As CMS Starts Virtual Learning, Many Students Still Don’t Have Internet Access

Charlotte Stories
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As CMS Starts Virtual Learning, Many Students Still Don’t Have Internet Access

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on and CMS started their school year with virtual learning, many students are now struggling to attend with limited or no access to the internet.

It’s now estimated that 1 in 5 households in Charlotte do not have reliable access to the internet.

The Charlotte nonprofit group E2D (“Eliminate the Digital Divide”) is now working overtime to provided laptops and tablets to students who don’t have them and to help families get connected with free or discounted internet access (please consider donating your old laptop to them).

The Belk and Cannon Foundations in partnership with David Tepper have also recently funded over 6,000 free wifi hotspots around Charlotte (click here if you need help getting connected).

The city of Charlotte is also providing free internet access at the following locations:

  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – South County Regional
    5801 Rea Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – West Boulevard
    2157 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Main
    310 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Scaleybark
    4429 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Myers Park
    1361 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library – Steele Creek
    13620 Steele Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28273
  • Romare Bearden Park and around The BBT Ballpark
    Network: FanNet
    300 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Skyscraper In Heart of Uptown Charlotte Is About To Get A $25 Million Makeover

Charlotte Stories
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Skyscraper In Heart of Uptown Charlotte Is About To Get A $25 Million Makeover

Today, Crescent Communities announced a massive overhaul and the renaming of their skyscraper at the corner of Trade and Tryon Street in the heart of Uptown Charlotte.

Crescent Communities and Nuveen Real Estate will be investing approximately $25 million to revamp the 23,000 square feet of ground level retail, redesign the atrium connecting One Independence Center to Charlotte City Center Marriott and The Ivey’s Hotel. Renovations for the newly named One Independence Center have begun, aiming to infuse new energy into the intersection’s storied past.

In collaboration with architecture and design firm Gensler, the new design creates a unique hospitality experience activated by street-level engagement. Multiple outdoor seating options are linked together with features including a prominent front porch and a new entrance along Tryon Street; a light and airy atrium filled with a living green wall, natural tones, and beautiful hanging light installations; a renovated office lobby; and an expanded street with enhanced retail and restaurant offerings. The dynamic internal marketplace is then connected to the active sidewalk promenade via a unique “street extension.” Designed for employees, residents, and weekend explorers alike, the tower will be a true city block destination.

“Today’s employees expect their workplaces to offer more amenities and common areas, and with One Independence Center, we will create the premier business, dining and leisure destination – something we’ve felt is missing in the urban fabric of Uptown,” said Brendan Pierce, Senior Managing Director of Commercial Development at Crescent Communities. “The building’s name is inspired by the location’s history, and we’re excited to build upon this legacy while honoring the past — bringing new office, retail, and restaurant options to the heart of Uptown.”

In terms of accessibility, One Independence Center will feature a CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar stop immediately in front of the property and is steps away from the LYNX Blue Line. With quick access to the airport and Interstates I-277, I-77, and I-85, the revamped destination will serve as a vibrant, accessible, and approachable gathering spot for the Uptown community seven days a week. Charlotteans can explore the city’s culture with numerous coffee shops, hotels, gyms, and city parks within a few minutes’ walk from the tower.

“These renovations will completely transform the street-level activation and have been carefully designed to deliver an exceptional tenant and pedestrian experience,” said Sagar Rathie, Managing Director of Commercial Office Development at Crescent Communities. “The entire retail exterior will be replaced with a drastically improved storefront, including new masonry, exposed steel beams, and large glass windows. The main entrance will step back to an expanded, open air plaza and rejuvenated atrium, enabling the enclosure of the building’s corner for a marquee restaurant opportunity. We’re thrilled to begin these exceptional improvements to one the most prominent intersections in Uptown.”

The building has been rated Wired Certified Gold for its excellent connectivity—addressing a top concern for today’s tenants and employees. The Wired Certification program, developed by WiredScore, champions cutting-edge technology in commercial real estate by providing the only certification for rating the connectivity of commercial buildings. One Independence Center’s Wired Certified Gold assures that the building provides tenants and visitors with access to fiber connectivity as well as five choice internet service providers in order to support diverse connections. These infrastructure measures will ensure that One Independence Center’s connectivity is protected and secure, and that the building can deliver reliable connectivity needed for all tenants.

One Independence Center sits on the former site of the Independence Building at Charlotte’s Independence Square. Once a 186-foot skyscraper in Charlotte, the Independence Building was originally built in 1909 by J.A. Jones Construction before being demolished in 1981. The iconic Trade and Tryon street corner was also once home to upscale department store Ivey’s, which was preserved and converted into a boutique hotel. It was founded in 1900 and remained in business as a Charlotte retail and restaurant hub for more than 90 years. Inspired by its neighbor’s history, Crescent Communities will use Ivey’s as a source of inspiration for the renovations, aiming to revitalize the address while honoring its past.

What do you think about the new makeover? 

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Announced Plans To Reopen

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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Announced Plans To Reopen

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which closed in March due to the effects of Covid-19, will reopen to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays beginning Aug. 22. Advance, timed tickets are required.

Since May 28 the Garden has been open to members only Thursday through Sunday and that scheduled continues. The Garden has been operating with limited staff since closing to the public, but after more than two months of serving its members the Garden’s leadership believes it’s time for the next phase of reopening.

Like many businesses and attractions, the Garden shut its doors to the public voluntarily in mid-March before government restrictions mandated only essential businesses operate. When the State of North Carolina began its phased reopening plan, the Garden develop its plan to gradually restart its operations.

“Now that we see we can operate safely and responsibly, it’s time to admit more people,” said Interim Executive Director Jim Hoffman. “We’ve implemented various protocols to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19. It’s become a new normal for us and our members, so we’re confident we can welcome more people to enjoy the benefits of being in nature and in a garden.”

In order to manage crowds, garden officials ask that members reserve a ticket at dsbg.org prior to leaving home to assure they can be admitted. Tickets are also on sale to the general public on the Garden’s website. The Garden is admitting a limited number of people every 90 minutes. Tickets will be made available each Monday for the following Thursday through Sunday.

The Garden’s Visitor Pavilion, including the Garden Store, remains closed for everything except entry and exit to the Garden. Lost Hollow: the Kimbrell Children’s Garden and The Orchid Conservatory likewise will be closed.

“Lost Hollow has many high-touch surfaces, which would make cleaning and disinfecting difficult,” Hoffman said. “The entrance, walkways, and size of the Orchid Conservatory make social distancing difficult, so we’ve decided to keep it closed for now as well.”

In addition to a robust cleaning regimen, the Garden is also requiring staff to wear face masks, is installing barriers at admissions check-in areas and making hand-sanitizer available. Guests are also required to wear masks indoors and outdoors when the recommended six feet of social distance is not possible.

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. The Garden attracts more than 100,000 people annually.

4 Common Questions About Emotional Support Animals in NC

Robin Mann
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4 Common Questions About Emotional Support Animals in NC

Many people around the United States have emotional support animals. The great state of North Carolina is no exception. But how do you get an ESA in North Carolina, and what laws apply to you when you do get one?

There are many resources for emotional support animal owners in North Carolina. From housing laws to travel, there are many things to consider when you register your pet in this state.

Here are four common questions to askif you’re a North Carolina resident that’s interested in registering your pet as an ESA.

1) How do I Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal?

In North Carolina, emotional support animals are available for those with an emotional or mental disability. This definition of a “disability” is taken directly from the American with Disabilities Act, or ADA. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias are just some examples of conditions that can qualify as a disability.

You will need a letter from a licensed therapist to qualify for an ESA. You can register emotional support dog, cats, or other animals and find a therapist letter easily with online databases – it’s that easy to be official.

Then, you show this letter to housing providers, airlines, or any other accommodations you may want for your pet.

2) Can I Take my ESA on an Airplane?

You should always check with your airline on its policyabout animals on flights. Since people attempt to abuse these policies, there are regulations on certain carriers you’re able to use. However, the Air Carrier Access Act, or ACAA, protects you and your ESA’s rights on a plane.

It’s likely that you will have to present a copy of your psychiatrist letter to the airline. Here are some things to remember so the process goes well:

  • Make sure your letter has been issued within the year and pertains to your personal need.
  • Always give at least 48 hours advance notice.
  • Be prepared for questions about whether your pet is healthy and safe, and any toiletry requirements your ESA may need.

3) What Kind of Housing Laws are in Place?

North Carolina housing providers must comply with regulations outlined in the Fair Housing Act. Under these laws, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations to anyone with a disability, even if the apartment or house does not allow pets.

However, the state of North Carolina requires that you write a letter for your reasonable accommodations.

Your landlord is not legally allowed to deny you housing based on your having a support animal. You will also not have to pay any additional fees, such as pet rent, along with your regular payments for the unit. This law even applies to dormitories and on-campus housing!

4) What About my Place of Employment?

Currently, there are no North Carolina laws in place that protect your right to have your ESA at work. However, this doesn’t mean your individual employer won’t allow you to bring your dog.

Always ask for permission – the worst they can do is say no!

In Conclusion

You have the right to an assistance animal if you have a mental or emotional disability. As long as you study the answers to these four questions, you will stay well-informed on your rights as a disabled person. The National Service Animal Registry helps people by providing information and services regarding registration of emotional support animals.

Be aware that there are some exceptions to these laws. If you have abused or neglected your animal, your rights can and will be revoked. If your ESA displays aggressive or destructive behavior, you may not be able to secure your housing or take it with you on a plane.

As long as your pet is well-trained and behaves itself, you will have no problem!

Making a Difference in Charlotte: 5 Careers That Help the Community

Robert Dale
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If you’re a local in the Charlotte community, you’re probably wondering how you can get involved and help. There are many ways that you can help make the city a more enjoyable place to live, like volunteering, giving money, and helping out with public works projects.

Maybe you’re looking for a way to help the Charlotte community into your daily life? It could also be a perfect time for you to change or level-up in your career.

If you want to help out your local community while also working a job you’re passionate about, read on. Here are five potential careers that will help you give back to your local town.

  1. Contractors

Charlotte will always need contractors to help remodel and rebuild public and private buildings. Using nascla exam prep materials, you can become a certified contractor that’s ready to take on projects that your city might need help completing.

As a contractor, you can help repair government buildings, the stores and warehouses of local companies, and even the homes of your neighbors and fellow Charlotte residents.

  1. Teachers

A teacher is an essential worker no matter which city they are living in, but especially in Charlotte. This city is only growing, and with an increase in population comes a demand for educators.

The city couldn’t function at the level it does without the help of wonderful teachers. If you’re interested in becoming an educator in the city, you can choose between preschool, elementary, middle, or high school. You can even teach at the university if you’re interested.

Whether you choose to teach as a full-time career, part time, or asa substitute teacher, you have the potential tobecome an integral part of Charlotte’s schools for years to come.

  1. Social Workers

Becoming a social worker means that you are preparing yourself to help the community in a hands-on way. The beauty of the trade is the variety of options you have to help surrounding folks. You can become a social worker dedicated to helping the houseless, foster children, or the elderly, among other specialties. You also don’t have to limit your field to one portion of the population.

Social workers are meant to help residents adjust when times get tough. They’re the glue that keeps the structure of the city together. With this job, you will dedicate yourself to helping the Charlotte community in general.

  1. Urban/Regional Planners

Many cities revolve around urban and regional plans. These blueprints need updating every once in a while, along with events such as population explosions or more city land being acquired. If you want to make in a difference in the Charlotte community, and you love the idea of planning the construction of roads and other amenities, consider becoming a regional planner.

As a local, you’ll know exactly what the other residents in the city want to see constructed. You’ll also be able to talk with local business owners to secure new building construction deals.

  1. Health Workers

Whether you work in a hospital, an emergency room, or at a clinic, you are essential to the Charlotte communityas a health worker. If you are looking to get into the field, you would be able to help the residents of the city should they fall ill or need assistance. As a health worker, you’ll be able to treat patients who are fellow members of the community.

Go Out and Make a Difference

No matter which career you choose, you’ll be making a difference in the Charlotte community. So, go out there and pursue your dreams in this growing city. There’s demand for hard-working and talented people like you, so find your niche and give back!

 

Is CBD Oil Addictive?

Roberto Boreham
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Is CBD Oil Addictive?

In our world today, there are illnesses that even doctors don’t fully understand, such as anxiety, chronic pain, and epilepsy. Because of that, it may be challenging to find medicines that will cure or treat these illnesses.

However, as time passes by, a particular medication has come up as a possible treatment for these illnesses. And this medication is the cannabidiol (CBD).

But what exactly is CBD? Is it really beneficial? Is it really addictive? And, most importantly, are CBD products actually safe?

CBD Overview: What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid from cannabis. It is one of the 113 identified cannabinoids in the plant, and it is also the second most prevalent of the active ingredients of cannabis, accounting for up to 40% of the plant’s extract.

Even though CBD is an essential component of medical marijuana, it is actually directly derived from hemp, which is a cousin of the marijuana plant.

Marijuana and hemp may have some similarities, but hemp only has 0.3% or less THC content. Because of this, CBD doesn’t cause a “high.”

Can You Become Dependent on CBD?

It’s common to experience side effects from using the best CBD oil for the first time since the body’s adjusting to a foreign substance. In order to build up a tolerance, users should integrate CBD into their daily routines.

Additionally, unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive in nature, which means it does not affect the ECS receptors. Instead, CBD actually helps the body produce its own endocannabinoids.

And since the body produces a similar substance, it is impossible to get addicted to CBD. Consult with a physician first. For some people, CBD oil may interact with some medications and treatments.

Is there Withdrawal from CBD?

Yes, it is possible to experience some symptoms after suddenly withdrawing from CBD. This is especially true if you’re using CBD as your primary medication. For this reason, you should talk to your doctor first before suddenly stopping from taking your prescription medications.

CBD oil may help you with your condition, but if you suddenly stop taking it, you might experience some withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, dizziness, nausea, and fogginess.

Is CBD Overdose Possible?

As of right now, there is no universal dosage of CBD. To date, there are also no reports of an overdose on any CBD product. This then proves that CBD oil is generally a safe product to use.

It’s important for you to take note of your reaction to every intake so that you can make adjustments to dosage.

Ultimately, the best way to find the optimum dosage is to talk to a medical physician first

Is it Safe to Use CBD Oil Every Day?

Currently, cannabidiol has gotten some popularity. A cousin to marijuana, CBD is known to relieve pain and treat illnesses that people used to think were untreatable — and CBD does all of this without giving you the marijuana high.

Aside from that, numerous studies and experts have reported that hemp products like CBD gummies are not addictive and are generally safe for everyday use.

Because of all these benefits, people, especially those who experience chronic pain and anxiety, are widely clamoring for the best products, thus catapulting CBD into the spotlight.

However, even though experts have declared that CBD is not addictive and that it is generally safe to use, it’s still a good idea to consult your doctor first before taking hybrid weed in. This is to ensure that you don’t have other underlying conditions or you’re not using other medications that might not interact well with cannabidiol.

Possible Tropical Storm ‘Laura’ System Growing – Several Models Showing Impact With Carolinas

Charlotte Stories
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Possible Tropical Storm ‘Laura’ System Growing – Several Models Showing Impact With Carolinas

A growing disturbance in the Atlantic now has a 50% chance of becoming the 12th named storm of 2020 by the end of this week.

This morning, the National Hurricane Center sent out the following alert:

A fast-moving tropical wave located a couple of hundred miles 
east of the Windward Islands continues to produce disorganized 
shower and thunderstorm activity.  This disturbance is expected to 
move westward at about 20 mph during the next few days. After that 
time, the system is expected to move more slowly westward 
across the western Caribbean Sea, where upper-level winds could 
become more conducive for the development of a tropical depression 
during the latter part of this week.

* Formation chance through 5 days...medium...50 percent.

If the system does develop into a named storm, it could sweep up the gulf of Mexico and pass directly over the Carolinas.

The Atlantic Coast hurricane season for 2020 runs from June 1st through November 30th.

NWS officials are reminding all residents in Atlantic Coast states to be prepared for this hurricane season.

In case of a power outage, make sure to have the following emergency items stocked in your home;

We will continue to update this article as this storm develops. 

Charlotte’s Arcadia Homes Named America’s Custom Home Builder of the Year

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s Arcadia Homes Named America’s Custom Home Builder of the Year

Charlotte’s own Arcadia Homes Inc. has just been declared the ‘Custom Home Builder of the Year’ by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Custom Home Builders Committee.

The award was presented at a ceremony in Las Vegas during the NAHB International Builders’ Show.

Over the past 25 years, Arcadia Homes has built some of the most breath-taking homes and castles in the Carolinas, with most of the biggest being located right here in the Charlotte region.

 

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Come home to an oasis…

A post shared by Arcadia Custom Homes (@arcadiahomesinc) on

“For over four decades I have worked with and observed exceptional builders across America,” said Carl Monroe, a member of the Society of Honored Associates. “On occasion, there will be a firm that rises above the rest. Case in point, Arcadia Homes—I have met most everyone in their growing organization, and they all want to be there. And it shows. They have incredibly high ethical standards, as advertised, and live them.

On average, the company builds and closes on 12-18 fully custom homes each year, ranging in price from $1.5-$15 million.

Arcadia Homes is also distinguished as being the very first company to construct a LEED Platinum certified home in the state of North Carolina.

You can find out more on their website here.

CMPD Urging Charlotte To Lock Up Their Guns After 2-Year-Old Kills Himself and 2 Others Injured

Charlotte Stories
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CMPD Urging Charlotte To Lock Up Their Guns After 2-Year-Old Kills Himself and 2 Others Injured

Over the past week, 3 children in Charlotte were shot, and 1 died while playing with unsecured firearms. CMPD is now urging all gun owners in the Charlotte to lock up their guns and keep them away from children.

Last Wednesday, a 2-year-old boy found his father’s unsecured firearm and shot himself with it and was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. 25-year-old Devonte Warren has since been charged with failure to secure a firearm.

On Saturday, 2-year-old Amor Cureton found his father’s unsecured gun while in a hotel room, shot himself, and died. 24-year-old Antonio Thomas Cureton has since been charged with failure to secure a firearm and involuntary manslaughter.

On Sunday, a 7-year-old in Charlotte found his father’s firearm and shot himself with it and was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Yesterday afternoon, CMPD sent out a tweet urging the public to “LOCK UP YOUR GUNS!” saying it’s not only responsible – it’s the law.

Concord Church Holding Massive Drive To Fill Up Local ‘Blessing Boxes’

Charlotte Stories
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Concord Church Holding Massive Drive To Fill Up Local ‘Blessing Boxes’

Next week, a Concord church will be holding a massive food drive in the hopes building up supplies to stock all area blessing boxes for the foreseeable future.

Concord’s One Life Church will be spearheading the drive, which will take place on August 22nd, from 1-4pm.

Blessing Boxes have been a powerful way for local community members to both give back and find help in times of need – especially now that the $600/wk unemployment benefits have just ended.

The concept is simple – “take what you need, leave what you can”

While the boxes doe occasionally operate on their own, they are occasionally cleaned out by a surge of needy families or individuals and need to be restocked all at once.

This is where the backup pantry and the partnership with One Life Church comes in.

If you would like to help stock up the back-up pantry, please bring nonperishable items to One Life Church on August 22nd.

Please help spread the word.

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