🌱 Local Driver On Meth Faces 10 Years In Prison + Collapsed House

Happy Wednesday, people of Charlotte! Let's get this day started off right. Here's what's happening today in Charlotte.

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First, today's weather:

Sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 57.

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Here are the top five stories today in Charlotte:

1. This year's Realtors Care Day showed the true meaning of compassion and community collaboration. Led by the Canopy Housing Foundation Initiative, this event brings together local realtors to assist with exterior home renovations. They also offer support to people who need safety modifications and critical repairs in the Charlotte area. (charlottenc.gov)
2. After causing a fatal crash in South Carolina while high on methamphetamine, a North Carolina man who worked as a contractor for Amazon, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Semahj N. Rittenburg of Charlotte pleaded guilty Monday to felony driving under the influence causing death. Rittenburg was delivering packages for Amazon after dark in November 2020 when the van he was driving crossed state Highway 49 near Lake Wylie and slammed head on into a Volkswagen, killing the other driver. (WRAL)
3. Another seaside house has collapsed due to the Outer Banks experiencing problems with beach erosion, rip currents and overwash. The house was unoccupied when it collapsed at 24235 Ocean Drive in Rodanthe. As a result, officials closed that segment of the beach to protect people from the large debris. (WCNC.com)
4. The Carolina Panthers are bringing a luxury dining experience to Bank of America Stadium with "Taste of the Panthers." This event will take place on May 19. Guests will be able to mix and mingle with Panthers players and legends on the field as they sample meals from the city's top restaurants. (WCNC.com)
5. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says that if you want your child to ride the school bus next year then you need to register now. Parents who want to register their child for the 2022-2023 school year can do so by clicking here. CMS says registering early will help the district ensure there are enough seats on buses for anyone wishing to ride, and ensures routes are maximized prior to the first day of school. Parents will not be able to register their child unless they are enrolled in CMS for the 2022-2023 school year. (Spectrum News)

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Today in Charlotte:

• Facebook Essentials for Small Business (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
• Ladies Lifestyle Network Social at Sugar Creek Brewery in Charlotte!—Ladies Lifestyle Network aims to bring women of all walks of life together to discuss personal passions, growing businesses, "Mom life" and everything in between. Our ultimate goal is to inspire, encourage and provide a judgement free space for all women to feel supported by one another. You don't want to miss a much-needed night out with the ladies. Take a break, grab a drink and hang with us. We will be featuring local women in business with vendor tables, an amazing business owner & international speaker Kristy Kuhl who helps women pivot out of their day job and into something the love! This event is FREE to attend! (5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
• Math, Invention & Life event at Park Road Park in Charlotte—Seeking inspiration to love math? Looking for resources or strategies to build powerful technical thinking skills? Want to learn how to create and invent both inside and outside of math? Don't miss Prof. Po-Shen Loh's tour stop in town. He is a unique and approachable person who has directly made world-leading innovations in these topics, and he is spending his summer sharing his experience with the next generation of students, all across North America. This event will be completely different from an ordinary math talk. It will be fun and thought-provoking. This event is for families of students who will start grades 5–11 next school year. (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
• Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA—The Barrel Room at Triple C Brewing in Charlotte, will host this event. Enjoy an intimate ambiance in a beautiful venue bathed in candlelight, a talented Charlotte string quartet performing popular pieces by ABBA and the intimate atmosphere of the popular Barrel Room. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for additional purchase provided by Triple C Brewing Company. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
• Eddie presents: Open Mic Night at Eleven Lakes Brewing Company—Join in the fun! The sign-up list is at 6:30 p.m. day-of. Instruments are provided, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keys and drumkit. Musicians may bring their own instruments/amps to plug and play if they would like to or just show up and play what is available. Multiple microphones will also be available for duo/group singing. Musicians will get to perform on a first come, first serve basis. Have some great beer and play and/or listen to some tunes! (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• Martha Redbone Roots Project at Sarah Belk Gambrell Center in Charlotte—Martha Redbone is a Native & African-American vocalist, songwriter, composer and educator. She is known for fusing her Harlan County childhood's gospel, blues and folk with the diverse character of pre-gentrified Brooklyn. Redbone brings her own experience as a native and black woman and mother to her storytelling, shedding light on issues of social justice, recontextualizing traditions, bridging cultures, and celebrating what it means to be human in the new millennium. (7:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Drive-In and Outdoor Movie Events in Charlotte, NC: View the list (kiss951.com)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: *FOUND DOG* Intact male dog off of White Store Road in Monroe, NC. He is safe at my house and is definitely someone's pet so I'd love to be able to get him home. Please contact me if he's your dog or if you know his owners. (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: We do everything in our power to save as many animals as we can. This album was created specifically for animals that need greater attention than the rest of the population at the shelter. (Facebook)
• CMPD Animal Care and Control: A picture a day finds Lawson a home to stay. Adoptable Lawson has been with us for a year now still waiting on his home. We're posting a picture a day to help him find his new home (or long term foster). #wefoster Maddie's Fund (Facebook)
• Brave Step: Help us welcome our newest advisory board member! A Master's Level Clinician, Ms. Bey has more than 20 years of experience working with children and families. (Facebook)
• Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Wondering what the Library has been up to lately? Francene Marie recently interviewed De'Trice J. Fox, adult services librarian at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, about all of the various programs the Library has available for everyone. (Facebook)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools: Who says safety can't be fun? CMS Transportation recently held a "Road-eo" driving and inspection competition where top finishers received a cash bonus and a chance to compete at the state level! (Facebook)
• Charlotte Symphony: The Charlotte Symphony stands in solidarity with the Black Orchestral Network and its #DearAmericanOrchestras call to action. We commit to embracing a resonant, rooted, open, equitable musical community where Black musicians thrive. (Facebook)
• Charlotte Symphony: "With this, his Choral Symphony, Beethoven changed the face of classical music forever." Christopher Warren-Green invites you to experience Beethoven's 9th with the Charlotte Symphony from May 20 to May 22 at Belk Theater. (Facebook)
• Charlotte Freedom School Partners: Thank you Bank of America for having our CEO Glenda Bernhardt come and speak at your Sustain the Gain initiative about the magic of Freedom School and the many opportunities to get involved this summer. (Facebook)
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg District Attorney's Office: In the May edition of DA Merriweather's newsletter, learn about a legal assistant honored for her service to homicide victims' families. Find out why DA Merriweather is concerned about inequities related to mental health treatment. (Facebook)
• Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg: Mark your calendar for the free swim lessons sign up starts soon from our partners at park and rec. (Facebook)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Tryon and Mallard Creek: I saw a medium sized black and white dog with a collar running around the neighborhood late tonight while I was taking out my dogs. I tried to entice him with treats so I could leash him but he was very skittish. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Eastway/Sheffield Park: Does anyone have boxes with lids to give away? I'm a teacher and I have to pack up my classroom for the summer to move to another room in August. The classroom won't be ready, so everything needs packed. Medium sized boxes will be best. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Firethorne-Thorn Grove: Does anyone know of a place that picks up broken washers? I'm on 3rd floor—34 steps to be exact. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Wesley Heights: Does anyone have recommendations for dishwasher and garbage disposal repair? (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Oakdale North: I'm looking for a recommendation for gutter cleaning for my two story house. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Sunset Road: Our little boy has been missing since 4/16 when he slipped out the front door and we haven't been the same since. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Nocroft-Sweetwater: I saw a small dog who is white with black spots and a black face, running on WT Harris this morning. I pulled over to see if I could help it but it was scared of me. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Oakdale Green: Does anyone have recommendations for a good lawn care business? I need less than 0.5 acre mowed before this weekend. Oakdale South area.(Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Colonial Grand: Anyone work at the Amazon at 8000 Tuckaseegee Road? I'm starting there soon. My work schedule will be from Sunday through Wednesday. The hours are from 6:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. I'm looking for someone to ride with. I will pay you for this service! (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Todd Park: Another short and sweet balloon installation from Saturday! Message me if you're interested in having a balloon arch or balloon wall install done for a social occasion. (Nextdoor)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Dilworth West: Call Me By My Name is a documentary about the creativity of the unhoused community. It will play starting at 2:00 p.m. on May 15 at First Christian Church located on 1200 East Blvd. in Charlotte, NC. (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— 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