MATTHEWS – Tributes to Toby Keith and Prince are among the headline performers for this year’s Matthews Alive. Executive Director Lee Anne Moore shared details about the festival June 22 with town commissioners. Moore has been working with Key Signature Entertainment, exchanging ideas and videos on potential sounds to bring to the Labor Day Weekend festival. She is excited about this year’s lineup.
Electric Avenue will headline Friday, Sept. 4, with 1980s new wave hits. Moore was taken by how amazing lead vocalist Kevin Spencer sounds.
The American Ride Toby Keith Tribute will headline Saturday, Sept. 5. Lead singer Mike Suggs not only has the sound but also the look of the late country singer. Marshall Charloff & The Purple XPeRIeNCE will headline Sunday, Sept. 6, with a Prince tribute. Festival-goers may remember the band on the Matthews Alive stage 10 years ago. Moore was going for a concert that pays respect to Prince on the 10th anniversary of his passing but the booking breaks a personal rule of hers not to repeat headliners.
“I have not tried to repeat bands in a single season,” said Moore, who doubles as special events coordinator for the town. “If something’s happening in the Beats ‘n Bites series or in Summerfest, I try not to use it in Matthews Alive. I’ve kind of juggled that for the last 13 years or so, and I’ve tried not to repeat any Saturday or Sunday headliners at Matthews Alive for 13 years, but I am breaking my
own rule this year.”
Organizers are looking for a company to sponsor the main stage for this year’s festival. The main stage will feature musical performances for most of the festival.
Other performers include
The Entertainers, Jim Shafer, Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue, Dustin Wilson & The Howlers, Stella Rising, U-Neek Flavur, Distillery Cats and Thirsty Horses.
There’s also space in the commercial exhibitor area.
Moore said this space provides an opportunity for attendees to look at products in a nopressure environment.
“It is sponsors, exhibitors and vendors that form kind of the base of the festival, and without those space fees, the festival suffers,” Moore said. “I do hope that some of our businesses, owners and managers out there will give me a call.”
There’s also space available to join the Matthews Alive parade at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 5.
Organizers will continue with the change they made last year to the parade route with it traveling down Trade Street, turning right on John Street and disembarking at Covenant Church Lane. This was done for safety purposes.
“I want to thank the folks at Covenant Day Church and school for cooperating with us,” Moore said. “We know they have a lot of activities and a lot of things happening down there during the weekends, so I want to thank them specifically for allowing us to crash their side of town with a much more safe, less chaotic end to the parade.”
Matthews Alive will be using a new carnival company this year. Moore said the town
Matthews Alive leader previews 2026 festival
Some of the most popular attractions in Matthews Alive are the music, amusement rides and parade. Applications to be in the Sept. 5 parade are available at matthewsalive.org/parade and are due by Aug. 15. Businesses should email matthewsalivedirector@ gmail.com for details on getting involved through sponsorships or exhibitor space. CMG file photos see FESTIVAL, Page 3A
Matthews may add downtown cameras
MATTHEWS – Police Chief
James Avens Jr. has approached town commissioners about expanding the downtown camera system to improve the Matthews Police Department’s ability to prevent and investigate crime.
Mayor John Higdon and town commissioners were receptive to the idea June 22 but they asked several questions about privacy, data retention and cost.
“Because Downtown Matthews and Stumptown Park attract significant foot traffic and year-round community engagement, an active crime reduction surveillance system would strengthen both crime-prevention efforts and the public’s perception of safety,” Avens told commissioners.
“This added sense of security for residents and visitors alike makes this investment a valuable enhancement to the downtown experience.”
The town’s camera system currently covers the railroad tracks and Matthews Station Street. Avens recommends expanding this coverage area from East Matthews Street to McDowell Street, including Stumptown Park, by installing 25 cameras. This would require $132,665.38 upfront and $10,034.80 annually to maintain.
Avens previously worked for a town smaller than Matthews that used 140 cameras across the community.
He said cameras offered these benefits:
• Crime deterrence. “Visible cameras discourage criminal activity, including theft, vandalism, assault and property damage. Offenders are less likely to commit crimes when they know their actions are being recorded.”
Improved investigations. “Video evidence helps identify suspects, vehicles and witnesses, increasing the likelihood of solving crimes and securing successful prosecution.”
• Protection of businesses and visitors.
“Enhancing safety in a commercial district encourages residents and visitors to shop, dine and attend events downtown. It supports local businesses by reducing loss from theft and vandalism.”
• Traffic and public safety benefits.
“It helps investigate traffic accidents, hitand-run incidents and pedestrian-related crashes.”
• Transparency and accountability.
“It provides objective records of incidents involving citizens and law enforcement. It helps build public confidence through factual documentation.”
Avens addressed concerns of privacy, saying the police department would not use the camera system to monitor citizens. Cameras would be installed in downtown areas where there would be no expectation of privacy.
The system would incorporate artificial intelligence to allow police to locate a flagged suspect. For example, if police are looking for a suspect in a red shirt, AI can help investigators quickly pick them out of a crowd. It may also notify police if a registered sex offender enters the camera system’s coverage area.
Commissioner Brian Hacker asked if facial recognition would put citizens’ faces in a database. Avens said the system would not automatically recognize a citizen unless police flagged them for law enforcement purposes.
“The cameras themselves are intended to serve as public safety tools, similar to an officer’s observation while on patrol,”
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
Matthews Alive, one of the region's biggest festivals, is expected to bring thousands of people to downtown. CMG file photos
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
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State lawmakers fuel MLB expansion fire
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Stopping short of saying spend taxpayer dollars, North Carolina’s legislative upper chamber leader says he favors the General Assembly doing all it can to help land a Major League Baseball expansion franchise. Whether it’s Raleigh or Charlotte, Rockingham County Republican Sen. Phil Berger said he’s “agnostic.” He was also noncommittal on whether the twoyear state budget due last year on July 1 and yet to be finalized would include anything toward a project. Speaking to a group of reporters
June 18, Berger said in part, “The question of money? Not necessarily the thing – maybe. But I’d be interested in seeing what steps we would need to take in order to facilitate putting North Carolina in the best position to be successful in having an owners’ group – because obviously we would need that – to be able to get a franchise.”
Raleigh and Charlotte are each in conversations about baseball’s expansion, if and when it happens.
Commissioner Rob Manfred wants Major League Baseball to have a process set and two cities chosen before his time is scheduled to end in 2029, amid the caveat of resolutions for the Rays’ stadium
Reappraisals put on hold
by Alan Wooten Contributor
(The Center Square) – Property tax reappraisals will have a one-year moratorium in North Carolina.
Gov. Josh Stein added his signature June 19 to the Property Tax Reappraisal Moratorium, known also as Senate Bill 889. The measure stops property tax revaluation changes throughout the state this year and allows them to happen in 2027. Only a portion of the state’s 100 counties are impacted.
The governor also signed the UNC Omnibus & Capital Contracting Law Changes, known also as House Bill 1123. While the property tax bill was on its ninth of a 10-day window for action, the other legislation arrived June 18.
Reappraisals are required at least once every eight years, and some counties do so more frequently.
A fiscal note on an earlier edition of SB889 listed Bladen, Buncombe, Chowan, Clay, Davidson, Guilford, Harnett, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender and Scotland counties
with revaluations scheduled to be effective this past Jan. 1. A separate bill, Adjust Counties/Reappraisal Moratorium (Senate Bill 474), on June 17 entered the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate and provides four avenues of exemptions.
Two of the exemptions are having a population of less than 12,000 and having levied a property tax rate of 95 cents per $100 at any point in the last four years.
At passage, only three Democrats were in favor in the 69-43 decision in the House of Representatives, while seven were in favor in the 35-8 decision in the Senate.
House Bill 1123 impacts university capital contracting. There’s an increase in thresholds for project expenditures, language on Board of Governors oversight, and on admissions and tuition rules.
Passage was 40-0 in the Senate and 110-1 in the House. Rep. Pricey Harrison, D-Guilford, was the lone lawmaker against the measure.
State law grants the governor 10 days to sign, veto or allow a proposal to become law without his signature.
The day of presentation is Day 0.
and the transition of the A’s from California to Las Vegas.
Strong positions on a salary cap for the sport are pointing to a lockout when the players’ union contract expires Dec. 1, possibly meaning missed games next year.
While in Charlotte on June 17, Gov. Josh Stein said his office was “working to do all we can” to bring baseball to Raleigh.
North Carolina has three top 50 media markets – trailing only Florida (five), California (four) and Texas (four). Florida and Texas have two teams each, California four. And there are projections North Carolina, ninth largest state at about 11.2 million population,
could be seventh largest after the next census in 2030 only trailing six who have at least two teams each.
Given Manfred’s past comments on regions, and possible shifts in the divisions or leagues as has happened in other expansions, North Carolina could be competing against Nashville for a spot, and Salt Lake City against Portland for the other. Manfred doesn’t rule out markets in Canada or Mexico.
Betting market odds favor Nashville, Salt Lake City, Portland, Raleigh, Charlotte and Montreal in varying orders.
Baseball expanded in 1998 by adding teams in Phoenix and Tampa.
Mint Hill gives staff flexibility on community center fees
MINT HILL – The Town of Mint Hill has revised its fee schedule for the Mint Hill Community Center to allow staff to use an adjustable fee scale.
The town celebrated the grand opening of the community center, located at 11524 Bain School Road, on March 12.
“The Mint Hill Community Center has been open for a few months, and in that time the demand for internal programming for both youth and adults have steadily increased,” Kristi Flitcraft, parks and recreation facilities manager, wrote in a June 11 memo. “The proposed revision to the existing fee schedule is intended for internal programs only and is designed to support program sustainability while maintaining affordability and accessibility for Mint Hill residents.” Fees will range from $5 to $30 per participant based on the type of programming.
“This proposed amendment will allow staff to adjust pricing based on programming type, duration and supply costs, while allowing us to respond to community interest and participation trends,” Flitcraft wrote. “Most importantly, we would like to ensure programs remain financially sustainable while accessible to residents.”
Mint Hill defers zoning case
MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners deferred discussion of Zoning Case 25-8 to a later meeting. Commissioners were scheduled to consider the request to allow a conditional rezoning for a commercial development, including a building without public road frontage at 7503 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, during their June 11 meeting. The applicant, Brandon Shreves, requested the deferral.
CALENDAR
Mint Hill reduces speed limit on Woodland Avenue
MINT HILL – Mint Hill commissioners voted recently to authorize Town Manager Brian Welch to reduce the speed limit along Woodland Avenue to 15 miles per hour.
Staff engineer Justin Williams told commissioners in a June 11 memo that the 15-mph speed limit would ensure safe turns.
“Town staff have begun planning efforts for the potential paving of the existing gravel road Woodland Avenue,” Williams wrote. “During this effort, staff have investigated the safety of the existing turn radii in the roadway.”
Prior to this action, there wasn’t a speed limit posted on Woodland Avenue, which connects twice to Blair Road.
Mint Hill honors hoops title
MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners recognized the Queen’s Grant men’s basketball team for winning a state championship.
Mayor Dale Dalton said he went with Commissioner Tony Long and Town
6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Chess Club The Family Chess Club learns and plays chess at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill 3-4 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Dungeons & Dragons Dungeons & Dragons players create characters and go on a guided quest at the Mint Hill Community Center. Register at https://minthill.recdesk.com.
5-8 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
June 28
Celebrate America
The Charlotte Symphony celebrates the country’s 250th birthday during Celebrate America at Symphony Park. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by a prelude at 7 p.m., concert at 8:15 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Get tickets at charlottesymphony.org.
8:15 p.m.; 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte
June 29
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews
9:15-9:45 or 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Baby Storytime Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Register for the event 30 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Conversation Club Preteens and teens practice speaking Spanish during Intermediate Spanish Conversation Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews Noon-1 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the first session. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Open Mic Comedy Craig Collins hosts the Temple of Laughs Comedy Night & Open Mic with Grace Hauth and Austin Sibai at Carolina Beer Temple. Sign-ups start at 6:30 p.m. carolinabeertemple.com
7 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews
June 30
Mint Hill has added streets from the Courtyards at Mint Hill subdivision to its maintenance network. Clear Creek Farm Road, Sustar Farm Drive and Nancy Ruth Lane will also have their speed limits reduced to 25 miles per hour. Photo courtesy of Town of Mint Hill
Manager Brian Welch to watch the championship game.
“It has been years since I watched a high school basketball game and to say I was impressed is very much an understatement,” Dalton told the team. “What got me, and what I love more about it, is how you all played team ball. The passing – it was just out of this world.” Dalton gave each member of the team a challenge coin.
Midland VFD to continue serving Mint Hill
MINT HILL - Town commissioners have agreed to pay $10,000 to the Midland Volunteer Fire Department over the next year to provide fire protection to the Midland Rural Fire District.
Commissioners took action June 11, authorizing Town Manager Brian Welch to enter into a contract with Midland VFD. The terms of the contract outline minimum levels of insurance coverage.
The contract automatically renews for one-year terms unless either party requests termination via certified mail with at least 90 days notice or there is a breach of contract.
Mint Hill to partner with Charlotte animal control
MINT HILL – Town commissioners approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Charlotte to provide animal control services within Mint Hill.
The agreement says the Town of Mint Hill will pay the City of Charlotte $197 per call for service. Animal Care & Control also has the ability to issue citations for ordinance violations.
The one-year contract can renew four times on the same terms and conditions. The contract can be terminated with 30 days written notice.
Avens said. “The goal is to leverage technology responsibly to improve public safety, reduce investigative time and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement operations while maintaining transparency and public trust.”
Commissioner Jennefer Garrity, an attorney by trade, asked Avens how long the data would be held.
Avens said that footage flagged by an officer for an investigation stays with the case file while unflagged footage will get purged over a set number of days.
He compared it to bodyworn cameras that his officers wear.
Commissioner Kerry
FESTIVAL
(continued from page 1A)
had a good experience using R&D Amusements during Summerfest in May.
“They’re going to be bringing some rides that are new or that are kind of reimagined,” Moore said. “Different companies have different groups of things in their arsenal, so hopefully everybody can enjoy some new attractions.”
Moore shared some challenges facing the Matthews Alive board of directors, including the
Lamson said he thought the cameras were a great idea. While he shared concerns with other commissioners about the information it may collect, he thought the system was a great tool.
Lamson asked questions to determine if the town could get the same amount of coverage by purchasing fewer cameras.
Avens mentioned that Matthews Alive was coming up and advised commissioners they would need to act soon if they wanted to have the system in place for the Labor Day Weekend festival.
Town Manager Melia James suggested staff would be ready to bring this up as an official agenda item on July 13. She said commissioners could pay for the effort using the town’s fund balance.
restructuring of festival leadership, rising costs and future construction at Stumptown Park, which could potentially impact the arts, crafts and small shops area.
“That’s a big part of revenue,” she said. “That’s on our minds really at every single meeting, and we’ll just be ready maybe with some alterations, or maybe some things have to happen for a year or two and then go back to normal.” See the full schedule at matthewsalive.org.
10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts in person 30 minutes before the event. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill
10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 6840 MatthewsMint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Marvelous Math Children ages 3-5 engage in math-themed stories and activities during Preschool Storytime: Marvelous Math at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews.
2-2:45 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Writing Workshop Writing instructor Carol Baldwin leads a writing workshop, “Secrets & Souvenirs” at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews.
2-3 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Craft & Chat Artists and crafters can socialize while working on projects at the Mint Hill Community Center. Register at https:// minthill.recdesk.com.
6-8 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
July 1 Baby Storytime Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Artist Signing Artist/Colorist
Family Storytime Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews
Preschool Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration opens 30 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill 11:15-11:45 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Baby Storytime Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills
Staff engineer Justin Williams shared this graphic in a town memo to show Woodland Avenue in relation to Blair Road. Photo courtesy of Town of Mint Hill
Town of Mint Hill adds to road network
Matthews Alive will be packed with live music throughout the four days of the festival. CMG file photo
The Charlotte Symphony has been performing at Symphony Park for many years. See them again on June 28. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Symphony
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Sundt Construction: 24,000 square feet
• RoviSys: 6,500 square feet
• Capital Processing Systems: 7,000 square feet
• RHM, LLC: 7,700 square feet
Collectively, these companies are expected to bring about 200 employees to the Class A office campus in southwest Charlotte.
“These recent transactions are a strong indicator that demand for quality office space is returning to the Charlotte market,” said Cooper Burton, executive vice president of commercial leasing for American Asset Corporation. “Companies continue to prioritize locations that provide accessibility, amenities and a highquality work environment. Whitehall Corporate Center is exceptionally well-positioned to meet those needs.”
Entrepreneur returns to Elon board
CHARLOTTE – Eric Sklut has joined the board of trustees at Elon University.
Sklut is the founder of Perfection Automotive, a Charlotte-based company that produces custom trim components for high-end vehicles, including the BumperPlugs product line.
Sklut has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including United Way of Greater Charlotte and the Levine Jewish Community Center. He has led major fundraising campaigns supporting community initiatives.
His efforts have helped generate more than $70 million for charitable organizations, including a recent campaign exceeding $23 million for a regional hunger relief initiative.
Sklut served on Elon’s board of trustees from 2015 to 2023.
Peoples Bank welcomes VP NEWTON – Peoples Bank has named Nichole Dailey its vice president and business development officer.
Based in the Catawba Valley region, she will support growth efforts in Newton, Conover, Claremont and Hickory.
Dailey brings more than 20 years of banking experience in business development, lending, deposit growth and client relationship management.
“Joining Peoples Bank felt like a natural fit,” Dailey said.
“Throughout my career, the most meaningful part of banking has been building lasting relationships and helping business owners navigate growth and opportunity.”
Dailey serves on the executive leadership team for the Catawba Valley Heart Ball and on the boards of the Western Piedmont Symphony and The Weaving Place.
Rack Room Shoes appoints CEO
CHARLOTTE – Rack Room Shoes announced last month that President and CEO Mark Lardie was retiring after 14 years and that Mike Edwards would take the helm.
Edwards most recently served as president of Famous Footwear, where he led enterprise strategy across merchandising, marketing, e-commerce and store operations following more than a decade with Caleres.
“Mark Lardie’s dedication and insight have been critical to Rack Room Shoes’ success in the U.S. market,” said Heinrich Deichmann, chairman and CEO of the Deichmann Group.
“Mike Edwards is a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of today’s retail landscape.
We’re excited to see him build on Mark’s legacy and take Rack Room Shoes to new heights of innovation and excellence, including potential acquisitions, as we continue to grow our U.S. footprint.”
Airline extends flight schedule
CHARLOTTE – Avelo Airlines is extending its Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) flight schedule through Jan. 5, 2027.
Make reservations at AveloAir.com.
“It’s time to start planning winter and holiday travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo’s Charlotte / Concord flight schedule through early-January 2027,” Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial Trevor Yealy said. “With Avelo’s everyday low fares and industry-leading reliability, it’s the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their holiday vacations or weekend getaways to eight popular destinations.”
Those destinations are Albany, N.Y. (ALB); Cleveland, Ohio (CLE); Indianapolis, Ind. (IND); New Haven, Conn. (HVN); New York / Long Island, N.Y. (ISP); Orlando / Lakeland, Fla. (LAL); Rochester, N.Y. (ROC); and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).
Email business news to justin@cmgweekly.com
Attorney General Jackson seeks answers from Ticketmaster
RALEIGH – Attorney General Jeff Jackson is demanding answers from Ticketmaster after complaints from Carolina Hurricanes season ticket holders who were unable to buy Stanley Cup Final tickets during a presale.
Jackson said fans reported technical issues that pushed them to the back of the queue or left them waiting for hours before primarymarket tickets sold out. Some of the resale tickets available were priced in the thousands.
“Season ticket holders did everything right,” Jackson said. “They had the codes, they showed up on time, and the system left them in line for hours and without tickets.”
Jackson requested information about technical failures, ticket availability, bot monitoring and compensation for affected fans.
APEX CEO, company receive honors
CHARLOTTE — APEX Transit Solutions CEO and co-founder Marina Ivanov received the 2026 100 Women to KNOW in America Award from KNOW Women. The recognition honors female leaders for professional achievement, leadership and community impact.
APEX Transit Solutions also received the Rising Star Award at the 2026 Crowns of Enterprise Awards, presented by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte. The award recognizes small businesses for leadership, innovation and economic impact.
Ivanov serves on the boards of the North Carolina Trucking Association, North Carolina LTL Association and NAWBDO.
Ernesta opens Charlotte showroom
CHARLOTTE – Ernesta, a custom rug company founded in 2022, has opened a showroom in South End.
The showroom offers custom-sized rugs, stair runners and other specialty options. The location also includes a designer lounge for consultations and client meetings, along with white-glove delivery and installation services.
“The Charlotte design community has shown a strong demand and appreciation for custom rugs with its blend of traditional Southern hospitality and a modern, livable approach to luxury,” said Jennifer Parker, chief sales officer.
The showroom is at 2120 South Blvd.. On the web: ernestarugs.com/locations/charlotte Mint Hill Chamber events MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts an ambassadors meeting and a ribbon cutting in the coming days.
• Ambassadors meet up for a meeting from 4:30 to 6 p.m. June 30 at Shep’s Bar & Grill, 8111 Fairview Road, Mint Hill.
• Members celebrate the ribbon cutting of Naya Threading & Spa from 9 to 10 a.m. July 6 at 6908 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Suite 300, Mint Hill. Register in advance.
Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Whitehall Corporate Center offers tenants a recently opened conference center, a fullservice fitness center and on-site dining options. Photo courtesy of American Asset Corporation
Sklut Dailey
Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers Servings:
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Tasty fuels healthy and healthy makes happy, which is why grapes, a natural source of antioxidants and other polyphenols and a good source of vitamin K, make for a
delicious accompaniment to usual summer fare. Serve them on their own for a hydrating snack thanks to their high water content, or take advantage of their combination of flavor, convenience and nutrition as a key ingredient that elevates summer recipes. For example, Italian Sausage and California Grape Skewers can be the main attraction at barbecues and weekend gatherings, offering elegant presentation without spending hours in the kitchen. Paired with a California Grape Fennel and Citrus Salad, it’s a light, easy meal that can both impress and refresh. While guests wait for the main course, California Grape, Walnut and Endive Bites combine a sweet crunch with savory blue cheese. Top with a drizzle of honey – or hot honey for a bit of heat – to complement lively conversation and the familiar relaxation of summer gatherings. In many ways, warm-weather entertaining is less about elaborate meals and more about fresh, approachable foods –like grapes – that help set the tone for a relaxing atmosphere, offering both a practical and elevated solution to make hosting a (summer) breeze. To discover more ways to both elevate and simplify gatherings throughout the season, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
DINING SCORES
Carolinians set stage for Declaration
Aby John Hood Columnist
s we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, here is a question worth pondering: Was the event it sought to explain and justify, the American War of Independence, fated to succeed?
Some historians say yes. They argue that while the rebellious colonies of North America contained a small population and limited military resources, they also comprised a sprawling territory that was simply impossible for any feasibly sized force of British regulars, auxiliaries and Loyalist militia to subdue and hold.
Other historians disagree. While outright conquest might have been practically impossible, they correctly note that many colonists were Tory in their sympathies and an even-larger swath were disinclined to fight on either side. A few decisive defeats, followed by the capture of key Patriot political and military leaders, might have induced some of the colonies to submit, they argue, leaving the remaining rump of revolutionary states too isolated and deprived of resources to continue their resistance.
I’m in the latter camp, at least regarding the first couple of years of the war. After the British realized they couldn’t hold rebellious Boston, their leaders formed the correct strategic insight: attack the enemy at its weakest point, not its strongest. They decided to redeploy their forces southward to remove the Carolinas and Georgia from the conflict. Virginia would have been their next target — and if it fell, the American Revolution would falter and, eventually, collapse.
It was Britain’s best play. It was not fated to fail. It was, over the course of six months, systematically defeated by the concerted efforts of a comparatively ragtag force of Patriots, most hailing from North and South Carolina.
During the first stage of the campaign, Patriots blocked a column of North Carolina Loyalists marching down the Cape Fear River to join up
INSPECTIONS
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with an approaching invasion force of British redcoats. At the Feb. 27, 1776 battle of Moores Creek Bridge, nearly all the Tories were killed, captured or dispersed.
Weeks later, when British generals Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis finally converged on Wilmington, they discovered no reinforcements were coming. After some indecisive skirmishing, they decided to reembark on their ships and sail south to the port of Charlestown (now Charleston). Taking this largest city in the region would, they surmised, lead to the capture of the Carolinas.
Perhaps, at this early stage in the war, it would have. But Charleston had stout champions. Among them were soon-to-be-famous men such as Francis Marion, Thomas Sumter and William Moultrie, a local militia colonel who deemed Sullivan’s Island at the mouth of the harbor as its most defensible point. It was Moultrie who supervised the construction of a fort made of palmetto logs.
In addition to these South Carolinians, Charleston’s defenders included hundreds of North Carolina militiamen from such counties as Bladen, Halifax, Mecklenburg and Rowan. Some were stationed in the city itself, others on James Island or in other strongpoints ringing the harbor.
On June 28, 1776, the British attacked. Their warships pounded
the fort on Sullivan’s Island. Their soldiers landed on its northern end. Neither gambit worked. After withering fire from entrenched Patriots, the redcoats withdrew. As for the fort, British cannonballs thudded ineffectually into its walls of spongy palmetto.
Charleston did fall – but not until 1780. By then, the American cause had weathered many storms and gained the crucial support of the French and Spanish. Leaving a garrison to hold Charleston, Cornwallis headed inland and won a series of battles so costly in casualties and irrelevant in strategic value that he was compelled to flee to Yorktown in hopes of resupply or evacuation. We know how that turned out.
It was 250 years ago this week, then, that Carolinians put an end to Britain’s first Southern Strategy, and with it the Crown’s best chance to win the war. The Continental Congress in Philadelphia was about to finalize the Declaration of Independence. Its relevance rested on a hard-fought battle nearly 700 miles away.
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).
by Tony Marciano Columnist
We’ve all heard the stories about colonial American history since we were in grade school. We know the expression, “No taxation without representation.” The colonists tried appealing to the King of England and he refused to listen. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was written and signed. Here are excerpts of what it said.
In Congress, July 4, 1776
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. – Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an
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absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
(At this point, the authors state how the King of England failed them. It returns to announce their independence)
We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
They had no resources. They had no army. They had nothing except a vision of what a free world could look like. It would be an experiment in selfgovernment.
What is the vision you are creating for today’s world? Don’t just complain. Rather, get involved in your community. Run for public office. Serve in a nonprofit organization.
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our independence, may we never lose sight that as a republic, it is an experiment in selfgovernment, an experiment that lasted through many wars, a depression and more recently, the Great Recession.
I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well, my friend.
The Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
Citizens read the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence at the Charters of Freedom installation at Monroe Plaza. There’s also another display in Waxhaw. Photo courtesy of Foundation Forward
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