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DISTRIBUTION JANICE GANTT ANDREW WOMACK We at YES! Weekly realize that the interest of our readers goes well beyond the boundaries of the Piedmont Triad. Therefore we are dedicated to informing and entertaining with thought-provoking, debate-spurring, in-depth investigative news stories and features of local, national and international scope, and opinion grounded in reason, as well as providing the most comprehensive entertainment and arts coverage in the Triad. YES! Weekly welcomes submissions of all kinds. Efforts will be made to return those with a self-addressed stamped envelope; however YES! Weekly assumes no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. YES! Weekly is published every Wednesday by Womack Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. First copy is free, all additional copies are $1.00. Copyright 2025 Womack Newspapers, Inc.

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A Chow down 2025 Review. John Batchelor discusses his TOP CHOW RESTAURANT REVIEWS from this year.

Both “Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild” and “Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights” are published by the University Press of Kentucky , which has established a reputation as one of the top publishers of showbiz biographies. These VERY WORTHWHILE VOLUMES further confirm that reputation.

Writer/producer/director Craig Brewer’s “SONG SUNG BLUE” is one of the best films of the year, a life — and love — affirming musical drama based on the award-winning 2008 documentary of the same name, which detailed the relationship of Mike and Claire Sardina. 6 There’s a saying, “You should never let a crisis go to waste.” Why? Because a CRISIS STIMULATES REFLECTION and brings an opportunity to change. 8 For the last issue of 2025, the YES Weekly staff wanted to revisit some of OUR FAVORITE STORIES this year. While we always wish to put out an eyecatching paper with awesome stories, there are a few that have our hearts. They are the reason we clock in early, leave late, and spend hours looking for the right story for you, the readers. 11 The High Point Arts Council (HPAC) is proud to announce the launch of its CREATIVE SPACE ACCESS Grant Program (CSA), a new community-centered initiative designed to expand access to creative space for artists and arts organizations throughout Guilford County. 12 At the end of the Nov. 19 meeting of the Greensboro Minimum Housing Standards Commission (MHSC), Chair Franklin Scott described how Durham City Council passed an ordinance making it illegal for landlords to collect rent on apartments with HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

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BY JOHN BATCHELOR

y columns are usually published twice a month — the first and third Wednesdays. I focus on a Greensboro restaurant the first week, a Winston-Salem restaurant the third week, with High Point, Jamestown, and Kernersville thrown in along the way as new openings or return visits mandate. Sometimes, when there are five Wednesdays in a month, I have a third column. (That accounts for this one.) When I look back on my dining experiences in 2025, several impressions emerge. Lower Prices — I wish I could tell you that restaurant prices are coming down. But I can report a way to save a little. For most of my restaurant writing career, I have focused on fine dining. But over the last year or so, I expanded coverage to include some lower-priced places, and I found some definitely good food. Empanada Grill (5705 Inman Road, Greensboro 27410, 336-2801300, empanadagrill.com) features one of my favorite dishes — its namesake, empanadas! 913 Whiskey Bar & Southern Kitchen (913 S. Chapman St., Greensboro 27403, 336-6174291, 913whiskeybar.com) won points for its bar creations as well as southernthemed dishes. Tipsy’z Tavern & Grill (805 Westchester Drive, High Point 27262, 336-887-0230, tipsyztavern. com) turned out to be a favorite of readers and friends. It calls itself a dive bar, but everything here is above board! Cugino Forno (1160 Revolution Mill Drive, Greensboro 27405, 336-8977920, cuginoforno.com) serves some of the best pizza I have had. And Vintage Sofa Bar (1001 Burke St., WinstonSalem 27101, 336-905-9008, vintagesofabar.com) turned out to be a unique concept, with sofas and plush chairs populating the interior, resulting in an informal ambience that facilitates conversation and socialization. Ethnic Cuisines — There was a time when I considered ethnic cuisines either underrepresented or virtually nonexistent in the Triad. No longer. This year, I thoroughly enjoyed truly authentic Vietnamese meals at Van Loi II (3829

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Shrimp and Polenta from The Gaslight

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Duck from Betty on Burke

W. Gate City Blvd. D, Greensboro 27407, 336-855-5688, vanloirestaurant. com). Kalamaki Authentic Greek Street Food (420 Jonestown Road, Suite L, Winston-Salem 27104, 336306-9300, eatkalamaki.com) is mostly takeout, although casual seating is provided, but the flavors are great, the prices low. Chinese restaurants have always been well represented in our area, but I found two this year that merit special attention. Golden Wok (1216 Bridford Pkwy. Unit N, Greensboro, 336-855-6161, goldenwokgreensboro.dine.online) is just about all takeout, but with excellent flavors and abundant portions. HakkaChow (615 St. George Square Court, Winston-Salem 27103, 336-8938178, hakka-chow.com) is definitely fine dining, based on both ambience and cuisine. For full-service Chinese, it became my reference point. Dominican food is strongly influenced by Spanish culture, but it is distinctive in its own right. La Cocina de Mama (Gardner Hill Station, 1002 Gardner Hill Drive, Suite E, Jamestown 27282, 336-285-8242) serves deeply flavorful Dominican home cooking. Sushi Rose’ (247 E. 5th St., WinstonSalem 27101, eatsushirose.com) was an impressive entry into the sushi genre, urbane and sophisticated in ambience, polished in cuisine. And two Indian restaurants made me want to return for their exotic aromas and flavors: Noor (4312 Big Tree Way, Greensboro 27407, 336-315-5351, noorgso.com) and Taaza Indian Bistro (1216 Bridford Pkwy. M, Greensboro 27407,

336-285-7878, taazabistro.com/locations/Greensboro). Old Favorites — If I only wrote about new places, restaurants that have been doing a good job for a long time would be ignored, which not only seems unfair, I would be denied the opportunity to return to places I enjoy. The Italian food at Gianno’s (1124 Eastchester Drive, High Point 27265, 336-8850762, giannoshp.com) certainly fits that category. I also enjoyed returns to three long time favorites in WinstonSalem. West End Café (926 W. Fourth St., 336-723-4774, westendcafe.com) is completing 28 years in the same location. Milner’s American Southern (630 S. Stratford Road, 336-7682221, gotomilners.com) capitalizes on its owners’ experience in Charleston to create some of the most enjoyable and sophisticated flavors I experienced all year. The Carriage House (1409 S. Stratford Road, Suite G, 336-7658082, carriagehouserestaurantws.com) has been in operation since 1969, a phenomenal longevity in the restaurant business. And Harper’s (601 Friendly Center Road, Greensboro 27408, 336299-8850, harpersrestaurants.com) has been holding forth for over 22 years, another example of just doing a lot of things right for a long time. New Themes — A few places either reimagined old concepts or introduced something different. Pryme (223 S. Elm St., Greensboro 27401, 336-5005770, pryme.res-menu.com) is a jazz club as well as a fine dining restaurant. Young Cardinal Café (424 Fourth St. N.W., Winston-Salem 27101, 336-

448-5188, andrewsrestaurantsws.com/ young-cardinal) takes the near-eternal concept of a breakfast place to far higher levels. This turned out to be one of a handful of personal favorites that I discovered during the year. Restaurant(s) of the Year — A retrospective like this kind of mandates declaring champions. For 2025, I am naming two. Betty on Burke (1016 Burke St., Suite D, Winston-Salem 27101, 336999-8866, bettyonburke.com) has one of the prettiest interiors I have ever encountered. And I use the feminine terminology deliberately. It’s a delicate look, but not frilly, a function of owner Jennifer Smith’s good taste. Jay Pierce, whose work I have admired for decades, is executive chef-partner. The name of the restaurant pays tribute to the owners’ grandmothers, both of whom were named Betty. I think my favorite dish here was Sweet Potato Gnocchi, puffy — tender, richly flavored in their own right, plated with shredded duck meat, also cooked soft. Throw in locally grown mushrooms, and you get a rewarding result. The Gaslight (126 S. Main St., Suite G, Kernersville 27284, 336-4974025, thegaslightonmain.com) is the creation of chef-proprietor Daniel Zbiegien, in able collaboration with Maja Popovic. They formerly worked together at Jolo and Rayson wineries. His style frequently takes on familiar dishes, then adds variations that elevate them to another level. Everybody else has Shrimp and Grits, for example. The Gaslight has Shrimp and Polenta, deepened with Parmesan cheese, surrounded by tender, deveined shrimp, all resting in a smoked bacon jus. Roasted Brussels sprouts edge one side, a sweet, ovencured Campari tomato glowing bright red in the center. ! JOHN BATCHELOR has been writing about eating and drinking since 1981. Over a thousand of his articles have been published. He is also author of two travel/cookbooks: Chefs of the Coast: Restaurants and Recipes from the North Carolina Coast, and Chefs of the Mountains: Restaurants and Recipes from Western North Carolina. Contact him at john.e.batchelor@gmail.com or see his blog, johnbatchelordiningandtravel.blogspot. com.

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or many, Cesar Romero (1907’94) will forever be remembered as the first actor to play the Joker in ABC’s “Batman” TV series from 1966-’68, but Mark Burger that was only one of the high points in the long career Contributor of the dashing, versatile actor who was among the first Latinos to achieve success in Hollywood. Now, best-selling author Samuel Garza Bernstein has written the biography of Romero, “Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild” (288 pages, $27.95 retail), and this is the definitive portrait of an actor who epitomized style and class and brought a distinct flair to whatever character he was playing. While Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack were larking about in the all-star caper “Ocean’s Eleven” (1960), Romero smoothly stole the show as their nemesis. Amid the sudsy trappings of “Falcon Crest” (1981-’90), Romero brought his inimitable presence to the role of the mysterious Greek tycoon Peter Stavros, whose relationship with Jane Wyman’s Angela Channing veered from romantic to antagonistic and back again. Romero’s durable career began in the 1930s and lasted until his death at age 87. He played a few leads but more often seen in character roles that took advantage of his good looks and charisma. He played Indians, Native Americans, Italians, and any number of ethnicities — yet tried at all costs to avoid playing them as stereotypes. Every time it appeared his career was fading, he’d find a role that would bring him back to prominence, be it the Joker or Peter Stavros or the bumbling (but well-groomed) criminal A.J. Arno in a series of live-action ‘70s Disney comedies headlining Kurt Russell. He could play comedy or drama, heroes or villains with a suaveness and ease, and a twinkle in his eye, and he never took his stardom for granted. Bernstein approaches his subject with unabashed admiration and respect, although it never becomes fawning, and it’s obvious that he was a devout

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“Falcon Crest” fan, given the overwhelming overview of that series’ chronology. When it comes to the matter of Romero’s sexual orientation, Bernstein (who has a husband) clearly displays an insight that never descends into gossip or salaciousness. Romero never married (and his nickname was “Butch”) but never felt any compulsion to divulge his personal life in great detail. These days, isn’t there something refreshing about that? Romero was also a devout family man, and with his success, he was able to move his entire family to the West Coast, where several members lived with him off and on over the years. That, and the mores of the era, may well be the reasons he remained discreet about any romantic entanglements. Family and career were his principal concerns. Any sort of scandal would have compromised that, and he wanted no part of it. He was respected and well-liked by friends and colleagues, all of whom offered glowing assessments, and for years he was voted among Hollywood’s best-dressed celebrities. If children approached him on the street for an autograph or asked him to do the Joker’s laugh, he would graciously accede. Romero rarely had a bad word to say about anybody, although quietly resented the “Latin lover” image he was labeled with and confided to friends that he felt Tim Burton’s 1989 “Batman” was “dreary.” That’s about as critical as he ever was. More to the point, Romero was a class act and a living reminder of Hollywood’s golden age. He personified elegance, charm, and — yes — masculinity, and did so effortlessly. “The Joker is Wild” is well-researched, eminently readable, and truly a valentine to an enduring, versatile talent who was, above all, a gentleman. Having earlier penned the 2024 biography “Lionel Barrymore: Character and Endurance in Hollywood’s Golden Age,” author Kathleen Spaltro revisits the House of Barrymore with her latest effort, “Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights” (312 pages, $40), a comprehensive portrait of the Oscarwinning actress (1879-1959) who earned the distinguished title of “First Lady of the American Theatre.” The younger sister of Lionel, older sister of John, and great-aunt of Drew,

DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2026

Ethel was indeed a shy person, preferring to keep her personal life personal (sounds familiar) while letting her work speak for itself. The Ethel Barrymore Theatre, which opened in New York City in 1928, remains one of Broadway’s most prestigious venues. As Barrymore died in 1959, Spaltro is forced to resort to pre-existing interviews (and Barrymore’s own memoir, “Memories: An Autobiography,” published in 1955) to flesh out her subject. But like her earlier Barrymore biography, Spaltro’s keen interest in her subject shines through. On or off stage, Ethel Barrymore was a force to be reckoned with, and Spaltro captures that force. This is, after all, the woman who turned down a marriage proposal from Winston Churchill because she did not want to be a politician’s wife. Barrymore was married to Russell Griswold Colt from 1909 to 1923 and sired three children, but her true marriage was to the stage. Her theatrical triumphs were many: “A Doll’s House,” “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Constant Wife,” and “Rasputin and the Empress,” to name a few. She appeared on the cover of Time in 1924 and was well-known for (affectionately) scolding audiences who demanded more curtain calls: “That’s all there is — there isn’t anymore!” When health issues precluded lengthy stage runs, she begrudgingly went to

Hollywood. Despite her disdain for film in general, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in “None But the Lonely Heart” (1944) opposite Cary Grant (who earned a Best Actor nomination), and racked up three more nominations in the same category: “The Spiral Staircase” (1946), “Pinky” (1949), and Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Paradine Case” (1947), the last film Hitchcock made under his contract with David O. Selznick. Even Hitchcock’s most devoted fans consider the film subpar. For that matter, so did Hitchcock himself. It could be said of Ethel Barrymore’s screen career that she took the money — and the accolades — and ran. Nonetheless, she left behind an impressive screen legacy. Perhaps not on par with her stage legacy, but there was magic in the Barrymore name and the Barrymore mystique, and that magic and mystique can be found in “Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights.” Both “Cesar Romero: The Joker is Wild” and “Ethel Barrymore: Shy Empress of the Footlights” (which will be released Jan. 13) are published by the University Press of Kentucky (https://www.kentuckypress.com/), which has established a reputation as one of the top publishers of showbiz biographies. These very worthwhile volumes further confirm that reputation. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies.

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producer/director Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue” is one of the best Mark Burger films of the year, a life — and love — affirming musical Contributor drama based on the award-winning 2008 documentary of the same name, which detailed the relationship of Mike and Claire Sardina, who performed under the names “Lightning & Thunder” throughout the Milwaukee area in the 1980s and 1990s and became local celebrities. Here, Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson play Mike and Claire, and each delivers a superlative performance, their onscreen chemistry captivating and irresistible throughout. Mike is a Vietnam veteran and recovering alcoholic (“20 years sober”) with a daughter (King Princess) from his first marriage, while Claire has two children (Ella Anderson and newcomer Hudson Henley) from her first marriage. They meet cute — literally — at a county fair where he is supposed to do a Don Ho impersonation and she is doing her tribute to Patsy Cline. Sparks fly immediately, and they quickly decide to team up for a Neil Diamond tribute act, which Mike — ever the showman — declares “a Neil Diamond experience.” Each has weathered a fair share of hardships in the past, but together they become a local phenomenon, despite a first concert that goes hilariously awry. Believe it or not, their act holds little appeal for a gathering of bikers in a local bar. Despite that minor setback, Mike and Claire marry and work tirelessly honing their act, while the children roll their eyes with typical teenage cynicism. Before too long, however, “Lightning & Thunder” catch on, attracting crowds and media attention. Mike and Claire aren’t looking to become superstars. They merely enjoy performing in front of a crowd, bringing a little happiness to the audience and themselves. They WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

don’t mind being on the periphery of conventional show business or being labeled a novelty act. They love to perform, and they love each other. For the first hour, “Song Sung Blue” offers a lot of laughs and some snappy repartee, as well as the pleasure of seeing Jackman and Hudson strut their stuff. It’s no surprise that Jackman is a first-rate singer and performer, given his extensive musical theater and film work, but although Hudson has sung in film before (most notably in 2009’s “Nine”) and cut an album, she’s never had a showcase like this before. Not only do she and Jackman put a distinctive stamp on the Diamond ditties they perform, but she does a fabulous Patsy Cline impression. The duo hits a high point when invited by Pearl Jam to open one of their concerts. Amusingly, Mike isn’t initially certain whether Pearl Jam is a “he” or an “it.” (Incidentally, “Lightning and Thunder” did indeed open for Pearl Jam.) Shortly thereafter, the film then shifts into more dramatic territory, essentially pushing the restart button, but not at the expense of the humor that has preceded it. By this time, one is so invested in them that there’s no turning back, regardless of what befalls them. Brewer deftly retains the humor while incorporating more serious elements, thereby enhancing — rather than diminishing — “Song Sung Blue’s” overall impact. It should be noted, however, that one’s affection for the film may well be predicated on one’s affinity for Neil Diamond’s music. (For this critic, that was no problem.)

Among the film’s attributes, and there are many, is the genuine empathy it has for its characters. There are no villains here; everyone’s nice, everyone’s likable, and, most importantly, everyone’s believable. Michael Imperioli, doing a mean Buddy Holly impression, plays Mike’s

best friend, who forsakes the mantle of Holly to play guitar in their band. Fisher Stevens plays Mike’s manager, who also happens to be his dentist. Jim Belushi, Mustafa Shakir, Erica Slezak, Princess, and Henley are also splendid, but special mention must be made of Anderson as Claire’s daughter Rachel, upon whose shoulders are thrust a tremendous amount of responsibility that she is neither prepared nor equipped to handle. Jackman and Hudson will deservedly reap the most critical attention, but Anderson holds her own — and then some — with a deeply felt performance that will undoubtedly raise her career profile. “Song Sung Blue” is one of those special films that would once have been touted, “You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll sing.” In this case, those superlatives do apply. It’s a film to be treasured. ! See MARK BURGER’s reviews of current movies. © 2025, Mark Burger.

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arly every Friday morning for nearly 20 years, my friends and I have gathered to prepare and serve a hot breakfast at Greensboro Urban Todd Herman Ministry (GUM). Our guests, not unlike people you Guest see at the grocery Columnist store or in your neighborhood, are by and large good people. The only difference is they work jobs paying at or near minimum wage, and an unexpected event — sick child, car repair, or other emergency — forced them to make a tough choice ... do I pay for this unexpected item, or do I pay my rent? Guests of GUM are, by definition, short on money. They’re also short on time because their jobs generally lack flexible schedules and paid time off. Thus, they have neither the money nor the time to advocate for themselves. What group does have the money and time to advocate for themselves? Billionaires, who can easily drop millions of dollars to try to influence national and state policies and elections. Billionaires certainly influenced our 2024 national elections for president and Congress, as well as the single major piece of legislation produced by the current administration and Congress, The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB). I first learned about the OBBB when it was being drafted and debated, and what I learned was shocking. The proposed bill, unless it was revised, would produce one of the largest wealth transfers in American history through its combination of tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and benefit cuts (primarily Medicaid and food assistance) for the poorest ones. Unfortunately, the bill was not revised. Jim Wallis, a pastor, theologian, author, and social justice activist, coined a

wonderful saying, “A budget is a moral document.” Why is this true? Because a budget reflects the priorities of those who created the budget. For the OBBB, it reflects the priorities of those who lobbied for it, drafted it, promoted it, passed it, and signed it into law. The Golden Rule — treat others as you would like others to treat you — is an almost universal ethical standard that spans continents, faith traditions, and millennia. Using the Golden Rule as a measure of morality, the OBBB is immoral through and through because it takes from the poor and gives to the rich. In 2009, when Jim Wallis was part of a panel discussion, he commented on the question, “When will this crisis [the Great Recession] end?” With all due respect, that’s the wrong question. The question ought to be, “How will this crisis change us?” That’s the right question. How will it change the way we think, the way we do business, the way we act, our priorities? And how will it change the way we think of our values? How will this crisis change us? That is, indeed, the right question to ask — not only about the Great Recession in 2009, but also about the current moral crisis exemplified by the immoral OBBB and everyone who helped bring it into law. There’s a saying, “You should never let a crisis go to waste.” Why? Because a crisis stimulates reflection and brings an opportunity to change. My hope is that during this holiday season, we take time to reflect on The Golden Rule and on why it is important to us, both individually and as a society, and to begin to change ourselves so we better align our values with our words and actions, and collectively help bring about a more just, equitable, and moral world. ! TODD HERMAN is president of Todd Herman & Associates, P.A., and is a volunteer ministry leader at First Lutheran Church and Greensboro Urban Ministry. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

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Can we all agree that music is quite the unifying force in the world? This is one of the reasons that we do an annual Record Store Day edition. While we do get the opportunity to let music fans know what

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The office is split when it comes to staffers who love basketball and those who’d rather watch paint dry. One thing we all agree on is Winston-Salem native and former Los Angeles Laker Chris Paul using his influence for a good cause. This summer, Paul highlighted his snack brand in Winston-Salem. He gave out healthy snacks, took photos, spoke to children, and more at the event. “We want kids to have the right tools to be able to have as much longevity as they can in life. Obviously, they’re going to go to school, they’re going to here and whatnot. But I think the earlier you get kids introduced to certain products, they get to know it.”

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NOV. 26, 2025 As much as staff probably dreads my request for this submission in November, it is probably one of my favorite editions. Not just because I’m looking forward to the feast that is Thanksgiving dinner, but because it allows our readers to see the people behind the product that we put out each week. I think it is important for us to show you readers who we are, as well as what we do to bring you the best!

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or the last issue of 2025, the YES! Weekly staff wanted to revisit some of our favorite stories this year. While we always wish to put out an eye-catching paper with awesome stories, there are a few that have our hearts. They are the reason we clock in early, leave late, and spend hours looking for the right story for you, the readers. Let us be clear — there will be more great stories, and we are committed to serving the Triad area every week. We don’t have plans to go anywhere, but we do plan to continue doing the best we can to serve you all! Cheers to 2026!

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BY YES! STAFF Chanel Davis, Alex Farmer, & Shane Hart

D DUPLICAT HORIZE ION AUT IS A . UN VIO ED LA RV TI SE O RE

Our Favorite Stories from 2025

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The Nash

MUSEUM FINDS NEW LIFE UPON NASCAR’S RETURN

EMPTY GLASS Triad city addresses gritty, brown water

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their favorite artist is releasing, it also gives us an opportunity to highlight those folks who make sure we can get first dibs. It also gives us an opportunity to highlight local record stores in the Triad area.

GLASS 7 EMPTY OCT. 8, 2025

Stories like this one serve as a reminder that we are watchdogs for our community. While the water issue didn’t impact the entire city, officials should have addressed the issue as soon as possible. Readers and concerned citizens reached out to the media about the issue, having had to deal with brown and gritty water for an extended period. For almost a year, South Greensboro residents voiced their concerns. After some considerable reporting, those residents have reported seeing a difference in their services. “When you’re saying you’re not going to get to us until 2026, where is the compensation for this community having to deal with having brown water?”

DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2026

THE LOCKDOWN

JAN. 8, 2025 This was an early story in the year, but

The Lockdown Center for Visual Artists

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exhibit focuses on 2020 P. 3

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it allowed us to reflect on the events and feelings of 2020. The story highlighted the artists and their feelings surrounding the pandemic and being forced to stay at home. The artist waded through his emotions related to protests, the pandemic, and isolation. “During the 2020 lockdown, I painted every moment in time that something happened that year. I was painting people with the emotions and feelings we felt each time we heard something about the pandemic or responses to it — the new strains, the vaccine, any event that happened through that time, including the George Floyd protests. For each of these events and responses, I painted a character person, depicting how you would feel. Every painting has an emotion in it related to the pandemic. I just kept painting and painting until the end of that year.”

THE NASH 5 JAN. 29, 2025

This story is a testament to perseverance. After having to close the noted Winston-Cup Museum, the business owners decided to stay true to their vision

NICKEL BOYS

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and mission of bringing the joy’s of racing to the Triad. “Our primary business, JKS, has been doing business with NASCAR for 40 years. It is a partnership we have enjoyed, so when we found they were going to bring this race back to Bowman Gray Stadium, we decided that there has to be something racing-related in Winston-Salem.”

TRASH 4 TURNING INTO TREASURE

JULY 2, 2025 This was a fun story to share from our sister paper, the Jamestown News. We all agreed that the art speaks for itself. “My art is a reflection of myself — learning, growing, constantly evolving,” Valle said. “The idea of mosaic work came to me after years of saving bottle caps and seeing the seemingly infinite range of colors available. For me, creating mosaics is dually fulfilling, as it allows me to both design and physically build a work of art.”

INSIDE A PAINTING 3 STEPPINGJULY 9, 2025

This feature was super dope and a great opportunity for families throughout

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THE VAN GOGH IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE COMES TO THE TRIAD

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MATTHEW WHITAKER QUINTET

A Mother’s

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 @ 7:30PM

Triad Mom finds child she gave up for adoption more than 30 years ago

Blind since birth, Matthew Whitaker has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and the Apollo Theater, where, at 10, he was the opening performer for Stevie Wonder’s induction into the Apollo Theater’s Hall of Fame. He’s now an artist, captivating audiences globally and appearing on notable TV shows. He believes that music connects us all and that every child should have access to music education. Beyond music, he advocates for persons with disabilities and consults with companies to improve accessibility features.

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the Triad to experience art on another level. It was cool to not only learn about Van Gogh and his life, but to experience his art through multiple media was amazing. “Museums are the original safeguards for the majority of the world‘s art, and our work is based on the artworks on display in museums. What makes our experience different from what you will find in an art museum is that the artwork we display comes to life through the magic of digital technology and a soaring musical score … we always seek to connect emotionally with art, that is part of its power, and at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience we create the scene where that emotional connection can occur in an entirely new way.”

OPIOID PROJECT 2 THEJUNE 25, 2025

This story focused on the beautiful side of an ugly problem in the Triad. While we know that the opioid epidemic is far-reaching, this story allowed us to look at the beauty that comes from ashes and the redemption in art. While many people are struggling with addiction and recovery in the Triad, this story allowed us to highlight some students who have found themselves and purpose through art and their recovery. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

Cirque FLIP Fabrique Blizzard Feb. 21, 2026 Noche Flamenca: Searching for Goya March 5, 2026 Piff the Magic Dragon April 18, 2026 Kandace Springs May 2, 2026 Acts and dates subject to change. For a full line up of events and up to date news, visit our website.

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“What I fell in love with about this program is that students who are in recovery, either from alcohol or substances, part of our recovery comes with telling our story. Telling what the experience was like, what happened, and what it is like now in their lives. So for them, it was an opportunity to explore that in an artistic way. They created art on their own, and each one is different. Each one has a story that goes along with it.”

MIRACLE 1 A MOTHER’S MAY 7, 2025

This is our favorite story from 2025. It’s about a Guilford County Schools teacher who looked for her son that she put up for adoption for more than 30 years. She would go on to adopt another son and pour her love into her students. With the help of an ancestry kit, she found out that the son she was looking for was in the Triad all along. It’s a story of love, forgiveness, and determination. This is one of those stories that sums up why we do what we do. “The decision is definitely not an easy decision, but you have to do what’s best for everyone in the situation. You can’t just think about yourself. Keep the faith. It’ll work itself right on out.” !

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tunes

High Point Arts Council launches 2026 Creative Space Access Grant Program to support local artists

• Submit proposals that are political or religious in nature • Eligible applicants include individual artists, partnerships/collectives, and 501(c)(3) arts and culture organizations.

PRESS RELEASE

he High Point Arts Council (HPAC) is proud to announce the launch of its Creative Space Access Grant Program (CSA), a new community-centered initiative designed to expand access to creative space for artists and arts organizations throughout Guilford County. This in-kind grant program provides free or low-cost access to Centennial Station Arts Center, helping remove financial barriers while fostering artistic innovation, community engagement, and equity in the local arts ecosystem. With a commitment to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive creative community, the CSA Grant Program offers flexible venue access, artist support services, and public engagement opportunities for selected artists, collectives, and nonprofits. “The Creative Space Access Grant Program is more than an opportunity — it is an investment in the heart of our local creative community,” said Catena Bergevin, executive director of the High Point Arts Council. “We know that access to space is one of the biggest challenges artists face. By opening the doors of Centennial Station Arts Center, we’re not only removing financial barriers but also inviting artists to experiment, collaborate, and share their voices with our community. This program reflects HPAC’s belief that creativity thrives when everyone has the space and support to imagine, build, and belong.”

PROGRAM GOALS

The Creative Space Access Grant Program is built around four core priorities: • Accessibility: Providing no-cost or low-cost creative space for artists from all backgrounds. • Equity: Prioritizing support for underrepresented and marginalized artists. • Community Engagement: Encouraging workshops, events, and opportunities that connect artists with the broader High Point community. • Sustainability: Building a scalable and replicable model for long-term community arts access. WWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Access is limited to regular operational hours unless granted prior approval • Use of HPAC equipment (tables, chairs, etc.) must be requested in advance • All promotional materials must include the High Point Arts Council logo and website • Grantees must adhere to HPAC’s nondiscrimination policies • This grant provides in-kind support only and includes no direct monetary award

APPLICATION PROCESS

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

Venue Access — Centennial Station Arts Center Grantees receive free access to shared or private spaces for rehearsals, performances, workshops, exhibitions, and more. Residency blocks may extend up to four weeks, with flexible scheduling based on availability. Eligible applicants include individual artists, arts nonprofits, and art collectives. Artist Support Participants will have access to: • A dedicated staff liaison and on-site orientation • Opportunities to host performances, exhibitions, workshops, or rehearsals • Professional technical services (sound, lighting, and more) available at $50 per hour through approved HPAC contractors Community Engagement Opportunities • Grantees will collaborate with HPAC to support public-facing events such as: • Open Studio sessions

• Artist-led talks, workshops, or master classes • Final showcases or public presentations • Collaborative or partnership-based arts programming

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must: • Be 21 years of age or older • Be based in Guilford County • Demonstrate an existing artistic practice • Commit to community engagement and alignment with HPAC’s mission • Make events/performances open to the general public with clear community impact • Not already receive in-kind support from HPAC

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated by a review panel consisting of artists and community members. Criteria include artistic merit, community relevance, alignment with HPAC’s mission, and space needs. Applicants should apply at least three months before their anticipated project dates. This is a competitive program; applicants who are not awarded may reapply the following year. Grant recipients may not receive the award two consecutive years. For questions, contact: Catena Bergevin, Executive Director at director@ highpointarts.org

APPLY TODAY

Artists and organizations interested in the Creative Space Access Grant Program can submit an application at the following link: https://www.highpointarts.org/ creative-space-access-grant ! THE HIGH POINT ARTS COUNCIL is dedicated to strengthening the arts community by providing resources, advocacy, and opportunities that enrich the cultural life of High Point and its surrounding areas. Through initiatives like the Creative Space Access Grant Program, HPAC advances its mission to support a thriving, inclusive, and accessible arts environment for all.

DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2026

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feature

BY IAN MCDOWELL

t the end of the Nov. 19 meeting of the Greensboro Minimum Housing Standards Commission (MHSC), Chair Franklin Scott described how Durham City Council passed an ordinance making it illegal for landlords to collect

12 YES! WEEKLY

Mayor removes housing chair rent on apartments with health and safety issues. He expressed hope that the Greensboro City Council would do the same. The next day, City Attorney Lora Cubbage emailed Mayor-Elect Marikay Abuzuaiter about Scott’s alleged rudeness towards Assistant City Attorney Brent Ducharme at that meeting. A month

DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2026

later, Abuzuaiter dismissed Scott from the commission. Video released in response to a public information request depicts the following exchange between Scott and Ducharme. Thirty-nine minutes into the meeting, Scott described how council, on the advice of Cubbage, removed MHSC’s powers to study rents and inspect apartments. He said, before this happened, commissioners had been trying for months to talk to council about their concerns. “We’re supposed to trust, partner, and work with them,” said Scott. “But when we reached out with frustrations that could’ve been addressed . . .” Ducharme attempted to interject and was cut off by Scott. “This isn’t your time to speak. If you would like to schedule a special meeting, we can schedule a special meeting.” “Well, sir . . .” responded Ducharme. “You can say sir all you want,” said Scott, “but this is the Minimum Housing Standards Commission, and one thing you’re not going to do is interrupt our reflection time.” After Ducharme again attempted to speak, Scott said, “You get to speak when we call you. If we don’t call on you, it’s like a city council meeting; they get to talk when they get to talk.” “I sit routinely with other boards,” said Ducharme, “and offer up advice throughout the meeting.” “When this commission needs your advice,” said Scott, “we will reach out.” This was during the portion of the agenda labeled “Commissioner Discussion/Reflection.” According to Vice Chair Samuel Hawkins, “this is when we discuss things among ourselves, and staff does not interject unless addressed.” Former commissioners Tracy Furman, Andrew Young, and Que Brown allege that, at previous meetings, city attorneys have tried to stop commissioners from discussing what Furman called “things they didn’t want us to talk about,” such as more code enforcement against slumlords and supporting the N.C. attorney general’s lawsuits against companies that enable them. On Nov. 20, Cubbage sent an email formally requesting Abuzuaiter speak to Scott “about his decorum.” As the

Marikay Abuzuaiter

Lora Cubbage council member who appointed Scott, Abuzuaiter had the authority to remove him. “Mr. Franklin (not sure if that is his last or first name),” wrote Cubbage, “continues to be just outright rude, talks at the attorney and then does not want to give them the opportunity to speak.” According to Scott, Cubbage introduced herself to him at an earlier meeting. “She said she wasn’t offended by anything we said, was looking forward to working with us, and respected that we were trying to keep order in our meeting.” At the Dec. 16 council meeting, Abuzuaiter called for a vote to remove Scott from the MHSC for “having expressed to staff in a very disrespectful tone.” After a question from District 2’s Cecile Crawford, which was inaudible on

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Brent Durcharme

Franklin Scott the meeting video, District 5’s Tammi Thurm seconded the motion, and council voted unanimously to dismiss him. At the Dec. 17 MHSC meeting, multiple commissioners expressed dismay at not having been informed of Scott’s removal. Omar Jones, whom District 5’s Tammi Thurm appointed in September, described waking up to “four different emails from news outlets asking me about the dismissal of Mr. Scott. I would prefer to have heard about it from city staff, so I can be prepared to avoid past mistakes. I would like to know what the procedure is so we can stay within the balance of what we have signed up to do. It’s very important for me to know what is allowed and what is not allowed. I would like more information on Mr. Scott’s removal.” Commissioner Moussa Issifou agreed. “Which of us are you going to remove next? We need to be informed on why Commissioner Scott is not here.” Rather than explaining Scott’s absence, Ducharme rejected Vice Chair Hawkins’ suggestion of a motion requirWWW.YESWEEKLY.COM

ing staff to inform commissioners of removals. “That sounds like something that would be beyond the purview of this body. Appointments and removals are a matter for city council.” Ducharme also said “that would be beyond the purview of this body” after Hawkins asked if MHSC was allowed to draft resolutions and send them to city council for consideration. Commissioner Bill Furlow expressed disagreement with Scott’s removal. “I would not have handled the meeting the way Chairman Scott did, but did not see anything warranting his removal from this commission.” He then referred to Abuzuaiter, who had been in the audience at the beginning of the meeting. “I am sorry that the mayor has left, and I hope that will get back to her.” Furlow then made the following statement: “Commissioners and city council members and mayors come and go, but this problem of people living in substandard housing remains. I urge the mayor and city council to review the charter of this body and the practices of the city and staff, and say how can we give this commission the authority that it needs to do something that actually affects minimum housing standards. We do very little that changes the standard of housing for any individual. We need to play an important role in helping the city to protect residents from property owners and landlords who are abusive and squeeze tenants out. Give us some meaningful role.” In an October interview, Scott and Hawkins said they anticipated retaliation for going public about their objections to the city’s efforts to remove the MHSC’s power to study rents and inspect apartments. Asked about his removal, Scott stated, “I don’t believe I was disrespectful at all. I was firm and direct.” Issifou agreed with this description. Hawkins called Scott’s removal retaliation for speaking to the press. He also noted the Dec. 17 agenda no longer included a section for “Commissioner Discussion/Reflection.” “They also took away our time to talk among ourselves.” ! IAN MCDOWELL is an award-winning author and journalist whose book I Ain’t Resisting: the City of Greensboro and the Killing of Marcus Smith was published in September of 2023 by Scuppernong Editions. DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2026

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leisure [WEEKLY SUDOKU]

[KING CROSSWORD] CORNER TO CORNER

ACROSS 1 5 9 15 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 27 29 31 32 34 38 39 41 43 48 49 51 52 53 55 58 62 64 65 66 68 69 70

Fishhook end Neophyte Negate “Kapow!” “— Ben Adhem” (Leigh Hunt poem) Whole bunch Opposed (to) Nevada city on I-80 Mild-flavored lettuce Dawn’s direction Common corsage flower 2019 buddy-cop actioncomedy film Leaning Tower city Co-avenger with Electra Wooden shoe Bestow Feedbag grain Jaguar, e.g. “It’s not — deal” Guy who helps people get out of jail Attila the — “I pass,” in cards Bic — Stic Add up to March 15, e.g. Emperor before Caligula In the direction of Unsafe Convent VIP Quilt, e.g. Small bouquets Monkey in Aladdin Die-hard devotees What this puzzle’s solver does when filling in the upper-left to lower-right diagonal? 8-11 p.m., TV-wise

78 Exec’s deg. 79 Tattle 84 Old Russian revolutionary 85 German for the verb “love” 88 Sheer fabric 89 States of oneness 90 Filename display area 92 Not far at all 93 GQ or Us 94 Send forth 96 Some pinschers, for short 98 Completed 99 Male sibling by birth 105 Asian fusion restaurant chain 106 Taxing org. 107 French body of water 108 Like an ode 110 Marjanovic of the Rockets 112 Memory loss 116 Like eyesores 118 Citigroup alternative 121 Item for surfing on one’s stomach 125 Work for 127 Impose — on (forbid) 128 Arm bone 129 Princess Beatrice’s mom 130 Ran away 131 1967 Peter Sellers film, with “The” 132 Casual tops 133 Brines, e.g. 134 Lays (down) 135 Spin — (do like SpiderMan)

DOWN 1

Streisand, to friends

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 26 28 30 33 35 36 37 39 40 42 44 45 46 47 50 54 56 57 59 60 61 63

Slightly Vigorous quality — Gump Shrimp Company Mechanical-looking dance Pro vote Rub roughly Sight-related Beach hut Selma director DuVernay Lincoln loc. Boohoo Canadian gas choice NBA star James Twists to pull free Sun output Poker cost Hardness scale inventor Take in a novel, e.g. Abba of Israel Boohoo Leg bone Popular office plant Building wings Hitting stat Bird sound Video’s counterpart Last name of the Bee Gees Eight-armed creatures The second Mrs. Trump Actress Eve Bird homes Cheapen Enjoy a slope McEntire of country Lead-in to a proposal Bake-off needs “As if that — enough ...” Pooch sound Aden citizen

65 67 69 71 72 73

— -de-sac Composer Erik Ocean floor Mouth or face, slangily Rescue squad VIP Upscale Swiss watch brand 74 — tuckered out 75 Of kidneys 76 The Princess Bride character Montoya 77 The Engineers’ sch. 80 It’s charged 81 Knotted like shoelaces 82 Huxtable mom on TV 83 Goat groups 85 Limber 86 Black, in verse 87 Honcho 90 Mambo king Puente 91 Ricochets 95 Janitorial tool 97 Deli heroes 100 Last Greek letters 101 Actor Arnaz 102 Court filings 103 Pianists’ exercises 104 Road semi 109 Staff symbols 111 Addis —, Ethiopia 112 Be up against 113 Yard pest 114 Not any 115 Aid in crime 117 New Haven university 119 Local theater, i nformally 120 Door handle 122 Iron — 123 Iron — 124 Tear 126 No longer in the mil., e.g.

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DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 6, 2026

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STARS] last call [SALOME’S Week of January 5, 2026

[TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A posi-

tive attitude helps you weather annoying but unavoidable changes in plans. Aspects favor new friendships and reinforcement of existing relationships.

[SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Pace yourself in meeting workplace pressures and demands to avoid winding up with a frayed temper and a Scorpian stinger that lashes out at puzzled kith, kin and colleagues. [SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to

[GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) The demands on your energy levels could be much higher than usual as you get back into routines after the holiday. Be sure to pace yourself. Friends and family will be happy to help.

December 21) A financial matter requires close attention. Also, news from a trusted source provides the means to help sort out a long-standing state of confusion and put it into perspective.

[CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t allow a suddenly icy reaction from a friend or family member to continue without learning what caused it -- and what can be done to restore this once warm and caring relationship.

January 19) This is a good time to reinforce family ties. Make it a priority to assess and resolve all outstanding problems. Start the new year with a full measure of love.

[LEO (July 23 to August 22) A relation-

[VIRGO (August 23 to September 22)

[PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A former friend might be trying to heal the breach between you by using a mutual friend as an intermediary. Best advice: Keep an open mind despite any lingering bad feelings.

New facts emerge that not only help explain the recent rift with a trusted colleague but might also provide a chance to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start in your friendship.

[LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) A family member’s personal situation

answers [CROSSWORD] crossword on previous page

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[6. TELEVISION: What’s the name of

[2. SLOGANS: Which company uses the

[7. MUSIC: Which pop singer refers to

[3. MOVIES: Which actor plays himself

[8. ANATOMY: Where is the deltoid

[4. HISTORY: Which U.S. president

[9. FOOD & DRINK: What is the primary

lies between Ukraine and Russia?

advertising slogan “Think Different?” in the movie “Zombieland?”

authorized the Indian Removal Act, which forcibly relocated Native Americans?

[5. BIOLOGY: How do plants take in oxygen and carbon dioxide?

[WEEKLY SUDOKU] sudoku on previous page

the bar in “The Simpsons?”

her fans as “little monsters”? muscle in the human body?

ingredient in the Greek dish moussaka?

[10. LITERATURE: Who wrote the children’s book “Where the Wild Things Are?”

answer

[CAPRICORN (December 22 to

[AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Don’t be pressured into a so-called solidgold investment. Wait until all the holiday distractions are officially over. Then take a harder look at it. You might find that the “gold” is starting to flake off.

ship seems to be unraveling, mostly from a lack of attention. It might be a good idea to ease up on whatever else you’re doing so that you can spend more time working to mend it.

[1. GEOGRAPHY: What body of water

6. Moe’s Tavern. 7. Lady Gaga. 8. Shoulder. 9. Eggplant. 10. Maurice Sendak.

Lamb. Don’t let your generous nature lead to some serious overspending. Meanwhile, your social life kicks off into high gear by the week’s end.

is, fortunately, resolved in time for you to get back into your hectic round of holiday preparations. An old friend might bring a new friend into your life.

by Fifi Rodriguez

1. Sea of Azov. 2. Apple. 3. Bill Murray. 4. Andrew Jackson. 5. Tiny pores on the underside of leaves called stomata.

[ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Careful,

[TRIVIA TEST]

Tr asure

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Side by Side with Nido Qu bein is a series of in- depth, 30 -minute conversations with leaders, stor y tellers, and influential voices shaping Nor th Carolina and beyond. Hosted by internationally known author, business consul tant , and High Point University President Nido Qubein, each episode dives beneath the surface to reveal insights and inspiration from each special guest . Featuring timeless and topical themes, the program airs year-round on PBS Nor th Carolina.

H OW MANY OF THESE INTRIGUING INTERVIEWS HAVE YOU SEEN?

Bubba Cunningham

Louise Brady

Byron Pitts

Steve Wozniak

Marc Randolph

Craig Keilitz

UNC Director of Athletics

Managing Partner, Co-Founder at Piedmont Capital Investments

Journalist

Apple Co-founder and Tech Entrepreneur

Netflix Co-Founder and Tech Entrepreneur

Executive Director of the American Baseball Coaches Association

WATC H TU E S DAYS AT 7 P. M . O R O N D E MAND video.pbsnc .org and the PBS app

S U PP O RT E D BY