Karla Ennis is a caregiver, a traveler and an educator. All these roles come together in her position as the new community health nurse for Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Karla Ennis

Since April 1, Ennis has been working to educate area residents about various health issues, including healthy living and disease prevention, through presentations and events.

Already more than three months in, she’s enjoying her involvement in the community.

“I think my favorite part has been making connections and getting to know individuals,” Ennis said.

Ennis has made these connections by traveling the community, working with everyone from a Boy Scout troop to visitors at the Monroe Aquatic Center. She also has been involved with schools and churches and is helping to launch a congregational health program focusing on “body, mind and spirit.”

Ennis also is involved with the Medical Explorers program, which invites area high school students into the hospital and gives them hands-on opportunities in different aspects of health care. The program is designed to foster interest in health professions while helping students make informed career choices.

Although Ennis is now helping to inspire future generations to pursue her field, nursing is her second career.

She began a career in fashion merchandising but knew she wanted to be a nurse after her son, now 22, was born. Ennis went to nursing school and began working in labor and delivery at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. She eventually left Novant Health to work in public schools as a health science educator.

By returning to Novant Health Matthews Medical Center as community health nurse, Ennis is able to fuse her passions of care giving and teaching, she said.

Ennis also is a member of Community Health Alliance, which is a partnership between community leaders, physicians and hospital administrators. Through community involvement, the alliance works to improve the cost and quality of health care so that more people can obtain access to health services.

But her commitment to education doesn’t stop with her job.

Ennis is currently working on her master’s in nursing education degree with a certification in community health nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She expects to graduate in December.

Ennis also enjoys the diversity of topics she discusses with residents, including targeting obesity in schools and educating adults about signs of stroke.

“It’s never boring,” Ennis said, laughing.

Eileen Ciotti, the nursing manager who hired Ennis, has been impressed with the way Ennis has tackled the new role.

When working to fill the position, the hospital wanted someone who could connect with anyone in the community, from children to seniors. It was important to have “a person on the other end that (residents) feel comfortable asking their questions to,” Ciotti said.

Ennis has been just that person, Ciotti said, adding she has jumped in “with both feet.”

During Ennis’ job interview, Ciotti said, “she was enthusiastic, she was excited … and that’s what you need.”

Ciotti is confident Ennis will keep finding ways she can reach out to members of the community.

“She’s been a perfect fit,” Ciotti said, “and we feel very fortunate to have her.”

Meet the community nurse

To schedule a presentation with Novant’s area community health nurse for your church or organization, call Karla Ennis at 704-384-3557.

Residents attending the Matthews Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday, June 10, may have felt a smidgen of déjà vu.

At the meeting, commissioners again voted against a motion to widen South Trade Street to a four-lane road from Fullwood Lane to the intersection of Pleasant Plains and Weddington roads. The board is expected to discuss alternatives to the project in a work session, likely to be held Monday, June 17.

Commissioner Jeff Miller made a motion to approve the $7.7-million project, with Mayor Jim Taylor and Commissioner Nancy Moore joining him with votes in support of the project. Commissioners John Urban, Suzanne Gulley and Kress Query and Mayor Pro Tem Paul Bailey voted against the project.

The motion and vote were identical to last month’s decision, where Miller, Taylor and Moore voted for the full project and Urban, Gulley, Query and Bailey voted against it. According to Town Attorney Charles Buckley, commissioners could legally choose to revote on the same motion at every subsequent meeting.

The motion was not without discussion, as commissioners spent more than an hour mulling over their reasons for supporting or opposing the project.

Those in favor of the project cite the results of engineering studies conducted on the corridor as a reason for supporting the project. Matthews has spent nearly $1 million on multiple studies which have claimed widening the corridor would relieve traffic woes for drivers and subdivisions.

“It’s not a matter of build it if they will come,” Moore, a Brightmoor resident, said. “It’s a matter of they’re already here … I’m hoping we have the foresight to look into the future to see what traffic is going to be 20 years from now, but the reality of it is we have to deal with what we’re facing daily.”

Miller agreed.

“We can blame (the traffic) on citizens of Union County and (say) they’re not going to be paying the taxes, but these people are our neighbors, as well, just like other people down the street or behind this in another development,” he said. “… I urge you to find another project that would benefit 25 to 30 neighborhoods.”

Last month, Public Works Director Ralph Messera and representatives from Kimley-Horn and Associates presented a cheaper alternative project that would widen South Trade from Fullwood Lane to the Chesney Glen/Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association intersection. The project would likely cost about $5.2 million, they said.

Taylor spoke in favor of the alternative project, saying it could possibly be a “phase one” if the town is able to secure state funds to pay for the remainder of the $7.7-million project, which he said is something he’s trying to make happen.

Mayor Pro Tem Paul Bailey criticized Taylor’s approach, claiming the $5.2-million project wasn’t a true compromise.

“The modified plan is not a solution,” Bailey said. “… I’m not going to compromise on the modified plan with a phase two coming, and that’s what I’ve heard, and that just doesn’t make any sense. Let’s get a modified plan that’s a real modified plan.”

Despite his reservations, Bailey said something needs to be done to alleviate traffic along South Trade and asked to see more detailed plans outlining the alternative project before he’ll consider supporting it.

In 2004, voters passed $10.5 million worth of parks and street bonds – $5 million for parks and $5.5 million for streets. Although the bonds weren’t attached to any specific project, widening South Trade Street was listed as a possibility, Moore said.

“I feel that we are totally doing a disservice to the voters” if the project isn’t approved, she said.

Commissioners opposing the motion have cited a number of reasons why they’re against the project – a potential 2-cent tax increase, the fact that South Trade is a state-maintained road and the desire to use the town’s money to benefit other areas in Matthews.

The board agreed to discuss the project in a work session sometime next week, likely June 17, and hope to leave the meeting with a more concrete idea of the steps they believe the town should take.

“As much as I hate to defer this and postpone this, I do see there might be an opportunity to come to a resolution in the end and a solution,” Taylor said.

What do you think?

Do you think South Trade Street needs to be widened? Share your thoughts on the proposed project in 400 words or less, and we’ll publish it as a Letter to the Editor. Email your letter to news@matthews
minthillweekly.com and include your name, the town/city where you live and phone number.

Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly does not publish anonymous letters.

Matthews police say they have identified everyone involved in the Friday, June 7, shooting death of a Matthews man.

It’s the first homicide in Matthews since 2006, Police Cpl. Lori Valdes said.

Christian Brett Gaddis, 23, was shot outside his home in the 4700 block of Forestmont Drive at about 8:30 p.m. in the Eastwood Forest neighborhood. He died en route to the hospital, Valdes said.

The homicide investigation is ongoing and no charges have been filed, she said. Valdes said police couldn’t release any details about the crime because the investigation is still active. Valdes said police don’t believe the shooting was random.

Gaddis, a Monroe native, died less than a week after his 23rd birthday, according to his webpage on the Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services website.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 12, at Heritage Funeral Home’s Indian Trail Chapel.

Friends and family posted condolences online this week, including this comment from Denise Helms: “My prayers go out to Brett’s family. Praying God gives them comfort.” Another poster, only identifying themselves as Tonia, said “The price to pay for having someone special touch your life is the sadness you feel when they’re gone. Even though it cost me tears, the memories were a bargain.”

To post a message, visit www.heritagefuneral.net/obituaries/Christian-Gaddis.

Dine out for charity
Four Matthews restaurants will participate in the 14th annual Dine Out For Kids Tuesday, June 18, to raise money for Communities In Schools of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Applebee’s, 9616 E. Independence Blvd., Five Guys Burgers and Fries, 3335 Siskey Pkwy., suite 400,  and 1605 Galleria Blvd., suite 100 and McAlister’s Deli, 2217 Matthews Township Pkwy., all will donate a portion of the day’s gross sales to Communities In Schools. This year’s event features more than 75 restaurant locations, according to a news release.
Communities In Schools works with at-risk students empowering them to stay in school. CIS currently provides services to 6,800 students annually in 45 Charlotte-Mecklenburg public schools. Last year, 99 percent of students enrolled in the program stayed in school, according to the release.
For more information about Dine Out for Kids, including a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.cischarlotte.org.

Matthews Chamber hosts ribbon-cutting ceremonies
The Matthews Chamber of Commerce will host two ribbon-cutting ceremonies this week.
From 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 14, area residents are invited to attend a ceremony and grand opening celebration at FTF Fitness & Self Defense, formerly Charlotte Krav Maga, at 9219-135 Monroe Road, in Charlotte. Participants will be able to see the business’ newly-expanded space.
From 5 to 6 p.m.Tuesday, June 18, the chamber will host the ceremony and grand opening for Vintage Vixens Venue, 131 Matthews Station St., suite 1-E, in downtown Matthews. The consignment shop sells men’s and women’s clothing, jewelry, clothing, home décor and more.
Both events are free, but advanced registration is encouraged.
To register, visit www.matthewschamber.com or call 704-847-3649.

JCPenney helping Big Brothers Big Sisters
Through the end of June, JCPenney customers can support the volunteer-supported mentoring network Big Brothers Big Sisters by rounding-up purchases  to the nearest dollar both in-store and online.
JCPenney also will donate $1 for every $50 gift card sold in June, up to $50,000, giving Big Brothers Big Sisters an opportunity to receive additional funding, according to a news release. The clothing brand Haggar also will support Big Brothers Big Sisters by running an in-store campaign in all JCPenney locations through June 30.  For any pair of Haggar pants purchased, Haggar will donate $1 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, with a contribution of up to $50,000. Customers also will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a trip to the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend in Canton, Ohio, according to the release.
JCPenney has a location in Matthews at 10101 E. Independence Blvd. in the Windsor Square shopping center.
For more information, visit www.jcp.com.

Police captain retires after 29 years of service
Matthews Police Captain Garland Amos will retire later this month after 29 years of service as a police officer.
Amos – who “never wanted to be anything but a police officer”– served as a police officer in both High Point and Matthews, according to a news release. Amos comes from a family full of law enforcement officers, with family members having served as U.S. Marshals, FBI and NCIS agents.
Following a stint as a Winn Dixie employee, Amos began working as a patrol officer in 1972. He then moved on to technical investigations, where he learned to conduct polygraph tests, and also worked as a detective.
Amos returned to work as a patrol officer in 1992 when he joined the Matthews Police Department. He was promoted to sergeant in 1995, captain of patrol in 1997 and captain of support services in 2005, where he currently oversees 9-1-1 dispatchers, animal control, officer training, vehicle maintenance and school resource officers.
“The department is my family. Over the years I have been able to watch staff marry, have children and just this weekend I went to the graduation of one of the dispatcher’s children,” he said in the release.
Amos plans to take some time off and eventually return to work part-time as a 9-1-1 dispatcher, according to the release. He also intends to return to school for Biblical studies and spend some time with his “real” family – his wife, Patty, three daughters, one son and seven
grandchildren.

Matthews to buy Campus Ridge land
The Matthews Board of Commissioners approved Monday, June 10, a procedure that will allow the town to begin purchasing right of way for the Campus Ridge Road relocation project.
The procedure is modeled after Charlotte’s right-of-way acquisition policy, according to a memo from Public Works Director Ralph Messera. Town Manager Hazen Blodgett will be authorized to approve payments for easements and sign necessary documents when the right of way compensation is $10,000 or
less.
In cases where the compensation is more than $10,000, or in the event or condemnation or other title issues, the transaction will be presented to town commissioners for consideration, according to the memo.
Town Attorney Charles Buckley will handle the closing or court proceedings, and Blodgett must provide a monthly summary of payments and easements settled until all easements are required.
Earlier this year, Matthews established a $3 million capital project budget ordinance to cover the planned Campus Ridge Road relocation project. The North Carolina Department of Transportation will provide $2.4 million – or 80 percent – of the funds, and $600,000 will be drawn from the town’s capital improvement fund. Of the $3 million, $1 million will go toward right of way acquisition and $2 million will cover construction costs, according to the memo.
Matthews budget vote deferred to June 24
The Matthews Board of Commissioners voted Monday, June 10, to defer a vote on the 2013-14 fiscal year’s budget to June 24.
The board was expected to vote on the budget Monday evening, but commissioners voted 6-1 to wait two weeks to adopt the budget, at the request of Commissioner Kress Query. Commissioner Jeff Miller voted against the deferral.
Query, who’s been a vocal advocate against tax increases, said he wanted more time to mull over the future of South Trade Street before approving a tax increase for the 2013-14 budget. If approved, the widening of South Trade Street could generate a tax increase as high as an additional 2 cents per $100 of taxable property, Query said.
Town commissioners didn’t discuss budget details, but Miller mentioned in his initial motion to adopt the 2013-14 budget, the proposed budget would have a 1.5-cent tax increase. Town Manager Hazen Blodgett’s original proposal called for a 2-cent tax increase and doubling the vehicle tag fee from $15 to $30.
The board plans to discuss the budget further at a special work session, expected to take place June 17.
Mint Hill commissioners were expected to vote on the 2013-14 budget Thursday, June 13, after Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly’s press deadline. Mint Hill is not proposing tax or fee increases.

Taller antennas coming to Matthews?
Matthews could soon allow higher telecommunications towers in residential districts.
The Charlotte-based Berkley Group submitted a zoning application late last month to change regulations and allow taller antennas to be placed on towers and supporting structures in the residential areas.
According to the application, the height limit for towers in residential districts is 80 feet, and that height could be increased up to an additional 40 feet at the time of the initial construction with the approval of the town’s zoning board.
A public hearing is set for July 8 at the 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners meeting.

Matthews adopts beer-brewing ordinance
Matthews has a new policy on the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages.
Commissioners voted Monday, June 10, to approve a new ordinance that will allow the manufacturing of alcoholic beverages within industrial districts. The new ordinance states the manufacturing of alcohol within a building of 5,000 square feet or greater is only allowed in I-2 districts.
Commissioners also approved allowing microbreweries and brewpubs to be established in business districts, the historic urban core district and industrial districts. The board also approved new definitions clarifying microbreweries, brewpubs, large breweries and tap rooms.
According to the text, microbreweries are establishments where beer and malt beverages are made, sold and distributed on the premises and must produce less than 15,000 barrels – or 465,000 gallons – of beer per year. Large breweries have an annual production rate of more than 15,000 barrels of beer per year.
According to the text, brewpubs are establishments where beer and malt beverages are made on the premises in conjunction with a restaurant or bar and 40 percent of the beverages are sold on site. Tap rooms are rooms that accompany brewpubs, microbreweries and large breweries, where the public can purchase and consume only the beer sold on site.

Matthews OKs downtown murals
Matthews residents may soon see murals on buildings in the downtown area.
The Matthews Board of Commissioners voted Monday, June 10, to allow murals to be placed on buildings within the downtown overlay district.
Town staff is currently working on a mural policy that will give more specific regulations regarding where the murals can be placed and what they will look like.
According to proposed plans, artists who want to create a mural would have to submit their design to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for approval. Commissioner John Urban said at the meeting he’d like to see a policy that includes the Appearance/Tree Advisory Committee as a body that also regulates murals.
According to the proposal, all murals would have to fit with the surrounding buildings, exhibit “exceptional design quality,” contain no offensive language and include an anti-graffiti coating. The property owner would be responsible for maintaining the mural.

Matthews hosts development workshop
Area residents are invited to attend a June 18 discussion on “the true costs and benefits of development choices” in Matthews.
Joe Minicozzi, principal of the Asheville-based consulting firm Urban 3, will lead a discussion from 7 to 9 p.m. at Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St. The event is free and open to the public.
Participants will “talk about how choices we make now about land development have a long lasting economic impact on our community,” according to the release. Minicozzi will share specific Matthews examples during the presentation and include information about how Matthews can “overcome misconceptions about efficient downtown development and make wise investments,” the release said.
Minicozzi specializes in land value economics, property tax analysis and community design. His work has been featured at the Congress for New Urbanism, the American Planning Association, the International Association of Assessing Officers and New Partners for Smart Growth conferences. He received his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Miami and masters in architecture and urban design from Harvard University, according to the release.

County hosts free senior book club
The Mecklenburg County Senior Nutrition Program will host a summer book club in Mint Hill.
The free program is open to area seniors and features a reading list of local artists and stories based in the Carolinas.  The club will meet at 11 a.m. the last Monday of the month from June to September, starting June 24, at Philadelphia Presbyterian Church’s Bigham Hall, 11501 Bain School Road.
The program will begin with a discussion of “SOS: A Peri Mason Mystery Novel” by Barbara Arntesen. An optional lunch after the meal is $5 per person, but advanced registration and payment are required.
Other club dates/titles include:
July  29: “An Independent People” by Harry Watson
Aug. 26: “The Dry Grass of August” by Anna Jean Mayhew
Sept. 30: “Justice Betrayed” by Daniel Bailey
To register, call 704-573-2490 or email michelle.hitselberger@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Robot used to probe mailbox ‘bomb’
Diners at several Windsor Square eateries in Matthews were evacuated Sunday, June 9 while police investigated smoke coming from a mailbox in the shopping center parking lot.
According to Cpl. Lori Valdes, a witness called police at about 6 p.m. after noticing a man toss what appeared to be a cigarette or lighter into a U.S. Postal Service mailbox near the Monterrey Mexican Restaurant and Outback Steakhouse off East Independence
Boulevard.
Packages inside the mailbox prompted police to evacuate that section of the shopping center and a “bomb robot” from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department was used to investigate. The item thrown into the mailbox was a smoke bomb, Valdes said.
No one was injured, she said, and police are investigating.
Anyone with information about this crime should call Matthews police at 704-847-4069.

Learn bicycle safety
The Mint Hill Police Department will host a bicycle safety event June 29 in the parking lot of Blair Road United Methodist Church, 9135 Blair
Road.
The free event, which runs from 8 to 11 a.m., will include bicycle registrations and a bicycle “rodeo” obstacle course for kids to learn bicycle safety and the rules of the road. Bicycle registration ensures that bikes can be returned if they’re ever lost or stolen.
Participants should bring their bicycle and a helmet.
For more information, call 704-545-1085.

Mint Hill offers free car seat checks
The Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department and the Mint Hill Police Department will host their monthly car seat inspection station at the fire department from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 20.
Parents are asked to bring their car seats, any instructions for the car seat and their children. The Mint Hill Volunteer Fire Department is located at 8313 Fairview Road.
June 4 to 10
Matthews

Charges/citations
June 10: Janaya Stewart, 17, of 3024 E. Independence Blvd. Larceny ($7.49 in paint at A.C. Moore), resisting arrest.
June 10: Gabrielle McCabe, 16, of 3620 Kristofer Drive, Indian Trail. Larceny ($30 in underwear at Kohl’s).
June 10: Stephen Sobolewski, 18, of 3219 Bridgemont Terrace. Possession of drug paraphernalia.
June 10: Zachary Waddell, 27, of 230 Clearbrook Road. Driving while impaired, careless and reckless driving, fleeing to elude.
June 10: Christopher Waddell, 33, of 230 Clearbrook Drive. Assault on a law enforcement officer (used profanity and spit gum on officer), resisting arrest, intoxicated and disruptive.
June 10: Jason Cadle II, 16, of 2838 Hampton Glen Court. Careless and reckless driving.
June 8: Michael Farmer, 19, of 300 Benton Woods Lane. Underage alcohol consumption.
June 8: Michael Kiker II, 23, of 4506 Morningwood Drive. Intoxicated and disruptive, failure to disperse.
June 8: James Herring, 41, of 609 Davidson St., Charlotte. Intoxicated and disruptive, failure to disperse.
June 8: David Paxton, 32, of 5121 Morningwood Drive. Intoxicated and disruptive, failure to disperse.
June 8: Alexander Sommerville, 23, of 8016 Red Lantern Road, Indian Trail. Misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
June 7: Abner Alvarado, 18, of 8102 Woodway Oak Circle. Failure to report accident.
June 7: Jonathan Cauthen, 27, of 917 Everett Place, Charlotte. Possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding (64 miles per hour in a 45-miles-per-hour zone), failure to carry a driver’s license.
June 6: David Williamson, 37, of 8838 Wandering Creek Way, Charlotte. Revoked registration, no insurance.
June 6: Vladislav Goncharov, 18, of 2204 Kings Farm Way, Indian Trail. Driving while impaired  (provisional), carrying a concealed weapon (brass knuckles).
June 6: Todd Meadows, 40, of 599 Union Road, Stallings. Sodomy/crimes against nature (having sexual relations in a vehicle at Courtyard by Marriott hotel).
June 6: Damon Benson, 25, of 1121 Crescent St., Wingate. Sodomy/crimes against nature (having sexual relations in a vehicle at Courtyard by Marriott hotel), misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed weapon (stun gun).
June 4: Thomas Riddel, 34, of 13611 Strathaven Drive. Failure to report an accident.
June 4: Daisha Forehand, 21, of 3633 Cityside Drive, Apt. 302, Charlotte. Larceny ($44 skirt at Kohl’s).

Break-ins
June 10: 1533 Woody Creek Road. Two children’s aluminum baseball bats, emergency light, pack of cigarettes, GPS unit with power chord, iPhone charging chord stolen from unlocked vehicle.
June 10: 1014 Gateshead Lane. Cupholder stolen from vehicle.
June 6: Holiday Inn Express, 9420 E. Independence Blvd. Forced entry into vehicle, causing $300 in damage to window and $300 in damage to door lock. $600 in sporting equipment, prescription medication, GPS unit stolen.
June 4: Crown Point Elementary, 3335 Sam Newell Road. Three LCD projectors, worth $400 each, $300 in camera equipment, $330 stolen. Non-forced entry.

Fraud
June 10: 14428 Pommel Lane. Power meter removed and jumpers hooked up in attempt to fraudulently gain electricity.
June 10: 8010 Woodway Oak Circle. $913.35 in Direct TV service gained fraudulently.

Thefts
June 10: Charlotte Pediatrics, 332 Sam Newell Road. Iphone stolen.
June 10: Sam’s Club, 1801 Windsor Square Drive. Cellphone stolen from rear pocket of victim.
June 9: Cycle Gear, 11328 E. Independence Blvd. Tires and wheels stolen from trailer.
June 8: 2023 Fairchelsea Way Lane. 2005 tan Chevrolet Silverado stolen.
June 8: 2224 Keziah Road. 1999 blue Honda Civic stolen.
June 6: Bed, Bath & Beyond, 10530 Northeast Pkwy. $200 stolen.
June 4: Siskey YMCA, 3127 Weddington Road. iPhone stolen from unattended bag.
June 4: Cici’s Pizza, 1804 Windsor Square Drive. $250 sunglasses stolen from table.

Vandalism
June 8: World Market, 10530 Northeast Pkwy. Truck hit tree limbs, causing $300 in damage.

Mint Hill
Charges/citations
June 9: Kim Hawkins, 49, of 2435 Blueberry Ridge Road, Matthews. Driving while impaired.
June 8: William Free, 29, of 1706 Lawyers Road West, Indian Trail. No operator’s license, careless and reckless driving, failure to report an accident.
June 8: Roberto Garcia, 30, of 602 McIntyre St., Monroe. No operator’s license, hit and run/leaving the scene of an accident.

Break-ins
June 7: 4900 Stoney Trace Drive, Apt. L. Forced entry into apartment. Nothing reported stolen.
June 6: 4409 Stoney Trace Drive, Apt. D. Two flat-screen TVs, iPad stolen. Forced entry.
June 6: 9215 Rainman Way. Microwave, washing machine, dryer, refrigerator stolen. Non-forced entry.
June 5: 10532 Old Brassle Drive. Purse, debit/credit cards, driver’s license stolen from vehicle. Forced entry.
June 5: 2729 Fox Hollow Road. Two vehicle windows broken, causing $400 in damage. Wallet, credit/debit cards, $30, wooden chest stolen.

Fraud
June 10: 5808 Versage Drive. Victim applied for loan online and was defrauded.

Thefts
June 10: 8540 Fairview Road. $200 horse saddle accessory stolen from horse stall closet.
June 5: 13137 Belle Grove Manor. Two Razor scooters stolen from front yard.
June 5: 9735 Sunway Drive. Five personal checks stolen from mailbox.
June 5: 9515 Stoney Glen Drive. 2011 blue Mitsubishi Lancer stolen.

Losing her 14-year-old daughter, Kalen, to cancer in 2008 changed Kim Frizzell’s world forever. But in spite of the pain and loss she still feels, the Matthews mom is stepping up to help make a difference for other families facing pediatric cancer.

Frizzell was one of 28 people – including several other Matthews and Mint Hill residents – who participated in CureSearch’s regional Ultimate Hike on Saturday, June 1.

The annual event – a 28.3-mile hike along the Foothills Trail in North and South Carolina – raises money for CureSearch, the national nonprofit that supports pediatric cancer research. Each participant is required to raise at least $2,500 to participate.

The hike begins at about 4:30 a.m. near Sloan Bridge at South Carolina’s Table Rock State Park and follows the Foothills Trail to Oconee State Park.

This year was the first time Frizzell participated in the hike and said it was “by far the most challenging physical experience” she’s ever tackled. She spent some time preparing for the hike by walking through Squirrel Lake Park and areas of downtown Matthews, working out to “Insanity” DVDs and completing a 12-mile hike at Crowder’s Mountain. But because she has two adolescent sons, she wasn’t able to put in as much training time as she would have liked, she said.

About four and a half miles into the hike, she injured her left knee during one of the trail’s descents. Although she said it was “excruciatingly painful,” she kept going, carrying a picture of Kalen to remind her why she was hiking.

“I thought of everything my daughter had been through, all the pain she had been through,” Frizzell said. “I didn’t care if I had to crawl across the finish line; I was going to make it there.”

Not only was the hike physically demanding, it was emotionally intense as well. May 27 marked the fifth anniversary of Kalen’s death, and her 2008 funeral was held on June 1 – the same date as the hike.

Along the trail, just before the finish line, CureSearch displays photographs of participants’ children who’ve lost their battle with cancer. When Frizzell saw Kalen’s picture, she was overcome with emotion. But though there were plenty of tears shed along the way – particularly at the finish line – Frizzell said the hike gave her the opportunity to heal like never before.

“No matter what I’m doing at the time, I can’t forget the date” of her daughter’s funeral, Frizzell said. “I can’t forget the significance of it. So doing this hike on Saturday, that was the first time (the date) meant something good for me. I was doing it for Kalen, and that brought a lot of healing and let me know no matter what, she’s always there. Her presence is always with me.”

For Matthews resident Amy McKelvey, who lost her daughter, Emily Rose, to cancer in 2008, the hike also was a time of healing. McKelvey participated last year for the first time and chose to return this year. However, this time was different – not only because she was “at the top of (her) game” and found the hike to be less difficult – but also because she spent more time hiking alone.

“I spent a lot of time alone this year as opposed to last year,” McKelvey said. “It gave more time to reflect on why I was there, why I was doing what I was doing… It was probably healing for me.”

Susie Alpert, a dental hygienist at Mint Hill Dentistry, also participated at the urging of Dr. Earle Sullivan, one of the dentists at the practice. Although Alpert doesn’t have a child who’s battled cancer, the mere thought of losing a child to the disease, along with her spirit that’s “always trying to help people,” drove her to participate, she said.

“I’m 53 years old, there’s not one athletic bone in my body, but I just said, ‘You know what? I’m gonna do it,’” Alpert said.

She added she also was driven after learning 1 in 6 children diagnosed with cancer don’t survive.

“I don’t want anybody to have that experience” of losing a child, she said. “If there’s something I can do to change those odds, I’m gonna do it.”

For more information on how you can help fight pediatric cancer, go to www.curesearch.org.

Wingate University began saying goodbye this week to Matthews, as the school announced it will move programs and classes from the town to a massive corporate park off Interstate 485 in Charlotte’s Ballantyne community.

The university also has abandoned plans to build a new campus off East John Street near Interstate 485 as part of the planned Wingate Commons, a mixed-use, 63-acre development, Jeff Atkinson, director of marketing and communications for the school, said. The school had purchased 9 acres for the new campus. It was unclear by press time if the property has already been sold.

The university’s move comes down to parking, space and “a package that, quite frankly, we couldn’t pass up,” according to Dr. Robert Supernaw, vice president of graduate and professional programs, who spoke on behalf of the Union County-based school at the announcement Wednesday, June 5, outside the Ballantyne Corporate Park. Matthews programs, including some 600 students and all the faculty and staff that goes with them, include masters of business administration, graduate programs in sports management and education, an undergraduate program for working adults and other professional and continuing education programs, according to a news release.  The university’s main campus sits about 20 miles away in Wingate.

The Matthews campus, 110 Matthews Station St., will close in early August and classes in Ballantyne will begin Aug. 26, Jeff Atkinson, director of marketing and communications for the school, said. Wingate has had a campus in Matthews for 22 years and launched its masters in business administration program there in 1991, he said.

“We want to thank the citizens, the business community and the leaders of Matthews who have been so supportive over the last 22 years that we have been in downtown Matthews,” Atkinson said.

Staff at Wingate’s Ballantyne campus will be responsible for training the “future leaders of” public schools, universities and community colleges in the region, according to Supernaw.

The space in Ballantyne’s corporate park gives Wingate the room to grow it had sought in Matthews, as well as plenty of space for parking. It’s a conversation officials said Wednesday has been ongoing for a while.

“From instructional space to parking we’ve simply outgrown our current facilities. This location will give Wingate University room to expand,” Atkinson said, adding the school does not plan to move forward with the John Street/I-485 campus.

In December 2010, Matthews commissioners approved elevation drawings for a classroom-office building, to be built at the school’s planned campus off East John Street. Then, officials said construction would begin in fall 2013.

Charlotte-based developer Lat Purser of Lat Purser & Associates said previously the recession has forced him to wait to market the project. Wingate, though, had already purchased 9 acres by the 2010 vote. Plans for Wingate Commons call for an apartment complex, bank, restaurants and 100-bed, four-story hotel, plus room for a day care and retail and office space. Purser plans to erect a bridge, possibly stone-covered, over Four Mile Creek, which traverses the property. Preliminary sketches also contain a parking deck and walking trails.

But the project’s keystone was to be the university. Purser could not be reached by press time to comment on what the school’s decision will mean for his development.

The Ballantyne campus will take up more than 13,600 square feet, which will include 10 classrooms, administrative offices and a computer lab. It’s a good fit for the school, Wingate officials said, because of all Ballantyne has to offer – easy access to I-485, numerous restaurants, green space, a YMCA center and nearby connections to the Mecklenburg County greenway system – but also because of the networking connections available within walking distance for students.

“I can’t image there being any downside to being part of this dynamic community,” said Bob Morgan, chair of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, at Wednesday’s announcement.

The corporate park is home to 250 companies and more than 13,000 employees, and soon will welcome MetLife’s new U.S. retail business headquarters. For students in the school’s business administration program, learning in Ballantyne will give plenty of local opportunities for real-life experience.

“Wingate will definitely be an asset for our community,” Ned Curran, president of Bissell Companies, said in an email to Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. “I think Wingate’s presence will lead naturally to collaborative opportunities with area businesses.”

Wingate will move into the first floor of the Harris Building, which has more room available for expansion, as do other buildings nearby in the park. Curran said Bissell Companies is currently in negotiations for the remaining space in Harris, but did not say whether the possible tenant or tenants is tied to the school.

A proposed Mint Hill development could bring a right-in/right-out only entrance to the Mint Hill Library, additional library access from Lawyers Road and a raised pedestrian crosswalk on N.C. 51.

These are among several road changes Florida-based Stiles Corporation is suggesting as part of a planned mixed use development – called Mint Hill Commons – on about 54 acres bordered by Matthews-Mint Hill and Lawyers roads. The 65,000-square-foot retail shopping center development on about 11 acres at the front of the site, across from Jimmie’s Restaurant, would be anchored by an unnamed 49,098 square-foot grocery store. The remaining acreage is slated for single-family houses or townhouses, to be built in a second phase.

The company submitted a rezoning application this month to the town and a public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13 at town hall, 4430 Mint Hill Village Lane. Commissioners could vote on the project by July, Senior Planner John Hoard said.

The company would also need commissioner approval to include a drive-thru pharmacy for the grocery store because drive-thrus aren’t allowed in the downtown overlay district.

If approved, construction could begin as early as the first quarter of 2014 fall and the retail portion of the project could be complete within a year, Scott MacLaren, Stiles’ senior vice president of real estate investment, said this week.

MacLaren said the company can’t yet name the mystery grocer, but an announcement should be coming soon. A check of the Stiles website shows the company has done extensive work with Publix.

According to the proposal, the retail project also would include four other retail/office buildings ranging from about 2,800 square feet to 6,500 square feet. The proposed pharmacy drive-thru would be sandwiched between the 2,800-square-foot building and the grocery store to make it not visible from N.C. 51, MacLaren said. Plans also show a 1/5 acre, or about 7,000-square-foot, pocket park featuring trees and benches near Matthews-Mint Hill Road in between the retail buildings. An eight-acre wooded area toward the back of the site will be undisturbed, according to the proposal. Stiles doesn’t know yet how a 1.19-acre parcel at the intersection of Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Hawthorne Drive will be developed, but the firm wants to maintain control of the land, MacLaren said previously.

Access to the retail center would be possible two ways off Matthews-Mint Hill Road and through one driveway off Lawyers Road, according to the proposal. Draft plans show the extension of the existing Brighton Park Drive with a concrete median installed in front of Evans Road, forcing a right-in/right-out only into the Mint Hill Library. The proposal also calls for the construction of a rear driveway to give library patrons and shoppers access to Lawyers Road.

The median, which will be landscaped and include a raised pedestrian crosswalk, is part of a state long-term plan for the road, MacLaren said.

This week, Stiles received the results of a traffic study being conducted for the project, which touches Farmwood East. The company is still reviewing the study, but MacLaren said if it calls for a traffic signal at Brighton Park Drive and N.C. 51 they would pay to have one installed when the retail portion is built in Phase I.

“It may, at full build-out, trigger the traffic signal (at Brighton Park Drive) and if that’s the case, we would go ahead and build (the traffic signal) up front,” he said. “We are on board to do that if warranted by the (NC)DOT.”

All road changes would have to be approved by the N.C. Department of Transportation and an easement agreement still needs to be approved to add an additional access point to the library.

Library staff supports the project, which will include directional signs alerting patrons to the road changes and new library access points.

“Our stance is as long as we can provide safe and easy access for our patrons we’re excited about any opportunity that is going to bring businesses to the community and boost the local economy,” said Mark Engelbrecht, Mint Hill Library manager.

Last month’s vote by the North Carolina Environment Management Committee to allow the transfer of CMUD water to the Goose Creek Basin, will allow Stiles to develop 35 additional acres as residential property, MacLaren said. The acreage was blocked by a moratorium on development in the Goose Creek watershed.

What do you think?

Share your thoughts on the proposed Mint Hill Commons plans by emailing kara@matthewsminthillweekly.com. Provide your full name and the town where you live and we’ll publish your thoughts as a Letter to the Editor.

Letters are limited to 400 words. Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly does not publish anonymous Letters.

Mint Hill search yields counterfeit goods
A vehicle search in Mint Hill Tuesday, June 4 to look for drugs also yielded counterfeit goods, according to a police report.
A Mint Hill officer got consent to search a vehicle in the parking lot of 7 Eleven, 4300 Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road, and found a counterfeit pair of Beats by Dre headphones and a counterfeit pair of Beats by Dre ear buds, Lt. John Rowell said. Police also found a small amount of marijuana inside the vehicle. Police seized the items along with $1,625.50 and a Samsung Galaxy Smartphone, according to the report.
Marcus Stanley, 38, of 6106 Meadow Rose Lane, in Charlotte, was charged with criminal use of a counterfeit trademark, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and resisting arrest.

Pineville to dispatch for Mint Hill police
The Pineville Police Department will begin providing dispatch services for the Mint Hill Police Department on July 1.
The two police departments have signed a five-year agreement that is expected to save Mint Hill an estimated $30,000 in 2013-14, Mint Hill Town Manager Brian Welch said previously.
According to the agreement, Mint Hill will pay Pineville $100,000 in the 2013-14 fiscal year with a 7 percent increase each following year. The increases are intended to cover ongoing dispatch maintenance costs, Pineville Police Chief Rob Merchant said.
Pineville provided dispatch service for Mint Hill from 2007 to 2011. The town switched to Matthews to save money, but Pineville has now offered a lower rate than Matthews.
“We’re excited to have that partnership again with Mint Hill,” Merchant said. “We think we gave them a pretty good service.”
Pineville currently has eight full-time dispatchers with at least two working each shift. The return of Mint Hill will mean the hiring of one part-time dispatcher to help cover calls during the departments’ busiest hours: Noon to midnight, Monday to Friday, Merchant said.

Mint Hill man sentenced in Charlotte armed robbery
A 23-year-old Mint Hill man was sentenced in federal court Tuesday, June 4 for his role in the 2011 armed robbery of a pawn shop on Central Avenue in Charlotte, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Western District of North Carolina office.
James Powell, IV, was sentenced to 162 months in prison and three years of court supervision. Demontrez Lamont Dobie, 22, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 91 months in prison and three years of court supervision for his role in the crime.
According to the release, Powell and Dobie robbed the Central Avenue Jewelry and Pawn on June 30, 2011. The men, who wore wigs and sun glasses during the robbery, entered the pawnshop carrying two suit cases. As Powell approached the counter, he pulled out a .380 caliber handgun and pointed it at the chest of one of the store employees, according to the release. Powell and Dobie put the store’s two employees on the floor, and Dobie tied up the victims with shoe strings. While one of the victims was tied, Powell pistol whipped the victim in the head, according to the release, and Dobie struck the same victim in the ribs.
Powell took cell phones and electronics belonging to the pawn shop and put them in the suitcases, according to the release. As police officers were responding to the scene, Powell and Dobie abandoned the suitcases, and, still armed, ran out the back door of the pawn shop. Officers apprehended Powell and Dobie soon after.
Powell pleaded guilty in August 2012 to conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by threat or violence, Hobbes Act robbery and aiding and abetting, possession of firearm by felon and possession and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and aiding and abetting.
Federal sentences are served without the possibility of parole.
May 28 to June 3
Matthews

Charges/citations
June 2: Rodrigo Cruz, 31, of 1005 Master Gunner Court, Indian Trail. Driving while impaired.
June 1: David Satterfield, 45, of 1006 Lightwood Drive. Warrant (communicating threats).
June 1: Bernabel Rebollar, 35, of 10521 Paces Ave., Apt. 1121. Driving while impaired, no operator’s license.
June 1: Joshua Green, 18, of 921 Glenshannon Road. Warrant (communicating threats).
May 31: McHamed Hafez, 34, of 10521 Paces Ave., Apt. 1125. Possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
May 29: Jazzlyn Roary, 21, of 617 Matthews Chapel Road. Fictitious registration, no insurance, no inspection, failure to change license.
May 29: Resa Washington, 19, of 725 Seigle Ave., Apt. 102, Charlotte. Prescription fraud (at Walgreens, 1220 Matthews Township Pkwy.).
May 28: Jessie Austero, 17, of 3213 Crescent Knoll Drive. Possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana.

Break-ins
June 1: 9211 E. Independence Blvd. $40,000 in clothing, blank checks, Social Security card stolen. Non-forced entry.
May 30: Showmars, 9704 E. Independence Blvd. Vehicle window broken, causing $150 in damage. Computer, briefcase, spiral binder stolen.
May 28: Mechanical Supply, 1001 Crews Road. Forced entry. Copper piping, box truck stolen.
May 28: 1113 Lightwood Drive. Forced entry by kicking in side door. $150 in shoes, $400 stolen.

Fraud
June 3: Keffer Hyundai, 9010 E. Independence Blvd. Copies of documents obtained fraudulently.
May 31: 1612 Thornblade Ridge Drive. Credit card used fraudulently to make $829.12 purchase.
May 31: 2133 Southend Drive, suite 105, Charlotte. Debit card used fraudulently at ATM to withdraw $645.

Thefts
June 3: 432 Clairview Lane. Debit card stolen.
May 31: Dick’s Sporting Goods, 10530 Northeast Pkwy. $350 golf club stolen.
May 30: Kohl’s, 9617 E. Independence Blvd. $11 in women’s underwear stolen.

Vandalism
June 3: 817 Park Center Drive, Apt. 104. $40 in damage to picture frames, $500 in damage to iPad, $300 in damage to TV, $100 in damage to interior door. Nothing reported stolen.
June 1: Brightmoor Home Owners Association, 1516 Brightmoor Drive. Subdivision message board spray painted, causing $200 in damage.
May 29: 1405 Shady Knoll Court. Graffiti painted on exterior fence, causing $100 in fence.

Mint Hill

Charges/citations
June 1: Jose Leiva, 25, of 5710 Orr Road, Charlotte. Warrant (failure to appear – Stanly County).
May 31: Ron Dalton Jr., 21, of 4006 Hemby Commons Pkwy., Indian Trail. Misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.
May 31: Geneveve Gend-Casanova, 18, of 11821 Ranburne Road. Possession of drug paraphernalia.
May 31: Chemia Hill, 18, of 10637 Starwood Ave., Charlotte, arrested at Rocky River High School. Misdemeanor possession of marijuana, possessing/concealing weapons (knife).
May 30: Anaka Ashby, 17, of 7508 Baylor Way Court, Charlotte, arrested at Rocky River High School. Possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana.
May 30: Sarah Steele, 18, of 6347 Hove Road. Possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of marijuana, underage consumption of alcohol.
May 29: Matthew McCollough, 33, of 1122 Boone St., Charlotte. Order for arrest (uttering forged instruments).

Break-ins
June 3: Hawthorne’s Pizza, 7319 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Vehicle window broken, causing $300 in damage. Debit card, two computer chargers, purse, wallet, check book, Mecklenburg County MEDIC ID badge
stolen.
June 2: 6421 Wilson Grove Road. Push mower, leaf blower and wooden ladder stolen.
May 30: 4811 Stoney Trace Drive, Apt. C. 39-inch LCD TV, Xbox 360 stolen. Forced entry.
May 29: 9420 Truelight Church Road. Forced entry, causing $100 in damage to door frame. $50 handbag stolen.
May 28: Colonial Village at Greystone, 9610 Stoney Glen Drive. Back pack blower, pressure washer stolen. Forced entry into office building.

Fraud
June 3: BI-LO, 9108 Lawyers Road. Suspect attempted to cash fraudulent $392.51 check.

Thefts
June 2: BI-LO, 9108 Lawyers Road. $8 in paper towels stolen.
June 2: 4524 Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road. Debit card stolen and $80 withdrawn from ATM.
May 31: 15524 Thompson Road. Electric meter tampered with. $100.75 in electricity stolen.
May 28: Dollar General, 9229 Lawyers Road, suite M. $4.60 in Newport cigarettes stolen.

Vandalism
May 29: Queen’s Grant Community School, 6400 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Sidewalk spray painted.