May 15, 2024

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79º | 60% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:18 a.m. | Sunset 8:20 p.m.
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🦮 Four-legged therapy

A woman is smiling in a hospital lobby with a golden retriever by her side.

Joyce Stephens has worked and trained with five therapy dogs since 2001, including Cody. | Photo by CLTtoday

Walking the halls of Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, smiles follow Joyce Stephens and her furry companion everywhere.

Stephens has been a volunteer for the last eight years, serving a unique role. Every week, she brings one of her two dogs, Drew and Cody, into the hospital to brighten someone’s day. Their first stop is the infusion center where people undergoing chemotherapy receive support and hope from a friendly, four-legged visitor.

“Cody’s still really young. He’s still trying to learn all the rules,” said Stephens, revealing the 20-month old English Cream Golden Retriever is still undergoing training as a therapy dog. Cody may have more to learn, but everybody was happy to see him — doctors, nurses, patients, and family members alike.

Editor’s note: Some nurses even had treats for Cody to enjoy.

Charlotte_Therapy Dog_May_2024 — Cody received plenty of cuddles from Novant Health hospital staff.
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Photo by CLTtoday

Stephens brings her dogs to the hospital because it’s part of her personal story. Her mother underwent chemotherapy treatment several years ago. She discovered their family golden retriever was one of the only ways her mother felt better during her recovery. Stephens later asked the oncologists if they could bring the dog to chemotherapy. They agreed once it became a certified therapy dog. Soon, their dog was providing comfort for other patients too.

Stephens has now owned and worked with certified therapy dogs since 2001.

Curious if your furry friend could be a service dog? Organizations like Invisible Paw Prints list the certification requirements. Stephens emphasized dogs must have basic obedience and will undergo an assessment test. A team will determine if the dog fits the role to be a service dog.

Stephens expressed confidence in young Cody. “He’s still really excitable. He needs to learn to focus and to do what he needs to do at work, but he’s getting there.”

Editor’s note: Oh, and in case you were wondering, City Editor Jack got to pet Cody, and can confirm he’s a good boy.

Asked

How many service dogs are in the US?

A. 10,000
B. 100,000
C. 500,000
D. 1 million

Find the paw-fect answer

Events

Wednesday, May 15

Winebow Wine Tasting | Wednesday, May 15 | 5-7 p.m. | Carolina Beer Temple, 195 N. Trade St., Matthews | $12 | Savor an evening of tasting local wines + free charcuterie.
Members Moment—Objects of Affection | Wednesday, May 15 | 6-7 p.m. | The Mint Museum Randolph, 2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte | Free | Take a tour of hand-crafted jewelry made from vintage photographs, animal bones, plastic toys, and more.
Charlotte Knights vs. Durham Bulls | Wednesday, May 15 | 6:35 p.m. | Truist Field, 324 S. Mint St., Charlotte | $16-$65 | Cheer the Knights as they take on the Bulls for day two in a six-day stretch.

Thursday, May 16

Soft Pastels Exploration with Terrilynn Dubrueil | Thursday, May 16 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Re.Imagine Gallery & Studios, 15 Spivey Lake Dr., Fairview | $180-$200 | Learn from award-winning pastel artist Terrilynn Dubreuil about the basic properties of soft pastels.
Night at the Museum | Thursday, May 16 | 5-9 p.m. | First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St., Charlotte | $25-$100 | Observe work of local artists crafted from recycled materials, reflecting their connection to agriculture + nature.
Sake and Yakitori Tasting Night at Urban District Market | Thursday, May 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Urban District Market , 2315 N. Davidson St., Charlotte | $75 | Send your taste buds on a journey in this inaugural sake and yakitori pairing.

Friday, May 17

Young Professionals Speed Networking Event | Friday, May 17 | 8:30-10 a.m. | IKEA, 8300 Ikea Blvd., Charlotte | $25 | Expand your professional circle by creating connections in this fast-paced networking event.
Science on the Rocks | Friday, May 17 | 6-10 p.m. | Discovery Place Science, 301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte | $18-$22 | Grab a cocktail, pet an animal, and get hands-on in the labs at Uptown’s largest recurring social event.
Tim McGraw: Standing Room Only Tour 2024 | Friday, May 17 | 7 p.m. | Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St., Charlotte | $39.50-$189.50 | Break out your “Southern Voice” by seeing the country music icon in Uptown.

Saturday, May 25

Greenville Scottish Games | Saturday, May 25 | 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. | Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Hwy., Greenville | $0-$25 | Celebrate Scottish heritage with Celtic music, food, bagpipes, kids’ activities, + heavy athletics. Or start the holiday weekend early at the Great Scot Parade, Friday, May 24 at 6 p.m. on Greenville’s Main Street.*

Events calendar here

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Eat

🍽️ How to meet your new favorite Charlotte restaurant

Three tacos next to a cocktail and a side of beans and rice.

We are so ready to dig in. | Photo by Offline Charlotte

You know that Charlotte restaurant you’ve been meaning to try, but haven’t gotten around to yet? We have the cure: Offline, our city’s restaurant subscription club.

Every month, you’ll pick two locally-owned restaurants you want to try. Offline will give you $10-$30 off the tab at each place, good ‘til the end of the month.

Offline has helped pick up part of the tab for thousands of Charlotte locals at The Waterman Fish Bar, State of Confusion, and Que Onda Tacos + Tequila, to name a few.

Ready for your local culinary tour? Try a month for free with code CLTTODAY.

Get dining with code CLTTODAY

News Notes

Civic

Charlotte city workers are demanding higher wages in the upcoming budget approval. They’re pushing for a six-percent raise and a $25 minimum wage. A final vote on the budget is slated for Monday, June 10. (WCNC)

Development

Two anticipated Harris Teeters are slated to begin construction. One will be located at Five Points in Lake Wylie with construction starting in the coming months. Opening is expected for fall 2026. The second store will be at Fort Mill Parkway with construction dates TBA. (Rock Hill Herald)

Health

Mecklenburg County Public Health leaders are seeing increased cases in whooping cough — a highly contagious respiratory illness causing severe coughing fits. Infants and young children are especially at risk. Health leaders urged vaccinations are the best defense against the disease.

Sports

The NFL will release the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 schedule at 8 p.m. Get in-depth insight on what the future may hold for the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Announced

The Charlotte Hornets have named Shelly Cayette-Weston their next president of business operations. Cayette-Weston spent the last 12 years with the Cleveland Cavaliers. She will oversee day-to-day business operations of the Hornets, Greensboro Swarm, Hornets Venom GT, and the Spectrum Center. (WCNC)

Cause

Friends of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Services announced a fundraising event to benefit CMPD Animal Care and Control. Guests will enjoy a night of food, drinks, aerial performances, + a silent auction. The event is Friday, May 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Bloom Movement Artistry in Charlotte. (WCNC)

Coming Soon

Tikka Shaka will open a new restaurant in Rock Hill. The fast-casual Indian restaurant will be at 2427 Cross Pointe Dr., Suite 105. The menu will feature dishes like chicken tikka masala, biryiani, and curries. The opening date remains TBA. (Rock Hill Herald)

Home

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Outdoors

🌊 Dive into summer

People swim in a rock quarry with trees and clouds in the background.

Swimming, jumping off rocks, and swinging off the rope swing at Carrigan Farms are fun for kids and kids-at-heart. | Photo via Carrigan Farms

A beloved Charlotte summer tradition returns with a splash this weekend. The Quarry at Carrigan Farms opens for “Open Swim” beginning Saturday, May 18.

Pricing varies by date but starts at $25 per person. Guests can enter at the Carrigan Farms West Entrance to reach the quarry at 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville.

A trip to Carrigan isn’t like your typical pool day. Visitors dive into a spring-fed quarry, surrounded by trees.

Editor’s note: Catch and release fishing in the ponds is available. Bring your own gear + bait.

Hungry after a swim? Guests can enjoy home grown, farm-to-table dining options at the on-site restaurant.

The quarry will be open daily in June, July, and August. Advanced reservations are required.

Carrigan Farms is a fifth generation family-owned farm, specializing in growing quality fruits and vegetables. The farm commonly welcomes school field trips, weddings, company retreats, and other special events.

The Buy

Graduation gifts. Celebrate the end of the school year with graduation gifts for the recent grad in your life.

Answered

On Tuesday, we asked “how many times do honeybees flap their wings per minute?”

A bee foraging from purple flowers surrounded by green leaves in springtime. — Keep the city “buzzing” as a Bee City USA, a designation the City of Charlotte unanimously voted on in 2023.
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Photo by CLTtoday

When reporting how The Waverly Wine Walk benefits local honey bee conservation, we put your bee knowledge to the test:

42% — 13,800
20% — 11,400
20% — 18,200
18% — 10,000

Correct answer: 11,400 times per minute

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jack

From the editor

I had a blast at Quail Hollow cheering for Rory McIlroy during The Wells Fargo Championship this past weekend. Charlotte certainly loves Rory.

Golfer Rory McIlroy waves to the applauding crowd from the golf course.

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