Photo courtesy of Glenn Asher
Waxhaw Lions partner with school on project
WAXHAW – The Waxhaw Lions Club partnered with Indian Land High School students and PTSO members to collect two used hearing aids and 75 pairs of eyeglasses, as well as sort hundreds of previously collected pairs of eyeglasses.
The items were sent to refurbishing centers where they are distributed to people around the world.
The glasses were collected in donation boxes placed at Dance U in Fort Mill, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt in Indian Land and the school office starting in September.
On Nov. 6, 10 adults and 15 students of the Exceptional Student program traveled to Camp Dogwood to sort the glasses. Owned and operated by the North Carolina Lions, Camp Dogwood is designed for the enjoyment of vision-impaired persons so they can participate safely in fun summer activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming and yard games.
Email waxhaw.lion@gmail.com to learn more.
Taylor Morrison starts project at Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel
CHARLOTTE – Taylor Morrison has started construction at Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel, the homebuilder’s first 55-plus community in the Charlotte region.
Located near the intersection of Weddington and Potter roads in Wesley Chapel, Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel will feature 60 ranch-style homes starting in the mid-$300,000s.
Resident amenities include a community house with wrap-around covered porch, fitness/yoga center, outdoor recreation and entertainment area with fire pit, covered bocce court, dog park and seating areas throughout the community.
“Taylor Morrison is a true innovator in crafting floorplans that are uniquely suited for the 55-plus homebuyer,” said Kevin Granelli, Charlotte division president. “We are thrilled to be underway with Pinnacle at Wesley Chapel, which offers an incredible location to complement its low-maintenance lifestyle and resident amenities.”
The ranch homes will start at 1,820 square feet with optional second floors. The open-concept plans include expansive owner suites, luxurious owner baths, designer kitchens with beautiful cabinetry and creative flex rooms. Each home also comes with an attached two-car garage.
ReUnion Chorus performs free concert
WINGATE – The Council on Aging in Union County and Wingate University’s Department of Music has partnered to form a chorus comprised of families with memory loss, music students and volunteers who gather to delight in the beauty of singing.
“Music is so important to the millions living with Alzheimer’s and dementia due to the emotional and behavioral benefits.” said Amanda Thomas, family caregiver support specialist at Council on Aging. “Musical memories are left undamaged by the disease and The Reunion Chorus ignites memories in our participants with dementia.”
The ReUnion Chorus members have met weekly for two months to practice singing songs that the participants are familiar with and have sung their whole lives. The ReUnion Chorus performed a free concert Nov. 17 at Wingate University.
“This chorus is much more than just a group that gathers to sing,” said Andrew Friend, executive director of the Council on Aging. “The family caregivers have become friends that are able to support each other in their journey of caring for their loved-ones”
The project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Union County Community Arts Council.
Call 704-292-1797 for details.
Union County Community Foundation awards grants to 23 organizations
MONROE – The Union County Community Foundation issued nearly $90,000 in grants to 23 local nonprofits.
The awards were made through the foundation’s annual competitive grant program. Through these grants, the foundation works with organizations to increase stability and opportunity for individuals and families in Union County.
Highlights of grants include:
• HealthQuest received a grant to buy medications for uninsured residents in Union County.
• Union County Community Arts Council received a grant for its arts education grant program.
• Wingate University of Union County received a grant for its community garden and nutrition education program.
Others receiving grants included Arc of Union/Cabarrus, Autism Society of North Carolina, Bridge to Recovery, Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Community Health Services of Union County, Council on Aging in Union County, HOPE for the Christmas Bureau of Union County, Horse N Around Therapeutic Riding Center, Mephibosheth Farms Angelic Riders, Operation Reach-Out, Reach Out and Read Carolinas, Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, Special Olympics North Carolina, The Salvation Army, Turning Point, Union County Education Foundation, Union County Playmakers, Union Symphony Society and YWCA Central Carolinas.
The foundation has awarded $272,479 over the last three years.
UCPS launches live streaming platform for athletics
MONROE – Union County Public Schools has launched a live streaming service for athletics.
Live streaming cameras have been installed in the stadiums and gyms at 10 high schools to capture football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball and wrestling games.
Annual subscriptions purchased from www.ucpsathletics.com gives 30% back to Union County Public Schools to help grow and enhance athletic programs this year.
“Union County Public Schools is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with the Scott Clark Auto Group and National Amateur Sports to bring live streaming to our district,” said Nelson Garner, director of athletics. “UCPS continues to have unparalleled athletic success across the state, and this technology allows us to lead the way into the digital era of high school sports broadcasting.”
Visit www.ucpsathletics.com for details.
MOD Pizza event aims to help fight local hunger
INDIAN TRAIL – Common Heart will be the beneficiary of donations from the “Spreading MODness” campaign Nov. 18 to 22 at local MOD pizza locations.
A portion of every pizza sold during this time will be donated to help feed neighbors in need. All customers need to do is buy a pizza during this time period and a portion of their pizza purchase will be donated.
Participating MOD locations are Indian Trail (6720 Old Monroe Road), Matthews (10420 E. Independence Blvd., suite 880) and Ballantyne (15127 Ballancroft Parkway, suite 100).
With Common Heart’s mission to create a “small revolution of kindness,” while feeding the hungry, the nonprofit was the perfect fit as MOD’s local outreach partner for this event, said Matt Jamison, marketing manager for the restaurant group.
“Spreading MODness is an integral piece of MOD Pizza that gives us the opportunity to help others while doing what we do best – making pizzas,” he said.
Common Heart feeds about 3,000 people each month and has the largest food pantry operation in Union County. Volunteers and staff come together to run three weekly food pantries and four mobile food pantries. Last year, Common Heart also added a special senior box program providing extras for about 75 low-income seniors once a month.
Operation Christmas Child announces drop-off locations
CHARLOTTE – Area families, churches and groups are transforming empty shoeboxes into gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items for Operation Christmas Child.
The Samaritan’s Purse project partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.
Charlotte-area residents hope to collect over 33,000 gifts to contribute to the global goal of reaching 11 million children.
The community can drop off shoeboxes at select locations from Nov. 18 to 25 during Operation Christmas Child’s National Collection Week.
Drop-off locations include:
• Image Church (4017 Weddington Road, Matthews): 2-6 p.m. Nov. 18-22 & 25; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23; 1-4 p.m. Nov. 24.
• Weddington United Methodist Church (13901 Providence Road, Matthews): 2-6 p.m. Nov. 18-19, 21-22, 24-25; 2-5 p.m. Nov. 20; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 23.• Charlotte Processing Center (7100 Forest Point Blvd., Charlotte): 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 18-22; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 23; 1-5 p.m. Nov. 24
Donate your coats in Weddington
WEDDINGTON – The Weddington community is collecting coats for Union County families in need.
Drop-off locations are at Weddington Town Hall (1924 Weddington Road), Weddington Fitness & Community Center (5207 Weddington Road) and Weddington Swim & Racquet Club (4315 Weddington Matthews Road).
Union Academy to participate in Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade
MONROE – The Union Academy Marching Cardinals Band will perform in the 2019 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
The UA Marching Cardinals Band was formed in 2014. It has grown each year and includes 60 students. This year, they placed first in class AAA at the Mustang Classic hosted by East Rowan High School.
Under the direction of Spencer Hinson, 44 members of this year’s band will perform marches from the five U.S. military branches from the collection “Main Street America.”
Only 10 high school bands are invited to participate nationally. It is available in 80 million homes, and more than 300,000 people will line the streets to watch.
The parade can be seen locally at 9 a.m. Nov. 28 on WGN-TV. Visit www.chicagothanksgivingparade.com/ for details.
Common Heart opens literacy center
MONROE– Common Heart Literacy Volunteers opened a headquarters at 115 Henderson St. for a new outreach program to promote adult literacy in Union County.
After the closing of the Literacy Council of Union County this summer, Common Heart staff and volunteers joined with the council’s remaining and former volunteers, tutors, community partners and others to relaunch the mission of adult literacy.
The office and computer learning lab, staffed by volunteers, will be open for students and tutors on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m.; Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Volunteers are a key part of our strategy,” said Keith Adams, executive director of Common Heart. “Since Common Heart started over 13 years ago, our focus has been to empower local neighbors to serve others and promote a small revolution of kindness.”
If you know an adult who wants to improve their English reading and/or writing skills have them call the literacy office at 704-993-6931. Literacy Volunteers also serve those wishing to learn English.
Email LiteracyVolunteers@CommonHeart.org or call Common Heart at 704-218-9060 and ask for Keith Adams to become involved. Visit www.CommonHeart.org for details.
Arts council awards grassroots grants to groups
MONROE – Eight arts groups have received over $28,000 in funding from the Union County Community Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Grant program.
The board awarded grants to the Union Symphony Society, Union County Playmakers, The Storefront Theater, Inherit the Land film documentary, Dance Chance, United Voices of North Carolina, Council on Aging and the Marshville Museum and Cultural Center.
“These grants are key to the continued accomplishments of these deserving arts groups,” Executive Director Barbara Faulk said. “It is important that the arts council support the arts throughout our area by providing funding and other resources so that Union County’s quality of life can continue to thrive.”
A program of the NC Department of Cultural Resources Grassroots Arts Program, grants have been offered by the Union County Community Arts Council since 1987. Grant applications are available each spring to non-profit, tax-exempt organizations. A panel of community members reviewed applications and made a recommendation to the board of directors.
Visit www.unionarts.org for details.
Fair Districts NC explains gerrymandering at forums
MONROE – Fair Districts NC and the NC Council of Churches are organizing community forums across the state to inform voters on what gerrymandering is and why we must end it before the next redistricting.
The next local forum will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Union County Public Library, 316 E. Windsor St.
Members of the Fair Districts NC coalition include: The League of Women Voters of North Carolina, The North Carolina Council of Churches, The North Carolina NAACP, The Libertarian Party of North Carolina, and Church Women United.
GriefShare seminar offers tips for surviving the holidays after loss
WEDDINGTON – People facing the holidays after a loved one’s death can get help through GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays.
The free seminar will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 24 at All Saints Anglican Church, 5328 Hemby Road.
The seminar features practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts and others who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death.
Topics include dealing with emotions, what to do about traditions, how to survive social events and where to find comfort and strength.
Those who attend will receive a survival guide filled with practical tips, encouraging words, journaling ideas and exercises for daily help through the holiday season.
Call All Saints Anglican Church at 704-246-8023 or visit www.allsaintsweddington.org or www.griefshare.org for details.
Aging expert speaks to Union County Senior Dems
WAXHAW – The Union County Senior Democrats will host a special presentation concerning the implications of the Older American’s Act from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5.
Linda Miller, aging program director for the Centralina Area Agency on Aging, will give a brief demographic review about growth in the older adult population and what that means.
Miller will describe how her agency helps provide services to seniors in the region. She will discuss other issues for older adults, such as nutrition, caregiving and employment.
Union County Senior Democrats is a chapter of the North Carolina Democrats. It fosters the ideals and principles of the Democrat Party, empowering seniors by educating them on political and voter issues.
UCSD regularly meets at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Atrium Emergency Hospital Waxhaw Community Room, 2700 Providence Road. S., Waxhaw, except for twice yearly evening meetings.
Visit www.ncunioncountydemocrats.com for details.