Briefing for Tuesday October 27: Dietary restrictions to dodgeball

Big news for people who live in the northeast quadrant of Uptown: First Ward Park now has an official opening day. Charlotte will celebrate the occasion December 8 with music, food, hot chocolate and holiday lights starting at 10:30 a.m. This is a big deal. This part of First Ward has been a dirt pit for so long. Can’t wait to see the area realize its potential.

VITALS

Today’s Weather: 50. 100% chance of rain.
Today’s Stat: $59 million. Estimated value of the 16 acres Mecklenburg County owns in Uptown’s Second Ward that will be redeveloped into a new Brooklyn Village.
Today’s Job: Systems Administrator at Snyder’s-Lance. Apply.
Today’s Charlottean: Martin Grable, president and CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas

ORIGINALS

Where to eat in Charlotte if you have food allergies or dietary restrictions [Smith]
Eating gluten-free or paleo is a big deal right now, and not just because it’s trendy. People are figuring out what weighs them down and makes them sick, and adjusting accordingly. Here’s a guide to groceries, meal services and restaurants who will help you get the fuel you need.

How to get Pappy Van Winkle bourbon in Charlotte [Dunn]
This is the hottest bourbon in the country, and Charlotte will soon be getting a very limited supply. I break down where you can get it, and what you need to do to increase your odds.

A guide to economical Charlotte airport parking [Levans]
Airport parking stresses me out so I mostly refuse to do it. Even though Katie calls me out in this piece, I’m so thankful she explains how to navigate the long-term lots.

Four ways churches are trying to bring young people in the doors [Robertson]
Congregations are graying, and churches across the city are trying to get younger people in the doors. Take a look at what they’re doing, from Food Truck Sundays to Theology on Tap.

Upcoming late fall sporting events you don’t want to miss [@thetrolleywalk]
A lot of good stuff coming soon, including a Panthers/Packers battle that could preview the playoffs and a free concert from Carrie Underwood.

Here’s what happened at last night’s advertising dodgeball tournament [Piscitelli]
Sixteen of Charlotte’s top advertising agencies donned costumes and hurled balls at each other last night at Tremont Music Hall’s ex-Scare-aganza. Tattoo Projects came out on top. 12 photos.

Charlotte branding and interactive agency MODE is hiring. Here’s what you need to know [Williams]
This company is one of the best in the business (has contracts with UnderArmour, etc.) and is now giving you a chance to join the team.

City Smart: Voter ID law heads to trial to early voting begins [WTF We Vote]
Closing days of the campaign for Charlotte’s next mayor, but also some super important City Council and school board races. 

TALKING POINTS 

Charlottean John Fennebresque resigns as chairman of UNC Board of Governors [Web]. The Charlotte lawyer just finished presiding over the search that yielded new system president Margaret Spellings, a former U.S. education secretary. But he made a number of enemies in the process, including powerful ones in the state legislature. That, combined with the emotional toll he’s taken in the high-profile job, likely yielded this result.

Duke Energy is buying Piedmont Natural Gas [Agenda/Instagram]. The one Charlotte company is gobbling up the other with $4.9 billion in cash they got from our power bills. They pledge that this won’t have any effect on Piedmont’s contributions to the community.

Charlotte is No. 3 in real estate markets to watch nationally [Portillo/Observer]. Just behind two Texas boomtowns, Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin. Atlanta came in fifth and Raleigh/Durham in eleventh.

Hornets putting a minor league team in Greensboro [Wilson/CBJ]. The new team should begin play in 2016.

Amy Schumer is coming to Charlotte [Janes/Observer]. Tickets go on sale Wednesday. She’ll be doing a comedy show at Time Warner Cable Arena on December 19. 

Charlotte makes list of best running cities [Active.com]. They cite Charlotte’s eight full or half-marathons each year and the high number of runs per resident.

Have the urge to carry giant helium balloons Uptown? Here’s your chance [Invitation/Agenda]. The Novant Thanksgiving Day Parade is looking for volunteers, and there’s plenty of different opportunities. Here’s your invitation.

I’m still excited about First Ward Park. Check out this sweet sculpture that’s already been installed. Get after it.

– Andrew