Inside:
CGN Gallery
The Seasons of Jonny Saldana
Happy July, CGN!
NotefromtheEditor-in-chief
In June, CGN had started on one of their biggest challenges, and that was the change of the guard for our Executive Director, Jonny Saldana.
I have been with him, and with this organization in one shape and form, since late 2020 when Covid restrictions had eased up a bit for us all to have some community in a room together. With the help of Zach Smith, along with many from the LGBTQ+ community of Charlotte, Jonny S. and company took their vision from the cubicles in the middle of Tabbris to many of the venues around the Queen City, creating uniquely curated spaces for many of the our friends and family.
T4T, the Sapphic Social, and a few workshops to help with informational & clothing needs of the trans & queer communities, each proves that CGN has done some amazing things under Jonny’s leadership.
As a friend, though, I will miss him most for knowing how much he’s looked out. For me, for you all reading this, even when the heat has been on, I cannot properly express how much of his care translated into the things we have in Charlotte Gaymers Network today. His smile, his banter, the long speeches in the middle of every Gaymer Gathering, it’s all been love from his end, and I’m proud (and a little lucky) to have gotten to witness how hard work and a vision can make big things possible.
Sincerely,
Table of Contents
Page 1 - Opener From Charlotte Gaymers Network
Page 2 to 3 - CGN Gallery: The Seasons of Jonny ~ 2020 to 2025
Page 5 to 6 - Dr. Rhett’s Corner: Leveling up With Movement
Back Cover - CGN’s Monthly Calendar: July ‘25
Jonny Golian
Reels From 2020 to 2025: Reels From 2020 to 2025: Reels From 2020 to 2025:
Jonny & CGN Through The Years
Jonny & CGN Through The Years
Jonny & CGN Through The Years
Jonny & CGN Through The Years (Cont.)
Jonny & CGN Through The Years (Cont.)
Jonny & CGN Through The Years (Cont.)
Dr. Rhett's Health Corner Levelingup WithMovement July’s Topic:
Presented By
For many gamers, the excitement of an immersive storyline, competitive matches, or grinding for that next achievement can lead to hours spent glued to a screen. While gamingis mentally engaging and even a socially rewarding hobby, long periods of physical inactivity can have significant consequences on physical and mental health. For that reason incorporating regular movement and exercise into a gamer’s
Prolonged sitting, especially when done in poor posture which some gaming chairs or setups can promote, can contribute to back pain, tight muscles, poor circulation, and even increased risk of chronic health issues like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. From a mental health standpoint, inactivity is also linked to lower mood, brain fog, and decreased energy levels, none of which are ideal for maintaining peak in-game performance. You may spend hours training your reflexes and strategies for gameplay, and that same amount of time should be put into training your body to help you stay sharp, alert, and resilient.
Recognizing Juneteenth and Its Effects on Mental Health (Cont.)
The good news is that you don’t need to overhaul your entire routine or sacrifice your gaming time too greatly to make a meaningful impact. Short, consistent bursts of movement throughout the day can provide powerful benefits. To start, try incorporating 5- 10 minute activity breaks between gaming sessions: stretch, walk around, do bodyweight exercises like squats or pushups, or even use a jump rope. These moments of movement improve circulation, reduce stiƯness, and give your eyes and brain a much-needed break from screen time. You can make it fun and involve your friends in discord or party chat, use it as a break when you get a little frustrated, or even if you have a long loading time before your next gaming adventure.
Structured exercise—like 20 to 30 minutes of strength training, yoga, or cardio—can also be a game-changer (no pun intended). It boosts physical fitness but also enhances mental clarity, focus, and mood thanks to the release of endorphins and improved blood flow to the brain. You may find benefits to your gaming skills from regular physical activity like increasing reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and stamina.
You also don’t have to give up video games to get active. Use fitness apps, VR games, or exergaming systems (like Ring Fit Adventure or Beat Saber) that turn movement into a fun challenge. These tools can combine a love for gaming with the need to move, making exercise feel less like a chore. You can also build a more movement-friendly setup with standing desks, walking pads, or exercise stability balls.
Ultimately, the goal is to treat physical activity like an essential part of your daily routine. Our body is important and keeping it tuned up means you’ll enjoy more energy, sharper cognition, and a longer, healthier life both in and out of gaming.
So next time you queue up for a match or dive into a new campaign, take a moment or set a pause break to stretch, breathe, and move. Your future self will thank you.
For More Information, consultation, and to make an appointment for you or your partner, please visit:
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Upcoming CGN Events
July 11th
CGN Presents: Gaymer Gathering @ Tabbris - 7pm
July 12thBoard Game Bash @ Tabbris - 7pm
July 25thCGN’s Sapphic Social @ Great Wagon Road Distillery - 7pm
July 27th -
CGN’s Level Up Drag Brunch: Latine Showcase @ Great Wagon Road Distillery - 7pm
August 1stCGN Presents:
Gaymer Gathering: CLT Pride Edition @ Tabbris - 7pm