Hello Tuesday. It’s Andrew.
You know how class went when you had a sub at school. Those were the days when you watched a movie for the full period, or generally took it easy. Now imagine that’s what class was like every day. That’s the reality even in core subjects at some high-poverty schools in Charlotte. The Washington Post published a big story this week looking at the use of substitute teachers long-term in schools, and Charlotte featured prominently. A senior Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools administrator said an entire class of 8th graders came to high school severely behind in math because their class had a sub all year and “they didn’t get instruction.”
This is inexcusable. So what is the community going to do about it?
VITALS
Today’s Weather: 62. Sunny. 0 percent chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: 10. Number of taps serving local, craft beer at the new SouthPark Reid’s opening soon. Will also have over 1,200 wine labels.
Today’s Job: Front-End Web Developer at the City of Charlotte. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Jim Garges, director of Mecklenburg County parks and recreation, for his work managing our city’s public parks. His newest task: turning First Ward Park into a success.
ORIGINALS
After 13 years, Situl Indian Restaurant gets shown the door [Moore]
This restaurant at Park Road Shopping Center has a loyal and passionate following, but Situl is being forced to close by the end of the month. It’s the latest casualty in the evolution of the shopping center, which has been pushing out mom-and-pops and bringing in national retailers.
First Ward Park is open. Here’s what’s next for the neighborhood [Dunn]
First Ward Park is a gem and its big unveiling is today. Levine Properties, which developed the park and owns 20 more acres in the neighborhood, says it’s now time to bring in the apartments, hotel and office tower that will radically transform the area.
Choose Your Own Adventure: 3-part first dates for when things are going exceptionally well [Levans]
If the date is a bust, you can bail early. But Katie’s got a solid guide on how to take things further if your first date is going well. For example, in Plaza Midwood you can start with low-key drinks at Twenty Two, move on to dinner at Bistro La Bon and close it down at Common Market. See more plans in Dilworth, NoDa, Montford and Elizabeth.
A look at Plaza Midwood’s first brewery, Legion Brewing [Thomas]
I absolutely love the carved wooden North Carolina flag that’s a part of the bar. This spot is getting ready to open in the heart of Plaza Midwood’s restaurant district and will be a welcome addition. Very cool lounge area overlooking the brewhouse.
Why Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop is my favorite spot in South End [Beth]
It’s hard to believe it’s only been a year since this place opened. It’s already a staple of South End. I love the charcuterie and always take people who are visiting me for an evening here.
Pink Social Girl Tribe hosts all-female pop-up market [Dollard]
Put this December 12 event on your calendar. Vendors will include jewelry and boutiques. The theme is all things girly. Plus it’s at Sugar Creek Brewing so there will be beer. And doughnuts.
4 ways to survive the holidays in Charlotte when your family is miles away [Young]
So you’ve moved to Charlotte but your family is still doing all their holiday things in your hometown. What do you do? Try some holiday socials, Christmas fitness or get crafty.
Gift guide: 4 ways to give art in Charlotte [Happenings CLT]
Museum memberships, art books, handmade pieces and class passes all make great gifts. Here’s how to do it best in Charlotte.
Sad news: Massive tree at Selwyn Pub has been chopped down (6 Photos) [Williams]
This behemoth was in the middle of the outside patio. It was getting old and unsafe.
TALKING POINTS
Pfeiffer campus on Park Road takes steps toward redevelopment [Portillo/Observer]. Rezoning plans call for 360 apartments and retail on the big piece of property just south of Park Road Shopping Center.
The big Electrolux-GE deal is off [Elkins/CBJ]. The $3.3 billion deal to sell GE’s appliance business to Electrolux (North American headquarters in Charlotte) would have made our city the center of power of the country’s appliance market.
Good Bottle got broken in to [Instagram]. Jen (wife of owner Chris Hunt) wrote a heartfelt note about it. Worth the read.
Unknown Brewing will start distributing in Atlanta [Thomas/CBJ]. Yeah, we at the Agenda aren’t big fans of that city but head brewer/owner Brad Shell is from there so we understand.
Salud is hosting a Stouts & Brownies pairing tonight [Instagram]. 7 p.m. Cost is $15. Five different stouts.
Cam Newton is the best quarterback in the NFL [Washington Post]. We’ve known this for a while but the national media is now catching on. He’s the favorite for the MVP this season.
Enter to win 2 tickets to the Panthers v. Falcons game this Sunday [Invitation/Agenda]. OrthoCarolina is inviting two Agenda readers to join them with club level tickets (worth $350 each). #keeppounding
Got my flu shot yesterday. Walked into my Carolinas HealthCare doctor’s office with no appointment. In and out in five minutes. Get after it.
– Andrew
