The 1-30-2026 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Matthews-Mint Hill
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MATTHEWS
A leader within Matthews Fire & EMS, who was a first responder of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, faces criminal charges in connection with a structure
Jan. 12 at 9550 E. Independence Blvd.
e Matthews Police Department arrested Peter William Blaich, 54, on charges of burning of certain buildings, a Class F felony. e address matches that of an unoccupied
building that used to house Boston Market. Police partnered with the Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal’s O ce on the investigation. Matthews o cers presented evidence to the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s O ce for review.
e magistrate’s o ce determined there was probable cause to charge Blaich with burning of certain buildings and issued a warrant for his arrest. Police took Blaich into custody on Jan. 23. Blaich is celebrated as one of several New York City re ghters who responded to planes hitting the World Trade Center on Sept. 11,
CHARLOTTE – ANSWER Scholarship is accepting applications from moms in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties in need of financial assistance for college.
Scholarships are open to mothers who have at least one school-age child from pre-K to 12th grade living at home.
Candidates can seek:
• A rst-time bachelor’s degree in any subject.
• An associate degree in nursing from any community college in the Carolinas.
• Additional associate degrees at Central Piedmont Community College, including
INDIAN TRAIL – Common Heart’s Hunger Walk serves as a visual reminder that hunger exists in the community, according to Executive Director Keith Adams.
“With every step, we’re able to turn compassion into real, life-changing support for our neighbors,” Adams said. “It’s such a simple but powerful way for families, friends and walking teams to take action and help ensure none of our neighbors go hungry.”
e 10th annual fundraiser will be held March 1 at Crooked Creek Park in Indian Trail. Registration costs $35 for adults and
business and accounting, construction and trades, design and architecture, engineering, healthcare, information technology, and mathematics and science.
Scholarships are up to $5,500 annually for a four-year degree and up to $2,750 annually for an associate degree.
ANSWER Scholarship o ers scholarships toward any remote four-year degree from any accredited, non-pro t college or university in the Carolinas.
“We realized that mothers really wanted, and often needed, the convenience of fully online classes to make their education possible,” Founder Susan Andersen said.
$15 for children ages 12 and younger. A family discount of $125 is available for households of ve or more. Register at commonhearthungerwalk.org.
Participants are encouraged to collect donations to help feed families experiencing food insecurity. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising teams and individuals.
Common Heart said a $35 donation provides a week’s worth of groceries for one family facing food insecurity. e food pantry network serves about
Matthews Police arrest 9/11 hero in fire investigation
2001. Since retiring from the New York City Fire Department and relocating to the Charlotte area, he’s been the subject of multiple 9/11 remembrances. e Carolina Panthers even invited Blaich to beat the Keep Pounding drum before a game held on Sept. 11, 2022.
Matthews Fire & EMS announced Blaich's hire in July 2024 as one of three battalion chiefs brought on in anticipation of the opening of Fire Station No. 3. Battalion chiefs are leaders who oversee shifts.
e Town of Matthews released the following statement Jan. 23 acknowledging the arrest of “a town employee.”
ANSWER Scholarship offers assistance to moms
scholar moms also receive a volunteer mentor that o ers support and guidance on balancing family, work and school. ey also have access to professional development workshops on networking and other essential workplace skills.
More than 150 moms have received a total of $951,502 in college scholarships from ANSWER Scholarship since the organization’s founding in 2006. e application deadline is Feb. 28. Visit https://answerscholarship.org/ scholarship-requirements to learn more or apply.
Common Heart opens registration for Hunger Walk
In keeping with policy, the town said it placed the employee “on leave pending the completion of an administrative investigation.” “ e charges involve an individual employee and do not re ect the values, standards or professionalism of Matthews Fire & EMS, and the town continues to have full con dence in the department and its leadership,” according to the statement. “As this is an ongoing legal matter and criminal investigation, the town will not comment further at this time.”
e Matthews Police Department said this was an active and ongoing investigation.
SHINE Musical Theatre students earn rave reviews
MATTHEWS – SHINE Musical Theatre, a division of Charlotte Academy of Music, traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, from Jan. 15 to 17 to participate in the Junior Theater Festival.
e troupe presented an adjudication piece from Roald Dahl's “Matilda e Musical JR.” and earned one of the festival’s top honors, the Excellence in Acting Award. Cast members Gwyn Clark and Miriam Lee were named Junior eater Festival All-Stars, a select group of outstanding performers.
“What a beautiful company,” said Taylor Iman Jones, a Broadway actor who has starred in “SIX” and “Hamilton.”
“It is clear that they are learning and growing from each other and their teachers. I was so inspired after watching their performance, and felt very lucky to have worked with them.”
Rob Rokicki, educator and Broadway composer/ lyricist of “ e Lightning ief: e Percy Jackson Musical,” said SHINE Musical eatre did an excellent job with a challenging piece.
“It was a joy to watch,” Rokicki said. “ ere was fantastic acting and speci c characterization. You can tell this program is developing smart and savvy performers who can tackle big shows. Musically, they were lovely and the acting work was thoughtful and smart.”
Sammy Lopez, producer and co-founder of P3 Productions (“How to Dance in Ohio”), also enjoyed the performance.
“ e production allowed students to perform with con dence and a strong sense of joy in the story,” Lopez said. “ e presentation demonstrated a program that nurtures con dent performers and joyful storytelling.”
SHINE students also participated in acting, dancing and music workshops led by Broadway professionals. e troupe was led by directors Marissa Hertzfeld and Brandy Caton.
Charlotte Academy of Music provides opportunities for students to explore their artistic potential through individualized music instruction, ensemble experiences and creative arts programming. SHINE Musical eatre extends this mission into the theatre arts through classes, workshops, and productions.
is was the group's rst time at the Junior eater Festival. SHINE is looking forward to participating in Junior eater Festival again next year.
ANSWER
ANSWER scholars gather for a fall festival.
ANSWER graduates celebrate mission accomplished.
ANSWER Scholarship awarded these mom awards during the 2025-26 year. Photos courtesy of ANSWER Scholarship
Peter William Blaich
SHINE Musical Theatre received an award that recognized students’ acting, teamwork and growth as performers. Photo courtesy of Charlotte Academy of Music
Common Heart will hold its 10th annual Hunger Walk on March 1. Here is a scene from the 2025 event. Photo courtesy of Common Heart
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at the Junior Theater Festival. Students at the Mint Hill studio have routinely won awards since 2021. Photo courtesy of Junior Theater Festival
Spotlight Performing Arts Academy earns praise
MINT HILL – Spotlight Performing Arts Academy received the Excellence in Acting Award at the 2026 Junior eater Festival from Jan. 16 to 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. e Mint Hill academy presented “Beetlejuice JR.” to Broadway actor Jenny Mollet. “I enjoyed watching their commitment and energy throughout the performance,” Mollet said. “ eir presentation showed their eagerness to grow and learn and elevate their performances to the next level.”
Spotlight Performing Arts Academy’s Olivia Puckett and Evelyn Davis were named Junior eater Festival All-Stars, a select group of outstanding performers.
Spotlight Performing Arts Academy, aka Spotlight Players, provides an inclusive environment for students to express themselves and grow as theater artisans.
Community leaders can register for EmpowerTech sessions
CHARLOTTE – The City of Charlotte and Smart Charlotte invite neighborhood and community leaders to join EmpowerTech: For Community Leaders, a free six-session series designed to strengthen
digital skills and build con dence. Each workshop includes a short presentation on key technology topics, followed by hands-on lab time, where participants will have dedicated time to practice new skills on a computer, receive guided support and complete simple, real-life digital tasks. Participants are welcome to attend any session of their choice. ose who participate in four or more sessions will earn the EmpowerTech Excellence Award.
Residents can sign up for the following sessions:
• Introduction to AI: Feb. 24, 6-7:30 p.m. Location TBD.
• Productivity Tools: March 24, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Sugar Creek Library.
• Tech Tools for Better Meetings: April 28, 6-7:30 p.m. Location TBD.
• File Management: May 26, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Allegra Westbrook Regional Library.
• Streamlined Digital Communications: June 23, 6-7:30 p.m. at the University City Regional Library. Dinner will be provided at each session. Participants are encouraged to bring their own laptops. Register at https://charlottenc. seamlessdocs.com/f/EmpowerTech.
Matthews UMC puts the focus on healing MATTHEWS – Pastor David Christy, of Matthews United Methodist Church, is leading a Sunday series on e Journey from Hurt to Wholeness.
“We are going to work on being a trauma-informed, healing-centered church,” Christy said. “ at means we all carry some trauma from something. One of the realities is that lots of people carry trauma from church itself. People come into our services hurting, and we want to be sure that
the healing Presence of Christ is offered to everyone.”
Matthews UMC o ers a variety of classes, workshops and support groups for connection, an important practice in the process of healing.
The church continues to grow opportunities for those who need healing from trauma, mental health conditions, loss of a loved one, grief and other challenges.
In addition to ongoing community support groups and one-to-one care o ered by trained Stephen Ministers, some of the special o erings in 2026 include the Mental Health Fair, National Alliance on Mental Illness Family & Friends events, Morning of Wellness and Family Estrangement Workshops.
Explore opportunities of connection at MatthewsUMC.org or call the church o ce at 704-847-6261 to learn more.
Union County declares State of Emergency MONROE – Union County leaders declared a state of emergency Jan. 24 in anticipation of expected impacts from Winter Storm Fern. Other communities like Indian Trail, Monroe, Stallings and Waxhaw followed suit.
The Union County declaration gave the sheri 's o ce authority to close roads impacted by hazardous conditions and issue citations to motorists who disregard emergency barricades. e declaration also allowed the county's administrative team to increase funding allocated for emergency purposes.
Emergency Management Director Andrew Ansley activated the Emergency Operations Center on Jan. 24 to monitor the impacts of the winter storm. Ansley encouraged citizens to prepare for the storm and stay o roads.
College students increase access to menstrual products
MONROE – e Student Government Association at South Piedmont Community College is working to make pads and tampons readily accessible for free on campus.
The SGA surveyed the student body last year and found many female students couldn’t get menstrual products due to nancial reasons. is was a ecting their ability to attend class, focus on coursework and participate in campus life.
The SGA installed menstrual product dispensers at the Old Charlotte Highway and L.L. Polk campuses, as well as the Tyson Family Center for Technology. e dispensers provide tampons and pads at no charge.
“It is critical that academic institutions, including South Piedmont, take the time to recognize and meet the need so students are never forced to choose between their education and their dignity,” SGA President Nyla White said.
Quick Hits
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools hosts an ASEP Winter Career Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 4 at the cafeteria, 1901 Herbert Spaugh Lane. ASEP stands for After School Enrichment Program.
• Arjge Brothers, a teacher at University Park Creative Arts School, was named a nalist for the 2026 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NC Beginning Teacher of the Year for the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
• Saishrihan Julakanty and Kamryn Ballard will represent Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at the regional spelling bee in March at Bank of America Stadium. Saishrihan attends Randolph Middle. Kamryn goes to North Academy of World Languages.
A look at N.C. House races in Meck, Union counties
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
RALEIGH – Tricia Cotham faces the most competitive path to reelection among Mecklenburg County’s 13-member delegation in the N.C. House. Cotham is among three legislators (Carla Cunningham and Nasif Majeed) with a primary challenger, and she may join four others (Mary Belk, Becky Carney, Beth Helfrich and Brandon Lofton) with general election opponents.
Six other representatives are running unopposed.
Here’s a district-by-district look at each race:
N.C. House, District 88
Democrat candidates: Mary Belk (I)
• Republican candidates: Ray Craig
• Outlook: Mary Belk is seeking a sixth term in the N.C. House. She has been involved in education, faith and community groups like the Dilworth Community Development Association and Friendship Trays. Belk will take on Republican challenger Ray Craig in the general election.
N.C. House, District 92
• Democrat candidates: Terry Brown (I)
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Terry Brown is seeking a fourth term in the N.C. House. Brown has experience as a litigation attorney and has served as House Democratic Whip. Brown will not have an opponent in the primary or general election.
N.C. House, District 98
• Democrat candidates: Beth Helfrich (I)
• Republican candidates: John Rhodes
• Outlook: Beth Helfrich is seeking a second term in the N.C. House. e former educator and entrepreneur has served as a PTO president for her children’s school. Helfrich will take on Republican challenger John Rhodes in the general election. Rhodes, who works in real estate, is a former state legislator, town commissioner (Cornelius) and re ghter/medic.
N.C. House, District 99
• Democrat candidates: Veleria M. Levy, Nasif Majeed (I) and Tucker Neal
• Republican candidates: n/a
•
Outlook: Nasif Majeed is seeking a fth term in the N.C. House. Majeed has experience as an Air Force pilot, entrepreneur and city councilman (Charlotte). He will take on Veleria M. Levy and Tucker Neal in the Democratic primary. Levy, who is former executive director of the North Carolina AIDS Action Network, now serves as president and CEO of a consulting rm. Neal is a rst-time candidate calling for new leadership. e winner of the primary will run unopposed in the general election.
N.C. House, District 100
• Democrat candidates: Julia Green eld (I)
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Julia Greenfield is seeking a second term in the N.C. House. She describes herself on her candidate page as “a wife, mother, volunteer and advocate for positive change.” Green eld will not have an opponent in the primary or general election.
N.C. House, District 101
• Democrat candidates: Carolyn G. Logan (I)
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Carolyn Logan is seeking a fth term in the N.C. House. She retired after 30 years of law enforcement, most of which was spent with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Logan will not have an opponent in the primary or general election.
N.C. House, District 102
• Democrat candidates: Becky Carney (I)
• Republican candidates: Daniel Schmidt
• Outlook: Becky Carney is seeking a 13th term in the N.C. House. Carney served three terms as a Mecklenburg County commissioners before becoming a state lawmaker. Carney will take on Republican challenger Daniel Schmidt in the general election.
N.C. House, District 103
• Democrat candidates: Laura Budd (I)
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Laura Budd is seeking a third term in the N.C. House. She has experience in business litigation and contract law. Budd will not have an opponent in the primary or general election.
N.C. House, District 104
• Democrat candidates: Brandon Lofton (I)
• Republican candidates: Trina Boyd
• Outlook : Brandon Lofton is seeking his fth term in the N.C. House. Lofton has a background in law and board experience on the Council for Children’s Rights and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Advisory. Lofton will take on Republican challenger Trina Boyd in the general election. Boyd founded Women in Power, a nonpro t that mentors female entrepreneurs.
N.C. House, District 105
• Democrat candidates: Ken McCool
• Republican candidates: Tricia Ann Cotham (I) and Kelly VanHorn
• Outlook: Tricia Cotham is seeking her third consecutive term in the N.C. House. Cotham worked in education before her rst 10-year stint as a state legislator. During her second stint in the House, she changed her party a liation from Democrat to Republican. Cotham will take on Republican challenger Kelly VanHorn in the primary. VanHorn also has an education background and recently changed her party a liation to Republican.
e winner will take on Democrat challenger Ken McCool in the general election. McCool, who helps run a family business, served on the Matthews Board of Commissioners from 2020 to 2025.
N.C. House, District 106
• Democrat candidates: Vermanno Bowman, Carla D. Cunningham (I) and Rodney Sadler
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Carla Cunningham is seeking her eighth term in the N.C. House. Cunningham has a health background, serving as a hospice nurse and the N.C. Commission for Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services. Cunningham will take
on challengers Vermanno Bowman and Rodney Sadler in the Democratic primary. Bowman, who has served in the N.C. Army National Guard, has run for the N.C. House in 2022 and 2024, earning 15.44% against Cunningham two years ago. Sadler is a Baptist minister with experience with the North Carolina NAACP and the Moral Monday Movement. e winner will run unopposed in the general election.
N.C. House, District 107
• Democrat candidates: Aisha O. Dew (I)
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Aisha Dew is seeking her second term in the N.C. House. Dew is a political strategist and community organizer. She will not have an opponent in the primary or general election.
N.C. House, District 112
• Democrat candidates: Jordan Lopez (I)
• Republican candidates: n/a
• Outlook: Jordan Lopez is seeking his second term in the N.C. House. Lopez has been involved in organizations like CharlotteEAST, the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and the Charlotte Community Relations Committee. Lopez will not have an opponent in the primary or general election.
At least one new face in Union County e three-member Union County delegation in the N.C. House will see at least one new member as Mark Brody has opted not to run for an eighth term. e race has drawn two candidates with elected leadership experience. e other two members in the delegation will have opponents in the general election.
N.C. House, District 55
• Democrat candidates: John J. Kirkpatrick IV
• Republican candidates: Clancy Baucom, John Powell and Richard T. Miller
• Outlook: Mark Brody, who is serving his seventh term in the N.C. House, isn’t running for reelection. Clancy Baucom, of Marshville has served as a Union County commissioner since 2024. John Powell, of
Monroe, has a background in real estate and appraisal and is involved in his church. Richard T. Miller, of Monroe, has experience as a small business owner. e winner among Baucom, Powell and Miller will take on John J. Kirkpatrick IV, of Monroe, in the general election. Kirkpatrick is a pastor who has served on the Union County Board of Education since 2021.
N.C. House, District 69
• Democrat candidates: Heidi Sinsley
• Republican candidates: Dean Arp (I)
• Outlook: Dean Arp is seeking his eighth term in the N.C. House. An engineer by trade, the Unionville Republican previously served more than 12 years on the Union County Board of Education. He’ll take on Democratic challenger Heidi Sinsley, of Stallings, in the general election. Sinsley works as an attorney and serves on the Stallings Stormwater and Infrastructure Committee.
N.C. House, District 68
• Democrat candidates: Derek Warriner
• Republican candidates: David Willis (I)
• Outlook: David Willis, a Waxhaw resident serving his third term in the N.C. House, owns and operates a preschool and has served on the NC State Board of Community Colleges. Willis will take on Democratic challenger Derek Warriner in the general election. Warriner, of Waxhaw, has a background in healthcare and has been involved in organizations like Meals and Wheels and the Union County Democratic Party.
Key Dates e 2026 Primary Election will be held on March 3. Early voting spans from Feb. 12 to 28. The general election will be held Nov. 3 with early voting in October. Go unioncountyncelections.gov/voting or vote.mecknc.gov/upcoming-elections for registration information and other details.
WALK from 1A
10,170 individuals monthly through 14 pantry programs. In 2025, Common Heart provided groceries to 5,288 unique households an average of six times through 14 pantry outreaches. An average of 685 individuals representing 185 households per month went
to a Common Heart food pantry for the rst time in 2025. Of those individuals, 41% are children ages 17 and younger.
Sponsorships for the Hunger Walk are also available. Visit commonhearthungerwalk.org, email Deidra. Calloway@CommonHeart. org or call 704-815-4681 for more information about sponsorships.
Common Heart also offers delivery for neighbors who have special dietary needs, such as diabetes, heart care, kidney care or gluten-
Jan. 30
Stage Play
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “ e Prince of Egypt: e Musical” at Matthews Community Center. Tickets range from $23 to $30 for adults and $20 to $27 for seniors, military, students and children. Get tickets at matthewsplayhouse.com.
7:30 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews
Jan. 31
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews
9:30-10 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts 30 minutes in person before the start of the event. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
10-11 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Stage Play
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “ e Prince of Egypt: e Musical” at Matthews Community Center. Tickets range from $23 to $30 for adults and $20 to $27 for seniors,
military, students and children. Get tickets at matthewsplayhouse.com.
2 & 7:30 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews
Chess Club
The Family Chess Club learns and plays chess at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill 3-4 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Feb. 1
Stage Play
Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents “ e Prince of Egypt: e Musical” at Matthews Community Center. Tickets range from $23 to $30 for adults and $20 to $27 for seniors, military, students and children. Get tickets at matthewsplayhouse.com.
2 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews
Feb. 2
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the start. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews
9:15-9:45 or 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Register for the event 30 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill
9:30-10 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Conversation Club Preteens and teens practice
speaking during Intermediate Spanish Conversation Club at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews
Noon-1 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children ages 5-11 read to a volunteer therapy dog at Matthews Library. Sign up for a 15-minute session upon arrival. Registration opens 15 minutes before the rst session. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Feb. 3
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the start. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews 10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime
Families engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration starts 30 minutes in person before the start of the event. cmlibrary. org/locations/Mint-Hill
10:15-10:45 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Knot Just Knitting
Adults work on knitting or crocheting projects during Knot Just Knotting at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
Noon-1:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Marvelous Math Children ages 3-5 engage in
math-themed stories and activities during Preschool Storytime: Marvelous Math at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews.
2-2:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Genealogy Basics
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library celebrates Black History Month with Genealogy Basics: African American Roots & Resources at Mint Hill Library. The class is for beginners. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill.
3-4 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Night Owls Storytime Children ages 0-5 listen to stories and songs during Family Storytime: Night Owls Storytime at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
6:30-7 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Feb. 4
Baby Storytime Children ages 0-2 build language and socialization skills in Baby Storytime at Matthews Library. Register for the event 15 minutes before the program. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Family Storytime Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes of the program starting. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews 10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Registration includes a T-shirt. Leashed dogs, wagons and strollers are welcome to the event. Photos courtesy of Common Heart
free diets.
I got a D in geometry class in high school
By Tony Marciano Contributor
In high school, my geometry teacher emphatically and repeatedly said, “Never go by the picture. Only the details.” On our rst test, he had some pictures and asked us to explain it. I went into a long discourse that you could not trust the pictures. inking I got an A, I got a D. I appealed to the principal but to no avail. e grade stuck.
He also said that two points determine a straight line; three points determine a plane. Let me fast forward his comments to today.
I am an Auxiliarist (volunteer) in the U.S. Coast Guard. One of the rst things I learned while on a boat is that your feet represent two points – the straight line. If you only use two points on a boat, you have no stability when it gets hit by a wave. You will get knocked
around and can be thrown o balance. You will fall and hit parts of the boat. I was instructed (and rightfully so) that you always have three points (remember the plane). My two feet are two of the points; I use my hand to hold onto the back of a chair as the third point. When I have the third point and the boat gets hit with a wave, I am safe and secure. I don’t get knocked o my feet. ere is less possibility of me falling. I recently caught up with two friends. Both have mobility issues. One of them (I’ll call Sam) uses a cane. While it’s hard to admit one is getting older and needs a cane, it functions similar to the third point on a boat, giving him increased stability.
On the other hand, my other friend (I’ll call her Sue) also has mobility issues but refuses to use a cane. I’ve watched Sue walk and it is scary. If she were to start falling (think of
Gov. discusses correctional officer jobs while in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE – Gov. Josh Stein highlighted North Carolina’s correctional officer staffing challenges and called for the General Assembly to invest in recruitment and retention Jan. 13 during a Correctional Leaders Association Southern Region meeting.
e meeting, which was held at Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Charlotte SouthPark, continues Stein’s e orts to advance a public safety package.
“Correctional o cers keep North Carolinians safe every day, but their work goes mostly unseen,” Stein said. “Starting pay for North Carolina’s correctional o cers is the second lowest in the nation, and more than one-third of all positions are un lled. Without enough correctional o cers, sta and the public are put at risk. at’s why I continue to call on the General Assembly to pass a comprehensive public safety package that gives law enforcement, including correctional o cers, a pay raise and makes North Carolina safer.”
Stein’s 2025-2027 biennium budget includes a $195 million public safety proposal, which addresses law enforcement and correctional o cer sta ng shortages through pay increases and recruitment and retention bonuses.
“Our sta is working hard to operate prisons in a safe and e ective manner, but sta ng levels are critically low,” said Leslie Dismukes, secretary of the Department of Adult Correction. “We need the General Assembly to invest in meaningful pay increases that re ect the essential role correctional o cers play in public safety.” e package also includes e orts to prevent school- and community-based violence and to combat the fentanyl and opioid crisis.
FAMILY
T he holiday season is special, fun and often a bit chaotic, filled with family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Once the decorations come down and chaos subsides in the new year, many families face a familiar challenge: getting children back into their regular routines. After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, provides this insight and guidance for parents.
Understand Why Routines Matter Children thrive on predictability. Routines provide a sense of security, reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Children feel safe, even proud, when they know what comes next. Routines also help them develop independence and self-control. After the holidays, reestablishing these patterns is essential for a smooth return to school and everyday life.
Start with
For
each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the
the boat only using my two feet and it gets hit by a wave), there is nothing to hold onto except anything she can grab as she is going down. Is it pride, ego or an unwillingness to admit one needs help as one gets older? It’s not mine to judge. I fear for her physical safety similar to the boat crew member who refused to use three points for stability when (not if) the wave comes crashing against the boat.
e three points hold tension with one another and stay grounded. Remove one of the points and there is instability.
ere is a Scripture verse that speaks to the di erence between two points and three points. It uses a rope (in the USCG Auxiliary, we call it a “line”) to illustrate. It says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But
pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Just like the boat, I need that third reference point. Just like the cane, I can’t do it alone. For me, this verse speaks to the idea that it is not just my wife and I navigating this thing called life. For me, the third strand, as a Christ-follower, is God, wrapping his arms around the two of us. In a real sense, there are three in this marriage; me, my wife and God. e three points of a plane. I’ll be back soon. Until then, live well, my friend.
e Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
Economic growth brings lifestyle change
By John Hood Contributor
RALEIGH – In the second quarter of 2025, the most recent measurement available, North Carolina’s gross domestic product reached $883.6 billion – the highest number ever, even after adjusting for inflation.
Our growth rate for the second quarter, an annualized 3.7%, was solid but slower than in 17 other states. Over a longer term, however, North Carolina’s economic performance looks more impressive. Since early 2020 – and thus including both the COVID-era Great Suppression and subsequent recovery – our GDP has grown by 19% in real terms, surpassing the national (15%) and regional (18%) averages. Among our neighboring states, only Tennessee managed to match our growth rate.
For a deeper dive, let’s compare the structure of North Carolina’s current economy to that of 20 years ago. One striking di erence is the relative size of the public and private sectors. In 2005, government accounted for 14.9% of the state’s GDP. Today, it’s 11.4%. e decline is mostly attributable to state and local spending, which dropped three points while federal military spending fell half a point.
Another notable change is that manufacturing made up 12% of North Carolina’s economy in 2025, down from 18% in 2005.
No, this doesn’t mean our industrial base is fading away. Indeed, actual manufacturing output, adjusted for ination, is higher today than it was then. What really happened is that sectors
such as health care, utilities and real estate grew even faster. e sector labeled “professional, scienti c and technical services” nearly doubled as a share of GDP.
Many manufacturers employ fewer people, to be sure, but generate equivalent or higher output due to automation and other productivity gains. If the goal is to raise real wages and the standard of living, that is a positive development, not a negative one.
During the rst few decades of the 20th century, for example, the share of North Carolinians working in agriculture plummeted. e result wasn’t a decline in output — far from it. We have no shortage of food or ber. What really happened is that new seeds, fertilizers, equipment and techniques allowed millions of people to redirect their labor to more productive uses. During the latter 20th and early 21st centuries, a similar process played out in manufacturing. Now, it seems, innovations such as arti cial intelligence and quantum computing are going to transform our workplaces again. I won’t minimize the short-term disruptions that come with economic change. When our grandparents and great-grandparents relocated from farms to cities and suburbs, it took a while for new communities, institutions and folkways to form. As North Carolinians react to today’s changes, many will need to seek out new opportunities, learn new skills and relocate to other places. ere will, again, be many economic, social and even political consequences, some expected, some unforeseen.
While governments can’t truly prevent such changes — and wrongheaded
policies such as government subsidies and import taxes impose costs on households and businesses far greater than the mostly fleeting benefits — state and local policymakers can make it easier for people to adjust to new economic dynamics.
Policymakers can reduce or eliminate regulations that make it hard to launch new businesses or enter new occupations. ey can raise academic standards and o er a broader array of education and training options so young people can prepare for the future labor market and displaced workers can reenter it. And they can make cost-effective investments in transportation, water and sewer infrastructure capable of serving a wide variety of industrial and commercial enterprises, including sectors we might not yet be able to envision clearly.
One more change isn’t so evident in the GDP gures: a higher share of North Carolinians are working largely or fully from home. e arrangement won’t become universal, of course, and most employees will continue to commute to external workplaces. Nevertheless, telecommuting will alleviate some congestion on our highways, while home-based work will bene t wouldbe entrepreneurs, seniors and parents with young children.
North Carolina’s economy is growing. More to the point, it’s changing — and always will.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
Save Time, Tackle Dinner with Quick, Convenient Recipes
flavorful dipping sauces like:
n Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor.
n Barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky touch.
n Sriracha mayo: This spicy, tangy dip is a great match for those who like a bit of heat.
n Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that’s complementary to the mix of flavors.
n Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky to enhance overall taste.
To find more fast, family-friendly meal ideas, visit MinuteRice.com.
INDIAN TRAIL – The Cigar Shop recently opened a fifth location within the Shoppes at Hanfield Village, the shopping center anchored by Publix. e shop includes a bar stocked with beer, wine and spirits; lounge-style seating; a patio with a re pit; and a wide selection of cigars with a full-room humidor.
“We love Indian Trail,” manager Joey Weaver said Jan. 13 at the Indian Trail Town Council meeting. “We love showing o what Indian Trail not only has become but is still becoming, and o ering a service and a high-end experience that previously you’d have to leave the county to have.”
Weaver attended the meeting to accept a framed certi cate from the town in appreciation of e Cigar Shop doing business in Indian Trail. On the Rocks marks the second location in town. e Cigar Shop moved operations from a trailer to the West Independence Boulevard location back in 2019.
Mayor David Cohn described the shop as a beautiful space, one that he is proud to have in Indian Trail.
“I was there last week for the rst time and I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Cohn said, calling the shop “ rst class.” “I hadn’t smoked a cigar in years, and I sat and had conversations with people. It’s just a nice place to relax. You can’t go home and not tell your wife where you’ve been because you smell like a cigar.”
Weaver joked that his team advocates full transparency with loved ones.
Since holding its grand opening Dec. 18, the On the Rocks location has held sports watch parties and booked a January gathering for the Charlotte Pipe and Tobacco Club.
Want to smoke?
e Cigar Shop has ve locations:
• Indian Trail: 14001 E. Independence Blvd., Suite B, Indian Trail.
• On the Rocks: 2914 Wesley Chapel Stouts Road, Monroe.
• Aberdeen: 1608 North Sandhills Blvd., Aberdeen.
• North Myrtle Beach: 1004 Hwy 17 S., Suite D, North Myrtle Beach.
• South Myrtle Beach: 4723 S. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach.
Atrium Health partners with Hendrick Motorsports
CONCORD – Atrium Health has joined 15-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports in a partnership that includes naming rights to the new 35,000-square-foot Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center.
Set to open later this month, the Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center at Hendrick Motorsports will provide integrated medical, wellness and sports performance resources for the team’s more than 50 pit crew athletes, while also supporting the health needs of its Charlotte-area employees. Atrium Health clinicians will sta the center.
“Partnering with Hendrick Motorsports is a de ning opportunity to deliver world-class, innovative medical care to one of the highest-performance cultures in NASCAR,” Advocate Health CEO Gene A. Woods said. “In both health care and auto racing, excellence is engineered – driven by precision, powered by state-of-the-art technology and made possible by exceptional teammates. With Atrium Health’s nationally recognized clinicians embedded on the Hendrick campus, this partnership will help keep their record-setting athletes fully on the throttle and give every team member faster, more seamless access to care on and o the track.”
The Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic
Center includes a high-performance gym with training equipment, locker rooms, a team operations center for race-day competition operations, a nutrition area, athletic meeting and lm rooms, and dedicated spaces for physical therapy, hydrotherapy and recovery. e facility also features space for sports science research and a closed-loop pit stop practice circuit that can accommodate two teams concurrently.
“People are the foundation of our organization, and supporting their health and performance is essential to our success,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Our new partnership with Atrium Health brings best-in-class clinical and performance resources directly to our campus. ere’s no facility like this in the world of auto racing. It’s a game-changer. e Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic Center will help our athletes perform at their best and give our teammates convenient access to high-quality health care.”
e agreement also establishes Atrium Health as a brand partner of Hendrick Motorsports.
Beginning with the 2026 NASCAR season, Atrium Health will have a signi cant presence across all Hendrick Motorsports- elded teams, including logo placement on driver re suits, crew apparel, athletic training gear and track equipment.
LIVE MUSIC
Kid Cudi arrives in ‘Rebel Ragers Tour’
CHARLOTTE – Grammy Award-winning rapper and songwriter Kid Cudi has announced e Rebel Ragers Tour, a 30-plus-city North American run produced by Live Nation.
e tour stops in North Carolina on May 12 at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in Raleigh and May 13 at Truliant Amphitheater in Charlotte, with special guests including M.I.A., Big Boi, A-Trak, me n ü, and Dot Da Genius presenting GLKPRTY with Powers Pleasanton on select dates.
e tour spans Cudi’s full discography, from early hits “Day ’N’ Nite” and “Mr. Rager” to newer material, including tracks from his latest release “Free” and the viral “Maui Wowie.”
Tickets go on sale Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
On the web: LiveNation.com
Lindsey Stirling explores ‘Duality’ CHARLOTTE – Lindsey Stirling has announced her Duality Untamed Tour 2026, a 32-date North American run with special guest PVRIS.
e tour stops in North Carolina on July 17 at Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh and July 18 at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre in Charlotte.
Named after Stirling’s latest album “Duality,” the tour highlights her genre-blending mix of electronic, pop and classical music paired with high-energy choreography and aerial performance.
e album explores themes of intuition and truth and includes music featured in Suni Lee’s medal-winning oor routines at the Paris Olympics.
Tickets go on sale Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
On the web: lindseystirling.com/tour
Elmiene shares sounds with everyone CHARLOTTE – British-Sudanese songwriter and vocalist Elmiene has announced a
spring 2026 North American and European headline tour in support of his debut album “sounds for someone,” arriving March 27 via Def Jam Recordings.
Promoted by Live Nation Urban, the tour includes 18 dates across the U.S. and Canada, plus seven shows in the U.K. and Europe. Known for his stripped-back, piano-driven performances, Elmiene will perform at e Fillmore in Charlotte on May 11.
Tickets go on sale Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
On the web: livenationurban.com
The Fray is back in the thick of it
CHARLOTTE – Multi-platinum band
e Fray has announced the Summer of Light Tour, a North American run promoted by Live Nation.
The tour supports The Fray’s upcoming album, “A Light at Waits,” arriving March 13. e record marks the band’s rst full-length release in years. e album’s title track, “A Light at Waits,” is available now.
e tour stops in Charlotte on Aug. 7 at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre, with special guests Dashboard Confessional and Colony House. Tickets go on sale Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
On the web: https://thefray.com/
Cameron Whitcomb shows the way
CHARLOTTE – Singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb has announced the Fragile Egos Tour, a U.S. headline run produced by Live Nation.
Whitcomb is touring in support of his debut album “ e Hard Way,” which earned Gold certi cation in Canada and surpassed 500 million global streams.
e tour includes three North Carolina stops: April 7 at e Fillmore in Charlotte, April 10 at e Ritz in Raleigh, and April 11 at e Orange Peel in Asheville.
Tickets go on sale Jan. 30, at 10 a.m.
On the web: thecamwhitcomb.com/tour.
Jan. 30
• Amos’ Southend: Logan Crosby
• Coyote Joe’s: Pecos & e Rooftops
• Grapes Bistro and Wine Bar: Carrie Ann
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Danielle Hewitt duo
• Moochies Tavern: is Year’s Model
• Neighborhood eatre: e Ocean Blue
• Petra’s: Ma
• Pineville Tavern: Chubby Knuckles
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: e Gamblers Band
• Southern Range Brewing: Je Rogers
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Black Glass
• The Club House Bites and Booze: StellaRising
• e Fillmore: Electric Feels party
• e Trail House: Apple Brothers Band
• Visulite eatre: Patrick Davis and His Midnight Choir
Jan. 31
• Amos’ Southend: Jackyl
• Dowd Center eatre: Stephen Freeman (Elvis tribute)
• Local Logic: Westyn Scott
• Peddlers Paradise: Rayf
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Traxx Trio
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Grüv Soup
• e Trail House: Darren Deese
• Visulite eatre: Couch
Feb. 1
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Cory
reatt & Kristi Ormand
• Neighborhood eatre: e Movement
• Peddlers Paradise: Kierstin Kay
Feb. 3
• Amos’ Southend: Ever Last
• Petra’s: Little Heart Machine, Jackson Cavalier & Emily June
Feb. 4
• e Club House Bites and Booze: Club
Joe
• e Fillmore: e Wombats
Feb. 5
• Ovens Auditorium: 112
• Petra’s: Cassettiquette, North By North & Tiny City
• Visulite eatre: Prog for Wishes bene t concert
Music Venues
Charlotte
• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S Tryon St.
• Coyote Joe’s: 4621 Wilkinson Blvd.
• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.
• Neighborhood eatre: 511 E. 36th St.
• Ovens Auditorium: 2900 E. Independence Blvd.
• Petra’s: 1919 Commonwealth Ave.
e Club House Bites and Booze: 16715 Orchard Stone Run
e Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St.
Trail
eatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.
Bistro and Wine Bar: 6461
Keeping education first in high school sports
By Karissa Niehoff and Que Tucker Contributors
High school sports is experiencing record participation. It is also experiencing unprecedented pressure. Across the country, young athletes are training earlier, competing year-round and navigating expectations shaped by a rapidly expanding youth sports economy. For many families, athletics now feel like increasingly high stakes.
High school sports operate di erently by design. ey exist within schools, alongside classrooms, guided by the same educational mission. Participation is structured to support academic success and to teach intangibles like discipline, teamwork, resilience and responsibility. Rules around eligibility, seasons and competition are not barriers to ambition. ey are safeguards for students.
As expectations around winning and advancement continue to rise, we at the NCHSAA believe it is worth rea rming the role
that high school athletics play in education and why that purpose matters.
Every high school athlete is a student rst, and we see high school sports as a vital extension of the classroom. In “the last class of the day,” student-athletes develop character and integrity and learn life lessons they will carry with them long after their playing days are over.
Today’s high school student-athletes will be tomorrow’s leaders. So, while the goal of playing high school sports is to win, the true purpose is much greater—for students to learn and grow as people. How? By keeping high school sports educational, competitively balanced and accessible for all students. Why? To ensure high school sports develop the whole person, not just the athlete.
Last summer, the New York Times published an article stating youth sports is now a $40 billion industry. Private lessons, club sports, travel teams and elite competitions are costly and wildly popular.
Public Information Meeting
Why?
A Public Information / Neighborhood Awareness Meeting has been scheduled by Jasmine Williams, buyer of parcel 19707206 and head of school for Creation Acres Montessori. She is requesting rezoning of the approximately 20-acre property at 6300 Allen Black Road from Residential to Institutional, as required by the Town of Mint Hill’s UniÞed Development Ordinance, to allow a small K–8 farm school.
The meeting will present the proposal and provide an opportunity for community questions and feedback.
When?
Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM, the same presentation given twice
Where?
Location: 11130 Lawyers Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227
For many student-athletes, their sports experience is focused on becoming an elite athlete and landing a college scholarship.
But according to the NCAA, of the 8.2 million high school student-athletes in the U.S. (an all-time record), only 7% go on to play in college and only 2% earn any type of scholarship.
Further, data from College Board’s “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025” report shows that the total published cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board) at four-year colleges now averages roughly $31,000 per year in-state and more than $50,000 per year out-of-state, underscoring why families feel intense pressure to secure athletic scholarships.
That’s why the purpose of high school sports must be so much more than winning, earning trophies or advancing to the next level.
Only a select few go on to play in college and even fewer get scholarships. But nearly all student-athletes bene t from participating in
high school sports. ey experience personal growth. ey learn leadership skills. ey build community and more. When athletics are education-based, students’ long-term development and well-being remain the top priority above all else.
With the guiding principle of students rst, the National Federation of State High School Associations and state high school associations like the NCHSAA are committed to preserving the integrity, opportunity and educational alignment of high school sports for all student-athletes.
e purpose of high school sports, helping students learn and grow as people, is what we are here to protect and preserve for generations to come. And it is our honor to do so.
Karissa Nieho is the CEO of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Que Tucker is the commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association. Visit protectthepurpose.com to learn more.
