November 7, 2023

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It’s quiet season at Grandfather Mountain

Happy Wednesday, QCity!

Today, read the election outcomes and why some voters said “yes” to the school bond, an ice skating rink coming to Charlotte and how CMS is addressing staff and student mental health.

Today in History: In 2008, QCity Metro was founded. It became one of the country’s first online news publications created specifically for a local Black audience. Today, QCity Metro is one of Charlotte’s most recognizable minority-owned news outlets.

Today’s Hot Job: Mecklenburg County is seeking a child welfare specialist.

HEALTH

CMS’ new efforts to address stress and mental health in schools

*Inside calming room at J. M. Alexander Middle School in Charlotte. (Destiniee Jaram/QCity Metro)*

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will introduce “calming rooms” in 18 schools to address mental health needs.

The rooms will provide students and staff with a space to decompress, featuring items like yoga mats, soft seating and water features.

The initiative aims to improve overall mental health in schools.

School bond passes, new faces on city council

Election night is over, and a number of familiar and new faces will lead local government.

Mayor Vi Lyles was an early winner — securing her fourth term — while Victoria Watlington secured a new seat, and the battle for District 6 came down to a few hundred votes.

Explore the mountains this winter

November through March brings some of the most spectacular moments at Grandfather Mountain. Visit in the “quieter season” with more opportunities for magical, solitary mile-high experiences.

You’ll escape the crowds of the warmer months. There’s also plenty to explore inside the mountain.

The Wilson Center for Nature Discovery is home to a dozen state-of-the-art interactive exhibits focused on flora, fauna, geology and weather.

Plan your visit

THINGS TO DO

Ice skating soon at Camp North End

*Ice skating. Stock image. (Cottonbro Studios via Pexels)*

A pop-up ice skating rink will come to Camp North End for the first time later this month.

Guests can expect seasonally-themed drinks, photo ops, ample seating and a “warming station” for colder days out on the ice.

The outdoor rink will open Nov. 22 through Jan. 7. Tickets include skate rental and are $10 – $15.

PARTNER POST

Six reasons to visit the Hammock Coast this fall

Get an up-close look at how hammocks are made in a 90-minute process.
Shop at local boutiques for apparel and accessories.
Experience Black history and culture at Brookgreen Garden.
Fish, dine, or stroll along the MarshWalk pier.
Zip across the Hammock Coast with Seakart Adventures.

Read on to learn more about what to do during a fall visit to the Hammock Coast.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Why 15 years matters…

Today marks 15 years of QCity Metro, and although I’ve only been with the team for a year, I can still speak to the publication’s impact over time.

When I first heard of QCity Metro, I was a student at West Charlotte High School. Back then, I mistakenly thought it was called “QC Metro” as a few people have from time to time.

I wasn’t a subscriber then; news just wasn’t that important to me.

But now, aside from my role as editor, I see more and more each day why it’s important to not only read the news but to support it. Reading local journalism helps us stay informed. Supporting it helps protect our voice.

Supporting our publication helps us continue to bring free, local journalism to Charlotte. It supports a team of Black journalists who care about our city and our communities.

You’re already reading. Will you consider supporting?

Become a member

Here’s to 15 more years! – Madeline

PARTNER POST

Dining, art and culture at the Gantt

SOUTHERN ON A PLATE AT THE HARVEY B. GANTT

Partake in an exclusive dining experience honoring the legacy of Black Southern art and culture.

Renowned chef Greg Collier will guide guests through a uniquely crafted multi-course dinner and live performance. Get your tickets here.

More news

➡️ Local: The median net worth of white households in the U.S. is about 10 times that of Black households and 8 times of Latino households. Charlotte’s gap is similar. (WFAE)

➡️ National: A year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion access was gained in several states in recent off-year elections. (NPR)