20
02 – 202
24
INSIDE ▼ Family Fun Night among upcoming concerts
6
PAGE 3B Friday, Aug. 7, 2026 • Vol. 26 • No. 31
thecharlotteweekly.com/mmhweekly
@mmhweekly
Greear wins Patriot Award
CHARLOTTE – Joy Greear, president of Novant Health medical centers in Ballantyne and Mint Hill, was surprised with the Patriot Award on Aug. 4 for supporting employees who serve in the military. The Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve presents the award to leaders who help others balance military service with civilian careers. Under Greear’s leadership, Ballantyne Medical Center supports military-connected staff members
through initiatives such as the hospital’s Honoring Our Heroes Wall, accommodations for military training and deployments, and programs that ensure service members remain connected while fulfilling their military obligations. Greear was nominated by Greg Duggan, a nurse anesthetist at Ballantyne Medical Center and colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Duggan praised her commitment to service members and their families. He highlighted Greear’s efforts to
go above and beyond, including hosting his promotion ceremony to colonel this year. He also thanked her for creating an environment where military service is accommodated and valued. Greear said she was honored by the recognition and reflected on her family’s deep connection to military service. She shared that her uncle, a paratrooper, was killed in Normandy during World War II. That loss instilled in her family a lasting appreciation for those who serve.
PREMIUM POTTERY Market to host 55 top artists for 20th anniversary event See story on page 2B
Joy Greear said supporting military members, veterans and their families has always held a special place in her heart. Photo courtesy of Novant Health
School board gets update on superintendent CHARLOTTE – CharlotteMecklenburg Schools will welcome students back to classrooms on Aug. 25, but the district has not yet resolved its investigation into Superintendent Crystal Hill. The CharlotteMecklenburg Board of Education announced June 17 that it placed Hill on temporary leave with pay, pending an investigation into matters involving administrative Hill and operational oversight. The school board convened in closed session Aug. 6 to hear a personnel matter. Chair Stephanie Sneed confirmed the board had received an update on the investigation involving Hill. Sneed released the following statement: “Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education received an update tonight regarding the independent review involving Superintendent Dr. Crystal Hill. The board did not take any action, and the review remains ongoing. “The board understands the importance of reaching a timely resolution and will continue working to determine what is in the best long-term interest of CharlotteMecklenburg Schools. Because this remains an active personnel matter, the board is limited in what it can discuss. “While this process continues, the board and district leadership remain focused on what matters most: ensuring our schools are open, ready and fully prepared to welcome students for a successful start to the new school year. Across CMS, the work of preparing for students continues every day, with principals, teachers and staff focused on supporting our students and school communities.” Deputy Superintendent Melissa Balknight has been serving as acting superintendent.
Windsor Run welcomes residents to new building MATTHEWS Excitement is building at Windsor Run as residents welcome more than 100 new neighbors with the opening of Blueridge Landing, the final residence building at the Erickson Senior Living community. Waxhaw residents Ray and Marilyn Ginader are thrilled to be among the first to move into Blueridge Landing. “We are excited to start a
new chapter in our lives,” Marilyn said. “Windsor Run will be so good for us. We can be involved in things all day if we want.” For the Ginaders, their move to Blueridge Landing fulfills a retirement plan they carefully started to develop in 2021. “The idea of moving to a senior living community was always in the back of our minds. It was important to us to have a plan in place,
to know that we will be taken care of, if needed,” Ray said. “We do not have children, so it’s important to us to be able to provide for each other.” After seeing an advertisement for Windsor Run, the couple decided to call the sales team and make an appointment. “Our first visit was wonderful. We were see HOME, Page 3A
Marilyn and Ray Ginader are thrilled to be among the first residents to move into Blueridge Landing. Photo courtesy of Erickson Senior Living
Page 2A • The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026
Local newspapers continue to play an essential role in communities by John Hood Columnist
RALEIGH – It was 40 years ago this week that I wrote my first column for North Carolina newspapers. Still in journalism school at UNC-Chapel Hill, I was interning that summer at two outlets based in Nash County: the Spring Hope Enterprise, which covered the southern part of the county, and a startup called the Rocky Mount Record. Although I enjoyed covering municipal affairs, county government, school systems and local businesses, I’d long been enamored by the opinion pages of my hometown paper, The Charlotte Observer, and such regular columnists as William F. Buckley on the right and William Raspberry on the left. Having penned columns in my school paper, The Declaration of Independence (High), I asked the Enterprise editor, the late Ken Ripley, for the chance to try my hand at it. He said yes, although he knew my views were very different from his. Check that – he said yes because he knew my views were very different from his. Ken believed local newspapers ought to offer a spectrum of opinions, not only to reflect the breadth of their communities but also to inform, challenge and deepen the understanding of their readers. As it happened, my first column championed a cause we both favored: abolishing North Carolina’s sodomy laws. They violated the fundamental principle of individual liberty, I argued, as well as the principle of equal protection (married couples were virtually never prosecuted while prosecutors
often filed sodomy charges when they couldn’t prove rape or assault). Over the ensuing four decades of columns, written weekly for the first 25 years and then twice a week for the next 15, I have covered a wide array of subjects, from state politics and history to economic and social policy. The column still runs in the Spring Hope Enterprise. The Record didn’t last long, but I was soon privileged to add the Rocky Mount Telegram to my list. By the mid-1990s, the column ran in more than a dozen North Carolina papers, including the statewide publication I founded in 1991, Carolina Journal. Today, it appears regularly in more than 50 outlets from the mountains to the coast. If you are reading this in your local newspaper’s print or online edition, thank you. I don’t just mean I appreciate you perusing my column. By consuming local media, you are doing yourself and others a great service. As we know, nearly all local newspapers have endured shrinking revenues and audiences. Some have closed altogether. I’m a market guy. The invention of the Internet was bound to disrupt the newspaper business, which combined revenue streams from want ads, home sales, automobile sales, retail and subscriptions to finance a bundle of news, entertainment and consumer information. Some media companies handled the transition better than others, but neither management acumen nor government intervention could ever have blocked it. Still, that bundle had long
conferred many benefits. Readers primarily interested in sports scores or movie listings encountered news, features, or opinions they’d otherwise missed. Local journalists broke stories, exposed misconduct, and dug into complicated issues. You can still have such experiences online, of course, and national news outlets remain plentiful, diverse, and scrappy. What’s missing is regular and trustworthy attention to your own community. You only get that by consuming local media. What happens when local newspapers shrink or fold? There is no need to speculate. Careful empirical research has found that newspaper closures lead to higher property taxes and borrowing costs for governments and businesses (a watchdog effect), less competition in local elections (an information effect), lower voter turnout (an engagement effect), and revenue losses among small businesses that compete with national chains (a brand-awareness effect). Neither public subsidy nor protective regulation is the right response to these consequences. As fellow citizens of a free society, we already possess the power to act. Alter your media diet to watch or listen to more locally produced news. Support nonprofits that fund investigative journalism. And subscribe to your local newspaper. 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).
Salvation Army reopens youth center CHARLOTTE – The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte announced the reopening of the Oak Forest Red Shield Youth Center on Milton Road, in time for the 202627 school year. The Oak Forest Red Shield Youth Center provides children with a safe space to receive academic assistance, participate in recreational activities, develop positive character and leadership traits and gain new experiences. The site temporarily closed in 2025 due to a funding gap following the national separation between The Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Club of America. “Our plan was never to leave this neighborhood,” said Major Andrew Wiley, area commander for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. “We took a moment to
strategize and plan how we could continue serving youth in this community. The temporary closure impacted many families, which is why we worked diligently over the past year to ensure every detail was in place so we could come back stronger and do what we do best, which is serving the community.” The Salvation Army Red Shield Youth Centers’ after-school registration is now open for students in kindergarten through 12th grade at two locations, Oak Forest on Milton Road in East Charlotte and Sedgefield on Marsh Road in South Charlotte. The program prides itself on being affordable for families. After-school pricing is $25 per child per week. Parents can register their children online at SalvationArmyCharlotte. org.
Junior League of Charlotte seeks partners to help children CHARLOTTE – The Junior League of Charlotte encourages nonprofits to consider applying for a 2027-28 Community Partnership. Next year will be Junior League of Charlotte’s fourth year partnering with organizations focused on children’s mental and physical health. From June 2023 to May 2028, the Junior League of Charlotte will allocate financial and volunteer resources to promote, support and provide access to mental and physical health programs and services for children in kindergarten through fifth grade in the Mecklenburg County Public Health priority zip codes. With this mission in mind, the Junior League of Charlotte will continue to partner with various nonprofits that focus on: 1. Promoting healthy living such
as fitness, understanding nutrition and encouraging healthy choices and behaviors. 2. Supporting mental well-being such as providing social-emotional learning; combatting bullying, abuse or neglect; and providing safe spaces. 3. Providing access to healthcare and food such as increasing access to immunizations, health screenings and affordable, well-rounded meals. 4. Serving priority areas of Mecklenburg County encompassing zip codes: 28205, 28206, 28208, 28212, 28216 and 28217. Applications are available online through Sept. 25, 2026, at https://form.jotform. com/262014034804142. Email Sierra Norris or Bridget Siverwright at jlc.pde@gmail.com with questions about the application.
3 REASONS to Choose Senior Living at Windsor Run
1. GET THE BEST value for your money. Enjoy a vibrant community lifestyle with convenient services and predictable monthly spending.
2. ENJOY MORE amenities and activities! Gain everything you need to stay active, social, and engaged, just steps from your door.
3. FEEL CONFIDENT with on-site care. Experience peace of mind with the convenience of our on-site medical center and additional levels of care should you need it.
See ALL the reasons to discover Southeast Charlotte’s premier community. Call 1-877-211-4801 for your FREE brochure or visit WindsorRunCommunity.com.
1560107
Matthews WindsorRunCommunity.com
The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026 • Page 3A
HOME (continued from page 1A)
impressed with everything we saw,” Marilyn recalled, noting that the range of on-campus amenities, such as restaurants, a fitness center, theater, creative arts studio, putting green and dog park, was a pleasant surprise. She added, “And the sales team was great. They answered all our questions. We discovered that we would be safe and secure and have a plan for the future.” Before leaving campus, the couple decided to take the next step and join Windsor Run’s Priority List, saving their spot in line for an available residence. “We knew that we did not need to look any further,” Ray said. “We also knew that if we were going to take moving to Windsor Run seriously, then this would ensure we’d get our first choice of homes when we were ready to move.” During their time on the Priority List, the Ginaders signed up for a Live the Life stay, an overnight experience in a furnished guest suite that allows members to enjoy amenities, dine at on-campus restaurants and chat with residents. They also attended open houses and exclusive previews of new homes. Each visit helped them refine their vision for their next chapter. “Seeing the different homes and styles helped us narrow down what we wanted,” Ray said. “We also really enjoyed meeting residents and talking with them about their experiences and how much they enjoyed living here.” Ultimately, Ray and Marilyn chose
the Waverly, a two-bedroom, two-anda-half-bath home with a den and porch. And thanks to their Priority List status, they were able to reserve that floor plan in Blueridge Landing. “We really fell in love with the Waverly,” Marilyn said. Ray added, “One of the Waverly’s best features is the open floor plan. It’s an inviting space. There is also lots of closet space, which we appreciate, and the porch is an added benefit.” Once they reserved their home, they reached out to Planning and Moving Consultant Andrea Fitzgibbons, who helped them finalize plans for their move – another Priority List perk. Fitzgibbons and the sales team worked together to “make the move seamless for us,” Ray said. “I can’t say enough positive things about our interactions.” And since Ray and Marilyn will be moving to Blueridge Landing at the same time as their neighbors, they are looking forward to forming friendships from day one. “That’s one of the best parts of moving to a new building. We are all new together,” Ray said. “And there are so many activities. We are excited to get involved,” says Marilyn. “We are looking forward to playing pickleball and joining the walking club. It will be so nice to not have the stress of owning a home.” Sales Director Ryan Barkley notes that even though Blueridge Landing is nearly sold out, the best chance of securing a home at Windsor Run is through the Priority List.
CMS launches 2026–27 back-to-school site CHARLOTTE – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has launched a centralized backto-school website to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. The site simplifies the preparation process, allowing families to locate essential information before the first day of school, including: • A back-to-school readiness checklist • Transportation and AlphaPortal information • Student forms and Infinite Campus resources • Meals, health and immunization information • Open house dates • ParentSquare, technology, Onflo and safety resources • Family Academy: Join a virtual series to support a student’s success • Details for Pre-K, kindergarten, early/middle colleges and more “This website was strategically created to help families find the information and resources they need for a successful school year,” said Steve Esposito, chief of strategic communications and engagement. “By bringing everything together in one place, we’re making it easier for families and students to prepare with confidence for the first day of school.” Families are encouraged to explore the back-to-school website ahead of the 2026–27 school year.
CALENDAR Aug. 7 Bingo Mint Hill Community Center hosts bingo. Register at minthill.recdesk. com. 1-3 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill Bingo Club Older adults play bingo during Mint Hill Bingo Club at Mint Hill Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill. 2-3:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill Mexican Train Domino players play Mexican Train at the Mint Hill Community Center. Register at minthill.recdesk.com. 6-8 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
Aug. 8 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 10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Book Club The Books and Bae-gels book club discusses “Wild Things” by Laura Kay at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews. 10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Writing Group The Mint Hill Writing Group shares ideas and feedback at Mint Hill Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 6840 MatthewsMint 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 Mint Hill Community Center hosts Dungeons & Dragons. Register at minthill.recdesk.com. 5-8 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
Aug. 9 Pickleball Sundays Mint Hill Community Center hosts Pickleball Sundays. Register at minthill.recdesk.com. Noon-6 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
Aug. 10 Conversation Club Pre-teens 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
Chess Club Teens and pre-teens play chess at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 1-2 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 Story Explorers Children ages 5-8 will discuss pirates of North Carolina during Story Explorers at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 3-4 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Book Club The Far Horizons Book Club discusses “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” by Omar El Akkad at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 6-7 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Aug. 11 Marvelous Math Children ages 3-5 engage in maththemed 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
Getting Started with Internet Basics. Register by Aug. 10 at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews. 2-3:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Summer Reading Mint Hill Library offers arts, crafts and a performance by Irish dancers during Summer Reading Finale: A Storybook of Cultures. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill 2-4 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill 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 LEGO Club Children ages 5-12 build during LEGO Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/Matthews 4-5 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews Bike Night Kristopher’s Sports Bar & Restaurant holds Bike Night on Wednesdays with music and drink specials. 5:30-8:30 p.m.; 250 N. Trade St., Matthews Pinball Night Ready Player One Amusements hosts free pinball games at Carolina Beer Temple. carolinabeertemple. com/ 6-9 p.m.; 215 N. Ames St., Matthews
Aug. 13
Art Club The Mint Hill Art Club creates art projects at Mint Hill Library. Members are ages 3-11. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill 2-3 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Park Storytime Children listen to stories and songs during Mint Hill Family Storytime at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill 9-10 a.m.; 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill
Perler Beads Teens make art with Perler Beads during Teen Crafternoon: Perler Beads at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews. 3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Craft & Chat Artists and crafters can socialize while working on projects at the Mint Hill Community Center. minthill. recdesk.com 10 a.m.-noon; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill
Craft & Chat Artists and crafters can socialize while working on projects at the Mint Hill Community Center. Register in advance at minthill.recdesk.com. 6-8 p.m.; 11524 Bain School Road, Mint Hill Writing Group An adult writing group shares writing and feedback at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews. 6:30-7:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Aug. 12 Internet Basics Teens and adults learn how to safely browse the internet during
Bookworms and Bugs Staff from Stevens Creek Nature Center discuss bugs with kids ages 5-11 at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews. 2-2:45 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Aug. 14 Date Night Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource hosts Date Night Drop-Off at Crews Recreation Center. Registration costs $15 for a child (ages 6-13) and $10 for additional siblings. Kids engage in arts, crafts, games and sports. Food will be available. Register at matthewsfun.com. 5-9 p.m.; 1201 Crews Road, Matthews
The Power of
Curiosity
Page 4A • The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026
Building More Engaged Learners
The power of curiosity Building more engaged learners
Y
FEATURE IMPACT
oung children are naturally curious. They ask endless questions, investigate their surroundings and constantly test how the world works. While that curiosity can leave parents feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, it’s one of the most important drivers of early learning and development. Curiosity helps children build confidence, develop critical thinking skills and become more engaged learners. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, and MaryAlice Moore, president of Highlights for Children, share why curiosity matters and how parents can nurture it.
Why Curiosity Matters Curiosity is the engine that drives learning for young children. When they are interested in a topic, they become more motivated to explore, ask questions and seek solutions. That process strengthens important skills such as attention, working memory, flexible thinking and problemsolving. It also helps develop confidence. For young learners, confidence does not come from always knowing the answer; it comes from believing they can find it. Children who are encouraged to explore their interests and investigate new ideas learn that questions are valuable and discovery is rewarding. These experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Curiosity Evolves as Children Grow Curiosity looks different at each stage of development. For infants, it’s largely sensory. They learn by touching, tasting, listening and observing people and objects around them. Toddlers often express curiosity through movement and repetition. Climbing, stacking, dumping, filling and repeating the same activity helps them understand how things work and builds their sense of control. Preschoolers and kindergarteners become natural investigators. Their frequent “why” and “how” questions reflect a growing desire to understand relationships, solve problems and
make sense of new experiences and the world around them. As children grow, the role of adults evolves as well. Parents move from primarily protecting and guiding children to fostering environments that encourage exploration and independent thinking.
Follow Your Child’s Interests One of the most effective ways to nurture curiosity is to pay attention to what naturally captures your child’s attention. Whether they’re fascinated by vehicles, animals or building structures, those interests can become powerful learning opportunities. When children are engaged in topics they enjoy, attention and persistence often develop organically. Consider what causes your child to lose track of time. Those interests provide important clues about what motivates and excites them. Rather than rushing to provide answers, encourage deeper thinking by asking open-ended questions that invite them to explore their own ideas and observations.
Parents Don’t Need All the Answers Many parents feel pressure to have answers for every question their child asks. In reality, one of the best responses is often “I don’t know. Let’s find out together.” This models curiosity and shows your child that learning continues throughout life. It also transforms questions into shared experiences and opportunities for discovery. Encourage
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
your child to remain engaged and curious using simple phrases such as: n “That’s an interesting question.” n “What do you think?” n “Let’s investigate.” If you’re unable to respond immediately, it’s important to acknowledge the question and return to it later. Following up communicates your child’s ideas and questions are valuable.
Setting Boundaries Curiosity should be encouraged, but safe boundaries remain essential. When children become interested in something unsafe, simply saying “no” may stop the behavior, but it does little to support learning. Instead, explain why something is unsafe and redirect curiosity toward an appropriate alternative. For example, if your child wants to explore knives, explain knives can hurt people then
The Ivey promotes brain health CHARLOTTE – The Ivey: The Place for Memory Wellness is encouraging people to make brain health a daily focus by incorporating simple lifestyle habits that support lifelong cognitive wellness. The Ivey promotes an evidencebased approach centered on six lifestyle pillars designed to
support brain health and reduce risk factors associated with cognitive decline. “When it comes to brain health, knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting brain health,” said Lynn Ivey, CEO and founder. “Our goal is to give people practical, evidence-based
strategies they can incorporate into everyday life.” The Ivey’s six lifestyle pillars include: • Move: Regular physical activity – including walking, gardening and housework – supports both physical and cognitive health. • Discover: Stimulating
offer safe cooking tools or supervised kitchen activities to investigate instead.
Using Technology Technology can play a positive role in nurturing curiosity when it’s used to extend real-world experiences rather than replace them. After spotting a ladybug at the park, for example, a child might use videos or ageappropriate digital resources to learn more about insects. The real-world encounter sparks curiosity and technology helps deepen learning. By listening, encouraging exploration and demonstrating curiosity yourself, you can help your child develop skills that extend far beyond the early years. For more parenting guidance, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com. Visit Highlights.com for magazines, books and resources for parents and educators.
the brain by engaging in new activities and varying routines keeps the brain engaged. • Nourish: Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and other nutrientdense foods supports brain health. • Mindfulness: Managing stress through mindfulness and relaxation can improve focus, clarity and emotional well-being. • Connection: Maintaining meaningful social relationships helps support cognitive and
emotional health. • Sleep: Consistent, quality and restorative sleep is essential for memory, learning and brain health. The approach emphasizes consistent and sustainable habits that support long-term cognitive wellness. "It’s never too early or too late to take steps that support cognitive wellness," Ivey said. On the web: theivey.com/ programs
REGIONAL The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026 • Page 1B
DINING SCORES Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from July 23 to 29:
Charlotte (28209) • The Waterman Fish Bar, 2729 South Blvd. – 95.5
Charlotte (28210) • Food Lion (produce), 10120 Johnston Road – 99.5 • Food Lion (seafood), 10120 Johnston Road – 99 • Southern Pecan, 6706 Phillips Place Court – 92
Charlotte (28211) • Green Brothers Juice & Smoothies, 7802 Fairview Road – 98 • Out N About (mobile), 3500 Latrobe Drive – 96.5 • Renaissance Patisserie, 6401 Carnegie Blvd. – 95.5
Charlotte (28226) • Bonchon, 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Harris Teeter (produce), 7823 Colony Road – 98.5 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 7823 Colony Road – 96 • Los Paisas Restaurant, 8318 Pineville-Matthews Road – 97 • Solista Charlotte, 5512 Carmel Road – 92.5
Charlotte (28270) • Chamos Grill (mobile food), 9010 Monroe Road – 95 • Community Culinary School, 9315 Monroe Road – 96
Charlotte (28277)
Owner Ashley Franklin sought to create a place where women feel "comfortable, celebrated and safe." Photos courtesy of Blush CLT
BLUSH CLT
Indian Trail • BP, 7805 Idlewild Road – 95.5 • Food Lion (deli), 7876 Idlewild Road – 99 • Food Lion (produce), 7876 Idlewild Road – 98.5 • Food Lion (meat), 7876 Idlewild Road – 99 • Hungry Howie’s Pizza, 553 Indian Trail Road S. – 100 • Sun Valley Cinema, 6449 Old Monroe Road – 97
No two weekends are the same at hot spot
CHARLOTTE – Ashley Franklin founded Blush CLT as “a place for women, by women.” The woman-owned cocktail and hookah lounge is located at 7631 Sharon Lakes Road, Suite E. The vision is simple: provide a beautiful, safe and energetic environment where women can unwind, celebrate, network and enjoy quality entertainment without compromising comfort or hospitality. Men are encouraged to join in the experience and help foster the positive, respectful atmosphere. Blush CLT offers a rotating calendar of experiences, including comedy shows, sip-and-paint nights, music bingo, live music, karaoke, game nights, theme parties and day parties. “We wanted to create a place where women feel comfortable, celebrated and safe while giving Charlotte an exciting venue that offers something different every single day,” said Ashley Franklin, owner of Blush CLT. “Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, meeting friends after work, enjoying live entertainment or dancing all afternoon, Blush CLT is designed to bring people together.” One of the venue’s standout features is its dance floor, where DJs keep the energy high throughout the weekend with hip-hop, R&B, reggae, Afrobeats and today’s hottest hits. Instead of a traditional kitchen, Blush CLT partners with local food trucks. No two weekends are exactly alike. Blush CLT is also available for birthdays, private celebrations, corporate events, networking mixers and VIP reservations throughout the week.
• Adams Mart, 11924 Elm Lane – 96.5 • Brown Bag, 5231 Piper Station Drive – 96.5 • Harris Teeter (bakery/deli), 10616 Providence Road – 97 • Harris Teeter (seafood), 7852 Rea Road – 100 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 7852 Rea Road – 100 • Joa Korean Food, 8016 Providence Road – 90 • North Italia, 15120 Bowl St. – 97.5 • Postino WineCafe, 15210 Bowl St. – 96 • Publix (deli), 11222 Providence Road W. – 99 • Publix (produce), 11222 Providence Road W. – 100 • Starbucks (Target), 7860 Rea Road – 98 • Tabla Indian Restaurant, 15025 Lancaster Hwy. – 98 • The Lights Cafe, 16631 Lancaster Hwy. – 97.5 • Wendy’s, 712 Rea Road – 99.5
Matthews • Golden Corral, 11025 E. Independence Blvd. – 93 • Grace O’Malley’s Irish Public House, 157 N. Trade St. – 94.5 • Kristopher’s Sports Bar and Grille, 250 N. Trade St. – 98 • La Fonda Colombiana, 11329 E. Independence Blvd. – 92 • Mingfu Chinese & Sushi, 115 W. John St. – 92.5 • Osaka, 3531 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 95.5
Mint Hill / Charlotte (28227) • Bojangles, 11420 Beaver Farms Road – 92.5 • Daphne’s Bakery, 7609 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 100 • Domino’s (food stand), 12925 Albemarle Road – 96.5 • Dunkin/Baskin-Robbins, 77001 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 94 • Love in Action Cafe Vegan Bistro, 7200 Albemarle Road – 99 • Publix (meat), 6828 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 99.5 • Speedway (food stand), 13354 Albemarle Road – 93.5 • Sunrise Restaurant, 8923 Albemarle Road – 98 • Zaxby’s, 6911 Brighton Park Drive – 98
Monroe • Eggs Up Grill, 5124 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 98 • Food Lion (deli), 100 E. Sunset Drive– 98.5 • Food Lion (produce), 100 E. Sunset Drive– 100
Pineville • Comfort Suites Pineville, 10415 Centrum Pkwy. – 97.5 • Corner Cafe & Catering, 11200 Nations Ford Road – 96 • Hilton Garden Inn, 425 Towne Centre Blvd. – 97 • Itaewon (food stand), 10500 Centrum Pkwy. – 96.5 • Sri Balaji Caffe, 716 Main St. – 97.5
Stallings • Best China, 7900 Stevens Mill Road – 94 • McDonald’s, 4405 Potter Road – 95.5 • Subway, 7900 Stevens Mill Road – 93 • Taxco Mexican Grill, 7900 Stevens Mill Road – 100
Weekly Schedule
Waxhaw
Thursday | 7 p.m. – midnight Happy Hour Vibes $5 Hennessy $5 Teremana $5 Tito’s Vodka Friday | 6 p.m. – 2 a.m. Game Night Interactive entertainment Music, cocktails and hookah Saturday | Noon – 2 a.m. Day Party | 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Night Party | 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. Ladies Night Live DJs and signature cocktails Sunday | Noon – 9 p.m. Free Build Your Own Waffle Bar (12
• La Unica Estrella, 5411 McWhorter Road – 97 • Queens South Bar & Grill, 1201 N. Broome St. – 90.5 • Walmart, 2520 Cuthbertson Road – 99
Wesley Chapel • McDonald’s, 5925 Weddington Road – 98
– 4 p.m.) $6 mimosas Half-off bottles of wine Relaxed R&B brunch and day party atmosphere Daily specials include: $5 premium drinks $25 premium hookah $25 celebrity tequila flights Rotating food trucks
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is celebrating National Frozen Custard Day with a Buy One, Get One Free Small Frozen Custard Cone from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 at participating locations. Photo courtesy of Rita’s
S.C. breweries shine in national competition COLUMBIA, S.C. – Nine South Carolina breweries have won 17 awards at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship in Oxford, Ohio, according to the South Carolina Brewer’s Guild. Wild Heart Brewing Company in Hartsville won Brewery of the Year (501-1,000 Barrels). “We’re incredibly honored to receive Brewery of the Year for our production size,” said Jerry Rivers, head brewer at Wild Heart Brewing. “We’re proud to represent South Carolina and be part of such a great craft beer community.” This year’s event drew
over 8,000 entries in 180-plus categories and subcategories from breweries around the world. Two of the winners came in collaboration categories, with Savage Craft Ale Works (West Columbia) partnering with DSSOLVR (Asheville, NC), and Wild Heart working with Southern Hops Brewing Company (Murrells Inlet). Each had an added layer of collaboration. The malt used for brewing was donated by SCBG Allied Trade member Riverbend Malt House of Asheville. “Mortal Composure was an awesome collab experience,”
said Brandon Evans, head brewer at Savage Craft. “We took two of our favorite DIPA’s and blended the recipes to push boundaries on what an IPA can be. Shout out to Riverbend Malt for making the base a beautiful palate on which new and experimental hop products could truly shine.” “Weight of Sound is a collab with Riverbend Malt House & Southern Hops,” Rivers said of his collaboration. “We originally brewed it November 2024 as a Pouring for Neighbors NC Brewers Guild initiative to raise money for Hurricane Helene damage. It was very popular in
our taproom so we brought it back this year.” On the web: scbeer.org
Winners • Brewery of the Year (501-1,000 Barrels) | Wild Heart Brewing Company Gold • New England/Juicy/Hazy DIPA | Convergence – Wild Heart Brewing Company • Ordinary Bitter | UK Crusher – Model A Brewing Company • German Hefeweizen | Holy City Brewing – Charleston • Belgian and French Ale | Feral Garden Gnome – Liability Brewing Co. – Greenville • Belgian Witbier | Landmine Spring – Savage Craft Ale Works • Wild Culture Brett Beer | Slow Bloom – Wild Heart Brewing Company Silver • American Pale Ale | Preciatechya – Wild
Yarrow Brewing – Greenville • Single Hop Pale Ale | Dolcita IPA – Model A Brewing Company – Fort Mill • West Coast Pilsner | Hop Atlas – Wild Heart Brewing Company • Dortmunder/European-Style Export | Moon without a Tide – Liability Brewing Co. • Fruit Wheat Beer – Raspberry | Farm Simulator – Replay Brewing – Fort Mill • Barrel Aged Dark Beer | Amber Hearth – Model A Brewing Company Bronze • American Amber Lager | Amortized Amber – Side Hustle Brewing Company – Hilton Head • Collaboration Beer – Pilsners/Lagers | Weight of Sound – Wild Heart Brewing Company & Southern Hops Brewing Company • Wild Culture Brett Beer | Empty Chairs Still Rock – Wild Yarrow Brewing • Collaboration Beer IPA | Mortal Composure – Savage Craft Ale Works & DSSOLVR
Page 2B • The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026
Former wealth exec opens roofing franchise CHARLOTTE – After spending roughly 20 years in wealth management with companies like MetLife and MassMutual, Sean Whelan decided to pursue business ownership. This pursuit followed a career reset that included international travel with his wife. During that time, Whelan realized he wanted to build something of his own in the home services industry. He chose Roof Scientist, a roofing franchise focused on repair, restoration and replacement.
“I never thought when I left wealth management that I’d become a roofer,” Whelan said. “But these are the businesses people need. Everyone has a roof, and a lot of people use cleaning services. It’s not work that’s easily replaced by AI.” Before signing with Roof Scientist, Whelan and his wife acquired an existing Two Maids franchise serving Charlotte and Rock Hill. While evaluating additional opportunities in the home services sector, Whelan eventually connected with the
Roof Scientist team. “What I like is the ability to meet people where they are and educate them,” Whelan said. “I think the best consumer is an educated consumer. If I can provide multiple solutions and explain the pros and cons of each one, I can actually help the homeowner instead of forcing one outcome.” Whelan said Roof Scientist’s approach stood out because the brand offers repair, restoration and replacement options instead of only recommending full roof
replacement projects. He was also drawn to the company’s proprietary Cericade roofrestoration technology and its long-term warranty. “Sean brings a very strategic and relationship-focused mindset to this business,” said Michael Wagner, brand president of Roof Scientist. “He understands how to build organizations, develop people and create long-term value. Charlotte is an important market for us, and we’re confident Sean is the right person to establish the brand throughout the region.”
Whelan’s territories serve communities throughout Charlotte, Lake Norman, Mooresville, Troutman, Ballantyne, Waxhaw and surrounding areas. Whelan said his long-term goal is to continue expanding throughout the Carolinas as the business grows. “Ultimately, I’m looking forward to building this into a sales organization,” he said. “A group of people getting after it, driving sales and helping homeowners along the way.”
Mint Museum to host 20th annual Potters Market at the Mint CHARLOTTE – The 20th annual Potters Market at the Mint will bring together 55 of North Carolina’s premier potters and ceramic artists for a weekend celebration of the art of clay. Visitors can shop handmade ceramics from the artists while supporting The Mint Museum’s exhibitions, education programs and community access initiatives through ticket sales. As part of its 20th anniversary, Potters Market joins the national stage with Handwork 2026, Craft in America’s yearlong semiquincentennial collaboration celebrating the handmade traditions that shape America’s cultural identity. “For 20 years, Potters Market at the Mint has celebrated North Carolina’s extraordinary ceramic heritage while supporting the talented artists who continue to shape its future,” said Todd Herman, president and CEO of The Mint Museum. “This milestone year is an opportunity to honor that legacy, welcome new audiences and showcase our state’s creative traditions as part of Handwork 2026.” The market takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 on the lawn of Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Road. Visitors can enjoy live pottery demonstrations, bluegrass music, a beer garden and café, a blind auction and new pop-up experiences including BRÜ coffee and flower-making. Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz will also give a free public lecture at 1 p.m.
The celebration continues Sept. 27 with a special symposium and reception featuring renowned ceramic artist and scholar Mark Hewitt. He will deliver the keynote lecture, “The Past, Present, and Future of North Carolina Ceramics,” followed by a panel discussion with artists Cynthia Bringle, Travis Owens and Ibrahim Said from 2 to 4 p.m. The event concludes with a reception from 4 to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. Potters Market is the Mint’s second-largest annual fundraiser. Principal Foundation is the market’s presenting sponsor. “Its generous support helps us champion these extraordinary artists while advancing our mission to make art engaging and accessible for all," Herman said. Tickets cost $25 and include access to all lectures and talks. Visit pottersmarketatthemint.com to buy tickets and RSVP to the Sunday Symposium.
Potters Market at the Mint is the second largest annual fundraiser for The Mint Museum. Photos courtesy of The Mint Museum
Accepting New Patients!
Come experience our award-winning hearing care!
C L AS S I F I E D S
SAP Consultant (Master’s w/ 3 yrs exp or Bach w/ 5 yrs exp; Major: CS, Info Sys, Comp Applications, Applied Comp Sci, or equiv) - Charlotte NC. Job entails working with & reqs exp incl: working in SAP solutions using SAP S/4 Hana, SAP BRIM, FI, CC, CRM Technical and Functional, SD, API, ABAP, ABAP OOPS, ODATA, Web dynpro, CRM WEBUI, Workflow, FIORI, SCRUM, JIRA, and Devops. Various worksites: relocation to project-based unanticipated worksites within USA possible. Send resumes to Reveille Technologies, Inc, 112 S Tryon St, Suite 1255, Charlotte, NC 28284
FREE Hearing Tests & Wax Screenings
Experience summer with Waltonwood!
Already wear hearing aids? Come in for a complimentary Clean & Check
(Any make or model) We invite you to join our vibrant community where every day brings opportunities to connect, explore, and enjoy life together.
SHARON KLEIN Board Certified – Hearing Instrument Specialist License #1444
PROMO CODE: MMH07 www.beltonecarolina.com
Call today to schedule a FREE appointment!
MATTHEWS
MONROE
600 Matthews Mint Hill Rd, Ste. E
1007-B Skyway Drive
(704) 814-7419
(704) 289-3355
Beltone Hearing Care Centers are independently owned and operated. Benefits of hearing instruments vary by type and degree of hearing loss, noise environment, accuracy of hearing evaluation and proper fit. Participation may vary by location. See individual centers for details. Some managed care plan members may be ineligible for free service or hearing test offer. Hearing tests are given for the purpose of selection and adjustment of hearing instrumentation. Results may vary related to duration and severity of impairment. Early detection is important.
• A full Life Enrichment calendar — so every day feels like your own. • Chef-prepared meals with seasonal menus and house-made desserts, so you never have to cook unless you want to. • A variety of apartment styles to match your lifestyle.
Limited availability! P ROVIDENCE
Schedule a tour today. 704-246-8670
Independent Living, Assisted Living & Memory Care 11945 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277 Waltonwood.com | SinghCareers.com
The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026 • Page 3B
Neighborhood Theatre to reopen after renovations CHARLOTTE – Neighborhood Theatre will reopen its doors Aug. 11 after concluding an eight-week renovation project this summer. Upgrades were designed to honor the NoDa community’s creative spirit while providing the best live experience for patrons and performers. The enhancements are being introduced in conjunction with a soldout performance by Grammy Awardnominated rock band Franz Ferdinand. “Everything went better than we could have hoped,” said Justin Fedor, general manager of Neighborhood Theatre, now in its 30th year of operation. “We kept artists and patrons top-of-mind throughout the planning and execution phases of the renovations, and now we’re beyond excited to show off what we have in store for them when they walk through our doors.” Notable upgrades include new stateof-the-art sound and lighting systems on both of the venue’s stages, paired with acoustical treatment throughout the theater to provide a more immersive and elevated production experience. These upgrades will improve audio clarity, visual impact and performance quality in every area of the venue. Other patron-facing improvements include renovated restrooms, a new draft beer bar with local craft brews and a renovated balcony with new seating and an updated VIP restroom. Backstage, artists will benefit from a renovated dressing room and restroom, along with the addition of a second dressing room for supporting artists. Neighborhood Theatre also announced its fall concert lineup. Upcoming highlights include The Mars Volta, The Dirty Guv’nahs and Andrew McMahon. The venue also continues to support and present the best in local live music, as well as giving up-and-coming acts the opportunity to perform in a new, premium setting. Neighborhood Theatre also announced the launch of premium seat availability, as well as private event bookings.
“None of this would be possible without our neighbors, fans and artists for their continued belief that independent venues provide more than tickets,” Fedor said. “We are a community venue, both for the people of NoDa and Charlotte and the live music community at large.” AUGUST 2026 Aug 11: Franz Ferdinand (sold out) Aug 14: Josh Tatofi Aug 15: American Aquarium Aug 20: TimaLikesMusic Aug 21: Nathan Cox Aug 22: enRAGE Against The Machine Aug 23: Lettuce Aug 25: greek Aug 27: Teenage Bottlerocket Aug 28: Don Trip Aug 31: Loe Shimmy SEPTEMBER 2026 Sep 1: Emarosa Sep 3: The 4411 Sep 4: The Dirty Guv’nahs Sep 7: Nino Paid Sep 8: Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats Sep 10: Here Come the Mummies Sep 11: Kanii Sep 12: Jervis Campbell Sep 15: The Mars Volta (sold out) Sep 17: North Mississippi Allstars Sep 18: Edgehill Sep 19: Jenna Raine Sep 21: French Police Sep 22: Cyril Neville Plays The Dead Sep 23: Hazlett Sep 24: Benny G Sep 25: Castle Rat Sep 26: Owen Riegling Sep 27: Stanley Simmons Sep 28: The Bros. Landreth OCTOBER 2026 Oct 1: Saxsquatch Oct 2: Jammy Buffet Oct 3: Gable Price and Friends Oct 4: Sophie Hunter Oct 5: Weatherday Oct 6: Kyle Gordon Oct 7: verygently Oct 8: Shawn James
Oct 9: Rising Appalachia Oct 10: Daley Oct 11: The 502s Oct 15: The Infamous Stringdusters Oct 16: Colby Acuff Oct 17: Bombargo Oct 19: L7 Oct 20: Andrew McMahon (Sold Out) Oct 21: Abbie Gamboa Oct 23: Tiana Major9 Oct 24: AJ Lee & Blue Summit Oct 25: Jai’Len Josey Oct 30: Ethan Regan NOVEMBER 2026 Nov 2: The Arcadian Wild Nov 3: The Army, The Navy Nov 4: Zauntee Nov 6: Knox Nov 8: Tyler Ballgame Nov 9: Deer Tick Nov 10: Gaelic Storm Nov 12: New Constellations Nov 13: Katie Pruitt Nov 15: Paula Cole Nov 17: Joy Oladokun Nov 18: Jalen Ngonda Nov 19: Carbon Leaf Nov 20: Phillip Phillips Nov 21: The Bends Nov 22: Kurt Vile & the Violator
LOUD & LIVE Aug. 7
• Amos’ Southend: Unleashed • CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Drew Holgate • Evening Muse: Shake the Dust & Carolina Gator Gumbo • Franklin Court Grille: Jam Central • Shep’s Bar & Grill: Hardwired • Stooges Pub & Grub: Unknown Artist Band • TD Amp Ballantyne: Tell Me Lies • The Club House Bites and Booze: Save July • The Milestone: Slugline • The Trail House: Hey L’80s • Visulite Theatre: Sam Holt Band
Aug. 8
• Amos’ Southend: Purgatory • Franklin Court Grille: Blue Muse • Iron Thunder Saloon and Grill: AltShift • Spectrum Center: Bryan Adams • The Club House Bites and Booze: Dustin Yager Trio • The Milestone: TRHA • The Trail House: Road Crew • The Underground: Cumbiatron • Visulite Theatre: Rastacoustic
Aug. 9
• Ovens Auditorium: Bronco • Spectrum Center: Mumford & Sons
Aug. 10
• Evening Muse: Open Mic
Aug. 11
• Evening Muse: Menastree • Neighborhood Theatre: Franz Ferdinand (Sold Out) • Ovens Auditorium: Brit Floyd • The Milestone: Eternal
Aug. 12
• Carolina Theatre CLT: PJ Morton • CharBar No. 7 (Carmel): Anna J • Ovens Auditorium: Mon Laferte • The Club House Bites and Booze: Scott Lowder • The Trail House: Delta Fire Duo
Aug. 13
• Amos’ Southend: The Philharmonik and Wyatt Waddell • CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Mark Pelfrey • Evening Muse: Jarrod Morris w/ Alex Rogers • Great Wagon Road Distilling: Open Mic • Iron Thunder Saloon and Grill: Adam Daniels • The Fillmore: Stellar Unplugged • The Milestone: Foreign Hands
Aria to lead Family Fun Night MINT HILL – Crystal Aria will perform at the next installment of Mint Hill’s Family Fun Night. The band performs hits across five decades in the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia. They notably performed at Charlotte’s Festival in the Park in 2025 In addition to the concert, the event includes food trucks, inflatables and family games. The free event takes place at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 15 on the Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park soccer field. The concert follows at 7 p.m. There will be a variety of food vendors, including A Tana Empanada, Brothers Southern Fried, Spudwings, Raging Bull, Dusty Moon, Cornfetti Gourmet Popcorn and The Boba Tea Bar. On the web: facebook.com/ minthillevents
Charlotte
• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St. • Carolina Theatre CLT: 230 N. Tryon St. • CharBar No. 7: 4130 Carmel Road • Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St. • Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Ovens Auditorium: 2900 E. Independence Blvd. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. • TD Amp Ballantyne: 11115 Upper Ave. • The Club House Bites and Booze: 16715 Orchard Stone Run • The Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • The Underground: 820 Hamilton St. • Visulite Theatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.
Indian Trail
• The Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road
Mint Hill
• CharBar No. 7: 7312 Town View Drive • Shep’s Bar & Grill: 8111 Fairview Road • Stooges Pub & Grub: 13230 Albemarle Road
Monroe
• Franklin Court Grille: 232 E. Franklin St. • Iron Thunder Saloon and Grill: 608 W. Roosevelt Blvd.
Waxhaw
• Great Wagon Road Distilling: 122 W. North Min St.
present ed by Novant Healt h – Mat t hews Medical Cent er
Sunday, Sept 6
All-You-Can-Ride Wristband Night in the CARNIVAL $30 for all you can ride Opens at 5pm! 6:00pm - Sponsor Exhibits, & Food Vendors open Main Stage 6:30-8:00pm – The Entertainers 8:30-10:00pm – Electric Avenue, 80s MTV Exper.
Saturday, Sept 5 10am-10pm
1pm-10pm
1:00–10:00pm - Dilling Small Shops, Sponsor Exhibits, Carnival, & Food Vendors open. 1:00-7:30pm - Community Center building opens Main Stage 1:00pm-4:00pm – Festival tunes w/ Jim Shafer 4:30pm-6:00pm – Stella Rising 6:30pm-8:00pm – U-Neek Flavur 8:30pm-10:00pm –The Purple Experience (Prince tribute)
9:30am - The Matthews Alive Parade through downtown Matthews! 10:00am – Dilling Small Shops, Sponsor Exhibits, Carnival, & Food Vendors open. 11:00am – Community Center building opens
Children’s Stage 1:00pm – Steve Langley’s Variety Show 2:00pm – Corky the Magic Clown 3:00pm – Steve Brogan, Comic Ventriloquist 4:00pm – Jolly Roger the Pirate
Main Stage 11:00am-4:00pm – Festival tunes w/Jim Shafer 4:30pm-6:00pm – Rudy’s Bluegrass Revue 6:30pm-8:00pm – Dustin Wilson & The Howlers 8:30pm-10:00pm – The American Ride, Toby Keith tribute
Community Center Exhibits 1:00pm-7:30pm Woodworkers Show, Piedmont Fiber Guild Weaving & Spinning Exhibit, Robotics Exhibit, Basket Show, Woodcarvers Demo, & Sweet Union Quilt Guild Show (inside, air-cond.)
Children’s Stage 1:00pm – Steve Langley’s Variety Show 2:00pm – Corky the Magic Clown 3:00pm – Steve Brogan, Comic Ventriloquist 4:00pm – Jolly Roger the Pirate Community Center Exhibits 11:00am-7:30pm Woodworkers Show, Piedmont Fiber Guild Weaving & Spinning Exhibit, Robotics Exhibit, Basket Show, Woodcarvers Demo, & Sweet Union Quilt Guild Show (inside, air-cond.) Community Center Indoor Music (air cond.) 12:00n-3:00pm – Jonothan Gatton (keyboard/vocals, lobby) 4:00pm-6:00pm – Signature Keys, dueling pianos (stage) McDowell Art Center (air cond.) 11:00am-7:30pm –Matthews Artist Guild Art Show
Community Center Indoor Music (air cond.) 1:00pm-3:00pm – Cori Rose (keyboard/vocals, lobby) 4:00pm-6:00pm – Signature Keys, dueling pianos (stage) McDowell Art Center (air cond.) 1:00pm-7:30pm – Matthews Artist Guild Art Show
PETS PROHIBITED per Town Ordinance
Schedule is subject to change
Visit our website at MatthewsAlive.org
Presenting Sponsor: Area & Community-Level Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsor:
Monday, Sept. 7
9am-5pm
9:00am-5:00pm – Dilling Small Shops, Sponsor Exhibits, Carnival, & Food Vendors open. 9:00am-4:00pm - Community Center building opens Main Stage 9:00am-1:00pm– Festival tunes w/ Jim Shafer 1:30pm-3:00pm – Distillery Cats 3:30pm-5:00pm – Thirsty Horses Children’s Stage 1:00pm – Steve Langley’s Variety Show 2:00pm – Corky the Magic Clown 3:00pm – Steve Brogan, Comic Ventriloquist 4:00pm – Jolly Roger the Pirate Community Center Exhibits 9:00am-4:00pm Woodworkers Show, Piedmont Fiber Guild Weaving & Spinning Exhibit, Robotics Exhibit, Basket Show, Woodcarvers Demo, & Sweet Union Quilt Guild Show (inside, air-cond.) Community Center Indoor Music (air cond.) 11:00am-2:00pm – Colby Dobbs (keyboard/vocals, lobby) McDowell Art Center (air cond.) 9:00am-4:00pm – Matthews Artist Guild Art Show 5:00pm – FESTIVAL CONCLUDES SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
Page 4B • The Weekly • Aug. 7, 2026
Charlotte native gives sibling story a pirate twist CHARLOTTE – Charlotte native Dayna Eppley has written a children’s book with an interesting pirate hook. In “Logan’s New Room,” Logan learns that he’ll soon be moving to a big-boy room to make way for a new baby. He’s a little nervous and not sure what to expect. But Logan and his Eppley teddy bear, Bubba, face an even bigger test of courage when they suddenly find themselves aboard Salty Sam’s pirate ship. Logan and Bubba must find a way to escape a band of pirates and make it into his new room before they are forced to walk the plank. “Logan’s New Room” helps younger readers feel understood as they navigate unfamiliar changes in their lives. The adventure allows them to come out of the book feeling more sure of themselves. Logan and Bubba’s journey assures readers that every change is part of a greater voyage.
“I wrote this story to highlight a part of childhood I have witnessed with many of my children and grandchildren,” Eppley said. “Transitioning to being an older sibling, to having a new room or to overcoming fears is a huge part of growing up.” She is a mother of four children and “Nene” to eight grandchildren. Eppley said she drew inspiration for the pirate plot from a family vacation. “The pirate experience really resonated with our grandchildren,” she said. “It allowed them to overcome fears and meet them successfully.” Change can be scary, but with “Logan’s New Room,” young readers are able to view things through an exciting, less scary spyglass. Eppley, a former teacher and preschool director, reminds young readers that they are braver than they think they are and that at the end of the day, there is truly no place like home. “Logan’s New Room” can be ordered on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, bookshop.org and warrenpublishing.net.
Presented by MatthewsAlive.org
SAT. SEPT 5th 10AM-10PM
FRI. SEPT 4th 6PM-10PM
Parade 9:30am
The Entertainers 6:30-8:00pm
2nd yr-“NEW” route
Kids’ Stage, & Small Shops open
Electric Avenue-
Bluegrass & Country on
The 80s MTV Experience
8:30pm-10:00pm
The Main Stage
4:30pm-8pm
EARLY OPEN: 5pm
The American Ride
All-You-Can-Ride Wristband Night at the Carnival!
Toby Keith tribute
8:30pm-10pm
SUN. SEPT 6th 1PM-10PM
Pop/Rock/Dance/Funk – various
artists on the Main Stage 4:30pm-8pm
MON. SEPT 7th 9AM-5PM
Distillery Cats, Thirsty Horses on the Main Stage 1:30pm-5pm
A 50+ year tradition, while supporting the community! Presenting Sponsor:
Area/Supporting Sponsors:
Community-Level Exhibitors:
The PURPLE EXPERIENCE Prince tribute
8:30pm-10pm