The 3-13-2026 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Matthews-Mint Hill
MATTHEWS
– Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will present “The Velveteen Rabbit” from April 24 to May 3 as part of its 30th season mainstage lineup.
Jill Bloede will direct the show. e play runs 60 minutes and is performed in one act.
Matthews Playhouse fans may recognize her work from local productions of “Peter and the Starcatcher” and “Young Frankenstein.” She’s also directed “Murder on the Orient Express” for eatre Charlotte.
e play is adapted by Scott Davidson and based on the book of the same name by Margery Williams.
The story follows a toy rabbit who longs to become real through the power of love and imagination.
This tale resonates with people of all ages thanks to themes of friendship, resilience and the transformative nature of love. e Matthews performance is recommended for ages 6 and older.
Matthews Playhouse presents “ e Velveteen Rabbit” at 7:30 p.m. April 24, 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 25, 2 p.m. April 26, 7:30 p.m. May 1, 2 (sensory performance) and 7:30 p.m. May 2 and
2 p.m. May 3 at the Matthews Community Center, 100 E. McDowell St.
Tickets are available at matthewsplayhouse.com or over the phone at 704846-8343, with special pricing for students, seniors, military and children.
Special Events
• Matthews Playhouse o ers a paywhat-you-can performance at 7:30 p.m. April 23. ere’s a suggested donation of $10, though any amount is accepted at the door for nonprofit partner ompson.
• Matthews Playhouse will present A Velveteen Rabbit Tea Party following the April 26 matinee performance of “ e Velveteen Rabbit” from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $25. Learn more at matthewsplayhouse.com/30th-anniversary.
• Matthews Playhouse has scheduled weekday school performances at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. April 24, 28, 29 and 30 as well as May 1. Visit matthewsplayhouse. com/plan-your- eld-trip for details.
CHARLOTTE – City officials joined development partners and residents March 6 to break ground on a $67.1 million amateur sports campus that is expected to be an economic driver for East Charlotte.
Eastland Sports Campus is scheduled to open in late 2028.
Spanning 29 acres at Eastland Yards, Eastland Sports Campus will include six full-size multipurpose athletic elds and a 100,000-square-foot indoor center with courts for basketball, volleyball or other sports and amenities.
“Eastland Sports Campus represents an exciting new chapter for the Eastland Yards redevelopment, bringing new amenities, economic activity and vibrant energy to the area,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. “ is new destination will drive economic impact while serving as a source of pride, not just for East Charlotte, but for our entire city. We are deeply grateful to the city leaders and sta , partners and community members who came together to make this vision a reality.”
Eastland Sports Campus expects the project to generate an annual economic impact of $169 million and create more than 500 jobs and 130,000 hotel rooms annually.
“Youth sports are booming in Charlotte and across the country. Eastland Sports Campus positions the city to build on that incredible
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Monifa Drayton has defeated longtime Mecklenburg County Commissioner Vilma Leake in the 2026 midterm election.
Drayton earned 8,231 votes, which were 602 more than Leake’s total, to win the District 2 Democratic primary on March 3, according to uno cial results from the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.
“God did it,” Drayton wrote on her Facebook page.
She led a campaign that promoted her strengths as a leader while being respectful of Leake’s contributions to the district.
Leake has been in public o ce for nearly
Eastland Yards
momentum, giving local athletes and families access to rst-class facilities while also strengthening Charlotte’s ability to attract regional and national tournaments that fuel economic growth and showcase our community,” said Robert Bolton, managing partner, Eastland Sports Campus.
Eastland Sports Campus is a partnership with Boston-based EDGE Sports Global, Charlotte Soccer Academy, Bolton, Ivory & Cantey LLC and Southern Entertainment. e campus was rst proposed in 2023. e Charlotte City Council approved nal funding in September 2024.
Other Eastland Sports Campus amenities will include health and wellness o ces, an academic learning center and STEM lab, food and beverage stations, walking and bike paths, and expansive green space.
Since breaking ground on Eastland Yards in 2022, an 80-acre empty mall site has been transformed into a mixed-use development. Eastland Yards is led by Crosland Southeast in partnership with the city, county and Eastland Sports Campus.
Eastland Sports Campus is one of ve current projects at the site, including:
• Evoke Living Eastland Yards: Opening in 2024, this fully occupied 72-unit apartment
30 years, starting with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education. She’s served as a Mecklenburg County commissioner since 2008.
Drayton, who has experience in the health care industry, runs a leadership development rm and chairs the Mecklenburg County ABC Board. She’s been involved in the community and helped get other candidates elected at the city and county levels.
She secured endorsements from groups like the Black Political Caucus and LGBTQ+ Democrats NC, Charlotte icons Harvey Gantt and Dorothy Counts Scoggins; and state lawmakers Caleb eodros and Jordan Lopez.
Drayton shared on Facebook that the campaign has been the hardest thing she has
Charlotte leaders break ground on Eastland Sports Campus
building o ers a ordable housing for those 55 or older.
• Solstice at Eastland Yards: This 274-unit mixed-use development has retail on the lower level. e rst residents began moving in last month. e city will sublease 16,000 square feet of ground- oor space to small businesses. Charlotte City Council approved leases for four small businesses at the location in January. ose businesses are expected to open this fall.
• e Central Village @ Eastland Yards: is development will bring 168 townhomes and detached single-family homes to the community.
• Eastland Park: A 4.5-acre Mecklenburg County park is expected to be completed in spring 2026.
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Right now, 8-week-old Riggins fits comfortably curled up within Jason Gurian’s arm. When fully grown, the English lab will be someone that firefighters and police officers can lean on for support.
Riggins is a new breed of K9 o cer for Matthews. He’ll serve as a Peer Support & Community Outreach K9 for Matthews Fire & EMS and the Matthews Police Department.
He’ll support emergency responders during and after calls as well as help educate the community on re and life safety topics. One of his rst public appearances was March 9 during the Matthews Board of Commissioners meeting, in which Riggins showed o a chubby puppy walk at the front of the chambers.
“He will be slightly limited as to his public appearances until he’s completely vaccinated,” Gurian told the crowd. “We want to make sure that he stays healthy but after that you’ll start seeing him all over the place.” Gurian, who serves as assistant chief for operations, has been with Matthews Fire & EMS for more than 25 years. He approached Chief Rob Kinniburgh about bringing a therapy dog on board.
ey brought him home from Labradors of Lancaster SC. Matthews Fire & EMS held a vote on social media to name the puppy. Riggins, or Riggs for short, won out over Tanker, Salus and Halligan. Most of the names considered represent the di erent apparatus re ghters use.
Riggins intends to make an appearance at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce’s Touch-A-Truck. Children can explore fire trucks and other unique vehicles during the free event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 14 at Stumptown Park.
Want to support Riggins?
Riggins is part of a donation-based program. The community can donate items from a wish list at throne.com/k9_riggins. Donors have already bought dog food, tactical gear and bedding for Riggins. Other items on the wishlist include specialized training, pet hair removal tools and a pooper scooper.
Election Recap: Drayton defeats Leake in District 2 Primary
done, mentioning stolen campaign signs and some hateful things people have said about her.
“In this season I learned emotional discipline and steadiness which is a lesson long overdue,” she wrote. “ ank you to every single person who made this happen as it’s too many to name. You know who you are and how you made this campaign get to the victory. I’m ready to work.”
Drayton will take on Republican challenger Angela White Edwards in the general election.
Other county commissioner races
At-large commissioners Leigh Altman, Arthur Gri n Jr. and Yvette Townsend-Ingram coasted to victory in a 10-candidate
Democratic primary. ey will not face any Republicans in November. Townsend-Ingram had a 19,677-vote advantage over fourth-place finisher Nichel Dunlap for the third and nal available seat. Fifth-place nisher Felicia ompkins was the only other candidate to clear 20,000 votes.
Morris McAdoo emerged the winner of the District 1 Democratic primary, capturing 8,558 votes, or 49.41%, over candidates Jessica Finkel and Adam Pasiak. McAdoo will take on Republican challenger Aaron R. Marin in the November election for Commissioner Elaine Powell’s seat.
Commissioner George Dunlap defeated
Mayor Vi Lyles talks about the Eastland Sports Campus during its groundbreaking.
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NCDOT awards contract to improve roads
CHARLOTTE – More than 13 miles of roads in Mecklenburg County will be resurfaced, thanks to a $4.8 million contract the N.C. Department of Transportation awarded to Charlotte contractor Blythe Construction.
Some roads slated for milling, resurfacing and shoulder reconstruction include:
• U.S. 21 North/Statesville Road from Caldwell Creek Drive to Holly Point Circle, and from Westmoreland Road to Catawba Avenue.
• N.C. 24/Harris Boulevard West from Mallard Creek Road to Old Sugar Creek Road.
• N.C. 51/Matthews-Mint Hill Road from Phillips Road to Blacksmith Court.
• Youngblood Road West from Youngblood Road to eran Lane.
• Shopton Road West from Kirkwynd Commons Drive to Dan Caudle Road.
• Nevada Boulevard from South Tryon Street to Granite Street.
• Mayes Road from Old Statesville Road to Westmoreland Road.
• Huntersville-Concord Road from McCauley Road to the Cabarrus County line.
• Mallard Creek Church Road from North Tryon Street to University City Boulevard. Contract crews will have until fall 2027 to complete the project. Lane closures on most roads will be restricted to overnight hours.
NC Poison Control advises caution
CHARLOTTE – NC Poison Control is urging careful use of GLP-1 medications ahead of National Poison Prevention Week, March 15 to 21.
In 2025, the agency received an average of one to two calls a day related to GLP-1 drugs, with about 80% involving dosing mistakes. Common errors include taking the wrong amount, taking doses too close together or giving the medication to the wrong family member. Symptoms of misuse may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain.
“Make sure you understand the dose and possible complications with your healthcare provider and clarify about how to measure and self-administer the medication to avoid an overdose,” said Dr. Michael Beuhler, medical director of NC Poison Control.
Plane crashes in Union County
MONROE – Emergency personnel responded to a plane crash March 8 in the 5800 block of North Rocky River Road. e initial call came in at about 2:01 p.m., according to the Union County Sheri 's o ce.
e Hemby Bridge Fire Department was one of the responding agencies, noting that the aircraft was found in a remote eld and the property owners provided a utility terrain vehicle for transporting people and equipment.
Deputies found the passenger had been ejected from the aircraft while the pilot was pinned inside and needed to be cut out, the sheri 's o ce said. e pilot was transported to the hospital via ambulance while the passenger was airlifted.
Two weeks prior, a single-engine aircraft with three people on board overturned during a landing, ending up 200 to 300 feet from the runway at Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport.
Monroe delays lake openings due to drought conditions
MONROE – e City of Monroe is delaying the seasonal opening of its lakes, Lake Twitty, Lake Lee
and Lake Monroe, due to ongoing drought conditions and voluntary water conservation e orts.
e lakes typically open to the public on March 1 each year. However, below-normal rainfall has impacted the city’s water supply, requiring the city to postpone the opening of the lakes.
e lakes are the primary water supply for the City of Monroe.
e City of Monroe is currently in Stage 1 Water Conservation, a voluntary stage where community members are encouraged to conserve water and take everyday steps to limit overuse. is measure was implemented due to ongoing statewide drought conditions resulting from below-average rainfall.
e lakes will reopen once the community receives substantial sustained rainfall and water supply resources have returned to normal.
On the web: monroenc.org
Quick Hits • e Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization has rescheduled its March 18 board meeting to 6 p.m. March 25 in room 267 of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.
CATS expands customer reporting tools
Rev. Tony: I made my first grilled cheese sandwich ever
By Tony Marciano Contributor
When I was a kid, I loved to make scrambled eggs. I’d get the cast iron frying pan hot and crack the eggs into it. e eggs created the sound of applause.
I still like cooking eggs. I don’t focus on the applause. I clean out the leftovers from the refrigerator and add eggs to it. When my son was dating his wife, he warned her that if his father ever o ered to cook her breakfast, her answer was an automatic “No.” I never made her breakfast.
A few months ago, my wife got sick. I was determined to take exceptional care of her. Whatever she wanted, I was there for her. I set up the vaporizer and provided her with ginger ale. I was told that’s what you give someone when they are sick. When she was ready to eat, she asked me to make her a grilled cheese sandwich. My demeanor sank. My joy went away. She looked at me and asked if I was OK. I had to be honest with her. I wasn’t. I told her I never made a grilled cheese sandwich in my life. She couldn’t believe those words. I knew it had two slices of bread and cheese between them. at was it. at’s all I knew. She explained I needed to add butter to the frying pan.
Put in the rst slice, add cheese and put the top slice on. Be careful not to overcook it. Turn it over and cook the other side. Continue to watch it. Take it out of the frying pan, cut it in half. Serve it to your guest. How hard could this be? I was stressed. ere were drops of sweat coming o my forehead. ink of a surgical room when the assistant has to wipe the sweat o the surgeon’s brow. ere I was, staring at this sandwich sitting in the frying pan. I served it. ere were no trumpets of joy. I was proud to serve it to my wife, that is until I heard the words from her, “It’s soggy.”
It’s too easy in life to avoid doing something for the rst time. We avoid challenges. What we don’t do is as signi cant as what we do. We are afraid to fail so we don’t try that new project. Our brain likes safety. Trying something new involves risk. And risk may involve failure. We’d rather be safe and comfortable with the familiar, even if it’s unhealthy, than to step out of our comfort zone and try something we’ve never attempted.
We see successful business men and women and think they were lucky. We don’t know the sacri ces they made and the setbacks they faced. For some, their business failed. Others declared bankruptcy. at didn’t stop them from pursuing their dream.
In the Christian faith, there are sins of commission (things I “commit”) and sins of omission (what I don’t do). In my faith journey, I struggle more with sins of omission. When I don’t speak up. When I don’t confront a situation that needs to be addressed. When I fail to confront poor performance. In order to change, I have to step out of my comfort zone and do the di cult thing if I am going to be the person God wants me to be. Let me challenge you to try the thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep procrastinating on. Keep pushing, even when you have no idea what you are doing. You’ll experience a reward having taken on a challenge. Who knows, perhaps your second grilled cheese sandwich will be crisp (and not soggy).
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.
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Area Transit System is enhancing existing tools and adding new ways riders can quickly and easily report transit-related concerns while traveling across the system.
CATS has also made systemwide safety materials more prominent across all vehicles and facilities. Customers have always been able to report concerns through the CATS Customer Service line (704-336-7433) or the “Report a Problem to CATS” feature in the CATS-Pass mobile app. CATS has added a Text-a-Tip line (704-2516402) and the ability to report a problem directly from the homepage of RideTransit.org (click the “Report a Problem” button). ese tools allow passengers to share real-time information or service needs with CATS.
CATS has installed new posters throughout the system, including the inside of vehicles, platforms and facilities, to increase awareness of these resources. e updated signage highlights when and how to use each reporting option. CATS has also integrated reminders into overhead announcements at stations and onboard trains.
“Safety is and will continue to be our top priority,” CATS CEO Brent Cagle said. “By expanding the ways riders can quickly reach us, and by clearly promoting these tools across our buses, trains and stations, we are making it even easier for customers to speak up and partner with us in keeping the system safe.”
Community members can speak to CATS Customer Service at 704-336-7433 (RIDE) for questions or concerns.
UNCF Charlotte to host 2026 Mayor’s Masked Ball
CHARLOTTE – For more than 80 years, UNCF has equipped students with the resources necessary to graduate from historically Black colleges and universities and establish careers that will build better futures for society.
“As we approach our ninth decade of existence, UNCF remains vigilant and more committed than ever to achieving our mission of helping underrepresented students to ful ll their college dreams and attain career success,” President and CEO Michael L. Lomax said. “No obstacles that might come our way will impede our progress. We stand ready to ght for the criticalnancial resources HBCUs will need to tackle the challenges and opportunities that await them. Events like the 12th annual UNCF Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball help us do just that.”
UNCF expects nearly 1,500 people to attend the Charlotte Mayor’s Masked Ball. It starts at 5:30 p.m. March 21 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
e event is co-chaired by Dr. Larry and Dr. Jermeliah Martin of Novant Health. The presenting sponsor is Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. Other sponsors include EY, Lowe's, WBTV, Chick- l-A, Honda, Novant Health, Nucor and Truist.
Guests will be treated to a live performance by Party on the Moon.
e UNCF MASKED Award will be presented to Malcomb D. Coley, a retired partner at EY and to J. Frank Harrison III, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Consolidated in
recognition of their commitment to education and support of UNCF.
“We are thrilled to gather the Charlotte community for this highly anticipated annual fundraising event,” said Ti any Jones-Boyd, regional development director of the North Carolina and Virginia area o ces. “Each contribution made directly empowers our students to achieve their dreams and unlock their potential. Together, we create pathways for education and growth, and we are grateful for the unwavering support of our co-chairs, our planning committee, our generous donors, volunteers and partners who make this possible.”
With the help of the greater Charlotte community, more than $3.5 million was awarded last year in scholarships and programs for UNCF-member HBCUs and other colleges and universities, including Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Bennett College, Saint Augustine’s University and Shaw University.
“I believe 2026 is a year full of potential for growth, innovation and meaningful contributions to the mission of UNCF and the enduring value of historically Black colleges and universities,” Lomax said. “I am especially energized by events like this one and the many initiatives we have planned for the year ahead. Together, we can foster collaboration, inspire creativity and strengthen our collective resilience as we work to provide the vital nancial resources needed to support the continued success of HBCUs and the students they serve.”
CATS has added new ways to report concerns that build on safety improvements the transit system has been implementing over the past year. Photos courtesy of CATS
CATS has put up more signage to encourage transit riders to use new reporting tools.
CATS riders can call or text concerns directly to staff. There are also ways to report concerns through the CATS website and app.
March 14
Consignment Sale
Matthews United Methodist Church hosts its spring consignment sale featuring clothing, toys and accessories for children from newborn through size 18. The sale spans from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 2:30 p.m. Most items are half price from 1 to 2:30 p.m. matthewsumc.org/ kids/consignment
8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; 801 S. Trade St., Matthews
Touch-A-Truck
e Matthews Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a TouchA-Truck event with music and food. e event kicks o with a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 9 to 10 a.m. Admission is free. matthewschamber.org
9 a.m.-1 p.m.; 120 S. Trade St., Matthews
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
Homework Help
Volunteers help children ages
ELECTION from 1A
Phil Carey with 14,555 votes, or 80.88%, in the Democratic primary for the District 3 seat. Dunlap, who has served as a commissioner since 2008, will not have an opponent in November.
e November ballot will only have two competitive commissioner races in districts 1 and 2. ose races will result in new people joining the board. e only other new face will come from District 5, where Democratic challenger Charles DeLoach is running unopposed for Laura Meier’s seat.
Unofficial results
Here are unofficial results from select races in the March 3 election posted by the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. e certication of the primary votes is scheduled for March 13.
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners
At-Large (Democratic Primary)
• Leigh Altman, 55,931 (19.81%) WIN
• Arthur Gri n Jr., 55,667 (19.72%) WIN
• Yvette Townsend-Ingram, 44,885 (15.90%) WIN
• Nichel Dunlap, 25,218 (8.93%)
• Felicia R. Thompkins, 22,045 (7.81%)
• Sharif R. Hannan, 19,972 (7.07%)
• Leslie Allen, 17,295 (6.13%)
• Heather Morrow, 15,895 (5.63%)
• Olivia Scott, 14,409 (5.10%)
• Toni Emehel, 11,033 (3.91%)
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
5-11 with their assignments during Homework Help at Matthews Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 10 a.m.-noon; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Puzzle Swap
Matthews Library hosts a Puzzle Swap. Bring puzzles with at least 300 pieces and no missing pieces. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews
10:30-11:30 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
St. Patrick’s Day Bash
Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill hosts a St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring live music, Irish dancers and festive entertainment. Guests can enjoy an Irish-inspired menu and specialty cocktails throughout the day. 11 a.m.; 316 N. Trade St., Matthews
Writing Group e Mint Hill Writing Group shares ideas and feedback at Mint Hill Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill. 11 a.m.-noon; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Bike Show
The Full Throttle Custom Bike Show Tour stops at Independence Harley-Davidson with an indoor custom motorcycle showcase and Ride-In People’s Choice Bike Show. e event also features a Bikes & Co ee ride, swap meet vendors, a food truck and music from a DJ. https:// independenceharley.com/ 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; 9205 E. Independence Blvd., Matthews
Chess Club e 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
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners District 1 (Democratic Primary)
• Morris (Mac) McAdoo, 8,558 (49.41%) WIN
• Jessica Finkel, 5,653 (32.64%)
• Adam Pasiak, 3,110 (17.96%)
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners District 2 (Democratic Primary)
• Monifa (Mo) Drayton, 8,231 (51.90%) WIN
• Vilma D. Leake, 7,629 (48.10%)
Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners District 3 (Democratic Primary)
• George Dunlap, 14,555 (80.88%) WIN
• Phil Carey, 3,440 (19.12%)
Mecklenburg County Sheriff (Democratic Primary)
• Garry L. McFadden, 33,422 (33.79%) WIN
• Ricky Ricardo Robbins, 30,705 (31.04%)
• Rodney M. Collins, 26,526 (26.82%)
• Antwain Nance, 8,256 (8.35%)
N.C. Superior Court Judge District 26C Seat 01 (Democratic Primary)
• George Guise, 7,352 (59.58%) WIN
• Caleb Newman, 4,988 (40.42%)
N.C. District Court Judge District 26 Seat 18 (Democratic Primary)
• Habekah Cannon, 50,301 (52.00%) WIN
• Cecilia Oseguera, 46,439 (48.00%)
Shamrock Concert
Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource presents the St. Patrick’s Shamrock Concert at e Hangar. matthewsnc.gov
7-9 p.m.; 251 N. Trade St., Matthews
March 16
Family Storytime
Children ages 0-5 engage with stories and songs through Family Storytime at Matthews Library. 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
Chair Yog Synthia Gerson leads a chair yoga class for adults at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews.
1:15-2 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
March 17
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
Marvelous Math
Children ages 3-5 engage in math-themed stories and activities during Preschool Storytime: Marvelous Math at Matthews Library. Register in advance. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
2-2:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Debate Club
A teen debate club practices at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews.
6:30-7:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
March 18
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 start. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
10:15-10:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Preschool Storytime
Children ages 3-5 engage in stories and songs during Preschool Storytime at Mint Hill Library. Registration opens 30 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill
11:15-11:45 a.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 11:15-11:45 a.m. or noon12:30 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
March 19
Baby Storytime
Children ages 0-2 learn literacy skills through Baby and Toddler Storytime at Matthews Library. Register at the train desk within 15 minutes before the start. cmlibrary. org/locations/Matthews 9:15-9:45 a.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Park Storytime Children listen to stories and songs during Mint Hill Family Storytime at Mint Hill Veterans Memorial Park. cmlibrary.org/locations/Mint-Hill 10-11 a.m.; 8850 Fairview Road, Mint Hill
Park Storytime Children listen to stories and songs during Storytime in the Park at Squirrel Lake Park. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews
11-11:30 a.m.; 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews
Tech Titans
Older adults learn about what happens to their digital content when they’re gone during Tech Titans 50+: Digital Legacy at a Glance at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Matthews.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Teen Crafts
Teens can work on crafts during Come In and Craft at Matthews Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews.
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Kawaii Art
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade draw kawaii art at Mint Hill Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill
4-4:45 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Chess Club Children ages 5-11 play and practice chess at Matthews Library. cmlibrary.org/ locations/Matthews
4:30-5:30 p.m.; 230 Matthews Station St., Matthews
Homework Help Volunteers help children in grades K-5 with their homework during Homework Help at Mint Hill Library. Sessions are for 30 minutes. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Mint-Hill.
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 6840 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill
Female driver tells police that man hit her with baton
MATTHEWS – Patrol officers with the Matthews Police Department responded to a report of an assault at about 6:58 p.m. Feb. 21 at the 100 block of Chesney Glen Drive.
The victim told officers that she had been assaulted by an unknown man who had followed her for several miles after an earlier “verbal road rage incident.”
She stated that when she parked her car and got out, the man approached her car and broke out one of her windows with a long, hard object, described as what o cers carry. She told
o cers that the man used the object to strike her in the head, neck and arm before leaving the scene.
Detectives identified the man as James Frederick Washer, 61, of Charlotte.
Detectives presented the ndings of their investigation to the Mecklenburg County magistrate’s o ce, which determined probable cause to charge Washer with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and injury to personal property. e magistrate’s o ce issued arrest warrants for Washer on these charges, as well as a search warrant for his vehicle believed to have
been used during the incident. On Feb. 23, Washer was taken into custody at his home, and the search warrant was executed on the vehicle. Police said a collapsible baton was discovered and seized from Washer’s vehicle as evidence. Washer was transported to Mecklenburg County Jail.
e Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department assisted with the case. e Matthews Police Department encourages drivers to call 911 immediately and keep driving if they’re being followed until police telecommunicators can advise them what to do.
State election board member exits in ‘mutual’ decision
By Alan Wooten Contributor
( e Center Square) – Angela Haw-
kins has succeeded Bob Rucho as a Republican member of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, the o ce of the state auditor said.
Rucho tendered his resignation on March 5.
e decision, according to a spokesman in Auditor Dave Boliek’s o ce, “was mutually agreed on and due to reportable candidate contributions.”
While Rucho has drawn attention for support of state Sen. Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, in a primary race likely headed for a May 12 runoff and possibly to the courtroom, the
contributions were not to Berger's campaign. Still, state law prohibits any by election board members.
Rucho, a former state senator from Matthews, in December went on social media in support of Berger. e Senate president pro tempore was already deep into a costly and tension- lled primary with Rockingham County Sheri Sam Page, one that on primary Election Day ended with just two votes separation among more than 26,000 cast.
Berger is seeking a 14th term. Page has been sheri since 1998 and was fth in the Republican lieutenant governor primary of 2024.
e race is likely to come before the state board, possibly similar to the way
a state Supreme Court race in 2024 needed six months of decisions and court rulings before Democrat Allison Riggs defeated Republican Je erson Gri n.
“I’m thankful for Bob Rucho’s service on the State Board of Elections,” Boliek said. “He led on election integrity and helped make it easy to vote and hard to cheat in North Carolina’s elections. is o ce has high standards for its board members, and Angela Hawkins will continue the good work being done by the state board. She brings valuable experience, having served as chair of the elections board of North Carolina’s largest county.” Hawkins was sworn in on March 5.
7
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REGIONAL
Southminster launches study on creative aging
CHARLOTTE – Southminster is embracing an opportunity to become a national leader in arts-integrated wellness within continuous care retirement communities. It is partnering with Lifetime Arts and Wake Forest University’s NeuroArts Lab to pilot the Creative Aging on Prescription initiative.
The pilot will test and document how “prescribing” participation in arts, culture and community programs can be e ective medicine. e initiative will build on research showing that arts participation supports mental health, reduces loneliness, improves cognitive functioning and fosters social connection among older populations.
“At Southminster, we’re reimagining how
creative aging integrates into senior living,” said Tracy McGinnis, vice president of philanthropy and strategic initiatives.
McGinnis said they are “building a model that elevates whole-person well-being” and can be replicated in retirement and older adult housing communities across the country.
Southminster’s initiative will also bene t from guidance from Dr. Tasha Golden, author of “Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for US Communities, and Creative Aging Network-NC.”
Golden and Wake Forest University researchers will design a Creative Aging on Prescription referral system tailored to Southminster’s current processes, sta structure and
resident needs, as well as supporting sta across the campus to implement it. e system will use Southminster’s existing health and wellness infrastructure to connect residents to creative aging programs, track participation and report on measurable health outcomes.
Lifetime Arts will lead training across teams.
“Creative aging belongs at the heart of livable communities,” said Heather Ikemire, executive director of Lifetime Arts. “Building on a strong foundation of evidence and informed by our recent policy recommendations, this rst-of-its-kind pilot demonstrates how arts on prescription can be fully integrated within a community setting that links
on-campus healthcare providers and creative programs in one coordinated ‘in-house’ system. Southminster is modeling an approach that can be adapted and scaled across diverse community-based settings nationwide.”
Orientation for the two-year pilot program will begin in March.
Drawing on lessons learned and research from the Southminster pilot, Lifetime Arts and Golden will author a practical guide for older adult residential communities interested in developing an Arts on Prescription model.
e toolkit will include background, lessons learned and practical steps for integrating creative aging into existing health and wellness systems to enhance care.
Levine Museum of the New South offers history-infused camps
CHARLOTTE – Levine Museum of the New South is offering multi-day spring break and summer camps for the first time that expand its Young Historians Academy programming.
Designed for grades 2 to 5, the new camps are built around two themes kids already know and love: a sports-focused camp and a hands-on chocolate camp.
Both camps are rooted in local history. Campers will explore big ideas through games, crafts, roleplay and hands-on activities that make history feel approachable and fun.
“As we continue to expand how we meet young people where they are, these camps feel like a fun way to get kids moving and learning without it feeling like school,” said Rich Cooper, president and CEO of the museum. “Kids are playing, building, moving and problem-solving together, and along the way they’re discovering stories about our region and the world around them without even realizing they’re learning.”
Charlotte Game Changers Camp (Spring Break)
• When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 6-9
• Where: Hornets Nest Park, 6301 Beatties Ford Road
• Cost: $70 per day or $250 for all four days is four-day spring break camp, created for fourth- and fth-grade students, introduces campers to ancient games and the ways they have evolved across cultures and time.
Each day blends short history lessons with hands-on projects and plenty of physical play, giving students a chance to explore how sports developed in di erent parts of the world.
Campers will learn about the origins of activities such as the Olympic Games in Greece, the Mesoamerican ballgame and early forms of lacrosse, while also exploring the rich sports history here in Charlotte and across North Carolina.
Throughout the week, they’ll take part in classic athletic challenges such as long jump and disc throwing, design their own team shields that represent cooperation and
strength, and work together to invent a new sport for the entire camp to try.
Unwrapping Chocolate (Summer)
• When: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. June 15-18 or June 22-25
• Where: To be announced
• Cost: $275 per week or $350 with extended pickup (3 p.m.)
is one-of-a-kind summer program invites rising second- through fth-graders to learn about the rich history of one of the world’s favorite sweet treats: chocolate.
Made possible by a grant from American Heritage Chocolate, campers will trace chocolate’s earliest uses in Maya and Aztec civilizations, learn how cacao beans were prepared and traded, and take part in activities such as grinding cocoa nibs, solving a chocolate-themed timeline puzzle and designing cacao currency.
They’ll also follow chocolate’s journey across the Atlantic and see how it transformed once it reached Europe, including how sugar and new techniques shaped the chocolate we know today.
Along the way, campers will connect what they learn to Charlotte through a visit from a local chocolate vendor who will share insights
into modern chocolate-making.
More about camps
All camps are led by trained museum sta and local educators, including members of Levine Museum’s Educator Advisory Group, who bring a strong understanding of how to engage young learners.
Each program is rooted in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for Art, English Language Arts and Social Studies, and also supports social-emotional learning competencies through collaboration, communication and creative problem-solving.
Students of all learning styles, energy levels and physical abilities are welcome. Activities are designed with exibility and accessibility in mind. Programming will take place primarily indoors, with outdoor components moved inside if the weather requires it.
“Our goal is to create experiences where kids feel curious, con dent and connected,” said Lindsay Fairbrother-Henige, director of school programs at the museum. “Whether they’re acting out a Mayan marketplace scene, experimenting with chocolate or inventing an entirely new sport with their peers, we want them to leave each day excited about what they discovered and eager to share what they learned with their families.”
Levine Museum of the New South expands its Young Historians Academy into spring and summer camp offerings around the themes of sports and chocolate. Photos courtesy of Levine Museum
Through exhibits, dialogues, digital programs and celebrations that tell everyone’s story, Levine
Museum of the New South explores the world today through the lens of history to deepen understanding, ignite productive dialogue and inspire civic engagement.
Health departments in Mecklenburg and Union counties inspected these restaurants from Feb. 26 to March 4:
Charlotte (28209) • Easy Like Sunday, 1600 E. Woodlawn Road
• Goldies, 3601 South Blvd. – 98 Charlotte (28210)
NASHVILLE – Indie rock band The Brook & e Blu has released its new album, “Werewolf,” through Dualtone Records, days before performing March 21 at e Fillmore in Charlotte.
e record draws inspiration from the group’s energetic live performances, featuring faster tempos, ampli ed guitars and the band’s signature harmonies.
Singles include “Super Bowl Sunday,” “105,” “Can’t Figure It Out” and “Baby Blue.”
e Nashville-based quartet formed in 2015 after meeting at Auburn University.
March 13
• CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Savannah Harmon
• Evening Muse: Bu alo Tra c Jam
• Great Wagon Road: Dustin Yager
• Moochies Tavern: U-Phonik
• Neighborhood eatre: Carter Faith
• Pineville Tavern: Little Johnny Trailer
Trash
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Kids in America & 70s Kids
• Sun Valley Social House: Adam Daniels
• Tap & Vine (Indian Trail): Carrie Ann
• e Fillmore: All the Feels
• e Trail House: Southern Wind
• e Underground: Gary Numan
• Visulite eatre: Love Bug Junkie
March 14
• Booth Playhouse: Blue Dogs
• Cork & Ale (Waxhaw): Carrie Ann
• East Frank Superette & Kitchen: Tom & Amelia
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Tom & Toni
• Moochies Tavern: Coconut Groove Band
• Neighborhood eatre: Eggy
• Peddler’s Paradise Bartique: Rayford Kirven
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Bailey Marie Griggs Band
• e Fillmore: Sticky Fingers
• e Trail House: Apple Brothers
• e Underground: Pandora’s Box
• Visulite eatre: e Mad Hatters
March 15
• e Underground: Xaviersobased
TEDxCharlotte returns April 25 with new leadership CHARLOTTE – TEDxCharlotte returns April 25 after a three-year absence. is year’s theme, Terms and Conditions, invites Charlotte to examine the assumptions, agreements, and systems that shape daily life. e 2026 experience is designed to move beyond a traditional speaker lineup and toward a cohesive narrative that challenges audiences to rethink the terms they live by.
TEDxCharlotte takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 25 at Parr Center, 1201 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte. Tickets are on sale at tedxcharlotte.org.
TEDxCharlotte enters a new chapter under the leadership of Executive Director Shereese Floyd.
Floyd delivered the TEDxOcala talk “ e Secret to Healing the World,” which earned a Cicero Speechwriting Award in 2021. She has served as a speaker coach for TEDxCharlotte and organized TEDxMintStreet from 2024 to 2025.
Students win award at JTF West
CHARLOTTE – Children’s eatre of Charlotte received the Excellence in Ensemble Award during the 2026 Junior eater Festival West from Feb. 6 to 8 in Sacramento, California.
Charlotte (28270) • City BBQ Galleria, 1514 Galleria Blvd. – 98
Charlotte (28277)
• Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne
Commons Pkwy. – 96.5
• Bisonte Pizza Co., 8133 Ardrey Kell Road – 97
• The Blue Taj, 14815 Ballantyne Village Way –97.5
• Miro Spanish Grille, 12239 North Community House Road – 97.5
• Postino Wine Cafe, 15210 Bowl St. – 97
• Sanctuary Bistro, 6414 Rea Road – 97
• Smoke Pit, The, 8136 Providence Road – 93.5
• Tokyo One Express, 8634 Camfield St. – 99.5
• Yama Japanese Restaurant, 11641 Waverly Center Drive – 98
Indian Trail
• Biscuitville, 13703 U.S. 74 – 99.5
• Bojangles, 13812 E. Independence Blvd. – 82.5
• Brothers Southern Fried Chicken and Fish, 3901
March 17
• Moochies Tavern: Action Jaxxon
March 18
• CharBar No. 7 (Carmel): Anna J
• Cork & Ale (Waxhaw): Tim Hong
• e Trail House: Country Joe
• The Underground: Midnight Til
Morning
March 19
• CharBar No. 7 (Mint Hill): Darren
Deese
• Evening Muse: Caroline Jones
• Neighborhood eatre: Mike Gordon
• e Fillmore: Josiah Queen
Charlotte
• Booth Playhouse: 130 N. Tryon St.
• CharBar No. 7: 4130 Carmel Road
• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.
• Neighborhood eatre: 511 E. 36th St.
• e Fillmore: 820 Hamilton St.
• e Underground: 820 Hamilton St.
• Visulite eatre: 1615 Elizabeth Ave.
Indian Trail
• Sun Valley Social House: 6455 Old
Monroe Road
• Tap & Vine: 6443 Old Monroe Road
• e Trail House: 6751 Old Monroe Road
Mint Hill
• CharBar No. 7: 7312 Town View Drive
• Stooges Pub & Grub: 13230 Albemarle Road
Monroe
• East Frank Superette & Kitchen: 209 E. Franklin St.
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: 216 S.
Main St.
• Peddler’s Paradise Bartique: 103 W. Franklin St.
Pineville
• Pineville Tavern: 314 N. Polk St.
Stallings
• Moochies Tavern: 15060 Idlewild Road
Waxhaw
• Cork & Ale: 113 E. North Main St.
• Great Wagon Road: 122 W. North Main St.
The group performed 15 minutes of “Xanadu JR.” for adjudicators Nina Meehan and Bernie Baldassaro.
“ is presentation re ects a program that balances teaching technical accuracy while also welcoming choices that celebrate big personalities and joy,” Meehan said.
Annabel Arcuri and Syl Ptter were named Junior eater Festival All-Stars, a select group of outstanding performers. Olivia Nasmyth and Erin Dawson made it to the call-back for a special project promoting musical theater in schools. Maye Glessner earned an award for Outstanding Individual Performance.
South Piedmont opens summer camp registration MONROE – South Piedmont Community College has opened registration for its 2026 summer camps for students ages 10 to 18.
Camp themes include criminal justice, coding, cooking, nursing, welding and comic books, along with other hands-on learning opportunities.
e camps are designed to provide fun, engaging and educational experiences while allowing students to explore potential interests. Register online at spcc-register.fund ve. com/camp.
Old Monroe Road – 97
• Cook Out Restaurant, 13703 B U.S. 74 – 99
• McDonald’s, 6501 Old Monroe Road – 96.5
• Raw Crunch and Coffee, 133 Indian Trail Road N. – 98.5
• Sonic, 14315 E. Independence Blvd. – 94.5
Marvin • El Tecate Mexican Restaurant, 1615 S. Providence Road – 78
• Pepero Korean Market, 10920 Monroe Road –96 • QuikTrip, 10621 Monroe Road – 99
• Valle Tacos (mobile food unit), 305 W. John St. – 98
Mint Hill
• Domino’s, 12925 Albemarle Road – 98.5
• Food Lion (deli), 9021 Albemarle Road – 97
• Hong Kong Bakery, 7323 E. Independence Blvd. – 98 • Wayback Burgers, 7014 Tutor St. – 99 Monroe • Bojangles, 2303 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 96 • Burger King, 2100 W. Roosevelt Blvd. – 95
Taco Sabrozon, 723
CLASSIFIEDS
Microsoft Corporation currently has the following openings in Charlotte, NC (opportunities available at all levels, e.g., Principal, Senior and Lead levels). To access job posting, visit website address listed.
Business Analytics; Data Analytics: Dvlp reports, dashboards, tabular models & analytical insights to drive biz success. Telecommuting permitted <50%/wk.
Software Engineering: Responsible for developing or testing comp software apps, systems or services. Telecommuting permitted <50%/wk.
http://bit.ly/MSJobs-Soft_Eng
Multiple positions available. Some positions req travel and/or permit telecommuting. For details (if applicable), including job descriptions & min reqs, salary range & benefits info, and how to apply, access job posting using website address listed. EOE.
Software Engineering III - Equitable (Charlotte, NC) Provide Big Data Sol for Datalake design, data ingstn & procsng on Hadoop Cluster w/ Spark, Map Reduce, Hive/Hbase, Flume, Kafka, Syncsort, & python/scala. Req: Mstr or for equiv in Comp Sci, Elec. Engrg or rltd tech fld & 5 yrs of exp as Sftwr Engnr or rltd occ invol dvlpmt of Big Data sols incl prfrmg dsgn, data ingstn & dvlpng pipelns in Hadoop DataLake. Exp must incl srcng & ETL dvlpmt for mltpl Data Prdcts for anlytcl & actrl prps; Hadoop tech (Sqoop, Python, Databricks); Azure Data Pltfrm’ prdctiv model devl for mrkt trnds/mvmts; HDFS, Hive, Impala, Sqoop, Spark, Python, & Azure; ETL, Vertica Map Reduce, Spark, Kafka Hive, Impala, flume, Storm, Zookeeper, Java, PL/SQL Oracle, Teradata, Scala, MySQL, & Eclipse. 40 hrs/wk. Salary is $154,669 - $165k. Direct apps only. A telecmtg/hybr wrk sched w/in cmtble dist from wrkst possbl. Apply at: https://equitable.com/about-us/
careers or send res to TalentAquisition@equitable.com Ref. DP1725. EOE M/F/D/
Lead Software Engineer - Fraud Cloud
BDP Lead
U.S. Bank is seeking a full-time Lead Software Engineer - Fraud Cloud BDP Lead (Multiple openings) in Charlotte, NC. Duties: Design, develop, test, & implement Fraud Enterprise Aggregation (FEA) features. Must have Bachelor’s degree or equiv in Comp Sci, Comp Eng, or Electrical and Electronics Eng & 6 yrs (prog., postbac) software development & cloud transformation exp. May be subject to background checks and other regulatory requirements relevant to our industry and operations. To apply go to https://careers.usbank.com or email recruiting.excellence@usbank.com, include job req. #2026-0003669 in subject line.
Data Analyst, Software Engrg II - Equitable (Charlotte, NC): Create & enhance data prdcts for Annty & Life insrnc data for fincl consmrs. Rqmts: Bchlr or for equiv in Comp Sci, Elec Engrg, Info Sys or rltd IT fld + at lst 3 yrs of progr post-Bacc exp as Data Anlyst, Sys Anlyst, Data Engr or rltd pos invlg Data Anlys & explrtn, Data Ming, Data Sci & Big Data Tech (Hive & Impala). Full term of exp must incl hands-on dvlpmt utlzg SQL, Python, EDW & Oracle. 2 yrs of exp: Cloudera Hadoop Data Lake, Hive, HQL, Impala, Hue, optmz techn, HQL queries, actrl & acctg models, LDTI, Reinsrnc, Actrl val &assumptn proc, data anlys exp in Annty & Life ins lfcle, Bsns Intel & Data Vslztn in Tableau or PowerBI, Agile, Chng Mgmt. Tools- Archer, Svce Now.40 hrs/wk. Slry is $110,000$123,000. Telecmtg/hybrird sched w/ in a commtble dist from wrkst may be avlble. Dir apps only. Send res toTalentAquisition@equitable.com (Ref. code SI1730) or srch title thr https:// equitable.com/about-us/careers. EOE M/F/D/V.
March 17th, 2 to 4 p.m.
ASC to showcase 30 performers during Midnight Marathon
CHARLOTTE – The Arts & Science Council returns with the second annual Midnight Marathon, touted as “An Evening of Mystery and Mysticism at the Carolina Theatre.”
e fundraiser celebrates the region’s creative community through performances from 4 to 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. to midnight April 17 at e Carolina eatre.
“More than just a fundraiser, Midnight Marathon is a celebration of Charlotte’s thriving cultural ecosystem, showcasing the talent that makes our city a regional arts powerhouse,” said Adam Santalla-Pierce, ASC president.
Midnight Marathon 2026 will feature 30
Proceeds from Midnight Marathon will support ASC’s mission to empower creatives and strengthen communities, with a particular emphasis on expanding opportunities for both artists and residents.
local performers such as Rumbao Latin Dance, Planet Improv, Charlotte-based rapper Myrts Son, musicians including Tom Billotto and Walter Boston, readings from local poets such as Hannah Hasan and Shane Manier, and more.
Midnight Marathon 2026 will transform the Carolina eatre from the green room to center stage and beyond, lling even the lobby with immersive experiences that surround audiences in mystery, mysticism and even a bit of magic. With the help of tarot reader Marcos Robles and aura photographer Alexia Byrd of Black Moon Co., audiences will have an opportunity to come away with a stunning photo keepsake and maybe even some mystical direction from the cards. Buy tickets at https://artsandscience.org/ midnight-marathon/.
Consider purchasing earthquake insurance for your home
By Mike Causey Contributor
Mike Causey
Did you know that standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover damage from earthquakes? at means that if you want to make sure you’re covered for earthquake damage, you’ll need to contact your agent and add an earthquake endorsement to your policy.
February is Earthquake Awareness Month. It’s a good time to make sure you’re prepared for an earthquake should one hit North Carolina.
Your rst reaction to a suggestion of adding earthquake insurance coverage may be one of surprise. After all, we’re not California, where earthquakes are more commonplace.
While large, high-magnitude earthquakes
in North Carolina are rare, the state does experience dozens of smaller quakes a year on average. According to EarthquakeList.org, a magnitude 1.7 quake hit near Rosman in Transylvania County on Feb. 7.
Many will remember the 5.1-magnitude earthquake centered in Sparta in 2020. It was the strongest earthquake to hit North Carolina since 1916. Many homes and businesses were damaged. Fortunately, there were no reports of fatalities.
Unfortunately, many of the damaged homes and businesses lacked earthquake insurance.
For most of us, our home is our biggest nancial investment. I recommend that you protect your investment by making sure you have su cient insurance coverage. It’s a good idea to review your coverage with your insurance agent annually.
Earthquake insurance covers repairs needed because of earthquake damage to your
dwelling. It may also cover other structures on your property not attached to your house, such as a garage or storage building. It also insures your personal property against damage from an earthquake.
e cost to remove debris and pay for extra living expenses you may have while your home is being rebuilt or repaired may also be covered by earthquake insurance.
Earthquake insurance isn’t very expensive. However, its deductibles work di erently than we’re used to for homeowners’ insurance. Usually, for homeowners’ insurance, your deductible is a set amount, such as $500 or $1,000.
For earthquake insurance, your deductible is usually a percentage of your home’s value.
For example, your earthquake insurance deductible may be 5% or 10% (or up to 25%) of your home’s value. If your home is valued at $200,000 and you have a 5% deductible, you’d be responsible for the rst $10,000.
BBB Alert: Protect yourself from tax scams
Tax scams are often as predictable as taxes themselves; they reappear each tax season with a slightly di erent spin, but the central theme is scammers posing as the Internal Revenue Service to trick people into paying up or sharing personal information.
e Better Business Bureau o ers a few of the most common tax scams and red ags to watch out for:
IRS Impersonation Scams
ese tax scams may start with a phone call and take two primary forms. In the rst version, the IRS “agent” says you owe back taxes and pressures you into paying with a prepaid debit card or wire transfer. If you don’t comply, the scammer threatens you with arrest and nes.
In the other version, scammers claim they are issuing tax refunds and ask you for personal information to send your refund. is information can later be used for identity theft. Scammers also use this approach to target college students by claiming a “federal student tax” has not been paid. ese impostors often go to great lengths to appear real. e scammer may give a fake badge number and name. If it’s a phone scam, your Caller ID may show that the call is coming from Washington, D.C. Con artists sometimes follow up scam calls with an email that uses the IRS logo, colors and o cial-sounding language. Often, these scams start with a serious and o cial-sounding “robocall” recording.
Scammers typically try to push you into action before you have time to think. e IRS will allow you to ask questions or appeal what you owe. Also, their rst contact with you will always be by mail, not by phone or email.
Scammers may also demand that payment be made by wire transfer, prepaid debit card or other non-traditional payment methods because these methods are mainly untraceable and non-reversible. e real IRS will never demand immediate payment, require a speci c form of payment or ask for a credit card or debit card number over the phone.
e real IRS may call you about outstanding debts after reaching out through a letter in the mail.
Tax Identity Theft Scams
Another tax scam to look out for is tax identity theft. is occurs when a scammer uses your government-issued identity number (Social Security number in the U.S.) to le a tax return in your name and collect your refund. It can also be someone using your information to get a job. Consumers don’t usually realize they have been victims of tax identity theft until they get a written notice from the IRS saying that more than one tax return was led or they were paid by an employer they don’t know.
Email Phishing Scams
ese emails appear to be from the IRS and include a link to a bogus website intended to mirror the o cial IRS website. ese emails state, “You are to update your IRS e- le immediately.” e emails sometimes mention USA.gov and IRSgov (without a dot between “IRS” and “gov”). Don’t get scammed. ese emails are not from the IRS. In a recent BBB Scam Tracker report, a consumer shared an example of a tax email phishing scam.
“Received an email telling me that after annual calculations of my scal activity, I was eligible to receive a tax return of $976.00. At the bottom it recommended using a prepaid card because sending
funds does not support this card. Within the email was a link for a Tax Return Form.”
Mailing Scams
e IRS warned taxpayers of a new mailing scam that tricks victims into believing they are owed a tax refund. In this scam, taxpayers receive a cardboard envelope from a delivery service, which includes a fake letter from the “IRS” about an unclaimed refund and asks for personal and nancial information that scammers could use.
Tax Relief Scams
Scammers posing as tax relief experts claim they can settle your tax debt or secure special government programs, but their real goal is to collect large upfront fees or steal your personal information. ese schemes often use o cial-sounding names, fake credentials and high-pressure tactics.
Tips to Avoid Tax Scams
• e best way to avoid tax identity theft is to le your taxes as early as possible. File before a scammer has the chance to use your information to le a fake return.
• In the U.S., jot down your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) from the IRS before you le your return. is is a six-digit number con rming your identity and your Social Security number. It is important to note that you cannot opt out once you get an IP PIN. So, once you apply, you must provide the IP PIN each year when you le your federal tax returns. e IRS will provide your IP PIN online and then send you a new IP PIN each December by postal mail.
• Remember that the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text message or social media to request personal or nancial information. is includes requests for PIN numbers, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other nancial accounts.
• Only deal with trustworthy tax professionals and tax preparation services. For many people, signi cant life changes, business ownership or simply a lack of knowledge about the ever-changing tax laws make nding a trustworthy tax preparer a good idea. at said, not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training.
• Check out websites carefully and make sure you are accessing the real IRS website when ling your taxes electronically or inquiring for additional information.
• When in doubt, contact the IRS to con rm any contact you receive is legitimate. If you’re unsure whether you’re talking with a scammer, stop communication with the individual and contact the IRS independently. Tell them what the individual has claimed and is asking for, and they should be able to con rm whether you’re talking with the real IRS or a scammer.
• Watch for bad grammar and odd punctuation when reading emails and letters claiming to be from the IRS. If you read awkward or poorly worded sentences, weird capitalization and grammar, or other inaccuracies, this is a sign that the email or letter may be a scam.
• If you are the victim of tax identity theft in the U.S., contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490. You should also le a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.
• If you get tax information delivered electronically from your employer or other entity, treat that information carefully. Download it onto a password-protected computer.
Your insurance company would be responsible for the remaining damage. at may seem like a big chunk of money to pay up front. But you’ll nd it a lot cheaper to come up with $10,000 than the entire $200,000.
If you own a mobile home, your insurance policy may cover earthquake damage. It’s important to check with your agent to understand what is covered and what is not covered. Not all insurance companies o er earthquake endorsements. Check with your insurance agent to see if it’s an option with your current carrier. Our goal here is to protect your investment and manage risks. It’ll be worth your while discussing earthquake insurance with your agent so that you’ll know your options.
Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner for North Carolina.
Nuts offer many health benefits
By Shari Bresin Contributor
If you look at the food label (and hopefully you do), you’ll see that nuts are high in calories.
For example, there are 170 calories in a one-ounce serving of mixed nuts, or 180 calories in a quarter cup of walnuts, while three small chocolate chip cookies come in at 160 calories.
We tend to think that if something is high in calories, we should refrain from eating it if we are trying to lose weight.
And while that is true, it’s also important to factor in the quality of calories, not just the quantity.
Although nuts are high in calories (and excess calories can lead to weight gain), they have a lot of nutritional value and health benefits, making them a nutrient-dense food. Some of their health bene ts include:
• Fiber.
• Monounsaturated fat, which lowers LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol levels, while maintaining the HDL, or “good” cholesterol.
• Protein.
• Vitamins E and B6, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, potassium and more.
• Phytochemicals that play a role in preventing heart disease.
Just a handful (about one ounce) ve times a week is all it takes to pack a nutritional punch.
Did you know the peanut is not a nut? While we group peanuts in the nut category in the food and culinary world, botanically speaking, because they grow underground, they are a legume, which are edible seeds enclosed in pods.
erefore, they are in the same family as peas, beans and lentils, according to the International Food Information Council.
Whereas nuts like cashews, almonds and walnuts grow on trees.
This is why peanuts and peanut butter are cheaper than other nuts and nut butters. ey cost less to cultivate and harvest.
Tree nuts take several years to harvest versus planting peanuts in the ground each year.
Because peanuts and tree nuts have di erent proteins, people with an allergy to one aren’t necessarily allergic to the other.
at’s why you’ll see on a food label’s allergy warning “contains peanuts and tree nuts,” since they are technically two di erent food types. It’s best to avoid salted or honey roasted nuts, but if you don’t want them plain, go with lightly salted; the sodium di erence is usually around 50% less per serving.
We should not be consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and even less, at 1,500 mg per day, for those with hypertension.
Another thing to note: plant-based milks, such as almond milk, don’t have the same nutrient levels as the actual whole nut.
And for those prone to certain types of kidney stones, nuts and peanuts should be limited, so make sure to talk with your doctor or dietitian about your diet.
In addition to snacking on a handful of nuts, incorporate them in your meals too, such as adding cashews to a salad, adding walnuts to your bowl of oatmeal, topping peanuts onto stir fries or throwing in some nuts into the blender when making a smoothie. There are lots of ways to enjoy them.
Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.
