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In the last few years, his love for numbers has helped him find a new passion, tutoring at the Nest Academy, a private school for refugee, underprivileged and at-risk kids in East Charlotte.
Wilson says his family started volunteering at the Nest Academy soon after they opened their doors.
“I’ve always liked volunteering as I’ve grown up,” said Wilson. “Just helping others gives you that sense of purpose in life.”
What You Need To Know
Elijah Wilson loves math
He also has found a passion for volunteering
The Nest Academy asked Elijah to come help tutor math to kids in need
The opportunity has opened Elijah’s eyes to not only helping others, but learning about what others are going through
It’s a purpose that grew as he entered high school. The teachers at the Nest Academy say they saw first-hand his ability to work with students.
“He’s passionate about what he’s doing, he cares about the kids, asks them how they are, connects with them,” said Nest Academy founder M.C. Hildreth. “You know, those are the real hidden angels in our community, the ones that really aren’t boasting about what they’re doing, but are really solid in the fact that they know who they are.”
For Wilson, it’s not just about adding another activity to his college applications. It’s also about the satisfaction of getting to see those lightbulb moments when the lessons finally click.
“It’s very rewarding because, like I said, you can feel comfortable and feel more like you’re able to make more of an impact because you have your own skills to share,” said Wilson.
Wilson isn’t sure what school he wants to go to in the fall yet, but he hopes to study chemical engineering. And of course, continue to volunteer wherever he lands.
Wilson was presented with a $1,000 scholarship by North Carolina Rep. Tricia Cotham (District 112) on behalf of Spectrum Networks, as part of the High School Scholars program.
“Dan Wade was more than just a skilled brewer providing beer to the Charlotte Community; he was the backbone of his family, providing love, support, and stability. His passion for his craft was evident in every pint that came from Wooden Robot, and his warm personality left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered,” the GoFundMe page says.
“Your generous donations will go towards covering immediate expenses, including funeral costs, and will provide ongoing financial assistance to help the family rebuild their lives. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on them and their journey toward healing and stability.”
As of Thursday midmorning, more than 1,000 donations totalling over $81,000 had been made to the Wade Family Fund, surpassing the original goal.
How to donate: Donations can be made online at Wade family fund.
Dan Wade, co-founder of Wooden Robot Brewery in Charlotte’s South End, died after a fall in the brewery on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. GO FUND ME
Support from local breweries
Breweries from the Charlotte area and across the state have also come together to support Wade’s Wooden Robot team, as both locations are closed until further notice, with a GoFundMe for the staff to provide financial assistance for living expenses and support for their well-being, including grief counseling.
“The Wooden Robot Brewery Staff Relief Fund is an opportunity for our community to come together and support the incredible individuals who have made Wooden Robot Brewery a cherished part of our lives,” the fundraiser page says. “Your generosity will make a significant impact on their staff’s well-being and help them through this challenging period. Dan cared for others as if they were part of his own team and we intend to do the same for him.”
In addition to the fundraiser, a few local businesses also accepting donations from guests in person:
This story is developing and will be updated. If you are a local business doing something to support the Wade family or Wooden Robot staff, please email details to charlottefive@charlottefive.com and we will add you to the story.
This story was originally published February 22, 2024, 10:21 AM.
Related stories from Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon is a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
What: Charlotte Hornets (13-41) (5-20 away) at Utah Jazz (26-30) (17-10 home)
When: 9:00pm Eastern
Where: Delta Center; Salt Lake City, UT
How to watch: Bally Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass
Outfitting: Hornets–Association (white), Jazz–Classic (purple but not the mountains)
Game Lines: Hornets +9.5, O/U 230.5
Injuries: Hornets: LaMelo Ball-out (ankle), Mark Williams-out (back)
Jazz: Otto Porter-out (contemplating future)
We’ve spent most of the season counting down how many more games we had to tolerate before the sweet release of the offseason came to save us. Then the trade deadline happened, and now the Hornets are fun again. They’re riding a three game winning streak with half of the rotation filled with players that weren’t on the team two weeks ago.
Last time out, the Hornets walloped the Hawks 122-99. It was their largest win since they beat the Bucks 138-109 on January 6th, 2023. They hadn’t had a win so big since Mark Williams was backing up Mason Plumlee. How far we’ve come.
Meanwhile the Jazz have not been riding so high. They’re just 4-10 since a six game winning streak raised them over .500 and into the Western Conference playoff picture. Yes, one of those wins was against the Hornets, to be fair. They’ve been scoring a lot of points during the rough patch, but they haven’t been able to stop anyone. They have a 126.3 defensive rating over this 14 game downturn, which is the worst in the league by a significant margin. They seemed to sense that this season wasn’t going to amount to anything in earnest, so they sent off Ochai Agbaji, Kelly Olynyk, and Simone Fontecchio at the trade deadline. All of them were playing significant rotation minutes, and the Jazz didn’t bring back anyone to replace them.
They’ve gone the opposite route of the Hornets–they’ve gone younger and less experienced in their rotation and are losing games because of it.
The two teams are going in opposite directions, and it’s a decent chance for a confident Hornets team to swipe an upset out west, which is not something they often do. They have to be careful about time zones and altitude, as Doc Rivers will tell you that’s all the reason you need to lose to the Jazz.
The Charlotte Cowboys are carrying on a legacy that many people don’t know about while serving their community to educate and empower Black children.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — When you think of the word cowboy, you might think of John Wayne, but there were people who came before who are often overlooked. One Charlotte group is continuing to educate people about that history while serving the community.
Saddling up for a ride, Anthony McCall reflects.
“All animals are different,” McCall said. “I definitely learned about myself. You see yourself in horses.”
He thinks about what he has learned and one piece of information sticks out above the rest.
“It’s common for people to have stolen other peoples’ work,” McCall said. “They’ll see us downtown and think, ‘Wait, Black people ride horses?’ Well, yeah, we were the original.”
Research shows Black men were among the first cowboys in the U.S. They roped, branded and saddled up for cattle drives. They gained fame and made their mark.
The Charlotte Cowboys, a Queen City-based nonprofit, is carrying on a legacy that many people don’t even know about. Greg Lockhart, one of the group’s instructors, said some history is often overlooked.
“I think it’s a hidden gem about the city a lot of people should learn,” Lockhart said. “Us as Black folks, just in our culture, a lot of things were taken from us over time.”
So while even though they learn something new every day, they have to still teach.
“You’ve got to know where you come from,” Lockhart said.
When they aren’t taking a ride through the streets of Uptown, they are giving back. They hold therapy rides for kids and offer rides to those who want to learn how to train a horse. All in an effort to empower Black children.
“For them to have a safe space and be on these large animals,” Lockhart said.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.
Another week in February has come and gone, meaning we’re that much closer to spring and warmer temps. This weekend, fill your calendar with things to do like judging a chili cook-off, building your own charm jewelry, shopping at local markets (there are more than one to choose from), sampling seasonal brews at the Charlotte Brewsology Beer Fest, and much more.
Comedy Show at Resident Culture Brewing Thursday, February 22, 8:45p Head to Resident Culture Brewing for good times, great beer, and lots of laughs. The lineup is packed with a great group of local comedians, you won’t want to miss it!
Front Door Fabrics & Interiors Furnishings Sale February 13 – 24 Don’t miss the furniture sale at Front Door Fabrics & Interiors from now until Saturday, February 24 with discounts as big as 30% on custom furniture and 15% off in stock pieces.
African American Heritage Festival February 22 – 24 Join the Charlotte Museum of History for the annual African American Heritage Festival. The festival begins with a documentary film screening on Thursday, a cultural presentation from Charlotte Caribbean Carnival on Friday, and free admission to the museum and the celebration of Siloam School to the museum’s campus with performances, guest speakers, panels, and community-focused events on Saturday. Visit here for the full schedule.
THINGS TO DO THIS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23
11 & Thoms DIY Charm Necklace Pop Up @ Charlotte Collective 3 DAY EVENT February 23 – 25 All weekend long, pop in to Charlotte Creative to make a DIY charm necklace with 11 & Thoms. Scroll through the shop looking at exclusive charms, build your own charm jewelry, and pick up same day or throughout the weekend.
Complimentary Pet Caricatures at Skiptown Friday, February 23, 5 – 8p Cody Hanes will be providing complimentary pet caricatures this Friday 2/23 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Skiptown Check out his Instagram here to get inspired.
Big Read Kickoff Celebration at Harvey B. Gantt Center Friday, February 23, 6:30 – 8:30p The Gantt’s official start of the Big Read – a five-month initiative designed to inform, engage, and promote literacy with a series of free programming; this event features a festive dance performance by KanKouran West African Dance Company, a mayoral proclamation declaring February 23 as Charlotte’s Big Read Day, a poetry performance, and much more. Note: this event will be held at Wells Fargo Auditorium.
THINGS TO DO THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Society Social Sample Sale in CONOVER Saturday, February 24, 9a – 1 p, Society Social Factory, 101 McLin Creek Rd N, Conover, NC 28613
Located at their factory location in CONOVER NC, about a hour’s drive away, NEW photography samples and BRAND NEW items included – up to 40% off. PLUS Hundreds of items including sofas, lounge chairs, consoles, credenzas, stools, pillows, fabric bolts, and more. Up to 60% off.
University City: Black History Month Children’s Literary Festival Saturday, February 24, 10a – 12p Celebrate Black History Month with the University City Regional Library for its Black History Month Children’s Literary Festival. This program will highlight the works of Black authors and illustrators. Bring your whole family to check out their books and create art inspired by their work.
Fairy House Festival at Latta Nature Preserve Saturday, February 24, 10a – 3p Reconnect with nature and build whimsical fairy houses at this annual one-of-a-kind festival. The day will be filled with all things fairies, including stories, crafts, games, and more. Fairy, gnome, and other appropriate costumes are encouraged but not required. Food vendors will be on site.
Socially Spruced Pop Up Shopping Event Saturday, February 24, 12 – 5p Stop by Norfolk Hall at Suffolk Punch for a Pop Up Shopping event with 26 local women-owned businesses. This event is hosted by Socially Spruced, your party in a box with pre-curated and build-your-own bachelorette and party boxes.
HandCraftedMarket Saturday, February 24, 12 – 6p Shop unique finds from local CLT artisans and indulge in a curated selection of handcrafted treasures from Charlotte’s HandCraftedMarket at SYCAMORE this weekend. Discover one-of-a-kind pieces and support the talented artisans in our community.
4th Annual Chili Cook-Off at Armored Cow Brewing Co. Saturday, February 24, 1:30 – 4p Calling all chili lovers – the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off is here! Put your judging skills to the test as you taste your way through determining who created the best chili. Tasting tickets are just $10 to participate. If you are a chef and want to compete, you can sign up here.
2024 Charlotte Brewsology Saturday, February 24, 6 – 10p Head to the Discovery Place after dark to spend the evening sipping specialty beer from local breweries and cideries. Attendees will have access to exhibits and science demonstrations throughout the museum, as well as brewery reps. Tickets are available here.
The Gift of Adoption Gala Saturday, February 24, 6p This Gala provides grants to complete the adoptions of children in vulnerable situations – giving them permanent families and the chance to thrive. 100% of the funds raised will help unite children with their forever families across the Carolinas.
Mint Museum Auxiliary WINTER WONDERMINT Party Saturday, February 24, 7 – 11p Whether you are a member of the Mint Museum Auxiliary, are considering becoming a member, are a supporter of the Mint Museum, or are just a supporter of getting dressed up and going to a party, this is always a fabulous event and this year will be no exception.
Rhythm & Brews Saturday, February 24, 7 – 10p Make plans to join friends and supporters of Pat’s Place for a night of fun at The Peninsula Club for the 10th Anniversary of Rhythm & Brews! With live music, delicious food, local craft brews, and live and silent auctions, you’re not going to want to miss this event. Spend the night out for a good cause as this party helps generate awareness and raise critical dollars necessary to support Pat’s Place and child victims of abuse.
Charlotte Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2024 February 24 & 25 For the lovers of strange, bizarre, and unusual things… This Expo showcases hand-selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses with all things weird. Expect items such as horror/halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, creepy clothing, funeral collectibles, and much more. You’ll also have the chance to learn the craft of taxidermy with classes available throughout the event.
Best of Charlotte Bridal Show at The Barrel Room at Triple C Sunday, February 25, 1 – 4p This one-of-a-kind wedding planning event is packed with interactive experiences, 1:1 vendor connections, samples, swag, photo stations, and more. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased here.
HUNTERSVILLE – Pictures of 19-year-old Peter Jordan fill his family’s home. His room is untouched since his murder in February of 2014.
“I can still remember the day like it was yesterday,” says his mother, Carolyn Averill.
10 years of heartache, tears and questions.
Witnesses told police they saw three men approach Jordan and shoot him multiple times. It happened outside the landings at Northcross Apartments in Huntersville.
His parents talked with WCCB’s Emma Mondo, going over all the memories that still feel so fresh.
“It was like I was in a different world and this wasn’t real. I could not imagine that my kid was killed,” says Carolyn.
They tell me the pain never goes away, especially with no answers and no arrests.
Jordan’s family hopes the 14-thousand dollar reward in this case entices someone to come forward.
Diana Tong Roetting is on a mission to find a cure for her daughter Rosie’s rare disease. A little over a year ago Diana, a former chemical engineer and current dermatology PA, and her husband received the unimaginable news that their months-old daughter had an extremely rare and thus far incurable disease called GMPPA-CDG.
After much research, the Roettings now understand that a cure is possible, the science and technology are here today, but that cure comes at a price. The road to a cure includes the design, study and manufacture of a gene therapy specific for GMPPA. Saving their daughter’s life and the lives of all children with GMPPA will take $4 million dollars and someone to lead the way. And so, BLOOM FOR A CURE was established, with the mission to find a cure for GMPPA-CDG through targeted gene therapy development and research.
To raise funds, Bloom for a Cure has launched the most coveted of all raffles, a TAYLOR SWIFT The Eras Tour Raffle:
The deets: $50 per entry – only a LIMITED number of tickets will be sold Prize – 2 FLOOR SEATS to Sunday 10/27/2024 show in New Orleans, LA – Section C, Row 11, Seats 15 & 16 AND 3 nights at the New Orleans Marriott
100% of the profits will go directly to bloom for a cure. This is one Taylor’s LAST shows of the year. What better way to help this worthy cause than entering to win a chance to see her LIVE in NOLA ??!!
#SPONSORED. ARTICLES ON SCOOP ARE SPONSORED BY THE BUSINESSES MENTIONED AND/OR OUR ADVERTISERS. FOR MORE INFO ON OUR POLICIES CLICK HERE.
Book and Plant Swap Saturday, February 24, 2024 12 to 4 p.m. Plaza Midwood Free
Bring a gently used book and a healthy plantto contribute to the swapping tables! Plants can be indoor, outdoor, various sizes, or cuttings. You can bring in multiple books and multiple plants if desired, and you can swap it for multiple books/plants as well!
“There were always black classical dancers in America– they just never got on stage!” – Arthur Mitchell
During the heart of Black History Month, the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem took center stage at Belk Theater February 9-10. Under the direction of Artistic Director Robert Garland, the event paid homage to the visionary legacy of its late founders, Arthur Mitchell and Karel Shook, who broke barriers for Black, Brown, and marginalized ballet dancers in the neoclassical ballet genre over five decades ago.
George Balanchine and Dance Theatre Harlem founder Arthur Mitchell. Courtesy of Dance Theatre Harlem
Before the inception of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Arthur Mitchell blazed a trail as the “first Black principal dancer” at the New York City Ballet in 1955. Trained under George Balanchine, the “Father of American Ballet,” Mitchell’s performances in iconic ballets such as The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Agon challenged racial barriers within the dance world. This was particularly relevant in 1957’s Agon, where Balanchine’s choreography featured a pas de deux between Mitchell and Diana Adams, a white ballerina.
Mitchell’s reflection on this groundbreaking moment sheds some light on Balanchine’s foresight in portraying societal shifts through dance: “Do you know what it took for Balanchine to put me, a Black man, on stage with a white woman? This was 1957, before civil rights. He showed me how to take her [holding her delicately by the wrist]. He said, ‘put your hand on top.’ The skin colors were part of the choreography. He saw what was going to happen in the world and put it on stage.”
Dance Theatre of Harlem performing “Concerto Barocco,” choreographed by George Balanchine in 1970. Courtesy of Dance Theatre Harlem
Following his tenure at the New York City Ballet, Mitchell’s journey took a poignant turn in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. Inspired to create a space for artistic expression and cultural empowerment, Mitchell taught ballet in a converted garage to his Harlem community. As the number of students grew, Mitchell partnered with his former ballet master, Karel Shook. Together, they directed the dance school, which eventually evolved into the renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem.
It wasn’t until 1971 that DTH officially debuted as a “neoclassical ballet company” at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Empowered by Balanchine’s generous gift of the rights to 46 of his ballets, which provided a foundation for the company’s success, Dance Theatre of Harlem flourished under Mitchell and Shook’s direction. Among the 46 ballets was Balanchine’s “Pas de Dix,” featured during the tour’s stop in Charlotte.
Photo: Theik Smith
DTH opened the show with Robert Garland’s “New Bach” (2001), a captivating piece set to Johann Sebastian Bach’s Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041. Effortlessly blending Garland’s “post-modern urban neoclassicism” with Balanchine’s neoclassical ballet technique, the dancers set an enthralling stage for the night’s performances. Led by principal dancers Lindsey Donnell and Micah Bullard, the dynamic interplay among the ensemble showcased the company’s versatility and artistry. With graceful grande jetés, precise changements, elegant assemblés, and first position arabesques, the dancers demonstrated their mastery of classical ballet technique, mesmerizing the audience with every movement. The inclusive representation of black and brown dancers on stage during the final act “Allegro Assai” served as a poignant reminder of DTH’s vision– that ballet belongs to everyone.
Photo: Jeff Cravotta
Robert Bondara’s contemporary pas de deux, “Take Me with You” (2016), performed by Amanda Smith and Elias Re, carried the audience into a realm of intense emotion and mystery through their fluid connection and dynamic partner work. The metaphysical performance began in silence, with Smith initiating clapping while Re snapped. As the beat dropped, their movements seamlessly merged. Re positioned himself behind her, guiding her through turns and supporting her by the elbow, symbolizing a symbiotic relationship. The piece reached its pinnacle with Smith drumming on Re’s chest as he flawlessly executed a hinge made famous by choreographer Lester Horton. The piece concluded with Re propelling Smith into multiple chaine turns, leading to a captivating retrograde sequence, as the two spotlights faded to black.
Photo: Jeff Cravotta
Following this mesmerizing display, the company presented its debut rendition of Balanchine’s “Pas de Dix” (1955), set to Alexander Glazunov’s “Raymonda.” The stage came alive with a dazzling parade of turns, balances, and lifts, showcasing the classical ballet repertoire at its finest. Kamala Saara’s debut as principal dancer was nothing short of spectacular, executing breathtaking pirouettes and attitude turns alongside her partner and fellow principal dancer Kouadio Davis. Lighting designer Andrea Sala’s recreation of the bright stage lights complemented Pamela Allen-Cummings’s costume design, from the traditional white tutus to the white and copper leotards, and flesh-tone tights, exceptionally well.
Photo: Theik Smith
The evening culminated with Garland’s acclaimed “Return.” The piece originally debuted on September 21,1999, as a tribute to the company’s 30th anniversary season. This performance symbolizes the company’s enduring legacy and commitment to innovation and artistic expression. As the dancers took the stage to the accompaniment of James Brown’s “Mother Popcorn,” “Superbad,” “Baby, Baby, Baby,” “I Got the Feelin’,” and Aretha Franklin’s “Call Me,” the atmosphere brimmed with excitement. DTH’s performance, effortlessly blending classical ballet technique with the Cabbage Patch, the Mashed Potato, the Shuffle, and even forming a soul train line, all while on pointe, gracefully enchanted the audience. This fusion of styles evoked waves of nostalgia, inspiring the audience to sing along and participate in a standing ovation.
Dance Theatre of Harlem’s triumphant performance at Belk Theater stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders. From Garland’s “New Bach” and Robert Bondara’s “Take Me with You” to the rendition of Balanchine’s “Pas de Dix” and Garland’s “Return,” DTH captivated the audience with unparalleled artistry and its longstanding commitment to diversity. Each performance celebrated individuality and innovation as dancers deftly navigated through a repertoire that transcended traditional boundaries. Over its 55-year history, DTH’s unwavering dedication to providing a safe and inclusive space for dancers has redefined the landscape of classical ballet, inspiring generations to come, and proving that visibility and self-expression are essential components of true artistic excellence.
Christopher Porter, 30, will soon appear in front of a Charlotte jury for luring an Indian Trail teen to Missouri, where police say he raped her and took videos. A federal grand jury indicted him Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.
Department of Justice
The man who police say used a social messaging app to meet and eventually coerce a Charlotte teen into running away and producing child pornography will face a judge in her hometown.
Christopher Porter, 30, has been held in Missouri since Kirkwood police found him in a Lowe’s parking lot with the girl. They were near St. Louis — 750 miles away from the Indian Trail home she left 12 days earlier.
The two met on Whisper, Kirkwood police told The Charlotte Observer, and he picked the girl up in Oklahoma. The app, similar to Discord, allows users to remain anonymous.
“Whisper is the best place to discover secrets around you… Search For Something! No seriously, do it,” the platform says on its website.
Porter was violating his sex offender registration when he traveled outside his home state of California, where he “has a prior for lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14,” according to a complaint filed by Missouri police.
A federal grand jury in Charlotte indicted Porter Wednesday, charging him with production of child pornography and committing a “qualifying felony offense involving a minor.”
A St. Louis grand jury in December indicted him with four counts: statutory rape, statutory sodomy, sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography — including “moving images” and a video.
Porter could face 30 to 50 years for each of the three counts of production of child pornography. The charge of committing a felony while being required to register as a sex offender could add 10 years on top of that, said the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of North Carolina in a news release.
Sexual predators on Whisper, messaging apps
In 2022, a 29-year-old was sentenced to 60 months in prison for using Whisper and “engaging in sexually explicit conversations” with someone he believed was a 13-year-old girl from Virginia. In reality, he was talking to undercover police.
A Tennessee corrections officer who police contacted through “the dark web” — again posing as a guardian offering a child for sex — is now spending 17 years in prison for traveling to North Carolina intending to rape a toddler.
What parents, kids should know about sextortion online
“Sextortion can start on any site, app, messaging platform, or game where people meet and communicate,” according to the FBI.
In most cases, young people believe they are talking to someone their own age. The person on the other end may claim to already have revealing photos of the child and demand more. When they receive more, they may threaten to publish them or become violent.
“The shame, fear, and confusion children feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse,” the FBI writes.
In 2022, law enforcement agencies received over 7,000 reports related to the online sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys. More than a dozen sextortion victims were reported to have died by suicide, the bureau wrote in a news release.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
REPORT the predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
BLOCK the predator and DO NOT DELETE the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at gethelp@ncmec.org or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
This story was originally published February 21, 2024, 3:57 PM.
Related stories from Charlotte Observer
Julia Coin covers local and statewide topics — including destructive fires, illegal gambling and the pervasiveness of drugs in schools — as The Charlotte Observer’s breaking news and courts reporter. Michigan-born and Florida-raised, she studied journalism at the University of Florida, where she covered statewide legislation, sexual assault on campus and Hurricane Ian’s destruction. Support my work with a digital subscription
Rep. Patrick McHenry’s departure from Congress next year will be significant for the North Carolina congressional delegation. He was arguably the most influential Representative from the state in Congress last year.
McHenry briefly served as acting Speaker of the House when Kevin McCarthy was ousted and he serves as chair of the House Financial Services Committee.
North Carolina has new congressional districts for the 2024 elections. (NCGA)
McHenry has represented North Carolina’s 10th District for almost two decades but recently announced he would leave Congress after this term.
The newly redistricted 10th District, drawn by state Republican lawmakers, is located north of Charlotte and includes Statesville and parts of Winston-Salem. It remains solidly Republican, which means whoever wins the March 5 primary will likely be the winner in November.
Republicans Charles Eller, Brooke McGowan, Diana Jimison, Grey Mills and Pat Harrigan are running.
Mills and Harrigan are getting the most attention.
Harrigan is an Afghanistan war veteran who owns a gun manufacturing business. He lost to Democrat Jeff Jackson in the 14th district last election.
“When you have a redistricting process every two years and you don’t get to hold the cards…we kind of have to go with where the political winds blow,” Harrigan told Spectrum News 1.
Mills is an attorney in his fourth term in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
“I’m upset, just like many people, with the lack of leadership coming out of the White House. And a lot of people in Congress are distracted. So, I’m running to take our values to Washington, D.C.,” Mills said in an interview.
Both candidates said security at the U.S.-Mexico border is their top issue.
But Harrigan and Mills said they would have voted against the bipartisan Senate border package that was endorsed by the conservative National Border Patrol Council but failed to get enough votes from Senate Republicans in February.
“We can do a lot better than that…. on this issue, we need to stand united. We have got to address the problems. That bill didn’t go far enough,” said Mills.
“That bipartisan legislation was an absolute slap in the face to the American people because it didn’t solve the problem of fixing the national security threat that exists at the southern border,” said Harrigan.
The Mills campaign has accused Harrigan of being soft on immigration, pointing to stances he took in 2022 when he ran in a much more Democratic district.
While not calling Mills out by name. Harrigan said voters are tired of attorneys turned politicians.
On Ukraine, Harrigan said the U.S border needs to be addressed before sending more funding to the war-torn country. Mills said he wants to see a clearer path to victory and didn’t specify to us whether he would support more funding.
On the question of a federal abortion ban, Mills said he would want to see the legislation before committing, but said he would vote to “save lives.”
In 2022, when Harrigan was running in the 14th District, he told us he did not support a federal ban on abortion. He now said, given the makeup of this different district. He would support one. But, he added, he supports certain exceptions.
Both men are looking to replace McHenry, who was the only North Carolina Republican in 2021 to vote to certify Joe Biden’s election win.
Harrigan said he also would have certified the results. Mills did not directly answer the question.
McHenry has not endorsed a candidate in this primary race.
Two people who have endorsed are NC House Speaker and 14th Congressional Republican candidate Tim Moore and Lt. Gov. and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson.
Coming off the announcement of their upcoming fifth studio album, Only God Was Above Us, set to be released on April 5, Vampire Weekend has announced a 39-date tour coming to Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater on October 9 and Asheville’s Rabbit Rabbit on October 13.
The band also released two singles (accompanied by music videos), “Capricorn” and “Gen-X Cops,” from the forthcoming album. Only God Was Above Us is the first album by frontman Ezra Koenig and company since 2019’s Father of the Bride, which won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, and earned a nomination for Album Of The Year.
The city’s brewing community mourns Dan Wade of Wooden Robot Brewery
Image Credit: Angela Shelton of Blue Blaze Brewing
When things like this happen, there are no words. Nothing can prepare you to hear of a tragic event that took the life of a person well known not only to you but the community you’ve been involved in for so long. It’s still unbelievable to write this, as so many mourn the sudden loss of Wooden Robot Head Brewer and co-founder Dan Wade, who died yesterday after an accident at the brewery.
During my coverage of the Charlotte craft beer scene, Wooden Robot stood out from its opening almost 10 years ago. A lot of that was due to Dan—one of the best brewers in Charlotte, if not the best.
Man, it’s hard to write that word. “Was.” It doesn’t seem true. It seems trivial to talk beer, but that’s what Dan truly loved. Like many in the industry, he started as a homebrewer in college at the University of Florida. But not many brewers further their education in brewing with a master’s degree, and very few (if any) travel across the pond to do so. Dan was not like other brewers. So there he was, learning the craft of brewing and distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Dan was super-meticulous in his brewing process—highlighted in this 2021 article by Editor Greg Lacour. Reading through that piece, it’s hard not to see his passion in creating each beer, taking time to ensure everything is followed through to perfection, beginning with the hop selection. That’s one of the reasons why Wooden Robot’s beers are so revered, including Overachiever being named the top beer in this magazine’s 2021 beer bracket and Good Morning Vietnam placing in the Final Four the year before.
I remember visiting Wooden Robot in South End shortly before it opened for a preview article I was writing. As was the case for many brewery openings, Dan and co-owner Josh Patton had a tasting flight set up for me. Ten years ago, mind you, was “peak IPA,” so that’s how a lot of breweries were judged by craft beer drinkers. But on that day, Dan pointed to what he thought would be the brewery’s flagship beer. You don’t often see a coffee vanilla blonde ale become a flagship. But holy hell, did Good Morning Vietnam blow me away and, true to form, quickly become Wooden Robot’s best-selling beer, even in a land of endless IPAs.
Charlotte craft beer and breweries have long been a punching bag and low-hanging fruit for this city. But what people don’t realize is this community has rallied around each other in tough times. I’ve seen it time and time again, and it was quickly on display yesterday. Many of these brewers and brewery employees are close, so when word spread Tuesday, everyone was quick to close ranks and let Wooden Robot’s employees, friends and family grieve properly.
Once Wooden Robot shared the news, stories poured in through social media. Fellow brewers, employees, people who met Dan at Wooden Robot or a beer festival, bottle shop owners who carried his beer, folks who simply enjoyed his creation—all wanted to pay tribute. The staff behind UNC Charlotte’s craft beer certificate program posted that Dan and Josh were the first owners contacted when the university was putting together the curriculum on how to start a brewery seven years ago, and they continuously checked in over the years to see how they could help. I never knew that, but it’s incredibly cool.
Of course, while it was his passion, Dan was much more than a brewer. I knew him as quiet and humble, and always with a smile on his face. He had an affinity for pups, and he loved his wife , Sam, more than anything. The two welcomed a little boy into the world on New Year’s Day. As I write this sentence, my fingers are trembling, and tears are welling up because, as a parent, that thought is absolutely unimaginable. But then I think about that young man as he grows up, and how many stories like the ones above he’ll hear, filled with joy and kindness.
Dan will be missed tremendously on so many levels. It was an honor to know him, and his memory will be felt and live on through the Charlotte craft beer community and beyond.
The outdoor bar at Goodyear House boasts a sign saying “Life is Good”, and nearby string lights blend with treetops at this restaurant’s back patio.
Goodyear House
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In Charlotte, ‘Love is Blind’
The newest season of “Love is Blind” set in Charlotte has been released. Here’s everything you need to know about the hometown singles.
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Charlotte is once again in the national spotlight in the newest season of “Love is Blind” on Netflix, and so are its date night hot spots.
In the hit reality dating show, 30 men and women from around the Queen City took part in the dating experiment of getting engaged all before meeting in person.
So where were some of the dating spots where they navigated new relationships around the city? Here’s a list of the local places you may recognize in the new season of the show. Some of the places shown in the show are still under embargo, so check back next week to see more Charlotte restaurants and bars that were featured.
(We want to warn you, there are a few spoilers ahead if you haven’t caught up on the latest episodes.)
Episode 8: Jess and Laura meet up for the first time after the experiment to catch up on how things have been with other contestants.
Margaux’s Wine, Pizza & Market, which opened in 2021, is located right in the heart of downtown Pineville. The local restaurant offers old world wines, St-Louis-style pizza, specialty foods, gifts items and more.
Kevin Devanney and his team were keen on keeping and restoring the original hardwood floors and the original bookshelf at Margaux’s Wine, Pizza & Market. Sara Douglass
Episode 9: Amy and Johnny took private dance lessons to learn bachata ahead of their wedding.
QC Dance Studio doesn’t just specialize in bachata lessons. The all-inclusive dance studio offers classes focused on a variety of dance styles for all ages, including ballroom, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and more.
Episode 9: Clay introduces AD to his mom and sister for the first time.
The Goodyear House is a mill house-turned-restaurant nestled in NoDa. Made with locally sourced ingredients, the local restaurant’s menu is a bit casual but upscale with some “cheffy touches” the team previously told CharlotteFive. Dishes include smoked cashew mac, charred broccolini, and shrimp and grits with chorizo and salsa.
The outdoor bar at Goodyear House boasts a sign saying “Life is Good”, and nearby string lights blend with treetops at this restaurant’s back patio. Goodyear House
Episode 9: Chelsea and Jimmy meet up with two of his close friends.
Queen Park Social is a popular social club in South End where you can eat, drink and play games. The local hot spot also has bowling, arcade games and life-sized board games around the bar and outdoor patio.
How to watch ‘Love is Blind’
The first nine episodes of this season of “Love is Blind” are out now on Netflix. Look out for new episodes released each Wednesday.
What do you think of the new Charlotte season of “Love is Blind” so far? Let me know your thoughts on how the local group of singles is navigating Netflix’s dating experiment at charlottefive@charlottefive.com.
Related stories from Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon is a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
Friday, February 23rd, the celebration begins with the Charlotte Caribbean Carnival. Go for the cultural presentation and stay for the food, costumes & music! Learn more and purchase your tickets here!
Get free admission to the Charlotte Museum of History to celebrate Charlotte’s Black history and culture on Saturday, February 24, 2024 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. The 2024 event will emphasize the history and culture of Charlotte’s Black community with a special focus on education and community to celebrate the arrival of Siloam School to the museum’s campus. Through performances, guest speakers, panels, and community-focused events for the whole family, you can experience the richness of African American heritage and culture in the Charlotte region – and have fun while doing it.
March Charlotte Area Spring 2024 Fairs & Festivals
Charlotte Indepence Fan Fest Saturday, March 2, 2024 American Legion Memorial Stadium, 310 N Kings Drive, Charlotte
Charlotte soccer fans should head over for a family-friendly, fun-filled afternoon at the Independence home, American Legion Memorial Stadium. Cheer on the Jacks during a preseason friendly and get pumped for the start of the 2024 season. There will be bounce houses, yard games, face painting and more.
This festival showcases the delicious round treat so many of us love, the donut. But plenty of other tasty, sweet treats from some of Charlotte’s favorite bakeries will also be available. Enjoy music, lifestyle vendors, and goods from other local artisans and artists.
SAVOR Charlotte March 12 – 26, 2024 Various Restaurants & Locations around the QC
Savor Charlotte will provide epicurean adventurers one-of-a-kind experiences, such as hands-on classes and demonstrations, exclusive menus and special offers. From March 12-26, indulge in the offerings from talented tastemakers as you discover what makes Charlotte a vibrant culinary destination.
Kick off spring festivities with Green River Revival. Watch as the Whitewater Center’s resident leprechaun transforms the river green for St Patrick’s Day. Start the day with the Color Me Green 5K Trail Run before rafting down the river and listening to live music.
The Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a Charlotte tradition. The festival will be held from 10 to 6 with the parade marching from 11 to 1. Don’t miss out on vendors, bands, Irish dancing, and more.
Paint the town green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Rich & Bennett’s 22nd St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl in Uptown. Since the pub crawl’s inception in 2001, it has continuously grown in popularity with participants traveling to the Queen City from all over the country, and even internationally to don their green t-shirts and enjoy access to all participating bars and drink specials.
The Inaugural No Man’s Land festival and market is here to celebrate all women. Join in on March 23rd, 2024 where you can expect 100+ woman-owned businesses, hands-on workshops, breakout sessions, activations, and photo opps.
Holi Festival of Colors Saturday, March 23, 2024 12-4PM Elon Recreation Center at 11401 Ardrey Kell Road Charlotte
Holi Hai! Join the Elon Rec Center’s HOLI for a vibrant and joyous celebration of the festival of colors filled with festivities. Cover your family and friends with safe gulal (colored powder) , and explore cultural traditions as you welcome the Spring season.
Olé España Saturday March 23, 2024 Camp North End (Boileryard Area)
Celebrate authentic Spanish cuisine and culture on Saturday March 23rd at Olé España, featuring live performances by Vadim Kolpakov Group and Sincopao Flamenco, a paella cooking demonstration, delicious sangria and Spanish wine selections at a one-of-a-kind experience. 12-5PM – FREE ADMISSION. Sponsored by Arts & Science Council Culture Blocks, a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County.
STEAMfest 2024 Sunday, March 24, 2024 | 12 PM to 5 PM Woodlawn School, 135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville, NC
“North Carolina’s largest STEM & Arts festival” will feature over 100 free hands-on STEAM activities, games, entertainment, artisans and vendors, food trucks, and more.
Hosted by Woodlawn School, situated on 61 beautiful acres, the event takes place each spring and attracts visitors from all over the Southeastern United States. Featuring hands-on activities created by teachers, students, local universities, museums, community organizations, and businesses, STEAMfest offers visitors an exciting look into the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. It’s an opportunity to take part in fun, engaging, hands-on activities that give us even more reason to imagine, discover, and explore all of the wonderful possibilities that surround us.
SHOUT! is back! For 17 days, Charlotte SHOUT! transforms Uptown Charlotte into a creative playground for art, food, music, and ideas. SHOUT! celebrates our community’s innovative spirit with exceptionally curated programming from around the corner and around the world. Lots more detail at the link.
South End Wine & Hops Fest Saturday, March 30, 2024 1– 6PM Lenny Boy Brewing, 3000 S Tryon St, Charlotte
Charlotte’s most award-winning festival celebrates one of our most beloved neighborhoods in the city. Join over several days to sip on wines, craft brews, and enjoy live music.
April Charlotte Area Spring 2024 Fairs & Festivals
For the third year in a row, some of the most talented Pitmasters from the Carolinas and beyond are coming together to BBQ for a cause. Back at Camp North End, the Carolina BBQ Festival will be delicious BBQ, live music, vendors, cocktails, beer and more.
Celebrate together at the Humane Society of Charlotte’s Animal Resource Center with their building open & full of adoptable animals, plus a backyard set up complete with a dog park and all the vendors and activities you know and love. Pet Palooza is an annual fundraising walk and community festival featuring live music, food trucks, pet-loving vendors, and fun for the whole family. While the festival is free to attend, those who wish to participate in the walk must register ahead of time.
Since 1962, the Come-See-Me Festival has heralded the beginning of spring for the greater Rock Hill area. What started out as a weekend event has grown to a 10-day festival full of merriment and memories for all ages. Kick off the Festival with the Come-See-Me Parade, enjoy live music and food throughout the week and wrap things up with the Tailgate Party and Fireworks Extravaganza! Visit the Festival Events page and start making plans for this beloved Rock Hill tradition.
The Charlotte Fair April 11-21, 2024 ROUTE 29 PAVILION 5650 SANDUSKY BLVD. CONCORD NC
Two weeks of fun-filled entertainment, delicious food, and thrilling rides that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With attractions for all ages, the Queen Charlotte Fair offers something for everyone. Early Bird tickets now on sale ~ Save $2 on all adult tickets and $1 on all kid tickets.
Get your feel of BBQ, beer, burgers and music packed into one weekend at AvidXchange Music Factory Grounds. Taste over 50 beers while you listen to musical performances from artists like The Revivalists, Hippo Campus, and Flipturn.
Paws In the Park Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10am-3pm Rain or Shine Pineville Lake Park 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville
Annual event which features Dog Rescue Groups and Shelters with dogs available for adoption, Food Trucks, Arts/Crafts and Business Vendors, Demonstrations, Photo Booth, Kids Playground, Dog Contests at noon and Award-Winning Entertainment – Circus Stella, and the Chairmen of the Board band.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of Holi! This annual Holi Color Festival from the Hindu Center of Charlotte is set to dazzle on April 14th. Stay tuned to their Facebook event at the link for more details to come.
Charlotte Kids Fest Sunday, April 14, 2024 11am to 4pm 8844 Craver Road (UNC Charlotte)
This is a free festival with a variety of creative games, experiences, music and learning opportunities for all ages!
Celebrate the city’s culinary scene in a FREE, family-friendly event featuring food & restaurant vendors, a celebrity chef (to be announced soon), cooking demonstrations, food trucks, live music, art, and more. Don’t miss the Neighborhood Cook-off pitting chefs head-to-head in a cook-off to win the title of StrEATs Neighborhood Champion. On April 3rd, from 6-9 PM, StrEATS is expanding to wine and tastings this year at Johnson and Wales. There is also a StrEATS Tasting Tour on April 13th, from 2-3 PM featuring dishes from iconic Charlotte restaurants.
In its 36ᵗʰ year of fundraising, Charlotte Wine + Food Week features a week-long Online Charity Auction and a series of restaurant vintner dinners including its signature walk-around Grand Tasting on featuring 100+ carefully selected wines, tastings from Charlotte-area restaurants, and live music. Proceeds for the 2024 event benefit four local children’s charities; A Child’s Place – a program of Thompson Child & Family Focus, Augustine Literacy Project, GenOne, and The Learning Collaborative.
This is one of the area’s biggest festivals in spring, a multi-day festival that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle through competitions, exhibitions, demos, and live music at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. The festival features a variety of outdoor competitions, along with 3 days of live music. The name “Tuck Fest” comes from the Tuckaseegee Ford and Trail, a historical landmark located at the Whitewater Center.
For guests who are interested in simply experiencing the sights and sounds of Tuck Fest, there is no ticket or registration required (standard parking fees apply). Everyone is welcome to enjoy the live music, demos and view all of the competitions free of charge.
Charlotte Earth Day 2024 is a celebration that will bring together communities for an educational celebration of our environment and the local groups that work to improve it. Join in this celebration which promises to be an inspirational, fun, enchanting and enlightening event celebrating the Diversity & Beauty of Life on Earth….for the kids, for the grandkids, for us all.
The Loch Norman Highland Games at Rural Hill is a family friendly event presented by Historic Rural Hill. Come and experience all the fun with Highland Dancing, Bagpipe Bands, Highland Athletics, a Giant Kid’s Zone, Scottish Merchants, Haggis, Celtic Rock and Traditional Performers, Historic Reenactments, Scottish Country Dancing, Sunday Church Service, Hearth Cooking, NC Beer and Wine, Whiskey Tastings, Kilted Running Events, Scottish Clan Societies, Shoot Long Bows and Blowguns, Throw a Battle Axe and more.
‘Tawba Walk festivities include: 2 stages of Live Bands Over 100 local artists, craftsmen & vendors Local Craft Breweries Multiple Food Truck Courts Epic Kid Zone Street Art & Live Demonstrations Games, Give-a-ways, and more.
BOOM is back! BOOM 2024 will be the 7th year of the annual arts festival, at a mix of indoor and outdoor venues. BOOM Fringe: original edgy/experimental art performed in intimate settings. It features ticketed performances created by the presenting artists in several small venues. BOOM Intersection: a broad range of art performed on a central stage, plus interactive installations and activities – all free and open to the public. The Intersection is the epicenter of the festival. It becomes a location for artists, audiences, and community members to come together and enjoy live art in an outdoor living room.
April is for Arts is a month-long celebration of the arts in Davidson. We have selected the weekend of April 26-28, 2024 to focus on the arts in town and have exciting events planned for both residents and visitors.
Gallery Crawl: Friday, April 26, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Art on the Green Festival: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 28, noon until 4:00 p.m.
Concert on the Green: Sunday, April 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Regional Festival of India @ MATTHEWS Saturday April 27, 2024 Noon to 6PM Stumptown Park, 120 South Trade St., Matthews
A one-day event in an open setting in downtown Matthews, with focus on live performances of Indian Dance forms in the Stumptown Park. Dance performances ~ Cultural exhibits ~ Visual art gallery and kids interactive art corner ~ Indian Food Court ~ Souvenir Bazaar ~ Henna Tattoos ~ Saree wearing ~ Turban tying. FREE Admission and Ample free public parking is available around the venue site. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BLANKET & CHAIR.
Garibaldi Festival Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 Noon–10pm 24 S. Main Street, Belmont, NC
Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and community at the 2024 Garibaldi Festival. This annual event is a harmonious blend of artistic expression, artisanal craftsmanship, and electrifying melodies, making it a must-attend for anyone.
The festival will return in 2024 for its 10th year with the smells and tastes of barbeque and fun for the entire family. Country Music Superstar Craig Morgan will perform in honor of their 10th Anniversary with a free concert, Friday, May 3, on the North Carolina Research Campus on the Horseshoe.
A new music festival is coming to Charlotte featuring an impressive lineup and is already sold out of several ticket types. Listen to over 40 local and national artists performing live across three stages. The multi-genre festival lineup in Uptown will include popular artists like Post Malone, Noah Kahan and Stevie Nicks.
Kings Drive Art Walk May 4-5, 2024 Little Sugar Creek Greenway at 600 South Kings Drive
Held along the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a reclaimed natural waterway between East Morehead Street and Pearle Park Way Bridge along Kings Drive with a focus on fine and emerging artists, this spring festival on this beautiful and easily accessible venue is an annual fine arts outing. The KDAW festival is located on the King’s Drive section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a beautiful public space that is open to all in the community.
Hello Huntersville is an art and music festival that highlights local/regional area artist and musicians. Listen to live music while supporting local artists, food & beverage vendors. This event is FREE to the public.
Friday, May 10th 6pm – 10pm Saturday, May 11th 10am – 10pm. HEADS UP! No pets are allowed at BeachFest Matthews per Town Ordinance
Reel Out Charlotte May 15-19, 2024 The Independent Picture House 4237 Raleigh St., Charlotte
Join in to celebrate the beauty of independent cinema and see LGBTQ lives, loves, and triumphs on the big screen at the new venue, The Independent Picture House, in partnership with the Charlotte Film Society. More event details and ticket purchases coming soon.
Join in on the non-stop festivies at St. Philip Neri Italian Festival to experience more than 20 different festival favorites and Italian specialties. Also, after a three-year hiatus, the Cannoli 5K Run and 1 Mile Fun Run is back in 2024 ~ Saturday, May 18 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Midwood Maynia Saturday, May 18, 2024 Midwood Park Plaza Midwood
Midwood Maynia is Plaza Midwood’s official event to welcome warmer weather, the blossoms of spring and the beginning of the outdoor festival season with live music, food, beer from a local brewery, parade, great local merchants and fun activities for the kids. This event is free to all, so we welcome you to join friends, family, neighbors, artisans and many of our local businesses in beautiful Midwood Park for the annual Midwood Maynia festival.
Pineville Arts in the Park Saturday, May 18, 2024 10 AM – 6 PM Pineville Lake Park, 1000 Johnston Drive, Pineville
Family oriented outdoor festival held in the picturesque Lake Park, this festival is focused on promoting local arts, crafts, entertainment, musicians, food trucks and a children’s art show. Stage Entertainment and times will be released in April.
Attend the annual Cheerwine Festival for amazing food, lively entertainment, and all the Cheerwine you can drink.
RiverFest Saturday, May 18, 11:00-4:00 PM Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, Belmont, NC
This event features live music, food trucks, local craft beer, educational activies for kids, kayaking, bounce house, and local vendors. To benefit the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation.
Cornelius Jazz Festival Saturday, May 18, 2024 5 – 9 PM Smithville Park, 19710 S Ferry Street, Cornelius
This FREE annual jazz music festival will feature live performances numerous delicious food trucks, tasty local beer and wine, kids’ activities, local business vendors, and more. Performers for this years Jazz Fest will be announced soon. Check the link to the FB page above.
Hippie Daze Festival June 1-2, 2024 Dallas Lavender Lane Farm, 937 Old Willis School Road, Dallas, NC
This is a great festival full of activities and performers, DJ , over 100 vendors , including multiple food vendors, lavender will be in full bloom so they will offer calming crowns from lavender you cut. Stilt walkers, magician, jugglers, face painting, VW show , celebrities , petting zoo including highland cow, mini donkey , mini baby goats, mini pigs that walk around freely on the property, bubble show, bands, VW car and bus show, and more. Stay tuned at their website or Facebook page.
This article was compiled and written by Sophia Jacobs, a native Charlottean who recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Political Science. Sophia loves to read, practice yoga, and is addicted to the NYT daily crossword. She is currently job searching for opportunities in the marketing or editorial world in Charlotte. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-jacobs-7b135a237
“It is with an extremely sad and heavy heart that we share this news,” the social media post reads. “We are all still in shock and need time to process everything, but we will do our best to keep everyone in the loop for when we open up our taprooms again.”
Medic confirmed they responded Tuesday afternoon to a deadly fall. Hours later, investigators could still be seen inside the taproom, located near the intersection of West Summit Avenue and South Tryon Street in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood.
“We lost one of our founders, co-owners, and friend, Dan,” the brewery said online. “Your thoughts and prayers for Dan’s family, his wife, and his son are much appreciated at this time.”
Officials with the North Carolina Occupational Safety and Health (NC OSH) Division appeared to be at the taproom Tuesday afternoon alongside the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
The brewery first announced their closure earlier Tuesday afternoon citing an “unforeseen circumstances.” The mysterious and unexpected social media post prompted an immediate response from customers, who anxiously awaited more information about the incident. Data provided by Google showed an immediate increase in those searching for information about Wooden Robot Brewery.
All of WCNC Charlotte’s podcasts are free and available for both streaming and download. You can listen now on Android, iPhone, Amazon, and other internet-connected devices. Join us from North Carolina, South Carolina, or on the go anywhere.
Romeo and Juliet’s luck took a turn after more than 1,000 days of waiting for a home, a North Carolina shelter said.
Screengrab from the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society on Facebook
Two “canine lovebirds” spent more than 1,000 days in a shelter — and now, they have a new home together.
The long-awaited adoption brought the “most perfect” ending to the week of Valentine’s Day, according to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society in North Carolina.
“Romeo & Juliet now have an awesome mom and dad and a loving forever home,” the shelter wrote Feb. 18 on Facebook.
The aptly-named dogs finally got new owners more than three years after they were rescued as strays in December 2020. Early on, the humane society tried to separate them since it can be tougher to find a home for two dogs.
“Juliet was fine, she was really more into human affection and didn’t seem too bothered by not being with Romeo,” a shelter spokesperson told McClatchy News in an email. “He, on the other hand, was completely shut down without her. We knew pretty quickly that in order for him to have any quality of life, he would need to stay with her.”
As the years passed, the dogs became some of the shelter’s longest residents and were known for adoring one another. The shelter hoped Romeo, a bluetick coonhound mix, and Juliet, a redbone coonhound mix, would continue their close bond.
“Romeo and Juliet MUST BE ADOPTED TOGETHER as they deserve a forever home that has room for both,” the shelter wrote on Facebook in June.
Then after 1,154 days of waiting, the “sweet” dogs started their next chapter with a familiar person. A shelter volunteer and her husband are now the “new pet parents for one of the strongest-bonded pairs of dogs we have ever had the honor of caring for,” the animal organization wrote.
Social media users were fans of the update, including several who congratulated the “canine lovebirds” on their new family.
The dogs were adopted in the Sapphire area, roughly 55 miles southwest of the popular mountain town of Asheville.
Simone Jasper is a reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer and real-time news in the Carolinas.
Let’s start with the premise that Netflix’s Love is Blindis both sublimely asinine and a worthy anthropological spectacle. We viewers might never participate in a show like this, but there is something to be gleaned about relationships and ourselves from watching. Each of us is represented on that screen in some form.
This is the type of show that elicits audience commentary. If you are watching and not yelling back at the TV, you’re not really watching. As a married woman in her early 40s, these are the points I have screamed from my sofa during the first six episodes (no spoilers here):
Blankets: The excessive use of blankets feels on par with the excessive amount of crying—and both paint a picture of the level of maturity each contestant brings to the table. No, really, the number of blankets and the persistent swaddling is distracting. Why is everyone cuddling up under blankets or walking around with them draped over their shoulders? Why is it so cold in there? Are these blankets being washed? Is this rehab or group therapy? Looking at a grown man in a tank top with a plush velour blanket on his lap raises the question: Maybe just put a sweatshirt on? If we’re watching a movie in the winter, by all means, snuggle up and get cozy. But in all other instances, my lap is not getting warm for Linus.
Vocal fry: I have to believe that the ladies on the show are reality TV viewers themselves. They should know how silly and intolerable women sound when they adopt vocal fry. It is very much a choice. It is also a very Charlotte thing to do—mimicking qualities in others perceived to be attractive recipients of attention.
A note to the seemingly harmless Trevor: You lament judgment of your muscles and mullet, but these are two physical factors within your control. And the ones you’ve worked to achieve, my friend, are statements. High-volume proclamations even. It’s yelling: I am investing an incredible amount of time and supplements running from something within me in order to have these unnaturally massive, veiny calves. Women are not judging you; they are simply receiving the message you are shouting from the hair dusting on top of your oversized trapezius.
Jessica as Emily Maynard: If I were a betting woman, I would wager that the Bachelor/Bachelorette producers have audition tapes on Jessica. As a fellow Charlottean and hot, single mom, I imagine that Jess has Emily Maynard on a vision board somewhere and has sought to follow her transcendence into the pop culture, reality-star-celebrity zeitgeist. Hence, when experiencing rejection, her reaction was outsized. She was not simply being rejected by a man; it was a crumbling of a planned public persona and future life. But more on that in points #10 and #11.
Is Matthew a Charlotte-specific breed? While all the front-runner men this season showcase much of what you’ll find in the Charlotte scene, Matthew might be unique to our Southern metropolis. Like the actor/waiter is to Los Angeles, the hot-and-cold, blue-and-khaki, ineptly awkward-until-mildly charming, gaslighting finance guy is a Charlotte archetype.
Love or Love Drunk? It’s clear that the cast believes that love is a feeling. That’s why so many tearfully proclaimed it in a mere matter of days. At one point, Jessica said through sobs, “I love him so much. That electric feeling … What else would you call that?” I don’t know—lust, hormones, hope, projection, giddiness? For those in the cast still in their 20s, this is a forgivable delusion. But for those already in their 30s (Laura, AD, Chelsea, Matthew, Clay, Trevor, Jeramey), your brains have been fully formed for at least five years. It’s time to rise to the occasion of being grown and knowing better. Love is a verb, and its action is putting someone else’s best interest before your own desires.
CPAPs: The wise Dr. Maya Angelou said when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. (AD, I’m looking at you and you know I am looking at you because you are one of the wisest of this bunch.) But when someone tells you who they are, or in this case, tells you they have major sleep apnea and require a CPAP machine—but don’t always wear it—this is when you bow out, Laura. It is only once you love someone and are trapped by deep feelings, children, or matrimony, that you willingly proceed with the menacing sleep carnage that is snoring in any form. To be forewarned prior to any legal, financial, or biological entanglements and to proceed any way is either naivete or insanity, and Laura is simply too cunning to claim anything but the latter.
Journey Synonyms: As I watch this show, I need the cast to hit the thesaurus and find some new words for “journey.” And “process” is out too. How about odyssey, pilgrimage, quest, sojourn, or expedition? Do those sound too ridiculous? Well, so does the use of “journey” to describe dating. This is a reality show, not the Iditarod.
The Right Questions Cannot Be Answered in a Pod: As a person who has been in several long-term relationships and now married for over 11 years, here are some of the mandatory questions one must uncover that cannot be determined in a pod:
How does this person treat a waiter?
How are they at waiting in a line?
How are they when dealing with slow Wi-Fi?
How much time do they spend in the bathroom in a given day?
How do they smell on the daily?
Who are their friends?
What do they do when their parents criticize you?
Angry Rejection: If during the courting/getting-to-know-you process, a person decides that what they are getting to know isn’t for them and they have the courtesy to share that feedback, a healthy, secure person will react the way a civilized job applicant might to learning they did not receive the position. If a job applicant began to react in anger, make character accusations towards the hiring manager, become defensive, and even cry, it’s likely that security would be called. The same should be true in dating. Disappointment is understandable, but anger or aggressive defensiveness in early dating is a massive red flag. Which brings me to the final point …
Childhood trauma: We all have it to a degree. Some, like Jessica’s, is profound. Some, like I suspect Matthew’s and Chelsea’s, might be more subtle or less horrifying to consider because of its commonality. For that reason, we must treat this cast and each other with some compassion, understanding that adults will speak, behave, and react appropriately to the degree that they witnessed appropriate speaking, behavior, and reactions as children. Within this cast, and in our real lives, the ability to be in relationships with others does not depend upon having an idyllic upbringing, nor does having acute traumatic experiences preclude you from having a healthy relationship. What is required of each of us, regardless of our personal degree of trauma, is a continual sharpening of our awareness of how those early experiences show up in our lives today as adults.
Predictions (spoilers here):
Clay is going to shit the bed and break AD’s heart. I imagine it will come in the form of cheating, general man-childness, but likely both.
Jimmy finally sees Jessica and from that moment forward is done with Chelsea, whether he cops to it or not.
If there is any fairness in the world, Trevor will sweep up what is left of Chelsea, and those two will live happily ever after with little mullet children.
Laura and Jeramey will have some dark and nasty arguments, in which Laura will recover with ease and be perceived as a stone-cold assassin. This girl is not here for Jeramey or a relationship. She is here to launch her comedy career.
Episodes 7 – 9 will air on Netflix beginning February 21.
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.png "Christopher Porter, 30, will soon appear in front of a Charlotte jury for luring an Indian Trail teen to Missouri, where police say he raped her and took videos. A federal grand jury indicted him Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024.")
