🌱 CLT Airport Receives $32M + Savor Charlotte Celebrates Good Food

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Alexis Goring, your host of the Charlotte Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community. Including news about...

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport will receive $32 million in federal funding.
• Savor Charlotte is a two-week celebration of the dynamic and creative culinary community who makes the Queen City one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Southeast.
• "Heal Charlotte" works toward its one goal: stopping the cycle of gun violence.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 77 Low: 49.

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Here are the top six stories in Charlotte today:

1. "Charlotte Douglas International Airport will get $32 million in federal funding for its "Concourse E Improvement Project," Rep. Jeff Jackson announced Monday. The money is coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminals Program through the Federal Aviation Administration. Concourse E is the primary gateway for regional flights at Charlotte Douglas. ... The project will modernize the 120,000-square-foot concourse to update hold rooms, restrooms and other high-traffic areas," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
2. "As part of Black History Month, WCNC Charlotte has been highlighting people and places that show off Black history and culture across the Carolinas. But just as important as highlighting people and places is highlighting Black issues, including something that affects many people: hair. Black hair goes far beyond just being hair, but more of a sense of identity. April Atkinson's been doing hair for more than 18 years. Lockstar Lifestyle, her storefront on North Graham Street, is more than just a salon. It's a place where people come to tell their stories," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
3. "Three years ago, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and former Mayor Pro Tem Julie Eiselt created the “Citizen Advisory Committee on Governance.” It made a number of recommendations for how the city should govern itself. While most task force recommendations are ignored, City Council members have embraced almost all of the recommendations made by the governance group. Four-year terms, with staggered elections? That is moving forward," WFAE reports. (WFAE)
4. "Savor Charlotte is a two-week celebration of the dynamic and creative culinary community that makes the Queen City one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the Southeast. Taking place March 8-22, epicurean adventures include experiential hands-on classes and demonstrations, exclusive menus, special offers and more. ... Savor Charlotte will also include the kick-off of Black Food Truck Fridays in partnership with Black Business Owners of Charlotte (BBOC), which will take place on Friday, March 17 from 4-9 p.m. ... Savor Charlotte is intended to connect locals and visitors alike and inspire them to indulge in one-of-a-kind flavors not available anywhere else," PR Newswire reports. (PR Newswire)
5. "The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal presented Charlotte Fire with the North Carolina Fire and Life Safety Educator Program of the Year for its third-grade fire safety program. A team of four Charlotte Fire educators delivers a free third-grade fire and life safety program designed to meet the healthful living objective guidelines of the North Carolina Department of Instruction. Over the past 11 years, the team has consistently visited every third-grade class in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system within city limits, with the goal of educating students to help prevent injuries and property damage that can result during fire incidents," City of Charlotte Government reports. (charlottenc.gov)
6. "Heal Charlotte has one goal: stopping the cycle of gun violence. The community organization has helped support conversations and relationships between the community, police and government. Heal Charlotte also helps target the young people in parts of Charlotte who are at the highest risk of being involved in gun violence," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)

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Today in Charlotte:

• A Delicious Country Exhibition at The Charlotte Museum of History (11:00 a.m.)
• Black History Month Closer Art Social at ARBOL Eatery (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
• Charlotte Black Love Matchmaking & Networking hosted by Invitation Homes Carolinas (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• Trivia Tuesday with DJ BBurg at The Casual Pint-Rivergate (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• CONGRATULATIONS to Charlotte Fire educators for being honored as North Carolina SAFETY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR! The team of four Charlotte Fire delivers a free third-grade fire and life safety program designed...(Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC via Facebook)
• Our ArtPop and @neimanmarcuscharlotte Art of Fashion event is SOLD OUT! If you can’t make it, remember you can still support ArtPop while finding new things for your closet by shopping in-store at Neiman Marcus. (ArtPop Street Gallery via Instagram)

• Andrea Brinkley, aka Andy, aka @oandystudio creates wool embroidery art inspired by her love of flowers and colors. Having grown up on a sheep farm in South Africa, Andy developed an appreciation for natural wool fibers and textures. (ArtPop Street Gallery via Instagram)
• Since we’ve been doing the #9PM routine, who has realized how easy it is to leave valuable items in your car, forget to lock your car, activate your house alarm, or turn on your exterior lights? (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• Teachers and staff at Blythe Elementary School PTA created Black History Month displays to highlight African Americans in the 21st century who were the first to accomplish something in their field. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Join Mountain Island Library staff as we partner with The Human Bean to bring you Lattes in the Library, a new, exciting program! Every first Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m., teens are invited to learn how to make different. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Library via Facebook)
• My dogs ran away together and somebody called animal control for the big one. But the little one is not in there. I'm offering a cash reward for this puppy. If you can help me, call this number: 704-492-9593. (Nextdoor)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at charlotte@patch.com