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Union County

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

INDEX: News Briefs, 6; Crime Blotter, 7; Home Sales, 10; Education, 12; A&E, 16; Calendar, 18; Sports, 20; Classifieds, 23

page 16

Volume 10, Number 7 • Feb. 12 to 18, 2015 Locally Owned & Operatedwww.unioncountyweekly.com

Valentines for VeteransIndian Trail, Rea View elementary schools send Valentines to Camp Lejeune

by Josh [email protected]

Local towns among the best in the state to raise a family, says research study

by Ryan [email protected]

Veterans who have dedicated their lives to serving their country will have something to smile about this Valen-tine’s Day, thanks to students from two Union County

elementary schools.For five consecutive years, students in Cathy Reese’s

fourth-grade class at Indian Trail Elementary School have participated in the Valentines for Vets project, an annual endeavor that sends student-made Valentine cards to service members with the Wounded Warrior Project at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

What started as a one-classroom project has grown to

a school-wide effort in which Indian Trail Elementary students of all ages send cards to the heroes at Lejeune.

“The fourth grade sponsored the project (this year) as a community service project, and other classes were invited to participate,” Reese said. “So, it was a school-wide project.”

Reese invites a military representative to visit her class each year to collect the Valentine cards and talk to her students about how the cards benefit the Wounded War-riors.

The Valentines for Vets project didn’t just expand

In a recently released ranking of the best cit-ies for young families in North Carolina, national finance consultation firm NerdWallet recognized western Union County as a hotspot, with local municipalities landing four of the top five spots.

The company announced the rankings on Feb. 3, and Waxhaw was named the most desirable community in the state for young families based on schools, friendly neighbors and affordability. The study lists Marvin, Stallings and Indian Trail as the second, fourth and fifth best cities, respec-tively.

Kamran Rosen, an economics writer who worked on the research study, said it’s not surpris-ing to see a cluster of communities land at the top of the list, as many of the top-ranked cities in each state are suburbs surrounding a major city.

Top-notch schools and good opportunities for prosperity in the four listed Union County com-munities were major factors in their high rank-ings, setting them apart from other suburbs in the greater Charlotte area, he said.

“Geography is an important factor,” Rosen said. “But perhaps surprising for North Carolina is that the top 20 cities have some of the best school

rankings we’ve seen in the entire country.” NerdWallet used GreatSchools, a resource that

grades schools based on data, to decide which communities fed into the best schools. Marvin and Stallings scored 10 out of 10 based on Great Schools’ ratings, with Waxhaw and Indian Trail scoring 9 and 8, respectively.

Other factors that contributed to the NerdWal-let rankings included: home affordability, based on median home value and monthly homeowner costs; prosperity and growth, a look at current and past home incomes and projected population growth; and family friendliness, which looks at the percentage of families with school-aged children in the community.

NerdWallet analyzed 147 North Carolina towns with populations over 5,000.

Union County Weekly spoke to elected officials and volunteers in each of the county’s four top-ranked towns to discuss why their towns made the list and how they can continue to attract young families to their respective communities.

Waxhaw“The Core of the Region”

In 2009, Waxhaw was named a Small Town

(see Valentines for Vets on page 12)

(see Families on page 4)

A place to cal l home

Home Salesin Union County

page 10

Phantom’s Music of the Night Enchants

Charlotte

A child enjoys the interactive fountain at Stallings Municipal Park. UCW file photo

• Feb. 12 to 18, 2015 • Union County Weekly www.unioncountyweekly.com

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A living piece of American history shared her plight as a black student during the Civil Rights Movement in a presentation for Central Acad-emy of Technology and Arts and Monroe High School students on Feb. 4.

Minnijean Brown-Trickey was a member of the Little Rock Nine, a group of nine black stu-dents who desegregated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. During the presentation, she discussed her experiences as a high school student and what students can learn from her experience today.

Students watched a PBS segment about the Little Rock Nine and a reunion special of the group and their Caucasian classmates on “Oprah,” but Brown-Trickey felt the videos only gave the “surface of the story.”

Brown-Trickey shared memories of the vio-lent acts against her and the other eight black students in the school that she called “a daily occurrence,” including being slammed into lockers, stepping on glass in the showers and being kicked. Residents in the town protested against the nine attending school and they reg-ularly experienced death threats.

On the first day of school that year, Arkansas

Gov. Orval Faubus sent the Arkansas National Guard to physically block the students from coming in, which led U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to send in the 101st Airborne Divi-sion to protect the students.

“Who do you have to be to be mad that nine children will go to school?” Brown-Trickey asked.

However, the Little Rock Nine member said she felt safest at school, despite the torture she endured, because she felt she couldn’t go anywhere in the town due to the townspeople’s hatred toward blacks.

She felt she had a moral and social responsi-bility to desegregate the school during the Civil Rights movement as a testament to her capabil-ity and courage. She and the other eight felt it was their right to be able to have the same treat-ment as everyone else, and despite the pain she

endured, she continued to attend the school. “It’s a beautiful story in all its horror,” Brown-

Trickey said. “We were brainwashed to believe that we had ‘justice for all,’ but we really didn’t. I still believed though – even at the worst moments.

“I don’t want anyone’s heart to be broken like that. That’s why I do this. That’s why I work with children.”

Brown-Trickey emphasized today’s society reflects some of the despondence of the past.

“Today, children continue to bully one another, schools emphasize anti-bullying cam-paigns and society shows animosity toward spe-cific groups, such as immigrants,” she said. She hopes today’s students become the change in the world that she wishes to see with an empha-sis of tolerance.

“In the other part of the world, in Egypt, we’re so excited by the protests and uprisings, but here (in America), when we have people dem-onstrate, we turn on them and say ‘We don’t like it,’” Brown-Trickey said. “We’re supposed to be the democratic society. We love it when other people in other parts of the world do stuff, but when they do it here, we call it a riot or we call it something else. So our language is poison. How we describe things is poison.”

She feels that people need to understand the Civil Rights Movement helped all people – not simply black people – because it encouraged a mindset of tolerance and justice.

“Blacks have done more to bring democracy

to this country,” she added. She also urged students not to stand silently

when they witness intolerances in the world.“People would see things happening, but they

would turn away or they would laugh,” Brown-Trickey said.

She quoted Elie Wiesel, a Holocuast survi-vor and author of “Night,” who said, “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tor-mented.”

Brown-Trickey hopes students never become silent at the cost of other’s suffering.

“We don’t know what we don’t know,” Brown-Trickey said. “I find it funny that people tend to do things not in their best interest. That’s kind of scary to me.”

Brown-Trickey continues to share her story with students because she hopes to instill a message of self-reliance.

“Don’t let other people tell you what to think. Never before have we had more access to infor-mation and it’s really so easy. What I thought about the kids at Central was that they weren’t making their own decisions – they were being told by their parents how to be. They might have wanted to be something else, but we (today) have to be that something else that we want to be.

“I’m not asking for mutiny or going against your parents, but, in some ways, you have to because my ideas are so old, they may be out of fashion. I want my kids, my personal children, to challenge me. It’s really important to be chal-lenged because (children) are seeking their way in the world.”

Animosity in the heart of ArkansasLittle Rock Nine member speaks about intolerance, urges for equality

by Courtney [email protected]

Courtney Schultz/UCW photo


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Main Street (STMS) community by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Through this grant program, the state offers development assistance to towns interested in revitalizing their downtown areas.

The town took advantage of consultation from the state and formed four STMS commit-tees: advisory, design, promotion and economic restructuring.

To many of those involved, this marked the turning point for Waxhaw to become the vibrant community it is today while still welcoming the inevitable growth and development to come.

One of the committees’ first acts was to launch First Friday, an event held in the historic down-town area on the first Friday of most months. Local businesses and restaurants often offer special pricing while residents enjoy a themed evening on the town, complete with vendors and live music.

NerdWallet refers to First Friday and the town’s Jammin’ By the Tracks concert series as examples of the town’s “lively social calendar” of ongoing events that help attract young families.

“Everything can be linked to (STMS),” Gay Diller, a member of the STMS Design Commit-tee, said. “Everything great that has happened in downtown can be linked to the folks at the Department of Commerce.”

Waxhaw Mayor Daune Gardner agrees that STMS made all the difference in bringing together everyone who wanted to play a role in helping the community.

“It’s an ad hoc, volunteer group effort that focuses on making our downtown area more inviting, more vibrant and more welcoming,” she said. “Essentially, it gave everyone who had a desire to get involved a means by which they could do that. We learned how to keep that structure in tact. Now, we have a strong orga-nization.”

Gardner views the downtown area as the “heart of Waxhaw” and even the “core of the region,” to which residents from all over Union County come to enjoy festivities.

“That’s what is unique about Waxhaw and gets people’s attention, it reminds people of the town their grandparents grew up in,” Gardner said. “There’s something that draws people to that type of community, especially people who are involved in volunteering. In order to main-tain our identity, we have to be fiercely protective of our heart.”

Marvin“An Inspiring Environment”

“When I first moved here, it was a rural atmo-sphere with small-town, country charm and over the years it’s developed into a haven for families to come together. But it still maintains those rural characteristics, even as the population has grown immensely.”

That’s how John Baresich describes his first 15 years in Marvin.

Baresich, Chairperson on Marvin’s Parks, Recreation and Greenways Committee, has spent much of that time volunteering and help-ing plan events that bring the small community closer, such as outdoor movie nights at Marvin

Efird Park that he has helped put together dur-ing the warmer months.

But perhaps what attaches Baresich most to the community are his three children, 10, 15 and 16 years old, who have grown up almost exclusively in Marvin.

According to NerdWallet, they have plenty of company; 72 percent of family households in Marvin have at least one child under 18, which makes for the highest proportion in the state.

This statistic is by no means a coincidence. Marvin offers the type of education for children that parents dream of.

On Feb. 5, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) released its annual school grades for public and charter schools. Marvin Ridge Middle School scored a 92.8 overall based on student proficiency and growth, according to the NCDPI website. The score was the highest of any traditional school of any level in Union County.

The three high schools that Marvin feeds into – Marvin Ridge, Cuthbertson and Weddington – are all ranked in the top 15 high schools in the state, according to GreatSchools.

Christina Frazzini, a Marvin Village coun-cilmember and mother of a middle-schooler and high-schooler, said the report cemented some-thing she has already known since transferring her children from a private school in Mecklen-burg County to her local Marvin Ridge cluster.

“For me and my family it has been a blessing in regards to the staff at the schools. Between the staff, teachers, counselors and the environment, even the lunch staff and bussing staff, it’s been a night-and-day difference,” Frazzini said. “Just walking through the high school and the middle school, especially when you have something to compare it to, it’s an inspiring environment.”

Stallings“A Rising Tide Floats All Boats”

In 2012, the Stallings Town Council decided to bring on a full-time employee to direct prog-ress in its parks and recreation department.

Since then, Dena Sabinske has overseen huge strides at both Blair Mill and Stallings parks, including a splash fountain that’s been a hit with small children and a disc-golf course aimed at attracting teens and young adults.

“With her being full-time and her committee being so active and passionate about bringing recreational opportunities to our community, that’s been very successful,” said Stallings Mayor Wyatt Dunn. “Having somebody in there full-time has been the right decision.”

Sabinske said that many families were taking “staycations” due to economic troubles when she started with the town five years ago, and she has aimed to make the parks a place that “fills the void” for families looking for recreation.

“I have three children and taking them some-where is expensive,” she said. “The town has committed to giving resources to hold events that help offset those needs for families. That makes Stallings a great place for families in gen-eral.”

Stallings Park has landed two consecutive Best of the Best (BoB) awards from Charlotte Magazine; one for Best New Park in 2013 and another for Best Children’s Park in 2014.

Families(continued from page 1)

(see Families on page 5)


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Only 27 percent of family households in the town have at least one child under 18 years old. However, for those that do reside in the small town, the great parks system mixed with great schools have made it the perfect place to start a family.

As pointed out by Rosen, Stallings’ schools also enjoy a perfect GreatSchools rating of 10, without the high cost of living associated with Marvin and other towns with perfect school scores.

Dunn pointed to subdivisions such as Fairhaven that act as perfect “starter neigh-borhoods” with affordable housing and great schools for young families.

He also couldn’t help but take a shot at next-door neighbor Indian Trail for landing just one spot behind Stallings.

“We have a little friendly competition, and it’s always good to beat Indian Trail,” he said, before recognizing the importance of so many area towns gaining recognition.

“What’s good for Stallings is good for the community, and what’s good for the community is good for Stallings,” Dunn said. “A rising tide floats all boats. It doesn’t just have to be in our town limits.”

Indian Trail“That Much Stronger of a Community”

When NerdWallet released its first ranking of the best cities in North Carolina for young

families in 2013, Indian Trail was the only town in Union County to have broached the top 10.

The town’s mayor, Michael Alvarez, does not mind the new company, however, and said he hopes the presence of four local towns at the top of this year’s list will get the attention of busi-nesses nationally.

“As a whole, we are building a great county,” Alvarez said. “We need to work together and keep up the good work. If we can all use our strengths to help the next town, we can be that much stronger of a community.”

Rosen pointed out Indian Trail’s consistently low cost of living is one reason it has reappeared on the list, but noted that no single stat sticks out and that above average ratings across the board put the town in the fifth spot. Old events such as the Halloween Trunk or Treat and new additions, such as Chestnut Square Park, keep families happily at home in Indian Trail, and the amount of families with children has grown by 10 percent since 2000.

Alvarez points to the service of the Union County Sheriff’s Office in keeping residents safe and the area schools as only a couple of reasons Indian Trail attracts young families.

“There’s no one item that creates a family-friendly community; it’s many working parts that bring it together,” he said.

It’s easy to see Alvarez could be referring to all of western Union County, as each municipal-ity offers something distinct to its residents, and contributes to the county as a whole.

To see the full results of the study, visit www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/economics/best-cities-for-young-families-in-north-carolina-2015/.

Families(continued from page 4)

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Plyler joins de-annexation petitioners, rest of council adopts resolution against them

WESLEY CHAPEL – At a Wesley Chapel Village Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, councilmember Becky Plyler recused herself from all further discussions regarding a peti-tion recently submitted to the state by resi-dents wanting to de-annex from the village, saying she had recently signed the petition.

The announcement seemed to take some other councilmembers by surprise, as some didn’t understand what she meant when she first announced she could no longer discuss the petition with the simple reason, “I am on the list.”

When questioned further, Plyler explained, “I have been trying for three years and I have gotten nowhere, so I am on the list.”

After accepting her recusal, the remain-ing three councilmembers discussed options that may be approached to reach a compro-mise with the petitioners before unanimously voted to adopt a resolution against the idea of de-annexation.

The resolution, read aloud at the meeting by councilmember Jeannine Kenary, reads in part, “The Village of Wesley Chapel hereby opposes de-annexation of properties within the village. The village believes this will set precendents and irreparable harm will be caused should the state undermine and bypass the authority of this municipality by granting de-annexation from the village.

“Furthermore the village of Wesley Chapel has offered to listen to the desires of the peti-tioners, however, the petitioners continue to have no desire to work the village of Wesley Chapel despite the invitation to do so and have not any interest in making a proposal to the village.”

Any de-annexation process would have to

be approved by state legislature and is not in the control of the council.

N.C. Sen. Tommy Tucker was in atten-dance for Monday’s meeting, but did not address the council.

After announcing his agreement with the resolution, Mayor Brad Horvath announced a special meeting on Feb. 20, a Friday, in which councilmembers would be meeting with Union County commissioners and state leg-islators, not only to discuss the de-annexation process but to “improve communication with both entities,” he said.

Local Boy Scouts collect record amounts of food for Common Cupboard

INDIAN TRAIL – Local nonprofit Com-mon Heart and its Common Cupboard food pantry were the recipient of a record-setting 7,687 pounds of food collected during a recent Boy Scout food drive.

Boy Scout Troop and Cub Pack 151 of Lake Park and Boy Scout Troop and Cub Pack 276 of Indian Trail collected the food as part of the Boy Scout’s national Scouting For Food drive. The troops came in first and third in their district competition with Troop/Pack 151 collecting 5,865 pounds and Troop/Pack 276 collecting 1,822 pounds.

In a news release announcing the totals, Pack 276 leader Lori Clodfelter congratulated the boys for their efforts during the drive.

“They did a great job this year. We were really proud of the boys for doing that,” she said in the release. “I'm happy to donate to Common Cupboard because I know the efforts are local and the food helps our

neighbors.” Common Heart is seeking other local

groups to host food drives during the months of March and April as the nonprofit partici-pates in the annual Feinstein Foundation Mil-lion Dollar Challenge. Every pound of food donated during the challenge increases the donation Common Heart will receive from the foundation.

Call 704-218-9060 or email [email protected] for more information.

Marce Savage resigns from county board of ed

At the Feb. 3 Union County Board of Edu-cation meeting, Chairperson John Collins announced the resignation of District 6 rep-resentative Marce Savage, who had recently been under investigation from the State Bureau of Investigation for allegations that she filed false expense reports.

Accusers claimed Savage filed expense reports to both the Union County and North Carolina boards of education, for which she served at the time, for the same trips. Savage resigned from the state board in November 2014.

The county board has now asked that any-one interested in filling Savage’s spot submit a letter of interest and resume. The submittal should include the applicant’s name, address, history of community involvement and rea-sons for wanting to serve on the board.

Submittals are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 13. Emails can be submitted to Donna Mullarkey at [email protected] or to the Union County Public Schools central office at 400 N. Church St. in Monroe.

Photo courtesy of Kara Lopp


Union County Weekly

Crime Blotter

News

The following people were arrested in western Union County between Feb. 5 and Feb. 11, according to the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

Hemby Bridge

• Gia Trinh, 5600 block of Steven Mills Road: Driving while impaired. Feb. 6

Indian Trail

• Tifanny Evans, 500 block of Red Barn Trail: Assault and battery. Feb. 6.

• William Roberts, 5500 block of Orr Road: Driving while licensed revoked. Feb. 6

• Jamaal Mosley, Indian Trail Fairview Road at Independence Boulevard: Driving while impaired. Feb. 7

• Justin Richardson, 3000 block of Great Falls Drive: Communicating threats. Feb. 9

• Boyd Wright, 2100 block of Younts Road: Shoplifting. Feb 10

Stallings

• Michela Cornett, 2700 block of Old Monroe Road: Larceny by changing of price. Feb. 8

Waxhaw

• Kiara Norwood, 4300 block of Applewood Lane: Possession of drug para-phernalia. Feb. 5

• Safa Salloum, 8900 block of Ken-tucky Derby Drive: Assault on a female. Feb. 5

• Johnny Crockett, 8302 block of Pine Oak Road: Simple assault. Feb. 6

• Tyler Bassett, 9200 block of Rea Road: Driving while impaired. Feb. 7

• Cindy Hunter, 2900 block of Meherrin Court: Simple assault. Feb. 7

• Michael Whisenant, 1100 block of Baldwin Lane: Assault inflicting serious bodily injury. Feb. 9

• Sonja Kamiche, 300 block of Howie Mine Road: Felony breaking and entering. Feb. 11

• Ryan Helder, 1600 block of Crane Road: Felony breaking and entering. Feb. 11

Weddington

• Robert Williams, 500 block of Maple Grove Church Road: Shoplifting. Feb. 5

• Michael Hinson, 500 block of Shore-line Drive: Misdemeanor larceny. Feb. 10

The following crimes were committed in western Union County between Feb. 5 and Feb. 11, according to the Union County Sheriff ’s Office.

Hemby Bridge

Miscellaneous• 5200 block of Reid Road: First-degree

trespassing. Feb. 8

Indian Trail

Home/Business Break-ins• Auto Bell Car Wash, 4416 Old Monroe

Road: Nothing listed as stolen during busi-ness break-in. Feb. 6

• 3000 block of Semmes Lane: Nothing listed as stolen during home break-in. Feb. 10

• 4100 block of Flaggstone Lane: Purse stolen during home break-in. Feb. 11

Property Theft• Direct Automotive Transport, 4923 W.

Hwy. 74: $1,300 worth of motor vehicle parts. Feb. 5

• 5800 block of West Highway 74: $10 license plate stolen. Feb. 6

• 2100 block of Younts Road: $20 license plate stolen. Feb. 6

• 2000 block of Sipes Place: $500 iPhone 5C stolen. Feb 7

• 2400 block of Devon Road: $6,000 Nissan Maxima stolen. Feb. 9

• Walmart, 2101 Younts Road: $75 worth of food products stolen from busi-ness. Feb. 10

Vandalism/Hit-and-run• 4000 block of Breeze Lane: $80 dam-

age to two mailboxes in vandalism inci-dent. Feb. 7

• 3000 block of Rosewater Lane: $50 damage to mailbox in vandalism incident. Feb. 7

• 3000 block of Fountainbrook Drive: $50 damage to mailbox in vandalism inci-dent. Feb. 7

• 1000 block of Bridleside Drive: $80 damage to two mailboxes in vandalism incident. Feb. 7

• 3100 block of Flaggstone Lane: $100 damage to door in vandalism incident. Feb. 7

• 15000 block of South Catawba Circle: $50 damage to mailbox in vandalism inci-dent. Feb. 9

(see Crime Blotter on page 8)

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Financial Crimes/Fraud• 1000 block of Haven Lane: Identity

theft. Feb. 6.• 1000 block of Stevens Pride Court:

Financial card fraud. Feb. 6• 4400 block of Old Monroe Road:

$324 stolen through fraud. Feb. 9

Lake Park

Miscellaneous• 4000 block of Lake Charles Way: Ani-

mal bite. Feb. 8

Marvin

Home/Business Break-ins• 9900 block of Heritage Oaks Lane:

$4,543 worth of personal property stolen during home break-in. Feb. 6

Waxhaw

Home/Business Break-ins• 8600 block of Kensington Drive:

Nothing listed as stolen during home break-in. Feb. 5

• 9900 block of Silverling Drive: $3,375 worth of personal property stolen during home burglary. Feb. 6

• 1800 block of South Providence Road: $150 worth of property stolen during

home break-in. Feb. 10

Vandalism/Hit-and-run• 2100 block of Madeira Circle: $200

damage done to fence. Feb. 7

Financial Crimes/Fraud• 2800 block of Crane Road: $150 sto-

len through unauthorized use of a card. Feb. 5

Miscellaneous• 4300 block of Applewood Lane: Pos-

session of drug paraphernalia. Feb. 5 • 1200 block of Foxfield Road: Second-

degree trespassing. Feb. 10

Weddington

Home/Business Break-ins• 1800 block of Cox Road: $500 dam-

age to door during attempted break-in. Feb. 6

Property Theft• 500 block of Shoreline Drive: $200

iPhone stolen. Feb. 10

Wesley Chapel

Miscellaneous • 1400 block of Willow Ridge Lane:

Consuming alcohol under 21 years old. Feb. 6

Crime Blotter(continued from page 7)

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Lola is a very gentle and calm girl. She may be older but she loves to walk daily and be outdoors. She’s happy with a one mile stroll.

She has met male and female dogs of different sizes and gets along very well with them all. She doesn’t have any interest in toys or balls, but loves to cuddle. Although she’s a little needy she has no separation anxiety and does great uncrated during my work day. My neighbors say they don’t hear a peep out of her when I’m gone. She has never destroyed a single item in my house and has never had an accident. She has no food dominance or aggression at all. She would do best in a home with kids over 7 years old. She does have a prey drive to cats! She tried to chase a couple of times. Overall she’s a great pet! Very low maintenance and sweet! My contact info is [email protected] for any potential adopters.

Name: DoveID: A1077163Breed Mix: Shorthair CalicoAge: 9 yearsWeight: 9 lbsSex: Spayed FemaleDate of Arrival: 8/1/14 (Stray)Vaccinations: Has all required vaccinations. Has been microchipped.

Dove is an incredibly sweet and loving kitty and would fit perfectly into many home situations She loves affection from people and even gets along well with the cat-friendly dogs in her foster home. She loves to lay on your lap or lay curled up next to

you. She has an adorable personality and will greet her foster mom with gentle meows and throaty trills. This beautiful girl is a wonderful companion! She is litter box trained, up to date on vaccines, spayed, dewormed, and microchipped. Dove has a clogged tear duct in her left eye. This causes her no discomfort but can cause her eye to water. This does not effect her health. Dove has been in foster care while nursing her kittens. The kittens are adopted now so Dove is ready for her new, forever home. If you have any questions about this sweet-natured, lovely girl, please contact her foster mom at [email protected].

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News

A breAkdown of recent home sAles Jan. 2015 Jan. 2014 Jan. 2013

Homes Sold 127 145 155average Sales Price $309,654 $328,872 $197,454

Editor’s note: Information provided by the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association and www.sales.carolinahome.com

Home Sales in Union County

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soldsAleprice

28173Alma Village 7811 Antique Circle Jan. 15 $239,000 Berkshire 1415 Chandlers Field Drive Jan. 9 $236,000 Copper Run 1408 Huntcliff Drive Jan. 30 $389,690 Cureton 2701 Dombey Street Jan. 23 $509,6652819 Bevis Lane Jan. 19 $502,6103043 Chasbury Park Drive Jan. 5 $426,090 Deerfield Plantation 2610 Ski Trail Lane Jan. 22 $373,000 Farmbrook 6821 Misty Lane Jan. 29 $169,500 Harrison Park 1907 Dunsmore Lane Jan. 14 $128,0002026 Beckwith Lane Jan. 13 $91,595 Hermitage Place 8111 Poplar Grove Circle Jan. 16 $130,000 Hollister 8002 Indian Beech Court Jan. 29 $415,5008105 Mandeville Court Jan. 21 $495,000910 Five Leaf Lane Jan. 16 $430,996 Jackson Ridge 1401 Wall Street Jan. 20 $171,000 Longview 8720 Thornbury Place Jan. 4 $840,8318801 Thornbury Place Jan. 4 $747,146 Marvin Creek 1004 Groves Edge Lane Jan. 8 $562,000316 Silent Meadow Court Jan. 5 $896,280

Oak Grove Farm 1301 Rosehill Drive Jan. 8 $810,000 Plantation Forest 7325 Mockingbird Lane Jan. 15 $435,000 Prescot 8108 Prescot Glen Pkwy. Jan. 2 $260,000 Providence Downs 9117 Monarchos Court Jan. 30 $805,000 Quellin 8105 Denholme Drive Jan. 15 $417,500 Shannon Vista 1608 Hoosac Drive Jan. 26 $252,5005503 Marchetti Drive Jan. 6 $318,915 Silver Creek 1213 High Brook Drive Jan. 20 $319,900 Somerset 407 Belvedere Lane Jan. 20 $425,0009021 Tintinhull Lane Jan. 9 $275,000 The Oaks on Providence 7716 Red Oaks Trail Jan. 6 $216,000 Waybridge 418 Covington Crossing Jan. 30 $650,000 Weddington Trace 802 Crooked River Drive Jan. 30 $466,550900 Crooked River Drive Jan. 16 $457,657 Wesley Oaks 404 Springwood Drive Jan. 30 $302,0006202 Marigold Court Jan. 12 $319,000 Winghaven Estates 6500 Steele Road Jan. 15 $290,000

Beacon Hills 7900 Red Lantern Road Jan. 26 $123,000 Bent Creek 1009 Enderbury Drive Jan. 28 $184,500 Bonterra 1012 Backstretch Boulevard Jan. 30 $208,9001512 Saratoga Boulevard Jan. 29 $295,0001037 Backstretch Boulevard Jan. 21 $244,0001023 Bimelech Drive Jan. 6 $259,000 Brandon Oaks 6581 Long Nook Lane Jan. 30 $183,5004005 Sipes Place Jan. 5 $230,000 Brookstone Village 3706 Brookstone Trail Jan. 15 $164,000 Bryson Village 3825 Monticello St. Jan. 19 $105,000 Colton Ridge 2003 Monaco Court Jan. 21 $231,0001013 Sentinel Drive Jan. 12 $198,900 Country Woods Estate 2281 Redwood Drive Jan. 30 $209,900 Crismark 2001 Crismark Drive Jan. 16 $301,5003007 Blessing Drive Jan. 15 $267,000 Fieldstone Farm 2002 Blue Range Road Jan. 16 $265,000 Green Meadows 6606 1st Ave. Jan. 16 $122,500 Holly Park 1003 Cadberry Court Jan. 6 $177,500

Indian Trail Park 301 Grover Moore Place Jan. 5 $80,950 Lake Park 5907 Creft Circle Jan. 30 $162,0003800 Lincoln Court Jan. 30 $210,000 Shiloh Trace 5700 Lindley Crescent Drive Jan. 15 $187,0001301 Langdon Terrace Drive Jan. 6 $226,500 Taylor Glenn 6007 Magna Lane Jan. 30 $231,000 The Enclaves at Crismark 5019 Tremont Drive Jan. 7 $364,020 Traewyck 4206 Yaupon Court Jan. 29 $136,000

Bromley 1305 Delaney Drive Jan. 28 $910,1131237 Bromley Drive Jan. 26 $781,8811233 Bromley Drive Jan. 26 $896,4971112 Bromley Drive Jan. 26 $924,303 Brookhaven 6004 Stanbury Drive Jan. 9 $655,0001030 Forbishire Drive Jan. 5 $365,500 Callonwood 906 Putney Court Jan. 22 $315,000 Chestnut Oaks 7005 Holly Grove Court Jan. 29 $245,000 Chestnut Place 1223 Clover Lane Jan. 30 $342,140 Cobblestone 7138 Cobblecreek Drive Jan. 20 $299,100

Enchanted Forest 616 Chestnut Lane Jan. 8 $209,500 Fairhaven 5029 Haven Lodge Road Jan. 30 $197,0001425 Afternoon Sun Road Jan. 26 $210,0001421 Sunflower Field Place Jan. 23 $203,2601044 Yellow Daisy Drive Jan. 9 $250,000 Forest Park 628 Pepper Ann Lane Jan. 22 $140,000 Hunley Creek 8200 Hunley Ridge Road Jan. 6 $199,000 Indian Brook 5909 Potters Road Jan. 29 $111,5005809 Lindenwood Drive Jan. 21 $141,500 Kerry Greens 2426 Coatsdale Lane Jan. 27 $160,0003055 Wyntree Court Jan. 21 $179,000 Lake Forest Drive 513 Pine Needle Court Jan. 30 $556,3473099 Twin Lakes Drive Jan. 30 $427,5553023 Twin Lakes Drive Jan. 26 $534,0003075 Twin Lakes Drive Jan. 20 $577,5003067 Twin Lakes Drive Jan. 20 $617,0002038 Weddington Lake Drive Jan. 5 $536,500 Madison Bridge 2818 Cameron Commons Way Jan. 22 $245,000 Poplar Glen 5000 Poplar Glen Drive Jan. 5 $134,000 Providence Hills 3019 Savannah Hills Drive Jan. 15 $393,000 Providence Woods South 2001 Greenbrook Pkwy. Jan. 14 $367,000

28079

28104

(see Home Sales on page 11)

Home Sales

Union County Weekly


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News

Shannamara 221 Limerick Drive Jan. 29 $456,7507333 Kidwelly Lane Jan. 7 $288,0009422 Bethesda Court Jan. 6 $222,884 Wesley Chase 2009 Spring Rose Lane Jan. 30 $417,900 Willowbrook 3609 Wild Rose Court Jan. 16 $287,500 Woodbridge 2806 Creek Court Jan. 6 $210,000

Brooks Farm 2137 Millstone Lane Jan. 2 $128,000 Forest Hills 114 Forest Hills Drive Jan. 13 $169,650 Kings Pointe 1901 Kings Pointe Drive Jan. 21 $138,250 Lexington Commons 2119 Rockycreek Lane Jan. 13 $170,855 Ridgewood 104 Hillsdale Road Jan. 16 $365,000 Stonebridge 3508 Out Of Bounds Drive Jan. 23 $401,000 Worthwood 720 Cindy Drive Jan. 23 $146,000

Brittany Downs Estates 4105 Runaway Circle Jan. 2 $84,500 Brook Valley 3020 Sagebrush Bend Jan. 13 $224,000 Colonial Village 1608 American Lane Jan. 15 $143,000

Country Hills 4820 Secrest Shortcut Road Jan. 20 $139,900 Gleneagles 1005 White Marsh Court Jan. 23 $172,500 Hamilton Place 4318 Chatterleigh Drive Jan. 9 $164,000 Legacy On The Lake 1007 Legacy Lake Drive Jan. 9 $290,000 Long Brooke 4207 Swan Sea Court Jan. 16 $86,800 Loxdale Farms 2711 Falling Leaf Court Jan. 15 $116,5002817 Loxdale Farms Drive Jan. 8 $185,000 Meriwether 1011 Salmon River Drive Jan. 6 $126,500 Myers Meadows 4525 Marshall Court Jan. 14 $137,0004512 Varner Drive Jan. 6 $172,900 River Chase 2424 Hunters Way Jan. 30 $119,000 Rocky River Estates 412 Brookside Drive Jan. 5 $89,299 St Johns Forest 4903 Manchineel Lane Jan. 25 $153,370 The Brooks 2062 Applebrook Drive Jan. 6 $396,900 Wesley Chapel 420 Matfield Court Jan. 28 $134,300 Wesley Woods 908 Woodhurst Drive Jan. 16 $340,000 Wincrest 2405 Paperbark Drive Jan. 9 $165,000 Yorkshire 1509 Heather Lane Jan. 16 $219,000

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Home Sales(continued from page 10)

28112

28110

INDIAN TRAIL - Homes in Bonterra Village in Indian Trail have been the quick-est off the market in recent months, with five sold in January and 12 closing sales since the beginning of October 2014.

Mark Russell, a broker with Bonterra Builders, said real estate agents and buy-ers have recognized the values in Bonterra homes because of the amenities offered for homeowners that compare to commu-nities with much higher prices.

The equestrian-themed community hosts green pastures, horse stables, ath-letic fields and a fitness room exclusive to

residents. Russell also said that the schools are a

major reason Indian Trail has gotten so much attention from home-buyers.

“The Indian Trail area is really growing, and a big reason is that the school rat-ings are getting a lot better,” Russell said. “Poplin Elementary is a top-rated school and Porter Ridge middle and high schools are getting really high up on buyers’ list. People are moving into homes just to get into those schools.”

A new phase of construction that just began in Bonterra Village will offer buyers craftsman-style, four- and five-bedroom homes.

Bonterra Builders recently opened a new model home in the neighborhood to show off the style it will implement in the new construction phase.

DevelopmentEye on

Bonterra Village – An established neighborhood that continues to grow

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Education

school-wide this year, however, as it also has found a home in a new school, as well.

Students and faculty at Rea View Elementary School in Waxhaw jumped on board with the project, creating hun-dreds of their own Valentine cards for the Wounded Warriors at Camp Lejeune. Cathy’s husband, Jim Reese, a fifth-grade teacher at Rea View, helped bring the project to his school, along with fourth- and fifth-grade students from the school’s student council.

“Since kids like to get Valentine cards, we thought, ‘Why not do something dif-ferent with it?’” Jim said. “… It gives (stu-dents) the opportunity to recognize the heroes, and (the veterans) are considered heroes.”

Richard Mitchells, chaplain with Char-lotte’s Marine Corps League Detachment 750, visited both schools on Friday, Feb. 6, to collect the Valentine cards and talk to the students about the Wounded War-riors at Camp Lejeune. Mitchells was an active-duty U.S. Marine for four years in the early 1950s, serving during the Korean War. He continues to serve his country through his passion for veterans’ organizations, and said he was excited to be a part of the Valentines for Vets proj-ect.

“The veterans down there really feel that they’re not forgotten, that they’re remem-bered,” Mitchells said. “They really, really appreciate getting these Valentines.”

The Valentines for Vets project reso-nated with a number of students in Cathy’s class who have parents and other family members who either have previ-ously served or are currently serving in the armed forces.

Indian Trail Fourth-grader Emily Becker brought her dad’s medal and cer-tificate honoring his service in the U.S. Marine Corps to show Mitchells and her classmates.

“To show everybody how proud I am of my dad, that was awesome,” Emily said. “To, you know, have a veteran in my family, and it being my dad is really awe-some.”

Logan Arnold, also a fourth-grader at Indian Trail, brought his dad’s U.S. Air Force medal. Logan’s dad is currently serving overseas, and the family isn’t sure when he’s going to be able to come home.

“I (enjoyed) getting to show the class what my dad gave me and what he’s worked for – to protect our country,” Logan said.

Fourth-grader Andrew Brown put his creative skills to the test by crafting a poem for veterans, which he read dur-ing Mitchells’s visit. Andrew’s poem was inspired by a poetry slam the school

hosted several weeks ago.“I just put two things that our school

was doing together and made something for the cards,” Andrew said. “I also put two copies of this (poem) in two of the cards … I loved the feel of reading it to a veteran.”

Cathy said the Indian Trail Elementary community has been continually sup-portive of Valentines for Vets, and she’s grateful for the opportunity to continue expanding the program each year.

Jim Reese said he was pleased with the response he received from students

and faculty at Rea View Elementary and hopes to make Valentines for Vets an annual event at his school. He also hopes the combined efforts of Indian Trail and Rea View will inspire other schools to give back, as well.

“There’s the question, ‘Is this some-thing else other schools could try, down the road?’” he said. “It’s like Christmas. We send packages to the (service mem-bers) overseas for Christmas. This is something similar to that, and it’s great for the people down at Camp Lejeune – they really appreciate it.”

Valentines for Vets(continued from page 1)

Marine Chaplain Richard Mitchells accepts Valentine’s Day cards from Indian Trail Elementary School students. Josh Whitener/UCW photo


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Education

The Union County Board of Education unanimously approved an increase in stu-dent cap levels for all school levels at its meeting on Feb. 3.

The facilities committee requested the board discuss school size capacity after the release of the draft of the Community Construction Equity Plan (CCEP), a long-term district plan to accommodate stability, growth, existing facility needs and future facility needs.

“This is huge, and we’re planning for the next seven to 10 years,” UCPS Superinten-dent Dr. Mary Ellis said.

The committee suggested a new standard cap increase of 1,000 students for elemen-tary schools, 1,600 for middle schools and 1,200 high schools.

Many residents are concerned about overcrowding in their respective schools; those concerns came to a head during the 2013-14 battle over redistricting.

Catherine Brown, an Indian Trail resi-dent and former UCPS teacher, said she felt overcrowding continues to be an issue and that the board should have created long term solutions.

UCPS staff hopes the CCEP will create a future plan to help avoid overcrowding in the county.

At-large board member Mike Guzman, who chairs the strategic planning and tech-nology committee, said he analyzed the numbers and looked at site-based teams for feedback regarding the proposed adjust-ment.

“Schools with 500 (students) don’t want to double to 1,000,” Guzman said, adding about 25 percent of schools need a larger facility. “We’re not looking to make it the max (for each school), but it would be nice to have an option.”

District 3 board member Gary Sides had concerns about how the district determines school gaps and watch levels.

Dr. Mike Webb, UPCS deputy

superintendent of instructional technology and operations, said the staff use the CCEP for guidance and look at various variables, including media centers, cafeterias, bath-rooms and parking to help shape capacity numbers. He added staff blends multiple practices before determining watch levels and enrollment caps.

“If we add 12 classrooms, we need to make sure we look at other spaces in con-struction,” Webb said.

Watch levels and cap levels are a basis for construction and numbers, he added.

Sides had concerns over mobile class-rooms being included in construction, but Webb said the board only recently chose to move away from mobile units.

Sides said he dislikes seeing new schools opening up with mobile units already put in place at the school’s opening.

Webb said there could be a potential for mobile trailers in the future, despite any changes in the CCEP or the cap levels. Mobile units are typically put in place for a temporary population increase “bubble” so the district doesn’t spend funds on a per-manent structural increase on a temporary population increase, he added.

District 2 board member H. Kevin Stew-art said the board needs to look at a long-term plan regarding construction.

“I don’t want to see mobile classrooms either,” he said.

Ellis said numbers will drop in 2021, so the long-term plan needs to incorporate those “bubbles.”

Sides urged board members during the meeting to monitor neighborhood growth and work with municipalities to help shape the CCEP.

The board ultimately approved the three caps, and will continue to discuss the CCEP and vote on the plan in the future.

The Union County Board of Education’s Facilities Committee met for a work ses-sion on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5 p.m., after Union County Weekly’s press deadline. The committee was set to discuss the CCEP.

UCPS board of education approves new cap levels



Education

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evaluate school performance,” State Board of Education Chairman Bill Cobey said in a news release. “The State Board will be considering how to assist schools that received a letter grade of D or F. We have requested funding from the Gen-eral Assembly to support school turnaround efforts and professional development for teachers so that we can continue intervention services for the lowest-performing schools.”

This year, school grades are pro-vided on a 15-point scale, but cur-rent law states the 2014-15 grades will reflect a 10-point scale.

“A school’s performance can be measured in many ways,” Dr. Mary Ellis, UCPS superintendent, said in a news release. “These grades represent an increase in our gradu-ation rate, academic growth across the county and a testament to the quality instruction that is happen-ing in our classrooms.”

Elementary and middle schools’ achievement scores are based solely on test scores, including end-of-grade reading and mathematics tests in third through eighth grades; an end-of-grade science test in fifth and eighth grade; and end-of-course tests in Math I and Biology.

The high school achievement score is based on student performance

on Math I, English II and Biology end-of-course tests, and on the percentage of students who score 17 or above on the ACT, the per-centage of students who achieve a Silver Certificate or better on the ACT WorkKeys, the percentage of students who successfully complete Math III, and the school’s four-year cohort graduation rate. High school grades also take into account col-lege and career readiness.

“We are not resting on these school performance grades,” Ellis said in the release. “We have to improve academic achievement and growth in all schools. We will con-tinue to support all of our schools and work hard for all children.”

UCPS scored well above the state average. Only 65.4 percent of North Carolina elementary and middle schools and 88.8 percent of high schools earning a grade of C or better.

The state also evaluated school growth status, with 79.5 percent of elementary schools, 73.1 percent of middle schools and 69.5 percent of high schools having met or exceeded academic growth goals.

Parents can see individual school’s scores and district scores at www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/reporting.


More than 60 percent of UCPS schools earn top marks in NC School Performance Grades

North Carolina released its first School Performance Grades on Feb. 5, and 44 out of 52, or 84.6 percent of, Union County Public Schools earned a grade of C or better.

About 65 percent of the schools earned A or B, and there were no F letter grades in the district for over-all score.

As required by state legislation, the School Performance Grades are

based 80 percent on the school's achievement score and 20 percent on students' academic growth. The only exception to this is if a school meets expected growth, but inclu-sion of the school's growth reduces the school's performance score and grade. All public schools, including charter schools, receive grades that reflect on student performance dur-ing the 2013-14 school year.

“North Carolina public school parents now have an easy-to-un-derstand letter grade to help them

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Arts & Entertainmentthe Phantom to lure Christine into his lair.

Although the show has changed slightly, the songs remain untouched and as skillfully performed as ever. Katie Travis brings all of the innocence expected in the role of Chris-tine with the angelic voice to match. Whether intentional or not, her performance of “Think of Me” sounds far lighter than the melancholy lyrics suggest it should be sung, and perfectly captures the naïveté of the character. But Travis really shows what she’s capable of in her perfor-mance of “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.”

Chris Mann’s performance is, unfortunately, not as on point as his voice. I expected the Phan-tom to be a far more imposing character and wasn't convinced of his undying love for Chris-tine. Notably, the moment in which Christine faints at the sight of a wax figure of herself in a wedding dress in the Phantom’s lair has been completely removed. Such a scene could have helped fill the gaps in understanding the “creep factor” of the Phantom and just how strong his obsession had grown.

If you go for the music, you won’t be disap-pointed. The orchestra and cast have no shame when it comes to playing and singing the songs in full dramatic fashion. The costumes are equally showstopping. Even several rows back, it’s clear just how much detail was put in to every stitch of clothing.

Dramatics appeared to have been spared in the “Masquerade” number. It is the only scene where set design disappoints, as the large staircase familiar to past productions has been replaced by a smaller, mirrored stage. The

mirrors seem like a gimmick to trick the audi-ence into thinking there are more performers on stage than there really are. It falls flat in what is supposed to be a breathtaking sequence.

Many people likely come into a show like this with some familiarity of the key songs, but I had to wonder how those completely new to “The Phantom of the Opera” would fare in their appreciation of certain numbers. In particu-lar, when multiple sets of singers are trying to sing different lyrics at the same time, such as during “Prima Donna,” it sounds like a beauti-ful, but confusing, cacophony. I, undoubtedly, wouldn’t have known what they were singing without prior exposure to the songs because of the sound mix. This production of “Phantom” is at its best with solo performances.

It’s important to note the drawbacks I’ve mentioned are only in comparison to past pro-ductions of “Phantom.” Rarely does a show run so unchanged for so long as “Phantom” has. Thus, any modifications, no matter how small, are going to be examined closely. Whether you’ve seen the show 100 times or this is your first time, you should check out this version of “Phantom.”

Charlotte is lucky to have such a revered musical passing through during Valentine’s weekend. Perhaps even the cynics can find their hopeless romantic side in time for this limited engagement.

“The Phantom of the Opera” runs through Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Belk Theater at Blumen-thal Performing Arts Center. Find more informa-tion at www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/the-phantom-of-the-opera.

by Liz [email protected]

Unlike its namesake character, “The Phantom of the Opera” crashed onto Charlotte’s scene last week without even the guise of subtlety.

Billboards have advertised the arrival of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s most famous musical for the past several weeks and egged on the excite-ment of area theatergoers and “Phantom” fans – and, full-disclosure, I unabashedly include myself in these groups. Even if you’ve heard the soundtrack, seen the 2004 film or attended the show on Broadway, I can guarantee you’ve never seen it done quite like this.

For those unfamiliar with the classic musi-cal, “The Phantom of the Opera” takes place in early 20th-century Paris, France. The Opera Populaire is haunted by a “ghost” who makes

outlandish demands of the theater’s owners and seeks to have his protégé, Christine Daaé, rise to the rank of star soprano in short order. When the Phantom’s attentions for the ingénue turn from that of a tutor to a suitor, the plot becomes an intriguing combination of romance and horror.

While all of Blumenthal’s Broadway Lights Series have high-production value, “Phantom” appears to have spared no expense. Even those who begrudgingly attend for the sake of their partner or child are sure to be wowed by the set design, even if the music doesn’t entice them. The set relies primarily on a rotating half-drum stage, which uses one side as the interior of the opera house, in all of its gold-plated theater boxes and crimson curtain glamor. The other side, with the assistance of spiral stairs that col-lapse into the side, serves as the backdrop for

Phantom's Music of the Night enchants CharlotteKatie Travis (left) and Storm Lineberger star in “The Phantom of the Opera.” Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts


Arts & Entertainment

Seldom used in our everyday language, “quintessence” is a pretty cool word.

In ancient and medieval philosophy, the term referred to a fifth element that runs through air, water, fire and earth. Dubbed “aether” by Aristotle, quintessence was supreme matter that comprised the stars and other heavenly bodies, according to “Plato and Aristotle’s Ether: Revisited and Redefined” by O'Donnell and Bell, published in the Journal of Space Philosophy 2, no. 1, in spring 2013.

Today, the term “quintessence” has been borrowed by a group of five musicians, who make heavenly music in Union County and beyond. The group, aptly named “Quintes-sence,” features five musicians who each play “wind” instruments, so named because sound is created with air supplied by the player.

Emily Higgins plays flute for the group and is the principal flutist in the Union Symphony Orchestra. Oboist Elizabeth Dockery also plays in the Union Symphony and directs band at Arborbrook Christian Academy in Matthews. Clarinetist Leslie Craven is the band director at Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Monroe. Kirsten Contreras, the group’s new-est member, plays bassoon for Quintessence, Union Symphony and the Lutheran Church Musicians in Charlotte.

“We play for the love of chamber music,” said Mekel Rogers, the fifth member of the group who plays the French horn and is the group’s unofficial manager.

Quintessence rehearsals consist of equal parts playing and laughing, members have said, appropriate for the medium once called the “music of friends.”

But the true goal of Quintessence is to increase awareness of chamber music through performance, and increase performance of the music through education, especially of younger students.

Quintessence’s signature event is Chamber Day, held every fall since 2011. All school band students across the area are invited to Central Academy on a Saturday in November. Kids spend the day in master classes taught by the members of Quintessence, who divide the par-ticipants into trios, quartets and quintets. After a brief rehearsal period, the students give an informal concert for their parents. The event draws approximately 50 kids annually from seven different schools.

“We are sending better musicians back to their band directors,” said Rogers, a music

educator for 20 years and director of bands at Weddington Middle School since 1998. “The kids have a great time.”

“Chamber music” refers to compositions written for small groups of musicians. Popu-larized in the 18th century, chamber music was usually played in private by aristocratic amateurs in groups small enough to fit in a palace chamber. Joseph Haydn, known as the father of modern chamber music, wrote pieces for princes to play. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart expanded the music for different instruments.

As the aristocratic society of Europe fell in the 19th century, composers had to change their business model to survive. They began selling and performing their pieces in concert halls. Advances in design and manufacture generated instruments with more sound, bet-ter suited to public performance. The “music of friends” became the “music of the masses.”

Composers have continued to create new work and adapt different pieces for small group performance. In addition to playing Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Bach, Quintessence performs American standards by George Ger-shwin, ragtime by Scott Joplin, tangos, polkas and even movie themes, including an arrange-ment of Henry Mancini’s composition for the original 1963 film, “The Pink Panther.”

“A good arranger can put any music in chamber format,” said Rogers, who regularly composes music for school bands and Quin-tessence. He has been published internation-ally since 2010 with FJH Music Company, Inc.

Rogers’s original piece, “Fireflies,” is a Quin-tessence audience favorite. When writing it, Rogers started with a catchy melody he devel-oped into five separate lines in playful inter-action. Rogers said the key to any successful piece of music is making the most of each instrument involved. In “Fireflies,” the motifs flit between each musician, changing slightly to keep the audience guessing.

“Like little fireflies that skitter around, you have to look for the disappearing and reap-pearing light,” said Rogers.

Heavenly bodies indeed.

Video footage of Quintessence performing “Fireflies” and other pieces can be found online at quintessencewindquintet.blogspot.com. Find “Quintessence Wind Quintet” on Facebook for updates and a schedule of upcoming 2015 performances. Quintessence is available for concerts, classes, weddings and special events. Booking information is listed online.

Quintessentially beautiful musicby Dee Grano

[email protected]

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FULL-TIME PAGE DESIGNER WANTED

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

This position will be responsible for page design for three weekly papers and one monthly paper, designing 72 to 100 pages per week. The right candidate must be an expert in InDesign and Photoshop and have at least one year of experience designing pages for

print. Designers should be proficient at cutouts and be prepared to create unique page designs for special sections. The position also will be responsible for uploading content to our community news websites. Candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, references and published page designs.

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Calendar

2.12.15Thursday

6:30 p.m.Financial Peace University

Orientation

Mill Grove United Methodist Church will be offering Dave Ramsey’s nine-week class at its Sun Valley campus. The classes will begin on Feb. 19, a Thursday, and Feb. 12 will be an orientation and question-and-

answer session. Contact Pastor Johanna at [email protected] or call 704-882-3770 for details.

Mill Grove United Methodist Church, 3207 Wesley Chapel Stouts Road, Indian Trail

2.14.15Saturday

10 a.m. to NoonThe Great Backyard Bird Count

A park ranger-led walk through Cane Creek Park to look for birds, with hopes of sighting one of the two bald eagles that reside in the park.

Beginners and experienced birdwatchers are welcome. Bring binoculars and identification walks. Walkers will meet at parking lot #1. The event

is free and does not require pre-registration. Contact David Paschal at [email protected] or 704-843-

3919 for more information.

Cane Creek Park, 5213 Harkey Road, Waxhaw

2.14.15Saturday

7 to 11 p.m.Valentine’s Day Party

Two ticket options: $10 tickets include entry for live music from RJ Adams and one WinoRite or WinteRita, while $30 VIP tickets include all that with heavy appetizers consisting of meatballs, baked ziti, chicken tenders, pork sliders, dessert and more.

Treehouse Vineyards, 301 Bay St., Monroe

2.14.15Saturday

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Tree Seedling and Fruit Plant Sale

A variety of trees will be offered at the sale, including dogwoods, redbud, trident maples, European hornbeam,

American beech, river birch, tulip poplar and poplar cypress. Varieties of apples, peaches, blueberries, grapes and

blackberries also will be offered, as well as beautyberry shrubs from the Extension Master Gardeners of Union County teaching

garden.

Union County Agricultural Center, 3230 Presson Road, Monroe

2.15.15Sunday

2:30 p.m.GOLD! The History of Mines in Union

County

Mike Musselwhite will share his expertise and lifetime research regarding facts and myths surrounding Union County gold mines.

Attendees are invited to review maps, identify county mine locations and learn about additional resources on local mining.

Contact Cliff Rhodes at 704-821-7475 or email [email protected] for more information.

Union West Regional Library, 123 Unionville Indian Trail Road W., Indian Trail

2.18.15Wednesday

6 to 7:30 p.m.Emotional Intelligence Seminar

Find out why Fortune 500 companies spend millions training employees to improve their emotional intelligence. Learn ways to

increase your “EQ” and sense of well-being. Event is free. Email [email protected] or call 704-774-

2409 for more information.

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


Calendar

2.19.15 Thursday

7 to 9 p.m.Public Safety Seminar

Speakers, including Deputy Louie Rodriguez and Detective A.J. Mainero of the Union County Sheriff’s Office, will discuss home security and other personal safety issues. There will be a question-and-answer session following the

presentation.

Siler Presbyterian Church, 6301 Weddington-Monroe Road, Wesley

Chapel

2.19.15Thursday6 p.m.

Gift Making Class

Turning Point Inc., Union County’s domestic violence shelter, will hold a class in which

attendees can create their own jewelry holder using a picture frame and chicken wire. The

class costs $7 to attend and all materials will be included.

Home Décor, 2409 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe

2.21.15Saturday2 p.m.

Turning Point Fashion Show

Turning Point Inc., Union County’s domestic violence shelter, will hold its first ever fashion show, created for all the “fashion divas on a

budget,” according to a news release. More than 20 on-site vendors will include Black Market White House, the Second Chance Boutique

and Cuthbertson High School Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Club. Tickets cost $5

in advance and $7 at the door.

Cuthbertson High School auditorium, 1400 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw

2.21.15Saturday1:30 p.m.

“Get On Up” Film Showing

One of many activities held throughout February in the Union County Public Library system to celebrate Black History Month. “Get On Up: The James Brown Story” tells of the famous singer’s rise from poverty to the forefront of American pop culture. The movie

is rated PG-13.

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

2.24.15Tuesday

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Union County Democratic

Party Annual Precinct Meeting

Registered Democrats will be electing precinct officers and delegates to the county convention.

Visit www.ncunioncountydemocrats.com to find where your precinct is meeting.

2.25.15Wednesday

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Business Networking

Luncheon

A Union County Chamber of Commerce event that features an educational opportunity designed to

assist members and their employees by enhancing their skills in areas such as sales, marketing, public

relations, business etiquette, image branding and effective networking. Visit members.

unioncountycoc.com/events/details/business-networking-luncheon-7438 to register.

Hemby Bridge Community Center, 7604 Secrest Shortcut Road, Indian Trail

3.13.14 and 3.14.15Friday and Saturday

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Weddington Kids Consignment Sale

There will be more than 30,000 items to choose from for children from newborns to teens. Public shopping costs $10 at the door on Friday and

there is no entrance fee on Saturday. Visit www.weddingtonkidsconsignment.com for more

information.

Weddington United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 13901 Providence

Road, Weddington

FEB.19

Send your events to [email protected]! Call (704) 849-2261 or e-mail [email protected]

On the lookout for happy campers?

ISSUE DATES:• February 20• March 6 & 20• April 3 & 17


With the ever-increasing competition for children’s summer camp activities, get the competitive advantage

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Sports

2015 SIGNING DAyA tale of two teams

by Ben [email protected]

Forest Hills and Parkwood boys’ basketball teams have taken very dif-ferent paths, but have arrived at the same destination with an opportunity to share the Rocky River Conference championship or win it outright.

In his poem “The Road Not Taken” Robert Frost wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Parkwood’s (11-11, 8-1 in Rocky River Conference play) journey is sim-ilar to the one described by Frost. The Rebels lost 11 of their first 14 games before rattling off eight straight wins.

The turning point for Parkwood came when coach Jamal McGee made an altar call to his seven seniors, much like a preacher would to his congrega-tion, inviting them to take the mantle of leadership.

“I felt it was important to put the pres-sure on them to lead us,” McGee said. “It was almost like, ‘Guys, we’re going to go as far as you take us.’ I don’t start them because they’re our best players. I start them because I want them to hone in on our leadership role. How they start is pretty much how the game is going to go. It’s a little bit of a mind game, but it’s worked for us so far.

“We had some seniors who were not used to leading, and throughout my experience you have to develop some leadership. It can’t all come from the coaching staff. There has to be some player leadership. If we were going to sacrifice this year developing that then I was willing to do that. Fortunately things turned around, and those guys have helped us.”

McGee’s challenge came midway through the season when he decided to go with all seniors in the starting lineup, which led to a 72-39 win at West Stanly on Jan. 6; however, the Rebels were rocked by a 32-point loss on the road at Forest Hills three days later.

The Rebels, like a boxer that had been knocked down, answered the bell and rose from the canvas, to beat Monroe 58-57 on Jan. 16 to begin their current winning streak, which includes an avenging 52-50 win over the Yellow Jackets on Feb. 3 to even the conference race.

“Forest Hills is a good team, and we were not ready when we went down to their place the first time we played them,” McGee said. “They had already established some of the things we are just now diving into. They played together and Coach (Matt) Sides has a

Congratulations to Union County student athletes who signed

to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

LEFT: Marvin Ridge had six student athletes sign their National Letters of Intent. The following Mavericks signed NLI: Hunter Colonna, football, Gardner-Webb; Jessica Easley, soccer, Appalachian State; Samantha Kae Davis, soccer, UNC-Wilmington; Alexis Hartert, soccer, Campbell University; Turner Schwartz, football, John Hopkins, Marion Watson, football, East Tennessee State.

Cameron Tripp, a senior at Piedmont, will continue his football career at Harvard University, and teammate Aaron Braswell will continue his football career at Davidson College.

Metrolina senior Demetrich Curry signed to play football at Lenior-Rhyne University.

Christian Coleman, a senior at Central Academy for Technology and Arts, signed to continue his football career at Bluefield College.

Justin Montgomery, a senior at Central Academy, signed to play soccer at Pfeiffer University.

Blake Brooks, a senior at Monroe, will continue his football career at Mars Hill.

Tyler Griffiths, a senior at Sun Valley, signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at North Carolina State University.

Albert Funderburke, a senior at Sun Valley, signed his National Letter of Intent to play football at William & Mary.

The following Cavaliers will continue their careers at the next level: BJ Muckelvene, football, Wingate; Nick Karas, football, Wofford; Andrew Chiarelli, football, Charleston University; Juwan Funderburk, football, Bluefield College, Josh McGinnis, football, Greensboro College; Emily Weisberg, soccer, Lynn College; Aidan Peterson, soccer, Davidson.

(see Two teams on page 21)


Sports

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good group and he’s a good coach. He gets his guys ready to play.

“They jumped on us, and we were not mentally tough enough to battle back at that time. What we had to learn how to do was stay on top, stay in games, handle runs from other teams, because good teams like Forest Hills are going to give you a run.”

Senior guards Kenan Turpin (13.3 points per game) and Terrell Williams (12.8 points per game) have played sig-nificant roles in Parkwood’s success.

“[They] lead us in pretty much every category,” McGee said. “Our other guys do a lot of the dirty work, the behind the scenes work.

“I’m proud of our starting five. They’ve grown up a lot in the last two or three months, but if you look at it, Kenan and Terrell lead us in scoring. They’re our best options. I’m proud of Max [Robinson] and Jared [Myers] and Victor [Thompson] and all of our guys that start and lead. We wouldn’t have been able to make this run without our seniors accepting the challenge. We can give them all the credit.”

A recommitment to defense also con-tributed to Parkwood’s turnaround.

“In the nonconference season we gave up a lot of points, so we had to dedicate to defense,” McGee said. “In

the conference season we’ve held peo-ple to around 50 and 40 points. We feel like we’ve got a good chance if we can do that. We had to narrow our focus a little bit and reestablish some goals and focus more on team and that’s helped us.”

The Yellow Jackets (18-5, 8-1 in Rocky River Conference play) path to this point has not been as bumpy; how-ever, Forest Hills struggled when all-conference guard Zaccheus Rorie was out with an injury early in the season.

Rorie returned to action for the Yel-low Jackets 66-59 win over East Meck on Dec. 26. Forest Hills is 13-1 with him in the lineup.

“Zaccheus does a lot for us,” Forest Hills coach Matt Sides said. “He does a great job on the boards. He has out-standing court vision. He can guard out on the perimeter and in the post. A.J. Allen coming off the bench has given us a tremendous boost. A.J.’s a high energy guy. Michael Whitis and Brandon Bar-bour have done a really good job in the post for us.

“We’ve got some dedicated players who have worked hard over the past couple of years to build the program and they’ve bought in this year as far as playing together and playing for each other. When you have guys who are playing selfless like that and playing as hard as they can for their teammates you got a chance to be successful.”

McGee and Sides know their respec-tive teams are on the precipice of the Rocky River Conference crown, but neither coach will let their players look past the next game.

Parkwood can get at least a share of the conference championship with a win over Central Academy on Feb. 12, but can claim sole possession of first place with a victory over the Cougars and a Forest Hills loss to Monroe on Feb. 13.

Forest Hills needs to beat Monroe to

win at least a share of the conference championship, but will be in first place alone with a victory over the Redhawks and a Parkwood loss to Central Acad-emy.

If both teams lose they will tie for the crown.

Parkwood took the road less traveled, but may meet Forest Hills at the same destination; or one may stumble and fall, while the other climbs to reach the pinnacle of the Rocky River Confer-ence as champion.

Two teams(continued from page 20)

Photo courtesy of Matt Sides


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ACROSS 1 Feature of a

royal event 5 What bulldogs’

jowls do 8 Food for Fido,

perhaps14 “Hasta luego!” 16 Houlihan : Maj.

:: Klinger : ___17 “House” star

Hugh18 Xerox

competitor19 Friend of Pooh20 Not forgotten21 Green who was

on four seasons of “The Voice”

22 U.N. grp. monitoring workers’ rights

23 Brown v. Board of Education city

24 Cheerleaders’ handfuls

27 Announcer Johnny famous for crying “Come on down!”

28 Point the finger at

31 Our planet, to Germans

33 Be impending34 North

Carolinian38 Chem., e.g.41 Maneuver for

slot car racers or stunt pilots, as suggested by this puzzle’s circled letters

44 Yodeler’s locale45 Jonathan Swift,

notably46 Food for Fido47 Zairean

president Mobutu ___ Seko

48 Goes around50 Sound in a

lamasery53 Had a good day

on the links, say

57 Transcribe again

59 Expert60 Shakes, as in a

car chase64 Iris ring

65 Toon chihuahua66 Film producer

Carlo67 Like Greece or

Serbia68 Oslo Accords

grp.69 Ethnic group of

Southeast Asia70 Dry cleaning

targets71 Punch-in-the-

stomach sound72 Bird in a Hans

Christian Andersen tale

DOWN 1 Setting for

Seurat’s “La Grande Jatte”

2 Toon beagle 3 Victims of the

farmer’s wife 4 Certain water

circulator 5 Gift vouchers,

arcade tickets and such

6 Olympic gold medalist Ohno

7 Atmosphere of many a Poe story

8 Sexy skirt feature

9 Kiss and cuddle10 Dishevel, as

bed linen11 Zodiac opener12 Socialist,

disparagingly13 Alternative to

an S.U.V.15 Waves away25 Olympic lengths26 Permeates,

with “through”28 Penne ___

vodka29 Composure30 Farm enclosure

… or a farmers’ group

32 Common grass variety named for its color

35 Lily family plants

36 A Reagan

37 ___ polloi

38 Arias, usually

39 Egyptian Christian

40 Wall St. debuts

42 Schedule for take-off?

43 Parts of chemistry buildings

47 “Jersey Shore” housemate

49 “The Honeymooners” husband

50 Chesapeake Bay feast

51 Western Afghan city

52 Amtrak option

54 ___ Productions (Oprah Winfrey company)

55 Big name in kitchen sponges

56 :5058 Itches61 The white of a

whiteout62 European

smoker63 11-Down, for

one

PUZZLE BY JEFFREY WECHSLER

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.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).

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17

18 19 20

21 22 23

24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31 32

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

41 42 43

44 45 46

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50 51 52 53 54 55 56

57 58 59 60 61 62 63

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A S T O R M E N U S L U RM A R T I O N I N T O N EE Y E C O N T A C T Y W C AN S A L I T C H I M I L DD O T C O M T E E T I M E S

A B I T S H E PO H B R O T H E R O S A G ED U O Z E R O G C U TD E B T S Y O U L O S T M E

M I C H X O U TT E A C H E S T B T E A M SH A R K N O R M A L B O AI S L E S P E L L I T O U TN Y E T O P E L N O R S EK A Y S N Y S E E S T E S

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Garage Sale: Dining Chairs, Glass Dining Table, Parsons Chairs, Black Marble Top Breakfast Table, Many rolls of quality yarn! Waffle Iron, Bamboo Placemats, kitchen utensils, Bicycle, clothing, shoes, purses and more! 3213 Williams Road, Matthews (Julian Meadows subdivision). Saturday Feb. 14th and Sunday Feb. 15th. 8am – 3pm. 021315

Plastic or Fiberglass MANNEQUINS at Wholesale Pricing! Clothing Racks, Jewelry Displays, Brazilian Clothing,located at; 3316 Old Monroe Rd.Stallings store hours: 9am-5pm weekly / view catalog at: newartmannequins.com orcall#704-684-5085. 022015

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Middleware & Network Team Lead sought by Ally Bank (“Ally”) for our Charlotte, NC office to be responsible for leading team of resources for Middleware & Network engg & serve as SME for escalations. Req Bach in Comp & N/work Engg or related + 5 yrs exp. In Middleware, N/work Engg to incl exp in leading a diverse team of tech’l resources; demonstrated ability on Solaris 10, WebLogic 10.3/11g, Load Banlance (BigIP F5) & Apache, demonstrated ability w/DNS, SSL certificates, networking. Send resume w/cvr ltr to Attn: Linda Hodgdon, Ally Bank, 440 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 28202; Please ref job title in cover letter. 021315

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Union AcademyBus Drivers NeededCDL with P endorsement license requiredContact Cheyanne @ 704-238-8883. 021315

.NET Developer (Charlotte, NC): Work closely w/ data dvlpmt team members & internal customers to dvlp business system reqmts; test prgms or d/bases, correct errors & make necessary modifications; dsgn, update, test, & monitor the creation & dvlpmt of web applications; maintain the corporate website; modify existing d/bases & d/base mgmt systems; dvlp site admin application used for library maintenance; dvlp user interactive features for corporate website & dvlp various web forms; & maintain tech’l awareness in appropriate internet technologies. Reqs a Master’s Deg in Comp Applications + 2 yrs exp as .Net Dvlper. Email resume to [email protected], Baker & Taylor, Inc., Charlotte, NC 28217. 020615

.Net Developer (Charlotte, NC): Work closely w/ data dvlpmt team members & internal customers to dvlp bus. system reqmts; test prgms or d/bases, correct errors & make necessary modifications; dsgn, update, test, & monitor the creation & dvlpmt of web applications; maintain corporate website; modify existing d/bases & d/base mgmt systems; dvlp operational & backup plans; dvlp site admin application used for library maintenance; & dvlp user interactive features for the corporate website & dvlp various web forms. Reqs a MS in Bioinformatics + 1 yr exp as an Analyst/Dvlper. Email resume to [email protected], Baker & Taylor, Inc., Charlotte, NC 28217. 020615

Join our dedicated team! Matthews Help Center seeks Receiving Assistant for Back Porch Treasures Thrift Boutique. 27 hours/week @$8.50/hour. Two Saturdays/month required.Job Responsibilities:--Greet and assist all patrons dropping off donations --Organize and maintain donation and storage areas throughout the day --Assist managers with stocking retail floor and other tasks as

assigned This position requires ability to lift and carry50 lbs, valid NC driver\’s license, light handyman skills, and a sunny disposition no matter the weather!Applications are available at Matthews Help Center, 119 N. Ames Street, Matthews or online at www.matthewshelpcenter.org. Completed applications and resumes (optional) can be returned in person or emailed to BPTcareers@matthews helpcenter.org. Selected candidates will be called for an interview beginning February 16, 2015. 021315

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. 013015ATTN: 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

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

SENIOR CITIZENS looking for a salon in Matthews that does roller sets? Call Melissa at 704 621 0909. Also available to do hair services in your home. Located off Trade Street. 050115

CONCRETE SERVICES driveways, sidewalks, slabs, repair concrete, resurfacing, decorative, carports, basements grading, hauling, footings, brick, block, pavers, footings, grading asphalt new and repair, interior finishing senior citizens, Veteran discount, January specials. Call Anytime 980-622-7833. www.dunlapbrothersccs.com usaconcretecharlotte.com. Credit cards accepted. 021315

Still Home Improvement & Construction 704-

363-5628 Experienced Reliable

Trusted Basic Electrical, Kitchen/Bath,

Remodeling Additions/Decks, Basic Plumbing,

FlooringRot repair &

Tile/Plumbing contact: stillhome

[email protected] Free Estimates Call

Anytime704-363-5628 “To Your Satisfaction”. 041015

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. 041715

HOUSE CLEANING Your Home Will be Thoroughly Cleaned! Weekly or Bi-Weekly. Experienced and Dependable. References and Free Estimates. Affordable

Rates. Call Lelia at (980) 875-9606. 020615

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS – SHEETROCK – HANDYMAN $$$$$$$$$$ discounted services all winter long. $75 per room special. Always the best prices and service. We have been in the business for 25 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. 030615

We Fix It ServiceSince 1969 – Free EstimatesLicensed/BondedReplace Fogged Window GlassFix Windows to Stay UpRe-open stuck WindowsFor EgressWe Replace all types of Window PartsHighest Rating on Home Advisory704-578-6264

BYTESIZE COMPUTER 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 services.com. References are available. 041714FREE ESTIMATE

FSBO - 12201 OakshadeLn,Matthews,4BR/2.5BA/2400+sf/2car,EIK,gasrange,pantry,FR w/gas fp,wet bar,formal LR,9\’ceilings,new MBA,tankless gas WH,walkins,new hardwoods &carpet,fresh paint,corner lot cul-de-sac,fenced/shaded B/Y w/deck/patio,low maint,quiet neighborhood,close to shopping/schools/parks. Asking $214500, call 7047718326/appt. Brokers OK. 022015

HOME FOR RENT 3 bed/2 bath + bonus room home 2 car garage (2000 square feet) MATTHEWS location.Cul du sac. Fenced yard. 1 pet SSappliances--washer and dryer included. $1500 (704)576-0955. 021315

MintHill: rooms for rent for

seniors 55 & up, all utilities included, internet wifi, washer/ dryer, furnished den/ dining, rent 475/dep. 475, m bedroom 575/dep 575, call 704-208-7891. 020615

SERIOUSLY MOTIVATED PEOPLE needed for expansion in health and wellness industry. Must have high speed internet/phone. Free on line training with continued support. Flex hours.Good income. www.hometosuccess.com 020615

ADD EXTRA INCOME! Create a mini-officeoutlet.Work from home 10-15 hrs/wk guiding others to do the same in health/wellness industry. High speed internet/phone needed. On line training and support. www.hometosuccess.com. 032715

CREATE A LEANER HEALTHIER YOU! Lose fat not muscle. Learn how in this free e-book 7 Big Secrets to Losing Weight. Download today and begin your successful journey! www.180healthyforlife.com. 031315

*CASH TODAY* Weíll Buy Any Car (Any Condition) + Free Same-Day Pick Up. Best Cash Offer Guaranteed! Call for FREE

Quote 1-888-913-1680 SAPA

AVIATION GRADS WORK WITH JETBLUE, BOEING, NASA AND OTHERS. START HERE WITH HANDS ON TRAINING FOR FAA CERTIFICATION. FINANCIAL AID IF QUALIFIED. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

U.S. Department of Labor reports millions of new jobs in fields that require less than two years of education. Train in just a few months for a rewarding new career in an in-demand field! Visit CareerStep.com/newcareer or call 1-866-553-8735 today

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 guaranteed, 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 MAINTENANCE TRAINING. FINANCIAL AID FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS. JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE. CALL AVIATION INSTITUTE OF MAINTENANCE 1-866-724-5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA

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 Feature of a

royal event 5 What bulldogs’

jowls do 8 Food for Fido,

perhaps14 “Hasta luego!” 16 Houlihan : Maj.

:: Klinger : ___17 “House” star

Hugh18 Xerox

competitor19 Friend of Pooh20 Not forgotten21 Green who was

on four seasons of “The Voice”

22 U.N. grp. monitoring workers’ rights

23 Brown v. Board of Education city

24 Cheerleaders’ handfuls

27 Announcer Johnny famous for crying “Come on down!”

28 Point the finger at

31 Our planet, to Germans

33 Be impending34 North

Carolinian38 Chem., e.g.41 Maneuver for

slot car racers or stunt pilots, as suggested by this puzzle’s circled letters

44 Yodeler’s locale45 Jonathan Swift,

notably46 Food for Fido47 Zairean

president Mobutu ___ Seko

48 Goes around50 Sound in a

lamasery53 Had a good day

on the links, say

57 Transcribe again

59 Expert60 Shakes, as in a

car chase64 Iris ring

65 Toon chihuahua66 Film producer

Carlo67 Like Greece or

Serbia68 Oslo Accords

grp.69 Ethnic group of

Southeast Asia70 Dry cleaning

targets71 Punch-in-the-

stomach sound72 Bird in a Hans

Christian Andersen tale

DOWN 1 Setting for

Seurat’s “La Grande Jatte”

2 Toon beagle 3 Victims of the

farmer’s wife 4 Certain water

circulator 5 Gift vouchers,

arcade tickets and such

6 Olympic gold medalist Ohno

7 Atmosphere of many a Poe story

8 Sexy skirt feature

9 Kiss and cuddle10 Dishevel, as

bed linen11 Zodiac opener12 Socialist,

disparagingly13 Alternative to

an S.U.V.15 Waves away25 Olympic lengths26 Permeates,

with “through”28 Penne ___

vodka29 Composure30 Farm enclosure

… or a farmers’ group

32 Common grass variety named for its color

35 Lily family plants

36 A Reagan

37 ___ polloi

38 Arias, usually

39 Egyptian Christian

40 Wall St. debuts

42 Schedule for take-off?

43 Parts of chemistry buildings

47 “Jersey Shore” housemate

49 “The Honeymooners” husband

50 Chesapeake Bay feast

51 Western Afghan city

52 Amtrak option

54 ___ Productions (Oprah Winfrey company)

55 Big name in kitchen sponges

56 :5058 Itches61 The white of a

whiteout62 European

smoker63 11-Down, for

one

PUZZLE BY JEFFREY WECHSLER

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.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).

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

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A S T O R M E N U S L U RM A R T I O N I N T O N EE Y E C O N T A C T Y W C AN S A L I T C H I M I L DD O T C O M T E E T I M E S

A B I T S H E PO H B R O T H E R O S A G ED U O Z E R O G C U TD E B T S Y O U L O S T M E

M I C H X O U TT E A C H E S T B T E A M SH A R K N O R M A L B O AI S L E S P E L L I T O U TN Y E T O P E L N O R S EK A Y S N Y S E E S T E S

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

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Edited by Will Shortz No.1230Crossword

Real estate–FoR sale

GaRaGe sale

Vehicles FoR sale

Financial

Miscellaneous

help wanted

seRVices

pets

FoR sale

Real estate–Rental

business oppoRtunities


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