The 10-24-2025 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County

MONROE – The City of Monroe’s efforts to better understand and serve residents experiencing homelessness culminated Oct. 15 with a census and community event at Don Griffin Park.

City sta worked throughout the week to identify, meet and support more than 120 people experiencing homelessness. They provided residents in need with food, supplies and access to critical service providers.

“City leaders have long recognized the importance of addressing homelessness in our community, but we needed accurate

data to truly understand the scope and needs,” City Manager Mark Watson said. “ is census and outreach event are critical rst steps in building that foundation and shaping e ective, compassionate responses moving forward.”

Participants were able to meet directly with representatives from the City of Monroe, Union County Public Health, Union County Social Services, Common Heart and other partners, receiving assistance with healthcare, housing and employment resources while enjoying lunch, music and fellowship.

Assistant City Manager Lisa Hollowell,

INDIAN TRAIL – Common Heart is seeking donations and volunteers to provide 1,500 frozen turkeys with all the fixin's to 1,500 families facing food insecurity so they can prepare their own Thanksgiving feasts.

During the rst Great Turkey Countdown in 2007, volunteers packed and delivered 125 anksgiving baskets. e need and nonprofit’s reach have expanded tremendously since then, said Keith Adams, co-founder and executive director for Common Heart

“ is is a critical time for our neighbors facing food insecurity and we’re seeing that reected in the increasing numbers at our weekly food pantries,” Adams said.

So far this year, volunteers have provided groceries to 13,590 unique individuals (from 3,575 unique households) at Common Heart’s evening food pantries. at’s 1,729 more individuals than were served at these pantries during the same time period last year. ese

aviation organization is headquartered just a few miles south in Union County. For 77 years, JAARS has flown missionaries, Bibles, medical supplies and other aid in and out of some of the most inaccessible places on Earth. It was one of the first to respond to isolated mountain communities in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.

e nonpro t will open its doors to Charlotte-area families for the annual JAARS Day event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25.

JAARS Day events include opportunities for entire families to experience a rst-hand look at how JAARS works around the world to cover the last mile of missions. Activities include demonstrations and displays, food trucks, interactive museum exhibits, handson children's activities and helicopter, airplane and 4x4 rides.

JAARS mechanics, pilots and trainers will be

evening pantries have served an average of 1,117 unique households each month so far in 2025, an increase from the average of 805 unique households served per month last year.

A $50 donation provides a frozen turkey and the xin's for one family. To donate online visit Turkeys.CommonHeart.org or mail a check (payable to Common Heart) to: PO Box 2761, Indian Trail, NC 28079. Write “Turkeys” in the memo line.

Nonperishables of canned green beans, stuing mix, cranberry sauce, boxed macaroni and cheese, dessert mixes, cornbread mix and jello can be dropped o at the nonpro t’s main o ce, 116 Business Park Drive, Suite A, in Indian Trail, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Beginning Nov. 17, people can also drop o frozen turkeys. Find a complete list of all local food drop o locations at FoodDrives.CommonHeart.org

This volunteer-driven event is Common

on hand all day to answer questions about how JAARS undertakes a mission that is di cult, dangerous and expensive to help people in the most remote and inaccessible areas of the planet, including giving isolated communities a chance to understand and respond to the Gospel in the language they understand best.

“We are passionate about what we do here at JAARS, and we can’t wait to share that with our guests on Oct. 25,” President Steve Russell.

“We serve missionaries, humanitarian workers and isolated communities through the skill, bravery and dedication of pilots and technicians who pave the way for some of the most dangerous and ingenious ights and landings in all of aviation. It isn’t easy, but that's what covering the last mile is all about.”

Festivities will take place at the Aviation Hangar at JAARS Base, 7710 JAARS Road, Waxhaw. More information is available online at https://www.jaars.org/jd25 .

A special addition this year is a Gathering of Eagles ceremony scheduled for Oct. 24, in which JAARS aviation alumni will enjoy a time of fellowship and recognition, awarding

Monroe completes homelessness census

who helped coordinate the event, said the e ort extends beyond a single day. “ e turnout of individuals experiencing homelessness was very strong, and we had so many city sta come together to make this event a success,” she said. “I really appreciate Union County’s public health and social services departments participating. e next step will be to review and compile the data gathered, which will be presented to city council in November as they begin considering the city’s next steps.”

COMMON HEART MOBILIZING VOLUNTEERS FOR THANKSGIVING

Heart’s biggest delivery day. “ is event absolutely wouldn’t happen without volunteers – literally hundreds of them,” Adams said. “ is day is all about neighbors serving neighbors and promoting a small revolution of kindness in our community.”

At least 300 volunteers will be needed on Nov. 22 to deliver the 1,500 anksgiving dinner baskets. Volunteers can sign up online at Turkeys.CommonHeart.org e baskets will bene t families throughout Union County, Matthews and Mint Hill. If your family needs a anksgiving basket, ll out an application online by Oct. 31 at Turkeys.CommonHeart.org or call 704-218-9060 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. Applications will also be taken at all Common Heart food pantry locations.

Follow the progress of the Great Turkey Countdown on Facebook at Facebook.com/ eCommonHeart

JAARS Day celebrates global outreach

commemorative JAARS wings and service certi cates to those who have not yet received them.

Russell will convene a panel of alumni to share signi cant stories and re ections of their time with the ministry, serving missionaries to the ends of the earth. For missionaries laboring in harsh conditions to bring the Gospel to all people, JAARS has been the lifeline providing them with supplies, communication and transport when they needed it most.

Sheriff’s office makes arrest in fatal shooting case

INDIAN TRAIL

– The Union County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect in a fatal shooting that occurred Oct. 13 at the Taco Bell on U.S. 74.

Deputies responded at 8:49 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Within minutes, they con rmed the shooting had occurred and secured the restaurant and the surrounding area.

Deputies determined an unknown suspect shot restaurant employee Dantreveion Hobbs. The 23-yearold was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives worked around the clock to identify the suspect. ey arrested Gilecio Ritchie, 22, of Indian Trail, on charges of rst-degree murder. ey took him into custody without incident at 6:45 p.m. Oct. 14 at his home.

A local magistrate ordered Ritchie to be held without bond. He is not eligible for release.

“Union County is not a place where violent criminals will nd refuge or leniency,” Sheri Eddie Cathey said in a statement. “ is senseless act of violence took the life of a hardworking young man and deeply a ected his family, friends and our entire community. Our detectives, deputies and crime scene investigators worked tirelessly, refusing to rest until the suspect was identi ed and taken into custody.”

e sheri ’s o ce said it was the second murder to occur this year within its primary response jurisdiction. Both instances were resolved in less than 24 hours.

“Residents can have con dence in their local law enforcement and our continued commitment to public safety,” Cathey said. “ eir dedication, professionalism and teamwork re ect the high standards our citizens expect and deserve.”

The sheriff’s office thanked the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation for assisting in the case.

Call the Union County Sheri ’s Office at 704-283-3789 or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-2835600 to share details about the case.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Breakfast Club to discus economic development

CHARLOTTE – South Charlotte Partners will discuss “South Charlotte Region Economic Development Outlook” during its November breakfast club meeting.

e community will learn about the future of economic development in south Charlotte from several regional leaders who are driving local growth.

Tony Mecia, executive editor of e Charlotte Ledger, will moderate a discussion featuring:

• Tracy Dodson, chief operating o cer for the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance

• Mitch Miller, director for York County Economic Development

• Solange Tricanowicz, business recruitment manager for Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.

Panelists will share insights on the factors in uencing regional growth, emerging business opportunities and the increasing importance of collaboration. Speakers will also discuss the roles they play in driving growth in the region.

“Strong economic development is at the core of success for our area,” said Ben Mears, chair of South Charlotte Partners. “We’re excited to provide an opportunity for local professionals and residents to hear from the leaders positioning our region for continued growth and new business opportunities.”

e breakfast will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at AC Hotel Charlotte Ballantyne, 14819 Ballantyne Village Way, 16th oor. Tickets

TD Bank employees plan trees

CHARLOTTE – TD Bank employees joined TreesCharlotte on Oct. 10 to plant 40 trees at e Volaire apartment community in celebration of Charlotte Tree Month.

TD Tree Days, the bank’s agship volunteer program, enhances outdoor spaces through community planting.

e event was one of 20 across the U.S. this fall as part of the 14th annual TD Tree Days. Since 2011, volunteers have planted more than 22,000 native trees and shrubs nationwide.

cost $25 in advance and $35 at the door. Register at eventbrite.com. Email scltpartners@gmail.com for networking tables.

Police investigate collision involving teen on scooter MONROE –  e Monroe Police Department is investigating a collision involving a teen on an electric scooter.

O cers responded to the 2200 block of Secrest Short Cut Road at about 4:45 p.m. Oct. 20 for a report of a child struck by a vehicle.

First responders found a 14-yearold who had been hit by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter. e teen had reportedly been riding the electric scooter home from a nearby shopping center.

Due to the severity of injuries, the teen was airlifted to a Charlotte hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

No charges have been led at this time.

Duke Mansion fundraiser takes on underwater theme

CHARLOTTE – Duke Mansion will become an underwater dream where mermaids reign and sea kings dance – all in an e ort to raise money to preserve and protect the historic treasure.

A Night Under the Sea: Halloween Celebration at Duke Mansion starts at 8 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets cost $150 ($25 is tax-deductible). Get tickets at eventbrite.com.

The evening includes music by Kids in America, food and drinks. Come dressed to be at the sea, on

Chicas Market CLT hosts Halloween Edition

CHARLOTTE – Chicas Market CLT, a market dedicated to uplifting Latina culture and entrepreneurship, will host a special Halloween-themed market.

e free family-friendly event features more than 40 vendors o ering artisanal goods, authentic Latin foods and vintage nds led by a team of Latina entrepreneurs.

e market takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 25 at TAOH Outdoor Gallery, 2200 N. Brevard St.

e Halloween-themed market will include a costume contest, trick-or-treating, an adult bounce house, live DJ performance and face painting.

Chicas Market CLT was founded by e Comunidad, a Charlotte-based organization

the sea, under the sea or in the festive attire of your choice.

Amanda Shires to open for Aly & AJ on Oct. 24

CHARLOTTE – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter

Amanda Shires will open for Aly & AJ on their Silver Deliverer Tour, stopping at Ovens Auditorium on Oct. 24.

The tour follows the release of Shires’ new album “Nobody’s Girl.” e record explores heartbreak, resilience and empowerment through Shires’ signature ddle and storytelling.

She is known for for collaborations with John Prine and as a founder of e Highwomen.

Quick Hits

• e N.C. State Board of Education recognized Dawn Young, of East Mecklenburg High School, for winning the 2025 AATF Dorothy S. Ludwig Excellence in Teaching Award.

• South Academy of International Languages teachers Mawuena Dabla, Mayako Hamrick, Kathryn Wendelken and Medine Yigit presented topics at the Fostering Language Acquisition in North Carolina conference. So did Dawn Young, of East Mecklenburg High School.

• Amanda Turner, orchestra director for East Mecklenburg and Ardrey Kell high schools, earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from the North Carolina Music Educators Association.

• Coca-Cola Consolidated opened its doors to students from

spotlighting small businesses rooted in Hispanic and Latino culture.

Movement Mortgage completes tech transformation

INDIAN LAND – Movement Mortgage has completed a three-year overhaul of its technology stack with the launch of its new loan origination system, MORE LOS. Powered by Blue Sage and integrated with Salesforce, Polly and Docutech, the platform uni es sales, operations and customer systems.

“Our company was founded in 2008 during the hardest of times,” CEO Casey Crawford said. “Once again, we chose to take on the hardest work during a hard market so that our loan o cers will be the big winners on the other side.”

COO Lyra Waggoner led the transformation, calling it “a platform built for the future” that increases e ciency and empowers teams companywide.

CEENTA named Top Workplace

CHARLOTTE – Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & roat Associates, P.A. was recognized as a Top Workplace in the health care industry, as determined by Energage through comprehensive employee surveys.

e Top Workplaces surveys evaluate factors such as job satisfaction, employee incentives and support infrastructure.

CEENTA is also recognized with a Top Workplaces National Industry Award based on key team member feedback speci c to the healthcare sector.

“At CEENTA, we’ve cultivated a remarkable level of engagement through initiatives like our CEENTAStar program, in-office treats and activities, and companywide outings including our upcoming CEENTA Fit & Fun Walk,” said Rita Halverson, human resources director.

Thoughtful Baking Co. opens Thanksgiving pre-orders

CHARLOTTE – oughtful Baking Co. is accepting anksgiving pie orders, featuring scratch-made favorites crafted from Carolina-grown ingredients.

e seasonal lineup includes Chocolate Cream, Maple Pecan, Triple Layered Pumpkin, Dutch Apple (vegan), Brown Butter Apple Crisp (gluten-free), and a Turkey Dinner Pot Pie.

Pickups will be available Nov. 21 to 26 at locations across Charlotte and Matthews. Order pies at thoughtfulbaking.com while supplies last.

Matthews Area Chamber events

MATTHEWS – The Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a Business After Hours.

• e chamber hosts Business After Hours & Glow Golf from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23 at Emerald Lake Golf Club, 9750 Tournament Drive, Matthews. e event includes networking (5:30 to 6:45 p.m.) followed by the golf tournament (7 p.m.). ere is a fee to play. Register in advance. Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Providence, South Mecklenburg and other schools this month for job shadowing.

•  e Matthews Police Department recognized Shelley Kerns, property and evidence technician, as part of Property and Evidence Professionals Week.

• The Matthews HELP Center is requesting people drop o gently used arti cial trees and stands for a November event. Visit them on Facebook for donation drop-o hours.

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services advised residents to remove leaves and debris from storm drains. Residents can rake the leaves into paper bags.

•  e Charlotte Southern Lions Club, a local service organization, is seeking new members. Members meet at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at Park Place Restaurant, 10517 Park Road, Charlotte. https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/ charlotte_southern/

•  e Monroe Police Department recognized Michele Shoultes in honor of Property and Evidence Professionals Week from Oct. 5 to 11.

• The Union County Board of Elections has opened early voting for municipal elections. Vote 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, Oct. 16 to Nov. 1, as well as 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1, at Monroe Library.

• Union County has released its Annual Performance Report for 2024-25 at https://ucgov. info/47rDclG.

Mint Hill Chamber events

MINT HILL –  e Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce hosts Co ee with the Candidates, a ribbon cutting and ambassadors meeting.

• e community can connect with people running for mayor and commissioner during Coffee with the Candidates from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 25 at its o ce, 7900 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Building 2, Suite B, Mint Hill. e event is open to the public.

• Members celebrate the grand opening of Monster Self Storage with a ribbon cutting from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at 10721 Woodland Beaver Road, Mint Hill. Register in advance.

• Ambassadors hold their monthly meeting from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Panzú Brewery, 7251 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill. Register in advance.

Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Union County Chamber events

MONROE –  e Union County Chamber of Commerce hosts a pair of ribbon cuttings.

• Members celebrate the grand opening of Founders Federal Credit Union with a ribbon cutting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at 3806 E. U.S. 74, Wingate. Register in advance.

• Members celebrate the rebranding of Dental Designs of Marvin Gardens with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at 1619 Providence Road South, Suite 120, Waxhaw. Register in advance. Visit unioncountycoc.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.

Charlotte Music Census is open

CHARLOTTE – Music Everywhere CLT launched the 2025 Charlotte Music Census on Oct. 22. e census remains open through Nov. 12.

e community-led e ort is designed to better understand and support the region’s music ecosystem.

Organizers invite all professionals, semi-professionals and students who work full-time or part-time in the music industry in any capacity, with or without compensation, to take the Music Census available at CharlotteMusicCensus.org.

Musicians, live performers, industry professionals, educators, venue owners and support service providers are all invited to complete the survey.

is includes a wide range of roles in performance, production, education, administration and creative entrepreneurship.

Respondents must be 18 years of age or older and living and/or working in the Charlotte area. Results will be available early in 2026.

Quick Hits

• Carolina Handling partnered with Spire Motorsports to sponsor NASCAR Cup Series driver Michael McDowell during the YellaWood 500 on Oct. 19 at Talladega Superspeedway.

• Chick- l-A restaurants across the Charlotte area o ered a free eight-count nuggets entrée through the Chick- l-A app on Oct. 22. Once claimed, the o er can be redeemed through Oct. 29 at participating locations.

Mayor Pro Tem Surluta

Anthony and Council Member Gary Anderson helped serve food at the event.

“We had the opportunity to welcome members of our homeless community, gather important information about their needs and discuss ways to better support and address the challenges they face,” Anthony said. “Our goal remains to foster a safe, supportive and sustainable living environment with meaningful solutions.” Anderson said he was impressed with the teamwork of city sta .

essential supplies, access to public health services, and more, showcasing the City of Monroe’s compassion and initiative in addressing community needs,” Anderson said.

“It provided individuals affected by homelessness with

Residents can learn more about community assistance programs or volunteer opportunities at MonroeNC. org.

Packing & Unpacking

• Help deciding what stays and what goes

• Safely pack your belongings

• Unpacking and organizing

• Help with rehoming and donating items

Decluttering

• Simplify your living spaces

• Rotate wardrobes, decor and holiday items

• Create functional, clutterfree spaces

• Garage, basement and attic clean outs

Estate Sale Prep & Senior

Transition Assistance

• Organize, stage, and sort items

• Help with cleaning and clearing out property

• Compassionate help for senior moving

Contact: Stephani Ritter

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Oct. 24

Story Time

Children enjoy a storytime at Monroe Science Center. monroesciencecenter.com

11-11:15 a.m. or 2-2:15 p.m.; Monroe Science Center, 123 Main St., Monroe

Trick or Treat

Village of Marvin holds Trick or Treat at Marvin E rd Park. e event includes a bounce house and a DJ. marvinnc.gov

5-9 p.m.; 8909 New Town Road, Marvin

Beats ‘n Bites

Groove Machine performs 1970s disco hits during the Beats ‘n Bites concert series at Stumptown Park. Food trucks will be available. matthewsnc.gov

5-9 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews

Goodies & Goblins

Promenade on Providence hosts Goodies & Goblins, which features trick-or-treating (56:30 p.m.) and a screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (6:45 p.m.). Bring a lawn chair. promenadeonprovidence.com

5 p.m.-sunset; 10844 Providence Road, Charlotte

Haunted Trail

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents the Haunted Trail behind the Matthews Community Center. e event includes a Not So Spooky version (5:30-7 p.m.) and a Full Friday version (7:30-9:30 p.m.). ere’s also a Fun Zone with food trucks, trunk-or-treating and Halloween-themed activities. matthewsplayhouse. com/haunted-trail

5:30-9:30 p.m.; 100 E McDowell St., Matthews

Spooktacular

e Town of Indian Trail presents Spooktacular with trunk-or-treating and Halloween-themed activities at Chestnut Square Park. itsparksandrec.com/ 6-9 p.m.; 320 Chestnut Pkwy., Indian Trail Film Screening

Rea Farms screens “Wicked” as part of its weekly outdoor movie series. reafarmsclt.com

6:30-8:30 p.m.; 9855 Sandy Rock Place, Charlotte

Trunk or Treat

Monroe Aquatics and Fitness Center hosts Trunk or Treat and Movie Night in the upper parking lot. e movie, “Hocus Pocus,” starts at 7:30 p.m. monroenc.org

6:30-9:30 p.m.; 2325 Hanover Drive, Monroe

Oct. 25

Fright Night

e Town of Waxhaw presents Fright Night in downtown. e event includes trick-ortreating, food trucks and a haunted history tour ($20). downtownwaxhaw.com/ fright-night

4-6 p.m.; downtown Waxhaw

Stalloween

e Town of Stallings hosts tent-or-treating, food trucks and costume contests for multiple age groups during Stalloween at Stallings Municipal Park. stallingsnc.org

4-8 p.m.; 340 Stallings Road, Stallings

Trunk, Treat or Ticket

The Monroe Police Department hosts Trunk, Treat or Ticket at the Bobby G. Kilgore Law Enforcement Center. e event features candy, decorated trunks and a police costume contest. monroenc.org

5-7 p.m., 450 W. Crowell St., Monroe

Haunted Trail

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts presents the Haunted Trail behind the Matthews Community Center. e event includes a Not So Spooky version (5:30-7 p.m.) and a Full Friday version (7:30-9:30 p.m.). ere’s also a Fun Zone with food trucks, trunk-or-treating and Halloween-themed activities. matthewsplayhouse. com/haunted-trail

5:30-9:30 p.m.; 100 E McDowell St., Matthews

WINGATE – A new home in M/I Homes' Canterbury Station community has an especially meaningful purpose. Proceeds from the sale of the Wingate home will benefit Pelotonia, a nonprofit that funds cancer research.

M/I Homes of Charlotte also hosted a golf tournament in support of Pelotonia. e bene t home and golf tournament together raised $276,777.39 for the national nonpro t this year. "Dozens of dedicated and talented folks came together to help us make this project happen, from our construction crew to our vendors," said Alan Beulah, area president at M/I Homes in Charlotte. “Cancer has touched so many families. We’re grateful to be able use our skills in the ght for cures.”

M/I Homes in Charlotte has donated more than $1.1 million to Pelotonia since 2021 with the sale of benet homes. e homebuilder has raised more than $13 million so far for Pelotonia since 2014.

Pelotonia directs 100% of

every dollar raised by participants to cancer research at e Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, including the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.

Canterbury Station is located just a few miles from Wingate University and the Monroe Expressway. The new community will combine 168 single-family homes with 49 townhomes set on 61 acres.

Report: Growth in Charlotte, Raleigh and Triangle surging

By Alan Wooten Contributor

(The Center Square) – Charlotte and Raleigh, the largest cities in North Carolina, have each grown by more than 7% since the outset of COVID-19, according to an October report from the Office of State Budget and Management.

Raleigh’s 500,639 population leads Wake County’s claim to having four of the eight cities in the state growing by 10,000 or more. Each of the state’s largest 25 municipalities grew in the analyzation of measurements from April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2024 –the latest time period available.

North Carolina is the nation’s ninth largest state at an estimated 11.1 million. e population was

10.4 million in April 2020. e state is regularly on lists showing growth through migration, usually behind Florida and Texas, respectively.

Charlotte’s estimated population is 944,742, growing by 70,055 (8%). e Queen City is 14th largest in the nation, second among the eight South Atlantic states, and seventh in the 16-state South as defined by the U.S.

Census Bureau.

Raleigh’s estimated population is 500,639, growing by 32,728 (7%) and topping half a million for the rst time.

Eight municipalities grew by 10,000 or more, led by Wake County’s Cary (13,000), Wake Forest (11,000), Apex (11,000) and Fuquay-Varina (10,000). Also from the Triangle, Durham led at more than 17,000. Others were

Wilmington (11,000), Leland (10,000) and Concord (10,000).

Six communities with 5,000 or more in 2020 grew by 20% or more by 2024. Wendell in Wake County added 7,000 residents (73%). Also swelling were Angier (46%) in Harnett County, and the Wake towns of Zebulon (33%), Fuquay-Varina (29%), Rolesville (24%) and Wake Forest (23%).

Union County towns move Arbor Day to October

Wesley Chapel Council Member

Deb Coates Bledsoe is the rst to admit she is a card-carrying tree hugger.

“I think often people dismiss trees, complaining about the leaves in the fall, the possibility of being pushed over by a storm and just the ongoing maintenance involved,” Bledsoe said. “In reality, trees are vital for our existence. ey give us the air we breathe, badly needed shade in summer and they keep stormwater at bay in times of heavy downpours.”

In recognition of the importance of woodlands, Bledsoe urged the Wesley Chapel Council to follow Monroe and Marvin’s example and pass a resolution to create an annual Arbor Day in the fall rather than the spring as is done currently.

The idea to move Arbor Day from the spring to the fall was introduced by TreesUnion, a 501c3 organization established in 2023 to preserve, grow and diversify Union County’s public and private tree canopies.

e reason for the change: Urban Forester Keith O’Herrin said many trees do better when planted during fall and winter months.

Wesley Chapel Village Council agreed and chose the second Saturday in October as the o cial date for what’s to become its annual Arbor Day. is year,it fell on Oct. 11 at village hall.

To commemorate the village’s inaugural Arbor Day, the council decided to plant a loblolly pine (North Carolina’s state tree) at village hall. e Wake the Forest Foundation, a nonpro t based in Apex, heard about the village’s plan and o ered to purchase the loblolly pine. is is the second time the foundation, known for planting trees and inspiring conservation, has partnered with the village in its tree-planting e orts.

Members of the village council, village sta and a few volunteers helped plant the loblolly pine. Dogwood Park Manager John Lepke, who had prepared the site for planting, shared some dos and

don’ts of planting a tree.

e City of Monroe also decided to hold its newly designated Arbor Day on Oct. 11. It included planting trees at Monroe’s Dickerson Park. e 9 a.m. event brought volunteers sporting gloves and shovels or rakes.

John omasson, a TreesUnion board member, oversaw Monroe’s Arbor Day tree planting activities.

“We successfully planted trees around the pickleball courts and disc golf course at Dickerson and two more trees at Sunset Park,” omasson said.

Volunteers came from Monroe-Union Breakfast Rotary, TreesUnion and a few citizens who saw ads asking for volunteers to plant trees.

“Between TreesUnion and Rotary, we’ve now planted hundreds of trees in the county and have supported thousands at our schools,” omasson said. “ anks, in particular, to the City of Monroe for

punching the holes and providing mulch. Because of this, we were able to knock out the job in two hours.”

Marvin’s Arbor Day event is scheduled for Oct. 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Marvin’s E rd Park. e event will include tree planting, a tree walk, plant swaps and activities for children.

“Our plan is to plant a tree with some education about how to do that,” said Kristyna Culp, a TreesUnion board member. “It may be more like a nature scavenger hunt. We will have coloring stations and maybe a tree-related craft and a plant swap.”

Want to learn more?

Check out TreesUnion’s website at.treesunion.org/ or its Facebook page for more information.

To contact the Wake the Forest Foundation, reach out to President Chad Perry at chad.perry@yahoo.com.

Road – 99

Marshville • Top China, 7216 E. Marshville Blvd. – 96.5 Matthews • Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill, 316 N. Trade St. – 93.5 • Longhorn Steakhouse, 9950 E Independence Blvd. – 97 • Osaka Japanese Cuisine, 3531 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 95 • Steady Eddy’s Pumphouse, 2216 E. John St. – 96 • Tropical Brazilian Bakery, 11100 Monroe Road – 98.5 • White Duck Taco Shop, 131 E. John St. – 98

Mint Hill

• Big Guy’s Pizza, 6908 Mat-

thews-Mint Hill Road – 98.5

• Hawthorne’s Pizza & Bar, 7319

Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 97

• Panzú Brewery, 7251 Matthews-Mint Hill Road – 97

• Wayback Burgers Mint Hill, 7014

Tutor St. – 98.5

Monroe • Bojangles, 555 E. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96

• Carniceria Morelos, 1510 Miller St. – 97.5

• Costa del Sol Restaurant and Grill, 5250 Old Charlotte Hwy –

100 • D’ Reyes Delicias, 723 N. Charlotte Ave. – 98.5

• El Ranchero (meat/market), 322 N. Sutherland Ave. – 91

• Jud’s Restaurant, 1603 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 99

• Napoli Italian Restaurant, 2263 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97 • Panaderia El Quetzal, 1900 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 93

• Quincy’s, 502 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 92

• Ron’s Grill, 3621 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 98.5

• Shoku Sushi and Bar, 5140 Old Charlotte Hwy. – 94.5

• Silvino’s (#2), 2805 Chamber Drive – 95

• Silvino’s (#6), 2850 Chamber Drive – 98.5

• Takara Steakhouse and Sushi Bar, 2515 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97

• Tortilleria El Toro Grande, 1705 Walkup Ave. – 96.5

• Walmart (deli), 2406 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96.5

• Wow Supermarket, 1230 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 97.5

Pineville

• Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant, 10015 Lee St. – 95.5

• Pineville Ice House, 400 Towne Centre Blvd. – 98.5 • Rai Lay Thai Express, 10500 Centrum Pkwy. Ste. 314 – 96

Stallings • Mama’s Pizza and Pasta, 15080 Idlewild Road – 91.5

Waxhaw

• Adela’s Mexican Kitchen, 701 W. South Main St – 96.5 • Asian Grill, 3913 S. Providence Road – 100 • Frontier Meats, 8303 Lancaster Hwy. – 100 • Tony Cin’s New York Style Pizza, 2109 Bluestone Court – 100

Wesley Chapel • Harris Teeter (deli), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 91.5

• Harris Teeter (meat/seafood), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road

– 99.5 • Harris Teeter (pizza bar), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 99.5

• Harris Teeter (produce), 5920 Weddington-Monroe Road – 97 • Harris Teeter (Starbucks), 5920

Weddington-Monroe Road – 99

CLASSIFIEDS

Medical Technologist 1, The Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority d/b/a Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC. Perf lab anlys on rec’d spec, prov clin info for diagn, treatmnt & prev of diseases. M-F 7:30a - 4p. Reqs Bach in Med Lab Techn, Med Lab Sci, Biol, Chem / rel / equiv. Mst be cert Med Lab Sci by ASCP. Mst sbmt to drg scrn & b/g chck. Apply: res to: margarita. cruickshankmartinez@advocatehealth.org & ref #117909.

Microbiology Technologist I (Multi Opngs), The Charlotte Mecklenburg Hospital Authority d/b/a Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC. Perf med - hi complx Micrbiolgy tst proc w/ est protocls in bactriolgy, mycbctriology, myclogy, virlogy & molclar-bsd infec dis Microbiology. M-F, 40hrs/wk (usually 3:30p - 2a). Reqs bach in biomed sci/med lab sci/rel/equiv. Reqs, or elig to obtn w/in 1yr of hire, MT(ASCP)/ MLS(ASCP)/M(ASCP) cert. Mst sbmt to bg chck. Apply: res to: leigh.manzonelli@ advocatehealth.org & ref #117145.

Senior Financial Analyst. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. May teleco M & F frm Charlotte, NC metro area to wrk onsite TuesThurs & as need. Dev comp fin modls to supp new bus & comm deal struct, incorp rev proj, cost est, & benchmrk anlys. M - F, 8a - 5p (EST). Reqs Bach in BA / Fin/ Foodsrvc Admin / rel / equiv. Reqs 1 yr fin anlys & bus ops exp incl 1 yr: wrk in roles where delvrbls were deadlinedrvn; usng MS Excl to bld & anlyz incme stmt data; mng multi prjct w/ ovrlappng tmlns; prsnt fin info to int & ext stkhldrs; apply ROI mtrcs like NPV & IRR in Excel; use VBA & macros to updte fin Excel tools for deal constrct; use Power BI to mng data w/in data WH & bld

Why?

measures for vis. All hires sbmt to bg chck. Reqs up to 25% US & 1% intl trvl. Apply: resume to: shared.talentacquisitionoperations@ compass-usa.com & ref #118343.

Data Engineering Manager - Compass One. Compass Group USA, Inc. Charlotte, NC. May teleco w/in region of Charlotte, NC offc (NC/ SC/ GA), rpt to Charlotte, & attnd mtngs / wrk onsite as needed. Oversee impl & optim of DWH. M-F 8A - 5P. Reqs @ lst Bach in CS, IS, Info Sec / Elec Engg / rel / equiv. Reqs 5 yrs of data engg & SW dev exp incl 4 yrs: wrk w/ BI teams to dev data modls, dshbrds, & rprts; DWH tech; w/ query optim tech, indx, partition, & cluster to enhnce DWH perf; 3 yrs: w/ hc tech; data model; 2 yrs: wrk in cloud environs like Google Cloud, AWS / Azure. Apply: res to: shared. talentacquisitionoperations@compass-usa. com & ref #117413.

SEO Specialist (Charlotte, NC) SEO(Search Engine Optimization) Specialist develops and implements effective search engine optimization strategies to improve the restaurant’s online visibility, attract potential customers, and enhance brand awareness. Requires a blend of creative design sensibilities to optimize our digital content effectively. Collaborate with the marketing & culinary teams to develop highquality content, such as blog posts, menu descriptions, & promotional materials, that resonate with our target audience and adhere to SEO best practices. 40hrs/wk, Offered wage: $48,547/yr, Associate’s Degree in Arts or related required. Resume to UNC KQ, LLC Attn: James Park, 9605 N Tryon ST, STE H, Charlotte, NC 28262

Public Information Meeting

A Public Information Meeting / Neighborhood Awareness Meeting has been scheduled by the owner of Parcels 137-102-10 and 137-102-03, a non-profit organization, that a conditional zoning request has been submitted a for the above-mentioned parcel, which is located next to the Shiloh Truelight Church.

This property spans approximately 29 acres and is currently zoned for Single-Family Residential use. This meeting will introduce the project, receive concerns, and answer any questions from the community.

When?

November 6, 2025 - Thursday evening Time?

5:00-7:00 PM (EST)

Where?

TAYLOR ACORN DROPS NEW ALBUM

CHARLOTTE – Pop punk

singer Taylor Acorn will perform Nov. 14 at Amos’ Southend, three weeks after the release of her sophomore album, “Poster Child,” via Fearless Records. e album features the latest singles “Crashing Out,” “Hangman” and “Goodbye, Good Riddance.”

“This record feels very personal but it feels nostalgic at the same time,” Acorn said. “I feel like some songs are kind of on the angry side and are very vulnerable, but there’s also a lot of songs that made me feel really nostalgic for my childhood where you could go to the Warped Tour as a 15-year-old and there’s no worries about that.”

On the web: tayloracorn. com

Oct. 24

• Amos’ Southend: The Vegabonds

• Bojangles Coliseum: Aly & AJ

• CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Ellie Morgan

• Mac’s Speed Shop (Matthews): Alan Barrington

• Mary O’Neill’s: Matthew Ablan

• Middle C Jazz: Four80East

• Moochies Tavern: Underground Owls

• Small Bar Matthews: Carrie Ann

• Spectrum Center: Tate McRae

• Stooges Pub & Grub: Kids in America

• Tap and Vine (Indian Trail): Jam Central

• The Milestone: No Anger Control

•  e Rabbit Hole: Sippy

• e Trail House: Coconut Groove Band

• The Underground: Invent Animate

• Visulite: The Chain (Fleetwood Mac tribute)

Oct. 25

• Amos’ Southend: 84

• Middle C Jazz: Marcus Anderson

• Moochies Tavern: Don’t

Blink

• Neighborhood eatre: Della Mae

• Oaklore Distilling Co: JD Ross & Riss

• Shep’s Bar & Grill: DJ

Amy Jones

• Southern Range Brewing: Dual Drive

• Spectrum Center: Lainey Wilson

• Stooges Pub & Grub: Sweet Leaf

•  e Milestone: Sap

•  e Rabbit Hole: Bawldy

• The Trail House: Kottonmouth

• Waxhaw Taphouse: Spiderwebs & Black Fly Chardonnay

Oct. 26

• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Wagon Load A Trouble

• Middle C Jazz: Joe Gransden

• Neighborhood eatre: Doublecamp

• Spectrum Center: NBA YoungBoy

• The Milestone: Crunk Witch; Scrlett

• Visulite: Jukebox the Ghost

Oct. 27

• Amos’ Southend: Nekrogoblikon

• Neighborhood eatre: Asiris

Oct. 28

• Neighborhood eatre: Oddisee

• The Fillmore: Matt Maeson

•  e Milestone: Davvn

•  e Underground: So a Isella

Oct. 29

• Amos’ Southend: Sun Room

• CharBar No. 7 (Charlotte): Anna J

• Middle C Jazz: John Splitho

• Neighborhood eatre: High Fade

• Spectrum Center: Reneé Rapp

• Stooges Pub & Grub: Bailey Marie

• The Fillmore: Lenny Pearce

• e Trail House: Pluto for Planet

Oct. 30

• Amos’ Southend: Boys Night Out

• CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Darren Deese

• Middle C Jazz: Jay D Jones, Tra’ Sauls & Gena Chambers

• Neighborhood eatre: Saxsquatch

•  e Fillmore: Between the Buried and Me

•  e Milestone: Fleshrot

•  e Underground: Sunami & Scowl

• Visulite: Dogs in a Pile VENUES

Charlotte

• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.

• CharBar No. 7: 4130 Carmel Road

• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.

• Middle C Jazz: 300 S. Brevard St.

• Neighborhood eatre: 511 E. 36th St. • Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St. •  e Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St. • The Milestone: 3400 Tuckaseegee Road

Health insurance fraud makes premiums more expensive

By Mike Causey Contributor

I often talk about how insurance fraud a ects your premiums. at’s because, according to some estimates, insurance fraud adds 20% to your insurance bill.

Americans pay $308.6 billion annually just to cover the costs of insurance fraud, according to a 2022 study conducted by the Colorado State University Global White Collar Crime Task Force for the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. at’s an average of $932.63 for every American or nearly $3,800 for a family of four.

What could your family do with an extra $3,800 a year? Perhaps you’d take a nice vacation, make some improvements to your house or pay down a debt.

One major part of insurance fraud is health insurance fraud. at includes Medicare and Medicaid fraud. I want to provide some examples of health insurance fraud and look at how some fraudsters use arti cial intelligence to commit such fraud. AI can also be used to combat health insurance fraud.

I also want to o er some ways that you can help ght insurance fraud. at 2022 study estimates that health insurance fraud totals $36.3 billion annually. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid fraud costs $68.7 billion. at totals $105 billion in insurance fraud within our healthcare system. Health insurance fraud may be initiated by a provider who bills for services that were never rendered. Or a provider may up-code a claim by billing for a more complex service with a higher reimbursement rate than the service that was provided.

A patient can also commit health insurance fraud. One way this occurs is for an

uninsured or underinsured patient to provide a name and health insurance information of another person to the provider. Or an individual may use a computer program to create a fraudulent invoice to submit with a claim for services that were not provided. en there’s AI, which can be used for both good and bad.

Karen Weintraub, president of Healthcare Fraud Shield, told Insurance Business Magazine last year that perpetrators can use AI to generate false medical records to support fraudulent claims. at can make it more difcult for insurance companies to review the claims to see if they are legit.

Here’s the good news about AI. It can help insurance companies analyze data on a larger scale and detect patterns that would otherwise escape the human eye. at could help insurance companies and health insurance members who pay their premiums.

Consumers can help ght fraud by being

Book tells how one special deer changed Christmas forever

FORT MILL – “The Christmas Deer,” a new release from Warren Publishing, is a children’s book written by Fort Mill author and animal activist Alicia Schwartz.

The Pratt family is surprised one Christmas morning to nd a young deer in their yard playing with their dogs. When the deer decides to stick around, it doesn’t take long for the Pratts to fawn over little Traveler, who is smart, curious and loves to sleep on the porch swing every night. e Pratts soon realize, however, that there is something very special about their new friend.

e Pratt children learn how compassion, patience

and kindness help lead Traveler in his journey and, eventually, reveal secrets to their dear friend’s true identity.

“ e Christmas Deer” is a story that reminds readers that the magic of the season is found in friendship and love.

Schwartz is the director of Project Safe Pet, a rescue that funds a spay and neuter program and fosters puppies and dogs. Alicia promotes spaying and neutering, and the adoption of pets from rescues and shelters to end the homeless animal crisis.

“Be their voice” is her rescue mantra. With over two decades of working in animal rescue, Schwartz and her family

have provided foster care for countless puppies, dogs and kittens. Each time their foster animals leave to go to their new homes, Schwartz says to her family, “We are a part of their journey. is sentiment helps teach us to let go during the bittersweet moment, when our rescue animals move on to their forever homes.”

Inspired by a real deer named Traveler, Schwartz write “ e Christmas Deer” after he appeared on her friends’ farm, slept on the porch and tapped his antlers on the window to get attention. Traveler was recently relocated to a wildlife sanctuary where he is safe.

Schwartz also wrote “ e Cemetery Dogs,” a children’s

I thought it was about pizza –it wasn’t

By Tony Marciano Contributor

I was pulling into my favorite big box store and noticed a new pizzeria had arrived. I had to check it out.

Before trying their pizza, I had to go into the big box store to return my previous purchase. After that, I headed to the lawn and garden center where I would exit the store and take a shortcut to the pizza parlor. e doors were locked so I had to backtrack and exit through the main doors. As I stepped through these doors, I saw an elderly woman with a grocery cart. It appeared she was trying to cross the street to get to her car. When I approached her, she explained she had a ride coming. She was confused because no one was there. I asked if she had an Uber coming, and she said yes. But when she handed me her phone, there was no Uber app on it. I handed it back to her and watched her tap the screen, hoping one of her ngers would hit the correct button. She said she was ne and would wait for her ride. I left and headed to the pizzeria. After eating, I checked if she was still waiting for her ride. She was there. She said someone had been calling her. I tried to explain that Uber tells you the car, its color, the license plate and the driver’s name. She showed me the phone. e call had not come from Uber.

She was using a service for older adults where they call a phone number for scheduling an Uber ride instead of using their app directly. ey call Uber for you. It eliminates the need to understand today’s technology, especially when you are 85 years old. I called and reached the company. ey said there was a problem with the last payment. I handed her back the phone. I didn’t

want her to hand me her credit card to give its number to the person on the other end. I was getting in over my head. I did that over 30 years ago, trying to help my aunt sell some land. My dad rightfully chastised me as I was making commitments for his sister that she knew nothing about. I walked away.

Having watched my own mother live 30 years after my dad’s death, I’ve come to realize that a lot of older adults don’t want to give up their independence. ey continue to drive when they should give up the car. ey stay in a home they can’t maintain out of the fear that if they move into a retirement community, they will give up their independence. eir decision to stay puts a lot of stress on the children who have to stop by several times a week, if not daily to make sure their parents are OK, they’ve eaten, taken their medication and the bills are paid.

Let me challenge you, that if you have an elderly parent who is getting frail, get your siblings together for a meeting to discuss what you, as their children, can do for them at this stage of their lives. Understand that ultimately, the pressure will always fall on one person. If you start with a plan, it goes a lot smoother.

Back to the woman, I should have asked if she had children and asked her to dial one of them. I would have talked with them and informed them of the predicament their mother was facing while trying to maintain her independence. I’m sure they had no idea what their mother was facing that day, trying to get a ride home. I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well, my friend.

e Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.

book based on a true story of two dogs she found living in a cemetery.

She hopes children will smile and feel the Christmas spirit after reading “ e Christmas Deer.”

Get the book on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, warrenpublishing.net or bookshop.org. Follow Schwartz on Facebook and Instagram at @AnimaltaleswithAlicia.

vigilant when it comes to claims being paid by insurance companies, Medicare or Medicaid. Carefully review your Explanation of Bene t statements when you receive them. EOB statements can be di cult to understand. But you need to review your EOB statements and ask your insurance company or provider questions if something isn’t clear. Also, look for red ags, such as being charged twice for the same service or being charged for medical equipment that you did not receive.

Such errors may be honest mistakes. Or they could be a sign of fraud. If you’re unsure, you may call our consumer experts at the Department of Insurance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 855-408-1212.

I’m dedicated to ghting insurance fraud. I hope you’ll join me in this ght.

Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner of North Carolina.

Meck Connect is roads with more sidewalks, crosswalks, and enhanced intersections. It’s also smart tra c signals to help ease congestion. There’s 50% more bus service, 15-minute frequency on busy routes, and 18 new Microtransit zones for on-demand pickup. And there’s 43 miles of new rail, including access to the airport.