MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will present “Hairspray” as part of its 30th anniversary season.
The musical takes the stage July 10 to 26 at Matthews Community Center, 100 E. McDowell St. Tickets range from $20 to $30. Get them at MatthewsPlayhouse. com or by calling 704-846-8343.
Set in 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” follows Tracy Turnblad, a teen with big hair and even bigger dreams, as she
fights for her place on a popular dance show. The production is directed by Sidney Horton and choreographed by Rachel Peterson.
Matthews Playhouse will offer a Pay What You Can Performance at 7:30 p.m. July 9 with a suggested donation of $10 per person.
This production is supported by Kate Clyde’s Catered Creations and Carolina Pets Animal Hospital. Cantina Louie is the restaurant partner.
CHARLOTTE – Traffic, airport security lines, social media drama, rising gas prices and sports teams all have one thing in common. Eventually, they become material for "Charlotte Squawks."
Returning for its 21st year, Blumenthal Arts presents the anticipated return of "Charlotte Squawks: Hold My Beer!" now through June 28 at Booth Playhouse, featuring a refreshed lineup of sketches, musical parodies and rapid-fire satire inspired by life in the Queen City.
Blending the energy of "Saturday Night Live" and the spectacle of a live musical, the locally written production combines sketch
by Justin Vick
justin@cmgweekly.com
MATTHEWS – Alfred Rivera served in the Air Force from 1965 to 1969, including a 12-month tour in Korat, Thailand during the Vietnam War. He now chairs the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee, a group that works to keep service members, veterans and families in town engaged.
MVAC supports the Matthews Hometown Heroes Banner Program, which puts photos of
comedy, parody songs and audience interaction into a show that changes every year (sometimes, every week).
Mike Collins and Brian Kahn created the summer tradition.
“Somewhere along the way, we hit a nerve,” said Collins, co-creator and director of "Charlotte Squawks." “Audiences have grown more loyal every year, and that’s incredibly gratifying. There’s something special about a room full of Charlotteans all laughing at the same traffic headache, neighborhood debate or bizarre cultural moment at the same time.”
active duty service members and veterans on 17-by-36 vinyl banners that are displayed downtown around Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Rivera said they have 51 banners but only 35 can be displayed at one time.
MVAC member Mike Schuberth has been in talks with town staff to see if more poles can be used to display all of the banners. The town attorney is reviewing a document from Duke Energy about the issue.
Meanwhile, Town of Matthews
Playhouse to present 'Hairspray'
Celebrating 30 years
I-77 South vote
Secure your seats for Matthews Playhouse's 30th Anniversary Celebration on July 11 at Matthews Playhouse.com or by calling the box office at 704-846-8343.
Proceeds from the evening and the silent auction will support the nonprofit’s mission to ensure cultural programming and arts education for the community.
Roasting Charlotte culture
Communications Director
Maureen Ryan has placed images from the banners on the town’s website for all to see. They are available from the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee’s page. “This is a great program that needs to be publicized in more creative ways because people only see it if they go on Matthews' website or if at veterans organizations we kind of mention it, especially since there are approximately over 1,400
by John Higdon Matthews Mayor
I do want to talk very briefly about a vote that CRTPO (Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization) took last week (May 20) that’s been a lot in the news, and I want to correct some misconceptions.
Number one, several media outlets reported that I voted in the manner I did, which was against the (I-77 South Express Lanes) P3 (public private partnership) project, as retribution because Matthews didn’t get the Silver Line. And nothing could be farther from the truth. I did not vote in any particular way because of that.
The other thing that is particularly troubling to me is a lot of news outlets are saying, “Woe is us because we’re going to be sitting in congestion forever because we didn’t vote for this.”
We had a supermajority. Every elected official on CRTPO from Mecklenburg County voted against this P3 because it’s a terrible project. It would have had exceptionally high fees. Although they were trying to negotiate a lower fee, I was told by a pretty good source that it’d still be $20 to $30 each way. So I don’t think most people can afford $60 a day or $300 a week to ride in toll lanes.
Secondly, these express lanes would do nothing meaningful to stop congestion, and all you have to do is go up north on I-77 North, where we built a P3 express lane. Nobody rides in them up there. The tolls are $50 to $60 during peak travel time, so $120 a day. Nobody consequently uses them. That does nothing to address congestion. So, just a terrible project. But we didn’t kill it in a vacuum. I think we need to look at other opportunities to do better things – like possibly using the shoulders during peak travel periods. I think that might be illegal right now, but maybe we can change that law. Using reversible lanes, encouraging high-occupancy vehicle lanes, enforcing rideshare, having more public transit – lots of other options rather than building a 50-year toll road or express lane that will siphon money from this area for the next five decades.
I just wanted to have that clarification. The main one is that this project would not have done anything whatsoever meaningful to address congestion. That’s what people, when they come to me and talk about traffic, they are concerned about: congestion.
P3 express lanes provide guaranteed travel time if you’re very wealthy. That’s about it.
Anybody in the community who has any questions about that, feel free to give me a call. But it was a very bad project that I was happy we were able to put a halt to.
Matthews Mayor John Higdon shared these remarks during the May 26 meeting of the Matthews Board of Commissioners.
veterans living in Matthews,” Rivera told town commissioners May 26. “I think these these programs could get better attendance if the word is spread out.”
MVAC is also recruiting veterans to participate in the next Queen City Honor Flight in October. Rivera said MVAC will provide $1,000 in funding for Matthews veterans to participate. Four Matthews residents were able to fly to Washington, D.C. during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
A board member from Queen City Honor Flight recently gave a presentation to American Legion Post 235 about the experience.
“A video showed how much the participating veterans of a previous flight appreciated the entire experience and the enthusiasm they received from the crowd at the airports, which was great to see,” Rivera said. “I feel that a greater promotion effort of this event could help engage
"Charlotte Squawks" delivers satire, sketch comedy and songs inspired by local quirks and culture. Photos courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
Beds for Kids celebrates 15 years of service
CHARLOTTE – Beds for Kids is celebrating its 15-year anniversary. What began as a mission to provide beds for children in need has grown into the Charlotte area’s largest furniture bank of its kind. Beds for Kids has served nearly 10,000 families with over 280,000 beds and essential furnishings, reaching neighborhoods across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union counties and beyond.
As part of this milestone, the organization is opening the doors to a new warehouse and announcing the next chapter of leadership and board members, with longtime Director of Operations Zach Smith serving as incoming executive director and Lauren Evans continuing her service to the organization as she transitions from executive director to a position on the board of directors.
“Families need the essential furnishings that make a home,” Smith
said. “Sadly, furniture is often the missing piece between housing and a place to call a home, and as families in Charlotte face this growing issue of furniture poverty and economic pressure, our role at Beds for Kids becomes even more essential."
Charlotte remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with rising rent and limited affordable housing options contributing to increased housing instability and what Beds for Kids describes as furniture poverty. A family may have a place to live, but not the basic furniture to make it a home, such as dining tables, dressers or a bed for a child to sleep.
Beds for Kids is continuing to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the community.
Officials with Bed for Kids said these efforts position the nonprofit to continue serving significantly more families each year, while maintaining
a dignity-centered, high-touch approach:
• The organization is welcoming new board members and community leaders with expertise in housing, philanthropy and operations. Longest-tenured staff member Moses Dimmock will step into a newly established mission director role.
• To support rising demand, the organization has streamlined warehouse space, which will enable more efficient distribution of beds and essential furnishings.
Beds for Kids is working toward reaching families in every county that borders Mecklenburg, deepening its regional impact through expanded partnerships with local nonprofit and referral agencies and strengthened service delivery.
“We simply wouldn’t be here without our dedicated supporters, partners and volunteers in the Charlotte community,” Smith said.
CATS reports reduction in transit crime, assaults
CHARLOTTE
– The Charlotte Area Transit System has released updated data highlighting a downward trend in crime and assaults across the transit system.
Following a consolidated contract with Professional Security Services and an enhanced partnership with the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department, CATS said the system is seeing a decrease in crime on the Blue Line and overall bus operator and passenger assaults.
CATS said there has been zero assaults requiring medical response for operators or passengers as well as zero passengeron-passenger assaults in first quarter 2026 (down from three in 2025)
“The data shows the security enhancements we have implemented are taking hold and yielding meaningful improvements,” CATS Interim CEO Brent Cagle said. “While we recognize safety and security is a continued moving target, CATS today is in a very different place than it was three years ago. We remain firmly committed to the safety of our employees and customers.”
Since WeDriveU (formerly National Express) assumed management of bus operations in 2024, several new safety protocols specific to bus operations have been implemented:
• Radio controllers now have real-time video access to vehicles and undergo enhanced training to ensure rapid deployment of emergency services.
• Expanded announcements notify passengers that audio/video recording is active and that aggressive behavior toward operators will result in criminal charges.
• The average response time for bus communications to capture a call has been reduced to about 35 seconds, with bus-originated calls now color-coded and prioritized over schedule alerts.
• New protocols for high-level events ensure on-duty lead controllers coordinate responses to threats of violence immediately.
• Operators are equipped with both overt and covert emergency buttons and receive real-time coaching to manage
disruptive situations safely.
Enhancements have also been made to reporting functions for customers:
Text a Tip: CATS has integrated a Text-a-Tip line, 704-251-6402, giving riders an additional way to request support in addition to reporting a problem via the homepage of the CATS website. The ‘Report a problem to CATS’ button within the CATS-Pass app has also been updated for better visibility.
• Promotion of reporting tools: New signage has been integrated throughout the system with the various ways to request support listed as well as overhead audio announcements.
“Our proactive safety and security measures are delivering tangible results, and seeing systemwide crime numbers drop is a major step forward,” CATS Chief Safety and Security Officer Eric Osnes said. “We will keep building on this momentum, adjusting our strategies in real-time to protect our community and stay ahead of the curve.”
CATS continues to scale its security
presence through the deployment of additional off-duty CMPD officers and Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputies. Future-focused initiatives include securing a dedicated fare enforcement unit and partnering with Central Piedmont Community College and UNC Charlotte to develop and test new AI-driven security technologies. These enhancements are integrated into the current and proposed fiscal year 2027 operating and capital budgets as well as the CATS Integrated Public Safety and Security Plan.
Food Lion celebrates staff milestones
Windsor Run keeps residents moving with fitness program
MATTHEWS – Windsor Run makes it easy for residents to care for their well-being. The Erickson Senior Living community has two fitness centers, a group exercise studio, scenic walking paths and an expanding calendar of classes
“The fitness center always offers something that supports my personal wellness goals,” resident Annette O’Hagan said. “My husband and I attend six exercise classes each week. The classes keep me motivated, and the instructors make it enjoyable.”
Fitness Manager Jessica Sprague said her team aims to offer guidance and help each resident feel confident in their workout routine.
“We encourage residents to explore whatever fits their interests, whether that be group classes, walking, strength work, aquatics or recreational activities,” she said. Something for everyone
Since joining Windsor Run’s fitness team in 2023, Sprague has watched the community’s well-being offerings expand.
“With the addition of our exercise studio in 2024, participation in group fitness activities has grown very quickly,” she says. “Residents’ ideas and feedback help shape the classes we offer.”
Fitness Coordinator Lori Rader and Fitness Specialist Martha Grant lead 25 classes each week.
Two of the most popular classes are Stretch and Refresh; which blends seated stretching, breath work, and slow, steady movement, and Strength and Stability; designed to support balance through targeted exercises followed by controlled strength training with hand weights.
For residents navigating Parkinson’s disease, the team offers a Rock Steady Boxing program to build strength and agility. And for those who enjoy working out in the pool, the community’s aqua aerobics classes offer a joint-friendly way to raise your heart rate.
“We offer variations in every class, so residents never feel pressured to move beyond their comfort zone," Sprague said.
O’Hagan appreciates the variety of classes available.
“Stretch and Refresh on Fridays is the best stretching class,” she said. “My husband and I also take another stretching class on Mondays, plus three Strength and Stability classes and one seated strength class.”
As a result of her exercise routine, O’Hagan has witnessed a meaningful, personal transformation.
“Twenty months ago, when I arrived at Windsor Run, my balance was poor and my joints were stiff,” she said. “I couldn’t raise my leg to put on stockings. Today, I don’t deal with any of those issues.”
Resident Janet Moynihan enjoys aqua
Living
aerobics, Stretch and Refresh, and Strength and Stability.
“I made many friends this way,” Moynihan said. “The instructors are great and always make the classes enjoyable.”
A supportive environment
Windsor Run’s fitness centers also provide an opportunity to socialize.
The community’s second fitness center was added last December, and it has remained a hub of activity.
“The fitness center is a social place where like-minded residents can improve their fitness and balance and have fun and some laughs all at the same time,” O’Hagan said.
Sprague and her team provide orientations on what each machine targets and how to use them. They can also recommend an introductory exercise plan, based on each person’s abilities and goals.
“We simply want residents to feel confident using the equipment,” Sprague said. “The environment is extremely friendly. Showing up and trying something new already counts as progress.”
The nature trail is a popular year-round destination. Resident-led walking groups meet regularly for relaxed strolls along the scenic, quarter-mile loop.
Another walking group, active in the warmer months, embarks on a longer route into downtown Matthews, often stopping for coffee.
Windsor Run also offers a variety of outdoor team sports and communitywide events, including spring and fall bocce tournaments and the annual Turkey Trot.
‘Keep moving’
With new fitness spaces and classes in a supportive environment, Windsor Run residents remain excited to care for their overall well-being.
“My advice is don’t hesitate,” Moynihan said. “The classes are not that long or difficult. Give them a try and have fun.”
Sprague hopes every resident will feel empowered through physical fitness.
“Start small and choose something that feels doable,” she recommends. “Once movement becomes part of your routine, everything else feels easier. The goal is
Golf Classic supports community
MINT HILL – The Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce’s 14th annual Golf Classic will bring together business leaders, community partners and supporters for a day of friendly competition, relationship-building, and community impact.
The tournament will start at 10 a.m. Sept. 9 at Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation. The tournament will include contests, prizes, raffles, player gifts, food and networking opportunities throughout the day.
Since 2013, the Golf Classic has served as one of the chamber’s premier fundraisers. It allows local businesses to connect while supporting programs that strengthen the community.
The event welcomes experienced golfers and first-time participants, as well as sponsors and volunteers who want to make a difference.
Proceeds from the tournament support the chamber’s workforce development, leadership, scholarship and community engagement initiatives, including programs
Veterans (continued from page 1A)
veterans who are not currently connected to any veteran organization because they’re just out there. They may not know.”
Rivera also told commissioners that the town should look into making the Stumptown Park stage ADA-accessible after others noticed some veterans struggling to make it up the steps during the Memorial Day observance. He said when problems with the Matthews Veterans Memorial Park are reported to MVAC, member Larry Penazek will tell town personnel for action. Scouts from Troop 46 recently completed a cleanup at the park.
MVAC member Fred Dorsey maintains the veterans information rack in the Matthews Library. The rack contains
CALENDAR
such as Junior Ambassadors and Leadership Mint Hill.
“At the Mint Hill Chamber, everything we do is centered around creating opportunities for businesses and strengthening our community,” said Paige McKinney, president and CEO.
Foursomes and individual golfers are welcome. Businesses can participate through a sponsorships ranging from hole sponsorships to corporate partnerships. Entry fees include green and cart fees, snacks, drinks, lunch, dinner, player gifts and tournament activities.
The chamber is also seeking donations for raffle items and cash prize opportunities.
The 2026 Golf Classic is presented by Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
Businesses and community members interested in registering, sponsoring, volunteering, or donating raffle items are encouraged to contact the chamber. On the web: minthillchamberofcommerce. com
pamphlets, including one with businesses in Matthews that offer discounts to veterans.
Members are also working on a QR code for the town website that will direct people to information about the PACT Act, which is an expansion of Veterans Administration benefits.
Rivera and Jack Santaniello are heading up the Veterans Employment Initiative. The effort includes a brochure with organizations that can help people transition from military to civilian careers. Services include making military skills more relatable to jobs on resumes as well as help with cover letters and interviews.
MVAC will continue sponsoring a watch party for the annual Army-Navy game Dec. 12 at Mac’s Speed Shop in Matthews. Veterans have a private room to enjoy the game.
the community? Email them to justin@cmgweekly.com.
(continued from page 1A)
This year’s production features a full returning cast of local performers, ranging from talent who have been with the show since its earliest years to performers who joined the cast more recently. According to the team, that mix of longtime veterans and new performers helps keep the show fresh and reflects the personalities and perspectives that make up Charlotte itself.
Each year, the creative process begins months before opening night, with brainstorming sessions centered around portraying local and national headlines, culture and everyday frustrations on stage.
Six weeks before opening, the creative team, cast, choreographer, and musical director Bill Congdon move into rehearsals, where material is refined, staged and often rewritten, leading up to opening night.
“After 21 years, it’s still a bit hard to believe this is something we do every summer,” Kahn said. “There’s a rhythm
to it now, but it never feels routine. People joke about leaving, people joke about staying, and somehow we end up right back in rehearsal, building something completely new out of whatever Charlotte has thrown at us that year. It’s familiar and unpredictable at the same time, and that’s probably why it’s lasted this long.”
Over the years, the production has continued to grow, with larger musical numbers, expanded staging and increasingly elaborate costumes becoming part of the entire experience. Audience participation also remains a signature part of the show, with attendees serving as the “12th member,” the team says.
“For more than two decades, 'Charlotte Squawks' has captured the humor and shared experiences that makes Charlotte undeniably unique,” said Tom Gabbard, CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “It’s one of those productions that brings longtime Charlotteans and newcomers together, where everyone can relate to the sketches on stage and laugh collectively at ourselves.”
SQUAWKS
tickets,
blumenthalarts.org. To stay up to date on the show, follow Charlotte Squawks on Facebook, Instagram and X. Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
Fitness Manager Jessica Sprague (center) supports residents like Annette O’Hagan (left) and Janet Moynihan (right) as they stay active and connected through Windsor Run’s expanding fitness programs. Photo courtesy of Erickson Senior
Leaders worry about energy usage of data centers
by David Beasley Contributor
(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s attorney general has asked the state utility commission to create a separate rate for large users of electricity such as data centers, an idea that was also endorsed June 2 by the governor.
“We know that data centers are becoming a large part of the conversation,” Attorney General Jeff Jackson said at the Council of State meeting. “What we are asking the utilities commission to do is to create a separate rate class for data centers but also for very large energy users.”
Republican lawmakers are also moving bills with the same ideas in mind.
The Ratepayer Protection Act, known also as Senate Bill 730, passed the Senate in early May and June 2 got a favorable
committee substitute while in the House of Representatives. After lunch, it was back to the Rules Committee.
The Ratepayer and Resource Protection Act, known also as House Bill 1063, was filed in late April and remains parked in the same committee. The Senate bill is expected to come forward.
“It’s pretty clear that our citizens want specific protections around them because these very large folks are categorically different in that they strain the entire grid," Jackson said. "We’re asking the utilities commission to consider a list of specific protections and the creation of a specific class for data centers.”
There are nine data centers operating in North Carolina and 15 planned data centers, according to Data Center Map, a company that provides research for the industry.
“I appreciate your request to
When Cornwallis first invaded Carolina
by John Hood Columnist
Most Americans know that George Washington was not only the first president elected under the United States Constitution but also the general placed in overall command of Patriot forces during the Revolutionary War.
Ask Americans to name the overall British commander during the conflict, however, and many would struggle to answer. Among those who did, the most common answer would surely be General Charles Cornwallis and it would be an erroneous one.
This answer constitutes an injustice to at least five men. First of all, Cornwallis was never in overall command of British forces. At the beginning of the war, that task fell to General Thomas Gage. After sustaining heavy British losses at Bunker Hill, he was replaced by General William Howe. After winning a series of battles against Washington in New York and Pennsylvania, Howe resigned in 1778. His replacement, General Henry Clinton, served until 1782, and was succeeded by General Guy Carleton during the final months of the war.
The fifth man denied his due by our faulty historical memory is Cornwallis himself, who is mainly remembered as a loser forced to surrender a large British army at Yorktown. He was a far better soldier than that. During a lengthy military career that took him to Ireland, western Europe, North America and India, Cornwallis won almost every battle he fought and proved an able administrator and diplomat, as well.
As a young member of Parliament during the 1760s, he actually voted against the Stamp Act and accused the government of mistreating the American colonists. When war came, however, Cornwallis resolved to do his part.
While even history buffs associate him primarily with Britain’s second (and more successful) invasion of the Carolinas in 1780, that was not the general’s first visit here. The first British invasion of the region began in March 1776 when General Henry Clinton arrived off the coast of Wilmington with a small army. He was expecting to find two groups of reinforcements waiting for him: a column of Loyalists marching southeast from the Carolina backcountry and an army of redcoats sailing west from Britain under the command of Clinton’s subordinate, Charles Cornwallis.
The Loyalists never showed up. Halted at the Feb. 27 battle of Moores Creek Bridge, some were killed and nearly all the rest were captured or dispersed. As for the redcoats, bad weather delayed their arrival until early May. At that point, Clinton was still toying with the idea of trying to reestablish British authority over North Carolina and restore royal governor Josiah Martin to power here.
It was 250 years ago, then, that Clinton gave General Cornwallis his first assignment: leading 900 British redcoats in an assault on Brunswick Town, north of what is now Southport. It had been the main rebel base in the region. On May 17, 1776, Cornwallis and his men left the British flotilla “in the most secret manner imaginable” and “in the dead of the night,” as Clinton put it, surprising the defenders of the town.
Unbeknownst to Clinton and Cornwallis, however, most of the Patriots had already evacuated. Cornwallis scored his first tactical victory of the war but it had no strategic import – something he and other British commanders would do many more times.
Over the next few days, Patriots and redcoats skirmished while Clinton fumed. Frustrated at his lack of progress in North Carolina, he decided his best course of action would be to sail further south and attack Charles Town (now Charleston), by far the most populous and prosperous city in the Carolinas. With that port in British hands, he thought, the rest of the region would inevitably fall. It didn’t work. Clinton failed to take Charleston in 1776. Charles Cornwallis did take the city four years later, but it proved no guarantee of ultimate victory. That wasn’t his fault, though. Blame the politicians of London, who should have listened to young Cornwallis back in 1765 and treated Americans with more respect.
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).
create a new rate class for these data centers,” Gov. Josh Stein said. “Duke Energy said 70% of the new power demand over the next five years is coming from data centers. Many states have a separate rate class that makes them pay higher given the demands on the system. It’s time for North Carolina to follow.”
Jackson is opposing a requested rate hike by Duke Energy Carolinas that he says would cost ratepayers nearly $1.4 billion over the next two years.
“This proposed increase is too high for families, and it’s more than Duke needs to meet our growing demand for energy,” Jackson said in a statement.
“We can bring that number way down, save families money and still build everything we need to keep up with growth. That’s what I’m fighting for.”
The North Carolina Utilities
Commission on June 2 declined to comment on Jackson’s request for higher rates for large electric customers such as data centers.
Bill Norton, speaking for Duke through an email to The Center Square, said evaluation remains ongoing in a complex and rapidly evolving area. He said protection of all customers is the approach.
“It’s worth noting that Duke Energy did not wait for a large load tariff to be developed, filed, reviewed and implemented – to protect existing customers. We proactively enacted a robust large load process that already features many of the provisions suggested here, ensuring that data centers cover their fair share of the costs required to serve them,” Norton wrote. “As shown in our resource plan proceedings, large load customers not only cover their own costs but also cover costs for other customers.
“Our analysis of the 4.8
gigawatts of new large load that we have secured through Electric Service Agreement contracts will generate $3.6 billion in benefits to other customers over a 15-year period and reduce residential customer bills by $4-$6 a month through 2040.”
There are indications that data centers are already driving up electricity prices.
Before 2019, electricity prices in the U.S. had been flat for about a decade at about 13 cents a kilowatt hour, according to the nonprofit Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
“By the end of 2025, however, average electricity prices in the United States increased to 19 cent per kWh, about 27% more than in 2019,” the institute said. “In states with a high concentration of data centers like Virginia, electricity prices have increased by up to 267% over the last five years.
Blume Studios adds two new VR experiences
CHARLOTTE – Following the debut of Excurio’s immersive expedition, “Horizon of Khufu,” two more virtual reality experiences are coming to Blumenthal Arts’ Blume Studios.
These new experiences transport audiences through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history and beyond the planet itself from the International Space Station.
The new titles will join “Horizon of Khufu” beginning June 11 at 904 Post St.
The experiences serve as the official launch of Blume Studios VR, offering audiences opportunities to engage with history, science, art and storytelling through emerging technologies.
“Life Chronicles” and “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience” will transport guests into fully immersive, free-roaming virtual worlds rooted in science, history and exploration.
When attending with others, each guest can choose for themselves which of the three experiences they want. This technological achievement is the result of 20 years of research and development in spatial computing led by
Excurio. Its LBXR Pulse platform enables multiple titles to coexist simultaneously, with the ambition of creating a sort of turnkey XR movie theater.
“What’s exciting about these next two experiences is how different they are from each other,” said Tom Gabbard, president and CEO of Blumenthal Arts. “One puts you face-to-face with prehistoric life, while the other lets you see Earth from 250 miles above. They each show how immersive storytelling can make people feel connected to places and moments they would otherwise never experience.”
‘Life Chronicles’ This 45-minute expedition through 3.5 billion years of Earth’s history takes guests from the planet’s formation to the rise of dinosaurs and early humans.
Developed in collaboration with scientists at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in France, “Life Chronicles” combines scientific research with cinematic worldbuilding to recreate prehistoric environments on land and at sea. Guests travel through volcanic
coastlines, ancient oceans and swamp forests, encountering more than 120 primeval species.
'Space Explorers: The ISS Experience'
Built from more than 250 hours of footage filmed both inside and outside the International Space Station, this experience places visitors alongside real astronauts as they live, work, conduct missions and observe Earth from orbit. Rooted in real-life space missions conducted in collaboration with NASA and leading international space agencies, the experience is based on the Primetime Emmy Award-winning series “Space Explorers: The ISS Experience,” created by Felix & Paul Studios.
All VR experiences are recommended for ages 8 and older and will be offered concurrently, allowing guests attending together to each choose their own immersive adventure. Tickets to "Horizon of Khufu," "Life Chronicles" and "Space Explorers: The ISS Experience" are available at blumenthalarts.org/ BlumeStudiosVR.
Examples of what you'll find at "Life Chronicles" at Blume Studios. Photo courtesy of Blumenthal Arts
FEATURE IMPACT
In those precious few minutes between waking up and heading out the door or arriving home from school pickup, the pantry is a common destination. Seeking a graband-go lunch, sending your student off with a bite of protein or searching for an afternoon snack can leave you scanning the shelves for a go-to solution. With snackers increasingly mindful about what they put in their bodies, you’re not alone if you’re looking for a snacking shakeup – in fact, in a recent survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence, 50% of Americans agreed it’s hard to find snacks that meet all their needs. According to the survey, people are looking for foods that offer:
n “Bang for their buck” (78%)
n Affordability (61%)
n Protein packed (51%)
n Meet specific dietary goals (48%)
n Easy to eat on the go (35%)
Among all factors, however, 70% said great taste is most important, proving
flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. In response to demand for powerhouse snacks that do it all while tasting amazing, Bumble Bee Snackers easy-open, single-serve cans are shaking up snack time with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for any time, place, budget or craving.
The various unique flavors can be eaten right from the can and are perfect for snacking occasions, from zesty Lemon Pepper to bold and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad while traditionalists can opt for classic Chunk Light Tuna.
“Snacking has evolved,” said Dana Kowal, senior director brand marketing and corporate affairs at Bumble Bee Seafoods. “People want it all: bold flavor, real protein and grab-and-go simplicity – and they want it at a price that makes sense.”
The 3-ounce cans are premixed and can be enjoyed straight from the can, paired with crackers or veggies, or tossed in salads, sandwiches or wraps.
To turn them into quick, family-friendly dinners or make-ahead lunches, consider these adorably colorful and craveworthy Rainbow Tuna Bowls balanced with sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp radish and spicy tuna.
For a perfect addition to your game day spread, these Bang Bang Tuna Sliders are spicy, creamy, crunchy and easier to make than they look with just a few ingredients and fun flavor. Tuna is topped with a layer of coleslaw and spicy mayo to solve those afternoon hunger pangs whether you’re in the office or enjoying the comforts of home.
When dinnertime calls for a busyseason meal that’s light yet filling, Garden Farro Tuna Salad is a mustsave recipe to add to your rotation. It’s bright, herbaceous and offers easy experimentation – simply swap similar ingredients based on what’s fresh and in-season or make it all your own with your family’s favorite produce. To find more snacking solutions that are packed with flavor while saving time and money, visit BumbleBee.com.
DINING SCORES
Wingate clears path for mental health counseling program
WINGATE – Wingate is making it easier for psychology majors to earn a seat in the university’s clinical mental health counseling master’s program.
Wingate has begun taking applications for the Psychology/Clinical Mental Health Counseling Advantage pathway, which provides qualified psychology students with guaranteed entry into the CMHC program, Wingate’s newest healthrelated master’s program, which kicked off in August 2025. Incoming freshmen and transfers who meet the initial requirements, and then maintain a 3.0 grade-point average and continue meeting a few other criteria during their Wingate undergraduate days, will be guaranteed a seat in the program.
“These days, you really do have to start thinking earlier: If this is what I want to do? What’s the trajectory?” said Dr. Jennifer Jordan, director of Wingate’s clinical mental health counseling program. “You don’t want to figure this out your senior year of college. The earlier you can start planning for it the better.”
High school students who want to enter the program must meet the following criteria:
• Be admitted to Wingate University as a psychology major.
• Enroll as a traditional on-campus undergraduate student.
INSPECTIONS
• Satisfy at least two of the following criteria:
- 3.4 unweighted high school GPA.
- 3.6 weighted high school GPA.
- SAT score of 1100 or ACT composite score of 22.
Transfer students entering the program must be admitted as a psychology major and have a minimum 3.0 college GPA.
In addition to guaranteed admission into the master’s program, students enrolled in the Psychology/Clinical Mental Health Counseling Advantage pathway receive a $5,000 Graduate Advantage scholarship that goes toward their master’s tuition.
Jordan said some of the biggest benefits of the pathway for students are their early engagement with faculty and graduate students, precounseling experiences, professional-development and leadership opportunities.
“They can be part of some of the outreach we do in the community,” she said. “They can get to know the faculty, get to know the students along the way to make sure that it is what they want and that they’re a good fit for the program.”
The pathway is the seventh of its kind in Wingate’s Levine College of Health Sciences, joining Advantage programs for nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant studies and public health.
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Great American Campout Campaign offers another reason to explore greenway
FORT MILL – The Anne Springs Close Greenway invites the community to unplug and reconnect with nature June 27 and 28 during the annual Great American Campout.
Campers can explore the greenway, enjoy time around communal firepits and settle into a classic camping experience.
Guests are welcome to bring food to cook at their campsite or visit the canteen to enjoy dinner and live music on the lawn before returning to their tents for the evening.
Guests can enjoy a variety of activities at the Lake
Haigler entrance.
Activities include kayaking, visits with farm animals, nighttime scavenger hunt and live music. Campers will also have the opportunity to begin Sunday morning with a peaceful outdoor yoga session before checkout, creating a relaxing close to the weekend’s festivities.
The event costs $28 per adult and $19 per child ages 3-12. Children ages 2 and under get in free. Greenway members receive a 20% discount. Register in advance ascgreenway. org/event/great-americancampout-2026/.
Explore the greenway during National Trails Day
FORT MILL – The Anne Springs Close Greenway will celebrate National Trails Day on June 6 with a full day of free trail access and outdoor experiences. The event encourages people to get outside, connect with nature and appreciate the trails that support outdoor recreation and exploration. It is part of the nationwide initiative led by the American Hiking Society. Guests can enjoy hiking, biking and adventures throughout the day across the greenway’s scenic trail system.
Wayfinder stations will be located throughout the property to help visitors navigate trail routes and learn more about the
greenway’s trail network. National Trails Day takes place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 6. Daily admission fees are waived for all visitors. Visit ascgreenway. org/event/national-trailsday-2026/ for details.
AWARENESS IS KEY
FEATURE IMPACT
A stroke can happen to anyone at any age.
In fact, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, with approximately 800,000 people experiencing a stroke annually, according to the American Heart Association, making it a leading cause of death and serious, long-term disability.
A stroke happens when normal blood flow in the brain is interrupted. When parts of the brain don’t get the oxygen-rich blood they need, those cells die. However, many strokes may be prevented, treated and overcome by understanding the risk factors and taking steps toward managing them.
“When a stroke happens, every minute matters,” said Dr. Adrian JaquinValdivia, a stroke neurologist at HCA Healthcare and American Stroke Association volunteer expert. “The faster someone gets treatment, the better the chance of saving brain function. On average, nearly 2 million brain cells die every minute a stroke goes untreated. Early treatment improves survival rates and reduces disability.”
Take control of your brain health with this information from the American Stroke Association.
Know the Warning Signs
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ABOVE: From roasting s’mores around the campfire to relaxing beneath the night sky, the event provides a unique opportunity to slow down and enjoy the outdoors together.
LEFT: Guests are encouraged to help protect the greenway’s natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace principles throughout the event.
LEFT: Visitors can rent kayaks to explore the greenway during National Trails Day. Photos courtesy of Anne Springs Close Greenway
Disney On Ice returns to the Queen City
CHARLOTTE – Feld Entertainment invites Disney fans to step into the spotlight and join a redcarpet celebration packed with new performances, chart-topping music and more than 30 characters as Disney On Ice presents Spotlight Magic! The event will unfold locally Oct 1 to 4 at Bojangles Coliseum.
Spotlight Magic! celebrates the magic each of us brings to the party. Heroes, sidekicks and villains will take center stage for music, storytelling and worldclass skating.
Audiences will have the chance to see fanfavorite characters make their Disney On Ice debuts. From “Zootopia 2,” pop sensation Gazelle and sly newcomer Gary De’Snake, join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde for a new adventure.
From “Lilo & Stitch,” Angel makes her North American debut, reuniting with Stitch in a heartwarming moment.
Fans will also experience stories from “Beauty and the Beast,”
“Tangled,” “Toy Story,” “Moana” and “Monsters, Inc.,” alongside a showcase featuring iconic villains, including the Evil Queen, Gaston, Maleficent and Ursula. The celebration’s soundtrack blends Disney Channel hits like “Pumpin’ Up the Party” (“Hannah Montana”), “A Night to Remember” (“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”) and “Good to Be Bad” (“Descendants 3”), with classics such as “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” (“Toy Story”), “Be Our Guest” (“Beauty and the Beast”), “I’ve Got a Dream” (“Tangled”), and “I Am Moana” (“Moana”).
The excitement begins before the show and continues at intermission, as guests are invited to showcase their star power on the red carpet. Fans are encouraged to dress to impress.
This production joins a lineup of seven Disney On Ice shows touring worldwide.
Get tickets at Ticketmaster.com or at the venue box office.
Disney On Ice features choreography performed by world-class figure skaters. Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
Members of the Joe Gibbs Racing pit crew recently visited Novant
