Union County Weekly

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Union County

Serving Indian Trail, Marvin, Stallings, Waxhaw, Weddington and Wesley Chapel

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Scores, 8; Education, 12; Honor Roll, 13; A&E, 16; Calendar, 18; Sports, 20; Classifieds, 23

page 3

Indian Trail moves toward decision on town hall

Volume 9, Number 52 • Dec. 24 to 30, 2014 Locally Owned & Operatedwww.unioncountyweekly.com

Spreading hope for the holidays

Weddington High School seasonal sponsorship program supports 65 kids

by Josh [email protected]

Staple of Union County Christian community shuts its doors by Ryan Pitkin

[email protected]

Thursday, Dec. 18 marked the end of local programming at WRCM 91.9 New Life radio station after 21 years of broad-casting from Union County.

Columbia International Univer-sity (CIU), which owned the station, announced in October that it would be selling WRCM, along with two other sta-tions under its ownership, to the Edu-cational Media Foundation, which runs

the nationally syndicated K-Love Radio Network.

K-Love will continue to run Christian programming on the station, but it will be the same programming heard by the station’s 18 million listeners across the

country, as opposed to the local stories and personalities listeners have become accustomed to in the past two decades.

Union County resident and loyal listener Julie Simpson said she was “heartbroken”

WEDDINGTON – When Weddington High School sophomore Caroline Horne discussed launching a club to mentor children from a local Boys & Girls Club chapter last year, she had no idea she would pave the way for bringing Christmas cheer to dozens of children in need across Union County.

Now in its second year, the Weddington Mentors Club has between 75 and 80 active members, who spend at least one afternoon each week volunteering at the branch of the Boys & Girls Club of America that meets at Monroe Middle School.

Weddington Mentors recently united with other Weddington High School organizations, including the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society and student government, to support 65 stu-dents from the Boys and Girls Club through a spon-sorship program called “Hope for the Holidays.”

“Just hearing how (the students) don’t have much (for Christmas) – that’s what sparked (the idea),” Caroline said. “We want them to be able to have the same Christmas that the kids in Weddington and other places get to have.”

Weddington Mentors was launched last year with

Photo courtesy of Caroline Horne

(see New Life on page 4)

(see Hope for the Holidays on page 12)

The Union County Weekly staff reflects on their favorite Christmas

and Hannukah memories

StartS on page 10

HappyHolidays!

• Dec. 24 to 30, 2014 • Union County Weekly www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly • Dec. 24 to 30, 2014 • www.unioncountyweekly.com

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail [email protected]

Circulation: 25,000Readership: 54,675



Health&Wellness2015

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CONTENT FOCUSED ISSUES

News

Indian Trail moves toward decision on town hallby Ryan Pitkin

[email protected]

INDIAN TRAIL – The Indian Trail Town Council hopes to make a deci-sion at their next meeting on who will build a new town hall complex at the corner of Matthews-Indian Trail Road and Chestnut Square Parkway.

At its meeting on Dec. 9, the town council heard pitches from two con-tractors and briefly discussed both options, but pushed a decision back to its next meeting, on Jan. 13, 2015, when they can discuss it at length.

Councilmembers voted in Septem-ber to approve a 20-acre piece of land across from the new Chestnut Square Park as the new location for a town hall. A current proposal shows a two-story building that measures between 20,000 and 25,000 square feet that would hold a council chamber, an open lobby entrance, staff offices, media rooms and conference rooms.

Joe Fivas, town manager, said the new building would give the town more room for staff, but also for orga-nizations such as homeowners’ asso-ciations, Boy and Girl Scout troops and others.

“We have a real lack of space for organizations,” Fivas said. “This helps and it also helps meet the needs for

future expansions of town facilities.” Some residents at past public hear-

ings expressed concern about how the town is going to pay for the new facility. Fivas said the price tag could run anywhere between $4 and 7 mil-lion.

Mayor Michael Alvarez, who said he expects the cost to be between $6 and 8 million for construction, not including the increase in operational and facilities costs, believes the council is trying to push the project through without listening to the tax-payers who will be funding it.

Alvarez said that if the town were to vote on the issue and approve it, he would be behind it, but that he can-not speak in favor of the project as it’s currently being presented.

“Regardless of what I think, a proj-ect of this magnitude should be left to the people in a referendum,” Alvarez said. “If the people want a building that big, so be it, but it will require a tax increase somewhere down the road; there’s no way around it.”

Alvarez said he would be in favor of constructing a smaller building with room for expansion as the town grows in the future.

Indian Trail currently has nearly 37,000 residents and is the second-

largest town in Union County. The current community room where coun-cil meetings are held can sit approxi-mately 75 people. The community room in the proposed building would hold between 100 and 200 people.

There are currently two construc-tion companies vying for the right to begin building the complex: Choate Construction and Edifice, Inc., both of which are Charlotte-based. Repre-sentatives of each company were able to address the council on Dec. 9, giv-ing a rundown of their companies’ histories and why they would like to

work on this project. One representative from Choate

Construction said that of the many projects he has worked on over the years, he puts a very select few framed pictures of the results on his office walls, but he could tell from look-ing at the proposal sketches that this project would be “one for the office wall.”

Representatives of each company answered brief questions from the council, such as Councilmember David Drehs’ questions regarding how

(see Indian Trail on page 5)

Public feedback suggested a “traditional, yet modern feel” for the new building. Rendering courtesy of Indian Trail


News

when she heard the Wingate-based station would be closing its doors for good.

“It’s very disheartening,” Simpson said. “That’s the only station out there for us locally, to hear all the encouraging stories and things. It’s sad because they were in our own community and to actually know some of them, it made a difference in so many of our lives.”

Simpson said she has heard about K-Love and will continue to listen, at least for a trial period, because she enjoys hav-ing a contemporary Christian radio station right at her fingertips that doesn’t need to be changed when kids are in the car.

Earl Bradshaw, lead pastor at Mill Grove United Methodist Church, said he has been a listener since the first day the station began broadcasting and his church had donated to the listener-supported sta-tion for 15 years.

He said he feels “saddened, but it’s not a tragedy,” as he is already a fan of K-Love from times when he has listened to it while traveling. He said that WRCM has been crucial to the local Christian com-munity due to the work they did with local churches and the affordable concerts they hosted every year.

“It was the first contemporary Christian radio station in the area, and it helped transform the way we worship in our church,” Bradshaw said. “It’s a big impact because our worship teams listen and get ideas from the people there.”

CIU Broadcasting began in 1976 with the founding of WMHK in Columbia, South Carolina, when area businessmen approached CIU for assistance in bring-ing a Christian radio station to the mid-lands of South Carolina, according to a news release announcing the sale. CIU expanded its reach to Union County and the Charlotte area with the New Life sta-tion by creating WRCM in 1993. Together, the award-winning stations reached over 350,000 listeners weekly in the Carolinas.

The October deal gave K-Love control of WMHK, WRCM and Boiling Springs, North Carolina-based WRZM, which

broadcasts to Shelby, North Carolina and upstate South Carolina and was founded in 2014.

In the release, K-Love President and CEO Mike Novak, expressed his appre-ciation for the opportunity to continue the heritage of the CIU stations.

“K-LOVE has partnered with and been supportive of WMHK, WRCM and WRZM for years and has seen their impact in the communities they serve,” Novak said. “We look forward to working hard to continue the tradition, while bringing what we have to offer to listeners throughout the Carolinas."

CIU will no longer have a broadcasting branch, and the money from the sale will go towards the general endowment for schol-arships at the Christian-based college, Bob Holmes, CIU spokesperson, said.

“We are now concentrating on the edu-cation aspect of the university,” Holmes said.

In the release, CIU President Dr. Bill Jones elaborated on the school’s reprioriti-zation of funding.

"CIU will be in a stronger position to focus on its core purpose of educating students from a biblical worldview,” Jones said. “Meanwhile, the radio stations will become part of an expanded outreach in the Carolinas with an owner who can con-tinue their growth in the rapidly changing broadcast environment."

U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger, who repre-sents North Carolina’s 9th congressional district issued a press release of his own on the day that WRCM shut its doors. Pit-tenger said he had worked with the station on ministry and charitable events in the community.

“For 21 years, the staff of New Life 91.9 has used their radio ministry to positively impact lives in the Carolinas, includ-ing providing supplies for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, connecting listen-ers with encouragement and counseling as they grieved or struggled with a loss,” Pittenger said in the release. “(They have) spread hope by participating in the ‘Power to Change’ evangelistic outreach cam-paign, and organized community efforts to supply shoes for needy children in our

New Life(continued from page 1)

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News

each company treated veterans, an issue that Drehs cares deeply about.

There have been past public hear-ings regarding the issue, and resi-dents are always welcome to address council at each meeting regarding their concerns about any issues in the town, but Alvarez believes a refer-endum vote for the whole town would be the only way to truly receive the response they need.

“A project of this magnitude being put together in less than 180 days and

with such an extreme price tag could very well be stretching us very thin financially as a town,” Alvarez said.

Alvarez pointed out that he will only have a vote in the case of a tie between councilmembers, but that he will “use (his) microphone” at the upcoming meeting in an attempt to dissuade councilmembers from act-ing too quickly regarding the project. Still, it is a cause he does not feel confident in accomplishing.

“The choice is not mine,” Alvarez said. “(Councilmembers) have already made up their mind, and there’s no turning back.”

Indian Trail(continued from page 3)

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Union County Weekly

News Briefs10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 154Charlotte, NC 28210

Phone: 704-849-2261 • Fax: 704-849-2504www.unioncountyweekly.com

Union County Weekly is published by the Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

Advertising: [email protected]

Associate Publisher

Randi Trojan

Founder

Alain Lillie

PUBLISHER

Local Brownie troop fills stockings for the less fortunate

On Dec. 10, local members of Brownie Troop 3045 of Union County filled stock-ings for less fortunate girls of similar age in Union County.

The troop members, all of whom are third graders at Antioch, Indian Trail or Wedding-ton elementary schools, filled 16 stockings with supplies meant for girls 6 to 8 years old bought with donations from their fami-lies. The stockings were then delivered to the Union County Christmas Bureau to be given, along with stockings filled by other volunteers in the area, to children in need in Union County on Christmas morning.

“They were real excited to help out and to know that these were going to girls right here in our county,” said troop leader Leslie Williams.

Troop 3045 tries to do volunteer work in the community at least once every two months, and recently ran a lemonade stand to help fight children’s cancer and done work with Levine Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House, Williams said.

New phase of construction set to begin at Crooked Creek Park

INDIAN TRAIL – Construction work-ers are set to start building two new addi-tions to Crooked Creek Park in 2015. They will break ground soon on a destination playground and dog park, according to the Indian Trail newsletter.

The playground will offer some one-of-

a-kind amenities for children that can’t be found in any other parks in Union or Mecklenburg counties, Jason Tryon, assis-tant director of Indian Trail Parks and Rec-reation, said in the newsletter.

Features include a zip line, a reproduced “fallen tree” climbing structure tunnel and a tree house structure with a bridge con-necting the two tree structures together.

“This playground will serve as one of the many ways Indian Trail’s Parks and Rec-reation Department will be on the cutting edge of the industry by offering education and programming for all residents,” Tryon added.

The town is currently working on a final design for the dog park, with construction expected to start in January and be com-pleted by summer 2015, according to the newsletter. Crooked Creek Park also will provide residents with a paved walking and biking trail. The trail will be approximately three-quarters of a mile long.

Crooked Creek Park is located near Sardis Elementary School on Unionville-Indian Trail Road.

Indian Trail in search for new member of ABC Board

INDIAN TRAIL – The town of Indian Trail is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its ABC Board.

All applicants interested in serving on the board will need to have the recommendation or non-recommendation of the board chair. It also is recommended that they attend at least one board meeting before being con-sidered by the town council, according to the town’s appointment procedure.

New applicants will then be interviewed by the town council, which will vote on an appointment.

All applications must be submitted no later than Jan. 16, 2015.

The ABC Board meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Indian Trail Civic Building at 100 Navajo Trail.

For more information visit www.indiantrail.org, contact Peggy Piontek at [email protected] or call (704) 821-5401.

News

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EDITORIAL

Features Editor

Josh Whitener

Asst. Sports Editor

Hannah Chronis

News Writer

Courtney Schultz

News Writer

Ryan Pitkin

Layout Editor

Liz Lanier

Art Director

Maria Hernandez

A&E Editor

Dee Grano

Faith Columnist

Rev. Tony MarcianoBrownie Troop 3045 with stocking they filled for children in need. Photo courtesy of Leslie Williams


Union County Weekly

Crime Blotter

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The following people were arrested in western Union County between Dec. 18 and 23, according to the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

Hemby Bridge

• William Liles, 8300 block of Idlewild Road: Assault on a female. Dec. 23

Indian Trail

• Kaela Baucom, 4700 block Baucom Helms Drive: Failure to appear. Dec. 19

• Stephen Sullivan, 5800 block of West Highway 74: Assault on a female. Dec. 20

• Tyrell Wardell, 6100 block of Stoney Ridge Road: Assault on a female. Dec. 20

• Tony Starnes, 4000 block of Fincher Road: Violation of a domestic violence protec-tion order. Dec. 20

• Kathleen Randall, 4300 block of Moser Circle: Felony breaking & entering. Dec. 20

• Jamie Hood, 4700 block of Jacquelyne Drive: Failure to appear. Dec. 20

• Andrey Moroz, 1000 block of Fort Clapsop Court: Assault on a female. Dec. 20

• Michael Staton, 5800 block of Autumn Trace Lane: Probation violation. Dec. 21

• William Gipson, 5500 block of Friendly Baptist Church: Injury to real property. Dec. 22

• Kelly Osborne, U.S. 74 near Smith Farm Road: Driving while impaired. Dec. 22

• Kenneth McCauley, 5900 block of White Cliffs Drive: Resisting/delaying/obstruct-ing an officer. Dec. 23

Waxhaw

• Montgomery Crittenden, Five Forks Road, no address listed: Felony possession of cocaine. Dec. 20

• Jim Morgan, 200 block of South Church Street: Simple possession of schedule VI con-trolled substance. Dec. 21

• Nathan Gibson, 4600 block of Waxhaw Marvin Road: Interfering with emergency com-munication. Dec. 21

• Shea Mackey, 1200 block of North Broome Street: Shoplifting. Dec. 22

Weddington

• Craig Owsley, Hemby Road, no address listed: Driving while impaired. Dec. 18

• Matthew Floyd, 600 block of Ennis Road: Felony breaking & entering. Dec. 19

• Benjamin Jackson, 1800 block of Cox Road: Driving while impaired. Dec. 19

• Rachel Gertzman, 3600 block of North Twelve Mile Creek Road: Possession of mari-juana. Dec. 21

• Andrew Moore, 3900 block of Matthews Weddington Road: Felony possession of heroin. Dec. 22

Wesley Chapel

• Anthony Goss, 6000 block of Wedding-ton Road: Failure to appear. Dec. 19

The following crimes were committed in western Union County between Dec. 18 and 23, according to the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

Indian Trail

Home/Business Break-ins• 4000 block of Moser Circle: Handguns,

cash, jewelry and ammunition, worth $2,160 total, stolen during home break-in. Dec. 18

• 5600 block of Poplin Road: Jewelry, video games, laptop, money, DVDs and pillow case, worth $2,540 total, stolen during home break-in. Dec. 18

• 6000 block of Warwagon Drive: Nothing listed as stolen in home break-in. Dec. 22

Vehicle Break-ins• 1000 block of Phar Lap Road: Gift cards

stolen from vehicle during break-in. Dec. 21

Property Theft• 2101 block of Younts Road: $10 license

plate stolen from car. Dec. 18• 1000 block of Crismark Drive: Cellphone

and purse stolen during armed robbery. Dec. 20

• 7800 block of Idlewild Road: $400 cell-phone stolen. Dec. 21

• 4100 block of Less Traveled Trail: $4,500 enclosed trailer stolen. Dec. 22

• Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $397 electric riding toy stolen from business. Dec. 22

Vandalism/Hit-and-run• 100 block of Navajo Trail: Damage done to

Nissan Altima in hit-and-run. Dec. 19• 7700 block of Russell Road: $25 damage

to Volkswagen Jetta in burning incident. Dec. 20

• 6700 block of Old Monroe Road: $220 damage to tires of Toyota Tundra in vandalism incident. Dec. 21

• 5500 block of Friendly Baptist Church Road: $500 damage to front door of home in vandalism incident. Dec. 21

• 4000 block of William Clark Trail: $300 damage to residential properties in vandalism incident. Dec. 22

Financial Crimes/Fraud• 5500 block of Poplin Road: Diverting util-

ity use. Dec. 18

Miscellaneous• 3600 block of Wesley Chapel Road: Pos-

session of marijuana. Dec. 21• 5000 block of Sandstone Lane: Possession

of drug paraphernalia. Dec. 21

Marvin

Vandalism/Hit-and-runs• 200 block of Cattle Ridge Road: $600

damage to mailbox in vandalism incident. Dec. 21

(see Crime Blotter on page 8)


News

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Waxhaw

Property Theft• 8100 block of Mandeville Court: $1,000

locator wand stolen from Piedmont Natural Gas employee. Dec. 19

• 7600 block of Sims Road: $200 purse containing checkbook, credit cards, Social Security card and identification. Dec. 21

• 600 block of Sherman Place: $10 wallet containing credit cards, identification and

$140 cash stolen. Dec. 21• 1800 block of Waxhaw Indian Trail Road:

$900 Suzuki vehicle stolen. Dec. 22

Miscellaneous• 4600 block of Waxhaw Marvin Road:

Interfering with emergency communications. Dec. 21

Weddington

Home/Business Break-ins• Country Haven Swim & Racquet Club,

4315 Weddington Matthews Road: Stereo

equipment and flat screen television, worth $3,000 total, stolen and $200 in damage done to rear door in business break-in. Dec. 20

Financial Crimes/Fraud• 2400 block of Cherrywood Lane: Obtain-

ing property by false pretenses. Dec. 19

Hit-and-runs/Vandalism• 4000 block of Blossom Hill Drive: $300

damage to Nissan Xterra in vandalism inci-dent. Dec. 20

Crime Blotter(continued from page 7)

Union County Weekly

Restaurant ScoresThe Union County Health Department

inspected the following dining locations from Dec. 17 to 22.

Lowest Scores:• Bob Zip Asian Kitchen, 1369 Chest-

nut Lane, suite A, 28104 – 92 Violations included: Owner’s covered

drink stored on wok spice cart; trash cans, dish machine racks and buckets placed in front of hand sinks; raw, shelled eggs stored above cabbage heads in walk-in cooler; raw, frozen chicken stored above raw beef and raw meats stored above uncooked egg roll wraps in walk-in freezer; knives, tongs and ladles stored with food debris; mul-tiple foods stored in cooler beyond seven day expiration date; cleaned buckets and lids stored on drink crates where potential contamination could occur during floor cleaning; some equipment not approved for restaurant use; and general cleaning needed.

All Scores:

28173• Heritage Food & Drink, 201 W.

South Main St. – 95 • Maxwell’s Tavern, 112 E. South

Main St. – 98.5 • McDonald’s, 2536 Cuthbertson Road

– 92.5 • Ming Fu, 8139 B Kensington Drive

– 93.5 • Starbucks, 9700 Rea Road – 99 • The Stuffed Olive, 1201J N. Broome

St. – 96

28104• Bob Zip Asian Kitchen, 1369 Chest-

nut Lane, suite A – 92 • Carnitas Mexican Guanajuanto,

7900 G Stevens Mill Road – 95.5 • Greco Fresh Grille, 6400 Weddington

Monroe Road, suite G – 97.5

28079No restaurants inspected this week.

28110• Bojangles, 555 E. Roosevelt Blvd. –

96 • Cook Out Restaurant, 1410 W.

Roosevelt Blvd. – 98.5 • Five Guys, 2833 W. Roosevelt Blvd.

– 97.5 • Sonic Burger, 1243 W. Roosevelt

Blvd. – 95

28112No restaurants inspected this week.

About the grades…Restaurants are given grades of A for scoring

at least 90, B for 80 to 89 and C for 70 to 79. The state revokes permits for restaurants that score below 70.


(Monthly section)2nd Issue of the Month

Whether it’s branding, listings, open houses, or mortgage rates and offers, our monthly Home Sales section is a perfect fit. In the second issue of every month, each newspaper publishes home sales for its coverage area. Space is very limited, so don’t miss out and call to reserve your space today for this monthly section dedicated to your industry … home sales.

(Monthly section)1st Issue of the Month

South Charlotte Weekly’s popular Culinary Corner is published the first issue of every month and written by Charles Jenkin, a South Charlotte resident and host of WBT’s This Show is Cookin’. Culinary Corner is one of the best-read sections in South Charlotte Weekly and generates a plethora of reader feedback each month.

(Content-focused Issues)As the largest newspaper group covering southern Mecklenburg and

Union counties, there’s no better medium to get your message in front of our 120,000 verified and affluent readers than by advertising in 4 of our most popular issues of the year.

Each of our 2015 Health & Wellness issues will be packed with hyper-local stories covering the latest trends in healthcare, powerful feature-stories of courageous battles and efforts of local organizations to raise awareness for the many great causes and needs in our community.

Issue dates: January 30 April 24 July 31 October 2 (Content-focused sections)

Eager to find just the right happy campers? The Weekly’s Summer Camp Guides are the perfect fit. These special sections offer a cost-effective advertising vehicle, coupled with helpful camp editorial content, to reach your target market during this peak camp registration period.

Issue date: February 6 and 20 March 6 and 20 April 3 and 17

Health & Wellness

Summer Camp Guide

Back to School

Culinary Corner

Home Sales(Content-focused issue)

It’s back to the books and basics with advertisements in our must-have back-to-school issues. Featuring the latest college guidance tips, school system updates and education trends, our two back-to-school issues are resources you won’t want to miss.

Issue date: August 14

(Bi-monthly section)2nd & 4th Issues of the Month

When it comes to reaching the performing arts crowd, this must-read section delivers the best reader demographics in the Charlotte market. From local performances to the national stage, we’ve got the arts community covered.

Arts & Entertainment

Performing Arts Preview 2015-2016(Special pullout section)

Our informative guide is your best yearlong resource for the hottest performances in the Charlotte area. With summaries of the year’s must-see theater, dance and music performances, our Performing Arts Preview is a must for every Queen City cultural arts enthusiast.

Issue date: September 25 South Charlotte, Union County and Matthews-Mint Hill 55,000 circulation

For advertising please call 704-849-2261 or e-mail [email protected].

EDITORIALCALENDAR2015


News

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Independent Living, Assisted Livingand Memory Care

This year marks the first year I won’t be waking up in my parents’ home on Christ-mas morning.

The past four years I’ve scurried home after gruel-ing exams to the welcoming arms of home-cooked

meals, tinsel around the tree and end-less cups of eggnog.

After graduating college this past May, I moved out on my own to an apartment with the responsibility of decorating my place, among others.

Some people might find my holiday decorations a bit befuddling because I am Jewish, but I have a tall Christmas tree glimmering in my apartment win-dow.

I grew up in a household of tolerance and acceptance. My father is Jewish and my mother is Christian, so we always celebrated holidays from both religions, which means the “most wonderful time of year” meant Hanukkah and Christ-mas in my household.

My elementary-school-aged self

thought that celebrating both holi-days just meant more presents, but as I matured I realized both Christmas and Hanukkah share similar meanings.

To me, both holidays commemorate miracles of God: the birth of Jesus is a Christmas miracle, and the oil in the menorah burned for eight days, when the oil was only expected to last for one day (another miracle).

The holiday time should be a reminder of all of the everyday miracles in each other’s lives. The small blessings we experience each day, such as getting the last one of your favorite muffins at Dunkin Donuts or finding $5 in an old pair of jeans.

That’s why I proudly decorate my apartment with a tree, lights, poinsettias and other traditional Christmas decora-tions. Because they remind me to think of the little things that make up the great parts of my life. They are part of the tradition of acceptance that I grew up with and remind me of the love and compassion revolved around the holiday season.

Of course, I have my menorah on my table as well, but no decoration defines or takes away from the spirit of the holi-day season: the season of being thank-ful.

A tale of two religionsby Courtney Schultz

[email protected]

Courtney Schultz

Ryan Pitkin

One may assume that C h r i s t m a s means more for a child than for an adult, but it’s been my experi-ence that the holiday becomes more meaningful as you mature.

Sure, running down the steps on Christmas morn-ing and seeing the presents laid out under the tree was a feeling that no child lucky enough to experience it will ever forget. But as I get closer to 30 years old, I can’t help but be thankful that I now look forward to Christmas for family reasons as opposed to materialistic ones.

For nearly 20 years, my family has taken turns hosting a Christmas Eve party with the two families of my closest childhood friends. As chil-dren, we boys would fill a large plate with as many Chick-fil-A nuggets as we could take from the spread and run off to whatever room hosted

video games, discussing what sort of presents we hoped to rip open come sunrise.

I’ve now hosted the party in my own home for three years running and, while the same three families have stayed close and attend each year, it’s noticeably a better experi-ence as all in attendance have grown into adults who appreciate each oth-er’s company.

I now look forward to all of the siblings around my age, who in the past decade have flown the coop and started lives of their own, joining with the parents, who each have had such an integral, individual impact on each younger person’s childhood in the room, and simply catching up on what the last year has brought for all of us, good or bad.

I now look forward to my sister coming down from her home in the mountains – only two hours away, but seemingly further at times – to spend the weekend in Charlotte, beginning with that night.

Sure, some gifts will be exchanged the following morning, but every-one’s mind will be far from that on Christmas Eve, and that’s the way it should be.

Christmas: It grows on youby Ryan Pitkin

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News

Christmas Eve is going to be strange this year.

Ever since I can remember, we’ve gathered each year on the eve-ning of Dec. 24 at my grandfather’s house. Our Christ-mas Eve traditions begin with a finger-

food dinner, followed by an annual reading of the Nativity story as told in Luke 2.

Then we pass out presents and find out who drew whose name, while the kids eagerly tear into a plethora of toys, games and goodies. After several hours of laugh-ter and enjoying one another’s company, we bid farewell to PePaw (yes, that’s what we call him – you might chuckle, but to us it’s practically his God-given name) and make the short drive from Belmont to McAdenville to see the countless displays of dazzling Christmas lights.

It’s been my favorite Christmas tradition from the time I was a child, eagerly await-ing Santa’s arrival, to adulthood, waiting with anxious excitement to “help Santa” bring gifts to my own kids.

But that tradition as we’ve known it

won’t take place this year.My 84-year-old PePaw suffered a series

of health issues from August to mid-Octo-ber, and my family was forced to make the tough decision of placing him in an assisted living center. His house was emptied and placed on the market, and will no longer serve as the warm centerpiece behind so many holiday traditions, the biggest being Christmas Eve.

My heart aches when I think about not spending Christmas Eve at my PePaw’s house; when I realize my 4-month-old son, Aiden, will never experience Christmas Eve at his Great-PePaw’s; when I face the reality of the new normal.

But in the midst of the sadness, I’ve found hope and joy. We still have my PePaw. We’ll still celebrate with each other, just at a dif-ferent place. The rest of our traditions will remain the same.

Home isn’t a building. This might sound cliché, but home truly is where the heart is. The classic “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was written about soldiers serving overseas during the holidays, and carries the power-ful message of no matter where you are, your heart can still be home.

Let’s all take a moment this season to forget the trimmings, trappings and holi-day stress and cherish what truly matters: those we hold dear.

Merry Christmas.

Home is where the heart is

Josh Whitener

by Josh Whitener [email protected]

Hannah Chronis

by Hannah [email protected]

Each Christ-mas Eve, my two sisters and I join our parents and celebrate the eve-ning at Grandma Dockery’s house. My dad is one of four boys and the only one with children, so we’ve

been spoiled from a young age – unapol-ogetically raking in presents from our adoring aunts and uncles and soaking up compliments of how wonderful we are (though, as the years have passed, we’ve begun to realize that our relatives are undoubtedly biased after watching home videos that captured our once-proclaimed “cuteness” as just annoying tweens craving attention).

When I was 9 years old, my Uncle Kenny looked at my sisters and me and said, “You know, before you know it, you girls will be bringing boys home on Christmas Eve.”

I laughed. And laughed and laughed and laughed. What a ridiculous thought! I would never bring a boy to Grandma’s house. This was my family and my

Christmas Eve, and heaven forbid some-one else coming in and getting more attention than me! It was ludicrous.

But here we are, many years and many Christmases later and just like every year, things have changed.

On Nov. 8, I got married. My last name changed from Dockery to Chronis and for the first time in my life, I’ll be bringing a “boy” home for Christmas and deep into Dockery territory – a thought that would’ve made my 9-year-old-self cringe. But family means something a little different this year. Familial bound-aries I once so rigidly defined are now fluid and flexible. My sisters are now his sisters. My grandma is now his grandma, and I’m beginning to realize that sharing family is a beautiful thing.

My hope and prayer this year is that family can mean a little something dif-ferent to all of us this holiday season. Whether you’re celebrating with a new baby or without a loved one, embrace the change and embrace the family you make for yourself. Tradition is beautiful and cherished, but change can be, too – if we let it.

And though life undoubtedly looks a little different this year than it did last, or when you were a child, it really is won-derful.

Celebrating Change


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Happy Holidays!

News

about 25 members who worked with the Boys & Girls Club at Monroe Middle, a local chapter of a national orga-nization that provides programs and activities outside of the standard school hours and curriculum that “promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influ-ence,” according to its website.

Volunteers from Weddington Mentors – which has now tripled in membership – have provided everything from assistance with homework and passing out snacks to help-ing with special activities, such as Boy Scouts and Girls on the Run – and sometimes, Caroline said, simply sitting and talking to the kids.

“I think it’s honestly just getting to spend time with the kids (that’s) literally changed my life,” she said. “The time you get to spend with the kids is just so rewarding, and it makes you so grateful for your life.”

An average of 60 to 70 kids 5 years old through eighth grade attend the Boys & Girls Club at Monroe Middle, Caroline said. She originally thought Weddington Mentors would be sponsoring about 30 kids through Hope for the Holidays, but the group ended up with a request for more than twice that amount.

Weddington Mentors teamed up with students from Weddington’s National Honor Society, and the two groups together were able to sponsor 62 children. Members of the Science National Honor Society sponsored the three remaining children, and the Weddington student govern-ment put together “goody bags” for each of the receiving children.

Sponsoring a child involved purchasing an entire outfit – shirt, pants, shoes and coat – as well as up to three items on the individual child’s wish list. Wish list items included everything from additional clothes to jewelry, basketballs and soccer balls, games, drawing notebooks and more.

Students received their gifts, along with a dinner and a surprise visit from Santa, at Weddington High School on

Wednesday, Dec. 17. Caroline said between the students in the clubs who helped sponsor the children and those who volunteered at the Dec. 17 event, the majority of the school played some kind of role in helping with Hope for the Holidays.

“About three-fourths of the school had some part in this thing,” Caroline said. “We opened it up to the school, (ask-ing classes), ‘Can you donate wrapping paper, bows, ran-dom toys?’ If they didn’t have a (direct) part in sponsoring (a student), they brought in toys, wrapping paper and other things.”

Caroline said she and the school are pleased with the success of Hope for the Holidays and plan to make the program an annual endeavor.

“It just goes to show how much people are willing to give and help others out, especially around the holidays,” she said. “It also shows how a little idea can go from being so small to this huge, school-wide event that everybody was able to help with and make a difference.”

Hope for the Holidays(continued from page 1)

Photos courtesy of Caroline Horne


A Honor roll

Third grade:

Kaleb Bigham, Collin Cheema, Kayla Gillis, Maggie Green, Dustin Keeffe, Katrin Malovana, Taylor Maus, Christian Milhone, Madison Pham, Madison Pressley, Whitney Ray, Eva Sloan and Toby Winardi.

Fourth grade:

Addison Ball, Joshua Bernadis, Abby Chew, Marissa Cukro, Billy Giustiniani, Allison Greenwalt, Ava Guild, Noah McIntyre, Maya Nikolayenko, Lauren Schwarz, Michael Sheraden, Justin Shumaker, Julia Zayachkowsky and Stephen Zayachkowsky.

Fifth grade:

Alexa Berkwits, Dominic Conry, Zachary Gotro, Nathan Ladimir, Hannah McIntyre, Natalie Travis, Emarie Tucker and Isabella Tufano.

A/B Honor roll

Third grade:

Jase Albertini, Bella Blakeslee, Tess Brico, Mariana Bustamante, Sarah Caruso, Austin Curry, Adam Cassidy, Julia Coffey, Natalia Costa, Juliet Cukro, Ethan Foust, Jacob Fowler, Helena Guerrero, Timothy Gustafson, Avery Hammersmith, Ella Hart, Kiara Hines, Jackson Hirsch, Avalyn Jackson, Daniel Kennedy, Katherine Kivlan, Sean McDevitt, Megan McLary, Sidney Mouzon, Owen Urbain, Arya Patel, Jacob Pierce, Caroline Player, Hannah Priles, Caleb Simmons, Nadia Smihal, Reagan Stanley, Addison Sullivan, Nicholas Tolan, Ella Williams, Brynn Wilson and Aaron Wright.

Fourth grade:

Emma Countyrman, Alexa Fusco, Kimberly Haines, Kiersten Helms, Landon Jewett, Kennady Lalley and Amberlea Sitler.

Fifth grade:

John Alexander, Ana Karen Aristizabel, Kate Augustine, Madison Barnes, Landri Bigham, Brielle Borbolla, Alexa Bossert, Carson Brackenbush, Jasha Brooker, Lucy Burch, Hannah Caruso, Maya Charlton, Aiden Chew, Justin Collins, Shauna Currie, Hunter Dubar, Preston Etheredge, Bryce Freeman, Jack Green, Brooke Gustafson, William Hart, Aaron Hough, Benjamin LaVigne, Risden Long, Christian Natali-Gergich, Hunter Newstreet, Owen OíKeef, Janella Olaleye, Lucky Pallone, Jeremy Palma, Jack Papiernik, Ashni Patel, David Pavlyuk, Jackson Ray, Chris Rice, Darby Sayball, Kendall Shumaker, Nathaniel Stout, Eriana Tucker, Avery Turpin, Makayla Wheelock and Jayden White.

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Education

Union County Weekly

Honor Roll

ElEmEntAry ScHool

A Honor roll:Vivianna Albert, Garrett Allen, Agnaeya Arora, Zack Attieh, Elliott Banks, Mya Beard, Madison Behnke, Quincy Bialobrzeski, Katelyn Briggs, Ryan Brown, Jackson Cagle, Abigail Champion, Christian Chapman, Mackenzie Chizmadia, Samantha Chrusniak, Madison Clark, Ariana Cordero, Hayden D'Allaird, Kira Dannaker, Zain Dawood, Ryan Ding, Catherine Douthit, Mia Gemignani, Delaney Gingrich, Daniella Gladden, Marisa Gonzalez, Katelyn Granger, Laura Green, Lily Hancock, William Jennings, Yaphet Kebede, Caitlin Kornberg, Sara Krajcovic, Gabrielle Lassiter, Maria Lightfoot, Paige Maher, Eva Marryat, Luke Matthews, Enzo McIntyre, Margaret Miller, Reagan Mohl, Riley Mohl, Victor Montalvo, Kate Murray, Lauren Neciuk, Connor Nelson, Riley Nichols, Dylan Notaro, Aidan Oates, Mya Parker, Haylee Prime, Nora Roman, Anna Ryan, Ethan Scisciani, Leah Seik, Mallory Sepe, Jacob Sherrill, Raegan Sherrill, Emilie Shooman, Dylan Sinople, Lauren Sweeney, Robert Tillotson, Kaylee Truesdale, Georgia Weaver, Meredith Wesolek, Ruby Williams and Presley Worf. A/B Honor roll:Gabriella Abbott, Mathew Almeida, Amanda Amos, Elise Austin, John Bagdasarian, William Bajus, Vaughn Beard, Alexa Behnke, Alexis Bell, Tyler Bopp, Ava Bosley, Aaron Bowman, Kaleb Brigham, Bentley Brooks, Ava Brown, Jamahl Brown, William Bryan, India Burke, Daniella Carrillo, Ainsley Caspers, Seth Cohen, Carson Collie, Lauren Collie, Francesca Corona, Joseph Craig, Vivek Crowe, Catherine DeCarlo, Jackson Del Bosco, Anthony Dickinson, Emery Donlan, Melina D'Rozario, Riley Eanes, Emma Edmonds, Cameron Enos,

Eli Ernst, Greyson Evers, Esteban Ferrer, Robert Figueroa, John Franz, Isabelle Gallardo, Lauren Gemignani, Ella Gingrich, Hannah Green, Vincent Grippa, Alex Haire, Serena Halawani, Corban Hall, Joshua Handley, Dylan Hardgrove, Ruth Hatfield, Carson Hegele, Olivia Hellow, Quinn Hilligoss, Megan Hintze, Jackson Hively, Alexander Hodel, Isabela Hoechster, Blake Houff, Xiao Huang, McKenna Huthert, Mason Jacobus, Meghan Jennings, Brian Jeong, Richard Johnson, Emily Joyner, Meredith Kennedy, Ashley Kim, Matthew Kirk, Aiden Komito, Davis Kroeger, Benjamin Kusherman, Sydney Laddin, Dominic Lamb, Maya Lupo, Samir Machaalani, Michael Mann, Olivia Margulies, Kiley McGee, Megan Misiak, Charli Montalvo, Sang Nguyen-Ly, Alex Nyman, Evan O'Donnell, Jack O'Meara, Charles Osei-Duro, Brady Prewett, Dawson Prewett, Makayla Prewitt, Ryan Quas, Aidan Quintana, Veena Rachakonda, Devin Reed, Nathan Rios, Brendan Ryan, James Salicco, Malorie Sammons, Daniel Sanchez, Max Sanfilippo, Leilani Sarmiento, Supreya Saxena, Maxwell Serna, Kenedi Sheriff, Lilly Sherman, Morgan Sherrill, Nicholas Sholar, Olivia Simon, Emma Skibbie-Slawinski, Claire Sofsian, Madison Soler, Charles Spellings, Jillian St. Hilaire, Meredith St. Pierre, Parker Steedly, AnnaBelle Stewart, Ella Stewart, Michael Stroz, Noreen Sullivan, Darby Swafford, Ella Swafford, Bradford Sweeter, Ainsley Swift, Natalie Taylor, Ross Thompson, Luke Thoms, Taylor Truesdale, Caison Turner, Kyndall Upchurch, Camryn Voss, Kathryn Wahab, Hayden Ward, Emma Weldon, Sienna Weldon, Brandon Wey, Rachel White, Grace Wilkins, Peyton Williams, Ethan Zimmerman, Collin Zmolek and Charlie Zollinger.

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Education

Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail [email protected]




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Union County Weekly

Honor Roll

A Honor rollSixth grade: Nour Abodabba, Zaid Ahmed, Samantha Angeli, Rebecca Ankenbruck, Isabella Ashi, Jake Atlas, Alex Baja, Lucas Barbu, Madelyn Baucom, Isabelle Bay, Reagan Baylog, Maxime Beaulieu, Lyndsey Bigham, Carter Blankner, Rachel Brewer, Anna Bryson, Madeline Buff, Carsyn Burns, Emily Burns, Nathan Calamas, Annabelle Chang, Mateo Checa, Lynn Check, Lucas Chepul, Tyler Cherry, Andrew Chinn, Brandon Clarke, Annabella Cotugno, Hayley Currens, Neal Damani, Matthew Davis, Jenna DePollo, Cambrie Dewulf, Dylan Dipasupil, Katherine Dobos, Isabella Dolan, Jack Downes, Emma Drake, Lucas Dunker, Michael Eisenberg, Kaitlyn Fetter, Grace Fletcher, Camryn Ford, Michael Fox, Kayla Gordon, Xavier Gorman, John Gouin, Naomi Green, William Gross, Melinda Harrison, Colin Headrick, George Holevas, Kori Horten, Claire Hussey, Ian Hutter, Cole Jackson, Madeline Jacobsen, Alexander Kappos, Holden Kern, Elliot Kerry, Abigail Kersten, Ethan Kersten, Ashley Kiker, Ramesses Kitchen, Megan Klingenberg, Paige Klingenberg, Hadley Ladue, Rigopoula Lahanas, Jack Lannagan, Shaelyn Lavalle, Brooke Lavelle, Camille Letamendia, Sainasri Macha, Shriya Madhavaram, Isabella Maffei, Hannah Manning, Ryan Marr, Erin Martin, Julia Mattson, Kyleigh McCoy, Sullivan McDermott, Elli McTamney, Jake Mead, Alexis Metro, Jacob Montano, Keeli Morgan, Sarah

Motteler, Anton Muccia, Gavin Murphy, Amelia Myers, Sandra Myers, Aditya Nair, Livia Olsen, Benjamin Palmer, Alexandra Papageorge, Rebekah Poskie, Ashton Rains, Zyncli Ramirez, Julia Raykovicz, Olivia Reasons, Carter Rhule, Elizabeth Rose, Matthew Rosser, Nathan Saltzman, Prateek Sanisetty, Madelyn Schoen, Paige Sciolino, Gavin Scotto, Timothy Seabolt, Matthew Semcesen, Aaron Shelton, Siddharth Sivaram, Brian Smith, Landon Smith, David Soliman, Michele Sperduto, Keshav Srivenkatesh, Jack Steury, Ava Stewart, Aidan Sunris, Nicole Tanguay, McKenzie Tano, Alyssa Tauro, Audrey Thomas, Chloe Thomson, Parnikaa Thumu, Autumn Tucker, Leah Wang, Kinsey Wasko, Ashley Wiederspiel, Kendall Wilson, Lauren Wilson, Russell Wong, Sarah Wuerslin, Kyle Young, Robert Young, Roberto Young, Kelsea Yount and Max Zdimal.

Seventh grade: Christian Alston, Dahlia Bagley, Julia Barhydt, Ethan Basinger, Mark Bauer, Michelle Berglass, Blake Berrey, Sahil Bhave, Ally Bigham, Riley Blackmer, Carter Blessing, Sarah Budds, Kendall Byers, Alexandra Calder, Marguerite Carsten, Daniel Casella, Gabriella Castro, Delaney Caulder, Kaitlyn Cole, Daniel Cook, Sarah Cuddy, Joyce Deng, Kaitlyn Duckett, Ana Eleta, Jonah Elkins, Abigail Emanuel, Colin Erb, Sameeha Fatima, Emma Friese, Caitlin Fromm, Justin Fuss, Ethan Garrety, Anthony Giocondi, Janet Green, Patrick Gregson, Connor Hill, William Hodges, Erin Holden, Joshua Holmes, Camilla Horn, Lauren Huffstetler, Kinnereth Huxtable, Sophia Imhof, Alexandra Jacob, Rashi Jagani, Laura Jeniski, Esther Kang, Silpitha Kapireddy, Ryley Keefe, Casey Kelly, Nicolette Kim, Jackson Klein, Olivia Kovach, Jonathan Lambert, Jacob Laube, Annie Le Baron, Nathaniel Lee, Neal Lemon, Manasi Londhe, Lauren Lovitt, Sophia Lukavsky, Pallavi Maladkar, Tyler Maple, Jackson Marky, Rebecca Mastrangelo, Grace Mayer, Darcy McGehee, Alexander Morrell, Evan Myers, Conrad Nelsen, Daniel Neuman, Isabel Neumann-Rivera, Patrick O'Brien, Grace O'Carroll, Joshua Offenheiser, Jacob

Parvin, Maya Patel, Sonia Patel, Harrison Paul, Zachary Penny, Franklin Pippin, Samantha Podewils, Larson Preisser, Matias Rosado, Huda Sait, Shreya Sawant, Anna Scalise, Kiersten Schachner, Elizabeth Schupp, Parker Sciolino, Brooke Sevchik, Paige Sevchik, Madison Skinner, Suzanne Smith, Madeline Soik, Tyler Stanton, Jack Stephen, Christopher Sutherland, Aarushi Talesara, Ellie Tidwell, Kelly Tieu, Colby Trumbo, Grace Villanueva, Madeleine Walker, Fiona Wallace, Macy Warren and Alexandra Zettlemoyer.

Eighth grade: Maytee Akkaramongkolrojn, Lauren Alexander, Rachel Alford, Lauren Araya, Yuna Asano, Lauren Barnette, Nathan Beard, Aniya Blanton, Jason Blizzard, Noah Bowman, Meredith Cheek, Gabriella Chiarenza, Brooke Davis, Jessica Davis, Thomas Drake, Laura Duerrich, Jamie Dunbar, Chase Fiedor, Ailey Finn, Alyssa Fullmer, Nicholas Gagis, Samantha Garrett, Sydney Geada, Evelyn Glukhoman, Iniya Gnanakkumaran, Madison Graveline, Shane Gravelle, Dylan Greer, Julia Gundlach, Tucker Hadley, Grace Haller, Amanda Hambright, Sara Hardwick, Lindsay Harrison, James Hartley, Kylie Heilferty, Anthony Hinton, Ana Ingram, Thomas Jackman, Anna Jacobsen, Maryann Jarnagin, Lauren Johansen, Lacy Johnston, Jamie Jordahl, Adriana Jordan, Ismail Khaderi, Christian Kiley, Emily Laatsch, Kristen Lavelle, Sophie Lorenzo, Anya Lukavsky, Julia McCabe, Sarah McCann, Mackensie McDonough, Colin McEvoy, Konstantine Melissaris, Julia More, Mina Mowlavi, Spencer Nally, Sarah Overby, Dheeraj Pannem, Alexandra Parvin, Jacob Plutt, Colin Price, Brooke Randall, Margaret Roma, Hannah Rose, Evan Rosen, Julius Rowe, Lauren Sabogal, Ann Sawyer, Blake Schorr, Melanie Semcesen, Madelyn Starr, Saisahana Subburaj, Ashton Texas, Isabelle Titus, Ava Torrise, Makenzie Treinen, Andrew Utesch, Sohni Uthra, Nicolette Vallat, Lauren Van De Wal, Anna Walter, Isaiah Williams, Blake Wood, Elyse Wood and Maggie Young.

mArvin ridgEmiddlE ScHool

A Honor roll

Third Grade:Olivia Chandler, Garrett Dokter, Annystin Farmer, Madison Hilkert,Megan Jones, Grant Palmroos, Kaleb Prater,Guianella Saavedra, Aaron Smith, Aaliyah Spivey andEshan Srivastav.

Fourth Grade:Xander Leyva.

Fifth Grade:Gabriel Hepka, Calen Jordan and Tanner Montgomery.

A/B Honor roll

Third Grade:Ashly Angeles-Hernandez, Kathryn Arce,Jeshua Castro, Gabriel Gonzalez, James GradyEmanuel Hernandez, Karina Rodriquez, Autumn Russell,Nyla Scruse, Nick Williams and Madison Wilson.

Fourth Grade:Logan Baines, Ashlee Bardsley, Destyni Calabrese,Davis Efird, Heidi Gomez Nava, Bethany Helms,Natalie Helms, Lesslie Hernandez, Kayla Hoover,Karmen Hughes, Ryley Hunter, Abby Hupko,Kyra Jordan, Rachel McConkey, Ethan Murphy,Katrina Norris, Noah Ohlson, Ashanty Olivan,Jihwan Park, Isabella Plyler, Robbie Pohorence,Ruden Rivera, Natalia Rodriguez, Barbie Rosenbaum,Caitlin Saunders and Andrew Young.

Fifth Grade:Ryan Battaglia, Nathan Caldwell, Jastin Farmer,Sierra Gurley, Grace Krenz, Gina Marcell,Alexandra Martino, Nate McCoy, Sarah Myers,David Oden, Adrianna Santos Rubio, Caroline Sierra Rey,Ethan Watts, Jazzmyn Zamora and Daw Zei.

SArdiS ElEmEntAry ScHool


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SPORTSCALENDAR2015

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into something,” said John Horne, the ASC Cultural & Community Investment program director who is charge of the CSA program. “She creates beautiful art that connects emotionally with people and evokes a reaction.”

Tavares became a teaching artist last year at the Harvey B. Gantt Center, where she taught “batik,” a technique of manual wax-resist dyeing applied to cloth where she used homemade stamps to create beautiful patterns. She taught a workshop earlier this month on “eco jewelry,” where stu-dents made earrings from scraps of plastic and “faux” wood blinds. Tavares also works part-time in the paint depart-ment at Lowe’s Home Improvement, where she collects discarded materials for her projects.

“They call me the garbage lady,” Tavares joked. Her artwork is proof it’s never too late to turn what is

seemingly nothing, into something extraordinary. View Tavares’s murals at her Flickr page www.flickr.com/

photos/muralsbydulce. Register for a 2015 summer camp with Tavares at the Matthews Community Center, at www.matthewsfun.com. Summer camp registration starts Feb. 1.

by Dee [email protected]

Trash, treasure and treatDulce Tavares turns discarded items into art

“When it came time to pick a career, I thought, ‘No one can make money making art,’” said mixed-media artist and Matthews resident Dulce Tavares.

As a child growing up in Brazil, Tavares drew and molded clay, but set aside art to pursue science. She forged a career as a professor of microbiology and immunology, until she and her family moved to the United States 18 years ago. When her academic credentials failed to transfer to Ameri-can academia, Tavares reinvented herself – a knack she has turned into a full-time job in art.

After moving to Charlotte in 2001, Tavares worked in a day care center, where she befriended a boy whose mother asked Tavares to paint a mural for him. Tavares reproduced the cover of a greeting card she found in his room to rave reviews. Then, the referrals for more murals started coming in – requests for jungle animals, sports stars and fairy tale characters that adorn the lower school of Charlotte Latin.

Knowing what appeals to children and sparks their imag-ination is second nature to Tavares. She started teaching classes at the Matthews Community Center seven years ago. Her first success was a puppetry summer camp, for which she made a proscenium from a big cardboard box, curtains and rope.

“The kids had a blast,” recalled Tavares, who calls her work as a teaching artist “really rewarding.”

“Dulce is able to translate her expertise as an artist into teaching points for the children,” said Colten Marble, cul-tural recreation manager for the town of Matthews, who organizes classes and camps for the Center. “She always comes to me with awesome ideas for keeping her classes

fresh and relevant.”Tavares launched a new camp called “Zen Adventures,” a

full-day experience with yoga, dance and activities in “upcy-cling,” where kids turned recycled materials into art. She offered as part of the camp homemade “raw food” snacks, like smoothies, ice cream and “sushi” made with crushed cauliflower instead of rice. Though the sweet stuff was more popular with the children, the camp broadened their horizons.

“Kids are authentic, spontaneous and unafraid of criti-cism or judgment,” Tavares said. “Expanding their knowl-edge improves their lives and creates awareness to par-ents.”

In addition to teaching kids at the Matthews Commu-nity Center, the SOAR Academy for home-schoolers and the Behailu Academy in NoDa, Tavares has been invited to return to Brazil to teach her puppetry program.

As she challenges her students, Tavares also challenges herself. She was one of nine artists selected from the region this fall to participate in the Arts & Science Council’s (ASC) Community Supported Art (CSA) project, for which Tava-res had to create 50 unique pieces of art.

She opted to make three-dimensional sculptures she called “Alien Plants,” quirky combinations of recycled bot-tles, unused earplugs and toothpicks, used light bulbs and other found objects. She covered each piece in papier-mâ-ché and embellished them. She painted them with vibrant colors in her trademark folk-art style and created custom boxes for each.

This prolific experience was a growth opportunity for Tav-ares, a self-proclaimed perfectionist who admits to painting over something completely if it does not meet her expecta-tion. Her attention to detail is reflected in her work.

“The first person I try to please is myself,” said Tavares. “I have to look at it and say, ‘I love it.’”

“Dulce’s work shows that you can breathe a second life

STAFF WRITERS WANTED

Carolina Weekly Newspaper Group has open positions in the newsroom. The group publishes the South Charlotte Weekly, Union County Weekly, Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly, and The Pineville Pilot from our south Charlotte newsroom.

These positions will be responsible for writing content for three weekly papers and one monthly paper in the Charlotte region. The right candidates should be prepared to write eight to 10 arti-cles a week, take photos, copyedit and participate in weekly bud-get meetings to give input on story ideas from our editors. These positions will cover a variety of topics, ranging from government coverage to feature writing. The candidates should be versed in AP style; comfortable working mornings, evenings and week-ends; and have experience covering community news. Candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, references and three to five published articles.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, list of references and a portfolio showing their recent work to Alain Lillie at [email protected].

REQUIREMENTS



Union County Weekly

News & NotesArts & Entertainment

Union County artists receive Regional Artist Project Grants

The Arts & Science Council (ASC) recently named the 2015 Regional Artist Project Grant recipients, and two Union County artists were among the chosen few.

Arlynn Zachary received $2,000 to purchase a MacBook Pro laptop, and Peter Godshall received $2,000 to purchase a Wacom Cintiq Compan-ion, according to a news release.

The grant program is a joint effort between the Arts & Science Coun-cil and arts councils in Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lin-coln, Rowan, Rutherford and Union counties in North Carolina and York County, South Carolina. The program also receives support from the North Carolina Arts Council and Blumen-thal Endowment.

Thirty-one established and emerg-ing artists of various disciplines were awarded grants this year. The Regional Artist Project provides funds for individuals and groups of unincor-porated artists, to help them pursue projects that further enhance their artistic development and education. Funds can be applied to admission to a professional development experi-ence, or can be used to purchase or rent equipment.

“Individual artists are the ones who shine the light on all of the things that make our region unique,” ASC Presi-dent Robert Bush said in the news release. “These project grants enable many of the talented artists that live in and are invested in our communi-ties to continue to pursue their artis-tic visions, which benefits us all.”

Recipients competed for the grants and were selected by 11 regional pan-elists. The program is open to artists in all disciplines – including film, performing arts, literature and visual arts – and provides up to $2,000 per recipient. This year’s 31 recipients were selected from 117 applicants, who requested a total of $196,358. The grant program had $50,290 in available funds.

Find more information at www.artsandscience.org.

Silent Images releases end-of-year video

Matthews-based nonprofit Silent Images recently released its end-of-

year video, a short production cre-ated to say “thank you” to its sup-porters.

“This year we turned the cameras on ourselves to offer you a lighter video and a little more insight into the heart of our team,” Silent Images founder David Johnson said in a news release. “… If you watch the video until the end, you will be rewarded with some fun and embar-rassing outtakes...it was good for my team and I to be reminded how dif-ficult it is to be on the other side of the camera.”

Silent Images served more than 130 charities in 2014, the release said. The nonprofit works locally, nationally and globally, using still and video footage to tell stories of hope in the midst of oppression, poverty and hardship.

View the end-of-year video at vimeo.com/114029797. Find more information about Silent Images at www.silentimages.org.

Community School of the Arts and Charlotte Children’s Choir to merge

Community School of the Arts and the Charlotte Children’s Choir will merge as of Jan. 1, 2015.

Through the merger, Charlotte Children’s Choir will become a part of the Community School of Arts, and its choral program will continue under its current name, according to a news release.

“The decision to merge stems from both organizations’ shared commit-ment to providing the best in accessi-ble arts education to meet the needs of the community. This merger will provide students of both programs with new educational and perfor-mance opportunities, as well as cre-ate synergies and growth opportuni-ties for the combined organization,” the organizations said in a news release.

Community School of the Arts was founded in 1969, and the Charlotte Children’s Choir was established in 1986. Find more information about the organizations at www.csarts.org or www.charlottechildrenschoir.org.

Send arts and entertainment news items to [email protected].

DON QUIXOTE

The Classics Concert Series is presented to the community by Wells Fargo Private Bank.

Tickets starting at just $19.

Charlotte Symphony4.854”x12.5” 1/2 pg Vertical for Carolina Weekly

12/18/14


Rippingtons New Year’s Eve

109 West South Main Street, Historic Downtown Waxhaw, NC Mon - Sat. 11 - 2:30 5:00 - 9:00, Sun Brunch 10:30 - 2 5:00 - 8:00

www.rippingtonsrestaurant.com

$7495 includes split of

Korbel champagne

PERCOUPLE

Starters: Choice ofScallops in Asparagus Sauce with crispy prosciutto (for two)or Butternut Squash Soup topped with pancetta

Salad:Apple Almond Crunch Salad — mixed greens with feta cheese, toasted almonds, apple, red onions and raisins. Served with raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

or Traditional Caesar

Entrées: Choice ofHerb Encrusted Rack of Lamb – served with mint jellyGrilled Teriyaki Salmon – with Sriracha cream sauce and scallionsSurf & Turf – 6oz. Top Sirloin with Lobster TailMacadamia Nut Crusted Sea Bass – with a Piña Colada SalsaTournados Berkeley – Twin 4oz. Filets topped with crab meat, asparagus and Bernaise Sauce

Dessert for Two: Choice ofChocolate Raspberry Napoleon OR Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Reservations Suggested Call (704) 843-4806

Calendar

12.29.14 and 12.30.14Monday & Tuesday9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday sports Camp

Parents of children ages 4 to 15 years old can register their children for both or just one day at Carolina Courts playing basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, kickball, relay races and more. The cost is $37.50 per child. For more information or to register, visit www.carolinacourts.com or

call 704-882-1115.

Carolina Courts, 240 Chestnut Pkwy., Indian Trail

1.02.15Friday7 p.m.

Waxhaw line dancers

This club gathers every Friday night at 7 p.m. Lessons start at 7:30 p.m. and last

approximately 60 to 90 minutes, followed by open dancing. For more information, call 704-

559-9808.

Waxhaw American Legion Hall, 801 E. South Main St., Waxhaw

1.02.15Friday

10 a.m.Book Club

Attendees will discuss “The Rescue” by Nicholas Sparks.

When confronted by raging fires or deadly accidents, volunteer fireman Taylor McAden feels compelled to take terrifying risks to save lives. But there is one leap of faith

Taylor can't bring himself to make: he can't fall in love.

Union West Regional Library, 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail

1.02.15Friday

First Fridays in Waxhaw

On the first Friday of each month, businesses and restaurants in downtown Waxhaw stay open late and often offer special discounts. Free carriage rides

are available to the public. Each month, themed events and offerings take place in

the historic downtown district. Historic Downtown Waxhaw

1.03.15Saturday

8 to 9:45 p.m.Cup of Humor Night

Madison’s Coffee hosts a monthly “Cup of Humor” night, in which local comedians take the stage to crack up the

crowd. A local comedian organizes the event and signs up different comedians from Charlotte and the surrounding area to entertain attendees each month while they enjoy

a hot drink or relax with a beer or glass of wine.

Madison’s Coffee House, 7878 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail

1.06.15Tuesday

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.MoMs Club

MOMS Club of Indian Trail is a support group for part-time and full-time stay-at-home mothers who live in zip codes 28079 and 28110. They will host a chapter meet and

greet at Madison’s Coffee House on Jan. 6 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. MOMS Club has monthly meetings

that feature speakers, discussions and other activities. For more information, visit www.momsclubofindiantrail.com.

Madison’s Coffee House, 7878 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail

1.06.15Tuesday

9 to 11:30 a.m. Community Clinic

Community Health Services of Union County will offer health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and hemoglobin. For cholesterol screening, patients need to fast for

12 hours prior to the test. Be sure to drink water even while fasting.

Monroe Crossings, 2115 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe

1.08.15Thursday

5:45 p.m.Book Club

Attendees will discuss “The Honk and Holler Opening Soon” by Billie Letts. A wheelchair-bound Vietnam veteran opens a restaurant

after returning from war. When a vibrant young woman enters the cafe, she changes the lives

of the regulars forever.

Waxhaw Library, 509 S. Providence Road, Waxhaw

New Clients...Mention UnionCounty Weekly & get your pet’s first

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Expires 2/27/15. Valid for new customers who have not received a propane delivery from Suburban Propane in the last 15 months. Propane customers must sign a fuel service agreement that is subject to credit approval. Fuel credit applied to your account and may not be redeemed for cash. Tank change out special applies to standard installation of above ground tank not to exceed 1,000 gallons. Customer is responsible for removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offer. No duplicates. Valid at Suburban Propane participating locations. Other restrictions may apply.

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Calendar

1.08.15Thursday

7 to 9 p.m.speak Up spoken Word open Mic

Beginning in January, this event will be held on the second Thursday of each month.

Hosted by Faye Fulton and Linda Goodman, Speak Up Spoken Word Open Mic

welcomes storytellers, poets, comedians, singers, writers and musicians who wish to have a 10-minute slot at the microphone. Waxhaw artist Ken Halstead is the first

featured speaker.Anyone seeking more information can call

Faye Fulton at 704-421-3220 or email her at [email protected].

UCCAC building, 120 N. Main St., Monroe

1.09.15Friday3 p.m.

Free Movie screening

There will be a showing of the action film “Guardians of the Galaxy” in the Griffin

Room of the Monroe Library. A group of interstellar outlaws team up to save the galaxy from a villain who seeks ultimate power in this comic book space

adventure from Marvel Studios. The movie is rated PG-13. All ages are welcome and

registration is not required.

Monroe Library, 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe

1.09.15Friday

9:30 p.m.Too Much Toni

A band of six people from Salisbury, North Carolina, with a passion for a wide variety of music will play live for patrons of the Bonfire

Bar & Grill in Indian Trail. Too Much Toni plays a wide variety of music covering music from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and new hits. Genres will include rock,

pop, beach, oldies, country and more.

Bonfire Bar & Grill, 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail

1.10.15Saturday

‘James and the Giant peach’ auditions

The Ballantyne Performance Company, for children in second through 12th grades, will rehearse a touring production and

then take that production on the road in the local community. Young performers gain training and discover the challenge of touring a production. Program tuition

is $325. Auditions are held through appointment only. For more information,

call 704-341-4281.

Morrison YMCA, 9405 Bryant Farms Road, Charlotte

1.10.15Saturday

6:30 p.m.open Mic Nights

Indian Trail community development specialist Susan Didier and poet Kym

Gordon Moore began the monthly Open Mic Nights at the Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center in 2013 and the event has been

growing since. The poetry nights have had as many as

65 attendees and often feature a diverse range of artistic expressions, such as

poetry reading, musical performances, Shakespeare readings and personal

reflections by published authors.

The Cultural Arts Center, 100 Navajo Trail, Indian Trail

Send us your events!

Want to see your event covered in our community calendar? Let us know about it! Send an email

to [email protected] with all pertinent

information. Be sure to include the date, time, cost to attend

and a description of the event. Please send events at least

two weeks in advance for the best chance of being included in the calendar. Items are not guaranteed publication, as we

consider factors like relevance to the community and how close the

event is to our coverage area.

Dec.29

FINAL WEEKS

| discoveryplace.org

FIRST CHRISTMAS in Waxhaw?OURS TOO!Join us for a family Christmas Eve service

Wednesday,December 24 @ 5:00p

Cuthbertson High School 1400 Cuthbertson Road

Also, join us for our December series The Father, Son and Spirit of Christmas

SUNDAYS @ 10A

www.foresthill.org

Wednesday, December 24Wednesday, December 245:005:00

Christmas Eve @ Forest Hill ChurchChristmas Eve @ Forest Hill ChurchEvent Reminder:

Event Reminder:

5:00pm5:00pm


Sports

Union C ounty Weekly’s girlS tenniS Super team

Caytie Clemons, Cuthbertson

morgan Wetherbee, Weddington

sarah Parker, Cuthbertson

Parker, the Cavs No. 1 seed, finished the season with an 8-5 record and placed third in the regional tournament. Named an all-conference selection, Parker qualified for the Class 3A state tournament.

hannah sCott, Marvin Ridge

Just a sophomore, Scott played line 3 singles and No. 1 and 2 doubles all sea-son. She finished the conference with an undefeated record and was named an all-conference selection, winning the con-ference doubles’ tournament with partner Meredith Emery and placing second in regionals before making it to the second round of the state tournament.

Carra Clemons, Cuthbertson

Clemons only dropped three singles matches this season, fin-ishing the year 8-3 and 4-2 in conference play and was named an all-conference selection.

raChel Zubrinsky, Marvin Ridge

Zubrinsky again lined up at the No. 1 seed for the Mavs this season, where she finished with a 12-10 singles record playing at the toughest spot. The all-conference selection qualified for the state tournament in singles.

heidi sWoPe, Weddington

Swope capped off another successful season and finished her senior year unde-feated in conference play as the Warriors No. 1 player. After claiming two state titles, Swope was unable to compete in this year’s tournament but finished the year undefeated in conference play.

kaley Williford, CATA

The Rocky River conference cham-pion capped off another successful season. Last year, she advanced to the state tournament in doubles with partner Rachel Nance. This season, Williford played at the No. 1 spot and qualified for the state tournament as an individual.

Charlotte ulehla, Weddington

hayley hinson, Weddington

meredith emery, Marvin Ridge

hannah sCott, Marvin RidgeSecond Team:

P layer of the Year: heidi sWoPe, Weddington C oach of the Year: rodney little, Parkwood

girls and they have a ton of fight in them. We all bonded and had a ton of fun.”

But Swope’s tennis career isn’t nearly fin-ished. She’ll continue at Appalachian State in the fall. The three-star recruit and No. 8 ranked player in North Carolina according to www.tennisrecruiting.net received inter-est and offers from several Division I pro-grams including Davidson, Elon, Furman and N.C. State but decided on the Moun-taineers after an official visit.

“When I first went to App in February, I thought, ‘I don’t know how I’m going to

feel about this. I don’t like cold, I’m not a mountain girl.’ But my mom encouraged me to see it all and I did,” Swope said. “You name it, I’ve been there. I bounced around and wanted to see my options but when I went up there and met the team, I knew it was the right choice for me. The home-coming parade was that day and the coach let me ride in it. I verbally committed that day.

“I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. It’s going to be great and I’m ready for a new challenge.”

Swope’S legacy continueS

Weddington tennis star Heidi Swope entered her senior season ready to fight for a second straight individual singles’ state championship knowing that a win would cap off an already illustrious high school career.

During her sophomore campaign, the No. 1 seed Swope and doubles’ partner Emma Yates finished the regular season with an undefeated record before making it to the Class 3A doubles’ championship final where they rallied back from a 4-6 first set loss to win the next two sets and the crown.

As a junior, Swope came into the season ready for a new challenge. Still occupying the Warriors’ top spot, Swope didn’t drop a singles match in conference play, effort-lessly won the Western Regional champion-ship and went on to compete in the Class 3A singles state final, where she grabbed her second ring, beating Cox Mills’ Sarah Jiang, 6-3, 6-0.

So when her senior season started, it looked as though Swope would easily make history and enter an elite class of athletes to win three state championship rings.

Just as she had the past three seasons, Swope breezed through conference play and finished with another unblemished record and entered the Western Regional

tournament with a No. 1 seed. But an unexpected turn of events kept

Swope from finishing the tournament, leaving her unable to compete for another state crown.

“I couldn’t finish out regionals or states because of my grandfather’s health,” Swope explained. “It was really hard. I was compet-ing and we got a call saying he was having heart problems and my parents said, ‘We’re going to go see him but you can stay and play.’ But I knew what I had to do. Even if I did stay, my mind wouldn’t be focused.”

Despite it being her senior season and last change to win another state title, Swope decided to put family first and end her chance of winning the state champion-ship again.

“It was really hard for me,” she said. “But I knew in the long run I would be happier going to see him than playing in my fourth state run. It was hard, but I’m happy.”

Even with a less-than-ideal finish to her tennis career, Swope still will leave Wed-dington as one of the most decorated ten-nis players to come through Union County. During her four years at the No. 1 seed, Swope only dropped one singles’ match and for the second year is the Union County Weekly Girls Tennis Player of the Year.

“Even with what happened, it’s been an awesome year,” Swope said. “I’m really going to miss it. I had so much fun with the


Heidi Swope is the back-to-back Union County Weekly Tennis Player of the Year. Photo courtesy of Heidi Swope


Sports

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Six-foot-five forward Emeka Nwanko led the rebounding effort with 17 and led the Warriors in steals (five) and blocked shots (four). Nwanko leads the Warriors in scoring this season, averaging 19.5 points per game and 17.7 rebounds.

With the win, Metrolina improved to 4-1 in Metrolina Athletic Conference play. They travel to Hilton Head Prep on Dec. 29.

Girls Basketball Player of the Week: na’jla bibb, PiedmontThe 5-foot-11 sophomore center put up 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Panthers 50-48 win

over Parkwood on Dec. 18. Bibb’s averaging 10.5 points on the season and 9.5 rebounds.

Boys Basketball Player of the Week: Chris grovanz, CuthbertsonGrovanz, a 6-foot-5 sophomore forward, shot 67 percent from the floor and had a career-high 21 points

in the Cavs 73-44 win over Central Academy on Dec. 16.

sports shorts

1) WeddiNGToN (8-1)2) MoNroe (7-0)

3) CUTHBerTsoN (8-3)4) porTer ridGe (5-2)

5) piedMoNT (6-2)6) sUN Valley (6-4)7) ForesT Hills (4-5)

dropped oUT: parkWood (3-6)

1) WeddiNGToN (8-2)

2) CUTHBerTsoN (8-2)

3) porTer ridGe (7-2)

4) sUN Valley (6-4)

5) ForesT Hills (4-4)

6) MeTroliNa CHrisTiaN (8-5)

7) MoNroe (2-3)

boys basketball super 7

super 7girls basketball

All-State football honors announcedNCPreps.com announced their 2014

all-state recognitions on Dec. 19. Cuthbertson wide receiver BJ Muck-

elvene was named an all-state selec-tion. Muckelvene was the Cavs leading receiver and finished his senior season with 1,509 yards and 23 touchdowns, helping lead them to the Class 3A West-ern Regional final.

Four-star recruit Keith Duncan, Wed-dington’s kicker, was named to the all-state team. Punter Marion Watson of Marvin Ridge rounded out the list of Union County selections. Watson was ranked as Maxpreps.com No. 1 punter in the nation and led Class 3A schools in field goals this season.

Porter Ridge football players named all-conference

Several Porter Ridge athletes were named to the 2014 South-western 4A all-conference team. On offense, lineman Phillip

Agbesi and wide receivers AJ Barrette and Bryan Newsome were named all-conference selections.

On defense, defensive backs Bryson Traywick and Chase Suznevich received the honor.

Independence coach Joe Evans was named the 2014 South-western 4A Coach of the Year.

Tripp breaks school record

Six-foot-six senior forward Cameron Tripp made Piedmont High School history on Dec. 19 in the Panthers 65-52 loss to Scotland. Tripp became Piedmont’s all-time leading scorer with 1,138 points in his career.

Tripp is averaging 16.7 points and 13.1 rebounds in the Pan-thers 3-8 start to the season. He’ll play football at Harvard Uni-versity in the fall.

Metrolina Christian edges Hickory Grove

The Metrolina Christian boys basketball team put up 19 points in the third quarter to beat Hickory Grove, 55-48, on Dec. 20 and improve to 8-5 on the season.

Kyle Kiser shot 55 percent from the floor to put up 11 points in the win. Kiser had help from senior Hakeem Rowe, who put up 11 points, and Chandler Rivers who scored 10.


Keith Duncan


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ACROSS 1 And so forth:

Abbr. 4 Halfway decent 8 Home of Plato’s

Academy14 “Your point being

…?”15 Ancient South

American16 Complete mess17 Powdered lunch

product from Lipton

19 Moon of Neptune20 Digital device

used to access Hulu and Netflix

21 Bird bill22 Fishing device23 Just marvelous28 Birdcage swing,

e.g.30 Skip, as a sound31 Poet’s “before”32 Former Time

Warner partner34 Commercial

suffix with Tropic35 Mouth, slangily

36 Alcoholics Anonymous and others

40 Seamen

41 Contend (for)

42 When repeated, a popular puzzle

43 Acid

44 “The Hangover” setting

46 Hollywood director Sam

50 Confectionery brand with a logo designed by Salvador Dalí

53 “Chestnuts roasting ___ open fire”

54 Eight, to Dieter

55 Stand-up comedian with multiple Emmys

57 Drink that gets its name from the Tahitian word for “good”

60 Share a single bed … or a hidden feature of 17-, 23-, 36- and 50-Across

61 Town with Yiddish speakers

62 In ___ (actually)63 In the style of64 Pooped65 Blacken on a grill66 “Spy vs. Spy”

magazine

DOWN 1 Steep slope

around a rampart 2 “Rug” 3 Statue of Liberty

material 4 River to the

Seine 5 Units of nautical

speed 6 Contact lens

brand 7 Annoying bark 8 Under the cloak

of night 9 Angry rant10 Three-line verse11 N.H. winter

setting12 Sarge, e.g.13 Junior18 WHAT THIS IS IN21 Existence24 Stop getting any

higher25 One chased in

a car chase, for short

26 Parts of history27 John Boehner,

e.g., in two ways: Abbr.

29 Use a pogo stick33 1968 #1 hit for

Diana Ross & the Supremes

35 Good source of omega-3 fatty acids

36 Where a Brownie’s merit badges are attached

37 Language of Pakistan

38 “I know, ___?”39 “___ the land of

the free …”40 Nurse’s focus, in

brief44 Move out

45 Quiet sound of water on the side of a pail, say

47 Clothes line?

48 Eye part subject to degeneration

49 What gets rubber-stamped?

51 Hors d’oeuvres toppings

52 “Minnesota March” composer

56 Modern cab service alternative

57 Asian food additive

58 “Got it!”59 “___ your call”60 Kwanzaa time:

Abbr.

PUZZLE BY JAMES MULHERN

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

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S T R I P B A N D F Y IT H A T S R I D I C U L O U SO O Z E I N A N E U R A LP R E S A B Y S S G E N E

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1111Crossword

2004 Silver Cadillac Escalade ESV for sale - Tan leather interior, 199K miles, no major defects -$6,800 OBO Priced to sell - Call 980-428-1467 No financing, Cash/MO only. 121914

SHOP AVON 24/7 at your convenience. Go to www.youravon.com/meabel or www.AllBeautyNow.com for direct delivery. Log in and use discount coupon code: WELCOME20 on 1st order for 20% OFF. For a current Avon Book or to place an order by phone Contact Mary Abel at 704-497-7722. 013015

Drivers: **New Year – New Opportunities** Looking for: Better Pay? Better Home-time? Better Equipment? Better Compensation????? CDL-A 1yr. exp. 877-704-3773. 0102

Part Time cleaning position, experience not necessary, training will be given, needs own vehicle & background will be checked. 704-843-4877 ask for Ricky/ D’Lise Cleaning Services, LLC. 122614

FUN FRESH Casual Matthews Restaurant looking for upbeat friendly people to greet customers / place orders. Competitive pay, exciting atmosphere, delicious food. Experience preferred, not required. Contact n i c k @ g r o g r e e k .com for information. 122614

Drivers: Regionals with CDL-ARun Southeast, Mid-south, MidwestH o m e Weekly. COMPETITIVE PAY PACKAGEGood Miles, BCBS Medical/Dental/VisionJim 855-842-8501. 121914

Drivers: **New Year – New Opportunities** Looking for: Better Pay? Better Home-time? Better Equipment? Better Compensation????? CDL-A 1yr. exp. 877-704-3773. 121914

ATTN: Drivers-$2K Sign-on Bonus Love your $55K Job! $2K Sign-on Bonus +

Benefits Ave $1100 Weekly CDL-A Req 1-888-592-4752. www.ad-drivers,com. SAPA

GET PAID WEEKLY!FT and PT mail work from home. For full details visit: www.750weekly.comor call 512-827-0060 (24/7). SAPA

Diesel Truck MechanicSalem Leasing is growing! We are seeking qualified Diesel Truck Mechanics to perform customer vehicle maintenance and repairs in our Pineville, NC shop. Hours: 2nd shiftWe Offer: Great Benefit Package, 401K, Paid Holidays, Vacation & Bonuses: Job Requirements· Minimum three years diesel maintenance experience.· High School Diploma or higher.· Strong customer orientation.· Proven ability to lead work teams.· Basic computer skills.· Good driving record and proven work history.· CDL-A driver license is preferred, but not required.· Must have own tools. Apply online, www.salemleasing.comor visit Salem NationaLease at 900 Crafters Lane. Pineville, NC 28134. 011615

Looking for great pay, local schedule, and excellent benefits? Salem currently seeking local A & B CDL A & B Drivers to join our Charlotte area team. Drop and Hook only. Home EverydayWe Offer: Great Benefit Package, 401K, Paid Holidays, Vacation & Bonuses: Job Requirements: CDL-A or B License Minimum 1 year driving experience. Ask about our New Driver Apprenticeship Program. Walk in applicants welcome weekdays. 4810 Justin Court, Charlotte. 28216 Please APPLY BELOW, or call 800-709-2536 for more information! www.salemleasing.com. 011615

Curves Part Time. Must be Energetic, self motivated and love working with people.. Morning and evening hours a must. Send resume to [email protected]. 102414

Beware of loan fraud. Please check with the better business bureau or consumer protection agency before sending any money to any loan company. SAPA

INJURED? IN A LAWSUIT? Need Cash Now? We Can Help! No Monthly Payments to Make. No Credit Check. Fast Service and Low Rates. Call Now 1-866-386-3692. www.lawcapital.com (Not available in NC, CO, MD & TN) SAPA

Delete Bad Credit in just 30-days! Raise your credit score fast! Results Guaranteed! Free To Start Call 855-831-9712. Hurry!! Limited Enrollments Available. SAPA

Free Free steam deep conditioner and haircut or eyebrow wax with any hair service.You deserve to pamper yourself.Call today and tell a friend.Plush Hair...115 Unionville Indian Trail Road..28079..Kim 704-930-4484...Karen 980-339-0380. 010915

We Fix It Re Weather Strip your old windows and save energy$20 per windowSince 19697 0 4 - 5 7 8 - 6 2 6 4 . 122614

“PROFESSIONAL P A I N T E R S -S H E E T R O C K -H A N D Y M A N $$$$$$$$$$$$$ discounted services all winter long. Always the best prices and service, We have been in business for twenty five years. Our services include painting, sheetrock repair and installation, popcorn removal and repair, pressure washing, handyman, light plumbing and electrical. Licensed and insured all work has a full warranty. Call for your free estimate: 704-240-2258”. 12.19.14

European Cleaning Woman – 16 years experience. Looking for a job. Clean house, apartment or office. References available. My name is Martina. Call 704-628-5504 or 516-554-3960. 121914

B Y T E S I Z E C O M P U T E R

SERVICES LLC FREE onsite service & FREE consultations. Virus Removal, Computer Hardware and Software repair, Speed up slow Desktop or Laptop Computers, one hour In-Home personalized Computer Training sessions, Repair & Purchasing and Upgrading available. We offer Personable engagements and VERY competitive pricing. 25 Years of Computer Experience. Call Mark at 704-287- 8827 or visit our website: www. bytesizecomputer s e r v i c e s . c o m . References are available. 041714FREE ESTIMATE

ROLLER SETS, hair cuts and styles for the more mature! Senior discounts! $15 styles, rollers or blow dry. $18 cuts. $50 perms, $45 colors, styles included. MELISSA HAIR 704-621-0909. 010215

NU VISIONS PAINTING By Al Baskins on FB. Let us color your world one room at a time ! Interior / Exterior Painting Commercial / Residential Cabinets / Kitchens / Baths Specializing In Repaints Deck Restorations Pressure Washing Spring Special 10% off with this add Over 30 years experience painting Charlotte Al Baskins , Owner Pineville N.C. 704- 605- 7897 / 704-889- 7479. 122914

EARN YOUR High School Diploma at home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited. Call for free brochure. 1-800-658-1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA

DISH TV Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 months) SAVE!

Regular Price $32.99. Call Today and Ask About FREE SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-855-866-9941. SAPA

*REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL* Get a 4-Room All-Digital Satellite system installed for FREE! Programming starting at $19.99/MO. FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-795-1315 SAPA

Dish TV Retailer -SAVE! Starting $19.99/month (for 12 months.) FREE Premium Movie Channels. FREE Equipment, Installation & Activation. CALL, COMPARE LOCAL DEALS! 1-800-351-0850. SAPA

Get The Big Deal from DirecTV! Act Now- $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, starz, SHOWTIME & CINEMAXFREE GENIE HD/DVR Upgrade!

2014 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. New Customers Only IV Support Holdings LLC- An authorized DirecTV Dealer. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1-800-413-9179. SAPA

ENJOY 100 percent g u a r a n t e e d , delivered?to-the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 74 percent PLUS 4 FREE Burgers - The Family Value Combo - ONLY $39.99. ORDER Today 1-800-715-2010 Use code 48829AFK or www.OmahaSteaks.com/mbfvc46

Medical Guardian - Top-rated medical alarm and 24/7 medical alert monitoring. For a limited time, get free equipment, no activation fees, no commitment, a 2nd waterproof alert button for free and more - only $29.95 per month. 800-983-

4906

AIRLINE MECHANIC CAREERS START HERE - GET FAA APPROVED M A I N T E N A N C E TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS. JOB P L A C E M E N T ASSISTANCE. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1 -866-724-5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

LOST DOG! Lawyers Road & Mill Grove Road, Union County or Meck County. Rat Terrier. 4 years old. Male. 15 pounds. Mostly white with some black patches and some brown on face. Long skinny legs and short stubby tail. Sweet, but shy, timid and a bit nervous. Will NOT bite. His name is Buzz. He gets cold easily, quivers and shakes a lot. When lost, had collar with outside cable attached, but

may have fallen off. He has seizure. Call Cindy – 704-614-5600.

HELP: LOST DOG, \”Dotty\”, Australian Cattle mix, 7yrs, 35lbs. Lost 8/1/14, Rea Rd. Black/White, black patch right eye. pink/grey collar. Contact Kim 704-763-3661. Her loving family misses her very much!

Cats cradle boarding beautiful 5 star cats only kennel. Huge sun-filled suites, 3 levels, climbing tree. Pickup/delivery. 20% Senior discount. For rates and requirements call 704.771.6052 www.Cat boardingcharlotte.Com. 072514

PROVIDENCE PET SITTING is licensed, insured, and pet CPR/First Aid certified. We have been lovingly caring for pets for over 10 years. Contact us at 704-591-7274 for more info. 101014

To advertise, visit www.carolinaweeklynewspapers.comCarolina Weekly Classifieds Network

ACROSS 1 And so forth:

Abbr. 4 Halfway decent 8 Home of Plato’s

Academy14 “Your point being

…?”15 Ancient South

American16 Complete mess17 Powdered lunch

product from Lipton

19 Moon of Neptune20 Digital device

used to access Hulu and Netflix

21 Bird bill22 Fishing device23 Just marvelous28 Birdcage swing,

e.g.30 Skip, as a sound31 Poet’s “before”32 Former Time

Warner partner34 Commercial

suffix with Tropic35 Mouth, slangily

36 Alcoholics Anonymous and others

40 Seamen

41 Contend (for)

42 When repeated, a popular puzzle

43 Acid

44 “The Hangover” setting

46 Hollywood director Sam

50 Confectionery brand with a logo designed by Salvador Dalí

53 “Chestnuts roasting ___ open fire”

54 Eight, to Dieter

55 Stand-up comedian with multiple Emmys

57 Drink that gets its name from the Tahitian word for “good”

60 Share a single bed … or a hidden feature of 17-, 23-, 36- and 50-Across

61 Town with Yiddish speakers

62 In ___ (actually)63 In the style of64 Pooped65 Blacken on a grill66 “Spy vs. Spy”

magazine

DOWN 1 Steep slope

around a rampart 2 “Rug” 3 Statue of Liberty

material 4 River to the

Seine 5 Units of nautical

speed 6 Contact lens

brand 7 Annoying bark 8 Under the cloak

of night 9 Angry rant10 Three-line verse11 N.H. winter

setting12 Sarge, e.g.13 Junior18 WHAT THIS IS IN21 Existence24 Stop getting any

higher25 One chased in

a car chase, for short

26 Parts of history27 John Boehner,

e.g., in two ways: Abbr.

29 Use a pogo stick33 1968 #1 hit for

Diana Ross & the Supremes

35 Good source of omega-3 fatty acids

36 Where a Brownie’s merit badges are attached

37 Language of Pakistan

38 “I know, ___?”39 “___ the land of

the free …”40 Nurse’s focus, in

brief44 Move out

45 Quiet sound of water on the side of a pail, say

47 Clothes line?

48 Eye part subject to degeneration

49 What gets rubber-stamped?

51 Hors d’oeuvres toppings

52 “Minnesota March” composer

56 Modern cab service alternative

57 Asian food additive

58 “Got it!”59 “___ your call”60 Kwanzaa time:

Abbr.

PUZZLE BY JAMES MULHERN

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

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E V E N I D L EF U H G E D D A B O U D I TO N I O N L E I S C O GR I P S T W I X T P I T AA F T G R A B H O N E Y

Y O U R E K I D D I N G M EN I K E R A N G

S T R I P B A N D F Y IT H A T S R I D I C U L O U SO O Z E I N A N E U R A LP R E S A B Y S S G E N E

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1111Crossword

Vehicles for sale financial

Miscellaneous

help wanted

serVices

pets

Merchandise


Back Surgery WARNING!Spinal Stenosis and Bulging, Herniated, and Degenerative Discs

Call 704-284-7408

Charlotte, NC -- In a 2002 issue of Neurological Focus, a peer-reviewed article was published by a Dr. Michael D. Martin, MD et al. in which the third sentence states: “�e disc itself is active tissue that contains signi�cant mechanisms for self-repair.” �at article was published by a neurosurgeon and written directly for neurosurgeons.

“The Disc Itself is Active Tissue...”

So what does that really mean to us? It tells us that the disc itself does have a God-given ability to heal and repair if provided the proper mechanisms for self-healing. �ere is a speci�c mechanism inherent in each of the spinal discs called the “pump mechanism of disc nutrition” (see Fig 1). When this mechanism is not working properly, the spinal discs will begin to die causing bulges, herniations, and eventually spinal stenosis.

�e spinal disc is one of the very few tissues in the body that does not have a direct blood supply for circulation. �e only way that the disc gets the circulation of water, oxygen and nutrients for self-repair is via this speci�c disc pump mechanism. What happens when you decrease circulation in any type of tissue, whether it be animal tissue, plant tissue or human tissue? Exactly, it begins to become weak and degenerate.

Figure 1: Proper anatomy of the discs and the pump mechanism of disc nutrition.

Symptoms Are NOTThe Problem

Now the symptoms of pain, numbness, and tingling that most experience with bulging, herniated or degenerative discs are NOT the problem. �e de�nition of a symptom: “something that indicates the existence of something else.” It is just like the dashboard of your car telling you that something is wrong (brake lights out, engine needs to be checked, overheating, etc.) �ose lights that appear in your car dash are NOT the problem. You can remove the lights surgically or put a piece of

You wouldn’t ignore your car’s check engine light...so don’t ignore your health.

duct tape over the lights but the problem will NOT be �xed...the problem is still present.

Let’s take a look at a plant for example...if the leaves on a plant begin to turn brown, would you say that the brown leaves are the plant’s problem? Of course not, the leaves turning brown is just a condition that is telling you that there is something wrong with the plant. �e plant is unhealthy and needs water and nutrients. You could spray paint the leaves green but it just covers up the condition. �e underlying problem still exists and will continue to produce brown leaves until you �x the actual problem.

In your spine, when the pump mechanism of disc nutrition fails, the disc will begin to degenerate and become weak. �is weakness in the disc is what produces the bulging, herniated, and degenerative discs.

�e treatment that is provided at the Charlotte Spine and Pain Relief Center is revolutionary and is speci�cally designed to arti�cially re-create the pump mechanism in the discs which allows the spinal discs to heal and repair. �e best part of the treatment is that it uses no drugs, no injections, and no surgery. Plus it’s painless and many patients fall asleep while undergoing the treatment.

�e amount of treatment needed to allow the discs to heal and repair varies from person to person and can only be determined a�er a detailed neurological and orthopedic evaluation. We do NOT accept everyone for treatment and will let you know if we can accept your case for treatment.

Dr. Helmendach, DC at the Charlotte Spine and Pain Relief Center will do a spinal disc severity examination to determine the extent of your disc damage for only $70 (normally $150). �is examination will consist of a detailed neurological evaluation, extensive orthopedic testing, and a detailed analysis of the �ndings of your evaluation. He will sit down with you and go over your condition with you in complete detail. You will know exactly what is causing all your pain (or other symptoms).

Dr. Helmendach will be o�ering this thorough spinal disc severity examination from now until Friday, January 9th, 2015.

Call 704-284-7408 to make an appointment with Dr. Keith Helmendach, to determine if your spinal discs can be treated.

NOTE: Charlotte Spine and Pain Relief Center is located in Charlotte, NC at 7215-A Lebanon Road.

Accepting most major insurance for new patients including Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare. Federal bene�ciary restrictions may apply.

IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND.

Union County Weekly

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