Together With

For Charlotte residents, tax season doesn’t have to feel stressful, confusing, or overwhelming.

This upcoming tax season, Hayes Meeks Financial is teaming up with The Queen City Scoop to bring a little more peace of mind to the Queen City. 🧾✨

Here’s the vibe:
No panic. No “did I do this right?” spiral.
Just real humans who triple-check the numbers so you can sleep at night.

Hayes Meeks Financial specializes in helping everyday families, busy professionals, and small business owners file confidently, with no surprises, no stress, and no guessing.
Their advisory team focuses on what matters most for Charlotte taxpayers: getting things done right the first time.

This tax season, their mission is simple:
Make your filing experience calmer, clearer, and completely supported.
No jargon. No rushed software. No anxiety.

Their approach is built for security-seeking taxpayers who want to avoid mistakes and feel protected financially.
Whether you’re managing dependents, juggling side income, navigating property deductions, or bouncing back from a stressful tax year, Hayes Meeks is known for carefully checking every detail — often fixing issues that automated tools or previous preparers missed.

Through this community partnership, Hayes Meeks Financial is giving Charlotte residents access to trusted professionals who take the time to explain things clearly, double-check everything, and guide you step-by-step.
Their advisors provide the calm confidence that so many taxpayers say they’ve been missing.

Timing check ⏰
Tax season runs through April, but the earlier you get started, the more peace of mind you’ll have.
If taxes usually make you anxious, confused, or overwhelmed, you don’t have to go through it alone this year.

➡️ Hayes Meeks Financial is now booking stress-free tax prep sessions for Charlotte families and business owners.

Book a calm, judgment-free filing session here →

Charlotte Family Turns NICU Experience Into City-Wide Diaper Drive

When Grace Crawford spent 50 days in the NICU at Levine Children's Hospital in 2018, her parents learned something important: small acts of care matter during the hardest moments.

Now the Crawford family is giving back through "Grace Gives Back," collecting diapers, wipes, and books for NICU families across Charlotte. So far, they've gathered tens of thousands of items, with young Grace lighting up every time a new donation arrives at their door.

The timing couldn't be better. The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is seeing record demand, up 83% from last year. They're distributing over 800,000 diapers monthly, but it's not keeping pace with need. The reason? Neither WIC nor SNAP covers diapers, leaving working families to figure it out on their own.

About 78% of people using the diaper bank work multiple jobs. Since 2013, they've distributed more than 35 million diapers statewide.

The Crawfords are especially focused on preemie diapers, which are harder to find and more expensive, but critically needed for the smallest babies.

How to help:

• Follow NC Diaper Bank on Instagram
• Donate at ncdiaperbank.org
• Shop Grace Gives Back's Amazon Wishlist for needed items

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." - Theodore Roosevelt

Charlotte’s Wooden Robot Brewery has honored the memory of its late co-founder, Dan Wade, by creating the Dan Wade Memorial Scholarship for aspiring local brewers.

This new scholarship will fund one student to attend the Appalachian State University Brewing Short Course in summer 2026, an intensive program covering recipe design, brewery technology, and equipment.

Dan Wade was celebrated for his passion for brewing and mentoring, hosting “Beer School” classes for staff and local brewing enthusiasts.

His wife, Samantha Wade, continues to champion his educational mission at Wooden Robot.

The scholarship fund was raised through an October 2025 event, highlighted by sales of Cosmic Ballet—a beer named by Dan—with all proceeds supporting the cause.

Applications are open until January 1, 2026, inviting candidates to apply with a personal statement.

This initiative celebrates Dan Wade’s legacy and supports Charlotte’s brewing community.

Scout Motors is set to open its new corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, promising more than 1,200 jobs by 2030.

The nearly $207 million investment will anchor the company in the Commonwealth development of Plaza Midwood, reinforcing the neighborhood as a center for automotive innovation.

Charlotte’s mayor Vi Lyles celebrated the milestone, anticipating major job growth and ongoing revitalization for the community.

Headquarters functions will include executive leadership, R&D, finance, and more, with initial development launching in 2026.

Scout Motors plans to relocate 365 employees from Virginia and fill 835 new roles locally, with average salaries far exceeding the regional norm.

New businesses and luxury apartments are already energizing the Commonwealth project, making Charlotte a growing hub for economic innovation and the automotive sector.

Charlotte’s restaurants are ready to make Thanksgiving stress-free with festive dining options across the city.

Whether you crave traditional turkey or creative cuisine, there’s a spot for every palate.

Angeline’s pairs herb-roasted turkey with seasonal sides, while Angry Ale’s adds lively sports and drink specials for a fun twist.

Church & Union, La Belle Helene, and The Palm Restaurant feature three-course prix fixe menus, boasting elegant mains and decadent desserts for families and foodies alike.

Napa offers multiple Charlotte-area locations serving roasted turkey, prime rib, or salmon with classic sides and sweet treats.

Dean’s Italian Steakhouse and Chima Steakhouse each put their signature spin on Thanksgiving, blending holiday favorites with steakhouse flair.

Be sure to reserve early — enjoy a memorable meal and skip the holiday cleanup this year.

Charlotte’s creative spirit is set to flourish with $1.723 million in 2025 Creative Growth Grants awarded to 106 local artists and organizations.

This significant investment highlights the city’s support for a robust arts community, strengthening the vibrant cultural landscape that shapes Charlotte’s identity.

The grants are distributed across three categories: operational support for grassroots nonprofits, funding for innovative projects and events, and professional development opportunities for artists.

Notable recipients include ArtPop Street Gallery, bringing public art to Mecklenburg County; Raices Latino Arts, promoting Latin culture; and 7th Street Concerts, enlivening uptown with music gatherings.

Leaders like Mayor Vi Lyles and City Manager Marcus D. Jones praised the initiative for showcasing Charlotte’s boundless creativity and community vision.

This funding follows the city’s 2023 Arts and Culture Plan, ensuring a thriving future for local artists and deepening community connections.

Clark’s Snack Bar on Central Avenue is quickly becoming a Plaza Midwood favorite, known for its old-school diner vibes and comfort food done right.

Locals rave about the juicy burgers, Carolina-style hot dogs topped with slaw and mustard, and crispy fries that hit the spot every time.

The staff’s fast, friendly service keeps regulars coming back, whether they’re stopping in for takeout or a relaxed sit-down meal.

Clark’s retro charm stands out in the neighborhood’s evolving dining scene, bringing back nostalgic energy without sacrificing a clean, modern feel.

Affordable prices and generous portions make it easy to return again and again, especially as food costs keep rising throughout Charlotte.

No frills or fuss—just great food and genuine hospitality that’s pure Plaza Midwood.

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

• Novant Health Charlotte Marathon & Finish Line Festival
  Sat, Nov 15 – “Lace up or cheer loud—Charlotte’s big race day hits Uptown with finish-line energy to spare.”
  
  
• Black Health Matters Summit & Expo
  Sat, Nov 15, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. @ Friendship Missionary Baptist Church – “Free screenings, breakfast + lunch, and serious health-power for our community.”
  
  
• Geekery Market
  Sat, Nov 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. @ Cabarrus Arena, Concord – “Handmade, pop-culture, quirky finds for your next obsession.”
  
  
• Light The Night Charlotte
  Sat, Nov 15, 4:30 p.m. @ American Legion Memorial Stadium – “Grab a lantern, walk a mile, honor & light up the night for blood-cancer survivors.”
  
  
• So Fresh, So Clean-Up Day

Sat, Nov 15, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. – “Volunteer, pick a corridor, and help the city shine—good karma on a Saturday morning.”

• Southern Christmas Show
  Running this weekend @ Park Expo & Conference Center – “Get the holiday shopping started early, thousands of vendors, festive vibes.”

🤝 Partner with The Queen City Scoop
We’re building collaborations with local businesses, nonprofits, and professionals to highlight their work while bringing more value to our readers. If you’d like to explore a partnership or get your organization involved in future issues, let’s connect →