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INSIDE ▼ Kidnapping suspect in custody PAGE 2A Friday, June 13, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 24
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Hawke leaving Matthews for Wilmington by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
Higdon mentioned how Hawke was instrumental in the development of Fire Station No. 3 as well as upcoming projects like the Matthews Elementary replacement school, Discovery Place Kids and the Hendrick advanced manufacturing campus. “Becky, you have made Matthews even better than it was before,” Higdon told her. “We’re so very appreciative of that.” Commissioners wished Hawke well on her new role with Wilmington, a community three times larger than Matthews in population and square miles. “Wilmington saw what they could gain. This is a leap that you have to take,” Commissioner Renee
Garner told Hawke. “Any challenges ahead you are going to scale.” Commissioner John Urban said Hawke always took the time to answer questions, hammering home a subject until his colleagues understood the pros and cons. Commissioner Ken McCool credited Hawke for being available to answer calls outside of normal business hours. In addition to influencing major projects, McCool was impressed with how she also took care of small issues such as potholes. Commissioners Gina Hoover and Leon Threatt thanked Hawke for her leadership and work. Commissioner Mark Tofano wished her happiness, health and prosperity.
Bucket list project encourages families to give back
Matthews Playhouse presents ‘Peter and the Starcatcher’
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews gave departing manager Becky Hawke a proper sendoff June 9 as she prepares for her new role as city manager for Wilmington at the end of the month.
The town hired Hawke as assistant town manager in 2016 and promoted her to town manager in 2022. “What has made Matthews such a wonderful time for me has been the community and how much the community embraces anybody who wants to come here and be a part of the community and do good work,”
Hawke said June 9. “Being accepted with open arms was something that I never really expected but was such a beautiful outcome of this whole journey here.” Hawke’s resignation becomes effective June 12. The board approved a contract June 9 for Curt Walton, of Walton and Hall LLC, to serve as interim manager as the town conducts a national search for Hawke's replacement. Walton served as city manager of Charlotte from 2007 to 2012. His tenure with Matthews begins June 16. Mayor John Higdon said Hawke not only advocated on behalf of town employees to ensure they have fair salaries and respect but she also
fought for Matthews residents in her work with other county leaders. As far as her legacy, Higdon said
In the famous words of the notable luminary Mr. T, I pity the fool that thinks Becky Hawke is a shrinking violet because she doesn’t take any stuff.” – Matthews Mayor John Higdon Hawke made the Town of Matthews a more professional organization, building on the foundation established by former administrators Barry Webb, Ralph Massera and Hazen Blodgett.
MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will present “Peter and the Starcatcher,” a play that reimagines the tale of how an orphan becomes Peter Pan.
Michael, Arturo Jr. and Jazzive Vizcarra pick up litter July 8, 2024, at a Charlotte park as part of their JustServe Summer Bucket List.
Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints By Kristen Anderson Contributor
Come together, serve together and strengthen your community. That is at the heart of the sixth annual JustServe Summer of Service Bucket List, an initiative that invites families, friends and neighbors to make meaningful service a part of their summer plans. Originally launched during the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to bring hope and connection through service, the Summer Bucket List continues to inspire participants across the Carolinas to turn compassion into action. Getting involved is easy. Families or friend groups complete three service projects listed on JustServe.org and three other
fun activities of their choice, like baking cookies, going on a hike or playing a board game together. After submitting photos of their group completing each bucket list activity, their team will receive a bucket of summer fun and be entered into a drawing for free JustServe T-shirts. “Participating in the JustServe Summer Bucket List last year helped me and my brothers feel more connected to our community and gave us meaningful ways to serve with purpose,” said Jazzive Vizcarra, a 2024 Summer Bucket List participant. “Serving together made our summer unforgettable. I think everyone should experience that joy.” JustServe.org is a community-focused platform that connects volunteers with local service opportunities. The site is free for both the
organizations posting their needs and the individuals, families or groups looking for ways to give back, thanks to its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether it’s sorting food at a pantry, organizing a hygiene drive for a shelter or writing letters of encouragement to servicemembers, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age, schedule or experience. JustServe.org features both in-person and remote “serve from home” projects. As community needs grow, many nonprofit organizations face shortages in both supplies and volunteers. At the same time, people are craving more connection and purpose, especially in the face of rising division and hostility. “We live in a world that needs
more kindness, more unity and more people looking out for one another,” said Bryan Jenkins, a local leader with the Church of Jesus Christ in Charlotte. “When we serve together, we build bridges, soften hearts and feel an increased sense of peace as we follow the second great commandment to love our neighbor.” The JustServe Summer of Service Bucket List initiative runs now through July 15. For details and printable instructions, visit JustServe.org and click the “JustServe Carolinas Summer of Service” banner on the homepage. Kristen Anderson serves as communication director of Charlotte and Western NC, Northwestern SC, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Albemarle Road Middle students College celebrates law win NASA’s TechRise Challenge enforcement grads CHARLOTTE – Albemarle Road Middle School was selected as one of 60 winning teams for NASA’s fourth TechRise Challenge, a nationwide contest for middle and high school students.
Albemarle Road Middle was one of two schools selected in North Carolina. Nationwide, the winning teams include more than 530 students representing 50 states and territories. As part of winning the challenge, Albemarle Road Middle students worked together to build a radiation detector that finds fallout throughout the atmosphere. To complete the experiment, students received $1,500 from Future Engineers to build their detector, a flight box to house it and for technical support. The completed experiment was sent to NASA for an undisclosed launch date, which is determined by
weather conditions. NASA will send it back to students at the end of the summer so that students can analyze their data and see how the experiment went. “The students are incredible,” science teacher Sharon Okoye said. “They are deep thinkers if you just give them the opportunity to see what they can do.” During the test, the experiment will have approximately four hours of flight time at about 70,000 feet with exposure to Earth’s upper atmosphere, high-altitude radiation and views of the planet. The high-altitude balloon will also allow payloads to observe the surface below them and collect data on land features, such as vegetation and bodies of water. “To have something I worked on go into space this summer, I feel like I can be proud of myself,” eighth-grader Jayla Trotter said.
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College has graduated a new class of law enforcement officers, who are now protecting and serving seven different agencies.
BLET Class 50 graduated June 5 during a ceremony Story continues, see LAW page 3A
South Piedmont Community College recognizes Basic Law Enforcement Training graduates June 5 at its Monroe campus.
Photo courtesy of South Piedmont
Set aboard the ship, The Neverland, this high-seas adventure introduces three spirited orphan boys. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with Molly Aster, who is the daughter of an English lord and serves as a minister to the queen. “We couldn’t have hoped for a more poignant story than an origin story to wrap up our 29th season,” said Sarah Baumgardner, executive director for Matthews Playhouse. “It’s always important to know where we’ve come from to know where we’re going.” The play by Rick Elice is based on the novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, with music by Wayne Barker. The play is recommended for ages 8 and older. Jill Bloede directs the local production. Baumgardner provides musical direction. The cast includes Josh Brand, Emma Brand, Johnny Hohenstein, Andrea King, Ben Allen, Alijah Wilson, Andrew Pippin, Miles Thompson, Davis Hickson, Chip Bradley, Neifert Enrique, Ryan Caulley, Andrew C. Moore and Zack Mahon. Matthews Playhouse will offer a preview in the form of a pay-what-you-can performance at 7:30 p.m. July 10. Donate at the door (cash or card). Doors open at 7 p.m. (lobby opens at 6 p.m.). Public performances take place from July 11 to 27 at Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, 100 McDowell St. Buy tickets by visiting matthewsplayhouse.com or calling 704-846-8343. There’s a “dress like a pirate” performance at 7:30 p.m. July 25. Mario’s Italian Restaurant serves as the restaurant partner.