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Community Corner

šŸŒ± $231M Charlotte Airport Expansion + ā€˜Drive Out Hungerā€™ Campaign

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Charlotte.

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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Happy Wednesday, Charlotte! Here are the most important things happening in Charlotte today.

First, today's weather:

Sun mixing with clouds; warm. High: 88 Low: 68.

Here are the top four stories in Charlotte today:

  1. This time of year, in mid-May, people who live in and around Charlotte will start hearing a lot about MeckDec Day because it's a pretty big deal in the Queen City. As the story goes, on May 20, 1775, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was read from the courthouse steps at noon, making Charlotte the first American governing body to declare independence from Great Britain — more than a year before the Thomas Jefferson-authored declaration was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Every year, events are held to commemorate and celebrate the Mecklenburg Declaration on May 20, known as MeckDec Day. (WSOC Charlotte)
  2. Charlotte Motor Speedway and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina are collaborating to provide meals to local families facing food insecurity and childhood hunger in the greater Charlotte region. They created an initiative called "Drive Out Hunger"so they could provide meals for area families in need. At the end of the year, proceeds from the "Drive Out Hunger" campaign will be distributed through the charity to local nonprofit organizations that are working to fight food insecurity across the greater Charlotte region. (WCCB Charlotte)
  3. This past weekend's supermarket shooting in Buffalo jolted Charlotte City Council member Malcolm Graham into a disturbing flashback of when his sister Cynthia Graham Hurd was killed. Hurd was one of the nine victims who was shot and killed at Charleston's Mother Emanuel Church in 2015 during a Bible study. She was targeted because of her race. (WBTV)
  4. Phase II of Concourse A expansion is underway at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The construction is scheduled for completion in Fall 2024. It will feature a 10-gate addition housing Delta Air Lines and three common-use gates. The 191,848-square-foot expansion will have auto-tinting window glass to help control temperature and sunlight. The cost for this expansion project is $231 million. (WNCT)

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Today in Charlotte:

  • Center City Green Market open on 128 South Tryon Street (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  • Young Adult Bible Study (Virtual Event)—In partnership with New England disability ministry leaders and churches, there are two ongoing opportunities for young adults impacted by disability to connect with Christ-centered community. Enjoy fellowship, worship, prayer, and diving deeper into God's Word. While this group is geared for young adults, high school age individuals and older are welcome. For more information, including a link to join, contact Maria DeGenova via email at this address: mdegenova@joniandfriends.org, or send an email to Melena Sorena at this address: specialneeds@walnuthillcc.org. (4 to 5 p.m.)
  • Bridging The Music Presents: Charlotte miniFEST at Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts—Bridging The Music is headed to North Carolina for an evening of music, art and community in a festival-style atmosphere! Support local and touring acts and visual artists! (5:45 p.m.)
  • Comedy Open Mic at the Common Market SouthEnd—Open mic nights are a low pressure way to laugh and express yourself! You can go up on stage or sit back and enjoy! (7 p.m.)
  • Night of 1,000 Laughs at The Comedy Zone—Enjoy a very special evening of fast-paced fun! The comics don't let up in our quest to achieve a "Night Of 1,000 Laughs." Guest tickets: $10 Online | $15 Door | $25 Season Pass. (7 to 8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: It is with a heavy heart that we share the loss of former firefighter Hazel Eugene Erwin after a battle with cancer. Erwin was born in Charlotte on Nov. 10, 1944, to his parents Samuel and Nanny Erwin. (Facebook)
  • Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: Two of our own made Charlotte history come alive for the day. Battalion Chief Nantz and Firefighter Hood presented during "Voices from the Past" for the Mecklenburg Historical Association. (Facebook)
  • Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC: The Charlotte Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of Officer Angela Starnes. (Facebook)
  • ArtPop Street Gallery: We're still enjoying the magic that is this completed mural by @mural_ninjas for @the_relatives! There are so many little details in this story of a piece, but we also love a chance to stand back and take the entire mural in. (Instagram)
  • CMPD Animal Care and Control: Thank you to everyone who came and adopted during BISSELL Pet Foundation #EmptyTheShelters event these past two weeks! (Facebook)
  • Charlotte Ballet: From dancer to choreographer, our new Artistic Director Alejandro Cerrudo has received prestigious awards and cherished accomplishments throughout his professional career. (Facebook)
  • CMPD Animal Care and Control: Fostering is an important step on a pet's journey to their forever home. A home environment is best for their health and wellbeing. Fostering cats and dogs allows them to thrive in a home setting and practice forming bonds. (Facebook)
  • Charlotte Symphony: Don't miss Christopher Warren-Green's final performance as Music Director THIS WEEKEND at Belk Theater! The maestro leads the CSO in Beethoven's monumental Symphony No. 9, May 20 to May 22. (Facebook)
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office: Do you want to walk a mile in heels to raise awareness and support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence? (Facebook)
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Pre-registration for Summer Break 2022 begins today! Sign up for Summer Break and get a coupon for a free Jr. Frosty from Wendy's. Complete the program by earning 1200 points and earn additional badges as incentives for your hard work. (Facebook)
  • ArtPop Street Gallery: Attention, early summer travelers! Did you know that ArtPop can be seen on 36 digital charging station displays throughout gates A-D? Each month features a different pairing of artists. May travelers will get to enjoy these pieces. (Instagram)
  • Charlotte Freedom School Partners: We had fun this weekend during our Junior Servant Leader (JSL) Intern training! A key component of Freedom School is the intergenerational impact that happens from our scholars and JSLs to our Servant Leader Interns and staff. (Facebook)
  • Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers: Don't forget our Nature Centers are open until 8 p.m. one night a week! Each center has special activities and free stuff to do. What might you find out late? (Facebook)
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department: @CMPD is partnering with Second Harvest Food Pantry to distribute free groceries tomorrow from 1:00 p.m. - 4 p.m., while supplies last. #clt #cltnews #charlottenc #communitycollaboration (Facebook)
  • City of Charlotte Government: "We sell happiness. We sell cakes." Manolo Betancur has been in business for 25 years and throughout that time he has had a love affair with the city of Charlotte. "Charlotte is beautiful. Magical. We love it here." (Facebook)
  • Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Nature Centers: Our partners at Carolina Raptor Center explain what to do if you find an injured bird of prey on May 26 at Quest. (Facebook)
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Join us at Mountain Island Library on May 25 at 6 p.m. for our Interviewing Tips and Techniques workshop. Debbie Sherrie, HR Consultant with TalentBridge and Founder/CEO of Cate Communications, will share interviewing tips. (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Kingstree: My pit pup chews thru every toy she has had. What's a good brand for chew toys? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Commonwealth: My cat Newton is 7. He is indoor and out, but only goes out when I'm home. I live on Commonwealth and he goes up to everyone and is very friendly! Two weeks ago he lost his meow. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Druid Hills: Does anyone have experience setting up a big screen for movie night out in the park? If you do then would you send me a private message? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Ayrsley Town: Has anyone seen this missing pup? He was last seen around 2 p.m. on Sunday in the Rumple Road area. His name is Franklin and he is the sweetest pup ever. Please do not chase! There is a reward being offered. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Morris Farms: VET referral specializing in ear infections? I rescued a hound dog a few months ago who is still fighting horrible double ear infections. She's been to the vet four times since Dec. 31, and another vet one other time. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Winchester: If someone needs to buy a nice men's suit in Charlotte and don't want to spend an arm and a leg, where is the best place to shop? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Berewick: Meet our newest foster, Rain! She is a 5 year old pit-bull, sweet and very loving. She likes nothing better than to be by your side. Rain sleeps fine through the night with no accidents. She gets along great with our own dog at home. (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Alexis Goring

About me: My name is Alexis A. Goring. I'm an East Coast Girl with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I've worked as a freelance writer/editor/proofreader in the media industry for 15 years. I'm also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here's the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Charlotte Daily? Contact me at charlotte@patch.com

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