20
02 – 202
It’s hard to keep something this big under wraps.
5
INSIDE ▼ CMS shares construction update
Park Pointe Village
PAGE 2A More to love. Coming soon.
Friday, September 26, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 39
thecharlotteweekly.com
AboutActs.com/SouthCharlotteWeekly
@southcltweekly
Charlotte Christian to break ground on athletic center CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Christian School is set to break ground Nov. 12 on the new Saleh Athletic Center.
The 53,000-plus-square-foot center will serve as a gathering place for the community as well as directly benefit the more than 80% of students in grades seven through 12 who participate in athletics at the school. The Saleh Athletic Center will be a hub for student-athletes, housing the school’s main gymnasium, athletic performance center, wrestling room, multipurpose room, locker rooms, Hall of Honor, school store and concessions. “The Saleh Athletic Center is a game-chang-
er for our entire program. It gives our student-athletes access to first-class facilities that match their commitment and hard work, and it shows our school's dedication to supporting them at the highest level,” Athletic Director Andy Ross said. “Beyond training and competition, this center will be a place that builds teamwork, pride and a stronger connection between our athletes, coaches and fans. Its impact will be felt beyond our community, as well as allow us to host conference and state championships. We couldn't be more excited about this next stage in Charlotte Christian athletics.” The center is named in honor of Charles
and Mary Saleh and their family, who provided foundational support for the athletic complex. The couple has five children who attended Charlotte Christian and three grandchildren currently attending the school. Charles also served on the board of trustees from 2005 to 2017. “It is a privilege and blessing to partner with the Saleh family on this exciting campus project. The Salehs have been an integral part of our school community for over 30 years,” Head of School Barry Giller said. “I am particularly grateful for Charles Saleh's unwavering commitment to our school's mission while maintaining a vision for growth
The Saleh Athletic Center will support a Charlotte Christian athletics program that has earned 42 team state titles and developed 35 professional athletes. Rendering courtesy of Charlotte
Christian School
and excellence. His support and friendship continue to be an encouragement to me."
NASCAR, NFL stars hit the catwalk for charity
South Charlotte Partners to host election event CHARLOTTE – South Charlotte Partners is offering an after-hours edition of its Breakfast Club meeting next month to discuss election issues.
NASCAR star Kyle Larson and wife Kaitlyn and a special guest show off evening wear on the catwalk. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Motor Speedway
CONCORD – Speedway Children’s Charities partnered with NASCAR and NFL stars Sept. 16 for an evening of fashion and fundraising at Catwalk for Causes.
SCC’s Charlotte chapter hosted a fashion show, as well as silent and live auctions, at the Ten Tenths Motor Club. The event was a collaboration with the Kyle Larson Foundation, Samantha & Kyle Busch’s Bundle of Joy Fund and Greg Olsen’s HEARTest Yard. More than $450,000 was raised to support these charities. “We’re just really excited to be a part of a fun night and a special night and help a lot of kids who really, really deserve it,” said Greg Olsen, a former Carolina Panther and NFL analyst. “We love them. We try to do everything in our power to improve their lives and improve their experience, not only through Levine Children's Hospital, but through their entire process of growing up.” The sold-out evening saw some of Charlotte’s biggest sports names strut the catwalk alongside
Carolina Panthers legend Greg Olsen shops with Waelynn at Belk for the fashion show.
children whose lives were impacted by cancer, heart defects or IVF. NASCAR’s Joey Logano, John Hunter Nemechek and Daniel Hemric as well as former Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly and Jonathan Stewart were among guests. “There's so much that these kids go through on a daily basis,” Nemechek said. “To be able to see them smile and enjoy themselves for a night is super rewarding for me.” Fans will have the opportunity to support SCC Charlotte through a variety of giving
Carolina Panthers legends Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen share the catwalk with Waelynn.
opportunities from a 50/50 raffle at the NHRA Carolina 4-Wide Nationals to the SCC Legacy Shop at next month’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 NASCAR Playoffs weekend.
Walk for Apraxia takes place at Pineville Lake Park PINEVILLE – The 2025 Charlotte Walk for Apraxia serves as the largest community event that celebrates children who are diagnosed with apraxia of speech.
The event begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 28 at Pineville Lake Park. It includes family-friendly activities, a ceremony and a short, inclusive group walk. Registration is free and open to all members of the community. Childhood apraxia of speech is a rare motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for someone to speak. Treatment includes intense speech therapy and sometimes other therapies to help someone reach their highest communication ability, but there is no cure.
Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways that communities at large can help children with apraxia thrive, according to Apraxia Kids. This ensures children are diagnosed faster resulting in better and earlier intervention. “My experience growing up with Apraxia is very different from what kids experience today, and that’s a beautiful thing,” said Aly Taylor, an adult with apraxia of speech. “But even as things evolve, the need for awareness, access and connection will always remain. I hope to continue supporting the next generation of families and children so they never have to feel alone in this journey.” Money raised through the 2025 Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia
The event, Meet the Candidates + Transportation Referendum Informational Session, takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne. Registration is required at eventbrite.com. The event will begin with an opportunity for attendees to connect with local candidates running for office. Following this networking session, they’ll learn about the proposed transportation referendum on the November ballot (a 1-cent sales tax increase) and how it will transform transportation across our region. The session will include a presentation on the transportation plan, highlighting its benefits for relieving congestion, increasing mobility, safety, sustainability and economic opportunity. A Q&A portion will follow, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and share feedback. “This event is designed to give our community the information and access it needs ahead of this important election,” said Ben Mears, board chair of South Charlotte Partners. “By bringing together local candidates and transportation advocates, we’re fostering open dialogue about issues that directly affect the growth, accessibility and future of our region.” A limited number of networking tables are available. Interested businesses can email scltpartners@gmail.com for details. A cash bar will be available. Official Sept. 9 Primary Results
Two members of Charlotte City Council did not get enough votes to advance to the November ballot: District 3 rep Tiawana Deling Brown and District 5 rep Marjorie Molina. Plus District 6 challenger Krista Bokhari is one step closer to capturing the former seat of her husband, Tariq Bokhari.
Apraxia Kids invites the community to celebrate Apraxia Stars, which are children diagnosed with apraxia of speech, at the 2025 Charlotte Walk for Apraxia.
Photo courtesy of Apraxia Kids
Kids. The nonprofit educates both families and speech-language professionals so that children with CAS can reach their highest communication potential through accurate
diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment. Visit apraxia-kids.org/walk-forapraxia-splash-page/ for details on how to join the Walk for Apraxia.
CITY OF CHARLOTTE MAYOR - DEM • Vi Lyles – 27,592 (70.74%) WINNER • Brendan K. Maginnis – 4,751 (12.18%) • Jaraun (Gemini) Boyd Story continues, see ELECTION page 3A