NC Surf to Sound Challenge Returns Following Hurricane Florence Hiatus

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NC Surf to Sound Challenge Returns Following Hurricane Florence Hiatus
via Peter Newman/Aerial Images

Canceled last year following one of the worst hurricanes in state history, North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge rebounds in Wrightsville Beach, November 1-3, 2019.

“Hurricane Florence was a direct hit at Wrightsville Beach with over $20-billion in damages in our state,” said Mark Schmidt, Race Director. “Wrightsville is back, stronger than ever, and we are glad to welcome back the paddling community for the 9th annual Surf to Sound Challenge.”

Surf to Sound Challenge, sanctioned by the World Paddle Association, attracts amateurs and professionals around North America to a key year-end series of races and clinics featuring paddleboard, outrigger canoe, kayak, and surf ski. All races begin and end on the ocean or sound at host hotel Blockade Runner Beach Resort.
Organized by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club, the 2019 Surf to Sound Challenge racing schedule includes:
–The Froth, an 11-mile longboat endurance race for advanced athletes in ocean canoe, surf ski, and kayak. The course consists of Bank’s Channel, Masonboro Inlet (twice), the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and Mott’s Channel.
–The Blockade Runner Flatwater Championship, a 9-mile endurance challenge for experienced paddlers, including standup paddleboard, prone, and a separate start-time for 6-man ocean canoe (male, female, and mixed team entries).
–The Surf to Sound Challenge, a 6.5-mile course for elite paddleboard and prone competitors. The race begins through the ocean surf, onto the Atlantic Ocean, plying the rushing waters of Masonboro Inlet, into Banks Channel, and to the finish line on flatwater.
–The Harbor Island Outer Loop, a scenic 3.5-mile race circumnavigating the island and designed for beginner to intermediate standup paddleboard and prone athletes.
–The Kid’s Race, for paddleboarders 6 to 14, is on the soundside. All kids are winners in this fun event.
–The Corporate Challenge Relay, a relay sprint with six four-person teams using identical equipment in a standup paddleboard race from the soundside beach, around a buoy in the channel and back. The gear for this competition provided by the Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club (One Design boards by SIC, plus paddles, leashes, and flotation devices).
via Peter Newman/Aerial Images

Current title-holders for both the 6.5-mile Surf to Sound Challenge and 9-mile Blockade Runner Flatwater Championship are Olympic Gold Medalist Larry Cain of Canada and native North Carolinian April Zilg. Zilg is ranked second in the world by the Association of Paddle Professionals in the Women’s Sprint and Overall categories.

“The downwind run was really fun,” said Larry Cain, after winning his fifth Surf to Sound Challenge elite men’s title in 2017. “We got to the jetty in an incredibly fast time. But as we made the turn, it was the typical Carolina grind, facing lots of current and a pretty strong wind.”

“It was a slog. We were hit pretty hard,” said April Zilg, capturing her third consecutive title in 2017 in the elite women’s division. “I was struggling to hold above four miles-per-hour.”

A portion of the proceeds from North Carolina Surf to Sound Challenge will go to The Plastic Ocean Project, with a mission to address the global plastic pollution problem and create a more sustainable future.

Click here for race information and registration

Statesville’s Rescue Ranch Built A Massive 9-Acre Corn Maze For Their ‘Fall Fun Days’ Festivities

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Statesville’s Rescue Ranch Built A Massive 9-Acre Corn Maze For Their ‘Fall Fun Days’ Festivities

Beginning Saturday, Sept. 28 and running through Oct. 27, Rescue Ranch is providing families with several opportunities to visit its scenic property while enjoying fall festivities at its Fall Fun Days and giant Corn Maze.

The 9-acre corn maze boasts the No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford Mustang and is located on part of the property situated at 1424 Turnersburg Hwy. in Statesville.

The maze is open during the day and admission is included with a Fall Fun Days ticket. Additionally, the maze will be open Saturday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission for the lighted maze is $10 for guests 14 and older and $5 for children 2-13 years old. Children under 2 are free.

Rescue Ranch Fall Fun Days will be held weekends from Sept. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 27. Saturday hours are from 12 to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy the giant Corn Maze, hayrides, hay art, animal presentations, live entertainment, food trucks, and much more. Admission to Fall Fun Days is $12 for guests ages 14 and older and $7 for children ages 2-13. Children under 2 are free.

New to Fall Fun Days are themed weekends, which include:

  • Saturday, Sept. 28/Sunday, Sept. 29: Food and Beer Truck Rodeo.
    • On Sept. 28, meet and greet with 2019 NASCAR Playoffs driver Ryan Newman and the No. 6 Roush Fenway Ford Mustang, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the circle drive
  • Saturday, Oct. 5/Sunday, Oct. 6: Animal rescue weekend.
  • Saturday, Oct. 12/Sunday, Oct. 13: Teacher appreciation weekend.
  • Saturday, Oct. 19/Sunday, Oct. 20: Scout weekend.
  • Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27: First Responder weekend.

“Fall Fun Days are a great time of year to experience the Ranch for the first time or for the seasoned Ranch visitor,” said Krissie Newman, co-founder and president of the nonprofit organization. “We’re excited to present a new and exciting corn maze and to honor teachers, scouts and first responders, all while teaching humane animal education to our visitors.”

All proceeds from the giant Corn Maze and Fall Fun Days benefit the nonprofit animal welfare organization which promotes respect for all animals through education; is committed to agricultural, environmental and wildlife conservation; and facilitates rehabilitation, rescue and responsible pet ownership in order to enhance the human-animal bond.

For more information on the giant Corn Maze or Fall Fun Days, you can visit rescueranch.com, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Duke Energy Aims to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050

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Duke Energy Aims to Achieve Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050
via Duke-Energy.com

Charlotte-based Duke Energy today announced an updated climate strategy with a new goal of net-zero carbon emissions from electric generation by midcentury. The company also is accelerating its near-term goal by cutting its carbon dioxide emissions by half or more from 2005 levels by 2030.

This follows the company already reducing carbon emissions 31% since 2005, exceeding the standards of the former Clean Power Plan and the 2025 U.S. commitment to the Paris Agreement.

 “We are making a cleaner energy future a reality for our customers and communities,” said Lynn Good, chairman, president and CEO. “A diverse mix of renewables, nuclear, natural gas, hydro and energy efficiency are all part of this vision, and we’ll take advantage of economical solutions to continue that progress. In the longer-term, innovation and new technologies will be critical to a net-zero carbon future.”

Achieving these goals requires a thoughtful approach that pairs today’s technologies with the research and development needed for tomorrow. The company expects it can achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2050 with the technology that exists today.

 “Getting to net-zero carbon emissions, while ensuring energy remains reliable and affordable, will require new technologies. That’s the very reason we need to act now,” Good said. “We must continue leveraging today’s technologies while sustaining investment in innovation for this vision to become reality.”

 Duke Energy’s path to a net-zero carbon future

 ·       Collaborating and align with each state and local municipality to determine the right path.

 ·       Accelerate the transition to cleaner energy solutions by doubling their portfolio of solar, wind and other renewables by 2025 and expanding energy storage, energy efficiency and electric vehicle infrastructure.

 ·       Investing in a multiyear effort to create a smarter and more resilient grid that can protect against extreme weather and cyber or physical attacks. 

 ·       Advocating for sound public policy that advances technology and innovation. 

For details on the company’s comprehensive approach to tackling climate change through adaptation, mitigation and innovation, visit duke-energy.com/climate.

Know These 10 Benefits of Matcha Tea For Senior Citizens

Steve
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Know These 10 Benefits of Matcha Tea For Senior Citizens

The benefits of Matcha green tea go well beyond your daily dose of a caffeine energy boost. Modern research has put it on a shortlist as one of the few effective remedies for anything from diabetes to arthritis. There are even claims that this top class natural tea has been known to reverse the aging process. 

Although the benefits of Matcha tea are still largely unchartered, there are several that have been proved and documented, especially due to their advantage to senior citizens. Here is a list of 10 benefits of drinking Matcha tea for old people. 

Dementia

The high level of antioxidants in Match green tea, mainly EGCC has been known to counter the effects of memory loss. This means constantly drinking Matcha green tea improves both short and long term memory in elderly people.

Arthritis

As mentioned in the prologue, Matcha tea has been known to be quite effective in the reduction of arthritis pain. What’s even more intriguing is the fact that it has also been a very efficient remedy for the reduction of several kinds of arthritis-related inflammations, more effective even when compared to some over the counter drugs!

Alzheimer’s

Similar to its effects on dementia patients, Matcha tea also works to counter the effects of memory loss in Alzheimer’s patients. EGCC is also a very common compound in counteracting the loss of short term memory, which means having Matcha tea can be great in terms of dietary therapy.

Slows the aging process

Don’t get too excited now, it doesn’t turn back the clock, what it does do is to slow it down somewhat. All the natural remedies contained in Matcha tea give you better digestion, which means better nutrient absorption. This means more energy and better health overall. Aging is typically catalyzed by poor health, which means a daily matcha tea regimen will go a long way in ensuring you maintain good health for much, much longer.

Stress Relief

Old age comes with a lot of ailments, most of which are inherently psychological. That constant back pain or that lingering migraine are usually just signs of stress. That’s why Matcha tea is such a crucial natural remedy. What it does, simply is to calm the body and the mind, resulting in better mental health, and less stress.

Decreases Negative Weight

A lot of negative weight is a consistent feature of aging, the good thing about Matcha tea here is the fact that it contains fiber in substantial amounts. This is relevant because fiber is a fat burner, which helps to reduce weight and improve circulation. This means better blood sugar and lower risk of diabetes and other related conditions.

Improves Metabolism

Maintaining optimal Body mass index is crucial at any age, which is why your metabolic rate is a huge indicator of how well your body absorbs nutrients. The reduction in negative weight coupled with better nutrition is all functions that improve your metabolism, which means your body becomes better nourished and you can eat better and healthier. Matcha tea facilitates all this.

Bolsters Immune System

Matcha tea is known to improve your body’s ability to fight disease. This is especially useful for the elderly because they are inherently more vulnerable to infections. The catechins and L-theanine are great at preventing and fighting flu and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Fights Hypertension

Matcha tea has been known to inhibit the secretion of ACE, the enzyme that is largely responsible for high blood pressure.  This natural remedy is a very useful tool for ensuring you maintain healthy B.P.

Boosts Energy

Elderly people are known to have very low levels of energy and are constantly lethargic. Matcha tea serves the important purpose of boosting energy and allows you to be a bit more physically capable.

Bottom Line

Matcha tea is one of the most feature-rich natural remedies on the market right now, and it has great benefits for all ages so you should be very concerned about where to buy matcha 

Gilde, One of Germany’s Oldest Breweries Is Planning 100,000 Sq Ft Flagship Facility in Charlotte

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Gilde, One of Germany’s Oldest Breweries Is Planning 100,000 Sq Ft Flagship Facility in Charlotte
via gilde1546.com

One of Germany’s oldest breweries is now planning on establishing a massive new US headquarters right here in the Queen City.

According to their website, Gilde was originally founded by brewer Cord Broyhan in 1526 when he “invented a new light, top fermenting beer which sparked a beer revolution in Hanover and throughout Northern Germany”. Over the centuries, Gilde established themselves as one of the top beer makers in Europe and they now churn out over 850,000 barrels of beer each year.

Last month, they announced plans to start producing beer in Charlotte and selling it across the US market.

The company first introduced themselves to Charlotte during this year’s South End Hops Fest – which also happened to be the historic company’s first ever appearance at a US festival;

They picked Charlotte as their US hub due to its proximity to the major port of Charleston, our sizable German population, our growing beer culture, and as a poetic nod to Queen Charlotte of Germany’s Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who ruled over Gilde’s hometown of Hanover before marrying King George III and becoming the Queen of England.

Gilde is now working with local Charlotte distributor Adams Beverages to sell their cans in several local grocery chains within the coming months;

By the end of 2019, Gilde will open a 5,000 SqFt microbrewery, named “The Embassy”. The facility will brew small batches of authentic German-style pilsners and hefeweizens to serve in their tap room, while continuing to produce their canned and bottled beer for Charlotte stores in their German plant.

Within the next 3 years, the company plans on opening a massive 100,000 SqFt flagship brewery that will include an authentic German beer garden, an on-site german-style restaurant, and capacity to brew up to 500,000 barrels per year (more than all other current breweries in Charlotte – combined).

Charlotte Ranks Among The Top 10 Mosquito Cities in The Country

Steve
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Charlotte Ranks Among The Top 10 Mosquito Cities in The Country

charlotte-mosquito-cityOrkin has just released their new list of the Top Mosquito Cities in America.

Atlanta now tops the list for the 4th straight year followed closely by Washington D.C., Chicago, and New York City. 21 of the top 50 cities are in the Southeast.

They compiled their list by analyzing all mosquito-related calls over the past year.

According to their data, these are the top 50 mosquito-infested cities in America (and their adjustment from last year’s ranking):

1.Atlanta
2.Washington, D.C. (+1)
3.Chicago (-1)
4.New York (+1)
5.Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. (+8)
6.Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
7.Houston (+5)
8.Detroit (-4)
9.Charlotte, N.C. (-1)
10.Nashville, Tenn. (-3)
11.Tampa-St. Petersburg, Fla. (+11)
12.Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne, Fla. (+11)
13.Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News, Va. (+1)
14.Memphis, Tenn. (-3)
15.Mobile-Pensacola, Fla. (+11)
16.West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, Fla. (+15)
17.Raleigh-Durham, N.C. (-8)
18.Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battle Creek, Mich. (-3)
19.Boston (-9)
20.Phoenix, Ariz.
21.Philadelphia (+9)
22.Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., Asheville, N.C. (-6)
23.Richmond-Petersburg, Va. (-2)
24.Kansas City, Mo. (+25)
25.Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio (-7)
26.St. Louis, Mo.
27.New Orleans, La. (+16)
28.Baltimore, Md. (+9)
29.Los Angeles
30.Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn. (-11)
31.Hartford-New Haven, Conn. (-8)
32.Lafayette, La. (+12)
33.Knoxville, Tenn. (+1)
34.Albany-Schenectady-Troy, N.Y. (-17)
35.Indianapolis, Ind. (-8)
36.Birmingham, Ala. (+11)
37.Austin, Texas (+11)
38.Cincinnati, Ohio (+7)
39.San Antonio, Texas
40.Baton Rouge, La.
41.Charleston, S.C. (-16)
42.Shreveport, La.
43.Columbia, S.C.
44.Columbus, Ohio (-12)
45.Bangor, Maine (-16)
46.Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, Mich. (-18)
47.Greensboro-High Pt.-Winston-Salem, N.C. (-9)
48.Myrtle Beach-Florence, S.C. (-2)
49.Tulsa, Okla. (-13)
50.Little Rock-Pine Bluff, Ark.

“While June, July and August are the prime months for mosquito activity, mosquito season can begin as early as March in the southern part of the United States where temperatures are warmer,” Orkin noted.

They offered the following advice to avoid mosquito bites and any possible diseases:

Eliminate Standing Water in Yard

  • Remove standing water from gutters, buckets, toys and other containers, as mosquitoes can breed in just a few inches of standing water.
  • Change water weekly in bird baths, fountains, potted plants and any containers that hold standing water.
  • Keep pool water treated and circulating.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Use EPA-registered mosquito repellents containing one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol or IR3535.

Eliminate Entry Points

  • Use air-conditioning when possible.
  • Close gaps around windows and in walls.
  • Repair and use window and door screens to help prevent entry.

Two Charlotte Students Selected Among Top 56 in North America

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Two Charlotte Students Selected Among Top 56 in North America

Charlotte 5th-grader Ankit and 8th-grader Claire have just been selected as one of 56 top North American students to attend the third annual Kumon Student Conference.

11-year-old Ankit won his school’s Pulitzer Prize competition, is a published author, placed in the top 10 percent in the nation for Math Olympiad, and, unsurprisingly, is a part of the local advanced intellectually gifted program and national elementary honor society.

A Mathcon finalist and advanced violinist, Claire’s SAT scores blow students’ 5 years her senior out of the water. In addition to her many extracurricular commitments, Claire dedicates several hours a week to volunteer with kids with special needs.

Beyond being exceptional students, what Ankit and Claire have in common is that they have both managed to study high school math, years beyond grade level.

Because of Ankit and Claire’s academic and extra-curricular excellence both in and out of the classroom, they have been selected to attend Kumon’s 3rd Annual Student Conference, taking place in Chicago, IL on July 10th. The magnitude of being selected to represent your community is significant, as just 56 students from across the US, Canada, and Mexico studying at least three years above grade level were invited to attend.

Photo from 2018 Conference

Code Orange Air Alert Issued For The Charlotte Region Today

Steve
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Code Orange Air Alert Issued For The Charlotte Region Today

A Code Orange Alert has just been issued today for the Charlotte region, including Mecklenburg, Gaston, Lincoln, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, and Union Counties. The Air Quality Index expected to exceed 101 today, according to the EPA.

The alert notes that “Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.”

Today’s high temperatures, along with the low air quality increases everyone’s chance of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – make sure to stay hydrated at all times.

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside today, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Stay safe out there!

Michael Jordan Selling Minority Stake In Charlotte Hornets To 2 New York Investors

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Michael Jordan Selling Minority Stake In Charlotte Hornets To 2 New York Investors

NBA legend Michael Jordan has just announced plans to sell a minority stake in the Charlotte Hornets to 2 New York investors, Daniel Sundheim and Gabe Plotkin.

Sundheim is the founder and CIO of D1 Capital and Plotkin is the founder and CIO of Melvin Capital.

“I’m excited to welcome Gabe and Dan as my partners in Hornets Sports & Entertainment,” Jordan commented in a statement. “While I will continue to run the Charlotte Hornets, make all decisions related to the team and organization, and remain the team’s NBA Governor, Gabe and Dan’s investment in the franchise is invaluable, as we continue to modernize, add new technology and strive to compete with the best in the NBA. Both Gabe and Dan are industry standard-setters and proven leaders, with a belief in philanthropy and a passion for the game of basketball. They share my commitment to Charlotte and the Carolinas, and I look forward to working with and learning from them.”

Michael Jordan currently controls about 97% of the equity in the Charlotte Hornets. He first became a minority owner of the team in 2006 and purchased the remainder of Bob Johnson’s then-Bobcats stake in 2010.

Insiders believe Jordan’s decision to sell a sizable chunk of the team is due to the Hornets recent decline in performance and overall value. The hope now is that the 2 Wall Street traders will help improve the team’s overall profit margins and boost the team into a more valuable investment.

The Charlotte Art Collective Show Returning To Dilworth This Fall

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The Charlotte Art Collective Show Returning To Dilworth This Fall

What better way to celebrate the holiday season in an artful frame of mind than with the Charlotte Art Collective’s Holiday Show in the Dilworth/Freedom Park neighborhood on Saturday, November 16th, 2019 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Shop for unique one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts in a relaxed atmosphere.  This popular juried show includes a lively mix of established and emerging artists who work in a variety of media. You may find stained glass mosaics, original paintings and prints, mixed media, jewelry, hand-made purses, felt hats, functional and decorative pottery, intriguing photography, wood arts, book arts, hand milled soaps, and whimsical sculptures.

The show introduces new artists along with favorite ones returning.  Many are professionals with gallery representation. Some lead workshops in their medium.  CAC artists have won numerous awards and commissions and have sold their works to collectors spanning multiple continents. The group has successfully produced shows in the Dilworth area for more than 18 years.

This one-day art show is held in the Family Life Center at Avondale Presbyterian Church at 2821 Park Road in Dilworth, between Lilac Drive and Scott Avenue. You’ll be greeted by unique garden art sculpture created by one of our members, Amy Hart. Step inside and enjoy the show. Attendees say “it’s one of the best high-end art and craft shows around and it’s not to be missed!! It’s an art show – NOT just a craft show.”  Free admission and ample free parking.

Supporting the good deeds of Dilworth Cares, the Charlotte Art Collective features a raffle for a “Basketful of ART” – presenting the winner with a selection of art and craft valued at over $500. All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Dilworth Cares organization to benefit this year’s designated community campaign recipient, which is the new Dilworth Elementary School.

Visit the website www.charlotteartcollective.org and facebook.com/charlotteartcollective for more artist and show information.

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