This One Man Is Responsible For Lake Norman’s New Paddleboard Craze

Steve
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This One Man Is Responsible For Lake Norman’s New Paddleboard Craze

paddleboarding lake normanA relatively new company on the shores of Lake Norman is changing how people travel around the lake. When Rob Bennett first introduced stand-up paddleboarding to Lake Norman about five years ago, he had to show people pictures to even explain what it was – now people can’t seem to get enough.

Over 8,000 people have already taken lessons at Bennett’s ‘My Aloha Paddle & Surf Shop’ in Cornelius in the past five years. He also hosts annual competitions for charity that draws even bigger crowds – so far he has raised about $30,000 for local charities.

After paddleboarding his whole life in Hawaii and Miami, he realized that the trend could really take off on a lake with constant calm waters and countless natural coves. 5 years ago he moved from Miami to Cornelius and opened his 1,300-square-foot shop right down the road, in the Water Street Seaport Marina complex off West Catawba Avenue.

Rob is now offering 45% off all paddleboard rentals on Lake Norman here.

This video shows some clips from a recent class at Rob’s shop;

 

Krispy Kreme Launching ‘Coffee-Glazed Donuts’ This Coming Monday

Charlotte Stories
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Krispy Kreme Launching ‘Coffee-Glazed Donuts’ This Coming Monday

North Carolina based Krispy Kreme just announced they will be launching a special ‘coffee-glazed donut’ next week to celebrate National Coffee Day.

All 5 Charlotte-area locations will be participating in the launch;

As part of the new launch, they also jokingly said they’ll offer ‘original glazed coffee’.

“Our coffee is going doughnuts, and our doughnuts are going coffee! It is a delicious, innovative approach to our iconic products,” commented Alison Holder, VP of U.S. Marketing for Krispy Kreme. “Because this is such a unique taste experience, and one we think coffee fans especially are going to love, we’re offering the Coffee Glazed Doughnut all week long in celebration of National Coffee Day and introducing the Original Glazed Coffee as a permanent menu item.”

They’ll be giving away free Krispy Kreme coffee on National Coffee Day, Sept. 29 at participating locations, and Krispy Kreme Rewards members will also receive a free doughnut with their coffee.

Charlotte Oral Surgeons Hosting Blood Drive to Help Hurricane Florence Victims

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Oral Surgeons Hosting Blood Drive to Help Hurricane Florence Victims

Hurricane Florence struck the East Coast last week, impacting more than 2.6 million people, according to the American Red Cross. There is a constant need for blood, but right now, patients are requiring blood faster than donations are stocking hospitals shelves. Drs. Amir Marashi and Arman Haghighi with Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery are teaming up with Community Blood Center of the Carolinas to host their first annual carnival-themed Blood Drive in October to help increase blood supply levels and save lives. All donors will receive a gift bag.

The tropical storm forced the cancelation of more than 1,500 blood and platelet donations, resulting in an urgent need for blood donors to replenish the supply. There is no substitute for blood, and all blood given was originally donated by a generous donor. Every day, people lose blood in accidents and injuries and desperately require fresh blood to compensate for their loss. In many cases, blood is also used for lifesaving transfusions for patients undergoing medical treatments.

“When disasters hit like Hurricane Florence, it’s extremely important that our hospitals are fully stocked with blood to treat patients immediately if an emergency occurs,” said Dr. Marashi. “Blood is not only needed now; there is an endless need for blood donors. We are looking forward to saving lives and giving back to our community.”

While giving blood is about helping those in need, there are included health benefits for the donor. Studies suggest that many Americans consume more iron than needed to maintain good health. Donating blood lowers iron levels, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Donating blood also replenishes new red blood cells so the body can work more efficiently and productively.

Donors must be 17 years old, or 16 with a parent consent, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Donors must also feel healthy the day of their donation, and it is encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water prior to donating. All donors must also bring an ID.

To help save lives, donate blood on Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greater Charlotte Oral & Facial Surgery located at 9787 Charlotte Hwy, Suite 100, Fort Mill, SC, 29707. To sign up for a lifesaving appointment, visit: https://greatercharlotteoralsurgery.com/blood.

NOAA Just Made Their Aerial Imagery Survey of Hurricane Florence Public

Steve
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NOAA Just Made Their Aerial Imagery Survey of Hurricane Florence Public

In order to help residents assess damage and know when they might be able to return home, the NOAA just made their current aerial imagery survey database available to the public.

Since the early 1900s, the National Geodetic Survey has been taking photographs from airplanes to capture the Earth below. Today, the capture of these aerial photographs is controlled by Global Positioning System techniques and the photos are used to define the national shoreline, create maps and charts, monitor environmental change, and provide damage assessment in response to manmade or natural disasters.

You can now view the most recent satellite view of the areas impacted by Florence here;

[advanced_iframe src=”https://storms.ngs.noaa.gov/storms/florence/index.html#7/35.360/-77.820″ width=”100%” height=”600px”]

Please help spread the word.

North Carolina’s Waterkeeper Alliance Releases Aerial Photos Of Post-Florence Patrols

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina’s Waterkeeper Alliance Releases Aerial Photos Of Post-Florence Patrols

Waterkeeper Alliance conducted its first overflights of some of the industrial sites and agricultural operations affected by Hurricane Florence on Monday afternoon. The flight was focused on environmentally vulnerable areas. They have scheduled further flights to investigate, as conditions permit, other possible environmental hazards left in Florence’s wake.

Updated images are available here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/waterkeeperalliance/albums/72157698057980582

“We’ve been working to address environmental hazards caused by industrial waste mismanagement in North Carolina for over two decades,” said Will Hendrick, Waterkeeper Alliance staff attorney and manager of the Pure Farms, Pure Waters campaign. “As defenders of the state’s rivers, lakes and streams, we’re committed to documenting conditions and alerting the public to threats to public health and environmental quality stemming from Hurricane Florence.”

Michael Jordan Donating $2 Million To Hurricane Florence Relief

Charlotte Stories
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Michael Jordan Donating $2 Million To Hurricane Florence Relief

Hornets owner and basketball legend Michael Jordan has just donated $2 million to Hurricane Florence relief efforts in the Carolinas.

He’s giving the American Red Cross and the Foundation for the Carolinas Hurricane Florence Response Fund $1 million each.

This coming Friday (9/21), over 100 Hornets staff and players will also assist the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in packing disaster food boxes, which will be sent to Wilmington, N.C., Fayetteville, N.C., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., to those directly impacted by the hurricane. Food Lion will be donating all the food for the boxes.

Additionally, the Hornets are now selling special “Carolina Strong” T-shirt and are donating all proceeds to the Foundation for the Carolinas’ Hurricane Florence Relief Fund.

Matthews Will Lose 900 Jobs When Family Dollar Headquarters Shuts Down

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Matthews Will Lose 900 Jobs When Family Dollar Headquarters Shuts Down

Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR) has just announced plans to shut down the Family Dollar headquarters facility in Matthews, NC and consolidate 700 jobs into their Chesapeake, VA headquarters.

The Dollar Tree purchased Family Dollar and all assets, including their Matthews headquarters, early last April from Sycamore Partners. They have since been working to consolidate both brands under one banner.

“Leadership from both banners has continued to work together to integrate our two organizations and invest in future growth,” Dollar Tree’s Chief Executive Officer Gary Philbin said. “By bringing our teams together into one location, we will further improve our ability to support our stores more effectively through enhanced collaboration, communication, and teamwork. The completion of our expanded headquarters in Virginia will facilitate the most important phase of the integration and we are excited about the opportunities ahead for the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar banners.”

Philbin noted that they have offered 700 of the 900 Matthews employees the chance to keep their jobs and relocate to VA.

“We are eager to welcome all associates relocating to the Chesapeake area to participate in, and benefit from, the company’s next phase of growth.”

The other 200 employees will be laid off when the headquarters facility closes in the coming months.

The Family Dollar distribution center in Matthews will remain open for the time being.

Today’s National Cheeseburger Day – How To Score Free Burgers (and Pancakes)

Charlotte Stories
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Today’s National Cheeseburger Day – How To Score Free Burgers (and Pancakes)

Happy National Cheeseburger Day!

The following burger joints are taking advantage of today’s national “holiday” by offering free and discounted burger deals to all Charlotte residents (with the exception of IHOP, which is offering free pancakes today);

Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries: Anyone who downloads the My Hwy 55 app can get half-off all burger combos from 5 p.m. to close today.

IHOP: Today, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.you can get a free stack of two buttermilk or pumpkin spice pancakes with any Ultimate Steakburger and a side.

Moo and Brew: Show the following Instagram post to your server and you can build a custom angus cheeseburger for $5 today only:

Red Robin: Recieve a Gourmet Cheeseburger and Bottomless Steak Fries for $5.

Ruby Tuesday: The chain is giving out coupons for a free burger with purchase of an entree for anyone who signs up for their mailing list at www.rubytuesday.com/CheeseburgerDay2018.

Guardians of Rescue Need Assistance Rescuing Animals in Hurricane Florence’s Path

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Guardians of Rescue Need Assistance Rescuing Animals in Hurricane Florence’s Path

Many people find it difficult enough to get themselves and their family evacuated when a hurricane is headed their way. Add to the stress that they may have pets and often times they simply have no idea what to do with them, opting to leave them behind. Guardians of Rescue are now on the ground working nonstop in Wilmington, North Carolina and surrounding areas to help rescue the many animals that were left behind. The rescue group is assisting the Pender County Humane Society. The city has been hard hit by the hurricane and is now completely cut off as all roads leading into it have been flooded.

“We’ve helped rescue animals in many hurricanes, but this one has to be one of the worst hurricanes to get access to the animals in need,” explains Robert Misseri, president of Guardians of Rescue, an animal rescue organization. “So many animals were left behind. We are getting calls about dogs left in kennels in backyards that are completely flooded, cats on rooftops, and horses in flooded fields etc.”

Many animals have already been rescued with many more still waiting to be. The rescue group has been getting many phone calls from people who have left behind animals or who have seen animals in dire situations in need of help. Road closures all around the area are making it extremely challenging and dangerous to reach the animals in need, but the group continues on, making as many rescues as possible. Guardians of Rescue are asking the public to assist in the rescue efforts to help make the mission a success. They need financial assistance, volunteers, pet food, and medicine.

It’s important that those with pets know what to do if a hurricane were to become a threat. Here are some tips pre and post hurricane situations to keep in mind:

  • Have a plan in place. Important to have a plan so you know what you will do if a hurricane becomes an issue. Be sure that you know where local shelters are that will accept pets, locate pet-friendly hotels and boarding houses outside of your evacuation area, or have a list of friends or family outside the area who you could call on for assistance.
  • Get your pet microchipped. If your pet were to become lost from you during a hurricane it’s important that you have them microchipped so they can be reunited after the storm is over. Those with large animals, such as horses or livestock, should make sure they all have identification, evacuate the animals whenever possible, and ensure they have food and water if they must be left behind.
  • Have an emergency kit. Your emergency kit should have any medication your pet needs, food, water, a leash, sanitation items (litter box, trash bags, etc.) and a carrier. Also, have a picture of your pet in the kit so that if you become separated you can use it to help locate them again.
  • Leaving them behind. While for many people it is unfathomable to leave a pet behind during a hurricane, some people feel they have no choice but to do so. If you feel you have no other option than to leave your pet behind, do not confine them to a room or crate. Let them have the ability to move about so they can try to seek out safety, and be sure to leave plenty of food and water.

“What we are seeing out here is nothing short of heartbreaking,” adds Misseri. “We are doing everything we can to help these animals who are in desperate need of being rescued. We need the help of the public to provide the support that is needed to make this mission a success. It’s something we can’t do alone.”

Guardians of Rescue has a goal of raising $80,000 to help with the animal rescue from Hurricane Florence. If every person reading this donates just $5 it will be easy to reach that goal. Those wanting to help support their efforts can log online to make a donation: https://guardiansofrescue.networkforgood.com/projects/58524-disaster-respon%20se-hurricane-florence.

Moving Images From Hurricane Florence’s Devastation of The Carolinas

Steve
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Moving Images From Hurricane Florence’s Devastation of The Carolinas

Hurricane Florence has officially dissipated.

While some feel that it was over-hyped, the fact is that thousands of Carolina residents lost everything in the storm, for some, even their lives.

The Associated Press is now reporting 32 confirmed deaths in the Carolinas (24 from North Carolina) from Hurricane Florence causes, and that number is only expected to rise as floodwaters continue to flow through next week.

Words can’t express the pain many are feeling, but perhaps the following images can give a small glimpse into the eyes of the hurting;

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AO Tablesetter @f3nation_official

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Long day of driving around southeastern #northcarolina covering the ongoing flooding from #hurricaneflorence. I spent a couple of hours in the small town of #Pollocksville talking with residents and rescuers, both volunteer and #uscoastguard (from Memphis, Tennessee). In the time I spent there the water rose more than two feet, indicating the risks of this storm have not ended. Kyle Speelman and Rob O’Brien helped Mrs Hanson, 88, across the flood to a truck waiting to take the elderly woman to the hospital in #newbern to treat a broken neck. Rob and his wife Katie O’Brien returned to the region after evacuating to West Virginia. They bought a small boat and enlisted the help of Kyle to join the army of volunteers working in the region. #floods #naturaldisaster #climatechange #heros #heroines #onassignment #thisisamerica #river #photojournalism

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