🌱 YMCA Will Renovate Pool + Operation Safe Street Curbs Drunk Driving

Hi all. It's me, Alexis Goring, your host of the Daily. Here's all the community news you need to know right now, including...

• CATS is extending the survey period for the planned LYNX Silver Line light rail.
• The Morrison Family YMCA in Ballantyne will be renovating its pool.
• Holiday spikes in drunk driving encouraged the formation of Operation Safe Street.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cool. High: 50 Low: 26.

Here are the top five stories today in Charlotte:

1. "Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is extending the survey period for the planned LYNX Silver Line light rail. The project team is asking for public input on the potential alternative alignments in and around Center City Charlotte and the potential alignment and station change in the Bojangles Coliseum area. Interested community members are encouraged to view the Online Open House or watch a recording of the public meetings held earlier this month and provide feedback through Nov. 30," City of Charlotte government reports. (charlottenc.gov)
2. "The Morrison Family YMCA in Ballantyne will be renovating its pool and building a retractable dome to cover an expanded pool. The YMCA says the project will be a DynaDome structure that will cover the pool to create a year-round aquatic experience that will positively impact the children, family and community served. The update will include a redesign with the expansion of the current pool to eight lanes, along with a new pool deck. These will be ready for members and campers by the summer of 2023," WBTV reports. (WBTV)
3. "Holiday spikes in drunk driving encouraged the formation of Operation Safe Street. Mecklenburg County ABC Board and Law Enforcement Division established the Operation Safe Streets program because they believe the tragedy of an alcohol-related crash is completely preventable. Arrest is not the purpose during this operation. They will offer drivers a safe ride home," WCNC reports. (WCNC.com)
4. "The death certificate for Shanquella Robinson has been released, but her family says it doesn’t answer enough questions about the 25-year-old’s death last month. Robinson, well known for her business braiding hair, was in Cabo San Lucas with a group of friends celebrating someone’s birthday. The 25-year-old turned up dead after just one day on vacation. The death certificate, obtained by Nexstar’s WJZY, lists the cause of death as severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation. ... According to Robinson’s family, the friends told them she was drunk when she died," WGHP FOX8 Greensboro. (WGHP FOX8 Greensboro)
5. "The annual Tree Lighting Festival, hosted by the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, is back at Bank of America Stadium. On Tuesday, Nov. 22, fans and families are invited to join the festivities to be held at the corner of Mint Street and Graham Street starting at 5 p.m. There will be activities for people of all ages, including free hot cocoa, photo booths, letter writing stations and more. Food and beverage options will also be available for purchase from participating vendors," Spectrum News reports. (Spectrum News)

Today in Charlotte:

• Sprouts Farmers Market (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
• Charlotte Regional Farmers Market (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Southern Christmas Show at The Park Expo & Conference Center (10:00 a.m.)
• Charlotte International Auto Show at Convention Center (12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
• Music on the Patio at Juniper Grill - Ballantyne (4:30 p.m.)
• Charlotte Black Love Matchmaking & Networking at Invitation Homes Carolinas (6:00 p.m.)
• JAZZ ROOM Presents Vocalist René Marie at Stage Door Theater (6:00 p.m.)
• The "Where Should We Vegan?" (Dinner Tour) at Camp North End (6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
• Warren Miller's DayMaker Film Tour at Visulite Theatre (7:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Congratulations to Dr. Josh Fisher, Director of CMPD Animal Care and Control, on his recent re-election to a 3rd term as President of the National Animal Care & Control Association! (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• Thanksgiving savings: These are the best turkey prices we found in Charlotte (WCNC.com)
• Ice skating is now open at the Whitewater Center (WCNC.com)
• Every relationship has its own set of challenges and being in a relationship with a firefighter can come with a very unique set. From shift work and nights alone, to the danger of the profession, worry and fear. (Charlotte Fire Department, Charlotte NC via Facebook)
• Nothing like good, friendly competition for a great cause as we near the Thanksgiving holiday! ‘Operation Food Fight’ is underway! (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department via Facebook)
• The Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation donated new football uniforms to the Eastway Middle School Jaguars on Monday. Olsen spoke to the team about how to be successful both on and off the field. (Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools via Facebook)
• On Monday, Charlotte City Council members voted unanimously to designate Juneteenth Independence Day as an official, city-recognized holiday. Beginning next year, Juneteenth, celebrated annually on June 19, will be observed. (City of Charlotte Government via Facebook)
• Looking for post-Thanksgiving plans? Gather the whole family for The Polar Express in concert! Enjoy the classic holiday film on the big screen while the CSO performs the score live, Nov. 25 & 26 at Belk Theater. >> bit.ly/csopolar (Charlotte Symphony via Facebook)
• Explore Charlotte’s newest greenway on Nov. 19 and get a Trek Bikes of Charlotte coupon! Join us at 2:00 p.m. Saturday for an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek at Phase 1 of Long Creek Greenway in north Charlotte! (Sustain Charlotte via Facebook)
• We are hiring! We are seeking a driven and passionate individual to join our full-time staff as a program assistant. Find out more: https://freedomschoolpartners.... #freedomschoolclt #charlottejobs #career #hiring #cltnc" (Charlotte Freedom School Partners via Facebook)
• It's National Career Development week! We are highlighting the Mayor's Youth Employment Program (MYEP). MYEP's ambassador program is made up of students that are striving to reach their career goals and to help others do the same. (City of Charlotte Housing & Neighborhood Services via Facebook)
• Over the weekend, Brave Step was interviewed by WBTV News about why survivors don't typically press charges. Take a listen here: https://www.wbtv.com/2022/11/13/sexual-assault-survivors-often-dont-press-charges-against-their-perpetrators...(Brave Step via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. 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 Daily? Contact me at charlotte@patch.com