Issuu

Special Home Issue 2009-2010 $3.75

presents

Home, sleek home

Union County residence boasts the latest in technologic, decorative amenities Grand home is testament to doctorâ€™s hard work

Service, social clubs expand rosters, agendas

Jewelerâ€™s attention to detail enhances stoneâ€™s cachet

Great prices. High standards.

At Food Lion, we are just as committed to the environment as we are to our customers. Food Lion has won the EPA’s highest energy conservation honor, the EnergyStar Award, eight years in a row. In fact, Food Lion’s energy-saving measures conserve enough energy to power more than 5,000 homes annually. So feel good about shopping Food Lion, and choosing a store that’s impacting far more than your grocery bill.

www.foodlion.com/green

home

wants to get back to simpler times.

Home can’t wait for crayon drawings to be hung on refrigerators again. Home is ready for the big worry of the day to be what to do with Dad. We’re here to make a commitment to home and to homeowners. A commitment to stand up for responsible lending. And to help create

successful homeowners who feel confident knowing they’ve chosen the home loan that is right for them. Starting now, home has a new address. Bank of America Home Loans.

Our commitment is never far from you. Call 704.602.7348 (Charlotte North), 980.275.5328 (Charlotte South), or 704.556.3000 (South Park) to speak to a mortgage professional in the Charlotte area, or go to bankofamerica.com/homeloans Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. AR94000

Bringing clarity to the lending process. Bank of America is dedicated to responsible lending.

By Glenda Gabriel

Neighborhood Lending Executive Bank of America In 2009, Bank of America launched the Bank of America Home Loans™ brand, which puts the customer front and center with our promise to always be a responsible lender and help create successful homeowners. We’ve listened to thousands of customers to learn what’s important to them in the home loan process. Not surprisingly, we learned our customers want to understand what they’re signing — in clear, straightforward language — with no hidden fees, no surprises and no gimmicks. In response to this feedback, we’ve created industry-leading tools that reflect the transparency consumers are looking for in the lending process. The Clarity Commitment™ is a simple, one-page summary of the borrower’s key loan terms available on most of our loan products.* Since it was introduced in April 2009, hundreds of thousands of customers have received the Clarity Commitment with their loan documents —helping bring greater transparency to the home loan process and earning positive reviews from community partners and customers. We’re also proud of the Bank of America Home Loan Guide, which is accessible online through bankofamerica.com/homeloans. This unique, interactive guide provides customers with a personalized simulation of the home loan process so they can understand their options and make informed decisions. We are aware that many of our customers face uncertainty and difficult financial times. The unemployment rate for Charlotte reached all-time highs in 2009, with rates still at 11.8%** late last summer. As the largest mortgage servicer in the U.S., we are committed to helping homeowners avoid foreclosure. Since 2008, our home retention programs have helped hundreds of thousands of customers with a loan modification. In addition, Bank of America is a leading partner in the Administration’s Home Affordable Modification Program. Bank of America values our relationship with our community, including the loyal readers of Pride Magazine. We have a common goal: to help reach more people of diverse backgrounds and empower them to make more informed decisions. For more information or to contact us, visit our website at bankofamerica.com/homeloans

* The Clarity Commitment summary is provided as a convenience, does not serve as a substitute for a borrower’s actual loan documents, and is not a commitment to lend. Borrowers should become fully informed by reviewing all of the loan and disclosure documentation provided. ** N.C. Employment Security Commission. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Bank of America Corporation.

Spend time on what you value most. At Lowe’s, you can satisfy your appliance needs at one place, so you don’t have to shop around. That means you can spend more time with your loved ones. We have top brands like Whirlpool, Maytag and Frigidaire. And if you find a loweradvertised price from another local retailer, Lowe’s will match it plus give you an additional 10% off. So visit Lowes.com/Appliances today. Shown. Kraftmaid Cross Creek Hanover Oak Kitchen; Corian Bisque Countertop with Eased Edge and Integrated Sink; #30157 Price Pfister Single Handle Stainless Steel Pullout Kitchen Faucet; #88541 12-in. x 12-in. Rialto Tile; #161490 KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer; #280068 GE Stainless Steel Dishwasher; #273718 GE Stainless Steel Gas Range; #17985 Amerock Satin Nickel 1-3/8-in. Casual Knob; #227048 Satin Nickel 3-in. Strap Pull; EB23-3 Valspar® Signature Colors® Eddie Bauer® Paint “Patina.” If you happen to find a lower price on an identical stock item at any local retail competitor, and provide confirmation of that price, we’ll match it and beat their price by an additional 10%. For the store nearest you, call 1-800-993-4416. © 2009 by Lowe’s. All rights reserved. Lowe’s and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.

Table of contents from the publisher

Welcomed at KokoMo’s......................................................................................................... 8

cover story

Home, sleek home

Union County residence boasts the latest in amenities...............................................26

at home

Fruits of his labor

Lean and green

Doctor’s grand home is a testament to his diligence...................................................13 A host of products and services help save the environment.....................................36

design trends Take it outside Stylish furniture adds flair to home’s exterior living space.........................................40

around town

A real gem

Collective creativity

Broader appeal

Jeweler’s attention to detail enhances stone’s cachet.................................................18 ArtHouse Coalition’s mission: Educate, motivate members and the public.......................................................................................44 Service and social clubs’ rosters and agendas expand.............................................50

style & profile

Galas galore.................................................................................................................................22

travel

Mellow out in Mobile.......................................................................................... 56

Pride goes to Machu Picchu and Egypt (again)........................................ 60

cooking spotlight

Top chef

There’s a lot more than food on busy professional’s plate........................................48

60 November 2009 | Living with Pride

From the publisher Welcomed at KokoMo’s! by Torrey Feimster

hen was the last time the

When she did mention issues going on in her life, it was more or less a matter-of-fact thing or a “by the way.” Whenever we talked, she was always able to remove herself from whatever was going on in her life. She always had an overwhleming sense of peace. Tiwanna touched so many lives professionally and personally. She was definitely an inspiration to me and I consider myself to be blessed to have been her friend and brother. I know she is in a better place now, but I sure would love to hear her say, “Welcome to KokoMo’s!” one more time.

baristas at Starbucks or

Caribou welcomed you in unison or the owner greeted you personally? No disrespect to the larger coffee shops, but the focus seems to be on how quickly coffee can be served.

Bank of America sponsors Living with Pride … second year in a row

Tiwanna “Koko” Hagans had a dream to open a coffeehouse that created community and culture and offered a wonderful experience. Tiwanna fulfilled her dream even though she passed away on Sept. 29 at the age of 36. From day one, as soon as you walked into KokoMo’s Coffehouse you were quickly greeted with, “Welcome to KokoMo’s!” Those three words have been resonating in my head ever since she passed. I remember those words filling up KokoMo’s Coffeehouse, fourand-a-half years ago at the first grand opening, as if it were a chant. You see when Tiwanna said welcome to KokoMo’s, I believe she was saying welcome to Koko. To me they were one and the same. Tiwanna was welcoming you into her life and her world because she wanted to share them with you. She wanted you to be a part of her experiences.

Living with Pride | November 2009

Tiwanna “Koko” Hagans

I first met Koko through my wife, Pauline. They were sorority sisters (Delta Sigma Theta) at Johnson C. Smith University. I remember Ko sitting in our living room emphatically telling us about an idea she had of opening a coffee shop. Now it sounded great, but in the back of my mind I was telling myself that she does not look like the “latte” type and on top of that what does she know about running a business. Lo and behold about a month and half later she had KokoMo’s up and running. What people will probably remember most about Ko is that she was tenacious, driven, ambitious, fearless, resilient, no-nonsense, straightforward and a shrewd businesswoman who had high expectations for herself and others around her. But as I look over the progression of our friendship I noticed that the same smile, enthusiasm and passion she had the day she was in my living room was the same when I last saw her right before she passed. We would talk about entrepreneurial stuff, business ideas, best business practices, etc. I would give her referrals, which never worked out, or give her business advice, which she rarely used.

What an awesome feeling to have Bank of America sponsor this issue again, thanks to Glenda Gabriel, Cerita Battles and Sacquana Leathers. This speaks volume because it shows that they believe in the focus of Living with Pride and our entire company. Charlotte is truly blessed to have outstanding corporate citizens such as Bank of America, which are committed to giving back to the community and making it a better place to live.

Lowe’s Home Improvement Pride Awards 2010 Please attend our illustrious gala on Jan. 16, 2010 at the Westin Charlotte, as we celebrate the accomplishments of those who have sustained our community socially, environmentally or fiscally. We are excited to have Lowe’s Home Improvement, another outstanding corporate citizen, on board as our title sponsor for the third year in row. Thank you to Lowe’s and all of our prestigious sponsors on page 43. For more information and to see the winners, please log on to www.pridewards.net.

the things we do for

keeping our house a haven.

Balancing your family’s finances can be quite a juggling act. Here are a few ideas to consider: aLL in the famiLY Involve your entire family in the budgeting process. If you expect everyone in your family to adhere to the budget, they need to have input in setting it. Keep the receipt Keep all of your receipts and statements for the year in a folder. Keeping detailed records of your purchases can help you track your expenses. LoSe the piGGY BanK A great way to build your children’s financial foundation is to open savings accounts in their name. They’ll be able to see the value of savings and will feel empowered by contributing to the account.

Would you like a plan designed just for you? come into your local fifth third Bank location and let us help make your dreams, your reality.

Come in to your local banking center or call us at 1-800-972-3030. www.53.com

The things we do for dreams Member FDIC

F i d e l i s U . E d o s o mw a n , M D

Sugar Creek Medical Center 721 W. Sugar Creek Rd Charlotte, NC 28213 704-941-2080

Dentistry Urgent Care Internal Medicine Pediatrics

At The Park 6023 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216 704-399-2677

Family Practice Immunizations

On The Plaza 1805 Milton Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215 704-535-0400

Minor Trauma

Walk-ins Welc ome

Industrial Medicine

No Appointment Needed

Full Lab Services

Open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm S a t u rday 9am-3pm (Hablamos Espanol)

Family Medical Center 905 N. Pearl Street Pageland, SC 29728 843-672-3100

X-Ray Echocardiogram Physical Therapy

We a cc e p t a ll f or m s o f p a y m en t in c lu d i n g M ed i ca i d , M e d i c a r e a n d t h e Mi l it a r y Tr i C a re /C h a m pu s Pro g r a m s

Anson Medical Center 608 Salisbury Street Wa d e s b o ro, NC 28170 704-695-9200

Hypertension Diabetes Bone Density Allergy Testing

Marshville Health Center 7204 E. Marshville Blvd. Marshville, NC 28103 704-624-9200

Sleep Study Fidelis U. Edosomwan, MD Medical Director and CEO

On The Plaza

Sugar Creek Medical Center

At The Park

CEO

Dee Dixon

Publisher

Torrey Feimster (704) 375-9553

Features Editor

Constance Holloway

Creative Director Fabi Preslar

Office Manager Ricci Pullum

Contributors

Louise Barden Ken Bridges Greg Briley Loyd Dillon Tiffany L. Jones Angela Lindsay Hilst Lee McCracken Markus K. Perry Lee Rhodes

These eyes have the

Sales & Distribution (704) 375-9553

Design & Production

SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Examination & treatment of the eye & visual system Designer frames at affordable prices

Web Design Melissa Gibson

Difficult to fit contact lenses

Subscribe to Pride

State of the art practice

$13.25. Please subscribe online at www.pridemagazine.net or mail to P.O. Box 30113, Charlotte, NC 28230

Accepts most insurances Lasik evaluations

Letters to the Editor

can be e-mailed to pridemagazine@pridecommunications.net, faxed to (704) 375-9550 or sent to Living with Pride 312 W. Trade St., Suite 600 Charlotte, NC 28202 www.pridemagazine.net

On the Cover

Dr. Paula R. Newsome Optometrist

1016 S.Church St.

Charlotte, NC 28203

e-mail: advaneye@bellsouth.net

tel 704.375.3935

fax 704.333.7238

www. a d v a n t a g e v i s i o n c e n t e r. c o m

November 2009 | Living with Pride

At home

Living with Pride | November 2009

Carl Foulks displays his bicycles and snowboards on the walls of his dining room.

Fruits of his labor

Doctor’s grand home is a testament to his diligence, dedication to chosen field by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Greg Briley

here is something to be said for hard work. With a tobacco farmer turned doctor for a father and a pharmacist for a mother, Dr. Carl Foulks Jr., 38, was destined to enter the medical field. Education and training gave him the credentials to become board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine, but discovering the value of hard work was his most valuable lesson learned. “I saw my dad work hard and get the things he wanted,” says Foulks, who practices gastroenterology at Piedmont Healthcare System in Statesville. “I think that’s part of the reason I knew that if I worked hard enough I could have the things that I want.” One thing the Washington, D.C., native wanted, by the age of 40, was a house on the lake. He got it three years ago — at 35. Nestled along the shores of Lake Norman stands Foulks’ 7,000-square foot, five-bedroom, 4 ½-bathroom abode on an acre lot. The brick masonry home sits at the bottom of a sloping driveway.

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Around town

Carl Foulks’ brick masonry home sits at the end of a sloping driveway.

Built with elegance and entertaining in mind As you enter the great room on the main floor, you immediately notice the soaring 40-foot ceiling. Other main floor accents are Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, plush leather sofas and coffee tables made of material similar to tortoise shell. “The house has a very grand feel . . . so that was pretty much the direction of it (the design theme) because of the high ceilings and the open windows to the lake,” says Foulks’ interior decorator Will Smith, owner of Interior Motives and a finalist on season two of HGTV’s “Design Star.” “It’s very important to have that kind of inside/outside feeling, and still let it be comfortable without being too formal.” Another focal point is the fireplace, which embodies one of the most appealing characteristics of the three-story home — its fluidity. On one side, coral light surrounds the fireplace; the opposite side features surrounding stonework and connects to the kitchen. The open floor plan and spacious rooms that flow into each other and lead outside, such as the balcony from the great room overlooking the lake and pool area below, 14

Living with Pride | November 2009

Will Smith was Carl Foulks’ interior designer.

Carl Foulks’ home includes an expansive gym.

lend themselves well to entertaining, a family tradition for Foulks. “When I grew up, my grandparents entertained almost every weekend. I can remember my grandfather on the grill, and The Commodores playing in the background!” he recalls. “So I just enjoy entertaining. I like having people over and seeing people have a good time.” Like most homes, the kitchen is where Foulks says people often gather when he entertains. Warm maple cabinetry, slick granite countertops (featured throughout the entire home), the ceramic tile floor, ornamental backsplash and large island in the middle provide a decorative and inviting backdrop for guests. A winding staircase in the corner of the kitchen leads to a recreation area on the bottom level that showcases a stone and granite bar with a copper sink, wine cellar closet and ping-pong table, a guest favorite. The 102-inch flat screen TV is part of a $100,000 system created by Wired on Demand that includes the home’s other flat screen TVs, projector, surround sound system and whole-house audio. Right outside the recreation room is the patio area. It contains a pool with underwater stools

for relaxing, a seven-person hot tub and a full-service grill area for Foulks’ summertime pool parties. In addition, his boat, Jet Skis and kayak are docked by the lake for whenever the mood arises. “Everything I love is right outside my door,” he exclaims.

Passion for physical pursuits as well Foulks applies his disciplined work ethic to one of the most challenging and important areas of his personal life. Just last year, Foulks could not even swim 25 meters. However, he is now a regular participant in triathlons, of which swimming is only onethird of the requirements (the other two stages are running and cycling). He was introduced to the sport by a fraternity brother. “When I looked at the distances, I was like, wow, this guy did a 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles on a bike and then a full marathon (running 26.2 miles). I just thought that was impossible for a human to do,” he admits, but it did not stop him. Foulks entered his first race in May 2008. He completed six races last year and five races so far this year, including a half-Ironman triathlon

“I just enjoy entertaining,” says Dr. Carl Foulks, above, outside his 7,000-square-foot, lake-front home. Above is the patio area, where lots of gatherings take place.

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Around town

Maple cabinets, granite countertops, a ceramic tile floor and ornamental backsplash are the highlights of the home’s kitchen.

Guests often gather at the home’s stone and granite bar that includes a copper sink.

Living with Pride | November 2009

this past September. His desire is to see more African-Americans at these events. “There’s something I notice at every race: It’s usually either just me or maybe one or two other people that look like me in these races,” Foulks shares. “The things that a lot of black folks are plagued with are a lot of obesity-related problems, and obesity stems from the lack of exercise. This is a sport that encourages a healthy lifestyle through exercise, and you have to eat right in order to be able to compete … and it’s fun. There’s a lot of camaraderie there, too.” A consummate outdoor sportsman, Foulks also enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, surfing and skiing. In fact, he proudly displays his bicycles and snowboards mounted on the walls of his dining room and jokes that they serve as his “art.” They are also reminders, no doubt, of his commitment to better health. “One of the best things about being in the health care field and being fit is that I get a chance to lead by example,” he says. “A patient is way more likely to follow my dietary suggestions and recommendations to exercise when they can see that I practice what I preach.” P

Creating Scholars ty Embracing Diversi Nurturing Spirituality Trinity Episcopal School: preparing student leaders – in the classroom, on the field and in the community.

Admission Office Events &Open Houses:

750 E. 9th Street Charlotte, NC 28202-3102 T: 704. 358. 8101 F: 704. 358. 9908 www.tescharlotte.org

Nov. 7: Multi-c ultural Open Ho use, 5pm Jan. 9: Middle School Open House, 5pm

You know where one stadium can light up a

whole town? I’M THERE

™

In Carolina that’s what happens every time our teams come out to play. That’s why our State Farm® office is proud to support them all season long.

Tracey Winters, Agent 10230 Berkeley Pl Dr, Suite 260 Charlotte, NC 28262 Bus: 704-971-1133 www.traceywinters.com P087057 10/08

Monte Thorns, Agent 9401 Statesville Road, Suite E Charlotte, NC 28269 Bus: 704-509-5854 www.montethorns.com

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company – Bloomington, IL

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Around town

gem A real

Jewelerâ€™s attention to detail enhances coveted stoneâ€™s cachet

Photo courtesy of Diamonds Direct

by Lee Rhodes

Living with Pride | November 2009

Photos courtesy of Diamonds Direct

iamonds are a girl’s best friend, or so the old song says. Indeed, diamonds are treasured across the globe, and not just by the female persuasion. They’re sought after for their beauty and brilliance, but they also have a long history — ancient cultures revered diamonds just as we do today — and many have journeyed around the world. Step inside the pristine showroom of prominent, family-owned Charlotte jeweler Diamonds Direct and you’re treated to an extensive array of the sparkling gems. All originated in a mine deep in the tundra of Siberia. From the Russian mine, the diamond rough travels to Tel Aviv, where master cutters cut and polish each stone, facet by facet, awaiting the arrival of company owners Itay Berg and Dovy Klarberg. Armed with the knowledge of what their customers prefer, the two men hand-pick the diamonds that ultimately end up in their showrooms. “We actually provide diamonds from the source, whereas competitors are buying from a wholesaler or third-party operation,” explains Kelsey Halford, director of marketing and public relations, who points out that the diamond industry is regulated, ensuring that diamond mining and cutting is free of conflict. What began 15 years ago in an unassuming shop on Independence Boulevard is now a booming business known for its competitive pricing. At the new Diamonds Direct location across from SouthPark mall, close to 50 shoppers browse on a typical weekday, examining engagement ring settings, diamond fashion jewelry, loose diamonds and a large selection of certified diamonds, which have been graded by gemologists in independent laboratories.

Fourth time is the charm As expected, some customers visit repeatedly before they make a purchase. Aaron Fisher, who recently presented his fiancé with a diamond engagement ring, visited eight other Charlotte-area jewelers before settling on Diamonds Direct. It took four more visits with Diamonds Direct salesperson Sherry Mobley Gilmore, one of the so-called Diamond Experts, before he purchased a 1½-carat solitaire in a four-pronged setting. “I was quite surprised because Sherry pulled diamonds I never thought I could afford,” he says. “I went in looking for one thing and came out with much more.” And his fiancée? “She was ecstatic,” he says. “She beams about her ring and what a great job I did.” Unlike Fisher, some clients walk in and buy a diamond within 30 minutes. But whether people make one visit or many, customer service is paramount and education is key. “It’s about building relationships,” adds Gilmore, who has been in the business for 17 years. “When people walk in, we make them feel at home.”

Top left: Daily, trucks carry hundreds of pounds of rock from the mine to be sorted, hoping to recover rough diamonds. Top right: The open pit style mines are miles across and several hundred feet deep and growing as the mine continues to produce the rough diamonds. Middle left: Rough diamonds ready for cutting and polishing. Middle right: Despite modern technology, the diamond cutting wheel has been used for generations to cut and facet diamonds. Bottom: The showroom at Diamonds Direct SouthPark.

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photos by Markus K. Perry

Diamond Expert Sherry Gilmore helps customer Aaron Fisher.

‘Judge the diamond by the diamond’

Sherry Gilmore

Living with Pride | November 2009

During the first visit or two, customers learn the basic characteristics of diamonds, known as the four Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. “The most important thing you want to focus on is the cut,” says Gilmore, referring to the proportions and polish of the diamond. “That’s where you get all the fire and all the brilliance.” The only diamond with a premium-cut grade is a round diamond. Its mathematically proven proportions have endured in popularity even as trends have changed. In order of importance, color follows cut; after all, cut and color are most visible to the naked eye. Aim to avoid a brownish or yellowish tint because “good color” is defined as no color. Clarity encompasses a diamond’s purity and natural inclusions, also known as birthmarks. And carat? That one gets a lot of attention; it’s the weight. The industry’s wholesale pricing guidelines, known as the Rapaport Diamond Report, serve as a valuable tool for consumers. There are also grading scales and reference charts for each of the four Cs. But at the end of the day, says Gilmore, “Judge the diamond by the diamond.” A “K” on the color scale, for instance, can resemble an “I.” And a diamond with an SI 1 clarity rating, which translates to slight inclusions, might look the same as one with a VS 1 rating, which only has slight inclusions. Diamonds Direct experts

will advocate a less expensive stone if it’ll save customers money and still make them happy. “We encourage people to shop other places and to use this Rapaport tool so that they feel confident and educated,” says Halford. “There’s a lot of mistrust in the jewelry industry and that’s something we’re trying to eradicate. Knowledge is power.” Part of that knowledge involves avoiding mistakes. One of the most common is purchasing a diamond off the Internet. Internet companies often post readily available diamond databases from other companies and have no actual diamonds in stock. They offer no service packages, which is one of Diamonds Direct’s standards, along with appraisals and lifetime diamond upgrades. Fisher found his experience so positive that he recently went back and purchased wedding bands. “I’ve become one of their more vocal advocates,” he admits. “I told my best man about them and he’s used them. I recently moved back here from New York City, and by far, everything I’ve seen at Diamonds Direct is on par if not better than what is in New York.” And despite the economy, sales at Diamonds Direct have grown within the past year.“People haven’t stopped getting engaged or married,” Halford observes. It seems that diamonds remain a girl’s best friend. P

Carter_1109.qxd:Layout 1

10/13/09

5:15 PM

Page 1

Dore Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, marital status, disability, religion, or creed or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions, and financial aid policies, or its employment practices.

Life is not a game

LUTHER CARTER. Jr, LUTCF President & CEO

NANCY CARTER Chief Administrative Manager nancyscarter@allstate.com

BRANDON CARTER Chief Operations Manager brandoncarter@allstate.com

BROOKE SMITH Licensed Sales Rep. ingridsmith@allstate.com

CHRIS BUFORD Personal Financial Rep. chrisbuford@allstate.com

ELIA ARTEAGA Senior Licensed Sales Rep. eliaarteaga@allstate.com

CURTIS HILL, CSA Benefit Specialist curtishill@windstream.net

MARY WILLS Senior Licensed Sales Rep. marywills@allstate.com

IT’S YOUR MOVE Do you have a plan?

Auto Insurance

Health Insurance

Worker's Compensation

Home Insurance

Life Insurance

Flood Insurance

Business Insurance

Boat Owners Insurance

IRA’s Individual

Renter Insurance

Supplemental

Retirement Accounts

Motorcycle Insurance

Benefits Insurance

Personal Umbrella Policy

Carter Insurance & Financial Services Serving the community for over 34 years WE ‘CARTER’ TO YOUR NEEDS

704.542.7500

Fax: 704.542.7501 LutherCarter@allstate.com http://agent.allstate.com/luthercarter/welcome/ 10801 Johnston Rd, Suite 110 • Charlotte, NC 28226

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Style & profile Galas galore by Tiffany L. Jones

Photos by Jerry Talifero

he Charlotte Chapter of the Links Inc., hosted Harlem Nights at The Cotton Club on Sept. 12 at Extravaganza Depot. More than 350 guests donned black and white “Harlem Nights” attire. On Sept. 17 at the Urban League Office, Pride Magazine hosted At Home with Bank of America, a jazz reception featuring industry experts sharing their perspectives on the current economic state of Charlotte. Two days later, Pride Magazine hosted the Sunset Jazz Festival sponsored by Bank of America, Lance and Verizon Wireless. Thousands gathered on the lawn to enjoy the festivities. On Oct. 8 four local leaders were honored at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Sixth Annual Award of Excellence Dinner at the Westin Charlotte. This event raised $108,000 that will benefit the 235,000 students who attend 47 member schools, five of which are in North Carolina. Honorees included Dr. Yele O. Aluko, Henry E. Frye, Sarah M. Stevenson, Donnie Shell and Joan H. Zimmerman. In addition, special tribute was given to North Carolina Central University School of Law for its 70th anniversary and to Dean Raymond C. Pierce. On Oct. 10, Distinguished Partners hosted the 12th Annual Fundraising Gala at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Proceeds benefited students at HBCUs. The keynote speaker was Ricky Hart and this year’s Outstanding Quality of Life Leaders were Dee Dixon and Carlenia Ivory. P

Living with Pride | November 2009

This page: The Charlotte Chapter of The Links Inc., Cotton Club event.

Photos by Timelessly Classic Photography

Opposite page: Thurgood Marshall College Fund Awards of Excellence dinner.

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photos by Tye Feimster

Sunset Jazz Festival reception and Distinguished Partners.

Living with Pride | November 2009

We bring our care to you.

When facing a long-term or terminal illness, most people want to be cared for at home. They want to be free of pain, treated with dignity, and surrounded by their loved ones. This is our mission.

How we care for you ...

Our specially trained experts work with each patient and their physician to develop a plan of care to meet their own unique needs. Then, a dedicated care team supports those needs in the comfort of the patientâ€™s own home.

Why choose Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region?

Serving the Charlotte region for over 30 years, we have provided expert palliative and end-of-life care to more than 25,000 individuals and their love ones. Our experience and expertise are surpassed only by the compassionate care we provide. We serve individuals of all faiths, ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic levels, ages, and illness categories. We are a not-for-profit organization that accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance â€“ and we serve all eligible patients regardless of ability to pay for care.

Call us. We can help.

704.375.0100 www.hpccr.org

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Cover story

Home, sleek home Union County residence boasts the latest in technologic, decorative amenities by Tiffany L. Jones photos by Greg Briley 26

Living with Pride | November 2009

Charles Walker lives in Chatelaine, home to athletes, executives and other professionals.

nion County, whose growth rate averaged 5.4 percent in 2008, is one of the fastest-growing counties in North Carolina. What was once mostly rural farmland has developed into some of the finest communities in North Carolina. Roughly 30 miles from uptown Charlotte, Union County is convenient for those who work in the city and don’t mind driving a little farther to arrive at the homes of their dreams. “I felt that I could get the most for my

money in Waxhaw and that I could also build the house that I really wanted,” says Charles Walker who, like others, was drawn to the area because of its lower real estate taxes and a more laid-back lifestyle. Walker is CEO of Intelligent Technologies, flourishing business that he operates out of his Waxhaw home in Union County. Walker lives in the European-inspired, gated community of Chatelaine, just minutes from Interstate 485. Surrounded by several

other affluent communities, Chatelaine is home to executives, athletes, doctors and entrepreneurs. This private community was developed in 2004 and features 70 homes ranging from 4,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.

Grand exterior beckons to guests As you pull into the circular driveway of Walker’s 8,300-square-foot home, you immecontinued on page 29

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Charles Walker’s home includes four full bathrooms and three half bathrooms.

Dr. Tonya McLeod’s rooftop terrace.

Living with Pride | November 2009

A Ducati motorcycle and racing memorabilia are displayed in the home.

continued from page 27

diately notice the detailed architectural design from the roof to the front door. The house is made of stone and stucco with cedar shake-accented dormers. The grass is freshly manicured and tall trees outline the property. The garage provides room for not four, but five, vehicles. “I knew when I was designing the house that I had numerous vehicles that

needed be garage kept, so having enough garage space was very important to me,” says Walker, who fits his “little blue sports car” on a car lift, just above the H1 Hummer. Walker’s home was completed in September 2007 after 18 months of construction. This bachelor pad features two levels plus a full basement, with five bedrooms, including a private in-law suite, four full bathrooms, three half bathrooms, a pool and

November 2009 | Living with Pride

a home theater. Fixtures and lights imported from Italy, an artwork collection and various accessories enhance the home’s aesthetics. For Walker, who designed and decorated the entire house along with his ex-wife, it has been a work in progress.

‘I had a vision’ A circular foyer welcomes you inside Walker’s home where a large antique grandfather clock sits against the wall. On the left is what Walker refers to as “the courting room,” a small open area with orange walls, an inviting loveseat, a spiral staircase that leads to the second floor and abstract paintings that tie in the orange walls and red accents. On the right is the dining room with its eye-catching custom tray ceiling designed by Walker. The ceiling is rust orange, with chocolate brown deep pocket insets. The four main walls are light beige and the artwork and accents pull it all together. “I’ve had the opportunity to see the inside of many beautiful homes, and I’ve seen some amazing architectural and interior design work, so when it came to designing this house, I knew what I wanted. I had a vision,” says Walker, who admits that although certain things didn’t come out exactly the way he wanted, he’s happy with the result. “Now that I’ve gone through the design and completion of this house, I’m ready to move on to designing my next house.” On the main floor, the living room/common area is connected to an ultra-modern kitchen, both with access to the patio overlooking the pool and Jacuzzi. Shiny, light-colored hardwood floors imported from Peru run throughout the main level, except in the master bedroom. Custom-built bookcases on each side of the marble-lined fireplace and a flat-screen TV take up an entire wall. Two ultra sleek, stainless steel and wood ceiling fans hang low from the high ceiling.

A fantasy kitchen brought to life The kitchen is equipped with a hidden microwave oven drawer and separate warming drawer, a custom green/peach/ brown and pearl glass tile backsplash, a Wolf oven and stovetop, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. One standout furniture piece in the kitchen: the two legged, sandblasted glass 30

Living with Pride | November 2009

A local artist designed the sandblasted glass table in the home’s ultra-modern kitchen.

table conveniently attached to the kitchen counter. This elegant piece of artwork, almost too beautiful to use, was designed by a local artist in Waxhaw. An avid art collector, Walker has numerous pieces strategically placed throughout the house. A piece sure to catch your eye is the abstract painting that hangs above the front door painted by local artist Hassan, who is also the art director at Johnson C. Smith University. The master bedroom is located on the left side of the house on the main level.

Here Walker used a brown and light green color scheme that works well with the dark mahogany dresser and headboard. For the floor, Walker opted for plush beige carpet with memory-foam padding. The bathroom has “his and hers” sides with a Jacuzzi in the middle and features marble floors and countertops with dark mahogany cabinets and drawers. For the oversized shower, which has no doors and can be entered from either side, Walker used a combination of lime green glass tile and stone. The closet is

huge with built-in shelving and racks similar to those found in boutiques. In this dream closet, you will find a unit that resembles a stackable washer and dryer. “It’s actually a clothes freshener, a machine that you throw your clothes into when they need to be freshened, but not washed. It’s great for when you come in from a night out on the town,” says Walker.

Much more above and below The second floor can be accessed from November 2009 | Living with Pride

Charles Walker’s entertainment room features a movie theater.

the east or west wing of the house and features a balcony that connects each wing and overlooks the living room and the kitchen. There are two guest rooms, each with their own color scheme, as well as what is referred to as a “in-law suite,” which is designed and equipped to one day include a small kitchen and separate entrance. To the side of the kitchen, a large open staircase leads to the basement. The stairs are dark brown hardwood, also imported from Peru, and the walls are lined with African-American paintings as you work your way down to the entertainment room, which includes a fully stocked bar with top-shelf liquor, a red leather sectional couch facing the flat screen TV and a fireplace. The fitness room has mirrors all around, a small flatscreen TV and a private bathroom. 32

Living with Pride | November 2009

Along one wall in the entertainment room is a platform that holds one of Walker’s many Ducati motorcycles and, around it, numerous helmets, pictures and other memorabilia from his racing days. “I raced professionally for several years before deciding that I was getting too old and didn’t heal as quickly as I used to,” Walker explains. The entertainment room is also home to two arcade-sized motorcycle racing games, a state-of-the-art movie theater with just the right lighting and accents and, last but not least, the Walker Winery, a small room with a bistro style table and two chairs reminiscent of a Paris bistro. “I love this room, I go in the winery when I need to think,” says Walker who frequently invites friends and family over to take advantage of his home’s many amenities. P

Fighting for your rights! If you have been injured in a car accident, call the

Law Office of Tamela T. Wallace, P.A.

Free consultation for personal injury cases Automobile accidents • Personal injury • Wrongful death

704.371.4212

301 S. McDowell Street, Suite 813 www.tamelatwallace.com

America’s Largest and Most Reliable Wireless Network. Proud supporter of Pride Magazine and it’s readers.

Call 1.888.640.8776

Click verizonwireless.com

Visit any store

America’s most reliable wireless network claim based on fewest aggregate blocked & dropped connections; see verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details. © 2009 Verizon Wireless. November 2009 | Living with Pride

Bank of America answers consumers’ top questions about buying and owning a home Bank of America is working to provide consumers with the information and tools they need to become successful homeowners. We receive all sorts of questions from prospective homebuyers, as well as existing homeowners. Here are a few of the questions we hear most frequently, along with our guidance and pointers. Q: How do I know if I am ready to buy a home? A: Knowing where homeownership fits into your larger financial plan is important. Prioritize homeownership among any other financial goals you may have. Start by asking yourself: Would buying a home mean stretching to my financial limits? If so, where can I make changes in my budget to keep it more balanced? Will I still be able to save enough for other opportunities or unexpected emergencies? Q: How much should I borrow? A: Asking yourself, How much should I borrow? instead of How much could I borrow? is an important distinction. Rather than focusing on your lender’s limits, focus on the home loan that provides you with the best opportunity for success. Keep in mind how much you can afford to spend on a home without putting the rest of your financial plans on hold. Q: What factors will lenders consider when I apply for a loan? A: Lenders consider a variety of factors; however, there are three main areas they review when prequalifying you for a loan: debt-to-income ratio, credit score and downpayment funds. Q: How do I determine my debt-to-income ratio? A: The debt-to-income ratio is a comparison of what you owe vs. how much you make; it is the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that you put toward your debt.

Special Advertising Section

Q: What debt-to-income ratio do I need to qualify? A: Most lenders want your debt-to-income ratio to be no more than 36% once you include a projected monthly mortgage payment. When you figure out your projected mortgage payment, be sure this amount includes payment of principal, interest, estimated property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance (collectively known as “PITI”), and homeowner’s association dues, if applicable. This total monthly amount will better reflect your true monthly obligation. Q: What percentage will be required for a down payment? A: Having at least 10% to 20% to put toward a down payment on a home tells lenders that you’re prepared to make a financial commitment to the home, and increases their confidence in your ability to pay the loan. It also puts you in a strong position financially, as you won’t have to borrow as much from your lender. In most cases, a down payment of less than 20% requires that you carry private mortgage insurance (PMI) at an extra cost. Q: Are there other options if I don’t meet these standard lender requirements? A: There are affordable loan programs to help qualified low- to moderate-income borrowers become homeowners. Certain home loan programs require potential borrowers to receive home buyer education. The benefit is that you may qualify for a loan program that can help you make a minimum down payment or qualify for varying forms of assistance depending on your financial situation or the location of the home. In many areas, homebuyers can receive assistance with down payments and/or closing costs from local community agencies. Check with a loan expert at your bank to find out if you qualify for these programs.

Q: If I can’t buy a home right now, what should I do to prepare myself? A: One of the most important things you can do to prepare for homeownership is saving up a sufficient down payment. It’s never too soon to begin saving, even if buying a house is far off in the distance. Consider setting up a separate savings account for your down-payment fund and make a habit of depositing money regularly into this special savings account.

Q: What should I do if I am about to fall behind in making my mortgage payments? A: Regardless of how well you’ve honed your money management skills, an unexpected crisis or hardship can sometimes impact your finances. Call your lender immediately, consult your tax advisor before making any decisions, prioritize your debt, and ask for payment assistance from the companies and service providers to whom you pay your bills and obligations.

Q: How do I know which type of mortgage is right for me? A: The variety of mortgages offered provides many options but can add confusion to the start of the mortgage-shopping process. Some loans offer fixed, consistent payments (fixed-rate mortgages), while others allow your payment to vary based on the movement of interest rates (adjustablerate mortgage, or ARM). Fixed-rate mortgages tend to be the most popular because they protect homeowners from surprises, but you can find the best home loan to meet your needs by meeting with a loan professional.

Q: What are the financial benefits of homeownership? A: Tax advantages are one of the biggest financial benefits of homeownership. As a general rule, most homeowners can deduct most or all of their interest payments on their home loan, property taxes and loan points, but check with your tax advisor about your situation.

Q: How do I know whether to refinance? A: Before you refinance, you’ll want to look at how it can change your monthly expenses. Also, bear in mind that there are fees associated with refinancing — including appraisal, credit report, processing, underwriting, and administrative fees. An important number is your breakeven point, which is how long it takes for the reduction in your monthly payments to surpass the costs of refinancing. Make sure you’re not planning to sell the home before you reach the break-even point.

Special Advertising Section

At home A host of products and services can help save money and the environment

Lean

green by Louise Barden

hether your home is 600 square feet or 12,000,

today itâ€™s not about whether to make green choices for improvements. You have to know which products and services will save you the most money and improve your quality of life while they help the environment.

Living with Pride | November 2009

Often the best place to start is by saving energy — electricity, oil or natural gas. You’ll also reduce your costs, improve your home’s comfort and air quality, and produce less air and water pollution.

Start small and get big results In even the smallest home, you can reduce your power bill and improve air and water quality with a few easy choices like these: n Replace the five regular light bulbs you use most with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. The U.S. Green Building Council says you can save $100 per year. n Watch your thermostat. Up to 40 percent of your energy consumption comes from your HVAC (heating and cooling) system, says Scott Spivak, a building scientist and owner of the Green Collar Crew. Why heat or cool your house when you are at work or sleeping under

the blankets? Using an automatic programmable thermostat and setting the temperature near 78 degrees in the summer and 62 degrees in the winter can save you a lot of money. n Plant trees to shade the south and west side of your house for “natural” summer cooling. In winter when the trees lose their leaves, the sun will provide warmth. n Set your water heater thermostat to deliver 120-degree water at the faucet. It’s easy to test the temperature; just put a thermometer in a glass while hot water is running. n Recycle, sell or give away items you might throw away. You will save natural resources needed to make new ones while reducing the space needed for landfills. n Save water by installing aerators on faucets, low-flow showerheads and water-saving toilets.

Extra rewards from Uncle Sam Get up to $1,500 in direct tax credits for energy-saving improvements to your home by December 2010 (see http://energystar.gov/taxcredits) including: n Central air conditioning, air source heat pumps, natural gas or propane furnaces, and related improvements n Energy Star metal and asphalt roofs n Home insulation n Energy Star electric heat pump water heaters n Energy Star gas tankless water heaters

nergy Star geothermal heat pumps E Energy Star solar water heaters n Exterior and storm doors n Storm windows, exterior windows and skylights n n

Get tax credits until 2016 for some of the latest technologies: F uel cells Geothermal heat pumps n Solar panels n Solar water heaters n Small wind energy systems n n

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Big changes yield substantial benefits For bigger improvements, and savings, replace old refrigerators, clothes washers or other appliances with Energy Star-qualified products. Each new one can save $50 a year on your power bill. However, Spivak says, your real savings and environmental benefits can come with sealing your ceiling, floor and walls, adding insulation, and diagnostically testing and improving your HVAC and duct systems. To decide what you need, you can get general guidelines from online energy calculators like those provided by Duke Energy (www. duke-energy.com/northScott Spivak carolina/savings.asp). But every house is unique. An energy audit of your home by a certified auditor, at a typical cost of $300 to $600, will help you set priorities correctly and within your budget. Some auditors even help you find certified contractors that know how to achieve the greatest level of efficiency, comfort and air quality in your home.

Living with Pride | November 2009

Often the first priority is to seal air leaks, while leaving enough controlled air exchange to assure clean, healthy inside air. For example, if you have an “open flame” gas water heater in the same area as a clothes dryer, your home might have unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide. In addition, before replacing your HVAC system, consult an energy auditor who can tell whether duct renovation and a complete tune-up could be all you need.

When it comes to green providers, choose wisely Spivak, whose company won a 2008 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award, warns that a lot of products and companies are jumping on the green bandwagon. To be sure your job is done right, you should look for providers certified by such organizations as BPI (Building Performance Institute) and the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders). And learn from Web sites by recognized organizations and companies such as www.energy.gov/yourhome. htm (Energy Department), www.greenhomeguide.org (Green Building Council) and www.greencollarcrewus.com (Green Collar Crew). You’ll find smart ways to use your money for yourself and the environment. P

Specializing in making children Our goal is to ensure your child’s visit to our office is an enjoyable and educational experience, and that we exceed your expectations. As a pediatric practice, we offer comfort and compassion and see every child as an individual. It’s important for every child to feel good about oral health and a healthy smile contributes to overall health and self-esteem. We motivate children to take responsibility for their oral health because nothing makes us happier than seeing our children take pride in their smiles. We are deeply committed to preventative dentistry, so don’t wait, call us today and schedule an appointment for your child.

• Cleanings • Sealants • Fluoride Varnish • Fillings • Crowns • General Anesthesia • Nitrous Oxide

There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all! PrideNOV09:Layout 1

9/25/09

9:03 AM

1843 South Ridge Avenue • Kannapolis, NC 28083 704.938.8523 • www.drblanding.com

Page 1

…where teaching is valued and learning is celebrated

ADMISSIONS APPLICATIONS DUE: Friday, January 15, 2010

9502 Providence Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 704.846.1100 Admissions: 704.846.7207 www.charlottelatin.org Financial assistance is available.

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Design trends

Today’s wicker furniture can withstand winter’s harshness.

Take it outside

Stylish furniture and other amenities add flair to your home’s exterior living space by Loyd Dillon

et out! No, I’m not paraphrasing Donald Trump’s “You’re fired.” Or the Raelets telling Ray Charles to “Hit the Road, Jack.” I’m talking about getting outside on your patio, lawn or deck to enjoy the outdoors. Our grandparents were right when they told us, sometimes in exasperation, “Go play outdoors.” It’s healthful to be outside regularly. Now doctors often tell us the same thing. Go look out a window. Or step outside. You’ll smile. Why? We are all blessed to live in this area. Charlotte is just as often called “The City of Trees” as it is “The City of Churches.” But it could also be called the city of flowers, shrubbery, birds and squirrels. The city of the great and beautiful outdoors. We are also blessed with a temperate climate. Except for a very few weeks of winter

Living with Pride | November 2009

(with maybe one snow day), we can enjoy the outdoors year-round. But if you do spend some time outside, you almost certainly want to enjoy not only the natural beauty but the man-made beauty of hot tubs, fire pits, chimeneas (woodburning stoves), water features, awnings, decks and the latest in outdoor furniture.

Wicker, wrought iron get a makeover Remember when pretty much the only choices for outdoor furniture were either guaranteed-to-mildew-and-rot wicker or guaranteed-to-rust wrought iron? Well, times have changed. You’ve seen those “island getaway” commercial on television featuring a loving couple on a canopied daybed or chaise, haven’t you? That sort of furniture is not just a Hollywood

Think wrought iron will rust? Not necessarily.

set decorator’s props. Century Furniture, www.centuryfurniture.com/leisure, based in Hickory and available at finer home furnishing stores, has it. Century’s Andalusia group is every bit as romantic as the television commercials. The canopies are not just pretty, however. We all know that it’s cooler in the shade. Now you can have shade anywhere — and look cool while being cool. But what if you still prefer traditional wicker? Do you still have to put up with mildew and rot? No. Lane Venture’s Weathermaster collection www.laneventure.com, consists of pieces made of “synthetic wicker.” Actually, that’s a misnomer since wicker is the name for the process of basketweaving, not the material that is used. But the bottom line is that you can leave this wicker outdoors year-round and if the cushions are covered with Sunbrella fabric, you can even leave them outside, too.

A little drama never hurt anybody But wicker, even “synthetic wicker,” might be too traditional for you. Not to worry. Even

if your tastes run to the classics of modern (like LeCorbusier’s famous 1927 sofa that’s just cushions held in place by chrome-plated steel tubing) there is outdoor furniture that can give you that sleek, sophisticated look. Check out Century’s “Gulf Stream” collection. This can be used either to emphasize and blend with modern architecture or to contrast with more traditional settings. Similar in mood but perhaps even more stunning and dramatic is the California contemporary Andre Agassi-Steffi Graf collection from Kreiss www.kreiss.com/collection. cfm?collection_id=63. This is definitely not a “me too” line; rather, it’s outdoor furniture that doesn’t look like anyone else’s. These designs also have tremendous “wow factor.” The bottom line is that your “bottom lines” don’t have to be the marks left on the backs of your legs from the plastic webbing of cheap folding chairs. There are many magnificent choices of outdoor furniture that will greatly add to your Southern lifestyle. Don’t settle for less than you should. And enjoy the glories of the outdoors. P November 2009 | Living with Pride

Where a new life meets

A NEW REASON FOR LIFE INSURANCE.

As your family grows, so do your reasons for protecting the ones you love. For the right life insurance policy for you and your family, go to someone who’s been there for you in the past – State Farm®.

2009 Lowe’s Pride Awards January 16, 2010

John H Harvey, Agent 4108 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 Bus: 704-525-9995 john@johnharvey44.com

People, Planet, Profit Sustainability for All

Find out this year’s winners by visiting www.prideawards.net

P082073 11/08

statefarm.com®

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI) State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI) • Bloomington, IL

Webber Dentistry… We’re here when your

Smile

needs us!

The Webber name has been a pillar in the Charlotte community for generations. Webber Dentistry has been brightening and beautifying smiles in the Charlotte community for more than 50 years. Dr. Webber’s practice specializes in invisalign, implants, cosmetic dentistry and routine dental and preventative care. They use the best in advanced dental technology and pride themselves on having a professional and diverse staff.

Call today to schedule your initial consultation. WEBBER DENTISTRY

Dr. Spurgeon Webber III, D.D.S.

Living with Pride | November 2009

Dilworth/Myers Park

Southpark

Webber Dental Bldg. 518 East Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28203 704-332-5848

The Shoppes at Fairview Plaza 5940 Fairview Rd, Suite 103 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-247-4030

www.webberdentistry.com

Sustainability for All Lowe’s Pride Awards 2010 Pride Awards 2010 will be a “Green” affair, celebrating the accomplishments of three African Americans for their fiscal, social or environmental efforts in our community.

MEDIA SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

PRESENTED BY

Saturday, January 16th The Westin Charlotte Black Tie Reception: 6:00 PM Dinner and Awards: 7:00 PM

Log on to www.prideawards.net to v view the prestigious 2010 winners and to purchase your tickets for the gala. Corporate tables t and tickets are still available. Call 704-375-9553

Around town

Members of the ArtHouse Coalition, from left: Dean Walker, Lousie Farley, Mindy Jacobs, Sean Glover, Karen Peppers, Barbara Ellis, Tâ€™Afo Feimster, Ray Powell, Aaron Swan. Not pictured: Caroline Eller, Jerry Lee Kirk, Derrick Brown, Timmy Hord, Mike Hughes.

ArtHouse Coalitionâ€™s mission: Educate, motivate its members and the public by Lee McCracken

rtists work alone, and their inspirations and passions are as unique as the pieces they create. But the ArtHouse in the North Davidson Arts District is home to a diverse group of artists who share a common interest: They desire to grow professionally, both as individual artists and as a group, inviting the Charlotte community to learn about and appreciate all forms of art alongside them. The 12 tenant artists formed a coalition in November 2006 to see what they could accomplish. In three years, they have mentored each other, taught art classes and traveled to see art exhibits. 44

Living with Pride | November 2009

Photos by Torrey Feimster

Collective creativity

The latest display of art in the ArtHouse gallery.

“As a group, we’ve bonded and shared a lot of ideas,” says T’Afo Feimster. “The coalition has enhanced our creativity and our work. We’ve inspired each other.”

Photo by Torrey Feimster Photo by Markus K. Perry

Feimster is one of the owners of the ArtHouse, a working studio and gallery on Cullman Avenue, and he’s a founding member of the coalition. An accomplished painter, sculptor and cultural educator, Feimster sees the coalition, as well as the converted industrial building, as a masterpiece in the works. “Three years ago, we began having conversations about the things we have in common as artists — we asked ourselves what we wanted to see and what we wanted to do,” Feimster says. “By collectively putting our ideas together and coming together as a unit, we’ve been

Photo by Markus K. Perry

From copper to oil

“The coalition has enhanced our creativity and our work. We’ve inspired each other.” — T’Afo Feimster

able to do things we would not have been able to do as individuals.” Some members use their business and financial know-how, while others use their marketing and teaching skills. The ArtHouse Coalition has visited art museums in Charleston, S.C., Washington, D.C., and St. Augustine, Fla. The artists have also launched a series of art classes, with one member teaching figure drawing and painting. Feimster teaches basic drawing to children and teens, as well as an introductory class on oil painting. Walking through the ArtHouse, where customers can see artists at work and purchase pieces that are on display, Feimster describes the variety of art and the mediums used — from copper and paint to photography, sculpture and wood. “There continued on page 47 November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photos by Torrey Feimster

A recent gallery crawl night at the ArtHouse.

Living with Pride | November 2009

Photo by Markus K. Perry

continued from page 45

are 12 different styles under one roof. For us and our customers, it’s educational and motivational,” he says. Many people have visited the ArtHouse during the Gallery Crawl in NoDa, a popular event that takes place on the first and third Friday evenings of the month.

‘There is synergy here’ The ArtHouse Coalition is a group of eight men and four women, ages 30 to 60. Three in the group are African-American. Reflecting on the last three years, Feimster says the coalition has more than fulfilled the members’ expectations. “We’ve become a family,” he says. “We mentor each other, and the energy flows both ways.” “Being involved with a group of artist who support each other emotionally and artistically is truly a valuable asset,” says Karen Peppers, a coalition member and one of the artists with studio space at the ArtHouse. “Each of us has a strength and skill to offer, and by combining all this as a whole, we have accomplished large projects. We’ve held community events, promoting each other and reaching out to other artists. “Since I have been at the ArtHouse,” adds Peppers, “I have produced and sold more work with meaning and desire.” Painting with acrylic, she uses bright, bold color to evoke energy and emotion. “My fellow artists inspire me to be a better artist. I feel I have made friends for a lifetime. There is synergy here, and I am proud to be a part of it.” P November 2009 | Living with Pride

Cooking spotlight

Executive Chef Mark Henry’s dishes draw influence from Asian, Indian, and Central and South American cuisine.

Top chef

There’s a lot more than food on this busy professional’s plate by Angela Lindsay Hilst photos by Markus K. Perry

hef Mark A. Henry attributes two key ingredients to his recipe for success: his stepmother, who owned a restaurant and bar and would often entertain at home when he was growing up, and his belief that the way to a woman’s heart is through the stomach, a theory that clearly worked for the married father of three. Henry first graduated from culinary school in his native Jamaica before moving to the U.S. and attending the Culinary Institute of America in New York. He went on to work with the Marriott in Maryland and Virginia and completed stints in Cremona, Italy and the U.S. Virgin Islands before being tapped to open the Renaissance Charlotte South Park hotel in 2007 (formerly The Hyatt) as executive chef of the hotel’s Fountain Grille. Upon arrival, Henry got to work hiring and training staff and writing menus. “I take a lot of pride in my work,” he says. “Being an executive chef is not only about cooking. It’s about knowing the financial aspect of the business, being able to manage budgets — whether that’s in the form of food costs, wages, benefits and allocation. So, it’s not just about cooking anymore.” Though his favorite dish to prepare is the Jamaican staple curry goat, Henry says he doesn’t want to be “pigeonholed” and draws influence from Asian, Indian, and Central and South American cuisine. He holds a certified executive chef accreditation, an international recognition signifying to any employer that he has been trained and tested in all of the fundamentals of the food service industry. However, Henry says he would like to own a catering business one day to “create memories” for people. “My personal belief is that food and culture are intertwined, and through food and culture, I get to know people,” he says. “I get to meet people, and it helps to bring people together.” P

Living with Pride | November 2009

Happy, Happy Holidays

 kt white gold diamond stud earrings with two Diamonds weighing approximately . carats total weight VVS clarity, L color with IGI certificate. Uniquely available for one (only one) person. Other amazing and unique treasures available at:

PERRY’S

Fine, Antique & Estate Jewelry www.perrysjewelry.com SouthPark, 4400 Sharon Road Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-7:00 Sun 1:00-6:00 | 704.364.1391 Jewelry enlarged to show detail. Subject to prior sale. November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photos courtesy of Ken Bridges

Around town

Members of the Swank Social Club celebrated their 75th anniversary this year. Members of the Swankettes.

Living with Pride | November 2009

Broader appeal Service and social clubs’ rosters and agendas expand by Angela Lindsay Hilst

Photos courtesy of Ken Bridges

n his best-selling book, “Our Kind of People,” Lawrence Otis Graham chronicled the lives of many of those who are members of the country’s oldest and most elite black social and service clubs. Today, many of these organizations have transformed in various ways. Many black social and service clubs exist because, in the past, African-Americans were prohibited from joining similar white clubs. “Historically, they were formed in the African-American community because the opportunity didn’t exist in majority communities,” says Sam Caldwell, vice president of the men’s only Swanks Club. Ironically, however, the black community criticized many of these black organizations because of their selective membership practices.

Members of The Swanks and The Swankettes, circa 1945.

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photo by Markus K. Perry

The Links is one of the country’s oldest and largest black volunteer service organizations for women.

Photos courtesy of Ken Bridges

Eddyce Hobson is president of The Links.

Swank members John Patterson, Werrion Stroud, Bill Young and Daisy Stroud in 1984 during a 50th-anniversary celebration. 52

Living with Pride | November 2009

Brian Willis, president-elect of The 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte (“The 100”), says he has heard the “elitist” criticism but says his organization’s invitation-only policy has more to do with a current member being able to vouch for a prospective member. While conceding that The 100 might have had a “certain face” in the past, Willis says its members now range from blue-collar workers to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies and that it’s those outside the club who fuel the belief that it is elitist. “People commit to things they care about, so I think The 100 just needs to tell its own story and not let people tell the stories of The 100,” Willis says. “If you don’t tell your story, somebody else will ...” Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the Swanks restricts membership to no more than 30 at a time in order “to afford easy familiarity and sociability.” Similar to The 100, membership in the Swanks results from word of mouth and nominations of prospective members by current members. Sam Caldwell also has heard talk of the Swanks being too selective; however, he says the Swanks membership — which once included doctors, lawyers and teachers — has evolved to include nonprofessional members as well. Membership aside, the club has transformed in an even more significant way. Originally formed as a social club by a group of students from Second Ward High School, Caldwell says the Swanks is now more service-oriented since its members have matured. The club has furnished a room

Below: Members of The 100 include Wilbert Harper, front row, left; Densel Fleming; Jerome Spratley; Don Lewis; Robert Long; and Jacqueline Peters. Dr. Richard Dunning Jr., back row, from left; Sam Belnavis, Sid Levy Jr.; Donnie Koonce; Ronn Broadway; Reggie Gaither; and Brian Willis.

Photo by Markus K. Perry

Left: Members of The Links recently met at Daisy Walker’s home. Clockwise from left are Sonja Johnson (assistant financial secretary), Brenda Bowden (second vice president), Eddyce Hobson (president), Daisy Walker (Immediate past president), Thelma Byers-Bailey (treasurer), Angelia Fryer (assistant recording secretary) and Joyce Cooke Woodard (parliamentarian).

The 100’s Brian Willis, president-elect, and Donnie Koonce, president.

In keeping with the traditional civic principles of its parent organization, Hobson points out that The Links is not about networking and making social connections. She even addresses the belief that having a college degree is a requirement for membership, explaining instead. “We want to have the best organization that we can have … and, again, because we’re not a social organization, we are about service, then the membership that we’re looking for are people that we believe are going to promote our motto, which is ‘Service Through Friendship.’...”

Photo by Markus K. Perry

Technologic and cultural shifts

at the old McCrorey YMCA; donated to the United Negro College Fund, Loaves & Fishes, and Second Harvest Food Bank; and even requests that participants at its two large annual social events donate to its charitable causes.

‘At the forefront in raising awareness’ Charitable work has always been the cornerstone of one of the country’s oldest and largest black volunteer service organizations for women, The Links Inc. Among its activities are an initiative aimed at childhood obesity, which has become a major problem in today’s society. “I think that through the years, we have kept abreast of the current issues that pertain to African-Americans,” says Eddyce Hobson, president of the Charlotte Chapter of The Links Inc. “We’ve always tried to be at the forefront in raising awareness and tried to be about correcting some of these illnesses.”

Join the club Other black social and service clubs include: n Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. South Atlantic Region, http://akasouthatlanticregion.org/ n Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Beta Nu Lambda Chapter, www.betanulambda.org/ n Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, www.charlottedst.org n Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Alumni Chapter, www.cltkappas.com n Las Amigas Inc., (704) 375-5232 n Prince Hall Masons, www.phamason.com, (704) 545-9682

Like most everything else, technology has also affected how black social and service clubs function. “I think communication-wise we’ve evolved …” notes The 100’s Brian Willis, who says social media such as Facebook and Twitter has changed the way members of The 100 communicate with their mentees. “We have evolved into an organization that is technically savvy, if you will,” The Links’ Hobson adds. “We are beginning to do everything through technology, and I think that we’re just going to continue to grow when it comes to trying to promote AfricanAmerican health, support African-American issues, and just make sure that our programs stay abreast of the current environment.” As our environment becomes more multicultural, members of black social and service clubs cannot discount the fact that they might eventually include people of other races. “I don’t necessarily know if the 100 Black Men will always be 100 percent black …” says Brian Willis. “I think we’ll be serving the haves and have nots more so in the future. I think that the color line is kind of dissipating more so, but the economic line is getting stronger.” Though Caldwell refers to The Swanks as a “sanctuary” for African-American colleagues and conversation, he also foretells possible racial progression for the club. “You know the world is changing. So, what we see probably in the future, certainly not in the near future, but just like the African-American churches have white members, I think that’s probably what’s going to happen.” P November 2009 | Living with Pride

L OÏ S M A I L OU JON E S

Don G. Timpton D.D.S.

A Life in Vibrant Color

& Associates,P.A.

November 14, 2009 THROUGH

February 27, 2010

MINT MUSEUM OF ART

Smile..

Is A Terrible Thing to Waste...

2730 Randolph Road 704/337-2000 mi nt m u s e u m .o r g F I R S T S TO P O N A N AT I O N A L TO U R Organized by The Mint Museum in collaboration with the Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust Street Vendors, Haiti 1978, acrylic. Courtesy Loïs Mailou Jones Pierre-Noël Trust.

A Gift for You

$400 00

Discount or Free Deep Bleaching with paid invisalign treatment

EDICINE & OPXE

Your Neighborhood Pharmacy

Comprehensive Services for the Entire Family at One Location

IMPLANTS:

first choice in tooth replacement Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry, Power Bleaching, Invisalign, Braces Conscious Oral Sedation, Root Canals, Wisdom Teeth, i-Cat 3D Imaging

WHY ARE OUR CUSTOMERS #1? Dr. Howard Gaines has implemented a state of the art automated prescription dispensing process that will allow him and his staff to spend more time answering your questions about the medications you are taking.

He is committed to giving you the highest level of personalized service. Don G. Timpton D.D.S. Invisalign Certified Doctor

704.540.2443

www.carmelcommonsdental.com 11535 Carmel Commons Blvd. Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28226

Living with Pride | November 2009

If you can’t come to us to place your prescription, then we can come to you! Call us for more information.

6021-C The Plaza

Dr. Howard C. Gaines, Jr. Pharm., R. Ph, ownerand Rex Fillmore, his new prescription filling robot

Now Available:

Prescription Medicine Over-the-Counter Medicine Natural Supplements Diabetic Shoes & Supplies

Charlotte, NC 28215

704.537.0191

T:8.125 in S:7.25 in

File Name: CASA_MM_HP_Alicia.indd Client: CASA

Bleed: 8.625”w x 5.75”h

Departments

Trim: 8.125”w x 5.25”h

Studio:

Name

Approved

Changes

Date/Time

Providence Day School exists to inspire in its students a passion for learning, a commitment to personal integrity, and a sense of social responsibility. Job Number: CPR_4019 Application: InDesign

Publications: Run Date:

Live: 7.25”w x 4.5”h

Built at: 100%

QC:

Proofreader:

Output: 100%

Project Manager:

Colors: 4c

Print Production:

Due Date:

Copywriter:

Date:

Art Director:

Time: Media Type: Magazine: Half-Page Horizontal Comments:

Creative Director: Account Manager: Account Supervisor: Client OK:

Nationally Recognized for Academic Excellence | Leader in Global Education | College Preparatory | TK – 12

5800 Sardis Road • Charlotte, NC 28270 • 704.887.6000 • www.providenceday.org November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photo courtesy of Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Travel

Living with Pride | November 2009

Visitors can cruise along the Fowl River while learning about Mobile Bayâ€™s wildlife and ecosystems.

Mellow out in Mobile Burg off the Gulf Coast’s beaten path offers a low-key destination for travelers by Constance Holloway

o you want to experience the real Mardi Gras revelry in downtown Mobile, Ala.

Mardi Gras this year, in the U.S.

city whose name is truly synonymous

Photo by Tad Denson-MyShotz.com

Well, no one would blame you for assuming you should book a flight to the famed Crescent City. After all, New Orleans is so closely associated with Mardi Gras that you’d think the city gave birth to this rowdy event. You, like so many other people, are sadly mistaken about the connection between that Louisiana city and the notoriously pagan fete. You see, Mobile, Ala., just 150 miles east of New Orleans, is recognized as celebrating the first-known American Mardi Gras celebration in 1703 or 1704 (yes, even before New Orleans). The celebration lasts for over two-and-a-half weeks and culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent. For that rapturous period, the streets of downtown Mobile — a genteel city of close to 200,000 — are filled with the sights and sounds of marching bands, brilliant-colored floats and, of course, teeming crowds of parade goers. The floats are glowing spectacles bearing masked riders bedecked in satin and sequins, and armed with “throws” such as beads, moon pies, doubloons and candy. It’s a celebration, culminating this year on Feb. 16, with a rich tradition in a city whose roots are divergent and deep.

Photo by Tad Denson-MyShotz.com

with the advent of Fat Tuesday?

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Photo courtesy of Bellingrath Gardens and Home Photo by Constance Holloway

Mobile is famous for its azaleas, which are in full bloom outside the Boehm Gallery at Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

A smorgasbord of international influences Mobile’s modern history began in 1559, when the Spaniards founded a colony on traditional Choctaw and Creek lands along Mobile Bay. Isolation and dissension among the settlers caused the Spanish to abandon their settlement after only two years and return to Mexico, but in 1710 the French moved the capital of their province of Louisiana to the same site and built Fort Conde to defend it against Indians. As the capital of France’s colonial empire, Mobile prospered. In 1763 the British flag was hoisted over Fort Conde (slaves arrived in Mobile Bay in 1721 and helped build it), ushering in a half-century of multinational history, as the British gave way to Spanish invaders in 1780. In 1803 Mobile was sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase but remained in Spanish hands until 1813, when it was seized by American troops. Mobile prospered before the Civil War, which brought it its fifth flag, the Stars and Bars of the Confederacy, along with the Battle of Mobile Bay, where Union naval forces steamed past the Confederates. 58

Living with Pride | November 2009

Marker at the entrance of the National African-American Archives and Museum.

Today, Mobile’s niche as a transportation center makes it feel more modern than Savannah, whose admirable reverence for history seems to keep it a bit too firmly rooted in the past. Still, you can’t escape the similarities between the two cities, from architecture ranging from Spanish to Creole and French to the moss-draped oaks that provide plentiful and welcome shade. Mobile hasn’t completely shed its smalltown origins, however. If you happen to take an early-morning stroll or jog along Government Street, the main drag in the heart of downtown, don’t be surprised to hear the hearty crow of a rooster hidden away in someone’s backyard. During Mardi Gras and beyond, Mobile is a pleasant stop for visitors seeking a lower-profile destination along the Gulf Coast. Following are some of its major points of interest.

Photo by Constance Holloway

Downtown Mobile.

Dome inside the restored Battle House hotel.

Much to learn about Hank Aaron’s hometown Mobile’s history is on display at the Museum of Mobile (www.museumofmobile. com), a national landmark building that is the former Southern Market and city hall. Gracing its entrance is a towering mural titled “The Power of Local Opinion,” depicting the last shipment of slaves to the city in 1860. Inside the museum is a wealth of displays about local African-Americans, including Annie Packer, whose goal was to start kindergarten classes for black children (her husband built a oneroom schoolhouse for students in the Parkers’ backyard) that took place from 1497 to 1971. There’s also a tribute to Mobile natives Hank Aaron and James Reese Europe (Eubie Blake called him “the Martin Luther King of music”), an arranger, bandleader and composer in the

PM-JF.pdf

early 20th century; and Laurens de Graaf, a mulatto pirate. The National African-American Archives and Museum (251-433-8511) lacks the polish and size of the Museum of Mobile but is worth a visit nonetheless. Built as a library for blacks in 1932, the landmark structure now houses local artifacts ranging from stereotypical depictions of blacks (sculptures, fans, ads and magazine covers); slavery items (shackles, collars, balls and chains); and the history of the “colored carnival” (the black version of the Mardi Gras celebration).

Commune with nature on land and in the water Bellingrath Gardens and Home (www. bellingrath.org) in nearby Theodore, Ala., encompasses 900 acres along the Fowl River, 65 acres of which are devoted to the gardens. In 1932, Walter and Bessie Bellingrath opened their garden to the public. The 10,500-squarefoot home that Walter, a Coca-Cola bottler, and Bessie shared was completed in 1936. It features all of its original furnishings and was designed by George B. Rogers, then Mobile’s most prominent architect. Visitors can find something in bloom at Bellingrath every day of the year. For a more adventurous take on the outdoors, explore 5 Rivers (www.alabama5rivers.com) in Spanish Fort, the state-owned resource center in the second-largest river delta in America. At the convergence of the Apalachee, Blakeley, Mobile, Spanish and Tensaw rivers, visitors can canoe or kayak (highly recommended) along 250,000 acres of waterways, and gawk at gators, blue herons and, sometimes, bald eagles. Or you can hike or picnic along the area’s trails. The author prepares to kayak along the Bartram Canoe Trail in the MobileTensaw Delta.

1/29/09

8:16:43 PM

Play brain games and do other nerdy things At the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center (www.exploreum.com), voted a top U.S. science center by Parents Magazine, the coolest exhibit hands down is “My BodyWorks.” Science geeks of all ages will appreciate such elements as the illuminated “beating” heart, 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide; the BeHealthy System consisting of stations measuring body mass index, muscle endurance, reaction time, flexibility and other measures; and virtual surgery, which allows visitors to perform simulated surgical procedures. The center also includes a changing roster of IMAX movies and other exhibits for young and old.

If you’re going nM obile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau

www.mobilebay.org

Accommodations

The Battle House Hotel www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mobbr-thebattle-house-a-renaissance-hotel/ n Holiday Inn Downtown Historic District www.holidayinn.com n Renaissance River Plaza www.pchresorts.com n Radisson Admiral Semmes Hotel www.radisson.com/mobileal n

CMY

Activities nA lligator Alley www.gatoralleyfarm.com n

Carnival Cruise Lines www.carnival.com

nF estival of Flowers (March 24-28)

www.festivalofflowers.com nF ort Conde Museum & Welcome Center www.mobile.org/html/conde/index.php nM obile Carnival Museum www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com

Dining nT he Harbor Room at the Renaissance

Riverview Plaza (866) 749-6073 nT he Grand Dining Room at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa (251) 928-9201 n The Trellis Room at the Battle House Hotel (251) 338-2000 n True www.truedine.com n Wintzell’s Oyster House www.wintzellsoysterhouse.com P November 2009 | Living with Pride

Travel

Machu Picchu…

ueled by curiosity regarding the ancient Inca civilization, Pride CEO Dee Dixon and daughter Nikelle Feimster discovered Peru for the first time during an eight-day adventure to Machu Picchu. Their journey began with a five-hour flight from Miami to Lima, Peru. After two nights and one full day of touring the capital, Dee and Nikelle prepared for their flight to Cusco, the next stop on the way to “The Lost City.” Cusco, the Inca capital, had a lot to offer, including a tourism festival, quaint lodging, beauty, plus altitude sickness. Dee and Nikelle fell in love with this wonderful city, a major tourist destination with more than 1 million visitors a year. A three-hour train ride moved them closer to Aqua Calientes to shop, eat and hang out until the long-awaited trek to that majestic place where the Incas created one of the most sophisticated cities of old. Words are inadequate when trying to convey the splendor and magnificence of Machu Picchu. “It was just incredible,” says Dee. “You just have to experience it for yourself.”

Living with Pride | November 2009

November 2009 | Living with Pride

… and Egypt (again)!

ride’s trip to Egypt in 2008 was great — so great that 12 more eager travelers made the journey on Sept. 19. This group included Angie and Ellison Clinton, Jeanelle Feimster, Jesse Ricks, Patricia Ricks, Asha Rucker, Lakiesha Torrence, Brian and Angela Willis, James Arthur Little, Louella Knighton and Wyndon Hibler. P

Living with Pride | November 2009

How is your life adding up?

Let our Member Services Representatives bring a smile to your face. Our Commitment First Legacy Community Credit Union is committed to providing quality service to its members.

Become a member of one of Charlotte’s legendary financial institutions. Come In Today & Join The First Legacy Family. The credit union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative, owned and operated by its members, offers the following advantages:

• Free Checking • Return of profits, in the form of quarterly dividends, to its members • Competitive rates on loans • Professional and efficient service This credit union continues to operate on its original theme: “NOT FOR PROFIT, NOT FOR CHARITY, BUT FOR SERVICE.”

HOURS OF OPERATION: OPERATION MONDAY - THURSDAY 9:00AM - 5:00PM FRIDAY, 9:00AM - 6:00PM KANNAPOLIS & STATESVILLE BRANCHES MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Your Savings are Federally Insured up to $250,000 and are backed by the full faith and credit of The United States Government.

www.rstlegacyccu.org

C H A R LOT T E • S A L I S B U RY • K A N N A P O L I S • S TAT E S V I L L E 431 BEATTIES FORD RD.

P: 704.375.5781

1400 WEST BANK ST.

P: 704.637.6528

1660 GARNET ST.

P: 704.933.1021

F: 704.375.8682 F: 704.933.1084 704.636.8932 Pride qrtr page F: ad 10-1-09.qxp 10/1/2009

1022 B SHELTON AVE.

P: 704.495.3052

F: 704.495.3038 2:25 PM

Page 1 If

stress, chores and other obligations get in the way of family time, maybe you need a new equation for balance.

HOMEBUYERS AND SELLERS NEED AN INFORMED REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL TODAY MORE THAN EVER.

As the official real estate school of the Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association, the Mingle School of Real Estate is uniquely positioned to give you the tools and knowledge to meet the demands of the new market. Innovative and timely, our instructors are experienced real estate professionals with a true understanding of what it takes to succeed. Classes are forming now.

Find healthy activities for the whole family at the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.

For more information, visit www.MingleSchool.com. 704.372.2984 1201 Greenwood Cliff Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28204

OUR EXPERIENCE IS YOUR BEST TEACHER.

YMCA of GREATER ChARloTTE ymcacharlotte.org YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Financial assistance available

November 2009 | Living with Pride

Clear, easyto-understand products. Just what you asked for. We know your needs are changing and we’re changing with you. We’re ﬁnding new ways to help you make the most of your money and your relationship with us. Giving you new products and solutions that will help you better manage your ﬁnances. It’s part of our commitment to help the nation’s economic recovery.

THE FACTS: Overdraft Coverage — You asked for a choice, we heard you. We’ve made changes to our checking account options to help you limit or reduce overdraft fees and have more control over your ﬁnances. BankAmericard Basic™ Visa® Card — Some customers just want a basic card, that’s it. And this is it. One rate, however you use your card and no over-the-limit fees. Home Loans Clarity Commitment™ — You want it in plain language, here it is. A simple, one-page loan summary for home loan customers.

Learn more about the things we’re doing at ahead.bankofamerica.com

For the terms and conditions of this credit card, visit www.bankofamerica.com. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. © 2009 Bank of America Corporation. AR 93437

Lender offers advice on options for homeowners facing foreclosure. By Glenda Gabriel

Neighborhood Lending Executive Bank of America

Bank of America recognizes the challenges our customers have faced during this recession and the unforeseen circumstances that may affect their finances and ability to afford their home. We have made it our mission to lead the industry by making a commitment to responsible lending that helps our customers become successful homeowners. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive on loan modifications. For more information, visit bankofamerica.com/homeloans or call us at 1.800.720.3758. I recently lost my job and though I’m current on my payments, I am concerned that I may fall behind. Do I have any options? Call your lender right away if you’re experiencing financial difficulty or anticipate that you could be soon. The sooner you reach out, the sooner they can try to help. Help is available through a number of resources, but the one that’s right for you depends on who your lender is, how much you owe and your current payment status. I’ve missed a few payments on my mortgage. Is it too late for me to get help? Absolutely not. You should call your lender right away to determine your eligibility for assistance and the best available solution for you. You can also seek help from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) approved counselor or contact the Homeowner’s HOPE™ Hotline at 1 . 888. 995. HOPE (4673). A HUD-certified mortgage counselor is prepared to educate and advise borrowers and assist in the loan modification application process on your behalf. A HUD-certified counselor will never ask you for money, so be wary of any person or organization that asks you to pay a fee in exchange for housing counseling services or modification of a delinquent loan. What information will my lender need? The more information you collect before you call, the faster your lender can determine your eligibility for assistance and the best available solution for you. Be prepared to provide the following information when you call: • Your loan number and property address • Bank statements from the past two months, plus your most recent tax returns • Recent income documents (such as your pay stubs) • List of current expenses • Brief explanation of your current financial situation What is Making Home Affordable? Making Home Affordable is a Financial Stability Plan introduced by the U.S. Treasury in 2009 to help financially troubled homeowners refinance or modify their current loans. Bank of America is committed to assisting customers who are struggling in this challenging economy through our active participation in the Making Home Affordable refinance and modification programs. For more information on Making Home Affordable and to find out if you are eligible for a modification under the program, visit makinghomeaffordable.gov or call 1.888.995.HOPE (4673).

Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. © 2009 Bank of America Corporation.

Get pleasure from what you do. Quench your thirst for success with refreshing new career opportunities.

Experience the news 24/7. expanded coverage â€˘ interactive features â€˘ more graphics and photos

charlotteobserver.com Subscribe at charlotteobserver.com or 800.532.5350

Living with Pride | November 2009

CokeConsolidated.com

4521 Sharon Road, Charlotte NC 28211 • 704.532.9041 or 888.400.4447 (Located across from SouthPark Mall) Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-7:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00 www.DiamondsDirectSouthpark.com 68