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What are Charlotteans thankful for in 2019? We asked 17.

By Erin Breeden
Charlotte City Council member Dimple Ajmera is grateful to live “in a city with so many selfless, generous and caring people.”
Charlotte City Council member Dimple Ajmera is grateful to live “in a city with so many selfless, generous and caring people.” Courtesy of Dimple Ajmera

With Thanksgiving and the end of the year, and the decade, just around the corner, it’s time for reflection. Which lessons were learned? Which milestones were met or missed?

It has been a fascinating year for Charlotte in 2019. We’ve had contentious political races that made national news, a proposed sales tax that didn’t pass, the heartbreak of sports (miss you, Kemba), Major League Soccer discussions, development and growth, murals adding color to our city walls, and a surge of new restaurants and bars. The year has definitely not been boring here in the Queen City.

In the spirit of thankfulness, we asked 17 Charlotteans about what they are thankful for as this year comes to an end. Each represents different aspects of our fair city and our residents.

Read what they had to say, and let us know what you’re thankful for this year.

(1) Dimple Ajmera, City Council at-large member

I am thankful for my dear husband Vaibhav and the life we share in a city with so many selfless, generous and caring people.

(2) Joe Bruno, reporter WSOC

WSOC reporter Joe Bruno counts bridge construction among the list of things he’s grateful for this Thanksgiving.
WSOC reporter Joe Bruno counts bridge construction among the list of things he’s grateful for this Thanksgiving. Courtesy of Joe Bruno

I am thankful for great friends, new and old, a healthy family, a crazy dog and that construction has finally restarted on the Hawthorne Lane Bridge.

(3) Harvey Cummings, Charlotte’s music man

Charlotte musician Harvey Cummings appreciates “the opportunity to live my dreams every day.”
Charlotte musician Harvey Cummings appreciates “the opportunity to live my dreams every day.” Courtesy of Harvey Cummings

I am definitely thankful for life, thankful for my family and loved ones, and just thankful for the opportunity to live my dreams everyday

(4) Joni Deutsch, host of WFAE’s Amplifier

Joni Deutsch, the host of WFAE’s Amplifier, said she’s thankful for creative community in Charlotte.
Joni Deutsch, the host of WFAE’s Amplifier, said she’s thankful for creative community in Charlotte. Courtesy of Joni Deutsch

I’m thankful for Charlotte’s ever-growing community of creatives and the dynamic music they make, the story-rich podcasts they create and the videos/murals/comedy/performances they share with others. But I also want to express my gratitude for the creative community: the absolute care that you put into your work and the collaborative spirit you encourage (across genres, medium and neighborhoods) is inspiring. Thank you for making Charlotte such a vibrant place to live, work and create.

(5) Sydney Duarte, The Traveling Gypsy and Duarte Designs

Sydney Duarte of The Traveling Gypsy and Duarte Designs said she’s thankful Charlotte is home.
Sydney Duarte of The Traveling Gypsy and Duarte Designs said she’s thankful Charlotte is home. Courtesy of Sydney Duarte

I am thankful to unapologetically be myself in a city that is overflowing with opportunity around every corner. I love bringing vibrancy to everything I do. From the murals I paint, the yoga classes I teach, the new people I meet throughout my daily adventures in the Queen City — Charlotte is a space to be anything/anyone your heart desires. There are so many wonderful things to do here. I love the color, people, vibe and magic of this city. So very grateful to call it home.

(6) Jen S. Edwards, chief curator and curator of contemporary art at The Mint Museum

Jen S. Edwards, chief curator and curator of contemporary art at The Mint Museum, is grateful for the experience of listening to Hanif Abdurraqib read at Goodyear Arts.
Jen S. Edwards, chief curator and curator of contemporary art at The Mint Museum, is grateful for the experience of listening to Hanif Abdurraqib read at Goodyear Arts. Courtesy of Jen S. Edwards

One of my favorite moments this year was listening to Hanif Abdurraqib read at Goodyear Arts. He had come to Charlotte as part of CPCC’s Sensoria programming and he was wonderful there, but seeing him read in the raw space of Camp North End surrounded by all the ages, races and socio-economic ranges of Charlotte was amazing. And then, he took us all out on the front porch and read to us in the night breeze. It was so special, and in that moment, in that extraordinary space surrounded by strangers and friends, I was immensely thankful and grateful to be in a place where such magic could and does happen.

(7) Chris Elmore, Evangelist with AvidXchange

Chris Elmore, AvidXchange’s evangelist, is grateful for opportunities this Thanksgiving.
Chris Elmore, AvidXchange’s evangelist, is grateful for opportunities this Thanksgiving. Courtesy of Chris Elmore

Besides my wife (if she ever leaves me I am going with her) and kids (who are welcome to leave at any time), I am most thankful this year for opportunities ... all of them ... the ones that rule me, and the ones that I rule.

(8) Suzie Ford, owner NoDa Brewing Company

Suzie Ford, owner NoDa Brewing Company, is grateful in 2019 for family — both the kind you’re born with and the kind you choose.
Suzie Ford, owner NoDa Brewing Company, is grateful in 2019 for family — both the kind you’re born with and the kind you choose. Justin Driscoll Photography + Design / Courtesy of Suzie Ford

This holiday season, I am thankful for my family. Family that is not only blood but is chosen and community. They say it takes a village and it does — near and far, personally and professional.

(9) Melody Gross, fearless mom, blogger, speaker, thought leader

Melody Gross, a blogger and speaker, is thankful this year for community.
Melody Gross, a blogger and speaker, is thankful this year for community. Alvin C. .Jacobs Jr.

I am thankful for the community of folks I’ve nurtured who support and uplift my son and me in ways I could never repay.

(10) Vi Lyles, mayor of Charlotte

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles includes the city’s public servants and first responders in her list of things to be grateful for in 2019.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles includes the city’s public servants and first responders in her list of things to be grateful for in 2019. Courtesy of Vi Lyles

Family and dear friends, the joy shared with grandchildren, public servants who work to make our community stronger, first responders who keep us safe and the spirit of togetherness that we continue to build in our wonderful, growing city.

(11) Cody Martin, Charlotte Hornets

Cody Martin of the Charlotte Hornets said he’s thankful for the opportunity to play basketball so close to home.
Cody Martin of the Charlotte Hornets said he’s thankful for the opportunity to play basketball so close to home. Alex Cason

“I’m thankful for having the opportunity to play basketball so close to home here in North Carolina and for being supported by friends and family.”

(12) Lauren McAbee, founder of Essential Thrive

Essential Thrive founder Lauren McAbee advises others: “Close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow all the things you are grateful for to run through your mind like an epic movie reel.”
Essential Thrive founder Lauren McAbee advises others: “Close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow all the things you are grateful for to run through your mind like an epic movie reel.” Courtesy of Lauren McAbee

When we tap in to the vibrations of love and gratitude, we become a magnet of all things amazing. It’s so simple. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and allow all the things you are grateful for to run through your mind like an epic movie reel. What are you grateful for? Boom. Vibration lifted. Officially attracting more greatness.... And, bonus, you look f***ing radiant.

(13) Allie Papajohn, Eat Drink CLT

In 2019, Allie Papajohn is grateful for good food and meeting poeple through Eat Drink CLT.
In 2019, Allie Papajohn is grateful for good food and meeting poeple through Eat Drink CLT. Courtesy of Allie Papajohn

I’m thankful for friends, family and, of course, good food. It’s hard to believe I just hit five years as a Charlotte resident, and I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met through the years because of Eat Drink CLT.

(14) Boris ‘Bluz’ Rogers, award-winning poet and author

Boris ‘Bluz’ Rogers, an award-winning poet and author, is grateful for life.
Boris ‘Bluz’ Rogers, an award-winning poet and author, is grateful for life. Courtesy of Boris ‘Bluz’ Rogers

Of all things to be thankful for, I am thankful for this life. All the good and all the bad have shaped where and who I am today. Every experience has led to me someone I love, cherish and admire. I am thankful for my life.

(15) Frank Scibelli, CEO at FS Food Group

Frank Scibelli, CEO at FS Food Group, is grateful in 2019 that his sister, Fran, got a new kidney and the support of the Charlotte community that came with that experience.
Frank Scibelli, CEO at FS Food Group, is grateful in 2019 that his sister, Fran, got a new kidney and the support of the Charlotte community that came with that experience. Courtesy of Frank Scibelli

There’s a lot to be thankful for this season. My sister Fran got a kidney, and the way the Charlotte community rallied around her is something I will never forget. This city continues to blow me away with their continued support of my family and friends in the hospitality industry — we feel this in our restaurants on a daily basis. And, of course, I’m equal parts grateful and excited for our FS Food Group family and friends as we gear up for more growth next year. Great things to come both from a culinary and hospitality perspective.

(16) Charles Thomas, program director in Charlotte for the Knight Foundation

Charles Thomas, program director in Charlotte for the Knight Foundation, is grateful for “the opportunity to live a life of service, impact, and purpose.”
Charles Thomas, program director in Charlotte for the Knight Foundation, is grateful for “the opportunity to live a life of service, impact, and purpose.” Larry Gatz / Courtesy of Charles Thomas

I’m thankful for my family, partnership with my wife and the opportunity to live a life of service, impact, and purpose with my role at Knight Foundation.

(17) PJ Washington, Charlotte Hornets

PJ Washington of the Charlotte Hornets said he’s thankful to play the game he loves for a living.
PJ Washington of the Charlotte Hornets said he’s thankful to play the game he loves for a living. Alex Cason

“This holiday season, I’m thankful for the opportunity to play the game that I love for a living. I’m also very grateful to have my family supporting me every step of the way as I pursue my dreams.

This story was originally published November 27, 2019 at 12:00 AM.

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