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Community Corner

🌱 Local Girl Raises Funds For Epilepsy Research + Popular Bar Closes

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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Morning, people of Charlotte! It's me again, Alexis Goring, your host of the Charlotte Daily.

First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm in spots. High: 80 Low: 63.

Here are the top five stories today in Charlotte:

  1. Blue Olive Lounge Ballantyne, a popular spot in Charlotte, recently announced it would be "closed permanently effective immediately." Many of the bar and lounge's followers lamented the closing. Blue Olive Lounge's closing follows a string of trendy restaurants and bars that are shutting their doors. (WCNC.com)
  2. Winners of the first annual employer Culture of Wellness Award have been announced by the North Carolina Business Group on Health (NCBGH). The award recognizes the best employer well being programs across the state, companies committed to improving the health and well-being of their employees. Alex Lee, Inc. was declared the winner in the "Large Employer" category, and Cleveland County Government in the "Small/Midsize Employer" category. (The Durango Herald)
  3. Special needs students at Rama Road Elementary School in Charlotte got a big surprise Friday from Unlock Inc and Kyle's Corner, two nonprofits focused on getting special needs students adaptive equipment. They presented bikes to several dozen students ranging from pre-K through fifth grade. These bikes have special pedals and straps to make sure students of all ability levels can safely enjoy getting on a bike at recess and having fun. (WBTV)
  4. The city of Charlotte and Mayor Vi Lyles extended the week-long celebration of National Small Business Week to a month, highlighting local Charlotte businesses that make a difference in the Queen City with the #31DaysofBiz Campaign. The campaign video series identifies many companies and entrepreneurs who play a pivotal role in strengthening the Charlotte local economy. BlueFire was honored by the city as a featured business. (EIN News)
  5. Matt Perrone and his daughter Abigail Perrone visited Charlotte Today to discuss Epipalooza, which is happening this weekend. Abigail drew a beautiful picture which is now printed on pins and buttons that can be bought to help raise those funds for epilepsy research. Epipalooza will take place on May 15 at Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts in Camp North End in Charlotte. Kids ages 15 and under are free to attend. (WCNC.com)

Today in Charlotte:

  • Free family mini photo sessions in Midtown Park. We're a small, female-run company whose mission is to make professional photography more accessible to the community while providing stability and opportunity for freelance photographers. All of our 30-minute mini sessions are free to book and take place outdoors at local parks and iconic locations. (9 a.m.)
  • Herbs: Growing and best uses via Charlotte Mecklenburg Virtual Programming. In this program we'll discuss growing various herbs and some of the best ways to use them in your cooking or home. Each registrant can pick up an herb seedling from the Mint Hill Library to plant at home. (10 to 11 a.m.)
  • Pet Palooza Walk and Festival at The Humane Society of Charlotte has been a staple of the Charlotte community for over 20 years. (11 a.m.)
  • Comic Making to Find Your Superpowers: Join this virtual workshop and creative process to identify your struggles, find your power and create your own superhero story! This program will be provided by Myers Park Library staff and Amy Jane Williams is a licensed therapist who creates stories, zines, plush toys and loves to share how drawing and writing is great self-care. This event is recommended for teens. (11 a.m. to noon)
  • You're invited to Markets at 11 in Ballantyne's Backyard to shop local vendors and enjoy live music, brews and food trucks in a community park. Turn up the tunes with the Calvin Edwards Band and PUSHH. Grab food truck bites and beers from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sycamore Brewing, D9 Brewing. Kid-friendly food options are available. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome. Bring picnic blankets, chairs and games. (11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • RiverFest 2022 is presented by Chronicle Mill and benefits the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, your local nonprofit watchdog for our waterways. (11:30 a.m.)
  • Charlotte, NC Wing a Ding Ding Festival is here! We're bringin' wings, fried chicken and fixin's! We got what you're hankering for—from Hot Nashville to Cajun Spicy, Crunchy Southern Fried, too. Crispy, Crunchy, Sweet or Spicy—We gotcha covered! We'll have plenty of craft beer, hard cider, wine or some soft stuff for you tee-totalers! (11:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hosting a job fair with openings in transportation, school nutrition, warehouse services, maintenance and custodial services on May 18 at EE Wadell. (Facebook)
  • Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg: If you are willing to answer two surveys during your visit, to be part of a research we may be able to assist a few families this week. Send us a note info@safekidscharmeck.org. There will also be slots in the summer if interested. (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Deerpark of Raintree: Mary asked to see a photo of a predator, this Red-Shouldered Hawk landed on my street as I was taking pictures of the bluebirds, he went into the area behind him looking for something to eat. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Pavilion Blvd: What is your pre-teen/teen doing this summer? Summer Camp suggestions. My daughter is 12 years old not wanting her to just sit home all summer. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Touchstone Village: Found cat near Touchstone apartments. It has a collar but no tags. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Olde Georgetowne: I need to install a home alarm system. Any recommendations? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Starmount: I am having a problem with some herb plants. They have very small white flying pests on them. Mostly my oregano and basil. Any idea what they are? And recommendation what to use to kill them that is safe for edibles? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Eastfield: Does anyone use AT&T cell phone service? What are the pros and cons? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Oak Forest: Anybody getting rid of furniture for free or cheap? I'm a single mother of two and I need pretty much everything! I'm willing to pay just don't have a lot of money or help. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Cotswold: *Missing package* It contains a Double Thule stroller. This is a long shot but the post office told us our double Thule jogger was delivered to the wrong location. Anyone received a stroller? (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

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