manga and anime. Call 704-4165000 or go to www.cmlibrary.org for details. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Matthews Branch Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

The Books & Banter Book Club meets to discuss Damon Tweedy’s “Black Man in a White Coat.” The adult group convenes on

the second Tuesday of the month. Register in advance. Call 704-416-5200 or visit cmlibrary. org/programs for details. 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Mint Hill Library, 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill

8

Artist Guild

8

Beer Run

9

Business Luncheon

9

Town History

Gina Strumpf demonstrates her approach to using color, form and edges to create still life images at the next Matthews Artist Guild meeting. The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month. Newcomers are welcome. 6:30 p.m.; McDowell Arts Center, 123 McDowell St., Matthews

Feel less guilty about drinking 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

Don Mings, of DLM Financial Consulting, speaks at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce Business Luncheon on the topic of crowdfunding. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the presentation at noon. Admission costs $15 for chamber members and $20 for others. Register at www.matthewschamber.org or 704-847-3649. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Christ Covenant Church, 800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews

Library Archivist Hannah Cox discusses Native American tribes that shaped the town of Matthews. Call 704-416-5000 or (see Calendar on page 23)

UNCC EDUCATIONAL SAL ON

Russia, from Gorbachev to Putin Wednesday, November 16th 7:00 p.m. Presented by Steve Sabol, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Department of History, UNC Charlotte, in the Waltonwood Providence Independent Living Theater $10 donation encouraged to benefit UNCC Student Programs. Please make your donation at time of check in at the Concierge desk. Cash or check payable to Waltonwood Providence.

Reservations are required.

Chairs & Dining Room Tables

Locally owned & operated

RUG CLEARANCE Many styles

P ROVIDENCE

(704) 753-7123 Eva.Kantor@singhmail.com

Pineville Showroom Mon-Sat 10-7 Sunday 12-5 11735 Carolina Place Parkway 704.910.4045 goodshomefurnishings.com

11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 | www.Waltonwood.com www.facebook.com/waltonwoodseniorliving

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Calendar (continued from page 22)

go to www.cmlibrary.org for details. 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; Matthews Branch Library, 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

9

Wellness Workshop

McCloud Acosta Clinical Services PLLC presents the next installment of its Wednesday Wellness series, “Reclaiming Spiritual Living” with the Rev. Cindy Sloan. Admission costs $20. Call Liz Peery at 704-2866227 for details. 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Crews Recreation Center, 1201 Crews Road, Matthews

10 Business Networking

The Matthews Chamber of Commerce hosts its next Business After Hours networking event with the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity ReStore serving as the backdrop. Register in advance at www. mathewschamber.org. 5 to 7 p.m.; 2447 E. John St., Matthews

10 Books on Tap

The Matthews Branch Library’s new Books on Tap book club meets for a drink and discussion of Ann Patchett’s “Bel Canto” at Seaboard Taproom and Wine Bar. The club targets people in their 20s and 30s. Call 704-416-5000 or go to www.cmlibrary.org for details. 7 to 9 p.m.; 213 N. Trade St, Matthews

10 Road Construction

Matthews invites the community to learn about upcoming transportation projects in an information session, dubbed “Let’s Talk Roads.” Projects addressed include the East Independence Boulevard widening, Interstate 485 Express Lanes, Weddington Road/I-485 interchange, Idlewild Road roundabout, South Trade Street improvements, McKee Road extension and East John Street widening. 7 to 8:30 p.m.; Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St., Matthews

11 Veterans Day breakfast

Calvary Church will hold a community Veterans Day breakfast for veterans and their spouses in the church’s Crown Room. Veterans of all branches of the military are invited to enjoy a meal and fellowship in recognition and appreciation of their service. Guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel Tim Hudson will address the assembly with a message, and special music will be provided by Bill Cummings, nationally known lyricist, musician and composer. Tickets are available through Nov. 8 at www.calvarychurch.com/veterans for $6. 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Calvary Church, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road.

12 Pottery Sale

The Cultural Arts Center presents the 2016 Annual Pottery Sale with regional artists representing many different mediums. Contact Susan Didier at 704-821-8114 for details. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center, 100 Navajo Lane, Indian Trail

12 Paper Shredding

Mecklenburg County residents are invited to bring three banker boxes worth of paper to be shredded at a free paper-shredding event. Don’t bring plastic bags. Go to www.wipeoutwaste.com for details.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 23 8 a.m. to noon; Land Use & Environmental Services Agency, 2145 Suttle Ave., Charlotte

12

Blair Road Marketplace

The United Methodist Women hosts the Blair Road Marketplace with vendors such as Pink Zebra, Tupperware, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and Aloette Skin Care, Jamberry Nails. Call Caryn at 704-819-2956 or go to www.blairroadumc.org for details. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; 9135 Blair Road, Mint Hill

12 Pawsitively Matthews

The dog festival brings dozens of petfriendly vendors to Stumptown Park. You can also watch demonstrations and buy food from food trucks. The event includes a Mutt Strut talent show. Go to www.matthewsnc.gov for details. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; South Trade Street in Matthews

THE LEVINE CENTER PRESENTS:

11th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair Saturday, November 5th • 9:00AM to 3:00PM 6ENDORS s "AKE 3ALE s "OOK 3ALE s "ASKET 2AFmE Lunch will be available for purchase

12 Pottery Sale

Levine Center

The Cultural Arts Center presents the 2016 Annual Pottery Sale with regional artists representing many different mediums. Contact Susan Didier at 704-821-8114 for details. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center, 100 Navajo Lane, Indian Trail

1050 DeVore Lane, Matthews 704-846-4654

14 Book Fair

The Bookaneer Book Fair returns to Philadelphia Presbyterian Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten. The fair opens Nov. 14 to 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 1 to 1:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to shop Sunday, Nov. 20, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon. Call the preschool office at 704-545-3439 x122 for details. Various times; Philadelphia Presbyterian Church, 11501 Bain School Road, Mint Hill.

15 Ribbon Cutting

Novant Health celebrates the grand opening of the Mint Hill Medical Office Building with a Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony. 10 a.m.; Albemarle Road and Interstate 485.

Saturday November 12th 10:00am – 4:00pm Stumptown Park

15 Ribbon Cutting

The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce helps Novant Health celebrate the opening of its Mint Hill Medical Office Building with a ribbon cutting. Guests have the opportunity to get flu shots and meet doctors. Go to www. minthillchamberofcommerce.com for details. 10 a.m. to noon; 8110 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte

15 Ribbon Cutting

Mark and Lori Davis welcome the Matthews Chamber of Commerce to the grand opening celebration of their My House Fitness franchise. The company provides personal training and group fitness to clients. The chamber will cut the ceremonial ribbon. 5 to 6 p.m.; 3104 Weddington Road, Matthews

19

International Games

The Matthews branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates International Games Day @ Your Library. The American Library Association initiative promotes the educational, recreational and social value of games. The event is open for those 12 years old and older. Register by calling 704-4165000 or online at cmlibrary.org/calendar. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews

120 South Trade Street

matthewsfun.com or

704-321-7275

El[h +& f[j#\h_[dZbo l[dZehi [n^_X_jehi Over 50 pet-friendly vendors & exhibitors!

Feb_Y[ A/" F[j 9FH" <_hij 7_Z Z[cei Police K9, Pet CPR, & First Aid demos

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Adoptable Dog Parades!

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Human Hamster Ball Races!

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8[[h FWml_b_ed <eeZ JhkYai Presented by:

Best Trick & Look-Alike contests! Agility Course! Beer Pawvilion! Food Trucks!

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Page 24 | Nov. 4, 2016 | Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly

Tale of the Tape

Sports

Butler a heavy favorite going into rivalry game they haven’t given up. This resilient bunch has won two of their last three games, and is much better than what its record indicates. The Patriots could easily be 4-6 overall and 3-2 in Southwestern 4A play, which would have put them on the bubble for a playoff berth. Independence’s season will most likely be over following its annual clash with Butler, but I fully expect the Patriots to leave everything on the field win or lose. Butler will know it was in a fight, but you better believe the Bulldogs are going to pack the punch and be on top at the end of this throwdown.

by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

There’s no question which team is the top dog in the Matthews and Mint Hill area. Yes, I’m talking about Butler (9-1, 5-0 Southwestern 4A). However, the Bulldogs are going to get the best effort from archrival Independence (2-8, 2-3 Southwestern 4A) when these two storied programs take the field at Butler Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. The Patriots have had one of the worst seasons in school history, but

They have the edge over Independence at nearly every position and every category. It’s hard to even think the Patriots have a puncher’s chance, but this is a rivalry and that’s why we play the game. Butler can’t take the night off, and I can’t imagine any Brian Hales-coached team doing so. This is obvious, but for the Patriots to even make this competitive, they have to win the battle at the line of scrimmage or challenge the Bulldogs in the trenches up front at the very least. If Independence does that and eliminates unnecessary penalties and (see Football on page 25)

For the last 20 years the Battle for the King of the Hill Trophy between Butler and Independence has been one of the greatest, most heated and competitive rivalries in the state. A conference championship is usually at stake, while records are often thrown out the window. The Bulldogs are a state championship caliber team, while the Patriots only have their pride to play for. However, bragging rights in this rivalry are a big deal, regardless of how well either team’s season has gone.

Butler Independence Coach: Brian Hales (13th season at Butler and sixth as the head coach) Key players: Davis Cheek (senior quarterback), Nijere Peoples (junior running back), Kusegi Cureton (senior wide receiver), Dirk Cureton (senior all-purpose back/ cornerback), D.J. Little (junior wide receiver/defensive back), Cam Taylor (junior center), Devin Smith (senior offensive guard), Maurice McClain (senior defensive tackle), Nejuan Worthy (senior defensive end), Tristan Quick (senior defensive end), Christian Dixon (senior middle linebacker) and Anthony McGill (senior outside linebacker).

Key players: Weston Cook (junior quarterback), Xavier Lenear (HBack and fullback), Elijah Beamer (junior fullback and running back), Blake Hackworth (junior running back), Matthew Smith (sophomore wide receiver), Logan Brock (senior offensive tackle), Jacob Benifield (senior offensive tackle), Tyrek Smith (senior defensive end) and Dalton Eller (junior defensive tackle), Tylon Clawson (junior inside linebacker/outside linebacker) and Noah Ingram (senior inside linebacker).

All-time record against Indy: 11-9

All-time record against Butler: 9-11

State championships: three

Garrett Shrader Davis Cheek Luke Hefferly Bates Jones Jack Davidson Brady Berger

Team

Rushing Name

Team

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

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

Defense Name Christian Dixon Beau Snuggs Connor Fewin Chase Foley Nejuan Worthy Osita Ekownu

Completions Attempts

Charlotte Christian Butler Ardrey Kell Charlotte Latin Myers Park Charlotte Catholic

Providence Day Charlotte Catholic Charlotte Latin Butler Ardrey Kell South Meck

Team

172 134 136 99 129 73

266 195 255 149 215 115

Butler Charlotte Christian Country Day Charlotte Catholic Butler Providence Day

TD

2252 2183 1888 1709 1618 1509

25 25 22 25 22 14

Carries

Yards

TD

136 135 128 151 160 144

1228 1073 1068 1044 964 957

13 16 14 17 5 9

Receptions

Yards

TD

47 41 47 44 34 34

966 855 736 725 552 526

13 10 15 7 9 5

Butler Providence Myers Park Ardrey Kell Butler Providence Day

Team

Yards

Tackles 129 106 105 96 93.5 88

State championships: seven

Last year’s meeting: won 31-0

Last year’s meeting: lost 31-0

Team record: 9-1 (5-0 SW4A)

Team record: 2-8 (2-3 SW4A)

Current streak: eight wins

Passing Name

Coach: Hal Brown (20th season at Independence and first as interim head coach)

Current streak: one win

Points scored per game: 43.4

Points scored per game: 15.2

Points allowed per game: 13.8

Points allowed per game: 37.1

Offensive Player of the Week Tyshawn Carter Rocky River Rocky River senior quarterback Tyshawn Carter left it all on the field in the Ravens’ 43-42 loss to Independence Thursday, Oct. 27. Carter completed 22-32 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed 15 times for 99 yards and two touchdowns. He should be poised for another epic performance in his final home game on Friday.

Defensive Player of the Week: Tylon Clawson Independence

Football Picks Games: Independence at Butler Porter Ridge at Rocky River South Meck at Ardrey Kell Charlotte Catholic at Providence Charlotte Country Day at Charlotte Latin Davidson Day at Charlotte Christian Carolina Pride at Mountain Island Charter Guest picker:

Abe Wehmiller Country Day athletics director Butler Rocky River Ardrey Kell Catholic Country Day Charlotte Christian Mountain Island Charter Last week: 5-3 Season: 75-26

Independence junior linebacker Tylon Clawson stepped up with a big-time perBen Hannah formance in the Doster Chronis Patriots’ 43-42, win Butler Butler over Rocky River Porter Ridge Porter Ridge Thursday, Oct. 27. Ardrey Kell South Meck Clawson made Catholic Catholic plays all over the Latin Latin field, and finished Charlotte Christian Charlotte Christian with eight tackles, two tackles for loss, a quarterback hurry and Mountain Island Charter Mountain Island Charter Last week: 7-1 Last week: 7-1 a pass defended. His team will need a similar Season: 81-20 Season: 76-25 type game from him Friday against Butler.

www.matthewsminthillweekly.com

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly | Nov. 4, 2016 | Page 25

Sports

Butler soccer wins rivalry game for classmate by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Butler’s boys’ soccer team (8-11-2, 5-7 Southwestern 4A) will not be going to the playoffs, but the Bulldogs have accomplished much this season. Their greatest achievement was in their season finale against archrival Independence (15-6-2, 8-4 Southwestern 4A), which finished in second place in the conference, Wednesday, Oct. 26. Butler overcame a 2-0 halftime deficit to tie the game and win it 3-2 in overtime. But this game was bigger than the players, and went way beyond the field. The Butler soccer players and surrounding community joined together to honor the life of Isabelle “Izzy� Martinez, who died Sunday, Oct. 23, after a battle with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Izzy was 16 years old. HLH is a life-threatening immunodeficiency, and it doesn’t discriminate against age, gender or ethnicity. Izzy played soccer for Butler’s girls’ team, and was loved by her friends, classmates, teammates and teachers at the school. “It was just a heartbreaker,� Butler coach Drew Sorensen said. “It really was. She was a special kid and good girl all around and very sweet, innocent kid. We took that in our hearts and we played Wednesday and the boys came through.

“We dedicated that game to her. The boys have been playing hard all season and there might have been something a little bit more special about that night.� Several of Butler’s players on the boys’ team, along with Sorensen, who also coaches the girls team, attended Izzy’s funeral. The service was the same day as the Independence game. Sorensen and his players left for the game immediately following the funeral. “It was a day of trying to remember Izzy, and we got to Independence thinking, ‘This is the last game of the season,’ and I kept emphasizing, ‘Hey seniors, this is your last soccer game ever in high school,’� Sorensen said. Butler lost its first meeting with Independence on a free kick, and it looked like it was going to drop its second game with the Patriots as it trailed at halftime. But Sorensen had a heartto-heart discussion with his players during the intermission. He told them they weren’t playing like themselves, reiterated his confidence in them, and challenged them to believe in themselves. That moment galvanized the Bulldogs, along with the memory of their classmate. Butler’s win over Independence was a culmination of the progress it made over the course of the season. However, what’s more significant than the win is that the Bulldogs honored the life of Izzy with the victory.

Football (continued from page 24)

turnovers, it will have a chance to pull off the unthinkable upset of the season. Otherwise, it could and most likely will be a long night for the Patriots, especially if Butler goes up early. In a game like this, considering what Independence has been through this season, I think it’s critical for the Patriots’ confidence that they score first. Drawing first blood can do wonders for the underdog, especially in a rivalry game. At the same time, that could just make a talented Butler team mad, and not many things are scarier than a good football team that is playing angry. For Independence, at the end of the day it has nothing to lose since its playoff hopes are all

but extinguished, so it should play with reckless abandon and throw caution to the wind. The Patriots should go for it on fourth downs that aren’t impossible to convert, and use those trick plays that are buried deep in the playbook. The Bulldogs have been nearly flawless the last month. They have already locked up the Southwestern 4A Conference championship. Now, Butler is playing for the top seed. The Bulldogs will get at least a top three seed through at least the first three and possibly four rounds of the state playoffs if they beat Independence, so Friday’s game has quite a bit riding on it for Butler. So, if you’re new to the community or to this rivalry, here’s a word of advice – get there early, so you can find a good parking spot and seat. It’s going to be a packed house.

Stallions riding momentum into playoffs by Ben Doster ben@cmgweekly.com

Queens Grant’s boys’ soccer team (154-2) won’t know its first round opponent in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1A state playoffs until Thursday, Nov. 3, but the Stallions are playing with confidence and believe they can play with anyone. The Stallions are one of the hottest teams in the state. They’re on a five-game win streak, and have won nine of their last 10 games with the only loss during that stretch coming from conference champion Union Academy. This has been a special season for Queens Grant, which has recorded the most wins in a single season in school history. It is entering the postseason with excitement and high hopes. “This group, they think of themselves as family,� Queens Grant coach Mark Guercio said. “They truly appreciate and love each other, so it has been very communal and very team centered versus individually centered play. To be honest, I think the team is peaking at the right time. “The boys have been excelling. They realize the amount of emotional leadership it takes to compete at a championship level.

Boys Athlete of the Week: Mario Portillo Queens Grant Queens Grant sophomore midfielder Mario Portillo is a team player. He scored four goals, and dished out three assists in the Stallions’ last three games of the regular season. Portillo, who has a knack for setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates, set the school’s single season record for most assists in a season with 14.

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It’s nice to have a team in your conference that’s playing at the highest level in the state, so you can get a litmus test to see where you need to improve moving forward. That’s what that game was for us. We’re Joe Piacesi playing very well at this point.� Queens Grant has gotten stellar play from a litany of contributors this season. Senior captain Joe Piacesi, a forward, has been an integral piece to the team’s success. He leads the Stallions in scoring with 23 goals this season. Fellow captain Noah Parker, a senior midfielder, also has been a key component and a dependable scorer with 13 goals. Sophomore midfielder Mario Portillo is arguably the most balanced player on the roster, and he has recorded 14 goals this season. The Stallions will play their first playoff game Saturday, Nov. 5, and should get at least one home game and possibly two depending on their seed.

Girls Athlete of the Week: Anna Daniels Covenant Day Covenant Day sophomore tennis player Anna Daniels had a successful season with the Lions. She gave her team quite a boost with a combined record of 23-8 in Covenant Day’s top singles and doubles spots in the lineup. Daniels guided Covenant Day to a second-place finish in the CISAA and the No. 4 seed NCISAA 3A state playoffs.

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When the election is over, there will be a peaceful transfer of power. The United States of America is one of the few nations in the world to change our President without violence, and we don't have Presidents for Life. The process follows down the ballot to elect those who represent us at every level of government. Early voting ends on Saturday at 1PM. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8. Then the campaigning is over for a while. Serving as the representative for District 103 is an honor and a privilege. I ask for your support and your vote for another term.

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