As much as people are often amazed at the idea that we can give them a straight smile with Six-Month Braces, there really are times when it doesn’t even take THAT long.  Take a look at Karim’s before and after pictures — literally, we put her brackets on back on September 9th, and we took them off today, November 24th.  That’s NOT EVEN 3 months with braces on, but look what a difference!  As she put it….”I love the results!”

Sorry for having to be so precise with the  “2.9″ months, but some anal-retentive guy has actually trademarked “Three Month Braces^TM” and I can’t say that without getting sued.  You’ve got to be frigging kidding me. 

My mother was always fond of the phrase, “you’d complain if they hanged you with a new rope.” For the past 10 years, residents of the northern part of Mecklenburg County have complained about the overcrowded conditions at the area’s two suburban high schools, North Mecklenburg and Hopewell, and that these schools were not located far enough north to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Lake Norman area. This chorus of disapproval had grown to the point a few years ago where parent groups and local politicians spoke openly about breaking away from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school system. So, one might logically expect that the completion of a brand new high school about as far north in the county as one could reasonably be built would be greeted with excitement and relief. But, no, not here in the land of the “new rope.”

It would seem that instead of being pleased, parents are up in arms about the name the district has chosen for the school. And what is the terrible moniker that is certain to warp the minds of our impressionable youth: Seymour Butts High School, maybe? Jim Shue Senior High, perhaps? No, the insidious name that has driven parents near the point of armed rebellion is – cover your ears Mable – W.A. Hough High School.

Ooooookay.

Apparently, some concerned parents (who clearly have too much time on their hands) have decided that this name, which is properly pronounced “huff,” could be mispronounced as “how” or “ho,” a term derogatory to American Indians and a slang term for a prostitute, respectively. (But then you knew that, didn’t you?) Either of these mispronunciations, the naysayers suggest, would absolutely traumatize the delicate psyches of their high-school-aged children. This line of thinking leads to two obvious questions: Mispronounced by whom? And so what if it is?

My high school – which, by the way, was a grammatically correct Port Clinton, but more colloquially pronounced Poor Clittin; make of that what you will – frequently played the team from Toledo Start High School. Invariably the home town faithful would begin chanting, “Stop Start! Stop Start!” I’m pretty sure the aggrieved student-athletes got over this creative taunting without any professional counseling.

The only thing that lends the how/’ho complaint any legitimacy at all is that it’s not as ridiculous as the concern some other parents are voicing; that “Hough” sounds like “huff,” which is vaguely derivative of “huffing,” which is a slang term for what kids in my day referred to as “sniffing glue.” The fear of these parents, so far as I can make any sense of it at all, is that because the name of the school is similar to slang for a specific type of drug abuse, their children might interpret this to mean that the school condones such activity? In the immortal words of John McEnroe, “you cannot be serious.”

It is probably worth noting that W.A. Hough was a respected and beloved educator and community figure who served as principal at North Mecklenburg High School from the mid-1950’s through the mid-1970’s and helped guide the school through desegregation. He passed away in 1998. It is also worth noting that CMS held three, THREE, public workshops during which no significant opposition to the “Hough” name was raised.

That some parents who previously demonstrated no interest whatsoever in the school’s name are now raising their petty little voices is disappointing. That some parents would oppose naming their children’s school after a great and moral man who exemplified everything that is right about our educational system simply because his name is not sufficiently “fashionable” is deplorable. These people need to shut up, sit down, and spend some time thinking about priorities.

Powerstroke Swim Clinic
Sunday, January 24th
11:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatic Center

Registration is done online, please click here to register.
Presented By: Cool Breeze Coaching and…

Marty Gaal, Head Coach, One Step Beyond Coaching. Marty is a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), USA Triathlon coach, and is a member of the American Swim Coaches Association. Marty is a former collegiate swimmer and remains competitive as an age-group triathlete, open water swimmer, and runner.

To learn more about this event or register, visit here.

November 2009 Exercise – Domenic Battistella, Executive Chef, Red Rocks Café, Huntersville, NC

Autumn Venison Duet
Pumpkin infused tar tare, pine smoked olive oil foam, yoke
Cinnamon coffee roasted tenderloin, Chilhuacle roast pumpkin, pickled fennel

To participate in the next exercise, please send an e mail to: jeffrey@bauscherinc.com

See all your favorite chefs’ collections of past submissions at the Deep Plate page on Facebook.  Please become a “Fan”. 

http://deepplate.wordpress.com and “Deep Plate” on Facebook

For anger management classes in North Carolina visit www.masteringanger.com or call 704-804-0841.

As a realtor in the Lake Norman area, I’m often asked about Huntersville and why it is in the top 20 to retire, the 46th fastest growing suburb and voted one of the best places to live in the United States.   Huntersville offers many amentities, various neighborhood communities and people that welcome you with the small town friendliness. 

Location, Location, Location are the three words often used in the real estate world.  Huntersville is ten miles from uptown Charlotte, a short drive to the speed way for the race fans, a couple hours from either the mountains or the beaches. Huntersville is on the shores of  Lake Norman and the lake has 520 miles of shoreline and plenty of boating, sailing, fishing and other opportunities for fun and entertainment.  When I’m not out on the lake in the summer, one of my favorite places to hang out is Birkdale.  Shopping, restuarants, movie theator and outside entertainment keeps us busy and entertained.

If you would like more information on Huntersville or surrounding areas, visit our team website at www.christywalker.com

As Bruce Springsteen – “The Boss” – was strumming on stage at Time Warner Cable Arena, anxious politicians and supporters were glued to laptops and television screens watching the results of Tuesday’s election results trickle in, precinct by precinct.  While the region will see two new mayors in Charlotte and Mooresville, for the most part voters returned incumbents to continue the job they were doing.  In Huntersville, a conservative seat on the board was filled by a newcomer to the political scene, but one whose conservative views may very well match those of her predecessor.

Cornelius saw the three incumbents returned to continue their public service and were joined by two experienced planning board members who may again closely match the experience and progressive vision the former commissioners share.  Certainly, in neither Huntersville nor Cornelius, will there be a major shift in the course the towns have been headed when it comes to land planning and zoning decisions.

The parity in the elections of Huntersville and Mooresville’s Mayoral contests show just how split the towns may well be in what voters are seeking from their chief elected official.  While the political philosophies in Huntersville could not be more stark in Brian Sisson and Jill Swain, the electorate was almost evenly split in the closest election I can certainly recall in that community. In Mooresville, only 16 votes separated incumbent Mayor Bill Thunberg from challenger Chris Montgomery.  That race centered on fiscal policies – the same issue in which Sisson and Swain were most sharply contrasted.

In the election of our regions’ Mayors – Anthony Fox, Jill Swain, and Chris Montgomery – all three find themselves edging out their opponent with less than 2% separating them from their challenger. (Mayors Tarte and Woods were unopposed.)  Each needs to examine carefully the philosophies, views, and talents from their challenger that the public embraced.  It will not come natural, but they should try to seize on those traits and beliefs in which nearly half their community supported and work to build a strong team and consensus on their board.

It will be much easier in Davidson where the two political newcomers already embrace much of the philosophical direction of their predecessors based on the feedback we heard in the Chamber’s candidate forums last month.  Matthew 22:14 states, “Many are called, few are chosen…”  Last evening, some very good people were elected to lead our communities. Some other very good people were not.  Such is politics.  Few are actually given the opportunity to serve.

In the hands of that chosen few lay our unbridled opportunities.  Let us hope they put aside the challenges which distract them from the good they can do and capitalize on the strengths that will help us all reach our potential as a region.  Let us work together to build a community and region so compassionate and strong that the generation coming behind us say of us later, they gave their absolute best…

It’s that time of year when election signs have been outnumbering the real estate, yard sale, and lose the weight placards which pop up around intersections.  Incumbents smile at everything you say and actually claim they’re glad you said it.  Newcomers to the political scene state they are going to straighten things out and you can be pretty sure someone wants to stretch your budget just a little more with new taxes or fees.

The electorate is a funny thing.  In most cases we will travel around the world to fight for democracy, but we sometimes will not take the time to vote in an election.  Voters recognize a name on a ballot and cast their vote, sometimes without any real knowledge of those candidates’ views.    The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce has held three candidate forums to give our communities a chance to hear those views and the local papers have done a great job of focusing on their qualifications.  Now it’s up to the registered voters to decide who will lead their communities.

Some may ask, “Why bother to vote?”  Our local government affects our homes and businesses directly.  Local government provides the fire and police protection, takes up the trash, and sets the tax rates.  Through zoning, they determine what type of business locates where, how they operate, and how they market that operation.    Perhaps no single election will impact your business and your life as much as this local election where you have the opportunity to elect town officials and school board members.

On Tuesday November 3rd, please take the time to vote for the candidate of your choice.  Make your own decision that best represents your views and interest in town and education matters.  Weigh carefully how their election could impact your business and your family.  Remember – the only bad decisions are made by those who don’t take the time to make them.

For anger management classes in North Carolina visit www.masteringanger.com or call 704-804-0841.

It’s a buyer’s market in Huntersville, NC!   As of  october25, 2009, the local real estate statistics show that there are 595 homes on the market in Huntersville and homes are selling at a rate of 74 per month.  Divining 595 by 74 shows that there is 8 months worth of inventory on the market.    We refer to this as the ‘absorption rate.’  Meaning, it will take 8 months to absorb all the inventory on the market.   If you want to buy in Huntersville, call me and let’s find you a beautiful home!

The town of Huntersville, NC which was once an old railroad depot, is now North Mecklenburg’s largest town with suburban shopping centers and subdivisions. What started as a mill town is today home to many new neighborhoods. Exit 25 on I-77 is synonymous with national chain shopping and dining with popular live-work communities like award-winning Birkdale Village, which has stores such as Banana Republic and Ann Taylor Loft- all facing an outdoor main street. Huntersville real estate and homes in Huntersville, NC continue to attract more and more homebuyers to the area.  Some homes in Huntersville are waterfront homes on Lake Norman, and the countryside surrounding Huntersville bursts with new home subdivisons near convenient shopping, dining, waterfront entertainment and great schools.

Make sure you mention this blog and get a free trainer block for your front wheel with each trainer you purchase.  (Worth $24.99)

Chamber Ambassadors

A couple of months ago, our Chamber launched the Return the Favor program.  Recently, I heard one of our Chamber Ambassadors explaining the program to a Chamber Member – with an excitement in their voice they explained, “It’s our chance to see what’s on your mind.  What are the most important aspects of your business that we can do something about?”  We call it Return the Favor because the day you signed up as a Chamber Member you not only did your business a favor – creating opportunities to network and build relationships with other community minded businesses – your membership made it possible for us all working together, to make this a better region to work, live, and visit.
Each membership in the Chamber adds another voice to our advocacy, lowers the costs for other businesses to experience our training programs and seminars, and creates a greater network of business to business relationships.  These past two months, I have been dropping in on our Chamber Members, making some of the Return the Favor calls.  I explain I’m there to ask how we can return the favor of community involvement – your investment in our Chamber and community.  Invariably, I have been met with member after member, complimenting our Chamber on the stands we have taken.

This year we have aggressively opposed the spread of unions in both our public and private workforce, pushed for a magistrate in North Mecklenburg, and advocated loudly for expediting the completion of I-485 and the widening of I-77.   This past month, an issue we have worked on aggressively for more than a decade, was finally approved when the Mecklenburg County Board overturned the ban on public swimming at the County’s lake parks.  It is a big win for our businesses, our communities, and this Chamber.   The night the measure was approved unanimously by the County Commissioners, Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte and I had the chance to speak on the issue.   I told the County Board there was a time when park board members and staff told me the ban would never be lifted.  The issue seemed rather insurmountable.  However, it just goes to show that when we all work hard, work smart, and work together, no challenge or issue is too great to overcome.

Bobby Kennedy

Last month, our Chamber leadership met with our federal delegation in Washington, D.C. on issues ranging from the North Corridor Rail Line and I-77 to Health Care Reform.  It wasn’t all hard work as we took one afternoon to visit Arlington National Cemetery.    Standing there gazing at the small wooden cross on Bobby Kennedy’s grave, I thought about something he said in 1967 as he launched his Presidential race that ended in such tragedy.  “If we fail to dare, if we do not try, the next generation will harvest the fruit of our indifference; a world we did not want – a world we did not choose – but a world we could have made better, by caring more for the results of our labors. And we shall be left only with the hollow apology of T.S. Eliot: ‘That is not what I meant at all. That is not it, at all’.”

We should all live and work so that the generations which come after us will say of our leadership today – “They did not fail to dare.  They created a community – a world, much better than they found it.  And they did it because they would not settle for less.”

For anger management classes in North Carolina visit www.masteringanger.com or call 704-804-0841.

There are a lot of Huntersville homes for sale available in the market.  Buying a house is a huge decision, make sure that you seek the advise of professionals.  There are many reasons why people are buying homes now.  Do your homework if you are buying an investment property.  Rental property can be a great long term investment strategy. Most homes that are sold in this market are the owners main residence.

If you are from out of town, a real estate professional will be a great asset. Living close to work has high importance to most people.  Buying a home with convenient access to work is a plus.  People looking to save cost on their daily job commute normally live close to their jobs.  How long it takes to get to work should be considered when picking a location.

Huntersville NC Neighborhoods and Huntersville NC Communities: Arbor Croft, Bay Shores, Birkdale Grove, Browns Cove, Carrington Ridge, Gilead Ridge, Lake Norman, Mccord Crossing, Mirabella, Monteith Park, Olmsted, Riverdale, Skybrook, Skybrook, Stillwell, Stillwell Village, Tanners Creek, The Oaks At Mcilwaine, The Pavilion, Vermillion, Vermillion, Vermillion

Other cities and towns near Huntersville NC to explore.

• Cornelius Real Estate - 5.3 mi

• Davidson Real Estate - 6.1 mi

• Mount Mourne Real Estate - 9.2 mi

• Denver Real Estate - 9.7 mi

• Paw Creek Real Estate - 10.8 mi

• Newell Real Estate - 10.9 mi

• Mooresville Real Estate - 11.6 mi

• Harrisburg Real Estate - 11.9 mi

• Mount Holly Real Estate - 12.6 mi

• Charlotte Real Estate - 12.8 mi

Basically you have two options, owning or renting.  Home ownership has unique advantages compared to renting a home.  Most communities that consist primarily of owner/occupants tend to be in high demand.  There is no question that the home mortgage interest deduction is a huge benefit of buying a home compared to renting. 

With the current state of the economy, many builders are offering great incentives to buyers. With everything new, your maintenance cost should be lower compared to old homes. The majority of builders offer warranties, most used homes don’t. Many new home builders are including energy star rated services and appliances.  Larger bedrooms, kitchens, closets and more windows can be found in new homes since they are approximately 700 square feet larger than homes just 20 years old.  When you buy a new home, you know what you are getting.  Older homes may harbor latent defects.

Do you like to try new things? Charlotte attractions mean fun for the whole family. The Livine Museum of the New South showcases a history of southern society from post civil war to present.  Catch an NBA game and watch the Bobcats in action. If NASCAR is your thing, make sure you catch one of the many races each year at Lowes Motor Speedway. The climate in Charlotte make outdoor activities possible all year long.  Lake Wiley has lots of public access to picnic or launch your boat.

Buying a home is one of your biggest financial decisions you will have to make.    Before you start, get help from professionals in real estate.  Although not directly involved with your loan, a real estate professional can point you in the right direction. Conducting due diligence on your property is essential so get help from a real estate agent. North Carolina issues real estate licenses so that buyers have trained, professionals to help them through the home buying process.

Vermillion in Huntersville has amazing tower homes that are 3 levels of living with a unique urban feel but in the heart of the historic Huntersville. There are also more traditional townhomes with detached 2 car garages. Vermillion is a great neighborhood with a town square, Harvey’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill which is hosting Appalachian State fans on game day, and a pool club. Check it out at www.zlmetzhomes.com

Tower Homes in Huntersville!