GREENSBORO – The Union Academy women’s track and field team won the NCHSAA 3A State Championship on May 14 at North Carolina A&T University.
The team finished first overall and broke several school records. Ashley Grant, Samantha Brodt and Phillip Morris coach the team.
Brihanna Ashcraft was named the meet’s Most Valuable Athlete after winning state titles in the 100m, 200m and 400m, setting two individual school records.
The 4x800m relay team of Ana Leon, Peyton St. Clair, Emma Glumac and Abby Isaacs also won a state
championship, finishing with a new school record time of 10:06.74.
Peyton St. Clair received the Sportsmanship Award for the meet. St. Clair broke two school records with her third-place finishes in both hurdle events.
Here's how a look at how student-athletes fared in individual events: State Champions
• 100m: Brihanna Ashcraft –12.08 (school record)
200m: Brihanna Ashcraft –25.00 (school record)
• 400m: Brihanna Ashcraft –
58.79
• 4x800m Relay: Ana Leon, Peyton St. Clair, Emma Glumac, Abby Isaacs – 10:06.74 (school record)
Monroe opens golf destination
MONROE – The City of Monroe has opened Clubhouse 1936 at Monroe Country Club to the public, bringing a reimagined historic building to life as Monroe’s first golf simulator destination and full-service dining venue.
The building at 1680 Pageland Highway has been part of the city’s property since 1936.
The city’s renovation transforms the structure while honoring its origins, restoring the building’s front porch and updating the interior with five state-ofthe-art golf simulation bays, PUTTVIEW putting technology, full beverage service, and a dining menu developed specifically for the venue.
Clubhouse 1936 is designed to serve golfers and non-golfers alike.
Simulator bays allow guests to play iconic courses from around the world year-round, regardless of skill level.
“This is a very unique project,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “There’s not another facility like this that I’m aware of anywhere in the immediate area.”
The venue takes its name from the year the building was established.
“Monroe Country Club is a municipal golf course welcoming to everybody and anybody that wants to play,” said Pete Hovanec, parks, recreation and tourism director. “Clubhouse 1936 just complements everything that we have out here.”
Simulator bays feature Trackman technology, allowing guests to play courses including St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Augusta National.
Private instruction and league play will also be available through the facility.
“You can play all over the world,” said John Miller, general manager and head golf professional.
A full food and drink program rounds out the experience. Menu items carry golfthemed names and are designed to support both quick visits between simulator sessions and longer social gatherings.
100m Hurdles: Peyton St. Clair – 16.98 (school record)
• 300m Hurdles: Peyton St. Clair – 48.13 (school record)
Men finish fourth
The Union Academy men’s team finished fourth place at the state meet. Yariel Rodriguez placed second in the 1600m and 3200m. He also joined Trevor Mills, Ethan Williams and Preston Mills in winning third place in the 4x800m Relay.
RISING STARS
Union Academy wins state track title
'Legally Blonde' nets Weddington three awards
CHARLOTTE
Weddington High School was one of the big winners of the 2026 Blumey Awards on May 17 at Belk Theater.
Weddington won three awards for its production of “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” including Best Musical.
The only high school to earn more awards was North Lincoln, whose “Hadestown Teen Edition” won Best Musical in a different tier.
North Lincoln earned four awards including Best Choreography Execution and Best Direction.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” gave Weddington its second consecutive Best Musical win (“Chicago: Teen Edition” won in 2025). The production also earned Best Ensemble.
“We have worked so hard for this musical,” said Weddington student Kai Lynne Moon in an interview posted on social media by Blumenthal Arts. “We put in so much effort. It’s so amazing to see all that effort – it just came to this. I’m so proud of everyone.”
Central Academy of Technology and Arts won the award for Best Student Orchestra for their work in the production of “Pippin (2013 Revival).”
Cuthbertson, Marvin Ridge, Parkwood and Porter Ridge were among 59 participating schools across in the Blumenthal Arts program. The organization also awarded scholarships and mentoring opportunities.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the Blumey Awards is watching these students step into what comes next,” said Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “What we see on the Blumey stage is the result of months of hard work, collaboration, and fearless creativity. It’s incredibly exciting to witness so many of them at the very beginning of their artistic careers.”
Alexander Stetson earned Best Featured Performer for his roles of Dewy, Kyle and Grand Master Chad. I am absolutely shocked,” Stetson said in a clip posted by Blumenthal Arts. “Last year, I came back into the theater game. My second year in and just being able to put myself out there and not be afraid of what i can do and just be fearless on stage is just so incredible. I love all the people that supported me. It’s the most amazing experience I’ve had in my life.”
Aside from the competition aspect of the Blumey Awards, students could learn from theater professionls. Fifty-nine schools participated in this year's Blumenthal Arts program. Photos courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
Union Academy’s 4x800m team broke a school record en route to winning gold. Photo courtesy of UA
Ashcraft
Photo courtesy of City of Monroe
Bissell donation helps expand international outreach
CHARLOTTE – The Heineman Robicsek Foundation celebrated a major milestone with the expansion of its Outreach Logistics Center.
The expansion increases the foundation’s capacity to support global humanitarian efforts.
“I’m incredibly proud of this program and the meaningful impact it continues to have in Central America,” said Dr. Eric Skipper, cardiothoracic surgeon at Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute and chairman of the Heineman Robicsek Foundation. “The work our teams have done has helped expand access to care, strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for patients and families who need it most.”
Previously operating from a leased 10,000-square-foot warehouse, Heineman Robicsek Foundation expanded into a 22,000-square-foot facility following a donation from the Bissell family, which included $1 million to upgrade the space.
For years, the Bissell family has stood alongside the Heineman Robicsek Foundation to help bring hope, healing and health to thousands in need in Central America. Their support has included the donation of four cardiac catheterization labs across four countries, a mobile medical clinic and other medical supplies.
Lucrecia Eugenia Peinado Villanueva, the first lady of the Republic of Guatemala,
traveled to Charlotte to attend the inauguration. She delivered remarks highlighting the impact of the International Medical Outreach program.
She spoke to the program’s role in improving access to lifesaving care for communities in Guatemala and emphasized the importance of continued international collaboration to advance global health.
“We are deeply grateful for this partnership and for the many lives that have been saved,” Villanueva said. “We are proud to have this program and the meaningful impact it continues to make.”
The program is a longstanding collaboration between Atrium Health and the Heineman Robicsek Foundation.
For 65 years, Heineman Robicsek Foundation has led research and humanitarian initiatives, beginning with cardiovascular surgery research in the 1960s and evolving into international
medical outreach by the 1970s, with an early focus on Central America. In 2010, outreach became its primary mission.
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3 REASONS to Choose Senior Living
NEWS BRIEFS
Buddy gets bobblehead CHARLOTTE – National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled an officially licensed, limited-edition bobblehead of Buddy the Street Dog, the unofficial mascot of Queens University of Charlotte men’s basketball team. Limited to 2,026 individually numbered pieces, the bobblehead celebrates Queens’ first NCAA Tournament appearance in its first year of postseason eligibility.
Buddy, a ceramic German Shepherd purchased by coach Grant Leonard, became a symbol of the team’s “street dog” mentality. The bobblehead is priced at $30 plus shipping and is expected to ship in November. On the web: https://store.bobbleheadhall. com/products/buddythestreetdog
Graham calls for 50 days of prayer
CHARLOTTE – Franklin Graham is launching “One Nation Under God: 50 Days of Prayer for Our Nation,” a campaign featuring 50 pastors from 50 states praying for America ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4.
Beginning May 15, daily prayer videos will be released through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website, app and social media channels. Graham will lead the
opening and closing prayers. “Two and a half centuries since our founding, the United States is at a crossroads,” Graham said. “The America of 2026 is vastly different than the country that our forefathers established. The spiritual climate of our country has decayed, and we need to turn to God in repentance. The only hope for us as individuals and for America is the Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Your pet can grace a beer can CHARLOTTE - Humane Society of Charlotte and NoDa Brewing Company have launched Rescue Brew 2026, a fundraising contest to find the next Top Dog and Queen City Kitty to appear on a limited-edition beer label. Pet owners can submit photos, share their pets’ stories and collect votes, with each $1 donation counting as one vote. Proceeds support pets served by the Humane Society of Charlotte. Winners will receive their pet featured on the 2026 Rescue Brew label, a custom portrait by Abby Hutchinson and a professional photo session with Reflections by Rhiannon. Entries close at 8:59:59 p.m. June 15, with voting ending June 22. Learn more at RescueBrewCLT.com.
Gain
Lucrecia Eugenia Peinado Villanueva, the first lady of the Republic of Guatemala, expressed gratitude for the International Medical Outreach program. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health
30 years of magic
Matthews Playhouse to host anniversary celebration
MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will host a 30th Anniversary Gala on June 13 to not only celebrate the past but ignite a future of arts in the region.
Organizers say every gala ticket sold is an investment in accessibility, funding scholarships for aspiring artists, providing free theater for Title 1 students, leading workshops for people with cognitive or developmental disabilities, and sustaining pay-what-you-can performances for the community.
“While we are incredibly proud of the foundation built over the last 30 years, this anniversary is truly about the stage we are setting for the future,” Executive and Artistic Director Sarah Baumgardner said. “Our focus is on the ‘Next Act,’ ensuring every person who walks through our doors finds a community where they can learn, grow and create together, a place where they belong.”
The 30th Anniversary Gala will take place June 13 at Matthews Community Center at 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews. Tickets are available at MatthewsPlayhouse.com or by calling 704-846-8343
The lineup includes an opening at 6 p.m. of chef-curated hors d’oeuvres, small plates and desserts by Kate Clyde’s Catered Creations, alongside signature drinks and beer/wine. The reception features a silent auction with over 75 items and experiences, and an exhibit of memorabilia spanning 30 years of Playhouse history.
The main event will follow at 8 p.m. with guests gathering in the theater for a variety show featuring familiar faces from the past and present.
Geof Knight (“Scrooge”) and Lindsey Schroeder (“Carole King”) will host the evening.
Gala proceeds help Matthews Playhouse support the community through theater, arts education and programming.
When Cornwallis first invaded the Carolinas
by John Hood Contributor
RALEIGH — Most Americans know that George Washington was not only the first president elected under the United States Constitution but also the general placed in overall command of Patriot forces during the Revolutionary War.
Ask Americans to name the overall British commander during the conflict, however, and many would struggle to answer. Among those who did, the most common answer would surely be General Charles Cornwallis – and it would be an erroneous one.
This answer constitutes an injustice to at least five men. First of all, Cornwallis was never in overall command of British forces. At the beginning of the war, that task fell to General Thomas Gage. After sustaining heavy British losses at Bunker Hill, he was replaced by General William Howe. After winning a series of battles against Washington in New York and Pennsylvania, Howe resigned in 1778. His replacement, General Henry Clinton, served until 1782, and was succeeded by General Guy Carleton during the final months of the war.
The fifth man denied his due by our faulty historical memory is Cornwallis himself, who is mainly remembered as a loser forced to surrender a large British army at Yorktown. He was a far better soldier than that. During a lengthy military career that took him to Ireland, western Europe, North America and India, Cornwallis won almost every battle he fought and proved an able administrator and diplomat, as well.
As a young member of Parliament during the 1760s, he actually voted against the Stamp Act and accused the government of mistreating the American colonists. When war came, however, Cornwallis resolved to do his part.
While even history buffs associate him primarily with Britain’s second (and more successful) invasion of the Carolinas in 1780, that was not the general’s first visit here. The first British invasion of the region began in March 1776 when General Henry Clinton arrived off the coast of Wilmington with a small army. He was expecting to find two groups of reinforcements waiting for him: a column of Loyalists marching southeast from the Carolina backcountry and an army of redcoats sailing west from Britain under the command of Clinton’s subordinate, Charles Cornwallis.
The Loyalists never showed up. Halted at the Feb. 27 battle of Moores Creek Bridge, some were killed and nearly all the rest were captured or
dispersed. As for the redcoats, bad weather delayed their arrival until early May. At that point, Clinton was still toying with the idea of trying to reestablish British authority over North Carolina and restore royal governor Josiah Martin to power here. It was 250 years ago that Clinton gave General Cornwallis his first assignment: leading 900 British redcoats in an assault on Brunswick Town, north of what is now Southport. It had been the main rebel base in the region. On May 17, 1776, Cornwallis and his men left the British flotilla “in the most secret manner imaginable” and “in the dead of the night,” as Clinton put it, surprising the defenders of the town.
Unbeknownst to Clinton and Cornwallis, however, most of the Patriots had already evacuated. Cornwallis scored his first tactical victory of the war but it had no strategic import — something he and other British commanders would do many more times.
Over the next few days, Patriots and redcoats skirmished while Clinton fumed. Frustrated at his lack of progress in North Carolina, he decided his best course of action would be to sail further south and attack Charles Town (now Charleston), by far the most populous and prosperous city in the Carolinas. With that port in British hands, he thought, the rest of the region would inevitably fall.
It didn’t work. Clinton failed to take Charleston in 1776. Charles Cornwallis did take the city four years later, but it proved no guarantee of ultimate victory. That wasn’t his fault, though. Blame the politicians of London, who should have listened to young Cornwallis back in 1765 and treated Americans with more respect.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
May 25 events
Johnson & Wales to upgrade hall
CHARLOTTE –PlayNation plans to open an indoor playground for children ages 0–13 at Eastway Crossing, according to real estate firm Collett.
PlayNation will occupy a 14,257-square-foot space at 3304 Eastway Drive, formerly home to Smartway. The company is targeting an opening in the fourth quarter 2026.
Designed around the idea that “Where Play Meets Purpose,” PlayNation focuses on creating an environment where children can build physical confidence, develop social connections and learn through active, imaginative play.
The concept offers families a space that supports both child development and parent peace of mind. The indoor concept also provides a reliable, year-round destination for active play, regardless of weather.
“Eastway Crossing continues to attract concepts that bring meaningful experiences
to the community, and PlayNation is a perfect example of that,” said Stanford Garnett, senior leasing associate for Collett, which leases and manages Eastway Crossing. “It’s a space designed to support how children grow, learn and connect. We’re excited to welcome it to the center.”
PlayNation features a variety of interactive play zones tailored to different age groups, including sensory and tactile elements that encourage exploration and creativity. Younger children will have access to softer, slower-paced areas designed for safety and comfort, while older children can engage in more active, high-energy play.
The space will also include dedicated staff members, known as “Play Pros,” who help supervise play areas and enhance the overall guest experience. The environment is designed with an emphasis on safety and cleanliness.
CHARLOTTE – Johnson & Wales University plans to renovate a residence hall on its Charlotte campus to accommodate a mixed use of housing and student services.
The 97,000-square-foot building called “The Maple” and previously managed as the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, will be completely overhauled with new mechanical and building systems and infrastructure, 150 rooms for upper class students (with a potential occupancy of 276), an admissions welcome center and a central location for student services.
“Our Charlotte campus continues to fulfill the promise that we imagined more than 20 years ago to accelerate the food and hotel economy by educating the next generation of industry professionals,” said Mim L. Runey, university chancellor. ”Over the years, we have expanded our academic portfolio and today are pleased to announce a significant renovation and redesign of one of our campus facilities that will enhance the experience of our students and contribute to the vibrancy of the Charlotte economy.”
The project is expected to take about two years to complete. The expected investment by the university will be around $42 million funded through a combination of investment reserves and philanthropy.
The university will work with 3Ten Construction Commercial Contractor and Little Diversified Architectural
Consulting, both with bases in Charlotte. Both firms have completed early phase work on the project. Over the last year, the Charlotte Campus has celebrated several milestone achievements.
Last June, the North Carolina Board of Governors granted approval to JWU Charlotte to offer the 90-credit, threeyear degree program in Hospitality Management under the university’s current accreditation, making it the first in the Southeast to offer such a degree, according to the university. It’s first Nursing Degree graduates were awarded their Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in August. And in the fall, JWU
announced that its Charlotte campus had achieved its highest enrollment numbers since 2020, primarily driven by its Culinary Arts program.
“We are pleased by the momentum around several of our important goals and this renewed facility will ensure that student life on campus will match the quality of the educational experience,” said Richard Mathieu, president of the Charlotte Campus. “The JWU Charlotte campus continues to reflect the vibrancy of the region and city. We are pleased to continue to educate and prepare students for professional careers in culinary arts, hospitality, business, and health and wellness.”
ABOVE: Matthews Playhouse has been enriching lives in the Charlotte area for 30 years.
BELOW: Past productions include "Snow White" (1995), "Guys & Dolls" (2005), "Wizard of Oz" (2015) and "Scrooge" (2025) Photos courtesy of Matthews Playhouse
LOUD & LIVE
REGIONAL
DINING SCORES
CHARLOTTE – Chef Shari Robins has opened the doors of SHARIGATO, a dedicated hand roll destination, at The Joinery.
A haven for sushi lovers, the restaurant offers options for a quick bite or an engaging, educational moment at the bar.
“Bringing SHARIGATO to life has been a true labor of love,” Robins said. “After relocating to Charlotte from Los Angeles and missing the hand-roll scene I loved, I saw a gap in the market for a high-quality hand-roll experience in the Carolinas.”
A 20-year restaurant industry veteran, Robins has worked alongside acclaimed chefs from Los Angeles and New York City. Before conceptualizing SHARIGATO, she spent 16 years as a strategic culinary innovator for brands such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Amazon, Costco and Aldi.
“Since announcing our entrance into the market, I’ve had the opportunity to build incredible relationships across the city through pop-ups with partners like Night Swim, Wooden Robot, TABOR and Abari Game Bar,” she said. “These experiences have only fueled my excitement to open our doors. During this time, I’ve also refined the guest experience and fine-tuned SHARIBOTO, our maki-making robot, so we can deliver the same high-quality experience whether guests visit us in person or order to-go.”
Robins teamed up with Perry Poole to bring her vision of affordable glamour to life. At the heart of the space sits what they call “the most beautiful sink in
Charlotte.” The red centerpiece is stocked with SHARIGATO’s signature Wash and Roll hand soap, a collaboration with her longtime friend Philip B. Hand rolls are meant to be passed directly to guests, without extended “plate time,” making that moment of connection feel even more intentional.
SHARIGATO opens from 4 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at The Joinery, 1816 N. Brevard St., Charlotte. On the web: sharigato.com.
A Parent’s Guide to Navigating Picky Eating with
FEATURE IMPACT
or families with young
Chef Shari Robins pursued her passion for hand-rolled sushi. Photo courtesy of SHARIGATO
PUBLIC NOTICE
Miscellaneous Property
CLASSIFIEDS
The Matthews Police Department is preparing to destroy and/or dispose of all property that has been stored unclaimed in the Evidence/Property Unit for over 180 days in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes 15-11, 15-12 and 15-14. If you believe you are the owner of any property in the possession of the Matthews Police Department, contact Shelley Kerns at 704-841-6707 or skerns@ matthewsnc.gov – You will need to provide a complete description of the property, proof of ownership if applicable and the relevant circumstances. If the item was taken for evidence relating to a crime, you must have a disposition release from the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office. You must make contact within 30 days of the date of this notice. Items include, but are not limited to, the following: Bicycles, firearms, electronic devices, wallets/pocketbooks, lawn care equipment, knives, tools, clothing, computer equipment, keys, jewelry, cash, and miscellaneous items. Any completed court cases involving releasable property stored at the Matthews Police Department are included. Failure to make claim within 30 days of the date of this notice will result in forfeiture of the property.
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Software Engineering II - Equitable Financial Life Insurance Co (Charlotte, NC): Desgn strategies for enterprise databs, data warehouse systs & multidimensional ntwrks. Req Mstr’s dgr in Info Mgmt, Comp Sci or rltd tech fld & 4 yrs of progr post-
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ARDOR IT SYSTEMS LLC, a Charlotte, NC based International Analytics Service Firm has multiple openings for JOB ID 12397: Software Developer and JOB ID 12375: Salesforce Developer. Education and Experience requirements along with remunerations as provided on the website. Travel/relocation may be required. Details at www.ardoritsystems.com. Send resume contracts@ardoritsystems.com, including the JOB ID. Equal Opportunity Employer.
ARDOR IT SYSTEMS LLC, a Charlotte, NC based International Analytics Service Firm has multiple openings for JOB ID 12397: Software Developer and JOB ID 12375: Salesforce Developer. Education and Experience requirements along with remunerations as provided on the website. Travel/relocation may be required. Details at www.ardoritsystems.com. Send resume contracts@ardoritsystems.com, including the JOB ID. Equal Opportunity Employer.
CMS sees demand in teaching residency program
CHARLOTTE – CharlotteMecklenburg Schools says a record 222 residents are on track to complete its Teaching Residency program in May 2026 – an increase from 180 last year. The alternative licensure program prepares people with careers outside of education to lead classrooms. Residents
complete content coursework, state licensure exams and teaching portfolios while working in classrooms with support.
CMS launched the program in 2018 to address teacher shortages. The program has brought more than 1,000 teachers into CMS.
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Mission 600 wraps up ahead of Memorial Day Weekend
CONCORD – For the ninth straight year, Charlotte Motor Speedway’s Mission 600 set out to honor the U.S. Armed Forces by pairing Coca-Cola Racing Family and other drivers alongside units from different branches.
Defending Coca-Cola 600 winner Ross Chastain and Coca-Cola Family Racing drivers Chase Elliott, Austin Dillon, Daniel Suarez and Joey Logano visited with and trained alongside the military to educate the NASCAR community about the lives of the men and women who serve.
This year’s campaign included a mix of in-person and virtual visits spanning from Arlington National Cemetery outside of Washington D.C. to military installations in North Carolina, South Carolina and as far away as Lithuania.
“Being on the eve of Memorial Day, it’s never lost on us the significance of the Coca-Cola 600 and our opportunity to honor everything that the military does,” said Greg Walter, Charlotte Motor Speedway president and general manager. “The impact we make when we bring these drivers out for Mission 600, it’s really special to see how these interactions can reshape their perspective. Drivers who may only see the military during prerace, are able to interact with them on a more personal level and see how they work to protect our freedoms. It’s a special connection point for our sport to the military.”
Here’s a recap of the 2026 Mission 600 campaign:
April 22: Chase Elliott visited Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Elliott toured the flight line and was treated to an aerial demonstration of the famed F-35B. He took part in a hands-on demonstration on loading inert ordnance onto the cuttingedge machines and saw how crews work together. Following lunch with
Marines in the Officers’ Club, Elliott climbed into the cockpit of a state-ofthe-art F-18 simulator to try a series of maneuverability and dogfighting exercises.
April 29: Defending CocaCola 600 winner Ross Chastain lays a wreath of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Continuing its annual tradition for the defending Coca-Cola 600 race winner, Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted Trackhouse Racing driver Ross Chastain, team owner Justin Marks and a group of Coca-Cola partners and supporters to kick off Military Appreciation Month with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery
May 7: Austin Dillon and teammate Tyler Rader trained alongside members of the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg Dillon and Rader took part in live-fire exercises with a variety of weapons systems, including SIG Sauer pistols, M4 carbine rifles and an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. They also fired an M119 Howitzer and simulated paratrooper drills at
the installation’s 34-foot jump tower before testing their aviation skills in high-tech simulators used to train pilots to fly AH-64 Apache and UH60 Blackhawk helicopters.
May 12: Joey Logano connected via zoom with U.S. Army V Corps’ Project Flytrap, based in Lithuania
While separated by more than 4,800 miles, Logano and the unit found a lot of common ground in discussing technology, teamwork, the power of preparation and leadership.
May 14: Daniel Suarez and crew chief Ryan Sparks visited Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
During the visit, Suárez and Sparks visited the Aircraft Maintenance Qualification Program, trained on F-35 Stealth Fighter and F-22 Raptor virtual reality simulators, discussed physiology and training for fighter pilots and drove an Explosive Ordinance Disposal robot. The pair also visited with more than two dozen airmen at Seymour Johnson AFB’s USO center.
My washing machine ate my sock (or did it?)
by Tony Marciano Contributor
Growing up as the only male in an Italian family, second generation born in America, I’ll admit I was pampered. I was treated as Italian royalty – at least by my mother. You’ve seen the movie “Failure to Launch.”
That was me. I never did my own laundry until I left home. I put the dirty clothes in the hamper and they magically appeared in the dresser clean and folded. My mother never put them on my bed. That would be too much for her sweet baby boy.
When I got married, I showed my wife the three hampers I used for dirty clothes – white dress shirts, whites and the dark load. She told me we weren’t doing that. She put it all in one hamper requiring us to sort laundry. I don’t know if it was my rebellion or stubbornness but I didn’t understand her methodology. She took over the laundry.
For many years, we had a great system. I put my dirty clothes in the hamper. My wife washed and dried the clothing, folded it and put it on the bed. I put it in the dresser. Fast forward to retirement. I’ve tried to take on the many tasks my wife handled while I was working. I also do the laundry. I’d prefer to have several hampers to presort the clothes. But you know she’s right. We have one hamper. She’s happy. I’m confused. All is good.
One day,I put a pair of socks into the washing machine. Moved it to the dryer. Dumped it on the bed where I sorted, folded and put away the clean clothing. There it sat. One sock. What happened to its mate? I was convinced the washing machine ate my sock. I took a pile of clothing out of the dryer and it wasn’t there. I pulled the second load of clothing out of the dryer and I still couldn’t find it.
I accused the washing machine of being a thief. Its goal was to aggravate me and cause me to say or do something I would regret. I said nothing. As I moved one of my wife’s blouses, there it was. I found the missing sock that was hiding from my point of view. We’ve all accused someone of doing something hurtful without having all the facts. We dig our heels in with what we think is the truth. It doesn’t build relationships. In fact, it can destroy them. We react to what we think is right rather than ask the questions to get to the truth. The next time someone does something to aggravate you, rather than saying or doing something you’ll regret; pause and calm down. Who knows, that missing sock that the washing machine ate may be hiding under a piece of clothing.
I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well, my friend.
The Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
NASCAR driver Ross Chastain and Charlotte Motor Speedway President Greg Waller lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Motor Speedway
