a place called home
APRIL 2016
Mesean Maxwell was asked by his employer to do some repairs and maintenance on a house. What was seen as a place in disrepair by others, Mesean saw as one he could call home. The longer he worked on the house, the more he was moved to speak with his employer about purchasing it. After several months, he did ask, but he had no idea what his next step in the home ownership process should be. Mesean’s employer referred him to Prosperity Unlimited, Inc. (a Department of HUDapproved housing counseling agency) to help guide him through the steps to home ownership. Because Mesean had always managed his life without credit, Prosperity helped him to properly acquire and manage the right type of credit. This would build his credit score to meet lender guidelines for acquiring the best mortgage loan. Prosperity was also able to assist him in meeting his savings goal. “The process was so much smoother, having someone who is trained in the process to examine how not only to get a good loan, but to get the best possible loan available,” Mesean says. Prosperity determined Mesean was eligible for three down payment assistance programs. After choosing the two best options, he will receive $20,000 to help with his down payment and closing costs. Purchasing a house is not an easy process; regulations related to employment stability, credit and other underwriting guidelines are required. By seeking professional assistance, Mesean became well equipped to work with a loan officer and his house payment will be less than his current rent, placing him in a good position to save more for other items.
Fair Housing Workshop Learn the steps TO home ownerSHIP
April 26 • 6-8 pm • Doors open at 5:30 pm A light meal will be served from 5:30-6:15 pm The Laureate Center – Kannapolis City Hall, 401 Laureate Way SPONSORED BY City of Kannapolis, Cabarrus County, NC Housing Coalition, Prosperity Unlimited, Inc. • • Drawing for a $100 Gift Certificate at 6:15 pm • • To reserve your seat: Louise Mack: 704-933-7405; lmack@prosperitycdc.org Sherry Gordon: 704-920-4332; sgordon@kannapolisnc.gov
The City of Kannapolis 401 Laureate Way | Kannapolis, NC 28081 704.920.4300 | www.kannapolisnc.gov
Baseball is All About the Fans The Kannapolis Intimidators are offering plenty of new and returning programs this season! “It is going to be about the fans and enhancing their experience at the ball park,” Intimidators General Manager Randy Long says. Star Wars® and Disney® fan nights will include costume contests and appropriate musically-themed postgame fireworks shows as well as character appearances and giveaways. One fan will win $2,500 towards a Disney® vacation. Fans can also look for new and exciting options at the concession stands, including more healthy choices. Fans will have the option to gain half-priced reserved admission on Get Healthy nights by doing exercises, such as jumping jacks, at the gate. Get Healthy Kannapolis Nights are April 22, May 27, June 24, July 15 and August 20. Kannapolis resident nights return on Mondays evenings for city residents with proof of address. Family packages include tickets, food and drinks. Call 704-932-FANS (3267) or visit intimidatorsbaseball.com for tickets.
Follow the City on Facebook (facebook.com/cityofkannapolis) and Twitter (twitter.com#Kannapolis) for regular updates and more ideas for fun.
Kannapolis Prepares for 4th Jiggy with the Piggy Festival
I
n 2013, City of Kannapolis Deputy Manager Eddie Smith came up with the idea to host a barbecue competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KSBS).
That first year, 54 teams entered the competition (more than twice the average number for a first-year event), which ran simultaneously with VIllageFest. Last year, the number of participating teams grew to 81 and the entire festival was rebranded as Jiggy with the Piggy.
That’s why, a couple of years ago, the festival added a “people’s choice” event that includes top prizes in the categories of wings and pork. Forty to 50 teams will participate and the Kannapolis Rotary Club and Cannon Memorial YMCA will provide the manpower to help serve the public.
Now, with the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) providing more than enough space for the event, 100-plus arts & crafts vendors and more than 15,000 people expected to attend, the festival has fast become one of the premier events for the region. It’s the second largest KCBS competition on the East Coast and a great way to enjoy a May weekend in North Carolina.
Barbecue connoisseurs will enjoy 10 wings for $10 on Friday night or 10 servings of pork for $10 the following day. They will then select their favorites and the winners will walk away with a trophy and $200.
A competitive barbecue participant himself, Smith says, “Of course, it wouldn’t be a barbecue festival without
an opportunity to sample some of the meats being smoked all weekend.”
The purse for the overall competition is slightly larger this year at $18,250, with $2,000 going to the Grand Champion, $1,500 to second place and $1,000 going to the winner of each individual category continued on page 2