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For the Charlotte Neighbors Who Wear 10 Hats, Hayes Meeks Financial Is Here for You. 🎒

Charlotte is full of people who keep life moving. The ones running a side business on weekends. The ones juggling contract work and family schedules. The ones who picked up a little rental income or referral money last year without planning for it. Around here, most folks are doing more than one thing at a time, and their finances tend to reflect it.

When your income comes from a few different places, tax season can feel like a puzzle with pieces scattered across South End, Huntersville, and the kitchen junk drawer. It is a lot to keep up with, and guessing your way through it can cost you real money.

That is why so many neighbors in the Charlotte area should turn to Hayes Meeks Financial. They work with the people who make this city run. Creatives. Contractors. Caregivers. Real estate pros. Small business owners. Anyone with a financial picture that is a little more interesting than a simple W-2.

They take their time with you. They help organize what feels messy. They explain things in plain English. And they make sure the money you worked hard for is working just as hard for you.

From Steele Creek to Concord, from NoDa to Fort Mill, Hayes Meeks is helping families and small businesses feel confident heading into tax season. They are also the friendly sponsor of today’s newsletter.

Appointments for tax season are now open.
Book your tax appointment with Hayes Meeks Financial

Hearts United for Good (HUGCLT), a vital Charlotte nonprofit, has moved its food pantry from North Tryon Street to 1124 Central Avenue after repeated break-ins threatened the safety of both volunteers and donated goods.

This relocation ensures HUGCLT can continue its work providing emergency food, homeless outreach, and basic essentials to neighbors facing financial hardship.

The organization’s programs support individuals, families, and even pet owners, offering not just groceries but critical supplies and care for Charlotteans in crisis.

HUGCLT’s move demonstrates resilience and highlights the ongoing needs brought by food insecurity, which impacts thousands locally each month.

The new Central Avenue location is open and fully operational, and the community is encouraged to donate, volunteer, and share resources to help HUGCLT continue serving those who are most in need.

North Carolina’s film industry is surging, with over $131 million set to be invested statewide in 2025.

Charlotte’s creative scene is feeling the boost, as fresh productions open new doors for local artists and professionals.

The North Carolina Film Office has greenlit grants for seven projects, projected to generate more than 3,800 jobs.

“Top Chef” Season 23 is filming in the Charlotte area, receiving up to $2.5 million to support its local production.

Photographer Alvin C. Jacobs, a key figure since 2012, sees the industry's growth as a hopeful shift, despite ongoing challenges for creatives facing rising living costs.

Recent studies show over half of Charlotte-area artists need second jobs, often due to limited funding and affordable workspaces.

The state’s new incentive program helps productions hire local talent, spurring opportunities for photographers, designers, and technicians without leaving the region.

With major shows and additional grants on the horizon, Charlotte’s creative community faces an era of expanded possibilities.

Seemingly Overzealous, Charlotte’s popular dairy-, egg-, and gluten-free ice cream shop, is expanding with new locations coming to Davidson and Matthews in 2026.

The Davidson shop will open this spring at 207 Griffith St. in Sadler Square, with the Matthews spot set for late summer.

Founded during the pandemic by Garrett Tichy and Jessica Berrese, the brand’s allergen-friendly menu quickly won local fans.

Each new shop will feature vibrant interiors, glittery floors, and both indoor and outdoor seating.

Expect an expanded assortment of 16 to 24 rotating flavors, including quirky hits like CAN'T ALL BE COOKiE and SCOOP OF SELF DOUBT.

Both locations will offer afternoon and evening hours every day, making it easier for locals to enjoy inclusive frozen treats.

"Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely." - Karen Kaiser Clark

Charlotte Fire Department has wrapped up its demanding 10-day Structural Collapse Technician School at the Charlotte Fire Training Academy.

From December 1 to 10, more than 70 firefighters from across North Carolina immersed themselves in advanced rescue training.

The sessions focused on techniques like concrete breaching, heavy lifting, and structural stabilization—crucial for tackling emergencies involving collapsed buildings.

These specialized skills prepare first responders for the most challenging rescue operations.

This year also honored Captain Jeff Bright, a founding instructor, as he led his final class, underscoring years of service and expertise.

Department leaders, including Chief Reginald Johnson, highlighted the program as a testament to the ongoing professionalism and readiness of Charlotte’s firefighters.

The department remains a regional leader, devoted to excellence in rescue training and ensuring public safety.

South End’s rapid transformation is set to accelerate with plans for a new hotel moving forward at 1320 S. Tryon St.

White Lodging, known for Charlotte’s JW Marriott, has officially filed development plans for the site.

Nestled between Charlotte Beer Garden and The RailYard, the proposed hotel will feature a ground-floor restaurant and underground parking, bringing much-needed lodging to this vibrant area.

White Lodging’s recent filing is a key administrative step, paving the way to break ground in the second half of 2026.

The 0.63-acre property, acquired last year, sits at the lively intersection of South Tryon and Bland Streets.

Despite a surge in new restaurants and residences, South End remains short on hotel options for visitors and business travelers.

With city approvals now in place, this project signals fresh momentum and promises to enhance South End’s appeal for both locals and newcomers.

Wear Your Pride. Support Your City.

There’s a special energy in the Queen City, and it’s powered by our local businesses.

When you choose to #shopcharlotte, you’re investing in the people and places that make CLT unique.

Rock the official City of Charlotte seal and show everyone where your heart is while keeping our local scene thriving.

Shop the full collection now at 704shop.com.

🎉 Queen City Weekend: 6 Can’t‑Miss Events

• WinterFest at Carowinds
  Sat–Sun, Dec 13–14 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) @ Carowinds — The amusement park transforms into a holiday wonderland with festive shows, sparkling lights and select rides open for all ages. This season’s hours were extended to 11 a.m.–7 p.m. so families have more time to enjoy the merriment, and the event runs select nights through early January.
  
  
• Winter at Whitewater — Ice Skating & Winter Trail
  Any day Fri–Sun, Dec 12–14 @ U.S. National Whitewater Center — Lace up skates for more than 24,000 square feet of outdoor ice or explore an illuminated winter trail. The Whitewater Center’s winter season runs from mid‑November through mid‑February and includes skating, winter walking trails and a pop‑up market; check the center’s calendar for daily hours.
  
  
• Mistletoe Market & Reindog Parade
  Sat, Dec 13, 2–7 p.m. @ Camp North End — This festive pop‑up returns for its third Saturday featuring local vendors, art, live music and holiday treats. Camp North End’s annual market runs the first three Saturdays of December. Bring your pup in costume for the Reindog Parade; check‑in begins at 3 p.m. and the parade starts at 4 p.m.
  
  
• Light the Knights Festival
  Fri–Sun, Dec 12–14 @ Truist Field — Uptown’s ballpark transforms into a winter playground with ice skating, a 150‑foot snow‑tubing hill, holiday lights, live music and Santa visits. Hours vary by day: Fri 5–10 p.m., Sat 2–10:30 p.m., Sun 2–9 p.m. Check their site for special times to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
  
  
• Charlotte Symphony Holiday Pops: A Carolina Christmas
  Fri–Sat, Dec 12–13 at 7:30 p.m. & Sun, Dec 14 at 3 p.m. @ Knight Theater — The symphony’s seasonal showcase celebrates North Carolina’s musical heritage, blending bluegrass, blues and gospel into holiday classics. Performances run Friday and Saturday nights with a Sunday matinee, making it a perfect pick for date night or family tradition.
  
  
• Trans‑Siberian Orchestra: “Ghosts of Christmas Eve”
  Sat, Dec 13, 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. @ Spectrum Center — The arena will rock with lasers, lights and symphonic metal as TSO brings their high‑energy holiday show back to Charlotte. Two performances on Saturday make it easier to fit into busy schedules

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