CHARLOTTE – Charlotte FC and Atrium Health partnered to give newborns special blankets to help build excitement for the MLS team’s home opener.
Atrium Health happens to be the official health care partner of Charlotte FC. The MLS team defeated Atlanta, 2-0, with goals from Pep Biel and Wilfried Zaha, on March 1 at Bank of America Stadium.
Charlotte (1-0-1) takes on Miami on March 9 at Chase Stadium. The team returns home March 15 to Bank of America Stadium to play Cincinnati.
CHARLOTTE – The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops series returns to Symphony Park in June with four Sunday evening performances led by Resident Conductor Christopher James Lees.
Summer Pops brings thousands of people together to enjoy food, music and fireworks under the stars.
This year’s lineup includes classical works, Broadway tunes, Latin rhythms and a patriotic fireworks display.
“One of the things I most love about summertime in Charlotte is seeing everyone gathered together at Symphony Park for our Summer Pops series,” Lees said. “There's an indescribable feeling when you see different generations enjoying the experience of listening to the sensational artists of the Charlotte Symphony under a canopy of stars. Whether this is a person's first or 71st Summer Pops season, the uplifting and inspiring memories of those special evenings will be ones to treasure for years to come."
Novant Health is sponsoring this year’s show.
“Few traditions capture the essence of summer in Charlotte like the Summer Pops concert series,” Said Sid Fletcher, senior vice president of Novant Health’s Charlotte Region. “Novant Health is honored to help bring this iconic event to life, alongside the Charlotte Symphony, creating lifelong memories for all. We are dedicated to bringing remarkable experiences to life within the communities we serve, and we value the vital role that music plays in promoting wellness and connection.”
Each Sunday carries a different theme:
• June 8: Classical's Greatest Hits –
Opening night features an evening of melodies and orchestral masterpieces that have been cherished for generations and celebrated in films, commercials and pop culture. In the second half, the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the symphony for a special performance.
• June 15: Best of Broadway – Take a musical journey through the Great White Way as the Charlotte Symphony performs smash hits from some of Broadway’s most iconic shows, including “Wicked,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and a sweeping Rodgers & Hammerstein medley.
• June 22: Latin Sounds – Ignite the evening with Latin rhythms, featuring the music by legendary Latin composers and pieces inspired by the rich sounds of Latin America.
• June 29: Celebrate America – Charlotte Symphony performs patriotic favorites and American classics with a thrilling fireworks
Carolina Theatre reopening with Grammy winners
CHARLOTTE – Carolina Theatre will reopen its doors this month to welcome back the community and host Grammy Award winners in concert. Deemed too architecturally significant and sentimental to demolish, the Carolina Theatre has sat vacant at its original location on Tryon Street since closing in 1978. It first opened in 1927.
The City of Charlotte gifted the property to Foundation For The Carolinas in 2012 for $1, which began a $90 million philanthropic campaign to restore the theater. Restoration began in 2017.
The public is invited to see the finished result during a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m. March 24 followed by an open house until 7 p.m.
“As a community-first nonprofit theater, it’s important everyone – no matter who you are or where you come from – feels welcome at the Carolina Theatre from day one,” Executive Director Sean Seifert said. “We’re deeply rooted in Charlotte’s history like few other places, and now we’re investing in our community’s future.”
Carolina Theatre will anchor the Belk Place civic campus, named in honor of the families of Katherine Belk and the late Thomas M. Belk and the late Claudia and John M. Belk.
Carolina Theatre will not only serve as an entertainment venue but it will also host town halls, community events, speakers
see GRAMMY page 3A
finale.
Summer Pops series returning to Charlotte’s Symphony Park
Summer Pops concerts are held at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road.
Gates open at 5 p.m. Prelude performances, featuring local musicians and ensembles, begin at 7 p.m. Charlotte Symphony performances begin at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are on sale at charlottesymphony.org/summer.
Advance general admission tickets for Classical’s Greatest Hits, Best of Broadway and Latin Sounds cost $15 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 13 to 18). Celebrate America costs $18 for adults and $5 for youth. Children 12 and under are free but will need a ticket to attend. Prices increase for day-of purchases. Subscriptions to all four Summer Pops concerts are available and include reserved spaces on the lawn. Parking is free.
Hardware store fixing to open in Ballantyne, Wesley Chapel
CHARLOTTE – Westlake Ace Hardware has signed lease agreements to open new stores in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte and the village of Wesley Chapel.
A 9,000-square-foot store will be developed in the Ballantyne Commons East Shopping Center (15221 John Delaney Drive). Renovations to the space will begin this spring, with an anticipated soft opening in late summer.
A 15,000-square-foot store in the Village Commons at Wesley Chapel shopping center (6422 Weddington Road, Wesley Chapel) is scheduled to open in early 2026. Construction will start in early 2025.
The stores will sell lawn and garden supplies, fasteners, tools, plumbing and electrical supplies as well as key cutting, automotive key fob replacement and propane tank exchange.
Stores will also showcase specialty departments and store-within-a-store concepts, selling such brands as Stihl, Ego and Milwaukee outdoor power equipment; Benjamin Moore and Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paints; and Milwaukee, DeWalt and Craftsman power tools.
“We are excited to open two new locations in the greater Charlotte area and deepen our relationship with the community as a friend, a trusted neighbor and an employer,” said Joe Jeffries, president and CEO of Ace Retail Holdings, the parent company of Westlake Ace Hardware. “We look forward to serving our new neighbors and showcase how we live the Ace Helpful Promise daily through reliable service, helpful advice and the products our customers need to get their projects done right.”
Need a job?
The Ballantyne Commons store will begin accepting applications in late spring. Applications for the Wesley Chapel location will be accepted in late fall. Interested applicants are encouraged to email jobs@westlakehardware.com with “Westlake Ace Hardware – Charlotte, N.C.” or “Westlake Ace Hardware – Wesley Chapel” in the subject line.
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops series is a tradition spanning 42 years. Michael Harding/Genesis Photography Group photo courtesy of Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Newborns at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center show their support for Charlotte FC. Photo courtesy of Atrium Health
Westlake Ace owns and operates 14 stores in North Carolina under the Westlake Ace and Outer Banks Ace brands. Two new Westlake Ace locations in the greater Charlotte area will follow the one scheduled to open Feb. 28 in Charlotte’s Rozzelle Crossing Shopping Center.
Photo courtesy of Westlake Ace Hardware
Carolina Theatre opened in 1927 on Tryon Street. The venue flourished for decades before closing in 1978. Restoration of the theater began in 2017.
Photo courtesy of Carolina Theatre Story continues,
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NEWS BRIEFS
Monroe Police: Woman locked boyfriend in storage unit
MONROE – The Monroe Police Department says a woman was arrested in Charlotte on Feb. 27 after locking her boyfriend inside a storage unit.
Officers responded to Cooper Storage at 1950
Old Charlotte Highway at 2:14 p.m. Feb. 24 after a man called 911 saying his girlfriend double locked him inside of a storage unit on Feb. 20,
The man told police that he got into an argument with the suspect and she slammed the door shut, saying “This is what you get,” according to police.
The man told officers he could not find his phone initially because the storage unit was a “hoarder’s paradise,” police said. He was transported to the hospital for dehydration and has been released.
Robin Renae Deaton, 52, was arrested on
charges of attempted murder and kidnapping.
Matthews Police Department investigates armed robbery
MATTHEWS – The Matthews Police Department has a few leads in an armed robbery investigation.
Officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at 6:03 a.m. Feb. 27 in the 3600 block of Straussburg Woods Lane. The victim told officers two men approached him while walking and demanded money. One of them displayed a handgun. The victim said he ran from the area and was shot at. No injuries were reported.
Police described the suspects as two black males between ages 18 and 25 with slim builds. Each wore a mask, black hoodie, black pants and black gloves. They left in a white SUV.
Earlier that morning, officers took a report of a stolen vehicle in the 11000 block of Torino Road involving a white, 2021 Ford Explorer with N.C. registration plate number: RTC-3240.
Police believe these two incidents are connected and the suspects could still be in possession of the vehicle.
The vehicle was last seen in the area of Albemarle Road near Wilgrove Mint Hill Road.
Police said the suspects are considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by anyone other than law enforcement. They also described these cases as an isolated incident.
Police have dispatched additional patrols in these areas and encourage anyone to call 704847-5555 if they see anything suspicious or have any information about the case.
Sheriff’s office: Driver hit deputy with car
MONROE – The Union County Sheriff’s Office says a Charlotte man is in custody after hitting a deputy with his car while trying to flee from a traffic stop.
While pumping gas in Indian Trail, the deputy spotted the suspect acting suspiciously, including hiding his license plate and face, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputy saw a fictitious license plate on the car.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy initiated a traffic stop and pulled the suspect over but a struggle ensued while trying to get his license and registration, culminating in the suspect using his car to strike the deputy before fleeing.
The chase continued on I-485 toward Pineville.
5 men’s teams survive second round of basketball playoffs
CHAPEL HILL – Five men’s basketball teams have reached the third round of the North Carolina High Athletic Association playoffs. Independence, Monroe, Myers Park, Queen’s Grant and Weddington won their second round matches while Forest Hills fell short of securing its second upset of the tournament.
Third-round matchups take place March 4 (after The Weekly’s print deadline), followed by the fourth round on March 7, west regional final March 10-13 and state championship March 14-15.
4A Bracket
• No. 5 Independence defeated No. 28 Palisades, 54-34, in the first round, and No. 12 Mooresville, 4846, in the second round. The
Patriots play No. 13 Chambers in the third round. The winner plays either No. 1 Lake Norman or No. 9 Myers Park.
• No. 6 Weddington defeated No. 27 Cox Mill, 68-55, in the first round, and No. 11 East Forsyth, 75-70, in the second round. The Warriors will play No. 3 North Mecklenburg in the third round. The winner plays either No. 2 West Forsyth or No. 7 Watauga.
• No. 9 Myers Park defeated No. 24 Butler, 74-65, in the first round, and No. 25 Reagan, 74-53, in the second round. The Mustangs play No. 1 Lake Norman in the third round. The winner plays either No. 5 Independence or No. 13 Chambers.
• No. 16 Charlotte Catholic lost to No. 17 Hopewell, 53-52, in the first round.
• No. 19 South Mecklen-
burg lost to No. 14 Davie County, 69-66, in the first round.
• No. 21 Ardrey Kell lost to No. 12 Mooresville, 6150, in the first round.
• No. 24 Butler lost to No. 9 Myers Park, 74-65 in the first round.
• No. 26 East Mecklenburg lost to No. 7 Watauga, 56-42, in the first round.
• No. 31 Marvin Ridge lost to No. 2 West Forsyth, 77-70, in the first round.
• No. 32 Cuthbertson lost to No. 1 Lake Norman, 89-74, in the first round.
3A Bracket
• No. 9 Piedmont lost to No. 24 Central Davidson, 51-33, in the first round.
2A Bracket
• No. 8 Monroe defeated No. 25 East Burke, 54-46, in the first round, and No.
9 Hendersonville, 59-50, in the second round. The Redhawks play No. 1 Reidsville in the third round. The winner plays either No. 4 Salisbury or No. 12 Lincolnton.
• No. 31 Forest Hills defeated No. 2 Randleman, 70-62, in the first round, and lost to No. 15 Bandys, 80-62, in the second round.
1A Bracket
• No. 3 Queen’s Grant defeated No. 30 Union Academy, 69-41, in the first round, and No. 19 Winston-Salem Prep, 67-53, in the second round. The Stallions play No. 22 East Wilkes in the third round. The winner plays either No. 2 South Stokes or No. 7 Eastern Randolph.
• No. 30 Union Academy lost to No. 3 Queen’s Grant, 69-41, in the first round.
4 area women’s basketball teams win second-round matchups
CHAPEL HILL
– Forest Hills, Marvin Ridge, Queen’s Grant and South Mecklenburg women’s basketball teams advanced to the third round of the North Carolina High Athletic Association playoffs. They were among 14 teams from southern Mecklenburg and Union counties to qualify for the tournament. Third-round matchups take place March 4 (after The Weekly’s print deadline), followed by the fourth round on March 7, west regional final March 10-13 and state championship March 14-15.
4A Bracket
• No. 5 Marvin Ridge defeated No. 28 Southwest
Guilford, 58-46, in the first round and No. 12 Grimsley, 59-50, in the second round. The Mavericks play No. 13 Hickory Ridge in the third round. The winner plays either No. 1 McDowell or No. 8 South Mecklenburg.
• No. 8 South Mecklenburg defeated No. 25 Reagan, 78-50, in the first round and No. 9 Davie County, 64-58, in the second round. The Sabres play No. 1 McDowell in the third round. The winner plays either No. 5 Marvin Ridge or No. 13 Hickory Ridge.
• No. 7 Butler defeated No. 26 Myers Park, 52-39, in the first round and lost to No. 10 North Mecklenburg, 69-54, in the second round.
• No. 22 Charlotte
Catholic defeated No. 11 South Caldwell, 77-57, in the first round and lost to No. 6 Northern Guilford, 65-57, in the second round.
• Ardrey Kell, Myers Park, Porter Ridge, Rocky River and Weddington qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.
3A Bracket • Parkwood qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.
2A Bracket • No. 6 Forest Hills defeated No. 27 West Stanley, 76-52, in the first round and No. 11 East Surry, 67-37, in the second round. The Yellow Jackets play No. 19 Bandys in the third round. The win-
The suspect crashed his car and ran into a wooded area. Officers caught him the next day.
Jacob Clark, 25, of Charlotte, was arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing to elude arrest and several traffic-related offenses. He was placed in the Union County Detention Center under a secured bond exceeding $1 million, according to the sheriff’s office.
The deputy was not seriously injured.
Crafting guild to showcase handmade goods, skills
CHARLOTTE – CRAFT Guild CLT plans to uplift fiber and textile arts through its fourth annual CRAFT Fest.
Highlights include a viewers choice art show, hourly demonstrations of skills and shopping a selection of artisan vendors. Interactive elements include a free make-n-take station and in-depth classes.
The festival serves as the largest fundraising event of the year for the Charlotte Region Arts, Fibers and Textiles Guild. Proceeds contribute to the nonprofit’s education, outreach and charitable efforts, ensuring handmade skills in fiber and textile arts are preserved and passed on to new generations.
“Our guild is dedicated to reaching new crafters who have never tried fiber or textile arts before,” said Caitlin Goodnight, festival coordinator. “We love our craft and our community and want to keep these skills alive and well.”
CRAFT Guild CLT presents CRAFT Fest from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 29 and noon to 4 p.m. March 30 at Petty Thieves Brewing. 413 Dalton Ave., Suite B.
Learn more about the event, register for classes and enter the art show at WeCraftCLT.org.
Ballantyne to hold donation drive
CHARLOTTE – Ballantyne will hold an Earth Day donation drive April 22 benefiting Books on the House and Goodwill.
The community can bring in donations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22 at Brixham Park, 15810 Ballantyne Medical Place.
Donations of clothing and batteries (regular batteries and electronics batteries only) will be accepted for Goodwill.
New and gently used adult and kids books will be accepted for Books on the House.
UNC System marks ninth year without in-state tuition hike
By David Beasley Contributor
(The Center Square) – Tuition for out of state undergraduate students at UNC-Chapel Hill was increased during the Feb. 27 meeting of the board of governors.
Costs remain the same for in-state students in the entire university system. It marked the ninth straight year without a tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students, Andy Wallace, spokesman for the university system, told The Center Square.
“UNC System is the only system in the country able to say that,” Wallace said.
The increases approved Feb. 27 will bring the out-ofstate tuition at Chapel Hill to $43,152. The revenue from the increase would be used for faculty and staff retention, academic support, campus safety, and to “offset the inflationary impacts on contracted services,” according to the university system.
Chapel Hill received 51,181 first-year applications from out-of-state residents for admission in fall 2024, according to the university system.
Only 18% of first-year slots at Chapel Hill are available for out-of-state and international students, leaving 82% for in-state residents.
ner plays either No. 2 East Burke or No. 7 Lexington.
• Monroe qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round.
1A Bracket • No. 9 Queen’s Grant defeated No. 24 Jimmy C. Draughn, 78-53, in the first round and No. 8 Thomas Jefferson, 72-66, in the second round. The Stallions play No. 1 Bishop McGuinness in the third round. The winner plays either No. 5 Mountain Heritage or No. 13 Avery County.
• No. 12 Union Academy defeated No. 21 Robbinsville, 62-45, in the first round and lost to No. 5 Mountain Heritage, 55-45, in the second round.
The university system governing board also kept tuition the same – $500 per semester – at Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, UNC Pembroke and Western Carolina University in the NC Promise program.
The NC Promise Program has “increased educational access, reduced student debt and grown the state’s economy,” the university system says on its website.
The percentage of bachelor’s degree students in the UNC System with federal loan debt at graduation is actually dropping, Wallace added. It has gone from 61.2% in 2018-19 to 49.9% in 2023-24, the spokesman said.
In their request for tuition increases this year for out-ofstate students and some in-state graduate students, North Carolina universities cited inflation as a factor.
Appalachian State, for example, was approved Feb. 27 for a 3% increase for both in- and out-of-state graduate students and all out-of-state undergraduates.
“Revenues resulting from this increase will be used to offset the impacts of inflation on supplies, materials and services; to invest in classroom equipment and technology; and to provide for new faculty and academic advisor positions to support the growing student population at the Boone and Hickory campuses,” a university system document states.
and civic engagement.
“This is Charlotte’s theater, plain and simple,” Seifert said. “We’re the community’s living room.”
Carolina Theatre will welcome back the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra to its stage at 7:30 p.m. March 28. The orchestra first performed in the venue on March 20, 1932. The event, which the orchestra has named “A Homecoming,” features soprano Renée Fleming in a performance inspired by her Grammy Award-winning album, “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene.”
“It’s no coincidence the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will be among the first to take the stage at our newly restored Carolina Theatre,” Seifert said. “We’re jazzed to welcome the CSO back to the place where it all began nearly a century ago.”
Carolina Theatre will also host its first ticketed event in nearly five decades at 8 p.m. March 29. Grammy Award-winning musicians Mark and Maggie O’Connor will bring their Beethoven & Bluegrass performance to Carolina Theatre a month before they perform it at New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Buy tickets for these and future events at TheCarolina.com.
March 7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Family Storytime Families with children, ages 0-5, engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at South County Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk 15 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-10:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
March 8
Chinese Storytime Children, ages 2-11 listens to stories and songs in Chinese in this storytime at South County Regional Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/ south-county-regional
10-10:45 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Family Storytime Families engage in stories and songs during Family Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/ locations/SouthPark-Regional
10:15-10:45 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Read Across America Park Road Books celebrates Read Across America Day with a Read Aloud Rodeo. People read picture books to children during the event. parkroadbooks.com
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 4139 Park Road, Charlotte
Comic Con Matthews Comic Con features artists, cosplay, craft vendors, food court and car show at the Matthews Community Center. matthewsfun.com
11 a.m.-6 p.m.; 100 E. McDowell St., Matthews
Paws to Read
Children, ages 5-11, read to a volunteer therapy dog during Paws to Read at SouthPark Regional Library. Kids read for 15 minutes. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ SouthPark-Regional.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Paws to Read
Children, ages 5-11, read to a volunteer therapy dog during Paws to Read at South County Regional Library. Kids read for 15 minutes. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/south-county-regional.
2-3 p.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Culture of India
WelcomeCLT talks about India culture through the country’s art in Culture of Indian Introduction to Art, at Pineville Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ Pineville.
2-3 p.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville0 Conversation Club The ASL Conversation Club con -
venes to practice their American Sign Language Skills at SouthPark Regional Library. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthPark-Regional
3-4 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
March 9
Chess Play Youth, ages 9-18, play chess at the South County Regional Library. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/south-county-regional.
2:15-3:45 p.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
March 10
Scavenger Hunt
SouthPark Regional Library holds a Mario-themed scavenger hunt that can be completed on your own pace. cmlibrary.org/locations/SouthParkRegional 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Toddler Storytime
Toddlers build literacy skills through music and stories during Toddler Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program. cmlibrary. org/locations/south-county-regional 9:30-10 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Family Storytime Families engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at Pineville Library. Get a ticket at the front desk 15 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/ Pineville
10-10:30 a.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville
Family Storytime Families with children, ages 0-5, engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at South County Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk 15 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-10:30 or 11-11:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Library eBooks Adults can get one-on-one help with borrowing library eBooks on a phone, tablet or laptop. Register by calling 704-416-6600 Option 4. cmlibrary.org/locations/south-county-regional 10-11 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Family Storytime Families engage in stories and songs during Family Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/ locations/SouthPark-Regional
10:15-10:45 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Baby Storytime
Children learn language and socialization skills through Baby Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a
ticket at the children’s desk before the program. cmlibrary.org/locations/south-county-regional
11-11:30 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Conversation Club Adults learning English can practice their speaking skills in Beginner English Conversation Club at South County Regional Library. cmlibrary. org/locations/south-county-regional
1-2:30 p.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte
Makerspace SouthPark Regional Library gives a one-on-one primer on what the Makerspace has to offer. Register in advance at cmlibrary.org/locations/ south-county-regional.
1-3 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Mario Trivia
SouthPark Regional Library invites Mario fans to test theri trivia in a 35-question challenge for prizes. Register in advance at cmlibrary. org/locations/south-county-regional.
4-6 p.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte
Mario Day Youth, ages 7-18, play Mario Kart on Switch and Wii U during Learn, Connect, Play: Mario Day at Pineville Library. Register at cmlibrary.org/ locations/Pineville by March 8. 5-6 p.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville
March 11 Baby Storytime
Children, ages 0-2, listen to stories and songs during Baby Storytime at Pineville Library. pIck up a ticket at the front desk 15 minutes before the event starts. cmlibrary.org/locations/Pineville 9:30-10 a.m.; 505 Main St., Pineville
Toddler Storytime Toddlers build literacy skills through music and stories during Toddler Storytime at SouthPark Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk before the program. cmlibrary. org/locations/south-county-regional 9:30-10 a.m.; 7015 Carnegie Blvd.,
Family Storytime Families with children, ages 0-5, engage in literacy activities during Family Storytime at South County Regional Library. Get a ticket at the children’s desk 15 minutes before the program starts. cmlibrary.org/ locations/south-county-regional 10-10:30 a.m.; 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte Conversation Club People practice their Portuguese-
We’ve
Photos courtesy of Carolina Theatre
Local Artisans and Craftsmen Demos This Weekend at Taste Full ARTS, The Graceful Geese Mercantile and Of Great Taste Artisan Gallery.
Nurse becomes special agent in new Netflix series
CHARLOTTE – When Eden Lee is not following her creative passion as an actress, she steps into the real-world role as emergency room nurse to serve her community and save lives.
The Korean-American actress has been busy lately transforming into Special Agent Angela Kim recurring alongside Robert DeNiro in “Zero Day,” a Netflix political thriller series that debuted Feb. 20.
The story centers around former U.S. President George Mullen (DeNiro), who is called out of retirement to find the source of the deadly ‘Zero Day’ cyberattack. With a carefully appointed commission, including Special Agent Angela Kim, they discover lies and conspiracies. Is the greatest threat a foreign power or from within?
Lee is part of an all-star cast that includes Lizzy Caplan, Jesse Plemons, Joan Allen, Connie Britton and Angela Bassett.
“Getting the call that I was working on ‘Zero Day’ was a true ‘pinch me’ moment,” Lee said. “The existence of Special Agent
Angela Kim in this story, a woman of color within the FBI, wasn’t lost on me. From start to finish, Lesli Linka Glatter and her entire team made sure I felt integral to the show. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to work alongside and learn from the best in the business.”
Audiences may recognize Lee from several roles, most notably alongside Anthony Mackie in the Peacock comedy series “Twisted Metal,” based on the PlayStation video games.
She emerged as Writer Jessica, based on showrunner Jessica Gao, in the finale episode of Marvel Comics series “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” for Disney+.
Her previous credits also include AMC drama “Parish” opposite Giancarlo Esposito, NBC crime drama “Found,” BET romance comedy “First Wives Club,” The CW drama reboot “Dynasty,” and the family-friendly feature film “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” opposite Rachel McAdams.
Dasha bringing the party to Charlotte
CHARLOTTE –
Pop-country star Dasha recently released a new single, “Not At This Party,” via Warner Records as she prepares to embark on several months of touring.
Dasha will perform at Raleigh’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park on July 31 and PNC Music Pavilion on Aug. 1. Thomas Rhett will also perform at these shows.
“‘Not At This Party was a title I’d been carrying around for a while,” Dasha said. “It’s about that universal experience of being out with friends, but mentally checked out. When I wrote it with Ashley Gorley and Ben Johnson, I was going through something with a guy, and the song just flowed. We really tried to capture that mix of distraction and guilt in the song.”
Aerin Moreno (Tate McRae, Tyla) directed a music video for the song, which has been in rotation on CMT and MTV channels.
Dasha is coming off an eventful 2024, having sold out her first global headlining tour and performed on Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve.” On the web: itsdashabitch. com/#tour
March 7
• Amos’ Southend: Adam Church
• Blackfinn Ameripub: Daniel Langdon
• Evening Muse: Ellis Paul; Camisole & Wilmot
• Great Wagon Road
Distillery: Davy Williamson
• Jekyll & Hyde (Waxhaw): Dustin Yager
• Middle James Brewing: Analog Crash
• Moochies Tavern: Jam Garden
• Neighborhood Theatre: Moe.
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Matthew Ablan
• Southern Range Brewing Company: James Delco
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Unknown Artist
• The Club House: Reckless Betty
• The Courthouse SelfPour Beer & Wine: Jack Fontana
• The Fillmore: Palace
• The Trail House: Carolina Honey
• The Underground: Make
Them Suffer
• Visulite Theatre: Allman Brothers (tribute)
March 8
• Amos’ Southend: 84
• Evening Muse: Lilly Hiatt
• Great Wagon Road
Distillery: Jen Alvarado
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Joe Middleton
• Local Logic: Trace Casanova
• Mary O’Neill’s Irish Pub: Adam Daniels
• Moochies Tavern: Grüv Soup
• Neighborhood Theatre: The Main Squeeze
• SmallBar Matthews: Coconut Groove Band
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Traxx Trio
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Sweet Leaf
• The Fillmore: Trap Karaoke
• The Painted Tree: Carrie Ann
• The Trail House: Static Pool
• Two Buck Saloon: Little Johnny Trailer Trash
• Visulite Theatre: Deaf Andrews
March 9
• Amos’ Southend: Amaria
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Beau Norwood
• The Fillmore: Arizona
• The Underground: Role Model
March 10
• Amos’ Southend: Goldford
• Evening Muse: Open Mic
• Ovens Auditorium: Gary Clark Jr.
March 11
• Evening Muse: BJ Barham
• Neighborhood Theatre: Brass Against
• The Fillmore: Movements with Citizen
• Visulite Theatre: Ritual
March 12
• Evening Muse: Howard McNair Jr.
• Ovens Auditorium: The Righteous Brothers
• Peddlers Paradise
Bartique: Open Mic
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: Pressley Laton
• The Club House: Matthew Coleman
• The Trail House: Pluto for Planet
March 13
• Bojangles Coliseum: GloRilla
• Evening Muse: Noah Guthrie w/ Bonnie Stewart
• Great Wagon Road
Distillery: Open Mic w/ Water’s Edge Trio
• Neighborhood Theatre: Marvelous Funkshun w/ The Groove Skeletons
• Ovens Auditorium: KC & the Sunshine Band
• Visulite Theatre: Jerry Garcia Band Cover Band
March 14
• Amos’ Southend: Jed Harrelson
• Evening Muse: Caroline
Rose; Something Comforting
• Great Wagon Road Distillery: Traxx
• Moochies Tavern: Sweet Talkin’ Johnny
• Ovens Auditorium: Joe Bonamassa
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Coconut Groove Band
• The Club House: Dusk Till Dawn
• The Trail House: Smokin’ Gunn
• The Underground: Tommy Richman
• Visulite Theatre: Signal Fire
March 15
• Adela’s Mexican Kitchen: Dusk Till Dawn
• Amos’ Southend: Undertow
• Evening Muse: Justin Wells w/ Jack Blocker; Ajeva and Funkwondo
• Grapes Bistro: Josey Wails
• Hayne Street Tavern: Noel Burke and Dale Harris
• Home Brew Taproom & Tunes: Tom & Toni
• Moochies Tavern: Action Jaxxon
• Neighborhood Theatre: Abi Carter w/ Laur Elle
• Southern Range Brewing Company: Analog Crash
• Stooges Pub & Grub: Darren Deese
• The Trail House: Coconut Groove Band
• The Underground: This Wild Life
• Visulite Theatre: Melt
• Waxhaw Taphouse:
Smokin’ Gunn Venues
Charlotte
• Amos’ Southend: 1423 S. Tryon St.
• Blackfinn Ameripub: 14825 Ballantyne Village Way
• Bojangles Coliseum: 2700 E. Independence Blvd.
• Evening Muse: 3227 N. Davidson St.
• Neighborhood Theatre: 511 E. 36th St.
• Ovens Auditorium: 2700
E. Independence Blvd.
• Spectrum Center: 333 E. Trade St.
• The Club House: 16709
Orchard Stone Run
• The Fillmore: 820
Hamilton St.
• The Underground: 820
Hamilton St.
• Visulite Theatre: 1615
Elizabeth Ave.
Indian Trail
• Grapes Bistro: 6461 Old Monroe Road
• The Trail House: 6751
Old Monroe Road
Matthews
• Mac’s Speed Shop: 142
E. John St.
• The Painted Tree: 1813
Matthews Township Pkwy.
Mint Hill
• Shep’s Bar & Grill: 8111
Fairview Road
• Stooges Pub &
Actress Eden Lee can be seen in Netflix’s “Zero Day” from creators Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim and Michael S. Schmidt as well as director Lesli Linka Glatter. Josh Stringer photo
Dasha’s “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’)” became one of the most-streamed country songs in 2024 and won the People’s Choice Country Awards for Female Song.
Christina Byson photo
Make your St. Patrick’s Day spread green with envy
(Culinary.net) Freshen up your St. Patrick’s Day menu with easy, light sandwiches inspired by the traditional color of the festivities. These open-faced noshes can be perfect for lunch, snack time or even as an appetizer for get-togethers with friends and family.
Layered with a smooth cream cheese and mozzarella mixture then topped with crisp cucumber and a stem of green bell pepper, these St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches are easy and cute, which makes them a fan favorite at nearly any green gathering. They’re also sprinkled with lemon juice to add a little acidity and create a nice, light bite.
Plus, this recipe is quick to make. When you’re in a rush to get everything on the table for the party, it’s easy to throw together and get on the platter in next to no time.
The sandwiches pop off the plate with their bright, seasonal garnishes. While sure to attract attention and have your loved ones asking “Where did you get this idea?” they’re also an easy way to sneak a few vegetables into your kids’ diets.
For more festive recipes and ideas at Culinary.net.
DINING SCORES
St. Patrick’s Day Sandwiches
Yield: 8 sandwiches
8 ounces plain cream cheese spread, softened
1 cup finely shr edded mozzarella
cheese
salt
4 English muffins
24 slices cucumber
8 thin slices green pepper fresh cilantro leaves
lemon juice lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
In bowl, mix cream cheese spread, mozzarella cheese and salt well.
Split English muffins in half. Cut each muffin half into shamrock shape.
Spread cheese mixture over each muffin half.
Place three cucumbers on each “shamrock,” one on each “leaf.” Use green pepper slice as stem. Place cilantro leaf on top of each sandwich.
Sprinkle sandwiches with lemon juice and add lemon slices, for garnish, if desired.
Snooze A.M. Eatery launches new breakfast bowls CHARLOTTE – Snooze A.M. Eatery has rolled out three new lifestyle bowls. The bowls balance sweet and savory options with menu items that align with more health-conscious lifestyles. The lineup includes:
• Keto Breakfast Bowl: Baby spinach and shredded carrots dressed with Dijon vinaigrette topped with a Snooze signature chicken sausage patty, cage-free hard-boiled eggs, avocado, seared tomato, scallions and spice. • Protein BLT Bowl: Two cage-free scrambled eggs, two slices of Snooze signature bacon, Polidori breakfast sausage crumble, seared tomato, avocado, house-made pickled red onions and a pinch of Maldon salt atop Dijon vinaigrette-dressed baby spinach and carrots. • Farmer’s Market Veggie Bowl: Slow-roasted sweet potato, seared tomato, avocado, Dijon vinaigrette-dressed baby spinach and carrots and cagefree hard-boiled eggs finished with toasted sesame and spices.
Sullivan’s Steakhouse offers St. Patrick’s Day drinks CHARLOTTE – Sullivan’s Steakhouse patrons can sip on two exclusive, festive cocktails March 15 to 17 from a limited-time St. Patrick’s Day drink menu. The Shamrock Martini will feature a blend of Ketel One Vodka, Midori, Cointreau, fresh lime and lemon juice, and edible glitter for a sparkling treat ($16). The Four-Leaf Clover Old Fashioned is a St. Patrick’s Day spin on the classic old fashioned with Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon, simple syrup, Angostura Bitters and Peychaud’s Bitters ($15).
Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 45th anniversary celebration
as well as celebrate the grand opening of a member business in the next few days.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Simone Medical with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to noon March 7 at 10806 Monroe Road. The ribbon gets cut at 11:30 a.m. Register in advance.
• The chamber celebrates its 45th anniversary during a formal business/cocktail attire event from 6 to 8 p.m. March 8 at Matthews Ballroom, 189 N. Trade St. Registration costs $45. Register in advance. Visit matthewschamber.org to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Mint Hill Chamber happenings MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce will host a Coffee Connections event and Monthly Member Luncheon in the week ahead.
• Members mingle during Coffee Connections from 8 to 9 a.m. March 7 at the chamber office, 7900 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Register in advance.
• Toya Patterson, of Truliant Federal Credit Union, talks about “Stretching Your Food Dollar” during the Monthly Member Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, 7500 Olde Sycamore Drive. Register in advance. Visit minthillchamberofcommerce.com to learn more about the chamber and its events.
Union County Chamber happenings
MONROE – The Union County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate a member business and onboard new members in the next week.
• Members celebrate the grand opening of Elegance Unveiled Event Studio with a ribbon cutting from 4 to 4:30 p.m. March 11 at 3808 Meeting St, Lake Park. Register
Snooze A.M. Eatery has introduced Farmer’s Market Veggie Bowl, Keto Breakfast Bowl and Protein BLT Bowl.
Photo courtesy of Snooze A.M. Eatery
My car got dizzy following the lines on the road
By Tony Marciano Contributor
Whenever there was a threat of snow in the North, they put salt on the roads to help melt it and make travel safer. While it worked, it destroyed the metal on the car. Especially the area behind any of the wheels. The combination of the snow and salt was sprayed by the tire onto the metal. Many cars had huge gaping holes behind the tires, especially the rear wheels. That was because when the tire spun in the snow, it sprayed that wintery mix of snow and salt onto the rear quarter panel. My sister had a 1968 Plymouth Fury with a hole so big, you could put your hand through it. I am grateful that in the South, we do not use salt. Rather, we use brine. You can tell when the truck has gone by as there are lines
of brine on the road.
Just prior to the second blizzard of 2025, I was driving along a road. You could tell that the brine truck had just come by. The lines were pronounced. They were bold. They stood out from the black road surface. What was interesting was that there were not just the lines that you see after the brine truck passes by; there were a lot of lines. Did I say a lot of lines? There were too many to count.
My car has a feature on it that tells you when you go out of the lane. It reads the lines on the road. If there is a slight deviation, it flashes blue. If it is significant, it flashes orange. It will also bump the steering wheel to remind you to get back in your lane.
My car got confused. Actually, it got dizzy. It saw all these lines on the road and did not know which line to choose. It got scared. The
Voters deserve information on fiscal crisis
By John Hood Contributor
RALEIGH — Every citizen who meets the basic requirements – adulthood, residency and the completion of sentence after a felony conviction – can cast a ballot in North Carolina.
There’s no test of civic knowledge required to exercise the civil right to vote, nor should there be. (Our state constitution still contains a Jim Crow-era literacy test to vote, but it’s vestigial and unenforceable.)
That having been said, effective self-government is difficult to sustain when voters lack basic information about candidates, issues and our constitutional system. Surveys show such ignorance is especially prevalent among young people. In a recent poll of Americans aged 18 to 24, only a quarter knew the vice president breaks ties in the U.S. Senate. Most thought the Electoral College had responsibilities other than electing presidents, such as regulating campaign finance or certifying congressional elections.
Here in North Carolina, the latest High Point University poll tested the political knowledge of state residents. Some of the results, while troubling, fell short of catastrophic. Most respondents to the survey, conducted in late January, knew that Republicans currently control the U.S. House of Representatives, though 13% said the Democrats did and 22% were unsure. Two-thirds identified the GOP as the more conservative party and 55% knew that the U.S. Supreme Court was the federal branch empowered to declare a law unconstitutional.
But North Carolinians flubbed this question: “As far as you know, does the federal government spend more on Social Security or foreign aid?”
Just 21% knew the correct answer. Social Security accounts for one-fifth of total federal spending. Foreign aid is about 1%. Alas, most North Carolinians thought either that foreign aid was the bigger expenditure (41%) or that the U.S. spent about the same on foreign aid and Social Security (10%). The rest admitted they didn’t know.
I concede that civic knowledge isn’t a game of Jeopardy. Voters need not know which president prosecuted the Mexican-American War (North
By Mike Causey Contributor
Almost everyone, at some point, has a question about insurance. They may not understand their Explanation of Benefits on a health insurance claim. They may have a question about their insurance bill, or they may be going back and forth with their insurance company over a claim.
Fortunately, the department has a whole team of exper07ts whose mission is to help answer your insurance questions. The department’s Consumer Services Division will answer your calls at our toll-free number, 855-408-1212, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Before you call, you may want to check out a wealth of insurance information on our website, ncdoi.gov.
After navigating to our website, click on the “Consumers” tab. There you’ll find information about all kinds of insurance – automobile, homeowners, life, health and an array of more specialized insurance types.
Scroll down and you can click on a link to assist you in filing a complaint. Or, you can click on the “Consumer Publications” link which will allow you to download consumer guides to different kinds of insurance.
There are certain things that we can and cannot do. Our consumer experts can:
• Help you understand your insurance policy.
• Forward a copy of your complaint to your insurance company and require the company to provide a response or an explanation.
• Review the response by the company. We can make sure the company is complying with state laws and regulations. In addition, we can
Carolina’s own James K. Polk) or was the first to be impeached (another native Tar Heel, Andrew Johnson) in order to exercise their franchise responsibly. Still, as America continues to stumble toward a fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude, far too few of us have a firm grasp on its primary causes and probable consequences.
If present trends continue, publicly held federal debt (excluding debts owed by one part of the government to another) will hit a record 106% of gross domestic product in 2027 and shoot up to 122% of GDP by 2034. Washington is now spending more on interest payments to bondholders than on national defense.
The U.S. House has just approved budget targets that, if fully implemented in subsequent legislation, would extend the tax cuts enacted during President Trump’s first term (generally good) and reduce future spending growth by trillions of dollars (also good). Unfortunately, under all reasonable scenarios, it also guarantees multi-trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see.
Why aren’t voters more upset about all this? The reason isn’t a lack of concern. The vast majority say they worry “a great deal” or a “fair amount” about federal spending and deficits. The problem is that they misunderstand the causes and underestimate the necessary remedies.
Far too many left-leaning people think it’s largely a revenue matter and can be addressed by hiking taxes on millionaires and billionaires. As I’ve pointed out many times, doing so might realistically nudge federal revenues up modestly as a share of GDP, by a percentage point or so. But our deficits are running closer to 7% of GDP.
Far too many right-leaning people believe combating fraud and axing a few programs like foreign aid will do the job. Nah. The sum of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, national defense and debt service represents 76% of all federal spending. Eliminate every other federal expenditure and that still wouldn’t balance the budget (Washington currently finances nearly 30% of its budget by borrowing).
Voters deserve to know the truth. They deserve politicians willing to speak it.
John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books “Mountain Folk,” “Forest Folk” and “Water Folk” combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).
part of the screen that shows that I am in the lines gave up the ghost. It was as if it was saying, “I cannot do this. There are just too many lines on the road. I can’t choose any one line because it may not be the right line. I know. I’ll just shut down until the road returns to normal.” My car does a lot of talking to me.
Did you ever think that you may be living your life in the same way my car was trying to figure which line was correct and which line it should follow? In today’s world, there are a lot of voices pulling on us to go this way or to go that way. Do this with your life or do that with your life. There is this opportunity or that opportunity. We get so overwhelmed that just like my car, we shut down and do nothing.
There is a Scripture verse that says, “All things are good, but not all things are helpful.
All things are good but I will not be bound by all things.”
There are a lot of things, good things (notice I said “good things” ) that compete for our time and attention. They’re not bad. They are helpful to you and to others. Yet, when we try to follow the many lines on the road to life, we spread ourselves thin and don’t do any of them well. We tend to do them mediocre. There is another verse that starts with, “This one thing I do.” Let me encourage you to follow your dream. But do not follow so many dreams that you get “dizzy” and don’t finish any of them well. I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.
The Rev. Tony Marciano is available to speak to your group. DM him on Facebook.
Golden State Foods recognizes QCD Charlotte
PINEVILLE – Golden State Foods, a foodservice supplier, presented the 2024 Chairman’s Challenge Award to the Quality Custom Distribution Charlotte team.
The award recognizes the QCD Charlotte team’s results in the areas of people, safety, quality, customer support, financial results and community engagement.
“QCD Charlotte excelled in so many aspects of their 2024 performance, building on a Best in Class Award win last year and seizing every opportunity to soar to new heights together as one team,” said Brian Dick, president and CEO of Golden State Foods.
The team supported customers with lastmile distribution services; provided hurricane relief support; earned a fourth consecutive
annual National Safety Council Award; piloted new operational technology to reduce accidents; excelled in cost management; maintained the highest standards in quality audits conducted internally, externally and with customers; and inspired community involvement among associates.
“We talked about bringing home the Eagle for so long, and now it’s finally happening,” said Scott VanLue, general manager of QCD Charlotte. “Our associates have worked so hard day in and day out, in challenging weather conditions to service our customers, giving back to support our community and even delivered a baby while in the field! This Chairman’s Challenge Award is a great honor, and I’m so excited to share it with the team.”
make sure the company is following the stipulations detailed in your insurance policy.
• Suggest courses of action to take to resolve your problem if we do not have the authority to resolve it. That may include referring you to another government or consumer agency. Or we may recommend that you seek the advice of an attorney.
• Provide help with an appeal or external review through the department’s Smart NC Division if your health insurance company denies a procedure or medicine that your doctor believes is medically necessary. Our Smart NC Division can be reached at the same toll-free number.
Our consumer experts cannot:
• Act as your lawyer.
• Intervene in a pending lawsuit on your behalf.
• Consult with you if you are represented by an attorney unless your attorney gives us written permission.
• Decide who was negligent or at fault in an accident.
• Determine the value of a claim or the amount of money owed to you.
• Decide the facts surrounding a claim or establish who is telling the truth involving a claim.
• Address issues that are not subject to the state’s insurance laws or are governed by other state agencies.
• We try to respond promptly, clearly and courteously to your insurance questions and complaints.
Mike Causey serves as insurance commissioner of North Carolina.
Scott VanLue (middle), general manager of Quality Custom Distribution Charlotte, accepts the Chairman’s Challenge Award from Golden State Foods leaders Stephen Wetterau (left) and Brian Dick (right) in Southern California. Photo courtesy of Golden State Foods
