Lake Norman Hosting “Fill the Boat with Love” this Holiday Season

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Lake Norman is hosting a “Fill the Boat with Love” holiday toy drive to benefit the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

“The Fill the Boat campaign promotes giving back to the community here in the Lake Norman area. We have had a successful year and want to give back to others in the community that may not have been as fortunate. While needs are high all year long, the holiday season is a great time to show kids and families that you care,” said Andy Tilton, General Manager of Lake Norman’s MarineMax.

Through Saturday, December 12, community members can bring new, unwrapped toys to Lake Norman boats to contribute to a great cause and help make a child’s holiday season even brighter. Donations will go to the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots annual gift drive. Typical items needed for family donations include gift cards to Walmart, Target, and local restaurants. For infants, 0-12 months, bouncy seats, developmental learning toys, and activity centers are great gift options. Gifts for both teen girls and boys include headphones, sunglasses, portable chargers, hats, backpacks, perfume or cologne, makeup or cosmetic bags, journals, and tumblers or water bottles. Help “Fill the Boat” this holiday season by donating to a family or child in need.

The boats will be located at 9209 Westmoreland Road in Cornelius, North Carolina. Every donation to the Toys for Tots drive will receive one entry to a raffle.

Visit the MarineMax website for more details or contact Diana De Carvalho, Marketing Coordinator, at diana.decarvalho@marinemax.com.

University City Delivers New Shopping & Entertainment Experience

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University City Partners announces the start of an outdoor nighttime marketplace, University City Night Market, at the lake and boardwalk at Shoppes at University Place. University City Night Market will support small local businesses, while building and highlighting some of the best of the city’s culture. The market will open on Small Business Saturday, November 28, and each Saturday through December 19 from 6 – 9 p.m.

In time for the holidays, the open-air night market will offer fun and adventurous retail shopping, holiday beverages and festive music.

“If there is ever a time to shop small, it is now,” said Darlene Heater, Executive Director of University City Partners. “University City Night Market creates an opportunity for us to back local restaurants and small retail vendors, as well as activate a safe social space. We ask visitors to come out, follow all safety precautions and support our small businesses.”

University City Night Market follows the opening of University City Farmers Market and University City Food Truck Friday in partnership with the City of Charlotte’s StreetEats program. Both programs have been successful in safely supporting local businesses and nurturing the community in the heart of University City.

At University City Night Market, shoppers will find an array of vendor goods like handmade crafts, jewelry, art and clothing. Surrounding the shopping experience, attendees will encounter live entertainment. Whatever your taste, University City Night Market will have something to offer. All events are open to the public and free to attend for all ages. Following the four-week long grand opening, University City Night Market will reopen next spring.

Each Night Market will practice social distancing in accordance with Mecklenburg County and North Carolina State guidelines for the health and safety of all visitors. Similarly, capacity will be limited for shoppers to increase social distancing. Guests are encouraged to access the market by riding the LYNX Light Rail, walking or biking on the Barton Creek Greenway, or parking at Shoppes at University Place, 8929 JM Keynes Drive. More details about University City Night Market can be found online at https://www.shoppesatuniversityplace.com/university-city-night-market/ and on Facebook at facebook.com/UnivCityNightMkt.

Things to Know Before Buying an Oceanfront Condo!

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The oceanfront properties have appreciated more than expected. So what do you need to know before buying a water property? Let’s find out!

It seems like a dream come true to admire the beautiful lake’s beautiful scenery or your favorite beach. However, your paradise will come with additional costs – some costs can be difficult to predict or plan.

Some beach houses may also require special decoration and weather protection, such as anti-collision windows, and the price may be high. 

And if excessive rain occurs on the oceanfront, your home can require substantial and expensive repairs. However, buying an oceanfront property is not easy. 

You need to understand all the details that may not be easily available when purchasing an oceanfront property. In case you don’t know where to buy an oceanfront condo, check out Myrtle Beach condos for sale!

Here are a few reasons why owning a property in Myrtle Beach is a great idea!

Insurance

Insurance coverage is different for beach houses and regular houses. Suppose you want to buy a villa, apartment, or detached home. 

In that case, you must take adequate insurance to cover loss from floods, hurricanes, or other damage caused by water and wind. 

If something unimaginable happens, you certainly do not want to encounter an issue that cannot be fixed.

If you want to buy an association, ask about your financial situation, your responsibilities at home, and the responsibilities of the association.

Maintenance

Saltwater can cause serious damage to your home, so make sure salt in the air can increase your home’s maintenance costs. 

It is something you want to face. It means that any corrosion on metal objects, including vehicles and houses, maybe a problem.

The closest you are to the coast, the sooner you will undergo depletion and erosion. It is not only an issue to consider with your insurance, but general maintenance is also required while housing. 

Suppose you are planning to go on vacation or a second home. In any case, it might be appropriate to cycle these things every six months. 

Again, you may need more maintenance during repairs because you cannot regularly go to the property.

Ocean access

If you live in an ocean with public beaches, you may be dealing with public access rights. If you are looking for a private beach, check each list separately to ensure you can use the beach privately or in a public place. 

You may or may not want the public to want to know about it every day in front of your home.

Consider an Expert

There are many nuances to buying a home on an oceanfront or waterfront. The best starting point is to enlist the help of a real estate expert who understands the harbor’s properties and homes for sale in Toronto. If you’re buying a waterfront condo in Toronto, for instance, you’d want a reputable service provider like this one to guide you to a variety of choices.

Suppose you’re eyeing a beach or oceanfront house, for example. In that case, the agent should know if the bottom and shoreline are rocky, sandy, or muddy. 

The representative must also be willing to inform you regarding future water recreational events.

The agency should also connect you with potential neighbors and other residents who can share their views on life in the area.

Climate Factor

Rising sea levels had lowered the value of many coastal properties. Old low-rise buildings are more vulnerable to extreme floods and hurricanes. 

However, homes built in the last five years are usually built higher to be more resistant to flooding. Compared to old houses, these houses have a higher value. 

Due to climate change, the value of coastal real estate had grown slowly in recent years. But by contrast, inland coastal real estate has appreciated faster. They are not in high-risk flood zones.

Pros and Cons

Getting an apartment by the beach is undoubtedly a pleasure, especially when you can admire the sea views from almost anywhere in the unit. The scenery can set you in the holiday mood. 

Moreover, suppose you want to get rid of everyday life hassles. In that case, a beachfront apartment in a remote area could be a perfect choice. 

Even if the apartment building is on the beach, you can stay away from the noise of people playing on the beach.

Suppose you want to get the most out of your beach vacation by spending as much time as possible on the beach and water. Getting a beachfront apartment may not be as convenient as finding a suitable beach location. 

If the apartment building is in a secluded spot, some travelers may find it appropriate but not all. If there are no buildings in the surroundings, you may have to walk a long way or even drive to a store or restaurant.

Tips

There is no right or wrong decision to buy a home near water, but experts say several other factors need to be considered when purchasing a home on land.

If the property is in a flood-prone area, it will increase your costs. You need to investigate insurance costs. Maintenance costs can also be high in coastal properties.

Ultimately, do not even overlook how much you have to invest in decors to love your dream house by the water. Plan to spend any money on patio decor to enjoy clean air and stunning scenery completely. 

Conclusion

Owning a waterfront property is a unique experience, but you must consider several factors before buying one. Good luck in finding your dream house!

However, if you don’t want to buy one yet, here are 10 luxurious condos you can rent!

Migraine: Definition And Effective Treatment Options

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Migraine is one such malady that has been around since the golden days. And the astonishing part is that the root cause of migraine is still shrouded in mystery. Nobody has any clear answers as to why they occur, but the most common and likely reasons tend to be stress, depression, and anxiety. Even causes like excessive alcohol consumption and certain medications have been known to cause migraines. 

It is also essential for people to note that certain aspects can make you more prone to migraines than usual such as prolonged exposure to the sun as well as toothache. However, these aspects alone are not indicative of the sickness. A herniated disc could also be the reason why you are suffering from migraine. 

Effective Treatment Options For Migraines:

Migraines can be excruciating and a chronic condition, impacting the daily life of some people. Being the 3rd most prevalent illness in the world, it can run in families for generations to come. 

Sometimes confused with a headache, migraines are a part of a neurological condition that is associated with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. 

There are many treatment options to cure and prevent migraines. However, some of the most popular are mentioned below:

Medications

An immediate solution to your migraine issue could be a preventative and pain-relief medication. If you are in the prodrome phase, then anti-seizure drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs will work well for you. However, if you are in any other stage, then pain relief drugs like Triptans, Aspirin, Opioid medicines, and Ergots might do the trick for you. 

Lifestyle Alterations

A great trick to keep such headaches at bay is by opting for mild lifestyle changes. Make sure you get enough sleep. Keep a headache journal to identify a pattern for better treatments. Also, whenever migraines hit you, try to relax and keep yourself calm as much as possible. Yes, it is easier said than done, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to get rid of the pain much faster. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

If stress is the factor triggering migraines, then you can consider Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT aims to intervene and challenge unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in order to change them and ultimately improve mental health. 

It is widely used to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. 

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is the process of gaining greater control over your psychological functions, to have the ability to control them at will. You are connected to electrical sensors, which provide information on the activity of your body. 

Biofeedback techniques have been beneficial for stress reduction and managing migraines. 

Massage To The Rescue

When nothing seems to work, book a massage session with a masseuse to get instant relief. You can take care of it on your own as well by applying some warm oil on your scalp and then gently pressuring the pain areas. 

Botox For Migraines

For patients (who are over 18 years of age) that experience severe migraine symptoms, botox can be used for treating migraine pain. Botox is injected around nerves that are involved in headaches. It prevents neurotransmitters from carrying pain signals to the brain, reducing chronic migraine pain. Not only does this treatment reduce migraine frequency but also the intensity. 

If you are suffering from chronic migraines, you can get botox injected from a pain clinic in Spokane, WA. Your pain management specialist will treat your pain and coordinate other care, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and counseling.

Share this guide with your friends and relatives who might need it to understand their condition or for furthering more effective treatment. Also, if you are certain about the root cause of the migraine attacks, visit a pain management clinic to find relief. 

The Queen City Climbed To #6 Spot In US News’ “Best Places to Live in the US”

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The Queen City has just jumped into the top 10 of US News & World Report’s list of the ‘Best Places to Live in The US’ for 2020.

In their new 2020-21 ranking, Charlotte came in at the #6 spot, climbing up 14 spots from last year’s ranking. We came in 1 spot ahead of Des Moines (#7) and 5 spots ahead of Raleigh (#11).

The official ranking compared the largest 150 metros in America with a variety of data points and criteria. They used the following weights to come up with each city’s overall score.

  • Best Places to Live: 25.7% — quality of life index; 23.4% — value, or housing affordability, index; 21.6% — jobs market index; 16.4% — desirability index; and 13% — net migration
  • Best Places to Retire: 22.7% — happiness index; 20.2% — housing affordability index; 18.1% — health-care quality index; 14.6% — retiree taxes index; 13.5% — desirability index; and 10.9% — job market index

Charlotte’s score came in at 7.3, with a desirability score of 8.6, net migration score of 7.9, value score of 7.6, job market score of 6.8, and an overall quality of life score of 6.4.

“Moving up from the No. 20 spot in 2019, Charlotte receives its high score for its fast and sustained population growth,” the report noted. “The Charlotte metro area grew by 5.83% between 2014 and 2018 due to net migration alone. Charlotte also rounds out the top 10 most desirable places to live, with many U.S. residents expressing an interest in living there compared to other places on the list.”

What do you think about Charlotte’s new ranking? 

Do you think it’s the 6th best city in America? 

Charlotte Stories is continually partnering with the best real estate agents in every part of the Charlotte region.

If you’re thinking about moving in or around Charlotte, let us connect you with a top agent in your area by filling out the form below:

    Fort Mill Now Grows The Hottest Pepper in The World – The Carolina Reaper (Video)

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    Many people may know York County for having the lowest gas prices in America and one of the best BMX courses in the world, but their true claim to fame lies in their pepper breeding.

    “Smokin” Ed Currie first bred the Carolina Reeper Pepper in his Rock Hill greenhouse in 2013. After hundreds of sub-par creations, he discovered the magical combination after crossing a Bhut jolokia (a former world record holder) and a red habanero. He named the new creation a ‘Reaper’ due to the shape of its tail.

    The Guinness World Records officially recognized the Carolina Reaper as the hottest pepper in the world on August 7th, 2013, measuring in at 1,569,300 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), according to tests conducted by Winthrop University in South Carolina. The figure was an average for the tested batch; the hottest individual pepper was measured at 2.2 million SHU.

    The Great Big Story interviewed “Smokin” Ed about his pepper and why it’s become a viral internet sensation;

    Ed Currie now grows the world famous Carolina Reapers at his PuckerButt Pepper Company in Fort Mill.

    There have been many attempts to create a hotter pepper, but after 4 years, the Carolina Reaper is still offically the Guiness World Record’s hottest pepper.

    If you’re brave enough to try one, you can buy dried Carolina Reapers here on Amazon.

    Have you tried the reaper yet?

    A Quick Guide to NFL Betting in 2020

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    Now the 2020 NFL season is past the half way mark, we’re already getting for the finale. For many of us, wagering on the outcome of games can bring some added interest, as we stake on the winners and losers each week, play the points spreads or even try to predict which players will make the biggest impact.

    Betting on the NFL can be fun, although it can sometimes be tricky to understand fully, if we’re not entirely familiar with the terminology or the way odds are presented at sportsbooks. With that in mind, this quick guide aims to point novice bettors in the right direction, focusing on “Futures” and “Game Lines” as two of the most popular betting options.

    Team & Player Futures

    Arguably the easiest of all NFL betting to understand, “Futures” are simply a way of predicting how any given team or player will perform through the course of the season. It’s worth taking note of what the handicappers at OLBG have to say, as they are bound to have researched into areas you won’t have begun to consider! “Futures” are always popular at the start of a new campaign and in the opening weeks, they are almost like a ranking with betting odds, as everyone attempts to predict which teams and players will be the most successful.

    One of the favorite NFL betting lines amongst fans is the Team Futures market. This year the New Orleans Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs are considered to be the leading teams. 

    For added value, most of the leading sportsbooks also offer odds for Conference Winners, Division Winners, and the chance to back which teams will make the playoffs. Win Totals can also make for interesting betting, with the chance to predict whether teams will achieve over or under a certain number of winning results during the regular season.

    In addition to predicting how teams will fare, there’s also the chance to back our favorite players with Awards betting. The big individual prize each year is the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, presented in conjunction with the Press Association. Quarterbacks often dominate and amongst the favorites for the 2020/2021 award are Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers.

    Game Lines

    Whenever you’re delving into the Game Lines area of NFL betting with most of the leading sportsbooks, you’ll typically find three main options. The easiest to understand is the Moneyline, which is essentially a straight up bet on which team will win the game, regardless of how many points are scored and the margin of victory.

    As opposed to picking an outright winner, NFL Point Spread betting is a way for oddsmakers to level the playing field a little, while also making things a little more exciting. Points are added (+) to the final score for the underdogs and subtracted (-) from the final score of the favorites. 

    The aim of Total Points betting is to predict the final score of a game. Essentially, what we’re betting on here is the combined score of both teams, rather than a winning points margin or an outright winning team.

    Presented as Over (O) and Under (U), the aim here is to successfully back one or the other, based on the combined score offered by the sportsbook. 

    Playing Safe

    The best tip when betting on American football is to do plenty of research, before placing your bets. Make use of useful NFL statistics websites which feature lots of information, study which players are in form and how teams are performing, as this will always help you to judge whether odds offered by sportsbooks are good value.

    Set yourself some limits when betting, including a starting bankroll that you’re comfortable with. Try to avoid emotional betting as that can often lead to mistakes, keep to the data and let statistics be your guide, even when your favorite team is playing. Finally, always make sure your betting is fun and if at any point it isn’t, stop for a while.

     

    NC Woman Rolls Out Of Trunk of Speeding Car During Failed Kidnapping Attempt

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    A 38-year-old woman is now recovering from her injuries after escaping a kidnapping attempt by breaking open a locked trunk and rolling out of a speeding vehicle on North Carolina’s US 220.

    According to the official police report:

    “Rockingham County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived and located the victim, Kristen Robinson, 38, in the roadway of US Hwy. 220 with severe injuries. The victim was transported to a triad area hospital for treatment of her injuries. Investigators believe three (3) individuals entered Robinson’s room at the Budget Inn, assaulted her and placed her in the trunk of their vehicle. After the vehicle had traveled about 200 yards, Robinson was able to open the trunk and jumped from the vehicle, which was moving at a high speed at that time.”

    Officers have now arrested 2 out of the 3 suspects in the kidnapping, including 21-year-old Takiyah Kenyhata Broadnax and an unnamed juvenile, who were both charged with First Degree Kidnapping, Breaking and Entering, and Assault Inflicting Serious Injury.

    Officers are still searing for the 3rd suspect. If you have any information about this case, please call the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office at (336) 634-3066.

    NASCAR Hall of Fame Achieves GBAC Star Cleaning Accreditation

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    The NASCAR Hall of Fame has achieved GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. Accreditation ensures a facility follows a strict cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention program.

    “Cleaning and disinfecting require the right approach to adequately remove soils and prevent the spread of harmful pathogens,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “The GBAC STAR accreditation program teaches organizations how best to manage cleaning and disinfection in their facilities and offers guidance on important infection prevention strategies like wearing masks, conducting temperature checks, sanitizing hands, and more.”

    Expedited in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the GBAC STAR accreditation program helps facilities prepare for, respond to, and recover from biological threats, and biohazard situations. Just six months later, more than 3,500 facilities have committed to the program, which has accredited more than 500 facilities around the world to date with new organizations registering daily. Earlier this week, ISSA and the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) announced a partnership in which IWBI acknowledges GBAC STAR to fulfill the cleaning and sanitization credits within the holistic WELL Health-Safety Rating.

    The GBAC STAR Facility Directory keeps track of all completed or in-progress accreditations to help consumers easily find facilities that are committed to a higher standard of cleanliness.

    Charlotte Ranked As One Of The Top 5 Cities in America To Retire

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    Charlotte was just ranked as one of the top major cities in America to retire according to MagnifyMoney.com’s most recent ‘Best Places to Spend Your Golden Years‘ list.

    According to their report, Charlotte ranked #4 in America, just behind Portland (#1), Salt Lake City (#2) and Denver (#3). New York, Houston and Miami, earned the bottom 3 spots on the list.

    Surprisingly, all metros in the iconic retiree destination Florida didn’t do well on the list, with Jacksonville ranking 32 out of 50, Orlando ranking 40 with the job market still thriving and the demand for single family houses and Orlando condos exceeding the supply, and Miami ranking 48, largely due to the high cost of living.

    The report used four major categories to make our determinations of which of the biggest 50 US metros were the best places to spend one’s golden years, including;

    Lifestyle:

    • Volunteer rates for those ages 55 and older to get a sense of where senior citizens had the opportunities to be most engaged with the community-at-large

    • Rate of physical activity in each metro to get a sense of which communities offer the most opportunities for activity

    • Percentage of residents ages 65 and over who moved into the metro that year so we could see how desirable seniors find these metros

    Cost of living:

    • Median monthly housing costs because whether renting or owning, retirees are on fixed incomes and the ability to afford housing is crucial to aging in place

    • Regional prices for goods and services because the salary bumps of living in more expensive places no longer apply to those who are no longer working

    Medical quality and cost:

    • The percentage of hospital discharges of Medicare enrollees that were for conditions considered preventable with adequate primary care

    • The average cost that Medicare pays per enrollee in a given metro

    • The percentage of people aged 65 or older who are up-to-date on their core preventive services, such as flu shots and cancer screenings

    The availability and quality of different kinds of assisted care:

    • The number of home nursing service providers registered with Medicare per 100,000 residents because the availability of home nursing may be essential to those who age in place

    • The average Medicare rating of registered home nursing service providers

    • The number of nursing home beds registered with Medicare per 100,000 residents because sometimes people do require temporary or permanent intensive residential care and sometimes on very short notice

    • The number of continuing care retirement communities registered with Medicare per 100,000 residents because these communities (a subset of nursing homes) offer a bridge between independent living in private apartments (with some community and medical amenities such as dining rooms, group activities, physical therapy) and more intensive nursing care in the same facility

    • The average Medicare rating of registered nursing homes

    Here are their complete rankings and scores for the largest metros in the US;

    Do you think Charlotte is a good place to retire?