An Rx for loneliness
Plus: Details of UNC Charlotte fraternity hazing; New surgery plan for state workers; How The Election Hub fared; American Express plans second lounge at CLT
Good morning! Today is Monday, March 9, 2026. You’re reading The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with local business-y news and insights for Charlotte, N.C.
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A program from the Bechtler and Novant Health combats social isolation through museums, ballet and pottery classes
by Ken Garfield
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art has launched a unique initiative to help comfort the lonely, its inspiration drawn from the words of Pablo Picasso: “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
In other words, says the Bechtler’s Molly Phillips, “I’ve always been a firm believer that the arts can bring people together.”
Phillips, the uptown Charlotte museum’s assistant director for education, runs Charlotte Art on Prescription. The pilot program offers those dealing with loneliness and social isolation a year’s worth of free access to participating cultural institutions.
The Bechtler hopes it can be a model for cultural institutions beyond Charlotte.
A 2025 study found that 80% of Americans exhibit some degree of loneliness. Can the arts — museums, theater, music, dance, pottery studios — fill a void in people’s lives? The Bechtler and program partner/financial supporter Novant Health believe they can.
Here’s how they’re going about it:
To qualify, participants must be referred to Charlotte Art on Prescription by one of Novant Health’s 68 behavioral health specialists working in six clinics in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus and Union counties. Novant continues adding to those numbers, given the growing need for mental health services. A person’s loneliness can stem from the death of a friend or loved one, divorce, job loss or any one of life’s heartbreaks. The root of the problem isn’t the focus here. The toll it is taking on people’s lives is.
Participants receive free admission or registration for a year to live performances, classes, social gatherings and other programs at the Bechtler, Charlotte Ballet, Three Bone Theatre and Clayworks, the home of all things ceramics. That includes such popular gatherings as Jazz at the Bechtler and Charlotte Ballet’s “The Nutcracker.”
Since it started in April 2025, Charlotte Art on Prescription has welcomed 40 active participants. The goal, Phillips says, is to expand both the number of participants as well as the arts institutions that are willing to open their doors and hearts to them.
‘So many a-ha moments’
The Bechtler is using the UCLA Loneliness Scale — a widely accepted measure of loneliness and social isolation — to gauge the impact of Charlotte Art on Prescription. The museum reports that 82% of the 40 active participants said they’ve experienced lower rates of loneliness since joining the program.
“We’re seeing better outcomes with our patients both mentally and physically,” said Novant Health’s Kirsten Vaca, who oversees four behavioral health clinics participating in the program. “Most research is pretty clear that social engagement and having relationships are strong indicators of health outcomes.”
Jordan Jones of Mount Holly can attest to that.
Jones, 35, works in information technology, often from home, one of more than 34 million Americans in this post-Covid reality who telework or work from home. Unable to start the day over coffee in the break room with colleagues, he says, “The connection I have with others seems to dwindle at times.”
Recommended for the program by a Novant Health behavioral health specialist, Jones has discovered a new world of creativity and community.
He enjoys performances by the Bechtler Ensemble, savoring the sound of violins and the bright colors of the museum’s art. He took his mother to Clayworks, where learning his way around the potter’s wheel, he says, has helped address negativity in his life. At one Charlotte Art on Prescription meet-up, Jones joined others in creating holiday cards. He gave the ones he made to his doctors.
“I’ve experienced so many a-ha moments that I can’t imagine life without this program,” Jones says. “I’ve come to fully appreciate the immense love and generosity of people in general. Discovering social acceptance and being part of something greater than myself resonates deeply.”
Picasso, the revolutionary Spanish painter whose words were used by The Bechtler to promote Charlotte Art on Prescription on social media, speaks of the power of art to wash away the dust of everyday life.
Jones speaks of the power of art to point him toward the future: “We have a ballet coming up.”
Charlotte writer/editor Ken Garfield is a frequent contributor to The Ledger. Reach him at garfieldken3129@gmail.com.
➡️ To learn more, visit www.bechtler.org/artonprescription or email molly.phillips@bechtler.org.
Today’s supporting sponsor is Landon A. Dunn, attorney-at-law in Matthews:
Recent records request into hazing incidents at UNC Charlotte: lap dances, wearing ‘bright purses’ and being duct-taped to trees
Although more than 120 people have died in hazing incidents in the U.S. since 2000, it’s still a persistent ritual among college Greek organizations, particularly in fraternities. (Hazing refers to embarrassing or dangerous acts as part of initiation into a group.) But according to state law, it’s illegal and a Class 2 A1 misdemeanor, as of December 2025.
The Assembly, a statewide publication based in Raleigh, recently published an in-depth look into disciplinary and hazing-related violations at five North Carolina public universities between 2019 and 2025 and obtained records for five cases at UNC Charlotte. The Ledger took a closer look to learn more about the incidents, which ranged from lap dances to wearing purses around campus, to members duct-taped to a tree while holding large logs and being yelled at to recite fraternity information.
Here’s a summary of the disciplinary incidents at UNC Charlotte fraternity chapters:
Alpha Chi Omega in late March/early April 2025
Allegation: Hazing related to Airband (a lip-sync and dance competition) practices
Members participated in “conditioning” during Airband rehearsals, including sit-ups, jumping jacks and push-ups before and during practice.
Chapter leadership described participation as optional.
Members later reported feeling uncomfortable with the activities.
Alpha Tau Omega, Alpha Sigma Phi and Chi Phi in late October 2023 (reported December 2023)
Allegation: Serenade conduct that “may demean, disgrace, or embarrass a person”
Video evidence shows serenades and lap dances at sorority houses. A photo showed a condom with a phone number attached. Videos showed new members on all fours on leashes during a serenade.
Witnesses said serenades occurred shortly before initiations, and women were reportedly “grabbed out of the crowd” for lap dances, described by one witness as “like a Magic Mike show.” Some attendees were reportedly 17 years old at the time.
Alpha Tau Omega in February 2024 (off-campus event)
Allegation: Alcohol and marijuana were served to underage guests
Two students reported that the fraternity hosted a party at an off-campus house known as “The Range.”
One student said fraternity members marked underage guests with an “X” on their hands but did not check IDs, relying on honesty.
One underage guest allegedly became highly intoxicated and vomited; she did not remember vomiting the next day.
Another student said fraternity members were pushy when offering marijuana. She said she was “in and out of consciousness” after smoking and texted “help” to a friend before being taken to the hospital, where she tested positive only for THC.
Kappa Sigma, videos reported May 2022 (appear to depict fall initiation activities)
Allegation: Multiple forms of hazing during initiation
The behaviors cited included physical abuse, forced physical activity, coerced consumption, humiliation and forced removal of clothing.
An anonymous email to Student Accountability & Conflict Resolution included 10 videos and one photo showing:
Two new members duct-taped to a tree while holding large logs and being yelled at to recite fraternity information.
Shirtless individuals searching for items in the dark, lying in leaves in a military-style pose and holding squat positions while items or liquid were placed on their necks.
A new member drinking an unknown mixture from a shoe while others threw items at him. Hot sauce was visible on a nearby table.
A pledge class singing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” while being yelled at.
New members giving a “weather report” in shorts or underwear before jumping into a campus pond near the ROTC building.
Sigma Chi, in August-October 2023
Allegations: Risk management violations; potential hazing
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department conducted a welfare check at a fraternity event after receiving a report about a 16-year-old. Officers did not enter the house and later left after locating the individual elsewhere.
Chapter leaders said they used a guest list and marked underage attendees with an “X,” describing alcohol distribution as “limited.”
In September, university officials reported the fraternity held a bid-day themed party despite national headquarters not approving social activities at the time.
Later that year, new members were seen across campus wearing suits and carrying bright purses while filming TikTok videos. University officials raised concerns that the attire appeared intended to “embarrass” members and that they may have been required to carry items.
UNC Charlotte told The Ledger in an email that it is “committed to promoting a strong anti-hazing culture” and that “all allegations are taken seriously and reviewed thoroughly based on the information available.”
When incidents involve Greek-letter organizations, the university said it works with national headquarters and may impose sanctions “up to and including loss of University recognition and removal from campus.” UNC Charlotte also said it maintains policies and education programs aimed at preventing hazing and “promoting safe, respectful student organizations across campus.”
➡️ Read the full hazing reports here.
➡️ Read The Assembly’s article on hazing on North Carolina campuses here.
—Lindsey Banks
N.C. Health’s Plan offers free surgery — if you go to the right doctor
What if your health plan offered free surgery, but only if you went to a surgeon they had already picked?
That’s the idea behind a new program that the North Carolina State Health Plan is rolling out for thousands of teachers, state workers and their families.
The plan connects members needing certain procedures with a select network of vetted surgeons and hospitals. Last week, officials announced that Novant Health will join OrthoCarolina as part of the plan’s surgical network.
Health care experts say the approach is a growing trend as employers look for new ways to rein in rapidly rising health care costs. —Michelle Crouch
➡️ Read the full story in N.C. Health News
How The Election Hub helped inform thousands of voters across North Carolina
Thanks to everyone who used The Election Hub to help inform their vote in last week’s election.
The Hub is The Ledger’s nonprofit partner that provides nonpartisan, comprehensive information on state and local elections. We’ve partnered with The Hub since 2023, as its mission to provide smart and helpful local information aligns with The Ledger’s mission.
Communities in Gaston and Cabarrus counties found it so valuable that their chamber of commerce groups asked us to build a dedicated election destination for them as well, which we launched this year.
A few interesting stats on The Hub’s site traffic and voter turnout data:
About 1.5 million people voted in North Carolina in this election. The Hub welcomed 60,000 visitors from around North Carolina this election cycle. That suggests 4% of all the state’s voters used The Hub in some way. We built this product with the Charlotte region in mind, but were pleasantly surprised to see it resonate so much farther.
Most of the traffic was concentrated between the last day of early voting and the close of Election Day (and we’re grateful for good web hosting partners to keep the site running through that surge). This pattern tends to hold for low-turnout races like primaries: Less information and media coverage lead voters to show up in the final days.
There is a hunger for more nonpartisan election information about the lesser-known races, like the Court of Appeals and judicial contests.
The more impressive result was voter turnout: The number of voters in North Carolina rose 5% compared with the 2022 midterm primary. But Mecklenburg County outpaced that with a 15% lift from 2022 to 2024. Gaston and Cabarrus also saw lifts that outpaced the state average.
These results reinforce that voter education leads to voter engagement.
The Election Hub will return ahead of the general election in the fall. We encourage everyone to take advantage of it. It’s a free resource, with no paywall, no subscription and no ads, and our team reviews all the content. We also host virtual and live events to give our community a chance to meet candidates and learn more about the issues on the ballot. —Sucharita Kodali
➡️ Find out more about The Election Hub
You might be interested in these Charlotte events
Events submitted by readers to The Ledger’s events board:
TUESDAY: “Charlotte ToolBank Open House,” 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Charlotte Community ToolBank, 2513 S. Tryon St. Join Charlotte ToolBank for an open house celebrating 15 years of supporting nonprofits and strengthening the community. Stop by to tour the ToolBank, meet the team and see the impact your support makes possible. Free.
WEDNESDAY: “PitchBreakfast,” 8:15-10 a.m., at Do Greater Charlotte, 2400 Greenland Ave. PitchBreakfast is a monthly startup pitch event highlighting local entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to a panel of advisors. Don’t miss this chance to grow your startup and make meaningful connections! Free.
MARCH 21: “Run Jen Run 5K & Festival,” 7-10 a.m., at Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd. On your mark. Get set. Run Jen Run! Support Charlotte’s breast cancer community at Go Jen Go’s 14th Annual Run Jen Run 5K and Festival. Following the 5K and Fun Run, enjoy music, food vendors, beverages, an expo area and family fun zone. There is no charge for breast cancer fighters, survivors or thrivers to participate, but registration is required. Prices vary.
MARCH 26: “Whitton Executive Series: Molly Grantham - Practice Makes Progress,” 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Whitton Auditorium, Carroll Hall, Winthrop University, 883 Ebenezer Ave. Molly Grantham is a four-time Emmy-winning journalist turned national speaker, author, charity auctioneer and proud mom of three. In “Practice Makes Progress,” she mixes humor and sharp wit to motivate audiences to keep showing up, learning, and betting on themselves. Free.
➡️ List your event on the Ledger events board.
In brief
New lounge for CLT: American Express is planning to build an American Express Sidecar Lounge in 4,600 sq. ft. at Charlotte’s airport, according to tonight’s Charlotte City Council agenda. It would be the second Amex lounge in Charlotte. There’s only one other such American Express mini-lounge in the country, in Las Vegas. The Ledger examined the rise of airport lounges at CLT in an article in January, including how to gain access to them. (Hat tip: Axios Charlotte)
Six Flags sells 7 parks: Charlotte-based amusement park operator Six Flags announced it is selling seven of its 41 theme parks for $331M so it can “concentrate our capital, leadership and operational focus on the properties that we believe generate the strongest returns and offer the greatest long-term upside.” Six Flags is hanging onto Carowinds but is selling Valleyfair (Minneapolis), Worlds of Fun (Kansas City, Mo.), Michigan’s Adventure (Grand Rapids, Mich.), Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston (Galveston, Texas), Six Flags St. Louis (St. Louis), Six Flags Great Escape (Queensbury, N.Y.) and Six Flags La Ronde (Montreal, QC). (Six Flags press release)
Plans for Boplex repairs: The Charlotte City Council is considering a $25M plan to replace aging HVAC systems and study additional repairs at Bojangles’ Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium, after a leaking roof recently forced the delay of two sporting events at the more than 70-year-old facilities. (WFAE)
Queens Royals headed to March Madness: Queens University of Charlotte’s men’s basketball team is heading to the NCAA Tournament for the first time after winning their conference championship game on Sunday. (Ledger breaking news alert)
Records sought on Charlotte immigration arrests: More than 40 North Carolina organizations and community leaders are backing an American Civil Liberties Union public-records request seeking details about U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s November immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, including how agents operated and what actions they took. (WFAE)
Indictment for Sycamore co-founder: A grand jury in Stanly County indicted former Sycamore Brewing co-owner Justin Brigham with nine felonies, including statutory rape, burglary and assault, in connection with a 13-year-old girl in December. The indictment, which included no new information about the case, is a procedural step that allows the charges to proceed. (Observer)
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