🌱 Famous Hornets Broadcaster Died + Local Bakery Helps Ukraine

Hey, Charlotte. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including updates on:

• Longtime Charlotte Hornets broadcaster and sports personality passes away.
• Owner of Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte helps the people of Ukraine.
• The Whitewater Center’s ice rink is ready for ice skaters.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 65 Low: 40.

Here are the top four stories in Charlotte today:

1. "Longtime Charlotte Hornets broadcaster and sports personality Gerry Vaillancourt has passed away, the team acknowledged in a statement on Sunday. Vaillancourt served on the Hornets’ television and radio broadcast teams from 1990-2002, serving as an analyst and studio host during his time covering the franchise. During his time in the Queen City, he covered the careers of Hornets icons such as Dell Curry and Muggsy Bogues, and saw the team reach the playoffs seven times. He returned to Charlotte media in 2017, working in a similar capacity," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
2. "Manolo Betancur, who owns Manolo’s Bakery in Charlotte, said he was ready to fight in Ukraine after the war escalated in February. ... As an immigrant who fled a war in Colombia himself, he knew the struggles war brings. But as a baker, he found another way to help. ... After raising money from customers, rotary clubs and local churches, he traveled to the Polish-Ukrainian border in May and farther into Ukraine in November. Betancur said the $8,000 raised for his latest trip went towards rebuilding damaged bakeries, providing new equipment for them, feeding people, and donating to suffering families," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
3. "The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department started a homicide investigation late Saturday night. An alert from CMPD shared on Twitter indicated officers were on the scene along Skipwith Place near South Tryon Street just before 10:30 p.m. Officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call. Once they arrived, officers discovered a victim with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead on the scene," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
4. "Every fall the upper pond of the Whitewater center is transformed into a skating rink that is out of this world. The Whitewater Center’s ice rink consists of over 24,000 square feet of unique skating space split into four distinct skating areas, including two ice trails and two free skate zones. Guest of all ages and experience levels are invited to join in on the fun," WCCB Charlotte reports. (WCCB Charlotte)

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Today in Charlotte:

• Resilience: The Heart Of Ukraine by Michael Andrews (Exhibition) at Central Piedmont Parr Center (10:00 a.m.)
• French for Beginners Conversation Club (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
• SouthPark Toastmasters Club | Virtual Events (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• Christmas at the Library at The Billy Graham Library (5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
• The "Where Should We Vegan?" Dinner Tour at Camp North End (6:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Winter Wonderland Shop starts next week but you don't need to rush the lines. Sign up for available slots or walk up if spots are full. Please donate to our Sponsor A Child program on GivingTuesday to help students shop for free. (Children's Theatre of Charlotte via Facebook)
• Jayden has been a Freedom School scholar for five years. We have had the privilege of seeing him grow in our program, and today he shares a bit about why he chooses to come back every year. (Charlotte Freedom School Partners via Facebook)
• Looking for the perfect gift for the music lover in your life? Check out our 2022 Gift Guide! From tickets to Return of the Jedi in Concert to official CSO merch, there's something for everyone on your list this year. >> bit.ly/cso-giftg... (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• We have reached the final week of our competition! Haven't joined in yet? There's still time. Join the CMS #FamilyChallenge for a chance to win a prize! Our Week 5 challenge winner will be announced Tuesday, Dec 6, 2022. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• Shop with Amazon Smile this Cyber Monday and add an extra wish list item to your cart for us! Be sure to select "Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte" as the organization you support on your account. (Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• 24hourgutters.com — (Visit website)
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Events:

• A Cappella Christmas (December 3)
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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back 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