Charlotte Events 1/26 – 1/28
Lots of cool happenings this weekend in the Charlotte area, and we have picked our favorites!
Whether you are looking for music, arts or community functions, Charlotte always has a lot to offer.
There are many other events in the surrounding area if you care to venture out.
To check out all the events in Charlotte (or surrounding areas) this weekend, visit Creative Loafing online!
Benefit: Art Auction
When: Sat., Jan. 28, 6-10 p.m.
Price: $20
Theater: The Amen Corner
When: Thu., Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m., Fri., Jan. 27, 8 p.m. and Sat., Jan. 28, 8 p.m.
Price: $17-$22
James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner— a 1955 drama turned Broadway musical in later years — hasn’t had much glory with popularity. But before you go thinking it’s just a script of rigorous religious standards associated with life in the Bible belt, think again. This little churchy number hits close to home for anyone who has ever found themselves hating. Now that On Q Productions is reviving the spiritual saga, “hallelujahs” are even in order. The plot revolves around Sister Margaret’s (played by Terry Henry) double whammy of downs. Not only has her dying ex-husband showed up to make amends with her, but he’s influencing her son with his craft for music. All this, and the church folk are questioning her authority as she begins to practice what she sure as hell ain’t preachin’. Duke Energy Theatre www.blumenthalarts.org
Children of Bodom, Eluveitie, Revocation, Threat Signal
When: Sat., Jan. 28
Price: $17/$20
Acclaimed Finnish black metal quintet Children of Bodom is known for its thrashing yet melodic sound. Touring to support their latest release, Relentless Reckless Forever, guitar hero bandleader Alexi Laiho and his cohorts show great technical proficiency and hair-slinging passion as they deliver an unforgiving assault of melodic hooks, heavy guitar, the occasional wash of synth and a winking sense of humor. Warm up those neck muscles — it’s head-banging time. With Eluveitie, Revocation and Threat Signal. (Rachel Bailey) Tremont Music Hall
Bridal Open-House at The Secret Chocolatier
When: Sun., Jan. 29, 2 p.m.
Phone: 7043238178
Price: Free
homemadechocolategifts.com/2012/charlotte-brides-open-house-at-the-secret-chocolatier
7th Annual Oyster Roast
When: Sat., Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.
Phone: 704-636-1882
Price: $65 per person
Unexpected Death of Northwest School of the Arts Shocks Students and Parents
The sudden death of Northwest School of the Arts principal, Barry Bowe, has many in the community shocked and saddened. Bowe died on Monday afternoon of an apparent suicide.
One teacher at the school stated, ”I can’t tell you how I feel,”. “This is going to be a very difficult day around here.” Grief counselors are on hand at the school today to help students and teachers deal with this untimely news.
Shooting Geese with Arrows in Indian Trail?
Someone is shooting and killing geese in Indian Trail – and they are using razor tipped arrows to do it.
There have been dozens of birds found shot with arrows, pellets and other gun shells in the area of Wesley Chapel Road. The Carolina Waterfowl Rescue group is now offering a reward of $1000 in hopes someone will come forward that has information about these shootings.
Anton Kotestky, one of the area residents whos son one of the geese stated, “Some of these arrows have been broad-head arrows,” said Kotesky. “So (we want to make sure) that it’s not going to come in contact with a human, because you could certainly kill someone.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 704-283-3768. You can also contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission at 800-662-7137
Emily Maynard from Charlotte is Chosen as the Next Bachelorette
Producers of “The Bachelorette” announced yesterday that Charlottes own Emily Maynard has been chosen as the next Bachelorette. The show will actually be produced in Charlotte so that Maynard is more comfortable and doesn’t have to leave her young daughter.
People Magazine listed the Top 5 Things that Contestants Need to Know to Woo Emily Maynard:
- She has had many loses n her life and her next suitor needs to understand that
- Her daughter Ricki will always be first in her life
- She is a cat lover – so the men need to be as well
- Brad Womack, whom she was engaged to, is still is a large part of her life and must be accepted as part of the package
- Whoever she chooses will be financially stable and have the utmost in patience
You can check out the full story on the Charlotte Observer website.
Democratic National Convention to Try Something New
The Democratic National Convention announced big changes for the upcoming event in Charlotte on September 3rd. They broke from tradition and decided to shorten the convention to 3 days and move some major events to outdoor venues.
President Obama will now deliver his acceptance speech at Bank of America Stadium, even though this facility has no cover in case of bad weather. According to DNC Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, “We wanted to find a way to truly make this convention different than any other in history. We want this convention to be about more than just the pageantry and speeches you see on TV.” They are seeking to engage a larger group of Americans in a meaningful way.
CMS Schools Report Middle School Suspensions Have Risen
With the closing this year of three troubled middle schools, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has reported that sending those students to other schools with younger students has caused a sharp rise in discipline problems. These issues are reaching into the lower grades due to these transitions and the poor planning that was involved beforehand.
One CMS parent, Tamisha Payne stated, “Her fourth-grader is in a class with 51 students and two teachers, awaiting mobile classrooms that will allow splitting the group. It’s like a domino effect: One kid starts misbehaving, then another kid starts misbehaving. There’s a point when the parents say, ‘Enough. This is not a good environment. It’s insane.’ ” In addition, rivals between schools has been a problem when students from closed schools are placed along with rival students.
Peter Gorman stated, “That CMS’ new schools would help students by breaking up large clusters of adolescents and putting them into smaller, more controlled settings with strong principals and teachers. The plan will eventually create more stability, allowing children to stay in one school from age 4 until they move up to high school.” Although many question if all of the shuffling has had a detrimental adverse affect. You can read the whole story here at CharlotteObserver.com.
The comparisons between 2010 and 2011 do show quite a difference:
Want To Save Money? Top 5 Places to Find Coupons in Charlotte NC
Lets face it, everyone is trying to find a way to save money these days and the internet can provide a wealth of opportunities to do just that – SAVE MONEY.
By doing a little research, you can find a savings deal for just about anything you want to buy – from restaurants to groceries. I never leave home without coupons and I certainly never purchase online without looking for a discount code.
I’ve started a short list for you below, but there are literally tons of resources for coupons! If you have found a good site, let us know!
Top 5 Places to Find Coupons in Charlotte NC
- Charlotte Rewards – This website features coupons and saving for just about everything you can find in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. From ice cream to flying lessons, you can find a coupon here!
- Couponer101 - Love this site! In addition to coupons and deals locally, they show national deals as well. They provide Grocery and Drug store coupon match-ups to maximize your savings and in addition, it saves you a ton of time!
- Shoppe Charlotte – This site includes not only coupons, but business directories, classified ads and general area information
- Local.com – Great place to find the best restaurants, dentists, plumbers, etc along with reviews of their work and coupons if offered
- 360Charlotte - Features coupons, reviews, business directories as well as area attractions, housing and a parents and kids section
Mecklenburg County Looking at Over $81 Million in Budget Cuts
May 19, 2010 by Kim
Filed under Website News
The much anticipated Mecklenburg County Budget Proposal was unveiled last night by County Manager Harry Jones with $81.1 Million in cuts.
The new proposal includes $21.7 Million in Charlotte Mecklenburg School cuts. In a school district that already feels the ache of over crowding and under anticipated growth, these cuts are going to knock the school system for a loop! Over 350 teachers and administrators have already received pink slips, but it is believed that up to $1,000 will lose their jobs before they are finished with the cuts.
Think about that for a moment – over $1,000 teachers and administrators will be gone! That is huge to say the least. Our schools are already suffering with over-crowded classrooms and less than adequate learning spaces with over 1/4 of all classes being held in trailers or mobile classrooms. I don’t quite understand why the school system is taking the brunt of this cut.
Getting rid of the over abundance of administrators is perfectly fine with me, as well as cutting the salaries of the “upper crust” of the school system and other County office. But the decision to cut so many teachers is just beyond my thinking. Our children are in desperate need of good teachers and classrooms conducive to learning. We complain about kids being out of control and ruling the schools – yet we make major cuts where we actually need more money.
I don’t have the answers, but I do know what I haven’t seen – Harry Jones or Peter Gorman taking a pay cut. Why are the highest paid NOT taking a cut?
Take a few minutes and check out the Mecklenburg County Salary Database. Harry Jones, the County Manager makes over $215,000 a year PLUS over $38,000 in bonuses. This amount is being paid for a County that is out of control and mis-managed. How about he take a pay cut?
Even more interesting, Peter Gorman’s Salary is NOT listed in the database. Why? Its easy to find his salary online, but why not list it in the database? FYI – His base salary is over $260,000 PLUS bonuses, retirement, etc of over $56,000 – uh, pay cut please?
Let me know what you think about all these cuts. I would love to hear what you have to say.