Posted: January 6th, 2010 Meaghan Clark

On Wednesdays, Crossroads Charlotte Correspondent Meaghan Clark will give you a round-up of community-building news and events (click items for full stories):

1. “They’re here, they’re queer, get used to it!” Commissioner Bill James has been publicly reprimanded for his controversial comment to fellow Commissioner Velma Leak.

2. Crunching their way to the Super Bowl? Two Charlotte-based film-makers produce three commercials in hopes of winning a contest.

3. Local scribe John Grooms chimes in on the reaction to the government appointment of a transgender female.

4. Free money! The Arts & Science Council is providing grants to non-profits for cultural projects.

5. Now is the time to get in shape. Find out what local families are doing to get everyone involved.

Got a suggestion or a resource for us to check out? Please leave it in the comments or send an email.

Posted: January 6th, 2010 Tonya Jameson

The "clappers" have been put away. The fancy tour van that publicized the 2010 census has moved on. The politicians are gone, too. Soon, we'll see if all the hoopla helps North Carolina avoid the embarrassment of the 2000 census when 36 percent of households failed to reply.

I'm certain it will take more than a $340 million PR blitz and lofty speeches to inspire people to fill out census surveys in March.

It seems so simple.

10 questions.

10 minutes.

The results will better tell us who we are and how we’ve changed. We all know the city has changed since the 2000 census. The results will give us the statistics to back up the change we see happening in Charlotte everyday.

Keep Reading

Posted: January 4th, 2010 Aleigh Acerni

Crossroads Charlotte occasionally spotlights individuals who are improving the city's social capital.

A belief that education is the key to ending poverty in our community – and our country – led Cathy Sheafor to take action. She’s the founder and vision-keeper of Charlotte Community School for Girls, which will welcome its first class of fifth-graders in August. The tuition-free private school will offer a college prep curriculum for under-served and marginalized middle schoolers. Each student will get a laptop, mentor opportunities, community-building experiences and an experiential approach to learning.

“We want to challenge girls to think, question and create in meaningful ways,” writes Sheafor on the organization’s web site. Above all, She hopes students will make their community more vibrant — and that they will value their experiences so much that they will return as tutors and volunteers.

Why she does what she does? “Well, I’ve dreamt about this school forever. I believe all children can achieve. I guess for me, it was just a willingness to say ‘OK, now’s the time, and I’m going to make this happen, and I can make it happen.’ ”

What's next? Charlotte Community School for Girls' goal is to raise $300,000 by July 1 so that they can open their doors Aug. 18. They’re looking for volunteers to serve as mentors and tutors, and they’re seeking community supporters who have skills to share with students. Volunteer and donation information is on the organization’s web site.

Know someone who is a connector for a community?
Nominate that person to be profiled by a Crossroads Charlotte Correspondent. Email his or her name, phone number and email address and a brief description of what they do to Crossroads Charlotte. If your nominee is selected, you will be contacted by a correspondent.

Posted: January 3rd, 2010 Tonya Jameson

First Night revelers in Uptown Charlotte rang in 2010 with a parade and festivities for all ages.

Charlotte Center City Partners and Crossroads Charlotte hosted a video booth for people to share their stories and what they hope to see Charlotte become.