Enlarge Rob Willis (brown shirt) listens as Plaza Midwood residents talk during a Sept. 15 session.

Posted: September 17th, 2009 Andria Krewson

It’s about trust, caring and persistence.

That’s what residents of Plaza Midwood and members of Kilgo United Methodist Church talked about at a recent meeting after watching the Crossroads Charlotte movie that helps people envision Charlotte in 2015.

The movie presents four visions of the future and invites audience reaction and discussion to shape that future. Consultants for Crossroads Charlotte met with the residents and church members on Sept. 15 as part of a “Get To Know Your Neighbors” campaign by Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Watch. Coordinator Rob Willis organized the event.

Plaza Midwood is a close-in neighborhood that has experienced property-value growth, renovation and gentrification in the past 20 years, but challenges remain because of nearby high-crime areas and some historical cultural divides.

The “Get To Know Your Neighbors” campaign is an effort to continue to improve community ties. Crossroads Charlotte provides opportunities for people to envision and shape a positive future. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and Foundation for the Carolinas provide primary funding.

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Posted: September 15th, 2009 James Willamor

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Greek Festival not just about food, but culture

Thousands took advantage of the good weather over the weekend to get a
taste of food and culture at the Yiasou Greek Festival. The
award-winning festival, held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral in
Dilworth, celebrated its 32nd year.

Attendees from across the city feasted on such Greek favorites as
Gyros, Souvlaki, Kota Pitas, Baklava, and more. A drive-thru line was
set up to serve those who wanted to get food to go.

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Posted: September 12th, 2009 Katrina Dietz

If you strolled downtown over Labor weekend, chances are you may have caught a Bollywood-dance routine or sample a vegetarian dish.

The Belk Theater played host to the 15th annual Festival of India, a community celebration of dance, cuisine and culture. It was organized by the India Association of Charlotte.

Food vendors lined Tryon Street between Trade and 5th while performances took place on a small stage at The Square. Dance performances throughout the day ranged from preschoolers demonstrating traditional dance to teenagers doing Bollywood style routines.

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Posted: September 9th, 2009 Crystal Dempsey

Text and video by Tonya Jameson

The Charlotte Literary Festival returned to NoDa this year drawing people back to the arts district while highlighting the city’s literary and musical talents.

The annual festival spanned two days and provided activities in the parking lot behind the Neighborhood Theater as well as in venues throughout the neighborhood.

In it’s four-year history the festival has been in NoDa and uptown. Organizer Jaz Vincent, owner of RealEyes Bookstore, said his goal for the festival was to unite the community through the arts.

Area gospel groups performed and local artists and vendors hawked their products. Chris Gardner, author of “The Pursuit of Happyness,” was a featured speaker. Michael Bernard Beckwith, featured in the self-help book “The Secret” also spoke.

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