The Connection Feb 2006

CONNECTING Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Harrisburg, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Lake Norman, Mooresville, Salisbury, and University Area

FEBRUARY 2006 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 8

13

Fish Tales As Told by Gus

4-5

FUEL UP on all your AUTOMOTIVE 9 needs!

14-18

20-22

CLASSIFIEDS

31

NEW MOVIES FOR FEBRUARY

19

BUSINESS CONNECTION

SPOTLIGHT Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy

29

RECENT HOME

LISTINGS16-18

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FEBRUARY

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Choice or Right to Life ........................................................2-3 Fishin with Gus ........................................................... 4 Fish Tales ........................................................... 5 Fat Eye For The Skinny Guy ........................................................... 6 Send a Carolina Gift ........................................................... 7 Things That Make you go Hmm ........................................................... 8 Automotive ........................................................... 9 The Story of Esther ......................................................... 11 Religious Humor ......................................................... 12 Worship Directory ......................................................... 13 Design 101 ....................................................14-15 Recent Real Estate Listings ....................................................16-18 Movies ......................................................... 19 Kid Parent Connection ....................................................20-22 Stay Motivated ......................................................... 23 Hiberian Hall ......................................................... 24 Love is Online ......................................................... 25 What if Einstein was on Ritalin ....................................................26-27 Mind Matters ......................................................... 28 Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy ......................................................... 29 Energy Tips ......................................................... 30 Classifieds ......................................................... 31

JERRY BALCERAK Publisher

704.606.8648 500 Church Street Concord, NC 28025 [email protected] www.ReadtheConnection.com The connection is published monthly by Cabarrus Charlotte Connection, Inc. dba Marketing a Difference Publications & The Connection. Entire concepts Copyright © 2006 by The Connection. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reprinted orotherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

2006

Right To Choice Or Right To Life By Jerry Balcerak

• 3 Weeks after Fertilization The eyes and spinal cord are visible and the developing brain has two lobes

With February being the month most recognized as the month of love, I reflected on love I have known, with romantic love being the most common and parental love the strongest. Some might argue with this and I realize it may vary by individual case, but most will agree that a parent’s love is one of the strongest “types” of love there is. While past romantic loves of my life have been so strong I would have died for that person, I am glad that I was never tested. I know that my parents, earthly and heavenly, would die for me and I, without question, would give my life for my daughter. It is/was my parent’s choice and that is my choice. I have recently been exposed to some choices other parents have made and was confused. But first…

A few statistics for you.

• Since the birth of our nation in1776, almost 42.5 million service men and women have served our country, with about 1.3 million of them being killed defending our freedom and country. That was their choice. • This past January marked the 33rd year since Roe vs. Wade came along and abortions were legalized. • Approximately 1,370,000 abortions occur annually (1 year) in the U.S. That’s more than the total loss of US service men and woman in over 200 years. Since 1973 more abortions (almost 50 million) have been performed in the US than the entire population of Canada (32.5 million). That is a lot of choices. • 88% of abortions occur during the first 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. • 60% of abortions are performed on women who already have one or more children. • 47% of abortions are performed on women who have already had one or more abortions. • 25.5% of women deciding to have an abortion want to postpone childbearing. • 21.3% of women cannot afford a baby. • 14.1% of women have a relationship issue or their partner does not want a child.

• 12.2% of women are too young (their parents or others object to the pregnancy.) • 10.8% of women feel a child will disrupt their education or career. • 7.9% of women want no (more) children. • 3.3% of women have an abortion due to a risk to fetal health. • 2.8% of women have an abortion due to a risk to maternal health.

• 4 Weeks after Fertilization The heart is beating. The portion of the brain associated with consciousness (the cerebrum) and internal organs, such as the lungs, are beginning to develop and can be identified • 7 Weeks after Fertilization Muscles and nerves begin working together. When the upper lip is tickled, the arms move backwards. The portion of the brain associated with consciousness (the cerebrum) has divided into hemispheres • 9 Weeks after Fertilization More than 90% of the body structures found in a full-grown human are present. The medical classification changes from an embryo to a fetus. This dividing line was chosen by embryologists because from this point forward, most development involves growth in existing body structures instead of the formation of new ones. The preborn human moves body parts without any outside stimulation • 10 Weeks after Fertilization All parts of the brain and spinal cord are formed. The heart pumps blood to every part of the body. The whole body is sensitive to touch except for portions of the head. The pre-born human makes facial expressions. At this stage, according to the Supreme Court ruling in “Roe vs. Wade” and “Planned Parenthood vs. Casey,” a pregnant woman can abort at will. • 12 Weeks after Fertilization Electrical signals from the nervous system are measurable. After an abortion, efforts to suckle will sometimes be observed

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2006

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• 14 Weeks after Fertilization The pre-born human makes coordinated movements of the arms and legs. • 18 Weeks after Fertilization The portion of the brain responsible for functions, such as reasoning and memory (the cerebral cortex), has the same number of nerve cells as a full-grown adult. At this stage, according to the Supreme Court ruling in “Roe vs. Wade” and “Planned Parenthood vs. Casey,” a pregnant woman can abort at will. • 24 Weeks after Fertilization Taste buds are functional. The pre-born human will swallow more amniotic fluid if a sweetener is added to it. The grip is strong enough to hold onto an object that is moving up and down. If born and given specialized care, the survival rate is more than 80%. At this stage, according to the Supreme Court’s ruling in “Roe vs. Wade” and “Doe vs. Bolton,” a pregnant woman can abort to preserve her health. One example from Roe vs. Wade of what may be considered harmful to a mother’s health is the “stigma of unwed motherhood.” • 28 Weeks after Fertilization If born and given specialized care, the survival rate is more than 95%. Premature infants born at this time are more sensitive to pain than infants who are born at 38 weeks, and infants who are born at 38 weeks are more sensitive to pain than older infants (3 -12 months old.) • 38 Weeks after Fertilization Average point in time when humans are born. At birth, the medical classification changes from a fetus to a neonate. At any point prior to birth, according to the Supreme Court’s ruling in “Roe vs. Wade” and “Doe vs. Bolton,” a pregnant woman can abort to preserve her health. One example from Roe vs. Wade of what may be considered harmful to a mother’s health is the work of caring for a child.

If you are still reading then maybe you are as confused as I am as to the choices some make and their reasons. One of my strongest romantic loves was a 17-year-old lady who became pregnant while we were dating with another man’s child. She didn’t tell him. He had no choice. She didn’t tell her dad because of her fear of alienation. He had no choice. She told me she was doing “it” for us. I had no choice. She did “it” and her son had no choice. She told me she had no choice. I am really confused about the whole prochoice issue… Another strong romantic love of mine was a lady who was herself adopted. Her mother had a choice. Her adoptive parents also had a choice. Strange twist is when she was in her teens, she became pregnant, told her parents, and her dad (adoptive parent) took her to have an abortion. He had a choice, she says she did not… This whole pro-choice thing really has me confused. Excerpt from Amelia Welsh Jones who is a second-year medical student at the University of Washington and is a member of Medical Students for Choice… “Abortion is one of the most common surgical procedures among U.S. women. More than 1 million women have abortions each year. Despite this medical need, doctors emerging from medical schools and residency programs are

not being trained to meet the needs of their patients… Maybe they are choosing not to train in ‘it’.” Jane Roe (Norma McCorvey) of “Roe vs. Wade” herself has reversed her position, denounced the multitude of what she says are lies upon which the abortion industry is founded, and is now an avid pro-life spokesman. She had/has a choice. Excerpt of Brief was filed before the U.S. Supreme Court in February 1994, by Mother Teresa.… “I have no new teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your nation was founded on the proposition—very old as a moral precept, but startling and innovative as a political insight—that human life is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect…” Mother Teresa made a choice. Lawmakers in several states are trying to force the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit the landmark Roe vs. Wade ruling issued 33 years ago. They are making a choice. I know that some of our readers and advertisers will be offended by these facts and by The Connection (a family publication) printing them. Yet, I made a choice. What will your choice be?

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2006

Fishin’ With Gus!

FEBRUARY Lake Norman Fishing Forecast February is a month of transition. Fish yearn to move to shallower sections of the lake to prepare for the spring spawning ritual. Water temperatures will be a determining factor in finding their whereabouts. The most useful electronic instrument to have on your boat this month is a water temperature gauge. Find the warmer water and you will likely find stripers, bass, crappie and catfish. The slightest temperature change, of only a degree or two, can cause fish to appear in a particular area. If spring comes early, expect fish to migrate to the shallows. Records show that when conditions are right, bass and stripers move to the back of certain creeks as early as Valentine’s Day. Excellent areas for pre spawn striper activity are Ramsey, Hagers and McCrary Creeks. These creeks, near the power station’s two hot water discharges, will warm before other creeks. Ramsey and McCrary will warm when the wind blows from the west for an extended period of time. A warming trend in Hagers Creek will be with a wind from the north for several days. Other areas to look for pre spawn stripers and bass are in creeks and coves with southern exposure to the sun. These areas will warm before other areas not affected by the hot holes.

More Plaques on the Wall

Fishing quotations are found printed on plaques, hats, shirts, and even on large popcorn cans.

Bright sun can also trigger stripers to feed actively at midday and during the late afternoon. Fish rise to the surface to enjoy the warming effects of the sun. Pulling flat lines and boards along sunny banks are effective techniques to use.

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THE SAVINGS CONNECTION

Should winter prevail and water temperatures remain fairly constant, fish will

monofilament line, neoprene waders, creels, tackle boxes,

stage on river flats in water 30 to 50 feet deep. Flats adjacent to large coves and ma-

lures, flies, spinners, worm rigs, slip sinkers, offset hooks,

jor creeks seem to hold the most fish. Marker 13 near the south end of Kaiser Island

Gore-Tex hats, 20 pocket vests, fish finders, radar, boats,

is an excellent staging area. Another likely location is the river flat east of the old

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Keep it off for weeks. Continue to lose without additional applications!

It Works!

704-791-3779 A perfect blend of science and nature.

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trailers, global positioning systems, coolers and more.”

river channel, between Marker 18B and the entrance to Lake Norman State Park. The hot holes will hold fish throughout February. The colder the weather, the longer fish will linger. A bite can occur at anytime, but stripers tend to feed at daylight.

“Give a man a fish; he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and you will find bait in the fridge.”

The bass bite might happen anytime power is being generated and water is moving. Both live bait and lures cast to swim with the current will attract fish in winter hot holes. Bass and stripers are likely to be on the surface, while white perch and catfish will usually be cruising in sub surface currents. Dress for the conditions. February weather can be a challenge. See ya out there!

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Lose Inches Over Night!

“Give a man a fish and he has food for a day. Teach a man to fish and he has to buy rods, graphite reels,

“Gone striper fishing, be back some day.” “Wishin’ I was fishin’. “ “Well stocked rivers, lakes and streams these are a fisherman’s favorite dreams.”

Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin’ With Gus! at www.FishingwithGus.com , or call 704 617 6812. For additional information, e-mail him at [email protected] . Free Fishing Seminar: “Fishing for Pre Spawning Stripers, Largemouth and Spotted Bass” will be discussed at the Concord Mills’ Bass Pro Shop on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. Professional Bass Angler, Mary Hencken, along with striper fishing guides Captain Craig Price and Captain Gus Gustafson, will share the discussion about early spring fishing on area lakes. Additional information is available by calling 704 979 2200.

“Life is like a game, but fishing is serious.” “There is no limit to how many times you can go fishing.” “I spent most of my money on fishing. The rest I wasted.” “To fish, or not to fish? That’s a dumb question.”

Large print version http://www.lakenormanstriperfishing.com/images/FishingPhotos/FishTalesLG.jpg

FEBRUARY

2006

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Fish Tales and other Stories Land Sharks as told by Capt. Gus It was the biggest weekend of the summer on the grand strand,

beach community was hit with another horrific event. A thunder-

but the beach was empty. Not one umbrella could be seen. Fear-

storm dropped twenty-four inches of rain in less than two hours.

some sharks had taken up residence at the ocean’s edge. Known

Streets and shops were filled with water and fins of cruising sharks

as “Land Sharks”, the critters had created a ghost town from what

were seen on the main street. Over time, the water receded and the

was once the most popular seacoast vacation spot in the Carolinas.

sharks returned to their stronghold on the still very deserted beach.

Thousands of dorsal fins replaced the bobbing heads of bath-

The town hired a New England firm that specialized in exter-

ers along a hundred-mile stretch of beach. The sharks could not

minating sharks. The company was owned and operated by the

only swim, but were capable of maneuvering their way onto the

son of the immortal shark fisherman, Captain Quint. You may

beach to lie in ambush, partially covered with sand. No one knew

recall that Capt. Quint was the “old salt” who died while attempt-

for sure where they came from, but the popular consensus was

ing to rid the mythical town of Amity from a bothersome great

perhaps from an inland sea on the other side of the ocean, maybe

white shark. The young Quint had never seen anything like this.

Africa. They first appeared after a tropical storm had devastated

His experience had let him to tackle one big shark at a time, not

the beach resort.

thousands of the toothy critters.

They weren’t as large

When the tide receded, the piles disappeared. The dump trucks returned to leave load after load at each high tide. The truck parade continued for days. In mid September, the

as the man-eating sharks

young Quint called a press

we know about, but

conference. He announced

were big enough to take

that the “Land Sharks” were

a chunk out of an arm

gone and that it was safe to

or a leg. At first, small

use the beach again. During

dogs and house pets

the question and answer por-

disappeared. Then a

tion of the conference, Quint

horde of bloody victims

was asked. “What was in the

filled emergency rooms

dump trucks?” His response

with bites and missing

was, “The dump trucks were

extremities. A reign of

unloading what the little boy

terror and panic gulped

was playing with, only many

the beach resort. A

more of them.” “And what was

rumor quickly spread

that?” His reply was, “Her-

that an infant on a

mit Crabs.” It seems that the

beach blanket was

millions of feisty little crabs,

dragged into the ocean

when set loose, nipped and bit

by a golden shark. The

the sandy hides of the “Land

mother went berserk

Sharks”, much the same way

when her first born disappeared into the frothing surf. Satellite photos, heat-seeking laser equipment and mine detec-

Quint was walking the boardwalk when he noticed a youngster sitting atop a sand dune. Apparently he had

tors could not locate the stealth like “Land Sharks.” Flat tires were

wondered away from his parents and was playing with some small

a common occurrence anytime a four wheel drive Humvee or mil-

objects in the sand. Fearing for the boy’s life, Quint ran to his aide.

itary style jeep ventured onto the sand. One beach buggy received

There, he noticed humps in the sand that indicated the presence of

four flats as it topped a dune near the old Pavilion. “Sandwacking

“Land Sharks.” To his surprise, the sharks were fortunately quite

Land Sharks” had learned to disable beach vehicles by nipping at

distanced from the dune top and he was able to sweep the child to

the side walls as they rolled by. Fearing a shark attack, the patrol-

safety.

ling officers leapt from the buggy and make a mad dash across the barren sands to the safety of the boardwalk. A few days before the Labor Day Weekend, the once bustling

The boy’s play things gave Quint an idea that put his shark eradication plan into action. The following day, thousands of trucks dumped their cargo on the sand dunes at high tide.

that mosquitoes aggravate humans. It because so unbearable for them that eventually they left the beach. They never returned.

Next time you swim at the beach, you can thank a Hermit Crab. Be reminded that small fish have......large tales!

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“I know what I’m Doing!” Dangers of an improper workout by Jerry Balcerak Like so many others with the start of the New Year I decided to start a new routine, lose a few pounds cut some inches off my waist and turn some that flab into muscle. I tried to get a buddy to workout with me but our schedules just didn’t work out. I thought about getting a personal trainer but I figured I would save a few dollars. Besides, I used to lift weights growing up and did a pretty good job. What would be any different now? I started off pretty easy and was pleased at my performance. I did favor one side a little more than the other. I think I may have worked the already stronger side a little more than needed. But WOW the results of the one side were AWESOME! Now I am talking with a personal trainer to see about how to keep the growth in some areas and catch up in others… The other area of change was my food intake. Some refer to this as D-I-E-T. But I try not to use four letter words in a family paper. I cut out all junk food and refined sugars. I felt like I was going through an addiction withdrawal for a couple days. I also started eating healthier foods in smaller portions. I found that going to the local Asian restaurant and using the chopsticks not only was healthier food choices but

it cut my consumption quantity down and helped build my patience level up at the same time. I had no idea how hard those sticks were to use! Luckily I had and excellent teacher in the use of chopsticks as well as my fork and spoon backup. With the combination of exercise and food intake adjustment in no time at all I was half way to my goal. The sad part is that it may take years and lots of “special” training to get the other half up to speed.

FAT EYE FOR THE SKINNY GUY C/O The Connection 500 Church St Concord, NC 28025 or email to [email protected] Stay safe & Have FUN!

But in all seriousness knowing what you are doing is nothing to take for granted. Would you perform surgery on yourself or a loved one? Would you seek a professional out and ask their advice and help? At the very least find someone who has been successfully doing the routine you are considering for a lengthy period of time. You could hurt yourself very easily by improper form or incorrect weight etc. Bear in mind though that what works for someone else may not be the right or best thing for you. Remember the saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Ask for help. Regardless of how good of shape you “think” you are in take it easy and build up. As with any new exercise program it is wise to check with your doctor or a trained professional before beginning. You may be as young as you feel but if you exercise without caution be sure you have an up to date will.

HAVE A HEALTH OR EXERCISE TIP? Write us and let us know what works for you. We would love to share your tips with others. No reason for us to reinvent the wheel. That is one of the reasons we are here is to help each other. If you have a health or exercise tip that you think can help someone send it to us at: C/O The Connection 500 Church St, Concord, NC 28025

2006

FAT EYE FOR THE SKINNY GUY –

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Why Not Send A North Carolina Gift? By Elizabeth Waddell

Are you searching for that perfect gift for your new client moving to North Carolina? Do you need to send a gift to a family member living out-of-state, or are you looking for that perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Why not support your state and give a gift that creates a lasting impression of Carolina goodness and Southern charm? A gift that will show how proud you are to be a North Carolinian. The top quality products found throughout our state are just too numerous to name but we will find provide you with a tasteful sampling!

Moravian Cookies – This recipe was

born in central Europe more than two hundred years ago and then brought to colonial North Carolina where in Winston Salem it continues. Advertised as the “World’s Thinnest Cookie” and available in many flavors including Spice, Sugar, Lemon, and more. Salem Baking Company also produces flavor filled cheese straws and wine biscuits.

Wine Nuts - As noted in a 1999 press release “the Fords came up with the idea of marinating roasted local jumbo peanuts in the freshly pressed juice of merlot and chardonnay grapes harvested from the vineyard of their now defunct winery, J. Berry Brown. The family christened these unique peanuts Wine Nuts”. The wine nuts are available in several flavors including Chardonnay, Merlot, Mocha Coffee and the award winning Fire Dancer Jalapeno Nut. They also produce the award winning Bone Suckin’ Sauce, Bone Suckin’ Mustard, Bone Suckin’ Salsa & Bone Suckin’ Hippcuppin’ Hot Sauce.

Wine – North Carolina now ranks 12th nationally in grape and wine production. It is home to 38 wineries. Growers in the mountains and Piedmont have planted the traditional European grape varieties including; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, etc. The Coastal Plain’s hot sandy conditions are better suited for the popular Muscadine wines. North Carolina wineries include Shelton Vineyards, Childress Vineyards, Biltmore Estate Winery, and Duplin Winery – just to name a few.

business that grows, harvests and pops popcorn. Popcorn that is hand picked & hand packaged. Purchase popcorn, caramel corn and even Popcorn on the Cob (popcorn ears that pop in your microwave!)

Carolina Cupboard’s Moonshine Chocolate Cordials – Packaged in a

nostalgic Mason jar, the liquidfilled, non-alcoholic chocolates provide 100-proof pleasure to lift our spirits.

Stone Ground Cornmeal & Grits can be found at Bost Grist

Mill established in 1810 and located in Concord. If you try these stone ground grits, they say you will never purchase grits in the grocery store again!

Elizabeth’s Extravagant Butter Roasted Chocolate covered pecans, pecan brittle, & more - In 1981, Captain

Bobby F. Bundy, established a pecan farm in Turkey, NC. Capt’n Bundy’s years of experience in growing quality pecans led to the processing company, B&B Pecan Processors of NC who now produce many variations of pecans. Don’t miss their Yam Good Sauce – a sauce made of NC sweet potatoes which is great with ribs, chicken, pork, or as a side dipping sauce.

Peach Buds - In 1924, Butterfield’s candy was born. More than 70 years later, the candy is

cooked with the same copper kettles and the same family recipe. You might know this candy better as Butterfield’s which is made in Nashville, NC, and is available in many varieties.

Don’t forget our soft drink favorites Sundrop & Cheerwine! So, the next time you are about to make that important purchase think North Carolina Goodness and look for the Goodness Grows in North Carolina (GGINC) identification label. GGINC is a promotional program designed to heighten awareness about North Carolina agriculture.

Biscuit mix, pancake mix, muffin mix, etc. – can be found at Atkinson’s Milling Co.,

Inc. in Selma, NC. A milling company that has been in operation for over 240 years!

Popcorn – At Shallowford Farms in Yadk-

inville, popcorn production is a family owned

Elizabeth Waddell is Owner and Manager of The Brassy Basket, LLC, which is located at 1096 Concord Parkway North, Suite 10 in Concord. She has over 18 years of sales and marketing experience, and left the corporate world in 2004 to open The Brassy Basket to make gift giving easy for her customers. At, The Brassy Basket, you can purchase pre-made baskets, design your own basket or purchase gift items. All North Carolina products mentioned above can be found at The Brassy Basket plus check www.thebrassybasket.com for many North Carolina gift basket ideas.

For distinctive gifts & gift baskets Corporate & Customized Orders Welcome! Specializing in baskets featuring North Carolina products. Thurs. extended hours until 8:00pm Sat.10-5 • Closed Sunday Delivery Available Locally Owned & Operated Will Ship Nationwide

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Why’s -

FEBRUARY

2006

Things That Make You Go ‘Hmmmmm?’

Stress is when you wake up screaming and then you realize you haven’t fallen asleep yet. Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery!”? Why is it that no plastic garbage bag will open from the end you first try? Why is it that our children can’t read a Bible in school, but they can in prison? Why is it that people say they “slept like a baby” when babies wakeup like every two hours? Why is it that to “stop” Windows on your computer, you have to click on “Start”? Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that’s falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over? Why is the man who invests all your money called a “broker”? Why is the third hand on a watch called a second hand?

Sweets for your Check out our

Sweetie Apple Turnovers Cherry Turnovers Gourmet Chocolate Chunk Cookies Shakes Happy Valentines Day! Speedway Blvd, locally owned & operated by Mike & LaDonna Doggette.

Why does the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune? Why did you just try singing those two songs? Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour? Why is there a light in the fridge and not in the freezer? Why is what doctors & lawyers do called “practice”? Why isn’t there mouse-flavored cat food? Wouldn’t it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press ‘Ctrl Alt Delete’ and start all over? You go to the ballet and you see girls dancing on their tiptoes. Why don’t they just get taller girls? You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff? If at first you don’t succeed, shouldn’t you try doing it like your wife told you to do it?

FEBRUARY

2006

FUEL UP

on all your AUTOMOTIVE needs!

FUEL UP on all your AUTOMOTIVE needs! Office: 704.606.8648 500 Church Street • Concord, NC 28025 email: [email protected] www.ReadtheConnection.com

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www.ChooseCarolina.com

Love Can and Won’t Die Trying By Serena Haneline

FEBRUARY

2006

Visit These and other Businesses at

www.ChooseCarolina.com

Love can travel through the hottest deserts And the iciest poles And never die of hot or cold Love can climb the highest mountains And cross the widest plains And never die of a fall or of pain Love can swim the deepest oceans And the mightiest rivers And never die of a drown, ever Love can conquer all of nature And ever die saying “I can” Because if love believes Love will never die traveling across the land

2006

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The Story of Esther By Anthony Cirillo

“Anthony sing me a song.” “OK,” I said. “What do you want me to sing?” Esther responded: “Sing ‘Because He Lives.’” “But Esther,” I protested, “I don’t know that song.” “Well that’s the song I want,”

Sherri put the CD on, and without Esther knowing what was on it, Esther immediately knew it was me singing to her. They tell me she played it over and over again. I was happy that she was happy and healthy. At least that is what I thought. I next heard from Sherri just a few weeks later that Esther was in hospice care and that my CD went along with her. Then Esther died. I went to the funeral. I walked in and as soon as her daughter saw me she started crying. She had not broken down, people told me, until she saw me walk in the door. She asked me if I knew about Esther’s last day of life. I didn’t. She told me. You see the whole last day of her life, my CD was playing. Over and over, Esther’s favorite song, “Because He Lives” played again and again with me singing. Esther’s daughter started singing the song with me into her mother’s ear and telling her to let go. Esther died a short time later. Of course I started crying as well as she told me the story.

she said. “But……………. Let me tell about my friend Esther. I am a performer who is on a mission to bring joy to older adults. I perform at nursing and assisted living facilities throughout the country. When I moved to North Carolina in 2001, one of the first places I performed was Spring Arbor of Hickory. One of the first “characters” I met was Esther. Esther became my designated heckler at Spring Arbor. Any story I would tell, she would give me that look, shake her head, roll her eyes, in short telling me that I was full of it. Well of course I gave it right back to her. And that is how we became friends. Fast forward to 2005 when I received a call from Sherri, the activity director at Spring Arbor. Esther was in the hospital and insisted I go visit her before or after my next performance at Spring Arbor. I agreed. You see a funny thing happens to you when you entertain at these facilities. You make some wonderful friends. And you grow close to them, check in on them from time to time and take an interest in their life. Esther was one of these people. Well I entertained at the facility that day and then Sherri and I went to visit Esther. Of course up until now Sherri only gave me selected information. Now on the way to the hospital I found out that Esther actually had died and was revived the week before and was now in the intensive care unit. “Oh,” I thought, “and she wants to see me?!” I entered the room and her eyes lit up, totally ignoring Sherri and just about paying attention to her daughter. Esther starts flirting with me to the amusement of her daughter. “Mother,” she said, “he’s a married man!” Oh well. Our banter continues and of course she insists I sing her that song that I don’t know. I sort of dodged that and sang her Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” an appropriate song for Esther I thought. We visited a while longer and I kissed her goodbye. Her daughter took me aside and told me that I would never know how much my visit meant to her and her mom. I didn’t think a whole lot about it. That is until I got to the parking lot and it hit me that something profound had taken place. That I truly was crossing the line from just being someone who brightened up the days of seniors to someone who was somehow purposefully linked to their lives. I told Esther I would learn that song for her and I did. And then I made a recording of it in my studio. I sent it to Esther who was safely back at Spring Arbor and it was a huge hit with her and the residents. As soon as

I have accomplished a lot in my performance and singing career. Yes, I never hit the big time, well not yet. But I have won some songwriting awards from Billboard, been featured in songwriter’s showcases in New York, entertained at resorts and casinos and even was once considered for a recording contract with Capital Records. But the biggest musical accomplishment in my life so far, maybe my biggest accomplishment period, was helping Esther pass from this life to her eternal reward. I doubt I’ll ever top it. Anthony Cirillo, ABC, CHE is a Huntersville resident and author of “Who Moved My Dentures?” He is an international healthcare consultant and a motivational, keynote speaker. Esther’s story and other stories and song are featured in his acclaimed program “The Meaning of Life.” Find out more at www.anthonyssong.com or call 704-992-6005.

11

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RELIGIOUS HUMOR

One-Liners

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

Compiled by Earnest Lee Tryng A Recently Spotted Bumper Sticker:

“I don’t question YOUR existence.” —God

2006

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisers.

Five Jewish Men

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

Five Jewish men who influenced the history of Western civilization; Moses said the law is everything. Jesus said love is everything. Marx said capital is everything. Freud said sex is everything. Einstein said everything is relative.

The good Lord didn’t create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close. When you get to your wit’s end, you’ll find God lives there.

No Male Pallbearers

An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, “They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive, I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.”

Pick-up Lines

Did it hurt when you fell from Heaven? The word says “Give drink to those who are thirsty, and feed the hungry.” How about dinner?

Don’t Step on the Ducks

A Grave Tragedy

A man placed some flowers on the grave of his dearly departed mother and started back toward his car when his attention was diverted to another man kneeling at a grave. The man seemed to be praying with profound intensity and kept repeating, “Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die?” The first man approached him and said, “Sir, I don’t wish to interfere with your private grief, but this demonstration of pain is more than I’ve ever seen before. For whom do you mourn so deeply? A child? A parent?” The mourner took a moment to collect himself, then replied... “My wife’s first husband.”

Three guys die together in an accident and go to heaven. When they get there, St. Peter says, “We only have one rule here in heaven: Don’t step on the ducks!” So they enter heaven, and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. It is almost impossible not to step on a duck, and although they try their best to avoid them, the first guy accidentally steps on one. Along comes St. Peter with the ugliest woman he has ever seen. St. Peter chains them together and says, “Your punishment for stepping on a duck is to spend eternity chained to the ugly woman!” The next day, the second guy steps accidentally on a duck, and along comes St. Peter, who doesn’t miss a thing, and with him is another extremely ugly woman. He chains them together with the same admonishment as for the first guy. The third guy has observed all this and not wanting to be chained for all eternity to an ugly woman, is very, VERY careful where he steps. He manages to go months without stepping on any ducks, but one day St. Peter comes up to him with the most gorgeous woman he has ever laid eyes on: a very tall, tan, curvaceous, sexy blonde. St. Peter chains them together without saying a word. The guy remarks, “I wonder what I did to deserve being chained to you for all of eternity?” She says, “I don’t know about you, but I stepped on a duck!”

You don’t have an accountability partner? Me neither. Is it a sin that you stole my heart? I didn’t believe in predestination till I met you. What do YOU think? Will it be the flood or the fire next time? Am I the only one who sees the sign of the beast in the Volkswagen logo? Could you come and pull this mote out of my eye? Hi. Your name must be Grace because you are AMAZING!

DISCLAIMER: We recognize that religious humor can be risky. It is our hope that by laughing at ourselves (and others) we can make this subject more approachable. If you find any of these objectionable, we apologize.

FEBRUARY

2006

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13

ALL Denominations & Cities Welcome THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD SAINT PETER’S OF CONCORD, NC 2400 Ward Ave (Off Rt. 49 near Cabarrus Arena) Spirit filled Sunday worship 11AM Bible Study Wednesday 6PM www.lutheransonline.com/stpeters 704-786-2507 MIAMI BAPTIST CHURCH 6701 Miami Church Road Concord, NC 28025 704 788-1611 http://www.miamichurch.org Sunday School 9:45am Sunday Worship 11:00am Sunday Evening 6:00pm Wednesday Evening 7:00pm MT. CARMEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2330 Old Salisbury-Concord Road Concord, NC 28025 704-782-2355 Sunday Worship 9:30am POLAR TENT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 6841 Poplar Tent Road Concord, NC, 28027 Reverend Jay D. Smith Sunday worship at 11AM Sunday School at 9:45 704-786-1603 or www.ptptchurch.org. PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 551-C Pitts School Road Concord NC 28027 704.788.8899 www.ppcnet.net 9:30am Sunday worship (Member of the PCA) MT ZION UNITED METHODIST 19600 Zion St. Cornelius, NC 704-892-8566 Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Service 11:00 am

THE REFUGE 1030-B Central Drive (Formally Nikita’s Gym) Concord, NC 28027 Sundays 8:45 & 10:45 am Nursery and Children’s Ministries available each week. 704.788.2400 www.TheRefugeOnline.net Lead Pastors Jay and Melanie Stewart EAST CABARRUS CHURCH Meeting at The Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Pastor Craig Scott 704-788-1116 Worship Sunday 10 am Small group Bible Studies in homes (call for info.) www.eastcabarruschurch.com CEDAR GROVE AME ZION CHURCH 2430 Hilderbrand Road Cleveland, N.C. 27013 704 278-2947 Sunday School 9:45 am Worship Service 11:00 am Wednesday Night Bible Study for all ages 7 pm Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Tyson, Pastor TORRENCE CHAPEL 21517 Torrence Chapel Rd Cornelius, NC 28031 704 392-6745 DAVIDSON COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN 100 N Main Street Davidson, NC 28036 704 892-5641 MOUNT MOURNE Hwy 115 Davidson, NC 704 892-7593 HOPEWELL BAPTIST Concord Road Davidson, NC 28036 704 892-3749

WESTPORT BAPTIST 2372 Westport Rd Denver, NC 704 483-5851 HOLY SPIRIT 537 Hwy 16, North Denver, NC 704 483-6448 GRACE CHURCH - PCA “Passionately Proclaiming the Gospel of Grace!” Stallings Rd at Rocky River Rd. Harrisburg, NC 28075 Pastor/Teacher – Doug Agnew Stacey M. Cox – Associate Pastor 704-455-9312 www.graceharrisburg.org SUNDAY-Sunday School 9:45 Worship 11 am & 6 pm WEDS – Small Group 7 pm Youth, Childrens Groups 7 pm Hear 9:00 am WRKB/WRNA 1460/1140 AM 9:45 am WHVN – 1240 AM NORTHSIDE WORSHIP CENTER Pastor Michael & Debbie Gamble 11515 Vanstory Drive, Suite 145 (Highway 77, Exit 23) Huntersville, NC. 28078 704-299-2000 [email protected] Services: Saturday Evenings 6:30 pm FAITH CHRISTIAN CTR 115 Commercial Ctr Dr Huntersville, NC 704 875-8993 COMMUNITY IN CHRIST Sam Furr @ Birkdale Huntersville, NC 28078 704 892-0120 SHILOH SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST 13315 Eastfield Road Huntersville, N.C. 28078 Pastor Ralph Dale 704 451-4283

February 26th

MIKE MINTER of the CAROLINA PANTHERS to speak

EAST HUNTERSVILLE 16301 Old Statesville Rd Huntersville, Nc 704 875-8374 SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH “A CHURCH THAT CARES” 807 Sweetgum St / PO BOX 900 Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-932-9253 Pastor: Rev. Gary T. Scoggins Sunday School 9:45 Worship 11am & 6pm Outreach Minister: Dr. Robert E. Foster Youth Powerhouse – Puppet Ministry Prison Ministry Nursing Home Ministry GRIEF/SHARE SUPPORTnondenominational meets every other Thursday 7-9pm CENTER GROVE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1601 S. Cannon Blvd. (near Hwys 3 & 29) Kannapolis, NC 28083 Office Phone: (704) 933-6721 Spirited Traditional Worship Service at 11am NORTH KANNAPOLIS UNITED METHODIST 1307 N Main St Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.932.5358 Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am www.NKUMC.com FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH KANNAPOLIS “Building a Community of Disciples for Christ” 101 N. Main Street (across from the Gem Theatre) 704-938-4697 www.firstbaptistkannapolis.com Sunday School 9:45am Worship 10:55am ARK Preschool Ministry (ages 1-4)

LIGHTHOUSE PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 106 Homestead AvenueKannapolis, NC Sunday School 10am - Sunday Worship 11am Sunday Evening 6pm -Wed Evening 7pm Everyone Welcome ! ! ! NORTH KANNAPOLIS UNITED METHODIST 1307 N Main St Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.932.5358 Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 11:00 am www.NKUMC.com HOSANNA! LUTHERAN COMMUNITY CHURCH Meeting at Cox Mill Elem. School, on Cox Mill Road Rd. off Poplar Tent. Dr. Gil Gilbert, Pastor 704-875-2600 Sunday Worship @10 AM Learning Hour @ 9 AM Small Groups, Fellowship Groups, Bible Study Groups www.hosannacharlotte.org LAKE NORMAN CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE 2940 Charlotte Highway Mooresville, NC 28117 704-662-4216 Tom McCrea, Pastor e-mail: [email protected] UNIVERSITY CITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3835 West WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28269 704-596-4092 www.ucumc.org Sun Worship 8:30am(traditional) 9:45 (blended) 11:00 (contemporary) Sunday School 8:30am, 9:45am, 11:00am

SAINT JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH 851 Shinnville Road Mooresville, 28115 parish office: 704-664-7115 www.geocities.com/stjamesmvl Rev. Rachel Haynes Holy Communion each Sunday at 10 am and on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 10:30 am. Christian education for all ages every Sunday after worship. SILLS CREEK 3165 Brawley School Rd Mooresville, NC 704 633-0266 FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH 234 Catawba Drive Mooresville, NC 704 663-5443 HICKORY GROVE BAPTIST (NORTH) 2350 Odell School Rd (University/Concord/Huntersville) Area Charlotte, NC 28262 704-547-9906 www.north.hgbc.org CHRIST UNITY CHURCH 7300 Mallard Creek Rd. (University Area) Charlotte, NC 28269 Reverend: Julie McKay Wilkinson 704-599-1180 Sunday Celebration : 10:30-11:45 Childcare & Sunday School Several weekly classes available. (Call for info) UNIVERSITY CITY FELLOWSHIP Meets at Jay M. Robinson High School 300 Pitts School Rd Sw Concord, NC 704.793.1823 Neighborhood Service 10am www.ucfellowship.org HICKORY GROVE BAPTIST (MAIN) 6050 Hickory Grove Rd Charlotte, NC 28215 704-531-4000 www.hgbc.org

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FEBRUARY

www.ReadTheConnection.com

2006

Design 101

by Barbara Green

Do you have a home computer? Do you work for a corporation that allows you to work from home? Do you operate your own business from home? If you answered yes to any of these questions then this column is for you. You will learn the basics for setting up a home office, including location, furnishings, lighting, and accessories.

FURNITURE When choosing furniture for a home office, try to keep it in the same style as the rest of your furnishings. This will improve the visual flow of your home, thus making it feel larger. The two most important furniture purchases would be the desk and the chair. If you are incorporating your “home office” into another room, look for either a large armoire or a roll top desk. These offer ample room

WHERE SHOULD IT GO?

for your computer and office supplies but give you the ability to close everything up and hide the clutter when you do not want to be “at work”. If you have plenty of space for a desk but not much budget there are many options

Before we figure out where your office should go, we need to figure out what your needs are. If you just need a spot to set up the computer we can put it anywhere. Will children be using the

available to you. You

computer? If so you might want to put it on a desk in the kitchen or family room so you can keep

can easily make a desk

an eye on the sites the children visit. Are you going to need to make business calls from this home

by laying a core door

office? In that case you are going to want to place it away from the family activities, preferably in

across two filing cabinets

a room with a door. A guest room is a perfect solution for this. Since guests won’t be needing the

or two saw horses from

closet, you can take the pole out, and fit the inside of the closet with file cabinets, a work surface,

the hardware store. All

shelves and you’ve got an instant office that you can close away when

the components can be

company comes. With some minor renovation you

painted to match and

can even fit a small office area under a staircase.

you’ve got a practical,

If you are running the entire business from your

inexpensive desk with

home you are going to need substantially more

lots of surface area to

room to accommodate teleconferencing, a

work. The desk made

computer, a fax machine, a copier, and shipping

with filing cabinets does

facilities. Many new homes are being built with

double duty for storage, while the one made

rooms specifically designed as home offices. But if you have an older home with a formal

with saw horses gives a clean lined and contemporary look. It is also possible to

living room you can repurpose that room for

get very affordable desks at office furniture and hotel supply companies. These

a great, functional office. Today’s casual life-

companies will buy back furniture from companies that have gone out of business

style just doesn’t fit with the old formal living

or from hotels that have redecorated and then resell them at an amazing value to

room concept, and this makes much better use

the new customer. After you find or make your desk, you need to find the right

of the space. Plus, if it is used solely for the

chair. You will spend a lot of time sitting, so don’t skimp here. Be sure the chair is

purpose of business, that percentage of your

comfortable, is the right height (preferably adjustable), and provides proper back

house and all expenses for upkeep may then

and arm support.

become tax deductible.

FEBRUARY

2006

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LIGHTING Proper lighting is extremely important for a home office. In order to reduce eye strain you need to have light that comes from multiple sources. You need task lighting that will shine directly over your reading area and over your computer area. You need general, ambient lighting to light the entire

Style and Tradition ANTIQUES AND MORE

room. Accent lighting can be added to draw attention to favorite pieces of art or architectural details of the room. If you are lucky enough to have a separate room for your office try and position the desk near a window so that the natural light can wash over your workspace and also provide you with a good view. But beware the daydreaming!

ACCESSORIES Planning for an organized office is the best way to prevent clutter. Clutter is a huge issue with most home offices. If you plan in advance you will not only have an office that is neat and clean, but you will also be more efficient when you are working in it. My favorite tools for office organization are files, storage boxes and a labeler. I know it is a cliché, but it got that way because it is true: There should be a place for everything and everything in its place. Too much time is wasted by looking for things that should be easily retrievable. Label files for whatever you seem to accumulate: business receipts, tax information, banking records, bills; whatever comes across your desk on a regular basis should have a specific file to go into, that way you always know where to find it. If you don’t have room for a filing cabinet, you can get a vertical file rack for on top of your desk, or buy boxes or baskets that are file sized. Also buy attractive storage boxes for CDs, office supplies, and all the other small items that seem to accumulate. Keeping it contained will keep it from overtaking your space. If more than one family member will be using this space, be sure to label the containers so that each person will be able to keep track of their own belongings. If you have an entire room dedicated to your office you can add many other organizational tools. You can fill an entire wall with shelves for storing office equipment, books, boxes, photos, and any other supplies you need. Pegboard is another option, particularly if you have a business that has sample books or tools. Hooks and shelves can be inserted into the pegboard to hold a myriad of office supplies, tools, and catalogs. Be sure to include either a cork or magnetic memo board, so you can post important reminders for upcoming events, meetings, and invitations. Every home office will be different, as each person and family is different. After you’ve covered the basics, figure out what special needs you have, what your priorities are, and what your particular work style is. Then implement design elements that will best serve you and your work style and lifestyle. Since this is a place you will be spending a lot of time, make sure it is a comfortable space that is a beautiful reflection of you!

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any design questions or problems that you would like addressed in our upcoming columns, please send an email to the address below for consideration.

see ad page 24

Barbara Green is the owner of Signature Style Custom Decorating. She has decorated homes in 17 states over the last 14 years. Her favorite part of her work is building relationships with her clients and seeing them (and their homes!) through all of life’s changes. Barbara can be reached at 704-987-0277 or at [email protected] to answer questions about this article

15

Tues.-Thurs. 10-5 • Fri. 10-1 Saturday by Apointment only 704-795-4541 41 Edgewood Dr., Concord, NC

16

FEBRUARY

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Agents/Brokers Deadline to be included in the March issue of recent home listings is Feb 11. Call 704-606-8648 List Price

MLS # Bath Bed

MOORESVILLE $109,075

563692 536944 $169,900 562747 $275,000 551124 $849,900 564583 $289,900 544862 $285,000 543035 $310,000 563798 $459,000 564006 $495,000 563176 $235,000 563834 $240,000 562215 $385,000 563991 $335,000 564781 $479,000 555965 $329,000 564244 $209,000 563309 $219,900 563928 $555,355 564267 $519,000 564911 $551,430 534262 $43,900 555334 $69,900 565141 $635,000 564249 $449,900 563618 $250,000 565167 $250,000 565401 $129,900 564748 $568,500 483959 $519,900 486527 $299,900 565242 $736,900 547227 $109,900 562880 $72,500 564043 $119,500 564400 $155,000 455010 $303,900 565069 $169,900 560021 $124,900 564038 $139,000 562126 $159,900 563133 $149,000 533756 $795,000 513062 $138,500 541144 $405,000 565001 $699,000

2 2 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 1 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 4 4 4 2 2 4 4 3 3 2 4 4 3 5 2 1 2 2 3 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 4

Subdivision

Recent Home Listings for month Dec 12 - Jan 11 List Price

MLS # Bath Bed

$439,900

3 . .. .. .. .. .. Windward Pointe 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Brantley Place 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Pinnacle Shores 5 . .. .. .. .. Morrison Plantation 5 . .. .. .. .. Morrison Plantation 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Muirfield 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Shavenders Bluff 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. White Oaks 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Glynwater 4 . .. .. .. The Harbour At The Pointe 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Yacht Cove 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. . Monterey Landing 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Linwood Farms 4 . .. .. .. .. Morrison Plantation 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Tuskarora Point 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bay Crossing 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Tuskarora Point 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. . Wildwood Acres 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Lake Norman 4 . .. .. .. Lakewood Crossings 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Creekwood 3 . .. .. .. .. Blackberry Creek I 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Tall Oaks 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..The Farms 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..The Farms 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Harbor Cove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Point 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Cedarcroft 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Holiday Harbor 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Muirfield 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Woodlands 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Foxmoor 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Tall Oaks 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Tall Oaks 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. . Bluffs at Tall Oaks 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Davidson Downs

564060 $475,900 565245 $215,340 524277 $85,000 564552 $199,500 516165 $212,000 562020 $45,000 564531 $65,000 564548 $55,000 564535 $55,000 564544 $65,000 564550 $55,000 564538 $549,950 563978 $229,999 564916 $146,000 565639 $324,900 524345 $169,000 564558 $359,900 563751 $54,900 564484 $339,000 564933 $325,000 560820 $188,768 563876 $184,478 563878 $185,360 564164 $139,999 565196 $224,900 565499 $172,304 564170 $134,500 561715 $289,000 564397 $598,000 561911 $985,000 519295 $737,700 562858 $154,333 563168 $72,400 525643 $147,200 561489 $204,900 563867 $138,200 563872 $259,000 564183 $79,900 564364 $125,900 564523 $119,300 564528 $65,200 565293 $400,000 564977 $300,000 563489 $126,900 565339 $179,000 564327

3 4 3 1 3 3 1 1 1 1 0 1 6 3 3 4 2 2 1 3 3 3 3 3 2 4 3 3 3 4 4 5 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2 3 2 3

Subdivision

4 . .. .. .. .. Honeysuckle Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. Honeysuckle Creek 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bennington 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Historic District 4 . .. .. .. .. Morrison Plantation 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Woodland Hills 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Winslow Bay 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. . Perthwood Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Kistler Mill 3 . .. .. .. Whippoorwill Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Cherry Grove 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Mooresville 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Greene Croft 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Greene Croft 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Greene Croft 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Brookview 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Water Oak 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Greene Croft 3 . .. .. .. .. .. ..The Hampshires 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Dupree Estates 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bay Crossing 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Point 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Point 3 . .. .. .Commodore Peninsula 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Ferncliff Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Unknown 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Tall Oaks 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Fernbrook 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Gibbs Cove 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Foxmoor 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Curtis Pond

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List Price $750,000 $210,000 $539,000 $200,000 $215,000 $578,500 $249,900 $229,950

MLS # Bath Bed 553976 564731 564501 563332 564556 564502 565113 563510

4 2 4 2 3 4 2 3

LAKE NORMAN $699,000

536944 564583 $849,000 561815 $459,900 564012 $495,000 563176 $719,000 564065 $799,000 565195 $1,800,000 565041 $479,000 555965 $1,100,000 562177 $700,000 562252 $299,900 563085 $335,000 564781 $555,355 564267 $1,790,000 528695 $700,000 561931 $474,900 564372 $397,000 562516 $635,000 564249 $549,900 561877 $749,000 563224 $425,000 565128 $232,500 562430 $842,500 529945 $390,000 564728 $2,100,000 562788 $2,200,000 565079 $899,950 564107 $115,000 517161 $874,900 561629 $264,900 563757 $399,900 562944 $774,900 533778 $1,170,000 562244 $1,200,000 463410 $1,149500 561380 $593,500 563326 $829,900 564826 $359,900 563751 $549,950 563978 $980,000 516796 $877,000 539100 $999,000 561462 $765,000 565111 $399,000 563561 $1,350,000 564779 $229,500 562101 $1,458,000 562682 $154,333 563168 $300,000 565189 $750,000 553976 $300,000 563489 $580,200 564336 $639,900 553229 $849,900

2 4 3 4 1 4 4 6 2 5 3 3 2 4 6 4 3 3 4 3 4 3 2 4 3 5 7 4 2 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 3 2 6 3 5 3 4 3 4 3 5 3 3 4 3 3 3

Subdivision

5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Woodland Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Quail Run 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bay Crossing 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Linwood Farms 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Winslow Bay 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Meadows 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Pinnacle Shores 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .Top Of The Lake 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sailview 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Wildlife Bay 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Point 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Patricks Purchase 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Bay Shores 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Yacht Cove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Tuskarora Point 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Sherwood Shores 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Waterford Point 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Lake Norman 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Retreat 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Pebble Bay 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Wildlife Bay 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Ashbury Park 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Smithstone 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Lakewood 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .Crescent Land&Timber Recreation 5 . .. .. .. .. Northview Harbour 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbor Watch 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. Whippoorwill Woods 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Woodland Hills 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. Cowans Ford Country Club 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Lakepointe 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Bordeaux 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Point 3 . .. .. .Commodore Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Woodland Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Gibbs Cove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Pebble Bay 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Deep Cove

List Price $1,499,000 $130,0000 $752,700 $595,200

MLS # Bath Bed 564222 565291 564757 564576

5 5 4 5

KANNAPOLIS $87,500

536387 564803 564146 $97,500 517322 $126,500 532825 $108,000 555526 $172,500 537639 $89,500 564063 $44,900 562421 $131,000 562106 $38,000 562130 $92,000 565460 $124,900 560346 $64,900 561823 $549,000 510832 $89,900 518685 $329,000 524347 $119,900 562488 $135,000 562769 $37,500 563973 $47,500 564032 $49,900 564036 $35,900 564044 $58,000 564348 $169,900 565552 $158,900 565372 $234,900 565395 $158,861 564189 $188,888 564201 $74,900 533375 $60,000 562311 $192,500 563073 $52,000 562285 $99,500 562321 $108,000 530728 $153,430 562744 $195,000 562746 $64,900 536589 $169,900 561577 $55,900 561752 $232,610 562741 $237,500 564837 $36,750 563844 $119,900 538522 $129,900 469868 $57,900 495638 $124,900 563672 $239,900 565512 $144,900 561739 $165,000 562003 $229,500 562913 $59,900 564507 $59,900 565071 $94,900 536053 $147,500 562416 $26,985 562716 $39,900 564467 $94,900 563364 $75,500

$129,900

2 1 2 2 2 2 3 2 1 3 2 2 2 1 5 2 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 3 2 1 2 3 1 3 2 3 3 1 3 2 4 2 1 2 2 1 2 3 3 2 3 2 1 2 2 2 1 2

Subdivision

4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Sterling Pointe 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Pebble Bay 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Pebble Bay 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Beaumont 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .Sherwood Forest 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Brantley Creek 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Royal Oaks 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Evergreen 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Idlewood 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Westlake 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Jackson Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 1 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 1 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 1 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .Waterside Landing 4 . .. .. .. .. .Waterside Landing 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. West Oaks 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Manchester Place 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Manchester Place 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Lantern Green 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Mitchell Glen 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. The Farm At Riverpointe 3 . .. The Farm At Riverpointe 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Princeton Park 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. The Farm At Riverpointe 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanglewood 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Lantern Green 3 . .. .. .. .. .Waterside Landing 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Woodmoore 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 1 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. . Medlin Crossing 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Unknown 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None

FEBRUARY

2006

Recent Home Listings for month Dec 12 - Jan 11 List Price $67,990 $131,426 $139,931 $129,900 $124,900 $124,900 $199,900 $71,900 $124,900 $124,900 $73,500 $150,900 $155,000 $166,820 $169,425 $160,225 $124,900 $175,000 $168,750 $99,900 $109,900 $109,900

MLS # Bath Bed 564651 565444 565453 564543 562231 562239 563236 563987 562241 562169 564986 528927 563909 561647 561652 561656 561542 561832 561661 562185 562219 562260

1 2 3 3 3 3 3 1 3 3 1 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 2 2 2

Subdivision

2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbour Towne 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbour Towne 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Brantley Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbour Towne 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbour Towne 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbour Towne 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harbour Towne 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Charlies Corner 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Brantley Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Brantley Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Brantley Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanglewood 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Brantley Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None

562084 519446 $378,581 529227 $371,594 529237 $376,789 562049 $520,000 563113 $168,900 562165 $219,900 563192 $375,000 564300 $150,000 565175 $154,900 564815 $314,900 561607 $299,900 563085 $529,900 563478 $219,900 561419 $179,500 564380 $399,900 565017 $319,500 548249 $335,000 561941 $269,900 562718 $300,000 562723 $350,000 563531 $311,000 564415 $247,000 565087 $220,000 565322 $205,000 565564 $205,508 564223 $162,900 524914 $350,000 562543 $175,000 565239 $199,551 564211 $196,996 564215 $399,900 565542 $307,114 545975 $429,000 565162 $197,190 565084 $190,990 565158 $273,690 565231 $385,000 562068 $192,770 562721 $219,900

3 2 4 3 3 5 3 4 4 3 2 3 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 3 2 1 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 4 4 3 2 3 4 3

List Price $250,648 $179,900 $155,000 $332,000 $1,350,000 $179,000 $251,500 $519,900 $167,500 $274,900 $544,900 $569,900 $579,900 $424,900 $304,900 $174,900 $454,300 $319,999 $359,900 $950,000 $249,900 $269,500 $230,000

HUNTERSVILLE $159,900

17

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3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Stone Hollow 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Stephens Grove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Stephens Grove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Macaulay 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Macaulay 4 . .. .. .. .. . Cabarrus Crossing 5 . .. .. .. .. .. Carrington Ridge 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Stephens Grove 3 . .. .. .. .. .. . Stonegate Farms 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Plum Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Bay Shores 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Birkdale 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Birkdale 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Cedarfield 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . The Hamptons 3 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Birkdale Village 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Stephens Grove 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Stephens Grove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Abbington Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Birkdale 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Wynfield Forest 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Wynfield Forest 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Hampton Ridge 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanners Creek 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Glenwyck 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Plum Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanners Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanners Creek 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Centennial 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Macaulay 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Gilead Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Gilead Ridge 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Gilead Ridge 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . The Hamptons 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Carrington Ridge

$189,900 $407,000 $375,000 $165,000 $188,900 $479,900 $549,950 $289,000 $159,910 $324,900 $155,900 $289,000 $489,900 $173,650

MLS # Bath Bed 563597 564159 565620 563190 564516 562971 565522 564383 562191 564567 564394 564363 564371 562570 561485 563997 565125 563611 564152 564909 565491 565218 564919 565667 562905 562725 565323 558812 564673 564322 522239 491376 561454 565414 516679 563432 563925

3 3 2 3 4 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 5 4 3 3 3 3 4 6 3 3 2 3 3 4 3 3 4 5 3 3 3 3 3 4 3

HARRISBURG $162,000 $165,185 $599,900 $175,000 $192,999 $189,395 $329,000 $191,145 $199,990 $307,720 $510,000 $199,900 $169,500 $239,500 $169,000 $219,900 $278,030 $160,000 $194,900 $269,900

562008 552578 563940 564166 562478 564771 561859 560468 563881 552895 562870 538312 562726 564112 562613 565222 556312 562949 565539 564406

CORNELIUS $849,000 $674,900 $240,000

561815 563475 564521

Subdivision

4 . .. .. .. .. .. Carrington Ridge 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Hunters Pointe 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Gilead Village 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Wynfield Forest 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Stone Hollow 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .The Greens 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Crosswinds 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Macaulay 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Monteith Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. . Stonegate Farms 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Lea Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Stephens Grove 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Stillwell 4 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Alexander Place 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 3 . .. .. .. .. ..Hambright Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Melbourne 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Skybrook 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Douglas Park 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanners Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . The Hamptons 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . The Hamptons 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Gilead Village 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Northstone 4 . .. .. .. ..Shepherds Vineyard 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Vermillion 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Birkdale 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Gilead Village

ASAP RENOVATION SERVICES Servicing the Greater Charlotte Area

$698,000 $400,000 $420,000 $331,273 $328,547 $1,790,000 $465,000 $230,000 $700,000 $397,000 $185,000 $474,900 $997,000 $670,000 $2,200,000 $231,678 $169,900 $519,900 $995,000 $ 2,100,000 $156,627 $221,445 $495,000 $274,347 $166,000 $163,283 $249,900 $629,900 $177,165 $829,900 $774,900 $459,900 $535,000 $424,860 $295,900 $980,000 $479,000 $877,000

2 3 5 2 3 4 3 3 3 3 5 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3

3 . .. .. .. .. . Canterfield Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Canterfield 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bradford Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Stallings Glen 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Canterfield 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Canterfield 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bradford Park 4 . .. .. .. .. . Providence Manor 4 . .. .. ..Rocky River Crossing 4 . .. .. .. .. .. Magnolia Springs 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Abbington 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harrisburg Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harrisburg Park 3 . .. .. .. .. . River Hills Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harrisburg Park 4 . .. .. ..Rocky River Crossing 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Heatherstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Harrisburg Park 3 . .. .. ..Rocky River Crossing 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Clare Haven

3 4 3

2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. River Run 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Coachmans Trace

Carpentry & Handy Man Services The “Honey Do” Specialist

List Price

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

• Renovations and Remodeling • All Home Repairs • Full Service [email protected] One Call Does it All!

704-634-9630

Members of HOCCA and Angie’s List

$189,900 $365,000 $680,000 $415,000 $59,900 $1,350,000 $545,900 $179,500 $360,000

MLS # Bath Bed 542660 539773 562156 564023 564039 528695 554769 561452 562252 562516 564218 564372 564414 564450 565079 528300 563049 562087 563066 562788 529198 533507 562088 561844 563435 517948 562965 551264 541023 564826 533778 561490 554544 563331 562114 516796 521765 539100 552005 562376 565421 565007 563957 564779 565420 557783 508524

4 4 2 3 3 6 4 3 3 3 3 3 5 4 7 3 3 4 5 5 2 3 3 3 2 3 3 4 2 3 4 3 4 4 3 3 4 5 3 4 4 3 1 4 4 3 3

Subdivision

4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. River Run 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Westmoreland 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Westmoreland 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Lake Davidson 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Patricks Purchase 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Oakhurst 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Waterford Point 4 . .. .River Run Country Club 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. . Torrence Chapel Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Wellsley Village 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Anniston 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Heritage Green 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Oakhurst 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Anniston 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Oakhurst 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Heritage Green 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Heritage Green 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Oakhurst 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. River Run 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Heritage Green 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. River Run 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Weatherstone 4 . .. .. .. .. . Blue Stone Harbor 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .River Run Country Club 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. The Peninsula 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Glenridge 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Westmoreland 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. River Run 3 . .. .River Run Country Club 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Old Davidson 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Mill Creek 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Jetton Cove

Agents/Brokers Deadline to be included in the March issue of recent home listings is Feb 11. Call 704-606-8648 List Price $147,500 $229,500 $385,000 $1,499,000 $3,250,000 $127,500 $209,900 $289,900 $639,900

MLS # Bath Bed 564195 562101 563089 564222 525203 564115 564997 549613 553229

CONCORD $222,500

559723 563501 $27,999 561970 $79,900 563707 $399,950 562248 $679,900 564906 $124,900 562048 $313,000 565597 $123,500 562486 $279,900 563395 $279,900 454234 $599,900 561401 $49,900 563952 $229,900 562981 $179,900 563052 $74,500 564029 $106,000 563722 $43,000 563938 $217,651 564650 $44,900 563960 $39,900 563965 $139,900 564914 $45,970 564037 $110,000 564286 $380,000 565042 $157,500 564863 $168,500 564894 $156,500 565382 $327,900 564995 $269,900 565008 $156,900 565624 $46,900 565054 $159,000 565341 $146,270 535830 $145,750 557667 $55,900 545350 $115,000

704-822-MOVE 704-822-6683

Subdivision

2 3 3 5 5 3 2 3 3

3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Bahia Bay 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Bordeaux 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Jetton Cove 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Sterling Pointe 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Mill Creek 4 . .. . Torrence Chapel Estates 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Chapel Point 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Deep Cove

3 2 2 3 4 4 2 4 2 3 4 4 1 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2 4 2 3 3 5 3 3 1 2 3 3 1

4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Yates Meadow 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Falcon Chase 2 . .. .. .. .. .. Bostwood Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Southern Chase 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Winecoff Hills 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Historic District 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .St Andrews 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Porters Landing 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Falcon Chase 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Maple Bluff 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. none 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Whispering Pines 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Roberta Woods 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 1 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Picture Park 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. . Hawick Commons 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Morris Glen 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Treetop 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Brittany Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Kiser Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Hunters Pointe 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Porters Landing 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Autumn Ridge 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Brandon Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Brandon Ridge 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Parkwood

Competitive Rates Household Moves Apartments Office Moves Appliance Moves Packing Available

“It’s the Best Move You Can Make”

ANYTIME MOVERS Clean Modern Equipment One Piece or a Household Low Prices on Boxes & Moving Supplies Loading & Unloading of Rental Trucks

NCUC 2326

18

FEBRUARY

www.ReadTheConnection.com

Real Estate services you can count on from experienced professionals Over 15 years of networking/selling experience in Cabarrus County! Working for you, showing you your options!

Recent Home Listings for month Dec 12 - Jan 11 List Price $45,000 $99,900 $58,500 $32,900 $168,900 $185,000 $48,500 $75,000 $212,000 $389,900 $599,900 $209,900 $121,900 $120,900 $143,900

Aubie W. Cook SK Goodman Real Estate 6072 Village Drive Concord, NC 28027

$239,900 $99,500 $87,000 $279,900 $164,900 $359,900 $269,900

Call today for all of your real estate needs Mention The Connection Ad

704.467.6680 [email protected]

2006

$38,900 $92,000 $179,900 $129,900 $164,900 $155,900 $89,900 $129,900 $135,640 $130,540 $135,540 $124,100 $137,390 $137,590 $141,600 $122,460 $135,460 $225,000 $172,900 $124,540 $350,000 $285,000 $66,000 $379,000 $229,900 $105,000 $99,999 $129,900 $129,900 $59,000 $171,900 $87,900 $143,000 $295,500 $168,450 $57,900 $59,900 $120,000 $98,000 $179,900 $199,900

MLS # Bath Bed 563349 565305 565307 548371 562188 565212 562558 564402 543876 524762 529638 534839 564273 564282 564294 563058 510702 564313 561968 536419 558256 565157 563286 563387 555866 565252 561475 544350 562840 498070 562867 562876 562879 562883 562898 562906 565623 565630 565633 562389 563436 565642 563837 565568 552436 565060 564585 491674 564526 524866 565399 565529 563279 563576 564807 562175 513400 517440 542032 562093 563410 565156 565377

1 2 1 1 3 3 1 3 3 5 6 3 2 2 2 3 2 1 2 3 3 4 2 1 3 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 1 5 3 2 2 3 3 1 3 1 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 3 3

2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Hertfordshire 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Kiser Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Old South 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Historic District 6 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Morris Glen 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Roberta Farms 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .St Andrews 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .St Andrews 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .St Andrews 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Ridge Run 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Liberty View 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Greystone 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Morris Glen 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Pinecliff 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Kiser Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Parkview 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Greystone 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Kiser Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Autumn Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 4 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 5 . .. .. .. .. .. . Rocky Meadows 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Ashbrook 3 . .. .. .. .Hummingbird Ridge 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Bramble Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Lakeshore Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Mountainbrook 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Colonial Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .Cochran Farms 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Autumn Ridge 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Porters Landing 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .St Andrews 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. . Hawick Commons 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Paradise Estates 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Covington

UNIVERSITY AREA $59,900

561779 565255 $158,000 565235 $127,900 562090 $129,900 562380 $75,000 564133 $49,900 563569 $48,900 563939 $84,900 555860 $77,900 511047 $75,900 521684 $ 78,900 521692 $154,000 552683 $89,000 561960 $110,000 563615 $130,000 563434 $277,000 564035 $72,900

3 1 3 3 2 2 2 1 3 2 1 1 3 2 4 3 3

Subdivision

4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .Eastfield Meadows 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Forest Pond 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Great Oaks 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Tanglewood 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. Beechwood Acres 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Hubbard Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sunset Park 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Rockwell Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Glenview 4 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Withrow Downs

List Price $134,900 $82,000 $137,000 $126,900 $125,900 $39,000 $109,900 $72,900 $126,500 $269,900 $115,000 $150,000 $169,500 $66,900 $296,000 $111,500 $112,900 $115,000 $398,900 $108,900 $109,900 $55,000 $136,530 $125,000 $169,900 $76,900 $134,900 $173,240 $109,997 $100,000 $149,900 $122,000 $106,000 $89,900 $81,500 $100,000 $114,900 $69,900 $114,900 $134,000 $105,000 $79,000 $144,900 $112,500 $150,760 $151,200 $159,900 $144,080 $136,680 $145,000 $132,500 $148,500 $169,000 $132,500 $111,900 $127,900 $44,900 $142,500 $189,900 $112,500 $58,900 $52,000 $185,274 $59,500 $171,650 $192,070 $109,900 $85,000 $116,635 $182,260 $69,200 $111,900 $115,900 $139,900 $134,500 $109,000 $114,500 $134,900 $142,000 $92,000 $129,900 $172,500

MLS # Bath Bed 517758 535697 564913 563209 561885 540351 564120 530484 562031 565247 562384 562062 565021 564387 523252 561512 564647 564279 564342 564970 563593 539326 562257 562963 563380 562637 527412 562413 562738 563195 563257 564980 563961 562697 512276 564276 563319 563842 561801 564310 537889 514100 563793 550304 553353 558926 561439 563289 563310 564741 511837 561817 565056 546137 561828 555959 564598 563136 552005 557851 563814 564874 562266 565314 563592 563605 490468 562641 564106 565662 564745 562748 564094 553364 561712 544229 565246 532575 545550 561862 561441 564316

2 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 4 2 1 2 2 3 1 2 2 2 1 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 1 2 2 1 3 3 2 1 1 3 2 3 3 2 2 3 3 1 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 3 2 3 3

Subdivision

2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Druid Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Trexler Acres 3 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Withrow Downs 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Glenview 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Glenview 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Unknown 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Cardinal Glen 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Trexler Acres 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Hemby Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Withrow Downs 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Allen Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Glenview 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Forest Pond 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Trexler Acres 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Hemby Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Lexington 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Scotsborough 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Thompson Glen 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Royal Oaks 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Oakbrooke 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 4 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Withrow Downs 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 3 . .. .. .. .. .Eastfield Meadows 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Oakbrooke 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Hemby Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Devonshire 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Rockwell Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Woodstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Hubbard Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Trexler Acres 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Scotsborough 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Nevin Glen 3 . .. .. .. .. . Christenbury Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. . Christenbury Hills 4 . .. ..Mallard Creek Crossing 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Nevin Glen 5 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Nevin Glen 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Glenview 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Stonefield 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Glenview 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Scotsborough 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Langley 2 . .. .. .. .. .. ..Graham Heights 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Sugar Springs 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Glenridge 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Mallard Lake 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Hemby Woods 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Stone Park 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Stone Park 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . None 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Misty Creek 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Meadow Hill 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Stone Park 2 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Druid Hills 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Woodstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Scotsborough 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Hubbard Woods 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Springcroft 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. . Poplar Springs 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Fairstone 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..Devongate 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . Forestview 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Hidden Valley 3 . .. .. .. .. .. .. Thompson Glen 4 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .Davis Lake

FEBRUARY

2006

MOVIES

February 03

SOMETHING NEW is a romantic comedy that tries to take a fresh look at interracial relationships and finding love when and where it’s least expected. MPAA Rating: PG13

THE LAKE HOUSE Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves star in this time-bending romantic drama. She’s a doctor, he’s an architect, and they live in the same house... only not at the same time. Fortunately they have access to a mystical mailbox that delivers their love letters across the bounds of time. MPAA RATING R

February 10

PINK PANTHER Steve Martin steps into the role made famous by the immortal Peter Sellers, Inspector Clouseau. The infamous inspector must practice his patented brand of inept investigation when a famous soccer coach is murdered and a priceless ring is stolen. MPAA Rating: PG - for occasional crude and suggestive humor and language CURIOUS GEORGE Just about everyone knows and loves the adorable little monkey that sprung from the mind of author H.A. Rey, and now here comes a full-length animated feature. MPAA Rating: G

THE THREE BURIALS OF MELQUIADES ESTRADA is the follow-up to Tommy Lee Jones 1995 western THE GOOD OLD BOYS. The action takes place on the border between West Texas and Northern Chihuahua in Mexico, which is a hot spot for illegal crossings. But Jones’s movie ingeniously flips this dangerous yet alltoo-common practice on its head, with a tale of a man bent on crossing the border in the opposite direction. MPAA RATING R, for language, violence and sexuality.

FIREWALL Harrison Ford makes a return to the big screen as Jack Stanfield who is a bank security expert, whose specialty is designing infallible theft-proof financial computer systems. But there’s a hidden vulnerability in the system he didn’t account for - himself. When a ruthless criminal mastermind kidnaps his family, Jack is forced to find a flaw in his system and steal $100 million. With the lives of his wife and children at stake and under constant surveillance, he has only hours to find a loophole in the thief’s own impenetrable system of subterfuge and false identities to beat him at his own game. MPAA Rating: PG13

IN LIMITED RELEASE: MANDERLAY | A Good Woman | The World’s Fastest Indian | When a Stranger Calls | Tamara | A Good Woman

DATE MOVIE What “Scary Movie” did for horror flicks and “Not Another Teen Movie” did for high school cinema, “Date Movie” aims to do for the romantic comedy genre. MPAA Rating: PG13

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FINAL DESTINATION 3 is set six years after the first movie and centers on a high school senior who predicts a fatal roller coaster accident involving her and her friends. When the premonition becomes a reality, those who survive are forced to deal with the repercussions of “cheating death.” Not Yet Rated IN LIMITED RELEASE: NEIL YOUNG: HEART OF GOLD | Film Geek | Cowboy Del Amor | Looking for Comedy...

February 17

EIGHT BELOW an Antarctic scientist who’s forced to leave his loyal team of dogs behind after a terrible accident. MPAA Rating: PG

IN LIMITED RELEASE: FREEDOMLAND | Winter Passing | Night Watch | The Second Chance | Illusion | The Break Up | Winter Passing

February 24

RUNNING SCARED is a fastpaced crime drama where a low-level mobster who, in order to save his family, must recover a gun used in a mob hit before it’s found by his bosses or the cops. Don’t think it’s just another mob film. MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive strong brutal violence and language, sexuality and drug content. ULTRAVIOLET In the late 21st century, a disease called Hemophagia genetically modifies nearly an entire race of people, leaving them with such enhanced speed, intelligence, and strength that they resemble vampires in nearly every way. Fear among uninfected humans leads to worldwide persecutions of those altered by Hemophagia, bringing the planet to the brink of war between the two “races.” The film finds an infected woman called Ultraviolet fighting to

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protect an infected nine-year-old boy from the uninfected people who wish to do him harm. MPAA Rating: PG-13 - for sequences of violent action throughout, partial nudity and language DOOGAL GREAT KIDS MOVIE… Legend tells of three magic diamonds that, if in the wrong hands, can be united to create a force powerful enough to freeze the sun. When the evil sorcerer, Zeebad, escapes from his ancient prison, he vows to exact revenge by deep-freezing the earth forever. Determined to save the world, a fellowship of four unlikely heroes band together to foil Zeebad’s villainous plot. MPAA Rating: G FACTOTUM This drama centers on a jack-of-all-trades who wanders around St. Paul, MN trying to live off jobs which don’t interfere with his primary interests - women, drinking, gambling and writing. Based on the book Factotum by Charles Bukowski. MPAA RATING R, for language and sexual content IN LIMITED RELEASE: MADEA’S FAMILY REUNION | Meet Me in Miami | Alpha Dog | Sophie Scholl - The Final Days

Monday, February 27

FREEDOMLAND When her son disappears and is believed to be dead, a single mother blames an African-American man from the projects for the kidnapping, creating a racial controversy. An African-American detective (Jackson) and a white newspaper reporter team up to investigate the case, which they discover may be more complicated than they expected. MPAA Rating: R - for language and some violent content. BREAKING & ENTERING An architect’s dealings with a young thief cause him to re-evaluate his life.

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office 704-788-2404 show times 704-7881111 www.localmovies.com

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KID & Parent

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FEBRUARY

2006

HOMESCHOOLING: THE ADVENTURE BEGINS By Sandi Zinchuck Have you ever found yourself saying an enthusiastic “yes” to something, getting caught up in the moment thinking confidently to yourself “I can do this!” This is where I found myself last spring at a home schooling convention held annually in Winston-Salem. My intent was to “check out my options” for educational choices for my son. I spent two days attending multiple workshops and wandering through a maze of tables displaying an overwhelming choice of curriculum and resources. Inviting and friendly individuals were eager to share and explain their products. I found myself going home after the event with arms full, my wallet a little lighter

and my heart geared towards a new adventure. As August approached with the barrage of “Back to School” sales, reality hit me like a ton of bricks. “I am responsible for my child’s education, what was I thinking! I can’t do this! I’m not starting at kindergarten here, but with a 7th grader strong in math (which I am not) and I’m going to teach him Algebra?! I am the mother of an only child . . . won’t I be causing him a disadvantage in life regarding his social skills?!” Doubts and fears flooded my mind until I remembered a phrase one of the speakers said at the convention “No one is going to love your child like you do”. The statement forced

Searching for Love A F P D H G B T E T A M L U O S E M B G L Y D S

L M I G H T Y G O R G E O U S L D D O V E I S E C N A M O R R O M A B O V E P E A T Z D X S T H G I L E D P Z C T T Z E P A A O N K F L W K R Y W Y D N A C E M P L R R X G S L C G M E P B J V R V M L L V N P O E T E R S S N E L E E K E Z N K R B T O U M S M T N O V I I A J T H I M A R T A T I O I T R H M R E N W I O M H K T T K U R H T C S Z K E T E L R R C Q L N E P K T E O T A A E Z X R N A G A P E D G N J A R L L D E U I K R Q M R N F E N P R S L M X R G T A Y T W T F G M F D I Y K S H J B E I V T N W G A J R S K U N O A D K H L I K H K S H Y D H F V Q P D A D L I N I X T M L G E X L O C G N R E V E R O F T Q G Y T G F E J A M M E R I T E N F Y M O M L G K N Y H F O K R G J T E N M C I F T E L P W B T R O L F B B T W N A N S T Y R R W L J F W L C M O L E U E S O D L I R U J K Q F B E A P W G W M M Y G L C N A O T D I G B R R A V V G R E G I H D R O T D R C N V C S A Z T R O O T R R N O B D N V L E L O E M P M E R F I L R S Q E N L Z D T E Y R I H L J L N W D I M N I P R E C I O U S D T F N C A D X P Z M G D C T X Y T K G L R L C T U G Y V U S E J N V A M E F A M I L Y F R N F L G J B

Admirable Adorable Agape Beautiful Beloved Bemine Candy Children Chocolate Couple

Dad Dance Darling Dearest Delight Desire Dinner Eros Family Faithful

Favorite Flowers Forever Friend Gift God Gorgeous Harmony Hearts Honey

Infatuation Jesus Longing Love Mom Passion Phileo Precious Promise Romance

Roses Soulmate Special Sugar Sweetheart Sweetie Together Valentine Wonderful Yearning

my rambling thoughts back to the true reality of why I was doing this. I know my son’s strengths and I know his weaknesses. I can target his weaknesses and allow his talents and strengths to soar. What other teacher has the opportunity or time to do that! The school year began with a great amount of enthusiasm on both mother and son, but it wasn’t long before I realized this was no task for the fainthearted. Fortunate for me, our area offers a multitude of home school support groups to its growing number of strong participants filled with brave parents who courageously shed all pretenses and openly share their successes and failures, offering suggestions and encouragement to us newbies. Field trips, new approaches to learning, creativity, energy and fanning the flame of your child’s passions; what better investment can I make! The key becomes apparent to me; develop a love for learning in your child, adopt a new lifestyle, seize every teachable moment. It’s not long before I am renewed and energized. I put on my new hat -general in the HS Army -- that is, Home School Army, raising strong, mighty young warriors, men and women of character, the future leaders of our country. Going into this new chapter of my life has been frightening, exciting, challenging and fulfilling. Never has my faith been stretched more; never has my dependence on God been so great. In the short time I have been exposed to this new job of home educator, I have already observed positive character changes and rising self esteem in my son. I am reminded of

a quote I recently read which I believe would be appropriate to share . . . “One mother achieves more than a hundred teachers”. If you are unhappy with the experiences you have encountered regarding your child’s or children’s education, but you think there is no other alternative, I think you will be amazed at what one mother can do.

Sandi Zinchuck, a relatively new resident to Cornelius, is a home schooling mom who wanted to share her viewpoint and experience with readers, offering facts and encouragement.

FEBRUARY

2006

KID & Parent

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21

A Sponge Absorbs Dirty Water Too By Doug Scroggins

Jim and Karen couldn’t believe it. Nicholas, there three year old son, was learning at an astonishing rate. Out of the blue Nicholas would say or do something that seemed far beyond the capabilities of a ‘typical’ three year old child. ‘Did you hear what Nicholas just said!’ and ‘Did you see what Nicholas just did!’ became common phrases in the Thompson household. Like other three year olds, Nicholas was a sponge. He absorbed everything. As such he was smart, creative, adventurous, and highly inquisitive. He could be extremely polite, adoringly loving and completely irresistible. Nicholas could also be angry, greedy and envious. He could be lazy, difficult to handle and physically and verbally abusive. He could be, well, just like mom and dad. Jim and Karen rarely swore in front of Nicholas. While the occasional ‘damn it’ slipped out, they were careful not to swear in front of their three-year old son. Why? Because they knew that, like a sponge, Nicholas would absorb these words and use them as his own. Jim and Karen weren’t so careful with their other behaviors. They would argue in front of Nicholas. Sometimes these confrontations would reflect a heated disagreement and sometimes they would reflect an outright war of words. They would be disrespectful, inconsiderate, judgmental, critical, and generally unlov-

ing in front of Nicholas too. In other words, they would act like many parents act in front of their children. Nicholas’ enculturation was a combination of the good and the bad. As a result, Nicholas absorb good and bad behavior, learning patterns of behavior that he came to believe were expected of a child. As an example, he came to believe that when he didn’t get what he wanted was expected to be angry; throwing a fit or otherwise causing a scene. After all, when he did this he typically got his way. He came to believe that when he had something that he didn’t want others to have he was expected to be greedy. After all, when he did this he got his way too. He came to believe that when others had something he wanted he should be envious. When he didn’t want to eat something, especially something good for him, he should whine. When he didn’t agree with someone he should talk back. Why should he act differently? Not only did he typically get his way when he did act this way, his parents acted in a similar fashion. Remember, the whine of a child is reflective of the whine of an adult. While these ‘whines’ may sound different, they are simply different outputs emanating from the same input. At his core: the center of who he is and who he will become, Nicholas was absorbing a lack of discipline, respect, compassion, empathy, and resilience: the same lack of discipline, respect, compassion, empathy, and resilience displayed by his parents. To make matters worst, the lack of these traits at home was keeping Nicholas from the discipline and resiliency he needed to deal with the negative traits and characteristics being played out at his day-care center, in the homes of his friends, on TV, and everywhere else Nicholas was exposed to the behavior of others. At just three years of age Nicholas is well on his way to becoming who his parents and society in general are molding him to be; an individual who will live life as something other than who God meant for him to be; an individual who sees and hears one thing during 1 hour of church on Sunday and then sees and hears something quite different the remaining 104 waking hours of the week.

Who Jim and Karen are being for Nicholas is determining who Nicholas is and will be for others, including his parents. But all is not lost. Just as you can rinse the dirty water out of a sponge, Jim and Karen can rinse the dirty water out of Nicholas. Before this can happen these must rinse the dirty water out of themselves. In other words, before Nicholas can be disciplined, respectful, compassionate, empathetic, and resilient, Jim and Karen must be the same. It all starts at home: the home found within one’s self.

The D&S Experience™ The Experience of Life. The Experience of a Lifetime. For more information or to schedule a no-cost, no obligation consultation regarding any part of your personal or professional life, please contact Doug Scroggins at fulfi[email protected] or on 704 892 4982.

European Style Children’s Tights If you would like to have the best tights for your child, Nikki’s Piggies are the right choice for unique styles and designs. Shop online at: www.nikkispiggies.com or call 704-713-3855.

HE’S NOT THINKING ABOUT A COLLEGE EDUCATION RIGHT NOW. But you should be.

Today the average price tag for a four year private college education totals more than $100,000.* By the year 2018, these costs are expected to rise above $230,000. These are staggering numbers, but with the right plan, a quality college education is within reach. Call today for a free Education Cost Analysis.

David Baucom, AAMS Financial Consultant 6100 Fairview Rd., Ste. 700 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-552-7222 A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. Member SIPC *College expenses are based on actual costs, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, as reported by the College Board for the academic year 2003-2004. Costs for all future years assume a 5% annual increase.

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KID & Parent

FEBRUARY

2006

How to talk to your kids about FEAR By Joyce Marie Sheldon As a young child, Sarah had been afraid of the dark, always asking for a light to be left on at bedtime to ease her anxiety. She often called for her Mother in the night, for she was certain there was a big bear hiding in her closet. These childhood fears were finally eliminated; however, they gave way to new fears, more serious fears and Sarah felt alone and confused. Sarah was fearful she would give in to the peer pressure she was experiencing at school - pressure to smoke, to drink, to take drugs. She feared losing her friends if she adhered to the morals her parents had instilled in her, and feared disappointing her parents if she chose friendship over what she knew in her heart was wrong. One day Sarah overheard a conversation between her parents and was surprised to hear her Father state that he was fearful of a situation at work. He expressed his dismay that a certain incident was being handled unfairly and he was afraid that taking a stand against the policy of the business would jeopardize his job. Sarah never considered the idea that her parents might face decision making that would cause them anxiety and fear. She thought parents had all the answers, and so she was eager to learn the outcome of the conversation. Sarah heard her Mother respond warmly and compassionately to her Father’s statements, nodding her head in agreement with his feelings and opinions. It was easy to feel the love and affection be-

tween the two people and Sarah watched as her Father’s agitation and unrest gave way to a more peaceful composure just because someone was listening with love. This made Sarah realize that her problems facing peer pressure were problems she did not have to face alone. The very people who loved her and taught her right from wrong would be there to help her face each and every fear. She realized her Mother’s loving attitude and her Father’s strong character would provide the strength and courage she needed to face adversity. Sarah was proud when her parents decided together that facing the unfair business situation head on was the only path to take. Her Father would not compromise his ideals, his ethics, to save his job. He stated that facing himself in the mirror each morning with pride and dignity was more important, and that he only wanted to work for a company which provided a strong, ethical environment. For Sarah, this was a lesson by example. She realized she also wanted to look at herself in the mirror each morning, proud of who she was and of the beliefs she held dear. And just as her Father felt his company needed to be ethical, so too, Sarah realized her friends were not her friends after all if they were walking down a dangerous road and tempting her to walk along with them. Sarah would choose her own road, and she felt good about doing so. Realizing it would take strength and courage, she would use her Father as an example.

And so, the darkness turned to light for Sarah, and her Father, unaware he had “spoken” to his daughter about fear, had provided a life lesson of immeasurable value. We speak more by example than by words. Be careful - our children are “listening”! Joyce Marie Sheldon is the creator and presenter of Character on Call. A veteran teacher of 13 years, she helps children in groups and on a one on one basis with their confidence, courage and compassion. She can be contacted at 704-663-4815.

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2006

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23

STAY MOTIVATED One of the hardest things after starting a new workout routine is staying motivated. We all want to jump into a new lifestyle but some-

TIP 2:

Change your routine regularly.

One of the easiest ways to lose motivation is by letting boredom set in. Nobody wants to do something that bores him or her. So you must

the money, hire a personal trainer, and allow them to push you through your workouts.

TIP 4: Plan your meals. The hardest

change your routing regularly. Your body needs

aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for

times it is a little harder maintaining

to be shocked and the only way to do this is by

most people is eating healthy. Most people are

that lifestyle than we initially thinks.

changing your routine. Mix in different types

so busy that they find themselves eating out

of cardio equipment, take group classes, hire

of convenience. A good way to avoid this is to

a personal trainer, do anything to keep your

plan your meals. If you work during the day

workouts interesting.

plan out all your meals the night before and

Hopefully this article will give you some ideas on how on how you can maintain your new program. The most popular month at our gym is always January. The reason for this is no secret, New Year’s Resolutions. Everyone wants to start

stick to them no matter what. If you go out with a work group order the healthiest item on

TIP 3: Get a workout partner or personal trainer. One of the easiest ways to stay motivated is by having accountability. By having a partner to hold you accountable it will be much

the menu. Even if it does not sound as good remember the consequences.

TIP 5: Remember that feeling. Take note

the New Year off on the right foot

harder to skip that workout or eat bad foods.

of how good it feels when somebody gives

and one of the best ways to do this

They will push you and force you to stick to

you a compliment. Let that motivate you.

is by getting in shape. Where the

your plan. A good partner needs to be someone

STAY MOTIVATED.

problem lies is in continuing that lifestyle. Fitness truly is a commitment in today’s fast paced world of busyness and fast food. Do not fall victim to the common excuses but plow ahead and you will find satisfaction in your lifestyle change.

you can count on who has similar goals to you. If your partner wants to just loose wait and you are more interested in bulking up that is probably not the right person for you. If you have

By KJ Bryant from the Sportscenter in Concord, NC. For more information on how the Sportscenter can help you log onto www.sportscenternc.com

TIP 1: Keep your goals realistic. A common mistake is setting your goals to high. I believe this is worse than having your goals to low. It is easy to get frustrated when you are working hard and still not reaching your goals. It is important to understand that your greatest gains will come in the first couple of weeks and you must keep your goals the same. Once your body adapts you will see that your progress will level off a bit. This is normal, as your body will become accustomed to your workout. Continue to stick to your routine and you will meet your goals.

Please join SharedResources in welcoming our newest employee, John Trimper. John supervises our walk-in repair shops in Mooresville exit 33 on I-77 and in Cornelius’ historic district. He lives in Rock Hill,SC and has 2 children, John V and Dale. John’s technical and customer service skills exemplify SharedResources’ motto: Happy to Be Here and Proud to Serve!

24

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Harrisburg’s Premier Events Facility By Serena Haneline For those looking for a place to entertain, look no further than Hibernian Hall, located in the Harrisburg Town Center. This new happening events facility, which opened in November 2005, was built to accommodate the community’s growing needs to have space for family and personal events. The owner, Robert MacLeod, wanted to do something that would benefit the community. He said the Harrisburg community has been behind him 100 percent with the new facility. The 3,000-square-foot building offers a custom-built bar, an expandable and movable dance floor, an outdoor patio, state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and a built-in DJ corner/booth. The brand new facility is open to many different events including, wedding receptions, birthday/anniversary parties, proms, family reunions, showers, and even business meeting seminars. An outside tent and gazebos are also available. The amenities available for corporate meetings includes surround sound, a drop-down screen, PowerPoint projector and board room seating. Hibernian Hall offers other services including event invitations, live entertainment, floral arrangements, party favors, travel arrangements, and honeymoon reservations. They also offer full catering with several caterers to choose from. He also has a full ABC license. MacLeod conjured up the idea after attending his daughter’s wedding in his childhood hometown of Boston, Mass. in February 2005. He said he traveled to the place he and his family used to go when they were younger, also called Hibernian Hall. He took a tour of the rehabilitated turn-of-thecentury building that used to be used for Irish families. It is now being used as a cultural center.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT HIBERNIAN HALL FEB 5TH from 4 pm until SuperBowl Party Cost: $35 per person (includes wide screen TV, food, 1 hr. of beer and wine) Kids 12 & under $5 FEB. 9TH and 10th from 11-7 p.m. Musical Comedy Theatre Cost: $85 per couple (adults preferred), $45 single Includes 1 hr. of wine bar, hors d’oeurves and dinner with entertainment, music, soloists and dancing

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For more information or to reserve Hibernian Hall for an event, call 980-253-0566 or visit www.hibernianhall.com.

FEBRUARY

2006

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25

“LOVE IS ONLINE for VALENTINES” By Mike Fitzgerald Throughout the centuries love & lust have been on the leading edge of technology and social change. One of the first businesses to take advantage of the internet was the adult industry. From match making sites that were once the purview of the local community magazines to hardcore fetishes, the industry boomed. Like anything else, 15+ years have separated out much of the industry into definable areas. Today, many online services such as eHarmony advertise on TV promoting their services to the general public. How well does all of this really work? Is the love of your life just a couple of clicks away? Is the person you are matched with a potential stalker? Fortunately or unfortunately the internet reflects real life. Too all of the above the answers are YES and NO just as it was for thousands of years before the internet came along. All technology has done, is speed up the process of weeding out what may seem like undesirables. Now, lets get down to the individual questions.

Is the love of your life just a couple of clicks away?

For many people, the answer is yes. With the amount of social time decreasing, people use the internet to get information. In years past, friends, family or co-workers would make introductions. Matchmaking sites now let you filter through pictures and biographies. What use to take weeks or months can now be completed in a few hours. You can pick and choose people of interest based on size, hair color, personal habits, religion or ethnic background. Just like anything in life, the quality of your choices is based on the accuracy of the information put in by the members. This makes fee based sites better in terms of quality of data.

Is the person you are matched with a potential stalker?

With access to personal data all over the internet, it is important to be cautious about giving out direct contact information. Many well managed sites have initial contact via email addresses (always use a secondary address, never your primary email account). From there, you have the ability to respond, accept, ignore or decline. While your personal information is stored by the service, make sure that it is never available to other members. Check with the service before registering. If you are in a chat room, free site or many of the adult oriented sites be very cautious. You could inadvertently give out information that can be used to find you. While someone may claim to be a 35 year old person, it could easily be a high school student or someone with a criminal past. Always error on the side of caution, very, very few sites run background checks on registered members. This is one case where “Buyer Beware” is of great importance.

How well does all of this really work?

This depends on who you ask and what you are personally looking for online. EVERY form of adult satisfaction from the next spouse to the most extreme fetishes is available online. The more serious of a relationship you are looking for, the more time it will take – just as it does in real life. Many people have had successful relationships and marriages that started out with an online service or forum.

STOP, HALT & WHOA All through this article it has slanted to services for adults. In reality much of the extreme content is available to children. Sites often offer a “free trial” or accept payments via money order with no age verification. Many chat rooms have been shutdown because pedophiles were targeting teen and kid oriented sites in hopes of find vulnerable victims. Always be aware of what your children are doing online. Who they are talking with online. While love and fun are online, danger is there as well. Use caution and make this Valentines Day a wonderful event.

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THE CONNECTION GUARANTEE

What if Einstein had been put on Ritalin? By Dr. Vince Brown

Can you really try it just once? Think long and hard about the answer to this question.

Did you know that Einstein, one of the greatest geniuses of the last century, did not speak until he was four years old and didn’t read until he was seven? His teacher described him as “mentally slow, unsociable and adrift in his foolish dreams.” The side effects of Ritalin are numerous and severe. He was expelled and refused admittance to the According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Of Zurich Polytech Institute. Today he would have Mental Disorders, the side effects include stunting of been put on Ritalin. growth, depression, insomnia, nervousness, skin rash, Thomas Edison’s teachers said he was too stupid anorexia, nausea, dizziness, headaches, abdominal to learn anything. Isaac Newton did very poorly in pain, blood pressure and pulse changes, and Tourette’s grade school. Opera singer Enrico Caruso’s teacher Syndrome (a permanent and irreversible condition charsaid he had no voice at all and could not sing. acterized by body tics, spasms, screaming obscenities, Winston Churchill failed sixth grade. Beethoven and barking sounds). handled the violin awkwardly and preferred playThe physiological changes that cause these side ing his own compositions. His teacher called him effects are occurring whether there is an outward manihopeless as a composer. Are these geniuses Ritalin festation of symptoms or not. This is very scary. candidates also? How far will we go to control, mold, and conform What are we doing to our children? How did we our children to somebody’s made up normal? Are we allow our country to be jokingly referred to as the turning our geniuses of tomorrow into drug addicts? Ritalin capital of the world? According to a Canadian report, Ritalin is responRitalin is a very dangerous and highly addictive sible for more street crime than any other drug. Kids are drug. Under Federal Law, Ritalin is classified as a selling their Ritalin to other kids. A USA Today report George Eastman, left, and Thomas Edison introduce schedule II controlled substance, the same rating indicated that some kids crush Ritalin into a powder color motion pictures to the world from the Eastman estate in 1928. given to cocaine, opium and morphine. Withdrawal and snort it like cocaine, while others cook it and inject symptoms can be severe and include depression, it into their bloodstream. fatigue, paranoia, increased dreaming, irritability, bedwetting and suicide. “My child wouldn’t do that,” you might say. How do you know? This is a highly addictive drug we At a Chiropractic Mother’s Morning Out program on The Ritalin Controversy, one of are talking about here. Remember the fifteen year old who is still suffering from withdrawal seven the mothers stood up and told her son’s story. He tried Ritalin for a very short time and he years later. He no longer owns his life and his consciousness. He now has a lifelong battle for his will. hated the way it made him feel, so he stopped taking it on his own (hurray for him). Well known criminal defense attorney Melvin Nash, from Marietta, Georgia, who receives ChiroWhat’s scary is that seven years later he still suffers from the side effects, including bedwetting. practic Wellness Care with his family, indicated that approximately 60% of the people he defends for

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2006

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everything from DUI to armed robbery have been on off them. Children that are so-called hyper calm down and parents Ritalin at some point in their life. He stated, “I would home that are hypoactive get increased energy. I have seen people’s own school my kids before I put them on Ritalin!” That’s a bodies begin to work correctly because of chiropractic and heal itself powerful statement! from just about every malady you can name. The United States is number one in Ritalin consumption I have also seen what the continuous expression of this genius in the world, by far. How did we let this happen? Have we can create in families that are under Chiropractic Wellness Care. bought into the multimillion dollar marketing strategies of Wellness care keeps the expression of this genius un-interferred with the drug manufacturer? You decide. so people can express all of their genetic potential on a moment to One person who just started teaching in a middle school moment basis, every minute they’re alive. was asked if a lot of her kids were on Ritalin. She replied, All children, especially the ones that aren’t “perfect” or “normal” “yes, but not enough.” This gives me a pain in my heart. need their senses clear. They need their adaptation capacity at 100%. Another person was discussing her friends who became They need their nerve system free from interference. Do they really parents late in life. They said they couldn’t deal with their need artificial stimulation or sedation? son because they had forgotten what it was like to be a Could you imagine if Helen Keller had been on Ritalin? Would child. Their child is on Ritalin. I cry for him. it have given her the best opportunity to thrive in the world and It has always puzzled me why in some schools up to express her innate potential? I doubt it. We would have been robbed 50% of the kids are on Ritalin and in others schools very of a wonderful gift. close by, only 5% are on the drug. This variation can be Is Ritalin the drug industry’s version of a Joe Camel cigarette seen from class to class as well. How do we let this hapbillboard? Is Ritalin the drug company’s insurance policy to big pen? business down the road? Is it any wonder our country can spend Isaac Newton’s glass prism experiment Where is the responsibility going that we entrust our close to $80 million a year on drug abuse awareness and the problem child’s mind to a highly addictive and dangerous drug such continues to get worse? as Ritalin? What price are we willing to pay to maintain our high tech lifestyles and busy schedules or Please parents, open up and take these insights to heart. I know that all parents make the best decito have our kids be “perfect”? What if Albert Einstein had been on Ritalin? sions they are capable of for their children, given the knowledge they had at the time of their decision. There is a genius in all of us that is just trying to get out. Think about all the ideas, talent, strength You now have more knowledge. Let’s take a stand for our next generation. and creativity we keep stored inside because we worry about what other people would say or think. They would put us down, call us unruly and tell us to grow up. They would put us on Ritalin to get us Dr. Vince Brown has been educating and empowering people to live healthier, drug-free lives to conform to the norm that is mediocrity and maintain our drug dependent world. for more than seven years. If you would like to begin receiving chiropractic care immediately, or would like additional information, simply call us at 704-795-1000 or come in and make an As a Chiropractor, I get to experience this genius every day in my office. I see the healing and appointment. Our office, Concord Family Chiropractic, is located at 810 Church Street, in regenerative powers of the human body and spirit at work every day. People that were on drugs get Concord just two blocks from Carolina Mall, between Suntrust and Caldwell Cleaners

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What’s on Your Mind Does Matter! Imagine the possibilities for the New Year… • Do you want to improve the quality of your life? •Are you stressed out? • Do you think you lack the “will power” to achieve your goals? • Do you want to improve your performance at work, school or sports?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then MindMatters may be the answer. MindMatters offers help with Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Anxiety/Stress Relief, Gaining Confidence, And much more! Carole Bombardier is the driving force behind Mind Matters Hypnosis & Counseling, Inc

Carole Bombardier is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has her Masters Degree in Social Work and has her certificate in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy. Carole has over 16 years of experience working with families, children and adults in wide variety of settings. She is a member of American Board of Hypnotherapy & National Association of Social Workers. Carole’s passion is helping people realize their goals and dreams. Through her warm, caring style and sense of humor, she is able to make the change process relaxing, productive, and empowering. She uses Hypnosis, which is simply a state of mind, to help clients (you) feel very relaxed, focused and open to new possibilities. You remain awake and in total control throughout the entire session. This is not a “New Fad”. Hypnosis is a highly effective method of producing lasting change that has been around about 200 years and it has been approved by the American Medical Assoc. since 1958. But best of all its easy, efficient and fun for both children and

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adults. Hypnosis can be used alone to promote wellness and self improvement, or as a complementary approach to various health conditions and issues.

How Does Hypnosis Work?

Your mind and body become deeply relaxed by listening to soothing music as Carole helps you imagine a relaxing scene. She makes suggestions supporting your goals you want to achieve. You visualize these positive changes. After hypnotherapy is complete you begin acting on these suggestions.

Counseling Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed it helps to talk to someone who will really listen. Mind Matters offers individual counseling sessions to address a variety of issues including but not limited to: • Parenting/Child Development • Anxiety & Stress Relief • Women’s Issues • Life Transitions *All sessions are completely private & confidential*

Her Approach

Before you start you get an explanation and a demonstration of the hypnotic method and a complete evaluation of your needs. After your session you get a personalized hypnotherapy program customized for you, and recorded on a CD for your personal use. This CD is for you to reinforce, refocus and work toward your goals away from the sessions. You also get an evaluation of your progress to ensure that you have reached your desired outcome. Carole says her job is to work herself out of a job. In other words, get you to a point that you do not need to see her. This is because during your session(s) you are actually learning self hypnosis which can be used throughout your life.

Her Services

Hypnosis Use the power of your mind to: • Stop Smoking • Increase Sales • Reduce Weight • Relieve Stress • Overcome Fears • Gain Confidence • Enjoy Public Speaking • Conquer Procrastination • Become A Better Student • Enhance Sports Performance • Achieve Positive Mind Set • Experience Personal Or Professional Growth Each session lasts about 1 to 2 hours. Number of sessions vary by individual.

Carole Bombardier

For more information or to schedule an appointment please call 704-796-8542 [email protected] Locations in Lake Norman and Cabarrus County areas

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2006

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29

Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy By Serena Haneline

In our fast-paced economy, personal-

Compounding of medicine is a specialty of both Penny and Sherrie. They can create custom doses

ization seems to be going out the

in pill or liquid form, as well as in flavored lollipops, used mostly for children with sore throats. If a

window, along with fast and friendly

child has nausea and vomiting, they can make a gel compound that can be applied to and absorbed

customer service. However, for Har-

through the wrist.

risburg Hometown Pharmacy, those are

They can also compound natural hormones into a cream or capsule, after customers have a con-

the hallmarks of the business.

sultation, fill out a questionnaire and get a doctor’s prescription. Consultations are also available for

The new fast and friendly pharmacy,

over-the-counter vitamins.

located on N.C. 49, is owned and oper-

Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy is also a Medicare D provider and Penny and Sherrie will assist

ated by Sherrie McDonald and Penny

those with Medicare. They suggest customers bring in a list of their current medications along with

Jordan, who met while working at a lo-

their Medicare card and they will put the customer’s information into the Medicare Web site for them

cal pharmacy. They soon realized their

and print out a list of their top five choices. Though they can’t make the choice for them, they want

shared dream of opening up a more

their customers to be able to make a well-informed decision.

personalized pharmacy of their own. We’re just two hometown girls try-

Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy, 5006 N.C. 49 S., is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

ing to make a difference,” they said. That difference includes free

and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 704-454-7948.

Photo courtesy of Irresistible Portraits Sherrie McDonald and Penny Jordan

delivery to all of Cabarrus County and

most of the University area. Sherrie said they wanted to be a pharmacy that delivered medicines and supplies to customers because of her own grandmother who never had a driver’s license. Along with personalized delivery, Sherrie and Penny strive to provide individualized personal service to each and every customer who walks through the doors or drives through the convenient drive-thru window. Customers won’t be directed to an automated machine here. They speak directly to the owners or to Cindy Lefler, a certified technician. “We want our customers to see us directly and know our names,” Penny said. Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy takes most any insurance and offers a 15-minute or less waiting time. Penny said that many people don’t know that insurance co-pays are the same at all pharmacies. So why not go there and get fast, personalized service for the same price? Prescriptions are not the only services the pharmacy offers. In the fall of 2005, they offered a flu shot clinic. They also offer free blood pressure readings, help with diabetic meters and meds for cats and dogs. Their product lines include natural herbs and vitamins, health and hygiene products and durable medical supplies, such as crutches and canes. They will soon carry diabetic shoes.

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Letters of Praise Dear Jerry, I just wanted to write you and thank you for the great work you and the Connection have done for me. Every advertisement we have run with you has provided us with new patients and enabled us to reach more people with our message. The Connection has been a valuable tool in helping us reach out to our community. Dr. Vince Brown Concord Family Chiropractic

Stay Comfortable & Save Money

How to keep your cool but not freeze with the rising heat cost By Jerry Balcerak This past month when I opened my heating bill I was HOT, and not from the temperature in my home. My usage had decreased from the month before but my bill was almost double. I was told there was a rate increase that was approved by the regulatory commission. Like it or not I had to pay it. But rather than go flying off the handle and yelling at some customer service rep who has no control over the rates, what I did do was find things that would not cost and arm and a leg or that were “free” or close to it that I could do to save on next months bill. With February being one of the coldest months of the year there is still time to put some money saving tips into place and save on next months bill.

Here are some hot ideas to cool off next months heating bill. ACTION: Turn down the heat. Believe it

or not, lowering your temperature setting just a couple of degrees can add up to big savings on your utility bill. According to the EPA, you’ll save up to 3 percent on your energy bills simply by turning down your thermostat just one degree. So lowering the temperature from 72 to 68 would save $24 if you bill was $200 before. Your cost: FREE

ACTION: Install a programmable thermo-

stat! You set it to raise or lower temperature settings according to your schedule, so you don’t accidentally leave the heat up while you’re at work! Same math as above but you don’t have to remember to do it. Simply turning your thermostat back 10°–15° for eight hours while your at work or asleep can save you a bundle. Your cost: about $40 to $100. This cost can be recouped in as little as one month and save you the rest of the year.

ACTION: If you have a colder room in your

Call for more information about advertising in the Connection 704-606-8648

home it’s cheaper to use a small, portable safe electric heater to get the chill out rather than turning up the thermostat for the entire home. Make sure you use these heaters at least three feet from any combustible item and do NOT plug them into an extension cord. Your cost: $10-40

TIP: Wear layered clothes such as sweaters inside the house to be more comfortable

ACTION: Remove obstructions blocking

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heating outlets and return-air registers. If you have furniture blocking your heat ducts, buy some air diverters; they will direct your warmed air into the room rather than the furniture which causes your heater to work harder heating the furniture and the room. As long as you’re diverting things, if you have rooms that are seldom used, close the heat ducts to those rooms, the drapes I the rooms and close the doors to the rooms to save on heat. Your cost: diverters are about $1 each, closing off a room is FREE

TIP: Remember

learning that heat rises in physics class? Well, running the fans slowly and in reverse will keep that warm air circulating and keep you more comfortable. The bonus? The time your furnace runs will reduce. So will your monthly bill.

ACTION: Lower the temperature on your

water heater. One hundred fifteen degrees is plenty hot for most homes. If yours is set higher, lower it and save some money. Water heaters set higher than 140 degrees not only waste energy but also pose a scalding risk. Your cost: FREE

ACTION: Water heaters can lose energy

when heat escapes through the walls of the tank. Wrap it with an insulating blanket made for water heaters. A thermal blanket will make it easier for the machine to work the way it should, so it will cost you a whole lot less to run it! Your cost: About $25-$35

ACTION: Switching off lights when you

officially off but still drawing juice that lets it avoid a warm-up period and come on instantly. Active viewing accounts for 80 percent to 95 percent of actual TV power usage. Keep your set plugged into a power strip instead of a wall outlet, and keep the power strip turned off when the TV is not being watched. This will prevent your set from drawing power in the standby mode. Yes, it will take a little longer to come on this way.

MORE ENERGY TIPS

Clean vents regularly with a vacuum or broom. Check insulation levels of attics and floors.

leave a room can save a lot. Your Cost: FREE

Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors to stop air leaks.

ACTION: You can also save by replacing in-

Close the flue when the fireplace is not in use.

candescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times as long. CFLs fit into most all fixtures and lamps. Most CFLs are warranted for two years, and can last up to seven years before burning out and save up to $60 a year on your electric bill. If you don’t like the CFLs remember a fixture using a 100-watt incandescent bulb costs about $18 a month for five hours of daily use. Consider using lowerwattage bulbs where possible or install dimmers on the wall switches. By replacing a quarter of the bulbs in the house with fluorescent fixtures you can save 50 percent on the lighting portion of your bill.

Your cost: $1-$7 per CFL

ON YOUR DESKTOP: Use the “sleep”

Examine, clean or replace air filters once a month. Open window shades or blinds during the day in rooms that receive direct sunlight. Use insulating drapes in rooms that don’t get much sun. Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Turn off kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans as soon as they have done their job.

mode, with a screen-saver running, on your computer. Even with this feature, the unit sucks up energy, so save by turning the computer off when it’s not in use.

Cover windows with insulating shades or plastic sheeting to reduce heat transfer.

REMOTE CONTROLS: There are about

Get the kids involved, too. A new, interactive Web site, www.energyhog.org, offers cool ways for young people to discover how they can help keep the utility bill in check. Scavenger hunts and other games featuring cartoon energy “hogs” with names like Sammy Swine and Penelope Pigg make learning about turning off lights and taking shorter showers positively fun.

266 million televisions in the United States, and this number is growing by 3.5 million sets per year. TVs account for about 4 percent of all annual residential electricity use. When buying a new set, you can’t rely on Energy Star ratings, the government’s official measurements of appliance energy use. These ratings measure a set’s energy use in “stand-by” mode, where the set is

Take short showers instead of baths.

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2006

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Classifieds $HELP WANTED$ EARNING OPPORTUNITY

HAIR STYLIST OPPORTUNITIES Multiple Salon Locations Offer Complete Comp & Benefits Including Guaranteed Base, Com, Incent, Company Paid Med/Dent, Vac/Hol, IRA & MORE! Experience, Professionalism & Valid Cosmetology Lic. Req’d Call Robin (704) 641-8201 Make Money Helping Businesses Grow Ad Sales Position Open Guaranteed Territory Email resume to: [email protected] $3K - $5K WEEKLY FROM HOME! Automated System, No Selling Not MLM WATCH THIS MOVIE. www.pathwaytoriches.info HOME-BASED BUSINESS A tremendous opportunity in the wellness industry. Low start-up cost www.healthylife.stemtechhealth.com 336-201-6768 704-796-8778 LOSES INCHES OVERNIGHT! Reduce Stress! Make MONEY! Call 704-791-3779

FOR SALE

88 Harley Davidson Sportster Everything Chrome Runs Great! $4000.00 704.281.7407

SERVICES

Handyman Plus... No job too small AFFORDABLE -Heat or Air -Pressure wash -Grass cut -Roofing-Lots More! 704-363-9707 Love’s Lawn & Landscaping Seed, Fertilize, Aerate, Lawn Care, Weekly Maintenance Available, and LOTS MORE! 704-506-6022

WANTED

JEWELRY WANTED: NEED CASH? We Buy & Sale Estate Jewelry & Gold PERRY’S GOLD MINE: 704-375-GOLD (4653) Books-Sell, Trade & Buy THE BOOK CONNECTION: 500 Church St Concord, NC 704-606-8648 www.book-connection.com

WANTED REAL ESTATE Spring is Coming! Reserve Space! Sell your Place! 704.606.8648

NETWORKING GROUPS

Business Development Group of Cabarrus County Great networking Meets weekly 704-606-8648 www.BDGCC.BIZ For more info Women’s Council of Realtors Heart of the Carolinas Chapter Meets monthly Call Joy@ 704.786.5512 for more info Business Development Group of Lake Norman Watch you Business grow Visit www.BDGLN.com PASS THE SALT Christians in business Meets every Thursday Noon-1pm at Acropolis I-77 & Exit 28, Cornelius Info: Brenda 704-658-7010

SALES & AUCTIONS Advertise you upcoming YARD SALE FUNDRAISER AUCTION HERE Call 704-606-8648

Have you been taken for granted, mislead, or cheated by a business? The Connection will help solve the problem! If you have been taken for granted, mislead or cheated by a business ( by one of our advertisers or not) and have not solved the problem, the Connection is here to help you. We will help you find resolution by researching the problem, and sharing both sides of the story to our readers. OUR GUARANTEE AND PROMISE TO YOU Our goal is to provide you with a publication that is filled with articles and quality advertisers; to help you save time and money as well as provide information to improve your life. Be sure to let our advertisers know you saw them in THE CONNECTION. THANK YOU and keep READING! Jerry Balcerak, Publisher 704-606-8648

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REFER A FRIEND REWARDS PROGRAM Get $5.00 for you & $3.00 for your friend Refer a book lover to the Book Connection and get a $5.00 store credit for you and a $3.00 store credit for them with their first purchase of $10.00 or more. (Credit can be applied to first purchase)

BOOK CONNECTION

FEBRUARY

BOOK CONNECTION

2006

Book Lovers SPECIAL

BUY 3 BOOKS GET 2 FREE

Free books must be of equal or less price. Not valid on/with trades. Expires 2/28/06.

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