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

The
InsideSCOOP Januar y 2005
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1
Heirloom Jewelry
Combines Beauty, History
––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2

Fish Tales
––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4

Lake Norman Fishing Forecast

––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4

Make Roadmaps Not Resolutions

–––––––––––––––––––––––– 5

Business Spotlight
–––––––––––––––––––––––– 6

Blood Thinning Drug

Complications Reduced
––––––––––––––––––––––––– 7

Best Investments In 2005

––––––––––––––––––––––––– 8

HOME Show
––––––––––––––––––––––––– 9

JANUARY
Happenings & Events
–––––––––––––––––––– 10 -11
New Year, New Look, New You
––––––––––––––––––––––– 12

Computer Mom
––––––––––––––––––––––– 13

Good Luck In The South 2005

––––––––––––––––––––––– 14

Fat Eye For The Skinny Guy

––––––––––––––––––––––– 15

Worship Directory
––––––––––––––––––––––– 16

Jack Lalanne FITNESS KING

––––––––––––––––––––––– 16
Classifieds
––––––––––––––––––––––– 19

BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT
WOMEN’S AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS
page 6
2 www.theCCconnection.com
Heirloom Jewelry
Combines Beauty,ByHistory
Gail Martin
Who says all jewelry has to be new?
Heirloom—also called estate—jewelry can
capture the romance of past and present
together in one package.
Heirloom jewelry is jewelry that has a
history within the family of the giver. In
antique terms, the word is provenance—in
other words, a story. The piece itself need
not be exceptionally valuable in its materi-
als to have great sentimental or even histor-
ical value. A grandmother’s engage-
ment ring, given as a graduation gift
to the great-granddaughter who
knows her only through family
stories. A father’s pocket watch,
passed down to a son. The strand
of pearls worn at one wedding,
now handed down to a new bride
in the next generation.
Such “regifting” is acceptable when
there is an intimate connection between the
giver and the recipient, such as parent to
child or grandparent to grandchild. But
there need not be a blood relation. A treas-
ured piece of family jewelry can be given to
a dear friend when one is certain the recip-
ient will appreciate both the piece itself and
the intent of the giver. In such cases, it is
the sentimental value of the item and not its
appraisal value which matters.
Estate jewelry, on the other hand, is
usually bought for its unique appearance,
intrinsic value or provenance but does not
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carry personal sentimental value. This is a
situation when it is useful to have a good
jewelry appraiser involved, such as those
on staff at Donald Haack Diamonds and
Fine Gems, Ltd. Especially when the piece
of estate jewelry is expensive or when it is
being bought with an eye towards invest-
ment value, it is essential to know that the
“find” is all it appears to be.
The experts at Antiques Roadshow
emphasize the condition of a piece
of estate jewelry as being the most
important determines for value.
Start by turning the item over
and examining its back. Some
pieces have been refashioned
from other pieces of jewelry—
for example, creating a pendant
out of one remaining earring. Other
items may show signs of repair—traces of
soldering done badly, evidence of old dam-
age, even missing stones replaced by paste or
glass.
Joyce Jonas of Antiques Roadshow notes
that the habit of keeping jewelry in a box
with other items inevitably leads to dam-
age. She expects that almost every pre-1850
piece of jewelry has been repaired at some
point in its life. Well-made repairs, done
with skill and using matching metals, may
not detract significantly from value. Poorly
done repairs using lead solder, which dam-
ages other metals and is often subject to
Januar y 2005
breaking, or repairs that substi-
tute inferior gems for miss-
ing stones, can be ugly
and thus detract from
value.
If the item is a
minor purchase and
so unique as to
assuredly bring joy
to the intended
recipient, these tell-
tale signs may not mat-
ter. But if the piece is
expected to appreciate over
time, it is wise to have the sale
contingent upon receiving a good
appraisal by a third party. Many estate
pieces include diamonds with European
cuts and the better pieces are examples of
fine craftsmanship.
According to Nina Callaway at about.com,
experts use “antique” and “estate” to mean
different things. Callaway defines
“antique” as being over 50 years old, while
“estate” is used to describe an item of any
age which is resold. She splits hairs further
to describe “vintage” as being a piece from
any era that is made in the style of an older
fashion. Heirloom, estate or vintage
engagement rings fascinate some brides-to-
be with the idea of taking part in a grand
historic saga with the ring linking past to
future. Make sure the future bride’s feelings
on the subject are well understood—for
some, a “used” engagement ring conjures
up different sentiments entirely!
Estate jewelry can be purchased
through select jewelers or discovered at
auctions, estate sales, flea markets and
www.theCCconnection.com 3
antique shows. Heirloom jewel-
ry lurks in the keepsake Office: 704.606.8648 The connection is published monthly by Cabarrus
Charlotte Connection, Inc. dba Marketing a
boxes of family members 500 Church Street Difference Publications & The Connection.
or in long-forgotten Concord, NC 28025 Entire concepts Copyright © 2005 by The
attic trunks in one’s Connection. All rights reserved. No part of this
email: info@theCCconnection.com publication may be reprinted or otherwise repro-
own home. Funky www.theCCconnection.com duced without permission from the publisher.
and one-of-a-kind
vintage and antique
jewelry can express
as much about the
personality of the
wearer as it does about
the intentions of the Regular Chick-Fil-A
giver. For those with an
appreciation for the past, estate
Chicken Sandwich
and heirloom jewelry offer the chance with the purchase of any combo.
Good only at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants. Coupon not valid
to relive history. with any other offer. One coupon per person per visit. Combo must be
Donald Haack Diamonds and Fine lunch or dinner combo. Closed Sundays. Chick-fil-A is a
registered trademark of CFA Properties, Inc.
Gems Ltd. specializes in buying brokering,
selling, appraising, evaluating and setting Redeemable ONLY at
diamonds, precious gems and pearls. They Carolina Mall location.
Offer Expires January 31, 2005
also offer a wide variety of high quality We Deliver! $25.00 order or more.
estate jewelry, and provide free verbal eval- 704.786.7322
uations (certain conditions apply). Their
specially trained and educated team deliv-
ers highly personal service, ensuring the
buying experience is unforgettably positive.
Find them at www.donaldhaack.com or at
their only location, 4611 Sharon Road,
Charlotte, NC 28211.
Gail Martin is a local freelance writer.
Contact her at martins05@earthlink.net.
4 www.theCCconnection.com Januar y 2005

LAKE NORMAN
FISH TALES
& OTHER STORIES/CATAWBA CAT.
FISHING FORECAST
JANUARY 2005asGustoldGustafson
The first week of the New Year has his-
torically been one of the better weeks of the
by

Mountain and Stumpy Creeks will see a large

number of fishermen throughout the month.
winter season for striper fishing. If the weath- Anglers can expect to catch stripers twenty to
The man holding court in the River City Tackle Shop was telling
er is moderate, fish will appear in popular twenty-four inches in length with an occa-
his tale to all who would listen. He stood between the spinner and
haunts, including the hot spots on favorite sional fish of more than six pounds. Should
crank bait sections where a small crowd was spellbound by his yarn.
river and creek runs. Should water tempera- the creeks become crowded, plenty of open
The storyteller was dressed from head to toe in camouflaged clothing,
tures fall into the mid to high forties, expect to water fishing is available. Lake Norman is the
but the patterns didn’t match. His hat was two sizes too large, allow-
find fish in the discharge chutes of Lake state's largest impoundment with thirty two-
ing the bill to partially cover both eyes. The faded pants he wore were
Norman's Marshall Steam Plant and the thousand acres of surface water.
tattered and torn. His almost new shirt was wrinkled and covered with
Nuclear Power Station. January is for hardy January is an important month for Lake
gobs of stuff. River mud caked the soles of his boots and the tops glis-
PRO tened with silver fish scales.
anglers who dress appropriately. Norman tournament fishermen. One of the
ANGLER It took a few minutes for me to put in all together, but I finally
Early morning anglers should look for biggest tournaments of the year is hosted
diving birds at sunrise. Terns and gulls signal annually by the Lake Norman Striper Swipers.
Gus Gastafson surmised that the camouflaged man was either a commercial fisherman the presence of stripers feeding below the sur- This year's event will be on Saturday, January
or a paid-for-hire-get-a-guide. Nudging the fellow standing next to me,
face. Exercise caution when approaching the 15, 2005 at a site to be determined. Past win-
I asked, “Who is the dude spinning his yarn?” I was told to hush up and listen. So, listen I
fray, as fish scatter when frightened by the ter Invitational Tournaments have drawn as
did. The man was a river guide who specialized in fishing for world record catfish. His han-
noise of a boat. Casting spoons or bucktails to many as one hundred boats with anglers from
dle was “Catawba”, short for “Catawba Cat”, his real nickname. The tale he expounded on was
surface feeding fish should produce immedi- all over the southeast. Proceeds from this
about a morning fishing safari with a world famous outdoor writer.
ate strikes. event will support the programs that benefit
It seems that the writer was doing a story about fishing for hundred pound plus catfish
Once surface feeding action slows, Lake Norman's striper fishery. More informa-
and Catawba had offered to show him how to catch them. The trip began with a cool ride
switch to using shad, herring or trout for bait. tion about this long-running event is available
upstream in a twenty-two foot flat-bottom boat. They stopped at a logjam on a sharp turn in
Savvy anglers use live baits pulled from plan- at http://www.lnssfishn.com/ .
the river and secured the boat with a brush hook attached to a line of small diameter. While
ner boards towed slowly behind the boat. A Striped Bass Fishing Seminar will be
the writer was taking pictures, Catawba lowered a king-sized blueback herring to the bottom.
Boards come in various sizes and colors and conducted at the Bass Pro Shops in Concord,
His heavy saltwater tackle consisted of a six-foot stand up tuna rod affixed with a 10/0 Penn
are designed to spread baits to either side of NC on Tuesday, January 18, 2005. The two-
International reel loaded with eighty pound test monofilament line. The drag on the big gold
the boat. The larger swath made by pulling hour program, beginning at 6:30 p.m. is free
reel was wrenched as tight as it could be set, to prevent a fish from pulling off any drag. A
the boards, allows an angler to cover up to and open to the public. Lake Norman striper
twelve-ounce sinker and an 8/0 hook completed the rig.
three times more water. Lines can be fished fishing guides Craig Price and Gus Gustafson
Catawba told the writer that a big catfish had to be reeled to the surface in less than two
with or without weights. will demonstrate methods used to catch
minutes. Any time longer than that, the fish would realize it was hooked and would tangle
Most action occurs early or late in the stripers on area lakes and rivers. Sessions will
itself in a rock or in a tree top. He went on to say that while fighting a big cat, one of three
hot hole areas, but fish can be found through- include ways to effectively use electronics,
things was likely to happen. First, the tackle could break from the strain of the fight. Next,
out the day. The hot holes are a favorite loca- how to throw a cast net, and how to rig live
by having the drag so tightly set, the fish could pull the angler out of the boat. And finally,
tion for spotted and largemouth bass. Hot and artificial baits.
the fish could make it to the surface, be manhandled into the boat and bring about another
water stripers tend to be smaller than those See ya out there!
challenge, as a hundred pound catfish can wreck havoc with everything on deck. Having said
found in open water. They are lured to the dis-
that, Catawba raised his pant’s leg and showed the writer where a big cat had stuck a fin Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc.
charge by the warm water and by millions of
through the muscle in the calf of his leg. is an outdoor columnist and a full time profes-
small forage fish. Ice flies, crappie jigs, small
It wasn’t long before Catawba set the hook on a big one and the boat began to rock. He sional striper fishing guide on Lake Norman,
spoons and bucktails are popular artificial NC. Visit his web site, Striper Fishin' With
wound down on the reel as hard as he could and within a minute the fish was lying quietly on
baits. Drifting live baits also produces good Gus!, at www.lakenormanstriperfishing.com/
top of the water. Catawba’s voice began to tremble and his face turned grim as he related the
results. One can fish without a boat since or call 704 489 0763. For additional informa-
remainder of the story to his tackle shop audience. He said he knew he had a world record cat
bank fishing is permitted at both hot hole areas. tion e-mail Gus at lknormanventures@aol.com
when he saw its big head amid ship and its tail out past the engine and wrapped around the
If history repeats itself, Ramsey,
stern. Quick math told him that the fish was at least fifteen feet long and over two-hundred
pounds.
Catawba yelled to the writer to get the gaff and stab the monster cat. The writer didn’t
move. His fallen jaw was evidence that he was in awe with the size of the fish. Catawba
barked his order several more times, but the writer was frozen in place. Finally, the fish real-
ized he was hooked, shook his head a time or two and headed south toward Davy Jones’
Locker. The tuna rod broke from the surge and the big one swam away to fight another day.
Catawba ended his saga by blaming the writer for getting “Buck Fever” and costing him a
world record. He vowed never to fish with the man again...be reminded that small fish have
large tales.

Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an outdoor columnist and a full time
professional striper fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Striper Fishin’
With Gus! at http://www.lakenormanstriperfishing.com/ or call 704 489 0763. For
additional information e-mail Gus at lknormanventures@aol.com
Januar y 2005
MAKE ROADMAPS, NOT RESOLUTIONS
When the hustle and bustle is over, the last holiday gift’s
been opened, parties are a thing of the past and the last
Christmas cookie’s been eaten, we’re left with an anti-cli-
mactic letdown, holiday bills and a list of New Year’s resolu-
tions. If you haven’t made an actual written list, you’re like
the majority of us who have a new resolve every morning
when we catch our reflection in the mirror. But your
mental list looks something like this:
A. Quit smoking
B. Lose Weight
C. Start working out
D. Leave your dead end job
Or, (heaven, forbid!) all of the above. Your intentions are
good and you truly want to stick to your guns this year.
This year it’s going to be different. This is the year you’ll
make it happen.
Whoa, baby, back up and take a deep breath! It’s only
going to be different this year if you have a plan. Let’s face
it, you wouldn’t get ready for a road trip to a destination
where you’ve never been without a roadmap, would you? Of
course not, and making serious changes in your lifestyle
requires a roadmap of it’s own sort.
First of all, zero in on one or two (but no more) of your
resolutions and get ready to make them a reality. That
requires a change in your thinking. A “resolution” sounds
nebulous, doesn’t it? Not quite solid, something that takes
willpower to accomplish. Now let’s make that “resolution”
a “goal.” A goal has substance. It’s something that you
work toward a step at a time.
NOW LET’S ADD SOME SMARTS.
LET’S MAKE YOUR GOAL:
SPECIFIC: Get a small notebook that you’ll use just for
your goals this year, or use a section of your planner. Take
a few minutes to write your goal. Pinpoint exactly what it
is you want to accomplish. Be specific.
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MEASURABLE: Make sure your goal is measurable.
That means you must have a way track your progress.
ATTAINABLE: You must feel capable of accomplishing
your goal.
REALISTIC: Be brutally honest about this one. If your goal
is to quit your dead-end job and find another, for instance,
are there jobs available in the market of your choice now?
TIMETABLE: You must set a future date of completion for
your goal. If you don’t, there’s no accountability factor.
Share: Tell someone you know about your goal. Make sure
that this person is supportive and has your best interests at
heart. It’s not only a second measure of accountability but
also a source of help and encouragement when you need it.
Okay, you have the goal but so far that’s no different than a
resolution. Here’s where the PLAN comes in. Let’s say, for
example that your goal is to lose 25 pounds. Let’s look at
the above acronym. It certainly is Specific and you can
Measure it by checking the scale every so often. It is
Attainable within a one year time frame and definitely
Realistic since it’s less than a pound per week on your
Timetable of one year. Great! Now it’s time to write out
your plan. It might go something like this:
Real Estate Law
Traffic Law
Personal Injury
Mark A. Mangiarelli, Attorney
9115 Harris Corners Parkway
Suite 165
704.454.7320 Charlotte, NCÊÊ28269
www.theCCconnection.com 5
By Linda Barclay
1. Brown-bag lunch at least twice a week if eating
lunch our or ordering in tempts you to overeat.
2. Drink more water and less sugar sweetened
beverages.
3. If you usually east dessert several times a week,
pass it up once or twice in favor of fruit at the end
of your meal.
4. Add low-fat or fat free creamer to coffee instead
of regular creamer.
5. Join a gym and workout 3 times a week. You’ll
be surprised at the extra energy boost you’ll have
at the end of your workout.
Notice that you are not creating a world of deprivation or
giving yourself tasks that are unrealistic in order to reach
your goal. No matter what your goal is, your plan must be
one you can live with. Small lifestyle changes can make a
huge difference over time.
Use your notebook to jot down any obstacles that may
prevent you from reaching your goal. Next to that obstacle
write a solution or a suggestion on how you might handle it
when it comes your way. For example, an obstacle to reach-
ing your weight loss goal may be a tendency to feel that you
must eat everything on your plate. A solution could be to
use a smaller plate when eating meals at home and asking
for a lunch portion when eating out. By recognizing obsta-
cles in the beginning and planning in advance how to
handle them, they are no longer deterrents to your goal.
Use your SMARTS and watch what changes will come
your way!
Linda Barclay is a fitness professional and Certified Nutrition
and Wellness Consultant who owns “A Total You for Women”
in Mooresville, NC. She has authored numerous articles on
fitness and nutrition, conducts a weekly Lifestyles Class in
her facility and is available for local workshops and lectures.
Contact Linda at Atotalyou@alltel.net or 704-662-6066.
704.494.0882
Fax: 704.494.0887
6 www.theCCconnection.com
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
WOMEN’S AUTOMOTIVE SOLUTIONS
The five most stressful times in a persons life
are and not necessarily in order; buying a
home/moving, career change, birth/death of a
child, wedding/divorce and buying a car. This
months spotlight is on a company who can
help reduce some of the stress in your life,
save you time and money.
In 2004 a new concept in car buying was
launched by Michelle Lundy, a woman com-
ing from the automotive industry with 20
years of experience. Michelle launched
Women’s Automotive Solutions, LLC with the
concept of wanting to empower women in the
automotive negotiation process. Allowing
them to save time money and avoid the stress-
ful process of car buying. In a short period of
time Women’s Automotive has gone national-
ly allowing the company to reach levels that
has even surprised Michelle. Because of the
growth and demands Michelle has brought on
Sandra Walsh to join the company. With
Sandra's talents and successes she will work
with Michelle in bringing to the table top cus-
tomer service allowing the company to rise to
the next level of service in a rapidly growing
niche.
Lundy, whose experience in the car business
includes positions in sales, dealership man-
agement, financing and customer service, has
formed Women’s Automotive Solutions, LLC.
Her goal: to bring a unique buying experience
to the traditional frustrating process of car
haggling to women.
For a modest fee, Lundy will help guide the
entire car selection and buying process. She
conducts a search for her client’s preferred
make and model of new or used car with
sought after options, negotiates price and
financing terms that satisfy buyer and seller
alike then arranges delivery. Her clients only
have to show up for a few minutes to sign the
contract and take the keys. This three step
When It’s Time To Go Car Shopping... process will make the purchase of a new vehi-
We Can Save You The Hassle,Time, & Money Too! cle a pleasant one for each customer she
n!
m
e works with.
o
Auto Choice For W
The The nominal fee for the service is only
$300.00. It is a flat fee and not a percentage
based on the dollar amount of your purchase
as in most cases when buying a home. So you
Office: 704.423.0458 are assured that you are getting the best value
Email: Info@WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com
Web: www.WomensAutomotiveSolutions.com
Januar y 2005
for your dollar and not “bumped” into some-
thing you don’t want or need. Women’s
Automotive Solutions has numerous testimo-
nials from satisfied clients who have saved
$1000.00’s on purchases had they made them
without Women’s Automotive Solutions. One
recent client helped saved over $9000.00. The
service is more than worth it for even an inex-
pensive car. My daughter spent almost three
months finding the right car in her budget.
Had we know about Women’s Automotive
Solutions she would have saved a lot of time
and aggravation.
“I want to make car purchasing an exciting
and pleasant experience, and enable women
to save hundreds to thousands of dollars”
Lundy said. “A major part of that is making
sure both parties can come together and agree
on price and terms that each party walk away
satisfied and feeling the process worked.”
National statistics indicate women yield sub-
stantial influence over purchasing decisions
across the American economy. According to
the Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis,
women make 60 percent of new car purchas-
es and control 89 percent of all purchases of
goods and services. The automotive industry
has failed to recognize the importance of these
stats. Women’s Automotive Solutions, LLC
will not.
Men can save time and money with the
knowledge and experience found at Women’s
Automotive Solutions too. Almost half of
their clients are men who recognize the value
of their time and the savings that can be found
utilizing Women’s Automotive Solutions.
Lundy said her industry experience will be a
valuable resource for women who find them-
selves too busy to car shop because of the
demand of their jobs, of their families or those
who simply do not want to deal with the
unpleasant experience of automotive negotia-
tions.
Give Michelle or Sandra a call today to make
your next car buying experience a pleasant
one with no hassle. Women’s Automotive
Solutions can be reached at 704.423.0458 or
visit the “The Auto Choice For Women”
online at www.womensautomotivesolutions.com
Januar y 2005
Blood Thinning Drug
Complications Reduced
NOVANT HEALTH & PRESBYTERIAN NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
Presbyterian Healthcare and Novant
Health have received national recogni-
tion for an initiative to improve medical
care that will have a positive impact on
patients throughout the United States
and beyond.
The Joint Commission on
Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
named Novant Health and its hospitals
and clinics a 2004 winner of the annual
Ernest A. Codman Award, which recog-
nizes excellence in the use of outcomes
measurement to achieve improvements
in the quality and safety of health care.
Novant Health established a system
to reduce patient drug complications
related to the use of the anti-blood clot-
ting medicine Warfarin, which is more
commonly known to consumers by the
trade name Coumadin. Warfarin is the
11th most frequently prescribed drug in
the United States. At Novant Health
facilities alone, approximately 25,000
patients receive the medication, includ-
ing 12,000 patients at Presbyterian facili-
ties.
“We’re being contacted by hospitals
from around the country who want to
learn from our patient care improvement
project,” commented Paul Wiles, presi-
dent of Novant Health. “Our initiative
will also be featured on a national satel-
lite network so that other hospitals can
hear more about what our physicians and
staff accomplished. It’s nice to be recog-
nized by a national honor, but it’s even
more rewarding to share what we learned
about improving patient care with other
hospitals and health systems.”
Patients taking Warfarin can include
those suffering from stroke, heart and
vascular disease, blood conditions and
arthritis. The medication helps prevent
complications which might occur
because a patient’s blood clots too easily.
But the medication can also lead to com-
plications such as bad bruising, nose
bleeds, excessive bleeding from a recent
wound or injury and more serious prob-
lems such as intracranial hemorrhage,
stroke, other neurological deficits and
even death.
As a result of its project, Novant
achieved a 38 percent reduction in
Warfarin related complications for inpa-
tients and a 51 percent decrease for indi-
viduals treated in outpatient settings.
Three hospitals in the Charlotte region
participated in the award-winning proj-
ect: Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian
Hospital Matthews and Presbyterian
Orthopedic Hospital.
www.theCCconnection.com 7
Novant initiated the Warfarin proj-
ect after participating in a national collab-
oration among 13 health systems and
hospitals that helped discover that one of
the most common preventable adverse
drug complications was related to
Warfarin therapy. The organization also
developed real-time, alert-based inter-
ventions, established better monitoring
and education for patients and initiated
overall better anticoagulation services for
patients.
Named for the physician regarded in
health care as the “father of outcomes
measurement,” the Ernest A. Codman
Award showcases the efforts of healthcare
organizations and individuals who
improve the quality and safety of health
care. A panel of national experts in qual-
ity measurement and improvement select
one recipient from seven different award
categories. Novant received the Codman
award in the multi-organization category.
Last year’s recipient of the same award
was the Cleveland Clinics.
“We applaud the winners of the
2004 Codman Awards for achieving
improvements that are measurably
advancing health care,” says Dennis S.
O’Leary, M.D., president, Joint
Commission. “These leaders are truly
the vanguard of raising the bar for health
care quality.”
“We recognize the prestige associat-
ed with the Codman Award,” explained
Wiles. “We also understand the real sig-
nificance of this honor and its humbling
message. Our physicians and staff
improved the quality of care for a group
of patients, whose lives are better because
of this initiative. And we need to be
relentless in improving the quality of
medicine, for each and every person who
entrusts their care to us.”
Novant Health formally received the
award in December at the Joint
Commission’s national conference on
Quality and Patient Safety in Health Care,
held in Chicago. Founded in 1951, the
Joint Commission on Accreditation of
Healthcare Organizations evaluates and
accredits more than 15,000 health care
organizations and programs in the
United States, including more than 7,800 SPRING RESIDENTAL
hospitals and home care organizations,
and more than 7,300 other health care
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Experience... the very best for your home - TAILORED SERVICES
704.932.3131 - REASONABLE RATES
8 www.theCCconnection.com
THE BEST
INVESTMENT
IN 2005
SET YOUR EXPECTATIONS HIGH
What will the best investments be in 2005?
You can read countless financial magazines,
newsletters and web sites. You can listen to
just as many money based TV and radio
shows. Each of them will tell you what the
best investments are going to be in 2005. Few
of them will be right. Even those that are right
will rejoice over any investment that delivers
double-digit returns this year.
One reason for such low expectations (and
results) is lack of control. After all, how much
control do any of these sources have over the
stock market? But what if you could get con-
trol over your investments? What if this con-
trol enabled more than a 1000% financial
return while ALSO providing you with clarity,
peace of mind and fulfillment? How valuable
would such an investment be?
David, a Financial Advisor in the Charlotte
area made such an investment. His invest-
ment delivered a 1684% return. Rick, an exec-
utive in Rochester, NY made a similar invest-
ment and earned a 1778% return. Mary, a
small business owner who also lives in the
Charlotte area earned a 2500% return on her
investment. The good news is; each person is
expecting similar financial returns in 2005.
The great news is; the return on their invest-
ment included clarity, peace of mind and ful-
fillment.
What investment in 2005 could deliver
these financial returns and a priceless list of
personal returns? I’ll give you a hint: it is
probably the place that you invest the least
amount of money (and time and energy). The
investment is you.
By investing in themselves the individuals
above took control over their greatest asset;
one’s values, beliefs, purpose and vision. They
used this asset to communicate acceptance to
their superiors, peers, employees, clients,
family members, friends, and even strangers.
Given the priceless value of acceptance for
who one is, these individuals were motivated
to give in return. How motivated?
David’s staff, clients and superiors were
motivated enough to give him the commit-
ment, confidence and support required to
turn the worst performing office in his region
into the best performing office in his region in
one year.
Januar y 2005
By Doug Scroggins
Rick’s superiors were motivated enough to
give him the promotion that he had been
passed over on the past two years: the same
promotion that he did not believe that he
would receive until at least the end of 2006.
Mary’s clients were motivated enough to give
her the deal she felt was all but lost. After
more than 20 years in the business she knew
a lost client when she saw one. By investing in
herself she turned a lost opportunity into a
closed deal and realized the 2500% return
noted above.
By making a decision to invest money in
their greatest asset, David, Rick and Mary
realized financial returns that are not only
astounding one-time gains, but represent just
the beginning of what they can expect for
years to come. Add to these gains the priceless
value of clarity, peace of mind and fulfillment
and you have the hottest investment for 2005.
How much are you willing to invest in
you? Whether it is one hour of reading each
week, sitting down for more family meals,
going for walks with your spouse, spending
more time with your children, or hiring your
own personal or business coach, the return on
these investments is unmatched anywhere.
Why wouldn’t they be? Just think about what
acceptance means to you. If an individual
accepted you for who you are with no judg-
ment, criticism or rejection, what would you
be willing to give in return? If the individual
worked for you would you promote him or
her? If the individual was your boss, how hard
would you work for him or her? If the indi-
vidual was your sales rep, how much would
you buy from him or her? Finally, if the indi-
vidual was your husband, wife, brother, sister,
mother, father, neighbor, or friend, how much
would you love him or her?
Doug Scroggins is the owner of The D&S
Experience. The D&S Experience works with
individuals, groups and organizations to fulfill
their personal and professional potential.
Formerly a Fortune 500 executive and CEO
e-doc Group PLC, London, England, Doug
now focuses his life on helping the life of oth-
ers. For more information or to schedule a
no-cost, no obligation consultation, please
contact Doug at fulfillyourlife@aol.com or on
704 892 4982.
Januar y 2005 www.theCCconnection.com 9

HOME
SHOW
The Giant Home & Garden Show at the
Cabarrus Arena seems to have something
for everyone. At the first annual event you
will find just about everything for your
home and landscape needs under one roof...
builders, developers, financing options,
contractors, building materials, decks,
pools, spas, entertainment systems, storage,
plants, landscape displays/materials,
window treatments, home accents and
much more.
As a recent home buyer I look forward to
this chance to get a lot of great ideas and
direction from exhibitors not to mention the
time I will save trying to find such a wide
variety home related business. If you are
looking for a new or first time home there
are scheduled to be people who can guide
you in the best financing option for you.
Then you too can start the fun part of home
owning, decorating and accenting! You can
spruce up a plain yard into a peaceful retreat
or neighborhood showplace. Bring that
dreary room to life with new paint and
furniture. You can see how to up your
homes value with an updated kitchen.
Hope to see you at the show!
10 www.theCCconnection.com
JANUARY
HAPPENINGS & EVENTS
Not responsible for schedule changes, errors or omissions
S AT U R D AY 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR
M O N D AY 3
ABA Basketball Carolina Thunder vs
Gwinnett Cabarrus Arena tip off 7pm $
TUESDAY 4
Start Off The New Year With YOGA! Town
of Cornelius Parks and Recreation is pleased
to announce a new partnership with a popu-
lar yoga instructor from the area, Kelley Akin.
Kelley will be teaching 4 new classes at
Cornelius Town Hall beginning January 4th,
2005. With 16 years of teaching experience,
Kelley’s style is dynamic and inspiring and
appeals to both beginning and advanced stu-
dents. Fees vary based on number of classes
signed up for. Limited scholarships are avail-
able. Information and registration, contact
Kelley through www.lakenormanyoga.com or
by
calling 704-655-8782.
ABA Basketball Carolina Thunder vs
Gwinnett Cabarrus Arena tip off 7pm $
W E D N E S D AY 5
Concord Opry Jam Cabarrus Senior Center
Live Country Music 6:30-9pm Cabarrus
Senior Center 331 Corban Ave, SE info
704.920.3484 FREE
T H U R S D AY 6
Country Music Jam Kannapolis Moose Lodge
6:30-9:30pm 990 Beatties Ford Rd
Kannapolis FREE
F R I D AY 7
Home and Garden Show Cabarrus Arena &
Events Center 9am-8pm Kid’s Super Fun
Center, Plant and Garden Center, Carolina
Raptors and special appearances by Andrew
Dan-Jumbo with TLCs While You Were Out
and Michael Payne with HGTVs Designing
for the Sexes www.showtechnology.com
Prime Time Live bands-Dugi light up the night at Quaker
Appraisal Group, Inc. Steak and Lube on 7731 Gateway Lane NW
off Speedway Boulevard in the Concord Mills
704-892-2060 area. Phone: 704-979-LUBE
Fax: 704-892-2080
www.primetimeappraisal.com
Januar y 2005
“Business Before Hours” 8-9:30AM The
Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of
Commerce morning networking event will be
held at the Chamber Office, 149 East Iredell
Avenue, downtown Mooresville. Chamber
members, guests and prospective members
are encouraged to take advantage of this great
networking opportunity. Bring business cards
and literature to distribute to others and pro-
mote your business. reservations are encour-
aged and appreciated, please call the chamber
Metro Opry Jam Cultural Center 109 Old office to register 704-664-3898 or Email
Statesville Road Huntersville 7-9pm sls@mooresvillenc.org FREE
Featuring country music with Matt Cook &
T. J. Too & Special guests FREE
T H U R S D AY 1 3
S AT U R D AY 8
Health, Diet and Exercise Question and
Answer Seminar 8:30-10:00am at the
Bible History Bash 2005 Cabarrus Arena Fairfield Inn- Mooresville. The workshop is
6:30pm-10pm Featurning The Anchormen, open to the public.Now is the time to start
The Gospel Enforcers, Faith Road, Earnest your New Years expercise program, how to
Lee, and, Second Touch $
prevent some of those startup injuries and
what you should be eating. Seating is limit-
Home and Garden Show Cabarrus Arena &
ed; please call 704-664-3898 to reserve your
Events Center 9am-8pm Kid’s Super Fun
space. FREE
Center, Plant and Garden Center, Carolina
Raptors and special appearances by Andrew
Dan-Jumbo with TLCs While You Were Out
and Michael Payne with HGTVs Designing F R I D AY 1 4
for the Sexes www.showtechnology.com KIDS OUT FUN DAY Jeepers/Concord Mills
8am–6pm for Youth grades K-5. Mom and
Dad have to work and your kids need a fun
S U N D AY 9 place to be come join us for KIDS OUT FUN
DAYS!! Activities include field trips, games,
Home and Garden Show Cabarrus Arena &
Events Center 9am-8pm Kid’s Super Fun playground time and more! For information
Center, Plant and Garden Center, Carolina or to register, call us at The Waymer Center
Raptors and special appearances by Andrew 704-766-2220. $20.00 per residents; $30.00
Dan-Jumbo with TLCs While You Were Out per non-residents
and Michael Payne with HGTVs Designing
for the Sexes www.showtechnology.com
T U E S D AY 1 1
Adult Badminton Have fun while you exercise!
At the David B. Waymer Center 10am-12pm
All active adults (seniors) are invited to join
this new program that offers adults in our
communities an opportunity to bring out
their competitive nature as they battle against
each other in a friendly game of Badminton.
Contact: Huntersville Parks and Recreation
704-766-2220 FREE
Metro Opry Jam Cultural Center 109 Old
W E D N E S D AY 1 2 Statesville Road Huntersville 7-9pm
Live band- Kenny Floyd lights up the night at Featuring country music with Matt Cook &
Quaker Steak and Lube on 7731 Gateway T. J. Too & Special guests FREE
Lane NW off Speedway Boulevard in the
Concord Mills area. Phone: 704-979-LUBE
Home School Physical Education Starting
1/12/05-3/11/05 from 10–11:30am at
S AT U R D AY 1 5
Live band- Swizzlelink lights up the night at
Waymer Center Gym; 14200 Holbrooks Rd,
Quaker Steak and Lube on 7731 Gateway
Huntersville Parks and Recreation
Lane NW off Speedway Boulevard in the
Department is pleased to announce the start
Concord Mills area. Phone: 704-979-LUBE
of the home school physical education pro-
Budweiser World Cup Ju-Jitsu Competition
gram. The Home school session will be open
Cabarrus Arena &
to home school children between the ages of
Events Center 10am-8pm Ju-Jitsu and
6-12 and is a good way to get exercise as well
as learn teamwork and fundamentals in a
Submission Grappling competition. $
variety of different sports. Please register at
A Symphony of Seasons at Keppel
least one week in advance of the class. For
Auditorium, Catawba College 7:30 pm
more information or to register, please call us
Locklair, Symphony of Seasons Haydn,
at 704-766-2220. $
Introduction to Winter from the Seasons
Januar y 2005
Vivaldi, Spring, from The Four Seasons
Glazunov, The Seasons: Autumn Dan
Skidmore, Violin and Teresa Radomski,
Soprano. Contact Linda Jones ljones@cataw-
ba.edu or 704.637.4314 for info.
S U N D AY 1 6
Budweiser World Cup Ju-Jitsu Competition
Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 10am-8pm
Ju-Jitsu and Submission Grappling competi-
tion. $
Celebrating Rowan County’s Young Artists -
High School Exhibition Young People’s
Gallery Contact Candace Boyd at
boydc@waterworks.org or www.water-
works.org 704.638.1882
M O N D AY 1 7
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast at
Salisbury Civic Center, 315 S Boundary
Street 6-8 am $5.00 each Contact Paul Moore
at pmoore@salisburync.gov or www.salis-
burync.gov 704.638.5275
W E D N E S D AY 1 9
Concord Opry Jam Cabarrus Senior Center
Live Country Music 6:30-9pm Cabarrus
Senior Center 331 Corban Ave, SE info
704.920.3484 FREE
T H U R S D AY 2 0
Country Music Jam Kannapolis Moose Lodge
6:30-9:30pm 990 Beatties Ford Rd
Kannapolis FREE
F R I D AY 2 1
4th Annual Carolina Classics Gymnastics
Meet Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 1pm-
10pm Competition levels from Prep-Op thru
Elite, age range is from 6 to 16 representing
teams from the East and Southeastern U. S.
For more info www.weddingtonactivitycen-
ter.com $
ABA Basketball Carolina Thunder vs
Philadelphia Cabarrus Arena tip off 7pm $
Metro Opry Jam Cultural Center 109 Old
Statesville Road Huntersville 7-9pm
Featuring country music with Matt Cook &
T. J. Too & Special guests FREE
SATURDAY 22
4th Annual Carolina Professional Renovations
Classics Gymnastics Meet
Cabarrus Arena & Events
Center 1pm-10pm
Competition levels from Serving Charlotte area for over 25 years
Prep-Op thru Elite, age
Quality You Can Trust
range is from 6 to 16
representing teams from the
East and Southeastern U. S.
For more info www.wed- Phone
dingtonactivitycenter.com $
704.650.6666
ABA Basketball Carolina
Thunder vs Philadelphia Cabarrus Arena tip
off 7pm $
S U N D AY 2 3
4th Annual Carolina Classics Gymnastics
Meet Cabarrus Arena & Events Center 1pm-
10pm Competition levels from Prep-Op thru
Elite, age range is from 6 to 16 representing
teams from the East and Southeastern U. S.
For more info www.weddingtonactivitycen-
ter.com $
The Wedding Affair Cabarrus Arena &
Events Center 11am-4pm Free samples, live
music, door prizes with something for every-
one. For more information 704.782.8915 $
W E D N E S D AY 2 6
Concord Opry Jam Cabarrus Senior Center
Live Country Music 6:30-9pm Cabarrus
Senior Center 331 Corban Ave, SE info
704.920.3484 FREE
Live bands-Dugi light up the night at Quaker
Steak and Lube on 7731 Gateway Lane NW
off Speedway Boulevard in the Concord Mills
area. Phone: 704-979-LUBE
T H U R S D AY 2 7
The ODD Couple The classic play that
launched the hit TV show. Oscar, a divorced
bachelor slob, takes in newly separated Felix,
the perpetual neat freak, to live with him.
Contact Chris Blumenthal md@piedmont-
players.com or www.piedmontplayers.com
Call 704.633.5471
ABA Basketball Carolina Thunder vs
Jacksonville Cabarrus Arena tip off 7pm $
Young Olympians Cheerleading starts at
Huntersville Elementary School Gym Cheer
America is fun and exciting cheerleading pro-
gram for children. This class promotes coor-
dination, confidence and physical fitness.
This program will teach the basic require-
ments for middle and high school tryouts.
Registration: Thursday, January 20, 2005 Fee:
$5/Registration $5/per class Contact
Huntersville Parks and Recreation
Department @704-766-2220 for more infor-
mation.
www.theCCconnection.com 11
Kritter Kare
Home remodeling
by Kara
FREE ESTIMATES
Pet Sitting Service
Bill Dvorak Taking a trip
without your pets?
Fax
704.947.8476
Don’t want to put them in a kennel?
Overwhelmed at work &
F R I D AY 2 8 need to stay late?
ABA Basketball Carolina Thunder vs In-Home Care for Your Pet
Jacksonville Cabarrus Arena tip off 7pm
Metro Opry Jam Cultural Center 109 Old
- Professional care in your home up
Statesville Road Huntersville 7-9pm
Featuring country music with Matt Cook & to three visits daily
T. J. Too & Special guests FREE
- Plant care - inside and out
The ODD Couple The classic play that
launched the hit TV show. Oscar, a divorced - Theft dterrence while you are away
bachelor slob, takes in newly separated Felix,
the perpetual neat freak, to live with him. - Transportation to and from the
Contact Chris Blumenthal md@piedmont-
players.com or www.piedmontplayers.com veterinarian
Call 704.633.5471
- Midday walks for those individuals
with simply not enough time in the day
S AT U R D AY 2 9
ABA Basketball Carolina Thunder vs - Obedience training
Jacksonville Cabarrus Arena tip off 7pm $
- Overnight stay available in your home
The ODD Couple The classic play that
launched the hit TV show. Oscar, a divorced For More Information Call:
bachelor slob, takes in newly separated Felix,
the perpetual neat freak, to live with him.
Kara Lashley
(704) 453-6308
Contact Chris Blumenthal md@piedmont-
players.com or www.piedmontplayers.com
Call 704.633.5471 Insured * Bonded
Member of
Pet Sitters International
S U N D AY 3 0
The ODD Couple The classic play that
launched the hit TV show. Oscar, a divorced
bachelor slob, takes in newly separated Felix,
the perpetual neat freak, to live with him.
Contact Chris Blumenthal md@piedmont-
players.com or www.piedmontplayers.com
Call 704.633.5471
Your Space
4th Annual Wedding Extravaganza Brides &
Grooms - Get a head start on all of your wed-
Our Place
ding plans and ideas in one day. Contact Paul
Moore Pmoor@salisburync.gov
704.638.5275
FREE
M O N D AY 3 1
Winter’s Flight 8 K To start at Catawba FIRST True Climate
Control
College at 2 pm. For details email SRR@car- MONTH
Secure Premises
olina.rr.com, www.salisburyrunners.com $6.99* Friendly Service
704.636.0111 Larger Storage
Seven Years in
Young Olympians Self Defense classes start Business
This fun course for children is designed for
self-defense purposes emphasizing child safe-
ty awareness. We do not teach ‘Bullying
Tactics.” Self-discipline rather than aggres-
220 W INE LOFF S CHOO L RD.
siveness is promoted. Registration: Monday,
CON CORD
January 24, 2005. Huntersville Elementary 704-721- 4040
* C a l l f o r de t a i l s
12 www.theCCconnection.com
NEW YEAR,
NEW LOOK, NEW YOU!
at SALON PHD
The New Year is upon us and everyone is
looking for something new. A new diet to go
on or a new exercise routine to jump into.
But both of those things take time and effort
to see any results. Well if you are like me I am
as a results oriented person as you’ll meet,
and I want to see the results yesterday.
I have found a way to do that, and it is one
of the best presents that I have ever had. A
new haircut! But isn’t that what all the other
haircuts, styles, color or perms are supposed
to do? Instead they end up blah two days
afterwards. It is so hard to get the same look
the hair dresser achieved. Well I found that
there is a new method of hairstyling out there
that can give you so many options. It is called
the Helix method of hairstyling.
I had personally never heard of this and
being a little skeptical about it, I jumped
right in head first. I had my hair done at
Salon PHD in Kannapolis by Mike Gentle.
Mike has been cutting hair for over 25 years
and has had his PHD in hairstyling for 2
years. He was the first male in the state of NC
to have their PHD in hair care.
Mike is on a mission to change the beauty
7 Days a Week business and make it more hair stylist and
Competitive Rates customer friendly, through his experience
Household Moves and ambition as a stylist.
The Helix method is very unique in the
Apartments way it is done. Mike was one of the first to
Office Moves step outside of the box of traditional styling
704-822-MOVE Appliance Moves and cutting and perfect this new method.
“Itʼs the Best Move You Can Make” I have natural curly hair that does what it
MOVING SPECIALIST Packing Available
wants to do. Well Mike decided to use the
ANYTIM
Moving families with care since 1992.
method on the top section of my hair to add
E
M more body to it. This was done using no
OV brushes, chemicals or hot rollers, or curling
ERS
Clean Modern Equipment irons. The creation of the hair is actually cut
into the hair using the C shaping method. At
One Piece or a Household first the twisting of my hair and cutting was
Low Prices on Boxes & scary but it wasn’t cutting, it was molding
Moving Supplies and shaping of the hair. The easiest way to
Loading & Unloading of Rental Trucks
NCUC 2326
Januar y 2005
describe it is similar to the way a lumber jack
cuts a small part of the tree away to get it to
fall into the desired direction. That is the
basic part of the hair designers’ actions of
shaping with the Helix method. The hair
designer directs the hair to go into the opti-
mum position and then simply removes the
excess hair. This can do a number of things.
It is not meant to replace a perm but can be
an alternative to one. It will add volume
to the hair for men and women alike.
Mike can actually double the volume of
the hair.
Most women that have the Helix
hair cut have to have a few things
accomplished first to get the end results
that they want. First you need a healthy
head of hair to begin with, if you do not
have healthy hair Mike will teach you
what to do and how to get it. Then he
tries to create the perfect oval for you.
He will start with a sketch first to give
you a good idea of what your hair will look
like after the Helix method. Everyone will
experience a different result depending on
the style and the condition of the hair.
The cutting process will add a spiral tex-
ture to the hair, and this is achieved by using
as many as 6 different shears because they all
do a variety of different things.
The Helix method of hairstyling can only be
done by someone that is trained to use the
special shears that it takes to achieve the
results that you get with the Helix method.
Before you have this done make sure to ask
for credentials and also make sure that the
correct products are being used. This is a
very important step in getting the correct
cut/style and avoids having to wear a hat for
weeks when the wrong shear was used and
lopped off a huge chunk of hair from the
middle of your head.
Dealing with the Helix experience and
Mike was a definite good experience for me
but it was also a step outside the box as far as
my hair care was concerned.
So if you want those immediate results for
your hair call Mike today at Salon PHD
704.938.7420 or for more info about the
Helix method visit his website at
www.mikegentle.com. If you are a hairstylist
and who isn’t afraid to step outside the box,
wants to help people improve their image
and hair and wants to learn more about this
new method give Mike a call today.
Januar y 2005
COMPUTER HELP
From Your Computer MOM
Happy New Year to all of you computer
users! This is a sincere greeting, unlike a
recent email making the rounds, sent out
under the guise of a friendly holiday greeting
(sometimes in another language), which
turned out to be a virus (W32.Erkez.D@mm,
also known as W32/Zafi.D@mm). I hope
you didn’t receive that holiday “non-greet-
ing!” Make it your New Year’s resolution to
always verify before opening an email attach-
ment, and to keep your antivirus program up
to date. With that warning, let’s move on to
some questions from our mailbag.
Dear Computer MOM:
I got a great new
computer for Christmas,
and just love it. Now
I want to get rid of my
old one, but I don’t know
what I should do with it.
Can I just throw it in the
trash? LR
Hello LR: Enjoy that new computer! No,
you really cannot just toss your old comput-
er in the trash, as satisfying as that might be!
Both computers and monitors contain a
number of dangerous chemicals, which can
cause damage as they seep out into the
ground and water supplies if they are dis-
posed of in a landfill. You have a couple of
other options to get rid of it.
First, if your old computer still works
well and is not too old, there may be a char-
itable organization or school that could use
it. Area newspapers, as well as charitable
organization websites, often include holiday
“wish lists” this time of year, and you might
find someone who could use your old computer.
But keep in mind, that although they
might really need a computer, most such
organizations do not have staff that can fix
and maintain older or problematic comput-
ers. As the cost of technology has come
down (now didn’t that new computer cost
way less than your old one, while providing
you more power and features?), if a comput-
er is too old (and, I’m not trying to be harsh,
but in computer terms, 4-5 years old is like-
ly “too old”), it could actually cost the organ-
ization less to buy a brand new computer
than to refurbish and fix up your older one.
While recycling your used computer to a
charitable organization might provide almost
as much personal satisfaction as taking a
hammer to it, you might find your old com-
puter won’t be wanted by anyone else. In
this case you need to carefully dispose of it.
Mecklenburg County residents should be
pleased to learn that they can now take old
computers and monitors to one of the coun-
ty’s full-service recycling centers. Other
counties in our area usually have one or two
“electronics disposal days” each year, on
which county residents can drop off their old
computer equipment at a designated loca-
tion and know it will be safely disposed of.
As another option, some computer man-
ufacturers will take your old computer and
safely dispose of it, usually as part of a sale
transaction or for a small fee. The charge for
this service varies, and although they gener-
ally provide a shipping box, you often have
to bear the cost of shipping the computer to
them. Check the website of the company
you bought your new computer from to see
if this is an option. There are also salvage
companies who take used computers,
retrieve the parts they can reuse and proper-
ly dispose of the rest. They might even pay
you a small fee for it, although they may
only be willing to accept a large number of
computers, such as when a business
replaces all their laptops or desktops.
So please, don’t just throw your old
computer away, use one of these options to
properly dispose of it.
Dear Computer MOM:
I am getting a new computer and need to move
all my stuff from my old computer to the new
one. Is there an easy way to do that? CC
Hi CC: There are a couple of ways to do this.
If you do not have a lot of data to move –
perhaps your email address book, Internet
favorites and some documents, the easiest
way is often to copy these files to a floppy
disk or a flash disk (one of those key-chain-
sized data storage devices) or burn them to
a CD, and then just transfer them to the
new computer.
PRO
ANGLER
Gus Gastafson
If you have too much data to fit on one of
these disks, you can either set up a simple
network, attaching the two computers with a
cable that allows data files to be transferred
from one computer to the other, or remove
the hard drive from the old computer and
install it in your new one, either temporarily
(just to move the data between hard drives)
or permanently, using the old hard drive as a
second hard drive in the new computer. I’ve
even helped people back up data from their
old computer to an online data backup serv-
ice, and then download the data to their new
computer through the backup restore
option.
Please note that most software cannot
simply be transferred, it is usually best (and
often required) that you install the software
on the new computer from their original
disks. When software is installed, it often
makes changes to your system registry, adds
icons, etc. If you just copy over the files, you
may miss items that are crucial for the soft-
ware to function properly. Also, note that
some software can only be installed on one
computer, so always check the user agree-
ments before you attempt to install on
another computer, even if it is your own, to
ensure you are not violating the terms of use.
Dear Computer MOM:
I’m giving my old computer to my aunt and
uncle, who plan to use it mainly for emailing.
I have a lot of files on the computer, including
my online banking information and I want
to delete it before I give them the computer.
But I don’t want to remove the programs,
because they will need to use those. Help! OU
www.theCCconnection.com 13
Hello OU: You’ve asked a very good ques-
tion, something everyone should think
about before giving away a computer. There
is usually a great deal of personal informa-
tion on your computer. In addition to bank-
ing information, your computer may have
stored passwords and user ids, a history of
websites you visited, email addresses of your
friends and business associates – lots of
things you probably don’t want others to
have access to. While you can simply delete
each file or folder, clear your internet history
and temp files, and then empty your recycle
bin, this is not a very secure option. If your
aunt and uncle’s son-in-law, the computer
geek, visits and uses their computer, it might
not be too difficult for him to get to those
files you thought you had deleted.
Even reformatting the hard drive doesn’t
erase the data from your computer – it basi-
cally marks the area as available to be used,
so the next time you save something, it
would replace what is currently located
there. The average user won’t be able to
access your information, but a pro could.
You can buy utility software (or hire some-
one to do this) to write characters to every
segment of your hard disk, over and over
again, until the data you originally had there
is eradicated. If you are really concerned
about your data, make sure the software
used to do this meets DOD standards. Of
course, you will have to reinstall the operat-
ing system (as well as any programs you
want to give your aunt and uncle) because
everything is deleted in this process.
Or you might just want to remove your
hard drive and replace it with a new one, and
just hand on to the old one (with all your
secrets). Again, you’ll have to install an
operating system and any software on the
new clean hard drive.
14 www.theCCconnection.com Januar y 2005

GOOD LUCK IN THE SOUTH IN 2005

The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first a ring is good luck, because it symbolizes "coming full circle," completing a year's cycle. For that
observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. Around 2000 BC, the reason, the Dutch believe that eating donuts on New Year's Day will bring good fortune.
Babylonian New Year began with the first New Moon after the first day of spring. The Cabbage is a good luck vegetable that is eaten by many on New Year's Day. Cabbage leaves
celebration lasted for 11 days. are considered a sign of prosperity, representing paper currency. In some regions, rice is also
The Romans continued to observe the New Year in late March, but various emperors contin- a lucky food.
ually altered the calendar so that it soon became out of sync with the sun. In order to set the cal- We, here in the South, celebrate the New Year by eating black-eyed peas, usually accompa-
endar right, the Roman senate, in 153 BC, nied by greens and either hog jowls or ham.
declared January 1 to be the beginning of the The reason we eat black eyes and collard
New Year. But calendar tampering continued greens is to ensure good luck and fortune for
until Julius Caesar, in 46 BC, established the
Julian calendar. It again established January 1
Hoppin John with Hog Jowl the year. The black eyes are said to represent
coins and the collard greens folding money.
(Yield 8-10 servings)
as the New Year. But in order to synchronize The hog, and thus its meat, is considered lucky
the calendar with the sun, Caesar had to let the because it, too, symbolizes prosperity.
previous year drag on for 445 days. 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large ham hock • Heat oil in a large soup pot To cover most of our bases, we think Hoppin
January 1 has been celebrated as a holiday John is a perfect New Year’s choice. Serve it
by Western nations for only about the past 1 cup onion, chopped • Add the ham hock and sear on all sides for four minutes
1/2 cup celery, chopped with greens and you’re sure to have a prosper-
400 years. • Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic
1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ous year. If you didn’t have this healthy, deli-
Traditionally, folks thought that luck • Cook for four more minutes
1 tablespoon chopped garlic cious recipe on New Years day this year, please
throughout the coming year could be affected • Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings
1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked save this article for 2006. It just might make all
by what they did or ate on the first day of the • Bring to a boil
overnight and rinsed the difference! In the meantime, it makes a
year. For that reason, it has become common • Reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, great Sunday dinner.
1 quart chicken stock
to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand or until the peas are creamy and tender
Bay leaf
new year in the company of family and friends. • Stir occasionally Be sure to listen to chef Jeff on 105.7 FM,
1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
It was once believed that the first visitor on • If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock. WFMX on Thursdays at 4:20pm. The show
Salt, black pepper, and cayenne
New Year's Day would bring either good luck • Adjust seasonings, and garnish with green onions. is called ‘Cooking With Edd. Whoever
3 tbs finely chopped green onion
or bad luck the rest of the year. • Serve over rice. guesses the recipe that Jeff has brought for
3 cups steamed white rice
So, what foods are considered lucky? Many the DJ (Edd) to taste and will give hints
cultures believe that anything in the shape of about, wins five days dinner for two.

EXPIRES 12/31/04

The #1 source for connecting and promoting women and their businesses.
Thursday, January 6 Wednesday, January 12 Wednesday, January 18
Accelerated Luncheon Accelerated Luncheon Accelerated Dinner
11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The Speedway Club Bryon’s South End Waterford Hall

Located on Route 29, North
at Lowe’s Motor Speedway
101 W. Worthington Ave.,Ste.110
Charlotte, NC
above the Galway Hooker
17044 Kenton Place, Cornelius, NC Wishing You and Yours
Contact: Mardee Woodward
at 704-549-0665
Contact: Jerilyn McDonald
at 704-366-5085
Contact: Mardee Woodward
at 704-549-0665
mardeewoodward@ewomennetwork.com jerilynmcdonald@ewomennetwork.com mardeewoodward@ewomennetwork.com
a Happy New Year!
Januar y 2005 www.theCCconnection.com 15

FAT EYE FOR THE

SKINNY GUY
Straighten Up and Fly Right!
The holiday season took its toll this past
month on the skinny guy trapped in a fat guy’s
body looking out with his eye on the world. As
I noted in last month’s col-
umn I have read that a lot
of people gain an average
of 10 pounds between
Thanksgiving and
Christmas. I said I was
going to at least maintain
if not better. Well I fell
short of the goal. With all
the office baskets of cook-
ies, candy, chips, crackers,
cakes, holiday lunches
and the like I regained
almost five pounds. Good
thing I had a goal at least,
who knows how many
pounds would have been
packed on had I not had
some conscious thought going on. Another fac-
tor was the sore throat and the out of town
guest. Does this sound like valid reasons or just
excuses? Keep your answers to yourself but
remember them the next time you give “rea-
sons” for no taking care of yourself.
The biggest factor to the pound packing
addition was last month I exercised 85% of the
time and this month only 50%. I am glad I went
at least half the time though. My performance
during my workouts is good and still improving
overall. Oh! I forgot to mention that almost half
a pound of the five I gained was lean muscle.
Gotta count the good weight in with the bad.
Before I continue… I am not a doctor or per-
sonal trainer and you should consult a doctor or
other qualified person with any questions or
before beginning an exercise program or special
diet program. Ok now that the legal disclaimer
is out of the way let’s go to what I have found
that I plan to put into place and hope will help
me and maybe some of you readers too.
First and foremost like my mom used to say
when I was growing up “Straighten up and fly
right”. I had no idea what she was talking about
at the time but I knew it meant I needed to get
into my best behavior mode or else… Believe
me you didn’t want to see the “or else” side of
this otherwise sweet and loving five foot two
inch woman. So in this case I need an “or else”
incentive to straighten up and fly right. What
works for me may be different for you but
search and you can find it. No I am not telling
my “or else”. It could cause all sorts of havoc in
the wrong hands.
by Jerry Balcerak
1) Create Accountability and Support
Group… My sweet tooth and love of fried
foods are my two greatest weaknesses. So to
help overcome these two
foes I am seeking the aid
and support of my family,
friends, readers, associates
and anyone who knows
me to help. These won-
derful people will chal-
lenge me and cheer me on.
2) Implement a
Rewards system…
Since I know giving up
sweets and fried foods
completely is an unrealis-
tic goal I am going treat
myself once a week to
each as long as I exercise
at least five times that
week.
3) Get Plenty of Rest… Ok here is a third
weakness; I never seem to get enough sleep. In
everything I have read or seen they all say to get
enough sleep, about eight hours. This will help
your body. The negative impact lack of proper
rest has on the body is well documented and
very eye opening (pun intendedJ).Take it for
fact, it will help.
4) List Positive Points and Post… I will
make a list of the many ways cutting back
(Notice I did NOT say out) sweets and fried
foods and increasing regular exercise will
impact my life and put it where it will be seen
throughout the day.
I was very pleased that even though the five
pounds this month crept back on, someone that
had not seen me in a couple months came by
and noticed I had lost weight especially in my
stomach. Those were just the positive words I
needed to hear.
Write us and let us know what works for
you. We would love to share your tips with oth-
ers. No reason for us to reinvent the wheel. That
is one of the reasons we are here is to help each
other. If you have a health or exercise tip that
you think can help someone send it to us at:
FAT EYE FOR THE
SKINNY GUY
C/O The Connection
500 Church St.,
Concord, NC 28025
or email to:
fateye@TheCCConnection.com
Have a safe Happy New Year!
16 www.theCCconnection.com
ALL DENOMINATIONS & CITIES WELCOME!
EAST CABARRUS
CHURCH
Meeting at The Cabarrus
Arena & Events Center
(Intersection of Hwy. 49
& Old Airport Rd.)
Pastor Craig Scott
704-788-1116
Worship Sunday 10 am
Small group Bible Studies in
homes (call for info.)
www.eastcabarruschurch.com
9:30am Sunday worship
(Member of the PCA)
NORTH KANNAPOLIS
UNITED METHODIST
1307 N Main St
Kannapolis, NC 28081
704.932.5358
Sunday School 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am
www.NKUMC.com
UNIVERSITY CITY UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
3835 West WT Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28269
704-596-4092
www.ucumc.org
Sun Worship
8:30am(traditional)
9:45 (blended)
11:00 (contemporary)
Sunday School
8:30am, 9:45am, 11:00am
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
KANNAPOLIS
"Building a Community
of Disciples for Christ"
101 N. Main Street
(across from the Gem Theatre)
704-938-4697
www.firstbaptistkannapolis.com
Sunday School 9:45am
Worship 10:55am
ARK Preschool Ministry (ages 1-4)
GRACE CHURCH
“Passionately Proclaiming
the Gospel of Grace!”
Stallings Rd at Rocky River Rd.
Harrisburg, NC 28075
Pastor/Teacher – Doug Agnew
Stacey Cox – Assistant Pastor
Youth & Young Adults
704-455-9312
www.graceharrisburg.org
SUNDAY-Sunday School 9:45
Worship 11 am & 6 pm
WEDS – Small Group 7 pm
Youth, Childrens Groups 7 pm
Hear 9:00 am WRKB/WRNA
1460/1140 AM
9:45 am WHVN – 1240 AM
LIGHTHOUSE
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
106 Homestead Avenue-
Kannapolis, NC
Sunday School 10am - Sunday
Worship 11am
Sunday Evening 6pm -Wed
Evening 7pm
Everyone Welcome ! ! !
If you would like to have your church
or worship service included in the Worship Directory,
please email info@cabarruscharlotteconnection.com
or call 704.606.8648 for more information.
NORTH KANNAPOLIS
UNITED METHODIST
1307 N Main St
Kannapolis, NC 28081
704.932.5358
Sunday School 10:00 am
Worship Service 11:00 am
www.NKUMC.com
HOSANNA! Lutheran
Community Church
Meeting at Cox Mill
Elem. School, on Cox Mill
Road Rd. off Poplar Tent.
Dr. Gil Gilbert, Pastor
704-875-3300
Sunday Worship @10 AM
Learning Hour @ 9 AM
Small Groups, Fellowship
Groups, Bible Study Groups,
Men's Ministry, Women's
THE REFUGE
Currently meeting at Cannon
School (Poplar Tent Road in
Concord, Exit 52 off I-85)
Sundays, 10:00 am
Nursery and Children's
Ministries available each week.
704.788.2400
www.TheRefugeOnline.net
Lead Pastors -
Jay and Melanie Stewart
Saint James
Episcopal Church
851 Shinnville Road
Mooresville, 28115
parish office: 704-664-7115
www.geocities.com/stjamesmvl
Rev. Rachel Haynes
Holy Communion each
Sunday at 10 am
and on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
at 10:30 am.
Christian education for all ages
every 2nd and 4th Sunday
after worship.
PROVIDENCE
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
551-C Pitts School Road
Concord NC 28027
704.788.8899
www.ppcnet.net
9:30am Sunday worship
(Member of the PCA)
CHRIST UNITY CHURCH
7300 Mallard Creek Rd.
(University Area)
Charlotte, NC 28269
Reverend: Julie McKay
Wilkinson
704-599-1180
Sunday Celebration :
10:30-11:45
Childcare & Sunday School
Several weekly classes
available. (Call for info)
Januar y 2005
JACK LALANNE
FITNESS KING
By David Brandon
You’ve got to admire Jack LaLanne. The
original guru of fitness has been touting his
brand of physical fitness for more than half a
century, and at age 90 it seems that it’s worked
out pretty well for him. An intense regimen of
a strict diet (don’t eat anything artificial) and
exercise (he works out 2 hours a day) has
helped the man remain in great physical condition.
Yet you know what? Mr. LaLanne is old.
His body, no matter how well he has taken
care of it, has just a few more years of func-
tionality. I don’t know what his spiritual con-
dition is, but wouldn’t it be sad for a man to
spend an entire lifetime taking immaculate
care of his mortal body—a shell that has no
ultimate destination but death—without
doing what is necessary to care for his immor-
tal being? All the carrot juice and sit-ups in
the world will do none of us any good when
our physical life ends. At that point, the only
thing that matters is our spirit and how we
have prepared it for eternity.
Jack LaLanne is absolutely correct in
asserting that we should take care of our bod-
ies. He is right in saying we should eat right,
exercise, and avoid practices that damage our
bodies. But his emphasis on taking care of the
body is only a temporary answer to a question
with forever implications: Where will my
spirit—the real me—spend eternity?
Consider that question. It needs to be
answered before that unknown day when
your heart beats for the last time. Only in this
life can we prepare for the next, and that hap-
pens when we trust Jesus as our Savior. This
body is temporary, and caring for it—while
the right thing to do—cannot prepare us to
stand before God.
While we’re getting in shape physically, let’s
make sure we spend time getting in shape
spiritually. That’s the ultimate fitness test.
The real question - is your soul in shape for
the long haul?
Januar y 2005 www.theCCconnection.com 17

FULL
SERVICE
FLORIST
• Fruit & Gourmet Baskets
• European Design Baskets
• Silk & Fresh Cut
• Balloons
704.786.9438 • Cards

i
IRRESISTIBLE
P O R T R A i T S
609 Church Street North, Concord
www.adaisypatch.com
“Flowers for Every Occasion”
Free Delivery to Hospital & Funeral Homes
• Sympathy Designs
• Delivery Available
• Stuffed Animals
• Church Arrangements
• Walk-Ins Welcome
Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

Being the Church, Not Just Doing Church

January 9 & 23
Cell Groups
Meeting
Meet Every Sunday at 10am
1030-B Central Drive
· Nursery (Formally Nikita’s Gym)
· Children Concord, NC
· Youth 704-788-2400
· Activities Available Lead Pastors
Jay & Melanie Stewart

www.TheRefugeOnline.net

Follow Me.
-GOD
18 www.theCCconnection.com Januar y 2005
Januar y 2005 www.theCCconnection.com 19

WANTED
CLASSIFIEDS REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
WANTED TO BUY! PROFESSIONAL OFFICE Moving Sale: Mooresville
Older US & Canadian Space Available Dewalt Power Tools $150.00
Coins/Currency Downtown Concord Office Furniture (3 desks)
Turn old cash into new. 704-784-2802 & Supplies Black Iron Canapy
704.281.7407 BedroomSet $500.00
FOR SALE Home Decore
JEWELRY WANTED: 1163 Rachel Ln., Salisbury, NC Contact Theresa: 704-663-1985
We Buy Estate New Home with 2,052
Jewelry & Gold heated SF, 4 BR, 2 full baths,
PERRY'S GOLD MINE: includes garden tub, walk in SERVICES
704-375-GOLD (4653) closets, brick underpinning, Handyman Plus...
fireplace, city water &sewer, No job too small
Books flexible financing terms AFFORDABLE
Sell, Buy & Trade available with up to 100% -Pressure wash -Grass cut
THE BOOK CONNECTION: for qualified borrowers, -Roofing-LotsMore!
500 Church St Concord, NC PRICED BELOW TAX VALUE 704-363-9707
704-606-8648 Call Randy Watson
704-575-0128 Love’s Lawn & Landscaping
NETWORKING for appointment Seed, Fertilize, Aerate, Lawn
THE 3 M CLUB Care, Weekly Maintenance
www.mdletico.faithweb.com Available, and LOTS MORE!
Meets every Tuesday I BUY HOUSES CASH! 704-506-6022
In Concord QUICK CLOSE
No Membership Dues CALL DIANE Drain Cleaning and
FOR MORE INFO: (704-467-3941) Plumbing Repair
Denise: 704-791-3779 704-938-2102
Marty: 704-786-4422 FOR SALE BY OWNER
Lovely 3BR, 2Bath
PLACE A CLASSIFIED 838 Loch Lomond Circle, Concord WILL DO LAWN
WITH US TODAY! Includes Lg Master BR with & YARD WORK
704.606.8648 Garden Tub, Flexible Seller, Reasonable Rates
Get Results Flexible Terms, 704-455-6389
REAL ESTATE
$
751 PNI, UPTO 100% financing
CALL Randy 704-575-0128 HELP WANTED
I BUY BROKEN HOMES Look Great & Feel Great
NO REALTOR NEEDED FOR SALE While helping other do the
CLOSE WITHIN 15 DAYS FOR SALE same and make money too!
704-575-0128 HIGH END COSTUME Be your own boss. For more
JEWELRY-ALL STYLES info call 704-575-0128 for
CALL 704.791.3779 appointment

First Premier Mortgage, Inc. C ONC

ORD

Specializing in 100% financing your new home . $604.01*

We
Ê offer fixed, ARM, and Interest only loans. mo.
For FREE prequalification and approval

704-795-2120
838 Loch Lommand, 3BR, 2ba,

Call: Central H&A, Immaculate condition,

Great for the first time home buyer
qualifies for 3% Down Payment
Assistance and seller to pay 3%
*Payments listed can vary depending on escrow and tax amounts. in closing costs.

This is a great home for the First Time Home Buyer!!!

Beautiful, 3 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath Home,
1800+ Square Feet Established, Well Maintained Home, Very Quiet Neighborhood,
Double Car Garage with Storage Area +, and Convenient to I-85, Schools and Shopping. LIS
Large “Family” Kitchen, PO
Garden Tub in Master This home has: 2 Bedrooms 1 Bath 1,000 HLA N A
Neat, Clean, New Central Heat & Air Wood Deck Extra Large Lot N
Ready for Immediate Occupancy!! New Chain Link Fence Maintenance Free Siding and Windows KA
Refrigerator, Stove to convey with property!! Covered Porch Double Car Carport
Qualifies For VA, FHA, Ready to move in now, bring me an offer. Seller is willing to assist with closing costs.

or Conventional Financing
Seller will pay $2000 toward buyers closing
$779.51* When using First Premier Mortgage
mo. Home shown by Appointment Only
704-305-0992
$392.75*
Please call 704-795-2120 for prequalification and approval.
Home shown by appointment only, must have bank pre-approval letter.
Qualifies for FHA, VA, and Conventional Financing.
Seller willing to assist buyer with Closing Costs and Down Payment Assistance.
Financing provided by First Premier Mortgage, Inc.
mo.

CONCORD “Cute & Cozy”