The 3-13-2026 Edition of The Charlotte Weekly Union County
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
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MONROE – Republicans who voted in the March 3 primary election sought major change on the Monroe City Council while wanting to stay the course with the Union Board of County Commissioners.
Monroe voters chose David Dotson for mayor and challengers Parker Mills, Michelle Ball and Heidi Petterson to represent them on the Monroe City Council, according to uno cial results from the Union County Board of Elections.
If the March 3 results don’t change, Petterson defeated incumbent Gary Anderson for the third and nal council seat by only ve votes. March 13 is when the primary election results are scheduled to be certi ed.
All three incumbents in the Monroe City Council race – Anderson, James Kerr and Julie ompson – have been unseated by challengers. Ball, who was the second-highest vote-getter in the council race, thanked the Lord, family and citizens after her win.
“Your quiet encouragement and vote has meant everything to me,” Ball wrote on Facebook. “ ere has most certainly been a mandate given from ‘We the people’ that we will not tolerate any type of grooming or abuse towards our children. I pray that our city manager, city attorney and the other sitting council members are paying attention to what Monroe really wants. We truly want a family-friendly city that thrives and that we can be proud of! ‘Don’t Mecklenburg our Monroe!’”
The three winners of the primary will advance to the general election, where they will face Democratic challenger Kensley McCoy. Dotson, who was endorsed by outgoing Mayor Robert Burns, earned 1,259 votes, or 58.34%, to defeat former Union County Chamber leader Pat Kahle.
“I worked hard to earn your vote because you deserve that e ort,” Dotson wrote on Facebook. “I share the same work ethic as many of you, and I believe in rolling up my sleeves and getting the job done.”
Dotson will campaign against fellow Councilmember Surluta Anthony in the general election.
Union County commissioners Brian Helms and Melissa Merrell were reelected. ey continued their Conservative Red Wall theme from the
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
For the most part, uno cial voting results in Mecklenburg and Union counties mirrored state results for larger races in the March 3 election.
Most of the di erences can be chalked up to Union County candidates receiving more votes in their communities.
N.C. Court of Appeals, Seat 1 Monroe resident Matt Smith lost to Michael Byrne in the Republican primary for Seat 1 of the N.C. Court of Appeals. Byrne earned 301,730 votes, or 51.54% statewide. He had 18,070 more votes than Smith. Smith, who serves as a Superior Court judge, fared much better in Mecklenburg and Union counties.
• 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.
last election, substituting the late Stony Rushing with challenger Sam Harris, who serves as a member of the Union County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
e trio were the top three vote-getters in a six-candidate Republican primary that included former Stallings Mayor Wyatt Dunn. ey’ll advance to the general election, where Democratic challenger Christina Dupont will be waiting.
Merrell nished third with a 652-vote lead over fourth-place nisher Patrick Tyson.
“God is so, so good, and may truth always win in His name, honor and glory,” Merrell wrote on Facebook. “To all of my family, friends, volunteers and voters in Sweet Union, I could never do this without you, nor would I want to! ank you.”
Union County Commissioner Clancy Baucom ran for Mark Brody’s District 55 seat in the N.C. House of Representatives, a decision that has paid o so far. Baucom claimed 79.49% of the vote in the three-candidate race. He’ll take on Union County Board of Education member John Kirkpatrick IV in November. ree school board races had primaries.
Linda O. Robinson, a teacher with 30-plus years of experience, won the Republican primary for Jimmy Bention Sr.’s at-large seat. Robinson earned 56.5% of the vote in a four-candidate Republican primary that included District 4 rep Sandra Greene. Robinson will face Alexis Stadler in the general election.
Brittany Cabuno defeated Derrick Lewis in the Democratic primary for Greene’s District 4 seat. Cabuno takes on Republican Stephen Smith in the general election.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support in today’s primary,” Cabuno wrote on her campaign page. “Your encouragement, conversations and votes mean so much to me. is campaign is about our students, our teachers and our community, and I look forward to meeting and talking with as many people in District 4 as possible in the months ahead.”
Barry Tucker, who was appointed to the school board’s District 3 seat in January 2025, held o challenger Terri Blumer in the Republican primary. Tucker won’t have an opponent in the general election.
Unofficial results Here are uno cial results from select races in the March 3 election posted by the Union County Board of Elections. e certi cation of the
He was the preferred candidate in Union County with 10,722 votes, or 70.54%. He led in every Union County precinct except Precinct 1, where he tied Byrne with 16 votes.
Smith picked up another 11,359 votes in Mecklenburg County, trailing Byrne by 872. Smith had small leads in several southeastern precincts in Mecklenburg County.
“ is is a loss I will carry with me for a very long time,” Smith shared on Facebook.
“It does sting deeply. However, I am so grateful for all the people I have met along the way. ere are so many dedicated individuals among us who serve with great purpose. It has been my honor to have your consideration in this endeavor.”
Smith said he will continue serving as a Superior Court judge. Byrne will go on to face Democrat John Arrowood in the general election.
‘The Velveteen Rabbit’ springs onto Matthews stage College program to help inmates re-enter workforce
Election Recap: Monroe challengers connect with voters
primary votes is scheduled for March 13.
N.C. House of Representatives District 55 (Republican Primary)
• Clancy Baucom, 3,716 (79.49%) WIN
• John Powell, 639 (13.67%)
• Richard T. Miller, 320 (6.84%)
Union County Board of Commissioners (Republican Primary)
• Brian W. Helms, 10,776 (24.30%) WIN
• Sam Harris, 9,647 (21.76%) WIN
• Melissa M. Merrell, 8,504 (19.18%) WIN
• Patrick Tyson, 7,852 (17.71%)
• Wyatt Dunn, 3,960 (8.93%)
• Elizabeth Lee, 3,599 (8.12%)
Union County Board of Education AtLarge (Republican Primary)
• Linda O. Robinson, 8,436 (56.50%) WIN
• Sandra Hernandez Greene, 2,242 (15.02%)
• Wilden Harbour, 2,159 (14.46%)
• Raven Faherty, 2,094 (14.02%)
Union County Board of Education District 3 (Republican Primary)
• Barry Tucker, 1,673 (53.79%) WIN
• Terri Blumer, 1,437 (46.21%)
Union County Board of Education District 4 (Democratic Primary)
• Brittany Cabuno, 1,182 (71.16%) WIN
• Derrick Lewis, 479 (28.84%)
Union County Sheriff (Republican Primary)
• Eddie Cathey, 14,099 (84.46%) WIN
• Todd Elmore, 2,087 (12.50%)
• Terry Boag, 508 (3.04%)
City of Monroe Mayor (Republican Primary)
• David Dotson, 1,259 (58.34%) WIN
• Pat Kahle, 899 (41.66%)
City of Monroe Council (Republican Primary)
• Parker Mills, 1,371 (23.46%) WIN
• Michelle Ball, 1,013 (17.33%) WIN
• Heidi Petterson, 935 (16.00%) WIN
• Gary Anderson, 930 (15.91%)
• James Kerr, 822 (14.06%)
• Julie ompson, 774 (13.24%)
MONROE – South Piedmont Community College will become one of the first colleges in the state to offer IT courses inside a correctional facility when it launches a new program at Anson Correctional Institution later this year.
“ is program is going to provide the participants with the chance to gain high-demand skills,” said Jason Miller, correctional education director. “They’ll be able to earn a sustainable living wage when they re-enter the workforce. If they can make a living when they leave the prison, it’s less likely that they will return.
“We advocate for this population. We want to always give them every opportunity to support themselves and build a life for themselves in society.”
The new program will last about six months and is designed to provide participants with foundational knowledge in the IT industry. ey will be able to study and test for four CompTIA certi cations, including Tech Plus, A Plus, and Network Plus (CompTIA is a leading nonpro t trade association that awards IT certi cations). Participants will also be able to earn Microsoft Endpoint Administration certi cation. The program at Anson Correctional will be taught by Stephen Palmer, who currently teaches human resources development courses inside the prison.
Palmer, a former IT specialist, is excited to blend his experience in IT with his passion for teaching incarcerated students.
“ e students are excited. ey want to keep learning,” he said. “I’m excited to give them another opportunity to be successful.”
Miller said he hopes to expand IT o erings at the prison in the future.
“ is is the rst pebble,” he said. “We’re throwing it to start the ripple.”
Where counties differed with the state in voting
U.S. Senate
Michael Whatley emerged as the winner among seven Republican candidates vying for a U.S. Senate seat. Whatley won the primary with 405,158 votes, or 64.57%, statewide. Waxhaw resident Don Brown came in second with 96,899 votes, or 15.6%.
Brown had much stronger support at home, earning 31.2% of Union County votes. He trailed Whatley by 3,477 votes in Union County and even led in ve precincts: 9, 11, 22, 33 and 28D.
“I congratulate Michael Whatley on his victory and wish him success in the ght ahead against Roy Cooper,” Brown shared on Facebook. “ ank you to the thousands of supporters who stood with our campaign. Victory isn’t always about crossing the nish line rst – sometimes it’s about the righteousness of the ght. We have a great nation and
a great Constitution worth defending. Let’s regroup, stay strong, and come back another day. I love you all.” ere were slight variations in the order of nish in Mecklenburg County. Michele Morrow came in third instead of fourth, while Margot Dupre nished sixth instead of seventh. On the Democratic side of the race, former Gov. Roy Cooper earned more than 90% of the vote statewide as well as Mecklenburg and Union counties. Robert Colon came in fth among Union voters instead of sixth.
U.S. House, District 14 Lakesha Womack emerged as the Democratic nominee for U.S. House District 14, which includes Mecklenburg, Gaston,
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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
Crochet Class
Union West Regional Library invites crochet enthusiasts to bring a project or a skein of yarn or crochet hook for a drop-in class.
uclnc.org
10 a.m.-noon; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Baby Storytime
Babies and their caregivers listen to stories during Baby Storytime at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
10:30-11 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
St. Patrick’s Day
Jekyll and Hyde Taphouse & Grill hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Bash with live music and Irish dancers. hydestaphouse.com
11 a.m.; 216 W. North Main St., Waxhaw
Film Screening Dowd Center eatre screens the lm, “Forgotten Courage | e Clarence Henderson Story.” Admission is free but seats must be reserved at dowdcentertheatre.com.
4:30-6 p.m.; 120 S. Main St., Monroe
March 16
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Edwards Memorial Library. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 414 Hasty St., Marshville
Tree Stewards
Union County Urban Forester Keith
O’Herrin leads an interest session about a TreesUnion training program at Union West Regional Library. Volunteers learn how to plant, maintain and advocate for healthy forests.
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Music Bingo
Big Pop Trivia hosts Music Bingo at Hickory Tavern.
7-9 p.m.; 6449 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
VOTE from 1A
Cleveland, Burke, Polk and Rutherford counties.
While Womack earned 56.20% of the vote in Mecklenburg County, second-place finisher Brent Caldwell led 10 of the 28 precincts, including 121, 144 and 232. e rest were in northern Mecklenburg. Caldwell is a Charlotte attorney. Tim Moore won the Republican side of the ballot for U.S. House District 14. He led all but one of the precincts in Mecklenburg County. Kate Barr led Precinct 206 by 14 votes.
U.S. House District 8
Colby Watson won the Democratic primary for U.S. House District 8, which includes nine counties, including Mecklenburg and Union. Watson will face Republican Mark Harris in the general election.
Monroe resident Kevin Clark, who nished second to Watson, had slight leads in ve precincts (1, 6, 8, 26 and 36) and tied another (9) in Union County.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
March 17
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Union County Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Book Club
e Southwest Morning Book Club discusses “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Junk Journaling
Union West Regional Library o ers a program that explains the junk journaling method of recording memories. uclnc.org
5-6 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Music Bingo
MOR Events & Entertainment hosts Music Bingo at Mia Famiglia Pizzeria. Get tickets at eventbrite.com.
6-8 p.m.; 7870 Idlewild Road, Indian Trail
Pinball Night
Ready Player One Amusements holds a Free Play Night at Middle James Brewing. Play pinball for free.
6-8 p.m.; 115 E. North Main St., Waxhaw
Music Bingo
MOR Events & Entertainment hosts a free Music Bingo night at Middle James Brewing Company.
7-9 p.m.; 115 E. North Main St., Waxhaw
Music Bingo
Big Pop Trivia hosts Music Bingo at Tavern 74.
7:30-9 p.m.; 2116 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe
March 18
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Union County Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
STEAM Lab
Teens learn cartography techniques and create maps during Map Your World at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
4:30-6:30 p.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Tree Stewards
Union County Urban Forester Keith O’Herrin leads an interest session about a TreesUnion training program at Southwest Regional Library. Volunteers learn how to plant, maintain and advocate for healthy forests.
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Book Club
e On the (Book) Base Book Club discusses “A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
5:45-6:45 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Film Screening
Dowd Center eatre screens the G-rated film, “Darby O'Gill and the Little People” as part of the Reel Lucky March Film Series. Admission is $2 at the door. dowdcentertheatre.com
7-8:33 p.m.; 120 S. Main St., Monroe
Trivia Night MOR Events & Entertainment hosts Trivia Night at Middle James Brewing Company. Teams can play for prizes. Register at eventbrite.com.
7-9 p.m.; 115 E. North Main St., Waxhaw
Music Trivia DJs on the Half Shell hosts Name at Tune Trivia at Moochies Tavern. Teams play for prizes. djsonthehalfshell.com
7-11 p.m.; 15060 Idlewild Road, Stallings
March 19
Storytime
Children listen to stories during Storytime at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
9:30 or 10:30 a.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
Paws to Read
Children read to a volunteer therapy dog at Union County Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
3:30-4:30 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Adult Coloring
Adults color during Keep Calm & Color On at Union West Regional Library. uclnc.org
4:30-6:30 p.m.; 123 Unionville-Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail
Tree Stewards
Union County Urban Forester
Keith O’Herrin leads an interest session about a TreesUnion training program at Union County Library’s Monroe branch. Volunteers learn how to plant, maintain and advocate for healthy forests.
5:30-6:30 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Book Club e Page Turners Book Club discusses “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo at Union County Library’s Monroe branch. uclnc.org
6-6:45 p.m.; 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe
Music Bingo Big Pop Trivia hosts Music Bingo at e Trail House.
7-9 p.m.; 6751 Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail
March 20
Pilates Class Adults take a class, Pilates on the Patio, at Southwest Regional Library. uclnc.org
10-11 a.m.; 1720 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw
March 21
Co ee with Council e Village of Marvin hosts Coffee with Council at Marvin Village Hall. marvinnc.gov
9-10 a.m.; 10006 Marvin School Road, Marvin
March 25
Easter Bunny Photos
Stallings Parks & Recreation hosts
Easter Bunny Photos in the Stallings Town Hall. Families can get a free photo taken with the Easter Bunny. stallingsnc.org
5:30-7:30 p.m.; 315 Stallings Road, Stallings
March 26
Meet the Mayor
Weddington residents can meet with Mayor Jim Bell during Meet with the Mayor at Weddington Town Hall. townofweddington.com 5:30-7:30 p.m.; 1924 Weddington Road, Weddington
March 28 Plant Sale e Lake Park Garden Club hosts a plant sale in the community center parking lot. 9 a.m.-noon; 3801 Lake Park Road, Indian Trail
Egg Hunt Monroe Parks & Recreation hosts Easter Eggstravaganza at Parks Williams Athletic Complex. Children hunt during designated times: ages 3-5 at noon, ages 6-8 at 12:30 p.m. and ages 9-12 at 1 p.m. monroenc.org 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 2011 Ashton Ave., Monroe
5 Rare Kidney Diseases You May Not Know About
FAMILY FEATURES
While the leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes, many other factors can lead to kidney disease and failure – including a collection of rare and genetic conditions. According to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD), a disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. Today, 30 million Americans are living with rare diseases.
This Rare Disease Day, observed on Feb. 28 worldwide, the American Kidney Fund is committed to improving the understanding of rare kidney diseases by providing educational resources.
IgA Nephropathy
An autoimmune disease, IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is related to improper function of the immune system. IgAN causes the immune system to produce abnormal antibodies, which build up in the kidneys, triggering inflammation and reducing the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and fluid, causing damage and potentially leading to kidney failure. According to NORD, approximately 70% of rare diseases begin in childhood, which was the case for Malkia White. She had no symptoms – the only indication of her kidney problem was protein and blood in her urine detected through a routine test. She was diagnosed with IgAN but continued living her life without any changes – the disease was so rare, little was known at the time about how to manage it.
“From 6 years old to the age of 42, I maintained my medical appointments and lived an active lifestyle,” White said. “I was an honor student. I was always in dance class. In high school, I was in a marching band and on the field hockey team. In that time period, I was being checked. It never occurred to me, or my family, to investigate or research [IgAN].”
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
Known as AMKD, this is a spectrum of kidney diseases associated with variants (mutations) in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene.
Everyone has two copies of the APOL1 gene, but mutations of the gene can raise the chance of rapidly progressive kidney disease in people of western and central African descent.
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disease that causes cysts to grow inside the kidneys. There are two forms of PKD: autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). The former is more prevalent, accounting for about 9 of 10 cases of PKD.
Cystinosis A rare, multisystem genetic disease, cystinosis accounts for nearly 5% of all childhood cases of kidney failure, although some people with cystinosis do not develop kidney disease until they’re teens or adults. Caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, cystinosis happens when cystine, a component of protein, builds up in your body’s cells. Too much cystine causes crystals to form and can damage organs including kidneys, eyes, pancreas, liver and brain.
Complement 3 Glomerulopathy
With complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G), a part of the immune system called the complement system becomes overactive and doesn’t work properly, leading to damage and inflammation in the kidneys. Specifically, it damages the kidneys’ glomeruli, which help kidneys filter toxins out of the blood. It can cause kidney failure in about half of adults who are diagnosed with the disease. Michelle Farley had a hard time getting her C3G diagnosis despite high blood pressure and an irregular heartbeat in her youth and suffering from daily vomiting and weekly headaches while in college. After a trip to her college medical center, she discovered her blood pressure was so high she was at risk for stroke or heart
attack. Bloodwork determined she had markers for kidney disease, but she wouldn’t receive a full diagnosis until she was 25. “I was left undiagnosed for almost 22 years due to preconceived notions of how disabilities and sicknesses should ‘look’ on the outside and how old you need to be to have a chronic disease,” Farley said. “I think it’s important to spread awareness about rare kidney diseases so patients can be diagnosed faster and more accurately. I always wonder how long I could have maintained my native kidneys if I was diagnosed as a child.” Learn more about rare kidney diseases and the Rare Kidney Disease Action Network by visiting kidneyfund.org.
Photo courtesy of
7
Harris Conference Center 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Drive Charlotte | NC 28208 Saturday, March 7 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Meet with FROSCH Travel Advisors and top travel partners, explore special booking offers and get inspired for your next adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxury cruise, a family escape or a bucket-list journey, this is your chance to explore the world - right here in Charlotte!
froschvacations.com/events
Confirm your spot today – admission is free.
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.
