Charlotte Businesses Team Up Today To Host Massive Bakeoff on National Banana Bread Day

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte Businesses Team Up Today To Host Massive Bakeoff on National Banana Bread Day
Two local organizations committed to empowering Charlotte residents to cook, eat and live healthier are going bananas in honor of National Banana Bread Day on Feb. 23.
Dole Food Company, Inc., the global fresh fruit and vegetable provider with U.S. headquarters in Charlotte, and Community Culinary School of Charlotte (CCSC), a nonprofit committed to providing culinary industry workforce development training and job placement assistance to those facing employment barriers, will host a bake-off and free public taste test today (Feb. 23rd) to determine Charlotte’s best banana bread.
CCSC provides culinary training to those impacted by homelessness, poverty, abuse and other issues, and to veterans and others transitioning into civilian life, to encourage self-sufficiency through stable employment in food service. CSSC’s current class, it’s 73rd since its founding in 1997, numbers 23 students. Under the leadership of CCSC Executive Director Ron Ahlert, known to students as “Chef Ron,” CCSC counts 1,087 graduates.
According to bake-off rules announced today, local residents can sample competing banana bread recipes – one developed by banana-leader Dole and a second created by CCSC students – before casting their vote for their favorite at the CCSC Café. The winning recipe will be crowned “Charlotte’s Best Banana Bread” and distributed to media and other groups on Feb. 23’s National Banana Bread Day and made available for sale at the Café on the holiday and beyond.
This friendly competition is part of a larger collaboration between the two organizations to develop healthy, produce-forward, cooking and lifestyle habits and provide the training to allow more local residents to gain access to Charlotte’s growing culinary and food service sector.
“We’re delighted to celebrate National Banana Day with the world’s most famous banana provider,” said Anne Lambert, CCSC director of development. “Support from partners like Dole helps us grow CCSC’s workforce training program as a creative solution to the interwoven problems of unemployment, hunger and homelessness. Our ultimate goal is to provide the education, experience and other resources necessary to provide food service industry job security to Charlotteans facing employment barriers.”
“The participation by Dole and especially Melanie Marcus, MA, RD, Dole’s nutrition and health communications manager, ensures that our curriculum includes an essential nutrition, health and wellness component – and of course plenty of DOLE® Bananas and other fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Voters visiting the CCSC Café today will have the opportunity to blind taste and cast their ballot for their favorite—either Dole’s Loaded Banana Bread, made with DOLE Bananas, eggs, almond milk yogurt and crushed pecans; or the student-created CCSC Class #73 Banana Bread featuring DOLE Bananas, avocado oil, maple syrup and sweet potato, the official vegetable of the State of North Carolina. The Community Culinary School of Charlotte Café is located at 9315 Monroe Road, Unit D, in Charlotte, and open weekdays from 9am to 2pm for breakfast and lunch.
In addition to the winning banana bread, Café customers can order banana muffins with chocolate chips, coconut or pineapple, and a special banana bread savory sandwich for dine-in or takeout starting Feb. 23. The Cafe’s regular menu of coffee and bakery items, sandwiches, salads, soups and grab-and-go family meals will also be available.
“Dole is honored to help support the next generation of local bakers, cooks and chefs – and remind these future culinary stars that the best recipes can be delicious and healthy at the same time,” said Marcus. “The enthusiasm, creativity and passion displayed by these students makes all of us at Dole very excited about the future of Charlotte’s restaurant and food service scene. Chef Ron and his team at CCSC are a great asset to the community.”

Milo’s Tea Announces Plans To Build New $130 Million Facility in South Carolina

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Milo’s Tea Announces Plans To Build New $130 Million Facility in South Carolina

Milo‘s Tea, originally founded in 1946 by Milo and Bea Carlton in Alabama, has decided to move operations to South Carolina with the announcement of a sprawling new $130 million brewing and bottling facility in Spartanburg County, initially employing at least 103 people.

After searching for a suitable site for a 110,000–square foot facility for several years, the company chose 48 acres at the corner of U.S. highways 290 and 221 in Moore, SC. 

“South Carolina was the optimal location to efficiently serve our customers up and down the East Coast. Like our selection journey for our Oklahoma facility, we immediately felt at home in the Spartanburg area as we received a warm welcome from state and local community partners,” said Milo CEO Tricia Wallwork. “South Carolina and Spartanburg County in particular proved to be the right ecosystem to help us advance our people-first culture by offering an excellent standard of living for our associates and robust workforce development resources to drive economic prosperity not only for our people, but also for the region.”

In 2022, Milo‘s Sweet Tea reported that its sales had doubled year over year to $400 million.

According to Southern Living, “Milo’s Sweet Tea has garnered a following so committed and so widespread (and maybe so addicted?) that the name has become synonymous with sweet tea itself in some parts.”

The new South Carolina facility is expected to open by the end of 2024.

The company has a careers page for applicants here.

Charlotte’s Newest Pickleball League Coming Next Month

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Charlotte’s Newest Pickleball League Coming Next Month

Play the Ladders, a new pickleball league, announces the launch of its inaugural season on March 20, 2023.

In response to the extreme popularity of pickleball, avid tennis and pickleball players Julie Lowe and Elizabeth Isenhour have created Play The Ladders, a year-round league that offers players the opportunity to play matches in a competitive, yet friendly environment. Players in this league can propose and/or accept matches as they see fit – they choose the date, time and location.

Each season is approximately eight weeks long and will be concluded by an end-of-season tournament where winners will receive a trophy and prizes. Players can join a season for $25. Doubles and mixed doubles are offered; if players need a doubles partner, PTL can help with that.

“I’ve had so many friends reach out to me recently looking to find pickleball matches or someone to play with and thought this would be a great way for them to do just that,” said Lowe. “This league is really designed to give players the opportunity to get active, meet new people and improve their game – at their convenience! We’re looking to partner with facilities to create fun interactive experiences and collaborations, with a goal of bringing people and causes together in the greater Charlotte area.”

Each season, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to varying organizations doing amazing work for our community. This spring season, Play the Ladders will partner with Bosom Buddies, the Charlotte-based nonprofit that hosts various tennis clinic fundraisers to benefit breast cancer awareness programs and research.

The season begins March 20th and players can sign up now. The inaugural spring season is limited to 200 spots, so players are encouraged to move quickly.

Head over to playtheladders.com to learn more about how the ladder works, the points system, rules of the game and more. To keep up with the latest updates follow the brand @playtheladders on Facebook and Instagram.

Black Homeownership Rate in Charlotte is Up Since 2016

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Black Homeownership Rate in Charlotte is Up Since 2016
As members of Congress propose legislation to close the racial wealth gap, the latest report of black homeownership in America has just been released.
The number of Black Americans purchasing homes is on the rebound, but there has been little progress as the Black homeownership rate remains low at 44% and has been largely stagnant since the 1970s, lagging behind previous generations.
And while the homeownership lag is true for Millennials as a whole and has been documented in our previous reports, the homeownership rate for white Americans is nearly 30 percentage points higher than for Black Americans, a gap that remains close to an all-time high.
Here are some key insights from the report:
  • As of the most recent Census data, the homeownership rate for Black households stands at 44%, up from 41% as recently as 2016, but still slightly below the 1980 rate of 45%.
  • Just 17% of Black Millennial-owned homes at age 30, a rate that is roughly 10 percentage points lower than earlier generations of Black Americans when they were the same age.
  • As of 2021, the Black homeownership rate in the Charlotte metro stands at 46%, up from 42% in 2016.

You can check out the full report here.

Meck County Lighting ‘Controlled Burn’ Starting at Noon Today

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Meck County Lighting ‘Controlled Burn’ Starting at Noon Today

The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced that they will be setting the Gar Creek Nature Preserve on fire today as part of a fire-preventing controlled burn.

The county sent out an alert noting that residents may see smoke around North Charlotte today between 12pm and 3pm this afternoon:

“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around noon at Gar Creek Nature Preserve. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke.”

For more information on Mecklenburg County prescribed burns visit: meck.co/RXfire

North Carolina’s New Bill Would Force All Retailers to Accept Cash

Charlotte Stories
-
0
North Carolina’s New Bill Would Force All Retailers to Accept Cash

A bill has been introduced in the North Carolina House that would force all retail businesses across the state to accept cash payments.

Referred to as the Cash Commitment Act, House Bill 20 (HB20) states that “every consumer has the right to use cash” when making in-person payments.

The new bill specifically reads:

“(a) Any person that engages in the business of selling goods or services at retail to the public and that accepts in-person payments at a physical location in this State shall satisfy both of the following requirements:
         (1) The person shall accept cash as a form of payment for sales made at the physical location.
         (2) The person shall not charge cash-paying customers a higher price compared to the price charged to customers not paying with cash.”

Any business that is found to be in violation of the act would be fined $2,500 for the first occurrence, and $5,000 for any subsequent occurrences. Exceptions are made for payments made with $100 bills.

What do you think about the new bill? 

Why you should communicate via video chat before real life meeting

Sharon Anderson
-
0
Why you should communicate via video chat before real life meeting

We doubt we’d be mistaken if we said you’ve had at least one failed first date experience… right?

It often happens that when you meet someone online, they seem absolutely perfect to you. They have a beautiful appearance, judging by their photo, it’s interesting to communicate with them on all sorts of topics, and they are also interested in developing relationships. There’s a feeling that you’ve been waiting for this meeting all your life.But in reality, things sometimes turn out to be completely different. Appearance does not correspond to photographs at all, the person cannot maintain a real life conversation, and in the end your interests do not even match. The result? Wasted time and feelings of serious disappointment.

How to avoid this?

The easiest and most effective way is to have your first date online, and only after that go offline. This is the only way you can objectively assess the other person and understand whether you want to develop relations with them in the future. 

Today we’ll explain how to make an online date comfortable for both participants, why you need to chat at least once via video before a live meeting, and what communication services you can use. And we’ll also talk about situations in which there’s no need to organize a video date before a meeting in real life.

When it’s not necessary to arrange a pre-video date

The only situation where a video date is not necessary is when making new friends in video chat. For example, if you use Omegle random web chat or its rivals, you will immediately see the other person. Basically, this is your first date. In this way, acquaintance happens much faster, you can objectively evaluate each other, and understand how to proceed.

But Omegle is not the most versatile or convenient random video chat. Therefore, we recommend considering some others:

  • Omegle.chat — a free video chat with excellent moderation. If you’re looking to make friends online, you should try https://omegle.chat/.
  • OmeTV — a simple yet functional video chat with gender and geographic filters.
  • Shagle — a minimalist random video chat with a gender filter that allows you to choose between Male, Female, Couple or LGBTQ+.
  • Tinychat — not exactly an alternative to Omegle, but rather a video streaming service for fans of this communication format.
  • Fruzzo — a video chat with a gender filter and the ability to add interesting users to your friends list.

The list of excellent Omegle alternatives does not end there, of course. The main thing is that all of them give you many advantages at once:

  1. You will not waste time on fakes and bots, because you immediately see the other user and can make sure that they are a real person.
  2. Communication in video chat is always more sincere and lively than via text. After all, no text or emoticon can convey real emotions.
  3. Video is an opportunity to stand out, effectively present yourself and show your creativity.
  4. Communication in video chat saves a lot of time, unlike offline dating.
  5. Online dating is free. No travel expenses, restaurants, etc. This may sound overly calculated, but let’s be honest. Nobody wants to spend money for nothing. Calculation in our time is definitely not a vice.

Plus, meeting online for the first time guarantees more security and privacy. You must agree that nowadays going on a real date with a stranger is not the most sensible idea. And you will be safe on the internet, especially if you follow the basic rules for safe online communication. But that’s a different matter.

An online pre-date also helps you overcome the excitement before a real meeting. If it is difficult for you to meet new people, you cannot choose a topic for conversation and you are worried as if you are in an exam, a preliminary online meeting is a must! In this case, you will be in a more comfortable environment for yourself, there will be no strangers around and you will be able to concentrate entirely on the other person. And then your first real meeting will go a lot more smoothly.

When is a pre-video date is a MUST

We highly recommend setting up a video date to those who meet on classic dating sites and dating apps like Tinder, Badoo, Bumble, etc. You should never rely solely on a person’s profile photos and texting with them. Believe us, excessive gullibility and naivety can cost you dearly in the end. And it’s not just about wasting time.

There are a huge number of fakes, bots, scammers, internet trolls and simply ill-intentioned people on the web who are ready to take advantage of your gullibility at any time. A person can easily ingratiate themself with you, pursuing their own goals. And these goals are likely to be very different from yours. Be careful and vigilant!

What services can be used for a video date

Here you have a pretty wide selection!

During the Covid-19 pandemic, almost every major dating app implemented a video chat feature, so you could chat via video right in the app. This is very convenient and saves a lot of time. However, keep in mind that video calling is a paid feature in some apps and is available only to users with a premium subscription. If this option does not suit you and you are not ready to pay for premium access, use third-party video calling services.

There are just a lot of options:

  • Zoom — a popular video conferencing service that is also ideal for face-to-face communication. The basic functionality of Zoom is completely free, so there are no additional costs for you.
  • Skype — a good alternative to Zoom. Skype has been one of the leaders in the field of video communication for a long time, but in recent years its popularity has noticeably decreased.
  • Google Meet — another great video chat option. Google Meet is a completely free platform. In addition, the service works directly in the browser and does not require a separate application to be installed on the computer.

In addition, you can arrange a video date on your favorite social network or messenger. Today, almost all popular online communication services have a video call function. And in most cases it is available for free. Take advantage of this!

Make your first date a video date

We are by no means saying that the first offline date with a new person will be a failure. This is not true at all. There are many cases when people did not see each other at all before and got acquainted via texting, and the first meeting changed their lives. But by the same token, there are many examples when the first date brought only disappointment.

Therefore, in the end, we still advise you to approach the question of arranging an online date before a real meeting seriously. If you want, get acquainted immediately in random video chats and save your time. Or organize video dates in Zoom or Google Meet, however you feel more comfortable. What matters is the result, and we are sure you will succeed!

NCRLA Foundation Rolls out a $1.1 Million Hospitality Workforce Training Program

Charlotte Stories
-
0
NCRLA Foundation Rolls out a $1.1 Million Hospitality Workforce Training Program

As the hospitality and tourism industry continues to rebound from impacts of the pandemic, North Carolina restaurants, hotels, tourist attractions and venues continue to struggle with lingering labor shortages. The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) Foundation has contracted with the NC Department of Commerce to administer a $1.1 million hospitality workforce training program.

“We continue to hear from business owners that one of the greatest challenges they face every day is workforce shortages,” said NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges. “This program will help address that problem by providing FREE training courses, certifications and educational resources to help attract, expand and retain talent needed to fuel North Carolina restaurants, hotels and other hospitality and tourism-related businesses.”

The free training resources are now available through NCRLA Foundation’s new online portal, NCRLA.training. All courses, credentials and certifications offered are nationally recognized as best in class for the hospitality industry.

This comprehensive training program is designed to upskill and advance careers of individuals currently employed in the North Carolina hospitality and tourism industry and attract new and returning industry workers. Specific targets for this training program include: Career and Technical Education Programs, Post-Secondary Education Programs, Workforce Entry and Re-Entry and Employees Currently Working in the Hospitality Industry.

Businesses and nonprofit entities that are currently hiring or offering career advancement opportunities to existing employees, and state and nonprofit entities that employ front-line and management level employees in the hospitality and tourism industry, are also encouraged to take advantage of the program.

This program is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act and represents one project of several designed to address the impact from COVID-19 on the hospitality, tourism and outdoor recreation industries. The program works with partnership with the N.C. Department of Commerce and the N.C. Pandemic Recovery Office.

Interested applicants can apply at NCRLA.training. For more information about the program, contact training@ncrla.org.

Choosing the Right Trading Market

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Choosing the Right Trading Market

Introduction

Due to several important technological revolutions traders now have a wide array of trading markets from which to choose. For those starting out their trading journey, the choice can be overwhelming as different markets offer vastly different opportunities. Not only are opportunities different but requirements will differ from market to market including things like capital requirements, liquidity, volatility, trading conditions, and trading hours.

A trading market can be seen as a place where securities or assets are exchanged with no fixed price. The world of cryptocurrency has altered this definition somewhat as arguments still fly between experts but the definition suits this article.

Forex Market

By far the largest market in the world and amounting to approximately 6 trillion USD in daily trading volumes the foreign exchange market is favored by many traders, from those starting out to some of the world’s biggest banks. The foreign exchange market, or simply just the forex market, allows parties to exchange foreign currencies at an agreed-upon price. As the forex market has no centralized exchange transactions are said to be done over the counter (OTC).

Often those starting out, or even looking to become a better investor, find that trading on the forex market is preferable as trading occurs around the clock. Further, prices are impacted by central bank interventions and announcements, as well as financial news reports. These events present traders with opportunities to take profits on currencies bought and sold. The market also has low trading costs when compared to other markets allowing traders to make multiple short-term trades without having to pay massive fees. For those starting out many online brokers offer demo accounts linked to the forex market. At Pocket Option demo, by providing such a service we can allow beginners to practice without losing capital and even experienced traders can test strategies.

Stock Markets and Exchange Traded Funds

Stock markets around the globe are some of the oldest markets in existence and are ever popular as they can help investors and traders achieve high capital gains. Stock markets are primarily known for trading in shares that represent portions of publicly traded companies. The relevant stock market, the New York Stock Exchange is the most well-known and facilitates the convenient buying and selling of shares in companies. Stock exchanges will also trade in bonds, indices, and other securities. Profits come to traders when their shares in companies like Google and Apple do well, realizing a profit on their original purchase. 

Over the years investors have looked to buy into Exchange Traded Funds, or EFTs, which hold a basket of securities simply referred to as the portfolio. This method of investing which is linked to the stock market but can also have securities in other markets has proven popular with retail investors for their steady returns. The value of the portfolio is not determined by one stock so even if some are not performing the diversified portfolio should still give investors a return.

Cryptocurrency Market

Definitely the new kid on the block as a market and is often in the news for the incredible gains made and losses suffered by investors. This market is volatile, far more volatile than forex thus presenting many opportunities but just as much risk. If you are risk averse this is not the market for you. Unfortunately, the market has been plagued by recent scams which resulted in the values of certain tokens dropping significantly. Like the forex market, news cycles have an impact on price movement but unlike forex, the market is widely unregulated which can pose a significant risk to traders.

The listed markets above represent a few of the available markets traders can dive into. Other markets include the bond market and options trading. Like with everything in investing, it is important you do your research before committing to a market.

Are You Familiar With Colored Eye Contact Lenses

Sharon Anderson
-
0
Are You Familiar With Colored Eye Contact Lenses

Self-care is an integral part of establishing confidence and self-esteem, leading to overall wellness. Investments in teeth whitening, hair stylists for coloring and cuts, and professional wardrobe consultants are all used in an effort to present the best version of oneself in every situation.

That can be a career-changing video proposal, a college interview, or an anticipated first date. Direct eye contact is the best way to make an unforgettable first impression. Some people have difficulty peering at another person while holding a conversation.

In the same context of self-care, color contexts enhance the eyes. There’s is an option of switching between colors based on your facial features and skin tone, so the eyes pop. These add that extra layer of confidence, so holding a conversation while locking eyes is manageable, albeit vision isn’t hindered either.

What are some things you should know before using the products? Let’s look at a few tips and precautions when considering color contacts as part of your routine.   

What Are Tips And Precautions When Considering Colored Eye Contact Lenses

Many people add colored eye contact lenses as one component of their self-care routine. The lenses can be purchased with a reputable, trusted resource via the web at misakicon.com-order colored contacts online, with a practicing optometrist, or with a retail provider.

Enhancing the eyes establishes a layer of security and confidence in the same vein as whitening teeth and having hair colored or cut. As is true with standard contact lenses, colored contacts are recognized in this country as medical devices that come with precautions and safety tips everyone should be aware of before use. 

Consider the following suggestions before purchasing colored eye contact lenses for personal use. Above all else, the priority is ensuring that you keep your eye optimally safe.

  • See an Eye Doctor for an Exam

The first step in obtaining lenses is to have your eyes examined by your regular eye doctor. This will ensure there are no underlying issues with your eye health, plus it provides you with a prescription. One thing to know is you can wear this with 20/20 vision. It’s still required that you have that in writing from your doctor.

In this country, despite wearing the contacts for cosmetic purposes or even merely once, these are seen as medical devices and must be fitted appropriately to avoid damaging your eyes. Pieces that are too tight or present a short curve have the potential to scratch the cornea or create irritation.

No one wants to have their vision affected. It’s worth the extra precaution of having the lenses fitted. Go here for guidance on putting in colored contacts.

  • The Prescription Will Be Used to Order Online

Reputable online websites need a valid prescription punched into their system in order to process the order with a legitimate doctor’s signature. With this, the provider will be able to supply your products. That’s a measure of safety and security for the consumer.

  • The Circle or “Anime” Lenses Are Novelties That Should Be Avoided

Anime and circle contacts are not recognized medical devices. These are viewed as novelties without regulation. The premise is that they make the eyes appear more prominent, but the problem with them is the fit is not adequate, with the eyes being “deprived of oxygen.” 

The indication is that wearers can anticipate a “two to three times more likely chance of contracting a corneal infection” when wearing the lens. If the goal is to achieve a more prominent feature that is natural for you, it’s wise to apply makeup to get the effect instead of distorting the eyeball and causing damage.

You can also speak with a trusted online lens provider or an eye doctor about potential alternatives that can give this illusion. 

  • Work With a Trusted Provider

Online platforms that don’t require a prescription from an eye doctor with a legitimate signature on the order should be avoided. This indicates that you’ve reached an unlicensed provider operating illegally and that the products are likely not healthcare approved.

Under these circumstances, you’re at a greater risk for eye injury, vision damage, and even the potential for blindness if you were to use their products. The primary issue with these sorts of brands is the lenses are not fitted for individuals. 

The contacts are essentially a “one-size-fits-all” while no two people have a similar fitting. Places not recommended for purchases of novelty lenses include:

  1. Beach markets
  2. Convenience shops
  3. Halloween stands
  4. Cosmetic or beauty stores
  5. Street vendors
  6. Thrift shops or flea markets

Most of these locations will not ask to see a doctor’s prescription with a legitimate signature making their items not approved as medical devices, nor will they come with care or caution instructions. There will also not be someone onsite who will schedule an appointment for you to come back for follow-up services.

  • A Friend Should Not Share Colored Eye Contact Lenses

A lens is fit precisely for your eye. No two people share the same prescription or the same eye shape. If a friend wants to borrow your contacts, they will likely not fit them properly. These can scratch, deplete oxygen, or cause discomfort and overall is unhealthy to swap out from one person to another.

Bacteria from you can be exchanged with your friend and vice versa resulting in eye infections leading to the possibility of vision issues. Some things are simply not meant to be shared.

  • Follow Care and Wear Instructions Thoroughly

The provider will give instructions on caring for the contacts and how to wear them properly. That includes cleaning them regularly. It’s vital to follow up with the eye doctor to ensure the fit is good and all is well with your eye health. 

You must immediately contact the doctor if you need help before the follow-up. That can include redness, swelling, or pain that doesn’t decrease in time or if vision grows dim. These issues can be related to improper use or a potential infection. The doctor can address serious concerns straight away.

Final Thought

It’s awesome to change eye color as an added layer of your self-care routine. Everyone wants to not only present an image that evokes self-confidence and positive self-esteem but to feel self-assured as well. 

Many people use hair color, wardrobe consultants, and teeth whitening. Eye enhancement is another layer, one of the most important, that allows direct eye contact when face-to-face with the important client, college professor, or new date. Holding a gaze can be intimidating, but it’s less so when you feel good in your skin – and eyes.

1...435436437...1,314Page 436 of 1,314