Honoring the Life and Legacy of a Creative Queen
“You brought joy. Your beaming smile … your contagious laugh … your way of making someone feel like they were the most important person in the room. Hanging at the lake. Skeet shooting with your family at the farm. The way you said the word ‘Fabulous.’ Yes, you brought joy. You were an incredible gift.” – Matt Olin
On April 27, Paige Johnston Thomas, casting director and founder at C&J Casting, passed away. She was a beloved mainstay of the Charlotte theater scene, directing a production of “Oslo” for Three Bone Theater at Spirit Square this time last year. A fund for her will support young people who have a passion for the arts, but do not have the financial means to pursue their path, with scholarships to attend dance classes, theatre classes, acting camps, music lessons, and more. While words aren’t enough to express the love Charlotte had for Paige and the impact she made on the creative community here, Biscuit co-publisher, Matt Olin shares an open letter to Paige here to express his gratitude for her friendship.
 PHOTO CREDIT: Alvin C. Jacobs Visions of the Not Normal from Alvin C. Jacobs“Yes there are people playing basketball, and going for walks etc. … but, most folks are in the worst financial positions of their adult lives.” – Alvin C. Jacobs
The Biscuit and The Charlotte Ledger have partnered up to present our new photo series, “Visions of the Not Normal” — offering views of neighborhoods and communities across the city through the eyes (and lenses) of local photographers. This week, photo-journalist Alvin C. Jacobs, who worked with the Harvey B. Gantt Center to create the Welcome to Brookhill exhibit last year, brings us images of the impact stay-at-home COVID-19 measures have made on that community. He says of these photos: “Charlotte has changed. Many citizens have never needed food, utility or rent/mortgage assistance. But, with adversity comes change. We’re starting to understand our similarities and the social divides while still present, don’t seem to matter as much as they did before. Charlotte helping Charlotte.” 
Support Local with Dollars & Cents … and Common Sense
An Editorial from Tim MinerOn Saturday, my wife and I wanted to enjoy a little pre-Mother’s Day celebration (and the beginning of Phase One) by getting out into a beautiful day and supporting some local markets. We were impressed by how hard local merchants and businesses we saw were working to keep their patrons and their staff safe. We were horrified to see how few patrons were wearing masks or social distancing. If you say you want to “support local,” you have to do it with common sense, as well as dollars and cents. If we don’t, Phase Two may not get here. Read Tim’s editorial here.
Three Things That Made Us Smile on May 8, 2020Each week, Biscuit co-publishers, Matt Olin and Tim Miner, visit WBTVs Kristen Miranda on QC Life to talk about the Queen City creativity that brings them joy … even during difficult times. Last Friday, Matt and Tim shared news about: - Greg Cox’s Grammy win and his 2019 song, “Good Day”
- Mural artist Darion Fleming’s newest work at Dilworth Tasting Room
- Videographer Jeff Dubinsky’s video love letter to the restaurant community
Watch the QC Life segment with Kristen here.
TONIGHT: CARES Act Q & A Session
Hosted by Rob Bacharach
7:00PM on ZOOMMany of us know the CARES Act might be helpful to small businesses and nonprofits, but how do you get started? What does it all mean? On Monday, May 11 at 7PM, a certified financial planner, Rob Bacharach of Carter Bacharach Financial Group, will give an update on the CARES Act and answer questions on a free ZOOM seminar produced for readers of The Biscuit. Topics will include: - General Explanation of CARES Act
- Recent Updates
- Specifics for Small Business Owners and Sole Proprietors
- What to do if you did not receive PPP or EIDL
- Quick Financial Strategy Tips
After a 12-15-minute overview, Rob will take questions from those in attendance.
The local media community is working incredibly hard to provide accurate, uplifting and actionable information to assist with the new realities we face. Here are some stories from this week we think are worth your time. WFAE says that “the show must go on” as Blumenthal Performing Arts’ annual Blumey Awards goes digital tomorrow, May 12 at 8PM. QCityMetro reports that the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte/Urban Ministry Center broke ground on a new shelter last week and construction will begin shortly. WBTV gives details on Charlotte’s new “Shared Streets” program that is making five streets in the Queen City more pedestrian-friendly. The Charlotte Ledger shines a light on Charlotte’s underground black-market for … haircuts? Charlotte on the Cheap shares information about how you can get a free tree at TreesCharlotte’s Drive-Thru Tree Giveaway happening May 16. Charlotte Agenda reports that e-scooters are returning to their natural habitat … the streets of CLT. Nature is healing itself.
We may be a day late on thanking mothers everywhere here … but we’re right on time when we posted it on Instagram yesterday. WHEW! (You can never thank moms enough, right?) For our money, there’s no better symbol of motherhood than the “Future” statue that adorns the 100 block of North Tryon Street at The Square. Sculpted by artist Raymond Kaskey, this and three other sculptures — “Commerce.” “Industry” and “Transportation” were erected at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets in the heart of Uptown Charlotte in 1995. The statues were a gift from a local philanthropic group called “The Queen’s Table” that has funded other public art projects in the Queen City. Read more about the Statues on the Square on WFAE. This Queen City exploration is powered by OrthoCarolina. Directions: 100-108 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 Explore other “Where Are We in CLT?” destinations here.
Don’t go around hungry. If you missed the last batch of The Biscuit, don’t worry. We’ve kept it warm for you. Our last batch features: - An interview with mural artist, Sydney Duarte
- A musical performance from Brit Drozda
- A 5-minute interview with MyLoan Dinh and Till Schmidt Rimpler
- A new sculpture from Leon Parker
- A new Twist & SHOUT! cocktail recipe from Matt Alvis
Click here to dig in, y’all. | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
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