How to find good friends in college

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For most of our lives, we have had the same social circle. We started out making friends in elementary school, and these friends followed for the next 12 years. Entering college can be a huge challenge for those looking for friendship. You will be forced to interact with an entirely new group of people and form relationships from the ground up. This can be a scary time for many, but luckily, everyone is in the same boat.

Making new friends is one of the common causes of concern among college freshmen. This is a time of starting over, and finding good friends that you can spend time with may feel like a task that will be impossible. You can find some great essays about friends that can be useful for people who need help with finding friends. These free essays on friends and relationships can help prepare for this shift in your social life. One thing to remember is that your group of friends will continue changing throughout life, so making new connections and leaving behind old ones is not always as scary as it seems.

If you are heading off to college and are worried about how to make friends and finding social engagement, here are some great tips that can be of use for any student entering a new environment.

Making New Friend: The Keys

Arriving at a university and feeling like you will never make friends is a common experience for all freshmen. It is absolutely natural and is a cycle that we all go through. You will find you have to go through a few different groups before you find people that provide a comfortable and safe space. One of the ways to meet new friends for students is by setting reasonable goals. You will not become besties with a roommate in a single day. It is essential to allow time to get to know different people in dorms or on campus. It took years to build your friendships at home, and this will be no different.Entering a different environment and being exposed to new people is definitely uncomfortable. Even though it may feel off, that feeling is a good thing. 

You have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations to meet new people, either in a college class or around campus. These uneasy feelings are hard to deal with at first, but they will help you grow as an individual while bridging gaps towards some great friendships.

Where to Seek Out New Friends

You will find there are many exciting places on and around campus that will provide the opportunity to meet new people and develop a good relationship. If you want to find those lasting friendships, you need to venture outside of the dorm. Some great places to meet up with new people include orientations, campus events, campus groups and organizations, local coffee shops or restaurants, internships, and part-time jobs.

Tips for the Shy

Not every person is outgoing and can talk with new people easily. For introverted students, the task of finding new college friends can be a rough ride. The idea of meeting new people is often overwhelming and can trigger stress and anxiety. College is one of the best places for a shy individual to meet people and make new friends. 

These students will have to set personal goals and try approaching. Shy people are urged to talk with at least one new person every day. This will help build confidence and may even pave the road to a lasting friendship. It is also important for introverted students to make eye contact when communicating. Instead of escaping into your own thoughts, make eye contact with someone to show that you are approachable. 

Unfortunately, many shy people make excuses as to why they don’t go out or meet new people. It can be a stressful situation, but by challenging yourself and having a balance between social life and your education, you can find special people and start friendships that may last a lifetime.

 

How Technology Is Enabling Health Practitioners To Keep Clients Healthy

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There’s a rapid increase in the role that technology plays in people’s lives. For instance, people now use the Internet in making new friends, getting in touch with old ones, attending to their financial affairs, and even buying new clothes.

However, it could be argued that of the different ways technology has improved human lives worldwide, the technological advances in medicine are the most important. Technology has made people healthier and increased their life expectancies, from the X-ray machine’s invention to advancements in surgical practices.

The healthcare technology was initially slowly evolving, but the subsequent lockdown because of the coronavirus outbreak has accelerated the adoption and adaptation of technology. But how does technology positively influence the way health practitioners deal with patients, particularly in keeping them healthy? 

  • Web-Based Healthcare Services

Many healthcare resources are now web-based. That means you can access them as long as you have an internet connection. For example, some psychologists prescribe web-based modules to patients suffering from autism or anxiety disorders. Bpsoftware.net also talked about how healthcare practitioners prescribe engaging exercise programs that patients can easily access via the world wide web. 

People with depression, alcohol addiction, or even a chronic disease can also use online health resources. It can help them gather relevant information to cope with their problems or conditions.

  • Virtual Consultations

For decades, healthcare has been associated with personal consultations. The problem is that the process obligates patients to visit the nearest hospital for treatment even if they don’t have the means to do so.

Now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, people spend most of their time inside their homes’ four walls. The lockdowns and many other restrictions have made in-person consultations more difficult. So, what does an individual do if he needs to talk with a doctor? 

Fortunately, remote healthcare has now become possible due to recent technological advancements, including the availability of telecommunication and video-calling tools and services. Telehealth allows health practitioners to deliver healthcare services to patients remotely.

  • Real-Time, Secure, And Easy Access To Patient-Related Data

Healthcare professionals can now access appointments, treatments, diagnoses, medical history, and patient registrations in real-time, thanks to cloud computing solutions.

The exchange of information among the different parties involved in healthcare—such as doctors, healthcare scheme providers, and insurance companies—should be secure to deliver a satisfactory and holistic patient experience.

The traditional or the pen-and-paper data management method has inefficiencies. Cloud-based electronic document management systems can be a more stable solution. The records aren’t only updated in real-time but also appropriately secured since the storage and retrieval processes are cloud-based.

  • Health Monitoring And Coaching Through Wearables

Chances are, you’ve already seen people wearing smart devices like Pebble, Fitbit, or the Apple Watch. You may even possess one. Most of these wearable technologies link to apps that healthcare professionals can use to monitor your health. Fitness coaches also utilize data from these wearables for their coaching modules.

Smart wearable devices can monitor your movement, heart rate for the whole day, and sleep, among other things. The collected data can provide health practitioners with insight into patient health and behavior, allowing them to give feedback and tips accurately to help people become even healthier.

  • Prescription-Based Online Pharmacies

Many healthcare providers have also started to launch online stores dedicated to making prescription-based medications easily-available to people.

There’s actually a huge potential in this market because it’s more convenient for patients to receive their medication via a home delivery service. 

It’s easy to get started with a prescription-based online pharmacy. Health practitioners only have to work with developers to set up an eCommerce site. Of course, they also have to coordinate with delivery service providers for streamlining home deliveries.

Final Thoughts

At present, what we see in terms of opportunities that telecommunication tools, websites, cloud-based technology, wearable devices, and eCommerce offer to healthcare professionals is maybe only the tip of the iceberg. A medical alert system (like the ones in these Bay Alarm medical reviews) can also put more safety in the home for patients with more serious and chronic conditions. In the coming years, healthcare’s digital transformation is expected to become even more prominent.

5 Essential Things To Know Before Hiring A Lawyer

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The legal system is very complex, and trying to navigate it on your own can be very challenging. In most cases, you’ll need the help and advice of a lawyer to ensure you’ll get your desired results. However, choosing the right lawyer is a huge commitment, the search for the right lawyer can quickly become very confusing and daunting. You want to make sure that the lawyer you choose is skilled, experienced, and reliable. 

If you’re unsure of where to start, worry no more. Here are some of the essential things to know before you hire a lawyer. 

  • Knowledge & Experience

How knowledgeable your potential lawyer is should be one of the first things to consider in your search. This is especially true when you’re hiring someone who has only recently started their practice, unlike choosing a well-established law firm. During the initial consultation, try to gauge how knowledgeable they are by asking them a few questions related to your case. You need to do this because not all lawyers specialize, so some are more knowledgeable than others in particular fields. For example, a Scottsdale DUI Attorney will have specific expertise in DUI cases, making them a better fit if that’s your primary legal concern.

While a lawyer’s knowledge is vital, you also shouldn’t forget to factor in their experience. Established lawyers and law firms like www.ptlawkc.com have more to bring to the table since they’ve spent years advocating for their clients, representing their interests, and protecting their rights. 

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself:

  • What’s the lawyer’s standing with the state bar? 
  • Are there mostly positive client reviews online? 
  • How many cases like yours have they handled before? 
  • How long have they been practicing law? 
  • What’s their success track record? 

The goal is to choose a lawyer who can navigate any hurdles that might arise during the case and can help turn the odds in your favor. For more information, you can visit https://tulsa-criminallawyers.com/tulsa-criminal-defense/dui-dwi-tulsa-dui-attorneys.

  • The Legal Fees 

Another important factor when deciding which lawyer to hire is the amount of money they charge for their services. Most lawyers charge on either an hourly or flat-rate, with the hourly rate usually more expensive. You should ask about this as soon as you can since the legal process is typically very costly.  

Usually, how much an attorney charges you will depend on their location and experience. If you want to ensure better results, then hiring an experienced lawyer is the way to go. More often than not, their services are worth every penny you spend.

  • Availability 

A lot of lawyers are infamous for being hard to reach. Hiring lawyers who won’t be there for you when you need can be quite stressful. It also increases the chances of the case not going in your favor. 

To avoid this, you need to find an attorney who can be with you through the different phases of your case. They must provide a timeframe for their responses to your questions, and should be able to guarantee periodic updates. With an easily accessible lawyer, you’ll never have to worry about not getting legal help when you need it. 

  • Location 

Laws usually vary from one state to another, and it’s due to this that many of the lawyers only practice law in a specific state. Nonetheless, you can also find law firms and attorneys who practice law across different states. Despite this, it’s always best to opt for a lawyer who practices mainly in your state as they’re conversant with the legal requirements in the area. 

Another advantage of hiring a local attorney is that you get to get face-to-face legal counsel. This will be a lot better than communicating with your lawyer through email or phone call when discussing your legal issues. This makes your life a lot simpler and boosts the confidence and trust you have in them. 

  • Persona and Character 

Going through a legal matter is often quite stressful, and the last thing you want is to hire an attorney you don’t like. Otherwise, you’ll only end up experiencing worry and discomfort the whole time during your case. To avoid this from happening, the best thing to do would be to hire a lawyer with a desirable persona and character. 

You should feel comfortable discussing your personal details and trusting their judgment. Such a lawyer will be able to ease your worries during the process and ensure you’re focused on building a solid case. 

Takeaway 

Choosing the right lawyer for your case can be tough, especially because there are so many of them to choose from. Make sure to consider the tips above before you hire one. With the right lawyer by your side, you can be sure you’re getting the right legal advice and assistance.

How to Send Money to Friends and Family in Prison

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If you have a friend or family member in prison, you are sure to want to help them any way you can. One of the best ways of providing help is to send money to your loved one. Having money in prison can transform inmates’ experiences from a time of suffering to the best possible scenario they can be in behind bars. That is because when people first enter prison, they are stripped of all their possessions and issued with basic clothing, bedding, and hygiene items only. To get anything other than basic prison-issued items, inmates need to purchase the items. Prison jobs pay only a few cents an hour, and if prisoners owe money for things like court costs and victim compensation, a percentage of the pay will be taken each month, leaving prisoners with just a few dollars at the end of the month to spend at the commissary.

What is a commissary?

An inmate’s commissary is the equivalent of a bank account within the institution. The more money prisoners have in their commissaries, the more items they can buy to make their prison experience much more bearable. Various products can be bought through the commissary store, such as clothes, shoes, snacks, shampoo, shavers, magazines, books, radios, paper, envelopes, and stamps.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/fence-metal-security-pattern-690578/

Finding Your Loved One’s Details in a Specific Area Like Kentucky

The first thing you need to do before you can send money to your friend or family member is to locate the details of the prison they are in and their individual inmate details. That is simple to do online. For example, if you know your loved one is in a Kentucky jail or prison, checking all KY jailhouses for the inmate is simple with the online Kentucky Inmate Search tool.

Simply follow the link and enter the first, middle, and last name of your loved one. There are also various advanced search filters you can apply to narrow the search down. That will enable you to locate your loved one, his or her inmate identification code, and his or her current prison location. Once you have those details, you can proceed with sending money.

Sending Money to an Inmate

The exact procedure for sending money to your friend or family member can vary from state to state. Typically, all facilities allow you to deposit cash at the lobby or a kiosk in the lobby. Most facilities also accept postal money orders mailed to the inmate’s mailing address and made payable to the inmate.

Many states are in the process of using electronic banking, which makes things even easier. Instead of going to the prison in person or sending a postal order in the mail, electronic banking services enable friends and family members to send funds online. Web-based services like JPAY, Western Union, and Touch Pay allow you to quickly and easily send money to your loved one in prison, but each state uses a specific service. So, contact the prison where your loved one is incarcerated to get exact details on the different methods you can use to send money and the online services available for sending money to the specific prison. You can usually find all the information you need for sending money on an institution’s website. There, you can also check if there is a limit on how much you can send. Many correctional facilities only allow you to send up to $200 at one time.

How is the United States Safeguarding Gamblers?

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From Delaware becoming the first state to launch full-service online casino gambling in 2013, to the Supreme Court overturning a federal ban on sports gambling in 2018, it’s certainly been an exciting decade for gamblers in the United States. Of course, the rules do change radically from state to state – all forms of gambling are still banned in Utah, for example. But the bottom line is that, thanks to the rise of online betting sites, never before in the nation’s history has gambling before been so easily accessible to so many people.  

This is a genuine cultural shift that deserves attention. As increasing numbers of people inevitably gravitate towards placing wagers on sports or trying their luck on virtual roulette and blackjack, it’s reasonable to wonder what kind of support is in place for those who get in over their head. Who can problem gamblers go to for help, and are there real, practical tools available to curb compulsive habits?

The question takes on glaring significance when you consider how more and more parts of the country are getting in on the gambling action all the time. Just recently, Michigan and Virginia launched online betting sites to much fanfare, with news outlets reporting a “blockbuster” start to this brave new era. According to data from geolocation company GeoComply, there were over 7.5 million gambling transactions across the two states in the days following launch. These staggering stats confirm just how powerful the lure of online gambling is, especially in the era of Covid-19, when many people feel safer betting from home. At the same time, a huge loss suffered by none other than Barstool Sports founder David Portnoy is a reminder of the potential risks for over-enthusiastic gamblers.

Visiting Detroit’s Greektown Casino to launch the Barstool Sportsbook app, the multi-millionaire entrepreneur got “caught up in the moment” and made a $100,000 losing bet on the Detroit Pistons to beat the Houston Rockets. “Keep in mind I’m rich,” he tweeted. “Always bet responsibly.”

But what if you find yourself unable to bet responsibly, and don’t have the deep pockets of a David Portnoy? Compulsive gambling can be a particularly insidious problem, as the signs may only be subtle at first, then incrementally worsen before a gambler even realises what’s happening. Betting a bit more than you should can slowly escalate into chasing losses and betting more than you can afford. Looking forward to making your next bet can morph into feeling irritable and impatient whenever you’re not betting. What should be an enjoyable, occasional pastime can snowball into an addiction, where the gambler starts to neglect other aspects of their life, such as their family or career.

Over in the UK, which has had a head start in these matters, there is a solid infrastructure in place for providing guidance to people who need it. There’s the prominent charity GambleAware, which runs a free national helpline operating 24/7, and has a website packed with gamblers’ stories and resources for problem gamblers and their loved ones. Its free “National Gambling Treatment Service” even pledges to help compulsive bettors “start to regain control after one conversation”. 

It helps that GambleAware is given a healthy amount of funding from the casino and sportsbook operators themselves, who are asked to donate 0.1% of their annual gross yield, with donations reaching £4.5 million from the gambling industry between April and December 2020 alone.

The UK also has a self-exclusion tool available to gamblers, called GAMSTOP. By signing up to this and providing some personal details, a gambler can swiftly have themselves shut out of all UK-licensed gambling sites and apps for a set period of time. This can be six months, one year or five years, depending on what the gambler chooses. 

So how does the United States compare? The good news is that, despite the gambling industry being less mature compared to the UK, the US does have a long-standing organization comparable to GambleAware. It’s called the National Council on Problem Gambling, which was founded back in 1972 and is dedicated to helping problem gamblers while staying resolutely neutral when it comes to the perceived rights and wrongs of gambling (which is a far more contentious topic in the US compared to the UK).

Funded largely by membership fees and donations, the NCPG has a 24 hour national helpline for anyone concerned about their gambling habits, and it also runs webinars and the annual National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling. Bringing together healthcare experts, government regulators, therapists and researchers, the 2021 conference will be focusing on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted both gambling habits in the US, and how people seek help. The pandemic-themed conference highlights how proactive the NCPG is when it comes to keeping up to date with the latest issues and events affecting gamblers. 

As well as functioning on a national level, the NCPG also has state-specific affiliate organizations like the California Council on Problem Gambling, which offer more targeted assistance to people in need. Meanwhile, Gamblers Anonymous is another well-established organization for people all across the country – it has state-specific hotlines, and offers a 12-step recovery process to members. 

When you also factor in the voluntary self-exclusion programs also available across numerous states, it’s reassuringly apparent that there are good resources for American gamblers in need of help. But there’s also no room for complacency. In the run up the 2021 Super Bowl, the NCPG released a powerful statement pointing out that around 4% of Super Bowl gamblers will fail to stick to gambling limits, and will bet to “escape feelings of anxiety, stress or depression” – a red flag symptom of problem gambling. The statement also included this pretty stern warning from NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte: “Unfortunately, NCPG expects the number of people with gambling problems to grow with each passing year, because both the amount of money and the number of people who bet on sports grows with each passing year.”

As more people jump into this ever-growing market, raising awareness of problem gambling – how to recognize the signs, how to curb worrying behavior – is more important than ever. 

Charlotte Housing Inventory Drops To Historically Low Level – Now At 18 Days of Supply

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February homes sales show momentum building just ahead of the spring selling season with closed sales rising 5.9 percent compared to February 2020 as 3,510 homes sold across the 16-county Charlotte region. Data from Canopy MLS also showed a 3.9 percent increase over sales in January 2021. These are completed transactions that include single-family homes, condos and townhomes.

Local figures continue to show an abundance of buyers in the market, which is reflected through pending sales. Pending sales rose 11.4 percent year-over-year with 4,819 homes going under contract during the month. Pending sales or contracts were up slightly (+0.5 percent) compared to contract activity in January 2021. High buyer demand continues to give sellers who are ready to list a distinct advantage in the market.

New listing activity during the month continues to be weak, with listings down 6.2 percent compared to listing activity in February 2020, with 4,481 properties brought to market. New listings, however, did rise 4.2 percent compared to January 2021’s new listing activity. As inventory continues to decline (down 64.2 percent year-over-year in February), buyers will find that properties are being sold nearly as fast as they are listed.

At report time, Canopy MLS showed 2,958 homes in inventory in the Charlotte region, which equates to 0.6 months of supply of homes for sale (roughly 18 days of supply) left in the market at the current sales pace. In February 2020 there were 8,267 homes for sale or 1.9 months of supply.

Canopy MLS President David Kennedy noted, “The region continues to experience extraordinarily high demand, fueled by years of steady population growth and low interest rates. Buyers in our market are quickly purchasing almost every new listing coming to market. Sales easily could have been much higher had there been more inventory and choice.”

With inventory at an all-time low, prices across the market will continue to increase. Both the median sales price ($293,495) and the average sales price ($340,881) increased last month, rising 11.7 percent and 11.8 percent year-over-year, respectively. The average list price of $380,319 rose 8.2 percent year-over-year, and the original list price to sales price ratio was 99.3 percent, showing sellers are getting nearly all of their asking prices in the market. Days on market averaged 31 days in February versus 50 days in February 2020, which shows homes are selling at a brisk pace.

Kennedy continued, “Inventory in our market has reached a critical level that could hold sales back this year. We are certainly at a point where we need to see more housing stock, particularly in price points that are attractive to a number of buyers, as we don’t want to see first-time buyers, single buyers and workforce housing buyers locked out of the market.”

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:

    Opera Reimagined: Opera Carolina launches custom-built platform, Virtual Opera House

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    Opera Carolina’s 2020/21 “Season of Action” has become the “Season of Innovation” in response to the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. Opera Carolina proudly announces the launch of its latest innovation, the subscription-based Virtual Opera House (VOH), a custom-built platform that will elevate the opera art form and Opera Carolina to an audience spanning the globe. “Opera Carolina continues to flex our creative muscles with the launch of the new Virtual Opera House,” said James Meena, Opera Carolina’s Artistic Director. “The VOH will be the home for performances, youth and family programs, introductions to the great operas, and more. We are thrilled to advance the opera art form and to create a unified, accessible platform to reach both opera lovers and the opera curious across the globe.”

    “We’ve been asking the question of ‘How can we expand our reach not only in the Charlotte community but regionally and nationally, as well?’ for the past few years,” said Megan Miller, Director of Marketing and the lead innovator for the VOH. “The VOH was the answer we needed. We are creating a new digital space in which artists perform and audiences explore opera through a series of newly produced performances for the screen.”

    New content will be created throughout the Opera season, with VOH subscribers being able to access the entire VOH catalog. A monthly online newsletter for subscribers, which will announce when new content is available and when exclusive content will be premiering, will launch in January 2021.

    Subscriptions for the Virtual Opera House are $50 per year or $5/a month.

    You can go to https://virtual.operacarolina.org/to learn more and subscribe.

    Major Storm Coming To Charlotte Tomorrow – Numerous Tornadoes Possible

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    UPDATE 3/18/2021 11:30am:

    The severe storm is continuing to barrel toward the Charlotte region.

    We should see the worst of the storm between 1-4pm this afternoon, depending on what part of the Charlotte region you live in.

    According to the National Weather Service, the storm will likely be the worst just north of the warm from along the I-85 corridor.

    Original Article 3/17/2021 11:00am: 

    Charlotte is about to witness its first major storm of the season – a storm that will potentially create numerous tornadoes throughout our area.

    This morning the National Weather Service sent out the following warning for the Charlotte region, including Iredell, Catawba, Rowan, Cleveland, Lincoln, Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union counties:

    Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to occur on Thursday. A
    few of these storms may become severe, producing damaging wind
    gusts, hail and a few tornadoes. The greatest threat for severe
    weather will likely occur in the foothills and piedmont.

    They also urged all residents of the Piedmont to familiarize themselves with the storm warning system in light of tomorrow’s storm:

    This morning, they posted additional information about the storm’s path and severity:

    We will update this article as the storm develops.

    Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Officially Reopening to The Public After A Year of Shutdowns

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    After navigating the threat of Covid-19 for a year, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden will reopen to the public on March 17. The Garden has operated under various scenarios over the past year, but with vaccinations increasing and the spread on the decline, the Garden will now open more fully 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

    The change includes the opening of Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Children’s Garden, which the Garden has kept closed out of an abundance of caution because it includes numerous touch surfaces and structures that make social distancing a little more difficult. With masking and social distancing becoming more of a norm, garden officials believe it is now safe to open the popular family destination.

    The Orchid Conservatory will remain closed as will a majority of The Visitor Pavilion to restrict the number of people gathering indoors. The Garden Store will remain open but is following state guidelines regarding capacity. Likewise the Garden is complying with state guidelines regarding social distancing and masking.

    “We’ve operated under various guidelines and it seems our guests are more than willing to comply with wearing masks and to respect social distancing,” said Jim Hoffman, the Garden’s interim executive director. “The last time we welcomed the public into the Garden was during our holiday event. We restricted the number of people and directed them in the same path. It seems most everyone felt comfortable visiting.”

    Hoffman said the Garden will continue to monitor and follow state restrictions and CDC recommendations. Advance registration won’t be required. The Garden opened briefly to the public last fall with advance registration and had no trouble with daily attendance at the 300-acre garden. If numbers become unmanageable the garden will implement other methods to moderate attendance levels.

    The Garden has begun to develop a list of special events for the coming year and will limit attendance or otherwise moderate attendance numbers for those. Those events include a new jazz series the first Thursday of each month April through October. Jazz at the Garden April 1 will feature guitarist Nils Jiptner beginning at 6 p.m. Advance tickets are required and can be purchased at dsbg.org

    The month of April will also feature a juried art exhibition from the Gaston County Art Guild. The long-running show, titled “A Natural View” will feature the work of artists throughout the region in a variety of media.

    The late Daniel J. Stowe began to develop the Garden in southeastern Gaston County in the early 1990s, setting aside land he began acquiring before World War II. In 1999 the Garden opened its immaculate Visitor Pavilion and a dozen acres of manicured Gardens. By 2003 it had become one of the region’s most popular wedding venues, hosting nearly 100 weddings each year. In 2008, the Garden opened its 8,000-square-foot Orchid Conservatory and in 2014 Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Children’s Garden. Prior to 2020, the Garden attracted more than 100,000 people annually.

    NC Health Officials Will Begin Administering Covid Vaccines To Group 4 This Week

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    Just 2 weeks after Group 3 vaccines began, several counties around the Charlotte area will begin administering vaccines to Group 4 this week.

    At this point, Cabarrus, Cleveland, and Rowan counties have all announced they will start on Group 4 this week.

    Those in Group 4 include people with pre-existing medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness from COVID-19, such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity, as well as intellectual and developmental disabilities including Down Syndrome, and neurologic conditions, such as dementia.

    You can read more about all of the group classifications and schedule your vaccine here.