Lake Norman Woman Magazine August 2015

snag

summer-end

deals

back-to-school

apps

swimming with

sharks 2015

awards

Know an outstanding LKN woman?

Nominate her!

l a e d h t i w

on ers att e p g en ga kar mort g n i t r n featu moveme of

Debi Gallo & Associates

L a k e N or m a n L u x u r y Wat e r f r on t & G ol f S p e c i a l i s t s

(704) 491-4640

.

www.debigallorealty.com

Our Clients become our Friends and Our Friends become our Clients

DEBI GALLO . EXCLUSIVE BUYER AGENT

• Senior Real Estate Specialist • Broker-in-Charge • Served on the Charlotte Board of Realtors Leadership Team • Staging Certified • Public Accountant • Masters in Finance/Pepperdine

Representing Chateau Lyon Estate on Alexander Island

The Fairways the place to live and play

Now Selling - Models Available Please visit www.TheFairwayGuide.com

OPEN HOUSE

August 14, 15 and 21, 22 1 TO 5 PM

91 Developed Home Sites Surround This Championship 18 hole, Award Winning Gene Bates Designed Course. From Beautiful Vistas To Extraordinary Greenside Setttings, The Fairways Offers A Unique, Secure, Relaxing Golf Club Environment For Your Custom Built Home.

Penthouse Waterfront Condo MLS# 3033540 . $335,000 Located in Davidson Landing, featuring a beach

Visit the Model 336 Broken Arrow Dr, Statesville located in River Oaks Golf Club. I-77 to I-40 Exit 141, Follow Signs.

Best Waterfront Town Home MLS# 3084787 . $469,000 Awesome view, 4 bedroom 3 bath, slip & garage

Custom Waterfront Home MLS# 3077257 . $1,124,000 Walk out basement, 2 kitchens, theatre seats 8

Mortgage Financing provided by: TAMMY STOWE

NMLS ID# 91236

(704) 685-4366 Member FDIC

www.monarchmortgage.com/tstowe

Deadline for Submission of Nominations is August 14, 2015

2015 awards & luncheon

you

know her!

She’s your co-worker, boss, mentor, peer, neighbor, or friend.

you

respect her!

She’s courageous, confident, spunky, inspirational, a real leader, a difference-maker!

nominate her!

For the 2015 Women of Will Awards

now accepting n o m i nat i o n s Lake Norman Woman Magazine is seeking nominations to recognize “Women of Will” in the Lake Norman community. Honorees will be profiled in a printed salute in our December 2015 issue as well as at an event in December at the Charles Mack Center in Mooresville. We are looking for women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and passion, have a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others through their business and their community, who serve as an inspirational role model for other women, and/or who have otherwise enhanced the lives of the residents of Lake Norman.

Save the Date!

WOW Awards Luncheon, December 10, 2015 T i c k e t s ava i l a b l e s o o n .

To nominate: Go to www.lakenormanwoman.com and click on Women of Will, On the WOW info page, click on the “Nominate a Woman of Will” button and fill in and submit the form. You can also print the form and mail to PO Box 1000, Cornelius, NC 28031. Please give plenty of details on why your nominee is deserving of being honored—the more information you provide the better the panel of judges will be able to make their decision! Honorees will be selected by an independent committee of judges and notified by September 15, 2015.

.

sta f f

.

publisher

Dana Nieters

dana@lakenormanwoman.com

editor

Amy Hallman

amy@lakenormanwoman.com

Operations support & contributing writer Leslie Ogle

leslie@lakenormanwoman.com

Senior Account executive Stephanie Sullivan

stephanie@lakenormanwoman.com

advertising account executive Sandy Comer

sandy@lakenormanwoman.com

distribution manager Juli Simmons

ads@lakenormanwoman.com

art director Chelsea Bren

chelsea@lakenormanwoman.com

Au g ust co n t r i bu to rs :

Katie Stankiewicz; Maureen Roberge; Stacey K. Hinman; John J. Ballas, DC

c o n tac t u s : PO Box 1000 Cornelius, NC | 28031

704.895.6168

www.lakenormanwoman.com

Ad Submissions: ads@lakenormanwoman.com

Lake Norman Woman reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet Lake Norman Woman standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned.

Lake Norman Woman assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. An advertised special printed in this publication is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited.

volume ix, number iii

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LKN

August

deal with it!

{from

th e

publisher}

“I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.”

Ashleigh Brilliant I love that quote. It sums up perfectly just how I feel when I’m having what I call an “Australia day.” When my children were young, one of their very favorite stories— that we read until we all could practically recite it without actually seeing the words— was Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. A plethora of calamitous mishaps (most are only calamitous if you’re an 8-year-old boy) occur during the course of Alexander’s tremendously rotten day.

After having all he can take, Alexander announces that he is moving to Australia.

Alexander’s savvy mom gives him some pretty good advice. Keeping it simple, she succinctly informs him that some days are just like that, even in Australia. It’s a children’s book, so author Judith Viorst had to soften it a little, but in a nutshell, the message is “It happens. Deal with it.”

This principle pretty much applies to every uncomfortable experience in life. Sometimes the only way to the other side is just to go through. There are things in life we can’t avoid, and things we can’t deny. We must simply deal.

Hence, my Australia days. We all have them. Some of us face extremely difficult challenges, such as health issues, financial strain, or marital problems that can cause us to feel that even the trivial frustrations of everyday life are just too much. My guess is that in those situations, the Australia days come quite frequently. And then there are times that lifechanging obstacles aren’t required—just the everyday “stuff ” we all deal with is

enough to feel as if we’re in the midst of an avalanche of petty annoyances. Sometimes, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to get back the joy that life sometimes seems to suck right out of me…unless, of course, I move to Australia.

I can’t hide it when I’m having an Australia day. Apparently it emanates from my face like a beacon in the night. It’s not that I’m mad, upset, or even sad, just preoccupied.

But, when I’m in this pensive state, my face defaults to a scowl, known now, thanks to social media, as “b%#&*y resting face” (or BRF). Because of my BRF, my family frequently thinks that I’m mad—at them!

In fact, the running joke in our house is for someone to ask, “Why is Mom mad?” to which someone else will reply “Because she’s awake!” Then there’s a cacophony of raucous laughter that is only quieted by a very direct scowl in their direction that has nothing to do with BRF. I think I’ll deal better, and as a result have fewer Australia days, if I work on my BRF. After all, I scare the bejeebies out of myself at times when I pass a reflective surface and see the horrible expression staring back at me. I can’t imagine how I must frighten others. What if I smiled instead? Don’t misunderstand: I know life’s problems can’t be solved with something as simple as a smile. We still have to deal. But I find when I smile, that joyful feeling isn’t so difficult to find after all; and having a joyful heart can make those petty annoyances seem, well, not so annoying.

And my guess is that when you focus on the things that bring you happiness in life, an escape to the wilds of Australia doesn’t seem like such a good idea after all.

-dana

. publisher

C o n tac t Da n a v i a e- m a i l at da n a @ l a k e n o r m a n wo m a n. c o m

dana nieters

Contents

August 2015

50

snag the summer-end deals!

40 42

38

12

brittany amodio, bacchus wine and tapas

in every issue 32

wo m e n o n th e m ov e

36

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34

5 thi n gs to d o i n Au gu s t

s c e ne w i th l k nw

Family “A� Is For App! Teaching Character To Young Children

Features a day in the life: Rachel Roff

14

she said what: Deal With It!

20

success story: Never Give Up

26

LKNW Spotlight: Still Making It Count

30

cover story: Facing Challenges

38

woman to watch: Brittany Amodio

48

success story: Embody Your Values

20

renee hall, hilton garden inn

48

50

46

tami puma, puma & associates realty

{

o n the c over: karen patterson of movement mortgage ph oto g r a ph y by:

chelsea bren

24

16

Finance Snag The Summer-End Deals!

Health Immunizations—A Real Shot In The Arm!

Home 10 Tips To Increase Your Home’s Value

Self What’s All The Fuss About Activated Charcoal?

22

Be True To Your Values & Yourself Every Day

28

We’re Gonna Need A Bigger Boat!

52

mind body spirit: Deal With The Here & Now

august 2015 |

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A Day in the Life…

of

Rachel Roff

Aesthetician & Owner & Founder of Urban Skin Solutions Pay i n g I t F o r wa r d

It never gets old to hear clients tell me how much I’ve changed their lives by improving their skin or helping them lose weight. I suffered from acne as a teen, which damaged my self-esteem; so I wanted to be an aesthetician and help others with their skin issues and, in turn, improve their self-esteem.

Wast e N ot !

My clients tell me about the hundreds of dollars they’ve wasted on skin care products that didn’t work. I am an ingredients guru, and I know what ingredients are necessary at specific strengths to successfully treat different skin conditions. And since the market lacked an effective line for skin conditions prominent in darker skin tones, I developed one—Urban Skin Rx!

N ot G o i n g To H app e n Failure keeps me motivated. Because it’s not an option, any time things get rough, I just keep going until I find a better way.

e a r to e a r : H e a r i n g th e l a u g h of m y 3 - y e a r - o l d da u g ht e r , Ros i e , d e f i n i t e ly makes me smile!

T h e A dv i so r My mother was a single mother for many years and put herself through law school at night while raising my brother, Jackson, and me. I still run all the concerns and issues in my life past her. She’s given me great advice that has led me to be the successful woman I am today.

D e a l i n g W i th It I handle rude people in the workplace by “killing” them with kindness. When I have a bad day, I order pizza and crawl in bed with my daughter and watch Frozen. I deal with seemingly insurmountable obstacles by relying on my support network of friends, family, clients, and staff—and the occasional focus group for a fresh perspective. © Cretolamna | Dreamstime.com

H o w W i l l I M a na g e ?

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I constantly strive to be a really great manager. I opened my business at 24, and I’ve definitely made my share of mistakes.

The best advice I can give is to lead by example. | august 2015

august 2015 |

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s h e s a i d w h at ?

Deal With It!

Problems come up on a regular basis in both work and life.

We’d all like to think we can always rise to any challenge with dignity and grace—and, of course, with a big bowl of ice cream! Whether it’s heartbreak, guilt, difficult people, or just plain bad luck, sometimes, we all have to just deal with it. Here’s how these Lake Norman women channel their inner superhero and manage to make it!

“I call my mommy! Really, I’ve come to realize everything happens for a reason. I hold my head high, take pride in my accomplishments, put forth my best effort, and dance in the rain. And if all else fails, a big glass of red wine next to a backyard fire never hurt anyone!”

Tonya Topazio Owner of Reel Academy of Lake Norman, Mooresville

“I breathe, learn the lesson, stay positive, and move on!” annie lewis Annie Lewis Event Planning, Davidson

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“I start planning! I start with the reality of what is happening and review my options, then I plan. I enjoy the creativity in determining the next right step. Knowing what I will do next puts me in a much happier place and makes me calmer.”

Cristy Carroll Owner, Wise HR Partnerships, Mooresville

“We all have a certain knowledge about how the universe works. Inevitably, someone comes along and challenges that knowledge. I deal with that by facing that challenge head on and just dealing with it as it comes!” melissa cruz Candlewood Suites, Mooresville

“I ask myself, ‘Can I change this situation?’ If the answer’s no, I put my head down, continue to work hard, and tune out the background noise. I’ve learned to control what I can control and let the other noise work itself out!”

Tracie Chan Owner of Madabolic, Huntersville august 2015 |

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self

What’s All the Fuss About

Activated Charcoal?

A c t i vat e d c h a r c oa l is making headlines because of its increased use in our everyday lives—and in our everyday products. Activated charcoal is basic charcoal combined with activating agents to make it more porous, which allows drugs and toxins to bind to it before they can be absorbed in the body. Although capsules are its most common form, activated charcoal is more convenient in powder form; and many prefer the charcoal made from coconut shells because it produces a high-quality coal without harming the environment. It can be purchased over-the-counter at most retailers and drugstores.

How We Use Activated Charcoal: Tummy Troubles

Activated charcoal helps to clean the digestive tract by bonding to the toxins or bacteria that cause food poisoning.

It can also relieve stomach cramps, acid reflux, indigestion, and gas.

Water and Air Filters

Its absorption abilities effectively clean air and water when used in filtering systems. Also, many people use it in outdoor ponds to keep the water clean and their aquatic pets healthy.

Facial Mask

Combine a teaspoon each of activated charcoal powder, water, and aloe vera to draw impurities from your skin. Leave mask on until it dries, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Teeth Whitening Accidental Poisoning or Drug Overdose*

Use about a teaspoon and the natural adhesive qualities help fight surface stains, such as coffee, tea, and wine.

According to the Mayo Clinic, activated charcoal should be used as soon as the overdose or poison ingestion is discovered, preferably within an hour.

However, they specify that it is not effective on all toxins and drugs, especially corrosive agents. Always contact a poison control center immediately and let them know you have activated charcoal on hand.

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Combine with baking soda, apply to the bite, and cover with a bandage. The activated charcoal draws out the toxins and relieves the sting.

Nutritional Supplements

Some people take activated charcoal as a nutritional supplement to rid the body of toxins, decrease cholesterol, and even prevent hangovers.

However, there is insufficient research substantiating its daily, ingested benefits.

*Consult your physician before taking or using activated charcoal. And if you suspect poisoning or drug overdose, call 911 first.

For more activated charcoal information, visit these websites:

Bug Bites

The Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.org

© Soloistnan | Dreamstime.com

The Natural Medicine Journal www.naturalmedicinejournal.com

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration www.fda.gov

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never

Give Up By: Leslie Ogle photography by: chelsea bren

in his famous commencement speech, Winston Churchill said, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.” Clearly making a point with his repetition, Churchill’s message was succinct and direct: Never Give Up! And for Renee Hall, director of sales with Hilton Garden Inn in Mooresville, these words have served her well as she has never given up on her family, her career, or herself !

In 1941,

Renee grew up in Kimble, West Virginia, but has made North Carolina home since moving here to work for Hilton Hotels. Having worked in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years, Renee says she “always wanted to do something in the hospitality arena. When I was a child, I wanted to be a stewardess—the travel, the adventure, meeting all kinds of people—that really appealed to me.” Her social nature combined with a passion for helping others made Renee a perfect fit for her chosen career. In October 2014, Renee received the Hilton Garden Inn director of sales merit award. She was one of four individuals from more than 600 around the world to win this prestigious award.

Renee’s stick-with-it-ness has also helped her deal with life’s personal challenges. “I just dust myself off and keep going, no matter what,” she contends. “And when you raise five children as a single mother, you have to be strong and keep going.”

Renee’s perseverance and fortitude paid enormous dividends with her first-born daughter, Alicia. At 16, Renee put up her baby for adoption in order to give her child the best possible life.

Later, after years of searching, Renee was ecstatic to find not only her daughter, but also that Alicia had been looking for her as well! “When we finally met, it was amazing,” Renee beams.

“We looked alike; our mannerisms were alike; we even gave our sons the same name: Elijah; it was phenomenal! We are best friends, and it has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

Renee Hall Hilton garden inn mooresville, nc

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Among Renee’s gifts, she’s quick to point out, are her four other children: Brittany, 27; Bryan, 26; Elijah, 16; and Taylor, 13. And finally, despite admitting not having had the best success in past relationships, Renee found her one-and-only true love and soulmate. In a case of serendipity, the pair grew up just streets apart from one another in West Virginia, and ran into each other years later at a reunion. The rest, as they say, is history.

Recognizing all her blessings, Renee is also exceedingly grateful for her parents. “My parents have been my lifelong inspiration,” she smiles. “They are smart, successful, and the salt of the earth.

They raised me to not only be a woman, but a lady, too. They were my providers, my life coaches, and my support system when I faltered. They taught me how to cope in life and always look for the positives—and, of course, to never, ever give up!”

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self

be true to your values & Yourself Every Day

3

Reflect on a time when you were truly happy.

What values were being honored?

4

When have you or may you compromise your values?

Why? How do you rebalance?

By: Katie Stankiewicz

I had the dream job: working for one of the top NASCAR drivers. Yet at the end of the day, something wasn’t “right.” When I started in racing, I had a passion and drive like no other. I loved the challenge, the travel, the camaraderie and, of course, the taste of victory!

Still, there came a point in my career in which things started to change.

I realized I was sacrificing my true self in order to stay ahead as a woman in a male-dominated sport.

To m a n y,

I was blessed with a wonderfully fulfilling career in racing, but I knew that I needed to refocus my priorities. For me, there was more to life than working on racecars and living out of a suitcase 36+ weekends a year. The following activity, developed by the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, opened my eyes, allowed me to reflect, and began my journey.

What are core values?

Core values are principles that people live by and that motivate them. There are two sets of values: fear-based and conscious-based. Fear-based are the “have-to” things in life; we take action in order to avoid consequences. Conscious-based are the “want to” things in life; they are what we want to honor in our everyday lives in order to live a happy and healthy life.

1

2

Review these 20 words: - Abundance

- Freedom

- Respect

- Avoidance

- Holistic Living

- Self-Care

- Beauty

- Honesty

- Service

- Communication

- Intimacy

- Spirituality

- Creativity

- Leadership

- Truth

- Excellence

- Nature

- Vitality

- Family

- Professionalism

Circle your top 5 core values.

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5 Write and restate them as “I am” statements.

_________ I amI am_________

6 Revisit your “I am” statements, and integrate them into your daily life.

For example: One of my core values is family; my daily intention is: “I am Family.”

Because the racing schedule can be crazy, quality family time is sacrificed. To honor my value and expand quality family time meant changing careers.

I don’t necessarily recommend quitting your job and starting over from scratch, but it is necessary to evaluate your life and to discover methods for personal improvement. For myself, I incorporated my lifelong love of horses—and their acutely powerful therapeutic abilities to help humans—into my personal career rebalancing. People and horses have been connected for centuries. Equineassisted activities are coming to the forefront in therapeutic and learning modalities; the use of horses in ground-based sessions are successful and powerful.

While I no longer race for the checkered flag, it’s most gratifying to witness the joy as clients realize their inner balance and true potential while working with horses. For me, the transformation of a horse enthusiast to a professional dedicated to sharing the benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy and life coaching have become my passion. Every day, I can honor my core values. As Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

Katie Stankiewicz is the owner of Mind, Body & Sole Equine Care, Willow Equine-Assisted Therapy, and Willow Ridge Coaching. A certified life coach and certified equine specialist, Katie specializes in equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning. For more information, visit www.willowequinetherapy.com or www.willowridgecoaching.com, or call 704.237.0644.

The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) is based in Shrewsbury, NJ. For more information, visit www.ipeccoaching.com.

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10 T i p s to 10 common items

that haven’t been updated that may hurt your home sale:

. Brass doorknobs

and shower frames

. Lighting fixtures . Builder-grade carpet, interior paint, and yellow oak floors

. Original oak kitchen cabinets

. Laminate

countertops

. Bathrooms with

30-inch cabinets or smaller and laminate floors

. White or black appliances

. Original paint on

doors, shutters, and trim

. HVAC systems and water heaters

. Doorbell Maureen Roberge is the owner, broker, and realtor with LKNHomes.com in Cornelius.

For more information, visit www.lknhomes.com, or call Maureen at 704.323.9222.

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Increase Your Home’s Value By: Maureen Roberge

O f t e n , b u y e r s looking in established neighborhoods end up purchasing new construction—so if you’re trying to sell your home, these few basic updates will keep your home competitive with newer homes in the area.

With a budget in hand, use these suggestions to make your home look fresh and new:

1 C ho o s e one th e m e .

My first choice is brushed nickel or even antique bronze; but be consistent throughout the home. Change all the hinges and doorknobs, including on your exterior doors, front-door kick plate, and garage door.

2 E x a m ine yo u r ce i l i n g f i x t u r e s .

If you have a simple light in a bedroom, consider replacing with a ceiling fan-light fixture combo with remote. Make sure to consult a qualified contractor to ensure you have the correct ceiling fan box to carry the weight. Keep styles consistent throughout the home.

3 U pdate pa int.

Neutralize every room. Consider popular paint colors Revere Pewter or Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams.

4 U pdate f lo o ri n g .

First floors should have a great 6-inch-wide plank hardwood, engineered hardwood, or for the homes on slabs, a 12-inch commercial-grade hand-scraped laminate that looks like hardwood. These floorings look great and don’t scratch easily (especially great for pets!). To make your home appear larger maintain one type of flooring. If you love to feel carpet under your feet, carpet in the bedroom is still popular. Go with a light or medium beige Frieze carpet, and include a high quality 8-pound pad for longevity.

5 U pdate the k i tc h e n .

The kitchen leaves the most lasting impression. Choose a 42inch cabinet in medium to dark cherry or off-white. While

© Phasinphoto | Dreamstime.com

there are some new countertop products on the market, granite is still the most popular. Select a pattern that isn’t too busy and ranges from light to medium brown tones.

6 Attac k t h e bat h r o om s .

Start in the master and replace 30-inch cabinets with 36- to 40-inch cabinets in medium cherry or dark walnut.

Select a granite countertop without a busy pattern.

Replace laminate with an 18-inch light or medium beige tile with light-colored grout. Choose a seamless shower frame and door to be sure to impress.

7 U p g r a de a p p l i a n c e s .

Choose stainless steel appliances. Stay with the same brand to keep consistency.

8 F r e s h e n t h e e x t e r i or.

To make your home pop, paint the front door and shutters black or a dark color that compliments your siding. Avoid greens or bright blues.

9 R e p lace m e c h a n i c a l s ys tem s .

If your system is ten years or older, it will soon need replacing. This is one of buyers’ biggest concerns. Because these are expensive items, consider buying a home warranty.

10 D on ’ t l e t yo u r do orb ell hit a s o u r n ot e .

This may seem trivial, but if buyers notice the doorbell is broken, they will assume you haven’t taken care of the rest of the house. This detail can make a good first impression!

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Sh i n e

on!

LKNw Spotlight

still Making It Count By: dana nieters

You first met Kristin McCoy last August in an article on “Making It Count.” Kristin, who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, deals with the effects of the disease with hope and courage each and every day.

LKNW checked in with Kristin to see how she is doing.

Kristin & daughter Ashleigh at Grand Canyon L K N W : You were diagnosed with ALS in 2012. How are you feeling today?

The last 12 months have been remarkable. My progression continues to be slow. There haven’t been significant changes in my weak legs, and my breathing and upper body strength continue to be very strong. I am participating in a new drug trial that may slow progression. I am still so very hopeful for a cure!

L K N W : Last year, you mentioned that

you were not about to let ALS keep you from enjoying life. In fact, you were in the process of knocking off a number of adventurous items on your bucket list.

What kind of exciting things have you been up to this year?

Some bucket list items we’ve checked off since last year include vacationing with Ashleigh in Las Vegas and Arizona, riding roller coasters, and going to see Ohio State play Michigan in the Horseshoe—

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that was awesome! And, a dream come true, Bob and I renewed our wedding vows in the chapel at Bald Head Island, one of our favorite places to visit.

L K N W : Tell me about your continued work with ALS fundraising. How much have you raised thus far? Have you been involved in other efforts?

I am determined to be a powerful advocate, a dedicated fundraiser, and a strong voice. In the last two years, we have raised over $100,000 for patient care, advocacy, and research. Last September, we raised more than $50,000 at the Mission Possible—A Cure for ALS event.

We hope to raise even more this year. In April, our team was the top fundraiser at the Charlotte ALS Walk, raising almost $28,000. We also attended a secondchance prom where raised funds went toward the walk. Events such as these are so important because monies raised go directly to helping families like mine.

L K N W : You have such an indomitable spirit, even though you face challenges most of us can’t even imagine. How do you cope?

It has been difficult to deal with the diagnosis of ALS. Each day, I choose to surround myself with things that make me happy. My faith, family, friends, and hope give me purpose and a drive to make every day be as close to perfect as

Girls trip to Myrtle Beach

Kristin McCoy I can make it. I don’t wake up searching for hope—it lives inside of me. My decisions are to live stress free, to be a positive influence, and to be a fighter. I will stand up against this disease; and during challenging times, if I can’t stand, I’ll kneel (of course, I will need help getting back up!). If ALS does take me from this earth, I have hope in front of me because I will once again be able to walk and run, but then, on streets paved with gold.

Kristin & hubby Bob renewing their vows

Here’s how you can help:

5,600

people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year (That’s 15 new cases a day). There is an urgent need for effective treatments for this devastating and fatal disease.

Attend the 3rd Annual Mission Impossible Event: A Cure For ALS When: Thursday, September 17,

5:30 p.m.

Where: The Palmer Building (2601 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC) Cost: $50 (includes food &

entertainment)

How: Purchase tickets online

or make donation at www.mdaevent.org/missionpossible2015 See page 47 for more details

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self

We’re Gonna Need a

Bigger

Boat!

You are more likely to be struck by lightning, make a hole-in-one as an amateur golfer, or win the Powerball Jackpot than to be bitten by a shark.

Most shark attacks occur in shallow water close to the shore, between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m.

In 2008, a polar bear jaw was found in the stomach of a Greenland shark—wow!

S wimmin g W ith S har k s

The Shark Attack Capital of the World is New Smyrna Beach in Florida. If you have swum at this beach, you have likely been within 10 feet of a shark.

a tense summer for beach swimmers! But don’t blame the sharks—we’re in their environment. Actually, we should be more worried about what humans are doing to the sharks. Many face extinction, including the tiger, nurse, and whale shark. The National Geographic Society very conservatively estimates that humans kill approximately 100 million sharks a year. If sharks were to die out, the effects would be devastating to the maritime ecosystem and to our planet overall. We must respect and protect these often misunderstood fish.

Shark attacks are almost exclusively a case of mistaken identity. They bite, realize you are not on their menu, and then retreat. Because their bite is so great, even a test bite can be serious.

It’s been

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It is safer to swim in groups because sharks are more likely to attack lone swimmers. If you are attacked, pound them on the nose and head.

Sharks have a keen sense of blood, so never go into the water with a wound of any kind. Most sharks can smell one drop of blood in the amount of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Leave your shiny, sparkly, bright-colored jewelry or clothing on the beach. Experts say sharks mistake the glistening for fish scales, i.e., dinner!

Sharks hang out in estuaries, inlets, and near steep drop-offs, so avoid these areas. Avoid excessive splashing and horseplay; sharks are attracted to such activity, mistaking it for wounded prey, i.e. an easy meal!

For more information on sharks, visit the National Geographic Society at www.nationalgeographic.com or The Shark Research Institute at www.sharks.org.

Facing challenges

By: Amy Hallman | photography by: chelsea bren

Karen F o r a n y o n e who’s ever been too afraid to take a chance or to make a decision in fear of making a life-changing wrong turn, Karen can tell you that all you have to do is follow your heart and your instinct—and sometimes be willing to make a U-turn.

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Pa t t e r s o n

is a senior mortgage loan officer for Movement Mortgage in Cornelius. She is excited by the growth of her company; it has surpassed our region’s biggest banks in mortgage-employee numbers.

Since January alone, the company has added 400 new people. For anybody who’s ever bought a house, the most remarkable fact may be that Movement Mortgage’s business model includes underwriting a mortgage loan within six hours and processing the loan within seven days. While Karen admits that this is an exciting part of her job, she most enjoys the work atmosphere, where

returned to the mortgage industry. Karen chose not to go in as a loan originator, rather she started over as a loan processor because so many of the industry’s rules had changed since the mortgage crash. Before long, her former boss found Karen on LinkedIn, and it was Karen’s work ethic he knew he wanted at his firm, a job Karen wasn’t even looking for at the time. And before she knew it, Karen, and the respectable commodity she had created, joined Movement Mortgage, enthusiastic, happy, and hopeful for the future.

the operational philosophy puts God first, family and then, work. They recognize employees’ contributions and efforts in additional ways. “Everyone likes getting up and coming to work,” Karen says. “In addition to regular recognition, we also have this attitude of preparedness so that if a coworker needs assistance with groceries or medical expenses, we’re able to help out, just like family.”

One doesn’t have to look hard to know why Karen values such camaraderie: she has staged a career comeback of her own. In 2005, married with two middle school daughters, Karen knew what many professional working

mothers know: Time is precious and fleeting when you’re raising children. She decided to take time off to be with the girls, to volunteer in their schools, and just to value that short time in their lives as teenagers. But the 2008 recession was making waves in the mortgage industry as early as 2006.

In 2008, when Karen started looking for work again, she found that most businesses simply were not hiring. She says she found that direct-sales businesses could not generate enough income; and, to become more marketable, Karen earned her real estate license in 2009. However, she ultimately

What Karen did at the beginning of her career created her legendary work ethic, making her invaluable to potential employers. As a young girl, the only sister to five brothers, who had to ride the school bus an hour each way until she could drive herself, was determined that she was “going to be somebody.” And that determination stayed with her. After high school, faced with the choice of college tuition or a used car— albeit with doors that wouldn’t open—Karen chose the car. At least that way she could drive to King’s Department Store for $3.35 an hour and to more part-time work in the bridal registry at Belk’s to save money for community college. She says her plan wasn’t ideal, but she

was determined. And she dealt with it the best way she could.

She got a job as an escrow clerk in a local bank.

By 1997, she was in charge of developing the entire mortgage loan department from the ground up at Piedmont Bank in Statesville. “I came into work on the first day the bank was opened, and on my desk there were already 12 mortgage applications that tellers had taken from customers,” Karen recalls.

“Those 80-hour weeks were challenging! We didn’t yet have contracts with mortgage wholesale companies to work with; and back then, we sent files by fax or Federal Express!” Karen would go on to head mortgage divisions within large banks until she left the industry in 2005.

“I really thought I was done,” she says. “I didn’t hesitate, and I didn’t mind letting go of all my contacts. I had some great ones—but I was committed to being home for my family.

“My daughters are better creatures than I ever was,” Karen smiles, referring to Regan, who just graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill, and Morgan, who will enter Appalachian State University this fall. What drove me was and is my daughters. And I knew, much of their outcomes in life would depend on my being a role model for them.” august 2015 |

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women o n

t h e

m o v e

Laura Americo, with Lake Norman Eye Care in Mooresville, recently completed an apprenticeship with the North Carolina Board of Opticians. This 3.5-year program requires study under a licensed doctor, a 6-month internship, and is followed by a nine-part exam to become licensed.

Laura currently handles LKN Eye’s lab and prescription orders.

Keely Thompson, with Lake Norman Eye Care in Mooresville, recently passed all examinations to become a certified paraoptometric.

Keeley handles all of LKN Eye’s patient pre-exams and macular and retinal testing.

The Executive Women of LKN has

selected the Lake NormanChristian Mission as its charity of the year. Their quarterly social at Port City Club in May netted 75 Sarah Johnson Photography pounds of food and more than $295 in donations for the Christian Mission.

Attorney Erika Erlenbach, of The McIntosh Law Firm in Davidson, was recently installed as president of the North Mecklenburg Rotary Club.

Rotary District 7680 Governor, Ken Dresser, was at the annual meeting to swear in Erika and the 2015 board. Erika, a graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute, has served in the Rotary club since 2009. A Paul Harris Fellow, Erika is also a member of the Rotary District Distinguished Clown Corps, and has twice received the club’s President’s Award.

Owners Anitra and Brad Mitchell and Charlotte Parris recently

opened their second location of Mainstream Boutique in Mooresville.

Their first location is in Winston Salem.

Mainstream Boutique is a women’s retail clothing and accessories franchise, based in Minnesota. Currently, there are 50 boutiques in 16 states.

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calendar 5 T hin g s A n L K N

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Saturday, Aug. 1:

6th Annual Back 2 School Bash 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mooresville High School, Magnolia Campus, 659 E. Center Ave., Mooresville

Register your K-12 student online; all students must pre-register for tennis shoes. All backpacks, school supplies, and tennis shoes are free.

All activities are free, including food, games, and entertainment.

Missed this one? Statesville and Troutman are also having Back 2 School Bashes on Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information on all these events, visit www.b2sb.org , or to make your tax-deductible donation and to volunteer for this year’s events.

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Friday, Aug. 14:

Ace & TJ’s Grin Kids Charity Golf Tournament Registration, 8 a.m.; Tournament, 10 a.m.

Birkdale Golf Club, 16500 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Huntersville Join a team and play for a great cause: Grin Kids enhances the lives of children, ages 5-12, who are terminally ill or chronically handicapped, and their families. This 12th annual fundraiser is part of the weekendlong series of activities, and includes beer, an ice cream truck, games, contests, and food provided by PF Chang’s and Jersey Mike’s Subs. For more information, visit www.grinkidsgolf.com.

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The Cornelius Cultural Arts Group invites the community downtown every second Friday.

Hosted by Bella Love, this monthly art crawl features local, talented, and original artists, as well as live performances, food trucks, and local businesses.

Friday, Aug. 28:

Movies in the Park presents The LEGO Movie Park opens at 6 p.m.; Movie starts at Dusk North Meck Park, 16131 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville Bring your picnic, chairs, and blankets to this outside movie event. Also, there will be food trucks, entertainment, and contests.

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Sponsored by the Cornelius police and PARC departments, the annual event supports community safety and crime prevention. This free, familyoriented evening is filled with food, entertainment, and children’s activities.

2nd Friday Bella Love Art Crawl 6-10 p.m.

Oak St. Mill, 19725 Oak St., Cornelius

Monday, Aug. 10:

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Tuesday, Aug. 4:

National Night Out 6-8 p.m.

Jetton Village, 19818 N. Cove Rd., Cornelius

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“ Scene”

w i t h

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Be Scene L a k e N orman W oman is getting out and about each month, looking for great events and the fabulous and exciting Lake Norman people who are making them happen! So next time you’re at a chamber event, a new business in the area, or just out having fun, look for Lake Norman Woman and our camera. Who knows, you just might find yourself in next month’s “ Sc ene W i t h L a k e Norman Woman ! ”

LKNW’s Stephanie with Ni’Kae Guti, state finalist in National American Miss pageant

LKNW’s Sandy with Luisa Ferrell, stylist from UNI Salon in the university area

LKNW’s Dana with golfing partners Bill McCreery, Kerry Earnhardt, and Denise Williams at Lake Norman Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament at Trump National Golf Course in June

LKNW’s Amy with Kaitlin Rogers of Discovery Place, with juggler and entertainer Steve Langley (background) at Discovery Place Kids in Huntersville. Steve broke the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest bubble chain inside earlier.

Lee and Ale Warden—and their adorable dog, Aspen—owners of Brushy Mountain Outdoors in Mooresville

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LKNW’s Sandy and Stephanie with Tammy Stowe, from Monarch Mortgage; Debi Gallo; Cathy Bailey, and Susie Raymond, from Debi Gallo & Associates at the River Oaks open house

LKNW’s Stephanie with Jeanne Dorbuck, from Debi Gallo Realty

LKNW’s Dana with the Debi Gallo team at open house of River Oaks at Lake Norman LKNW’s Stephanie and Sandy with Debi Gallo, owner and broker with Debi Gallo & Associates

LKNW’s Dana with golfing partners Wendy Moran, from People’s Bank, and Denise Williams, at River Oaks open house

LKNW’s Stephanie with Tammy Stowe, from Monarch Mortgage, at River Oaks open house

View more Scene photos & more at our Facebook page: Facebook.com/ LakeNormanWoman

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brittanyamodio LKNW recognizes a woman doing exceptional work in the Lake Norman community, a leader who is paving the way to changing our attitudes and inspire confidence in the future.

on Being a Restaurateur: Daniel and I have always had a passion for all types of food and great wine, which sparked our interest to open our first wine bar and restaurant in Lake Norman. My Italian-American heritage inspired me to take it further than just an idea; my family has owned a couple restaurants up North over the years. We love creating new menu items and choosing exquisite wines; and it’s so gratifying when others appreciate—and enjoy—all the hard work and passion we put into our business. on Dealing With Fear: I have a severe fear of flying on an airplane.

While I do fly when necessary this fear has really consumed me! I am determined to get over this fear so I can live my dream of seeing the world. You have to think positively, push through and, if you really put your mind to it, your dreams will become reality. on Gratitude: I am so thankful

for my family and being able to spend quality time with them. My son, Trysten, is 8, and it is just pure joy to watch him grow. Also, I never take our business for granted—we are truly blessed to have had the opportunity, and I thank the incredible people of Lake Norman for their support.

Brittany Amodio bacchus wine and tapas mooresville, nc

on Life Down the Road: I’d love to retire with a cottage in Tuscany or a flat in London to spend my time wining and dining. I want to experience different cultures firsthand, see how they grow their grapes, and enjoy the wines directly from the source.

Brittany Amodio co-owns, with husband Daniel Amodio, Bacchus Wine and Tapas at 138 Village View Dr., Ste. 107, in Mooresville in Langtree. For hours and more information, contact them at www.bacchuslkn.com or 704.997.2851.

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” A

”app!

Is For

MerriamWebster’s Dictionary App www.merriam-webster.com

back-to-school apps are available for Android and iOS, at Android Market, iTunes, or the app websites, to help you get ahead of the game.

These popular

MyHomework www.myhomeworkapp.com Whether you want to manage homework, tests, projects, or class schedules, this handy student planner app will keep you organized.

It also syncs across other devices so you’re always covered.

EasyBib www.easybib.com This app lets you easily generate citations and create bibliographies. You can even scan the bar code on the back of the book, and the app will save the citation along with your other sources.

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Grammar App www.taptolearn.com What kind of writers would we be if we didn’t recommend something to help you with your grammar skills? Grammar App will help students with the basics of writing, such as grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary.

Everyone needs a dictionary at their fingertips, and this app offers all the definitions from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary along with synonyms, antonyms, example sentences, and Word of the Day. You can even use the voice search feature so you don’t have to know the spelling to look up a word.

Cram www.cram.com Cram is an easy-to-use app that lets users create their own flashcards or search the enormous library of cards submitted by others. Apart from its superb functionality, this app boasts many features, including multiple-choice quizzes, which can be downloaded and shared.

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family

Teaching

Character to Young Children By: Stacey K. Hinman

environment. Have your child take care of his very own plant.

This fun task will promote responsibility while also teaching the importance of caring for the world around him.

E v e r y pa r e n t wants his or her child to develop traits such as compassion, generosity, and kindness; but just like math and reading skills, the traits associated with good character must be nurtured and developed over time. The earlier these softer skills are fostered in young children, the more likely they are to be successful in school and later in life.

Research shows that from birth to age 5, the brain develops more rapidly than at any other time in life. Nurturing the development of compassion, independence, and resilience during these years is just as crucial as setting the stage for other proficiencies.

As the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child states, “The early years lay the foundation for a wide range of later developmental outcomes that really matter— self-confidence, sound mental health, and motivation to learn and achievement in school and later in life.”

When teaching your little one something as intangible as character, it’s important to provide hands-on learning opportunities and reinforce those lessons in a variety of ways. Here are some tips:

Build an understanding of different traits.

Even at a young age, children begin to

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Make time for handson learning.

Children get most excited about giving back when they are able to experience it first hand.

Introduce your child to helping those in need by starting small in your community. Whether it’s collecting coats for a clothing drive or making cards for the local nursing home, it’s heartwarming to see your child begin to understand the huge impact a simple project can have.

Remember, young children learn through repetition and observation. One of the best ways to teach your children © Nicolegardner | Dreamstime.com about character is to lead by example and demonstrate those build their understanding of important important soft skills, which they will learn character traits, such as generosity, respect, to imitate over time. and gratitude. When reading with your child, take the opportunity to discuss Stacey K. Hinman is the positive traits that the characters possess franchise owner of Primrose School of Lake Norman. and apply it to real-life experiences.

Introduce important life skills.

Children are never too young to begin learning essential life skills, such as manners, safety, and caring for the

Primrose Schools is a national family of dedicated leaders serving children, families, and communities in our premier accredited early education and care schools. To learn more, visit www.primroselakenorman.com or call 704.658.0460. For more parenting tips, visit our 360 Parenting blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/360Parenting.

i n

t h e

704.608.9470 AnnieLewisEventPlanning.com Over 20 years of experience planning Corporate, Non-Profit & Milestone events

c a r d s

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health

Immunizations A R e a l S h o t i n t h e Arm !

Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough and is especially important for pregnant women and others who are regularly around infants. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Before vaccines, as many as 200,000 cases of diphtheria, 200,000 cases of pertussis, and hundreds of cases of tetanus were reported in the United States each year. Since vaccination began, reports of cases for tetanus and diphtheria have dropped by about 99 percent and for pertussis by about 80 percent.”

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one case of polio rapidly spread into an epidemic, causing area hospitals—including Charlotte Memorial—to close their doors to any new patients. Hickory and surrounding Catawba County communities quickly came together and opened the Hickory Emergency Infantile Paralysis Hospital in less than three days. This speedy and exemplary war on polio became known as “The Miracle of Hickory.”

I n H i c ko ry i n t h e s u m m e r o f 1 9 4 4 ,

Polio is now among the many diseases that have been eradicated in the United States, thanks to the vaccine, dedicated health care professionals, and responsible parenting. Many other diseases that once routinely took thousands of lives have all but disappeared. However, properly scheduled vaccination is imperative, or diseases we thought were eliminated will reemerge.

Because of the communal lifestyle of college dormitories,

students are advised to update the meningococcal conjugate vaccine. If they received the vaccination before their 16th birthday, a booster is recommended.

Studies show that immunization prevents up to 80 percent of meningococcal meningitis in young adults. This vaccine protects against four strains of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease, including the most common and most dangerous: meningitis and septicemia.

The CDC recommends that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine should be given to children at age 11 and especially to women through age 26 to protect against cervical and other cancers.

Gardasil was the first HPV vaccine to be approved by the FDA in 2006. Since that time, much controversy has emerged—including claims of inefficacy, adverse side effects, and inadequate medical trials.

However, research contends that the vaccine is safe and effective; supporters include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the CDC.

A n a n n ua l f l u va c c i nat i o n is recommended for everyone over 6 months old (except in rare situations that involve certain allergies and/or preexisting illnesses). According to CDC literature, recently, the flu vaccination was associated with a more than 70 percent reduction in flu-related hospitalizations.

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For more information on immunizations, contact CDC at 800.232.4636 or www.cdc.gov/vaccines. For information on North Carolina vaccination requirements, visit www.immunize.nc.gov or call 919.707.5575.

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three years. But with a 65-hour work week, Tami missed her family.

“For three years, it wasn’t uncommon to find me cooking dinner, with my laptop opened on the table, right beside my children and their homework,” Tami says. “I wanted to do everything 100 percent, but nothing felt perfect.” Also, Tami struggled with the corporate management “distance” expectation. “Managers are supposed to distance themselves, and I missed connecting with individuals. Conversations needed to be more impersonal and focused on work only.”

At the same time, Tami saw Phil building a successful real-estate company—successful because A. they closed $68 million in the last year, and B. it embodied the work environment Tami longed for. So, together, the Pumas decided to deal with it and make a great change.

With their children in mind, Gianna and Matthew, now 10 and 7, Tami jumped off that corporate track.

Tami Puma puma & associates realty cornelius, nc

Embody Your

Values

By: Amy Hallman | photography by: chelsea bren

Phil and Tami Puma, owners of Puma & Associates Realty in Cornelius, didn’t set out to work together. Originally from Rome, New York, Tami studied political and environmental sciences and economics. She had planned to enter law school in Washington, DC, where Tami had completed a civil-rights-law internship. Still, the couple, flexible though determined to choose the best possible option for their careers, decided to visit the South. After stopping in Charlotte, in route to Atlanta, Tami and Phil were home.

H i g h s c h o o l s w e e t h e a rt s

For years, Tami worked in corporate banking. At 37, she was a senior vice president in special assets, with four promotions in

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“The first month, I organized all the closets,” Tami laughs. “And Gianna was so excited when I volunteered to be room mom!”

She became PTO secretary, and volunteered to teach Junior Achievement (financial literacy education). “Now, I can go to Gianna’s gymnastics or one of Matty’s multiple sports events without worrying about work. Before, when I was there, I still wasn’t there.”

Tami and Phil realized that not only could they work together but that they should. In January, the selfproclaimed spreadsheet fanatic started managing business operations. Admitting each staff member is irreplaceable, Tami says, “Our philosophy for treating employees like family naturally extends to our clients. If your employees are happy, they will treat clients the right way; it’s the foundation of great customer service.”

Each year the Pumas host a “sign the holiday card” staff dinner. For July 4th, they introduced spirit week, with activities, games, a lunchtime-cookout, and a surprise: sending everyone home early for the holiday! Tami says their Italian-family heritage does influence the office atmosphere, stocking its kitchen with fresh and homemade items—and porcelain dishes. Phil’s mother, Ida, has prepared lasagna, eggplant parmesan, and cutlets for the team in this “home away from home.” Even past clients are overjoyed with continual invitations to regular happy-hour events. “People aren’t a transaction; we treat clients like family and friends,” Tami says. “We build personal relationships because we enjoy people; and we want to maintain that connection. We want our clients to be clients for life.”

This year so far, Puma Realty has had 200 deals closed and three record-breaking months. And last month, Phil began mentoring and coaching realtors nationally, via The Core Training, Inc. Tami is happy she dismissed the distance: “We celebrate family milestones, have lunch with our kids or with colleagues, without fixating on a time card. Phil and I communicate better, and we’re leaving work at work. We talk, instead, about our dreams for our children. I’m smiling more; I’m really happy.”

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$ $

finance

$

$

Snag the Summer-end Deals!

$

Who doesn’t love a deal? While none of us wants to think about back-to-school season just yet, it may be time to plan those bigger purchases. The end-of-the-summer deals are right around the corner!

Nic

e Ride You can save 15 percent or more on new vehicle a in August an d September because new models deb ut in the fall. Accordin g to Consum er Reports, “Buying a ye ar-end close out model makes par tic ular sense if you plan to keep the ve hicle for five year s or long Otherwise, er. you’ll lose o ut on the tr in value bec adeause cars se e their bigge depreciation st in their fir st year.”

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er s, blue shir ts, so ck jea reduced s, and underwear, ns, up to 30 will be percent retailer s. by ma An to colleg d with kids headin ny e, you w g off ill fin on towe ls, sheets d great deals , coffeem microwa aker s, ves, a items for nd other househ o equippin apar tme g a dorm ld nt in late o r July and e ar ly Augu st.

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r Day drop , pric on and t airfare, ho es tels, Mond heme p a are u ays and T r ks. ue su to fin ally the be sdays d che s ticket aper t days email s. Also, sig air line n p on to rice aler t up for s to s p of vario us of tay fer s.

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lies, Grills, pool supp ping m ca patio furniture, lies— pp su n equipment, law be ill w s m ite e es all of th om ro e reduced to mak inventor y. for new winter rts says po Re er Consum may be outdoor items h as 50 uc slashed as m ptember.

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For more information on the best time to buy what, visit www.consumerreports.org.

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better me

…

better you

…

better world

Mind Body Spirit The mind, body, and spirit are intimately connected. Because unhealthy thoughts and emotions can create a vicious cycle that leads to unhealthy physical patterns, we can choose a victorious path that includes a positive, healing, uplifting spiral. By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

Deal With The

Here & Now By: john j. ballas, dc

the summer is coming to an end. Where does the time go? Last week, a patient said he was feeling particularly stressed and anxious. I recommended what immediately comes to mind: being adjusted and massaged regularly, exercising, and taking his fish oil and vitamin D. But I also asked him to describe his daily quiet time. Unfortunately, the only regular time he took for himself involved reading the newspaper. Reading the newspaper definitely does not top any list of a good calming activity.

I t i s u n b e l i e va b l e

More than any other country in the world, Americans focus on the Do list. Going to work, making money, purchasing things for our kids, getting to the soccer game, and cutting the lawn are just the beginning. While these things are important, the problem arises when our Do list overshadows our Be list. When the Do list becomes overwhelming, the body responds by sending a signal: anxiety. Before we let our whole summer—or perhaps an entirely bigger season of our lives—get past us, we should recognize our own present-time consciousness (PTC) and how we can embrace the present a little more.

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Consider these five things to ensure your Be is as important as your Do.

1. Use an Hour of Power.

Your quiet time doesn’t have to be exactly one hour, but it does need to be scheduled. Whether 15, 30, or 60 minutes, create a period of time without television or social media distraction or other interruptions. Reading, praying, or meditating daily is one of the greatest selfinvestments. Mediation relieves stress and has been scientifically proven to create structural changes in the part of the brain that monitors focus and self-control.

2. Unplug some stuff.

Consider your nervous system like a wall outlet with multiple jacks. When you plug too many things in, you’ll short the circuit.

Be present with the people around you.

But sitting in the same room with someone while swiping through your smartphone is not the same as looking at someone and responding from the heart when he talks.

Enjoy family time at the dinner table, free from electronic distractions, and connect with the people important to you.

3. Read, and read some more.

Choose uplifting books to inspire your soul or books with information to help you grow as a person. Learning is lifelong, so use this time to research a new skill or interest.

4. Remove toxic people from your life.

One of our chiropractic mentors says, “Surround yourself by people who build you up in strong and noble thought.” When you release negative people, it doesn’t need to be in anger; but release them with love for yourself. It’s better to be lonely for a while than surrounded by people who suck the very life out of you, reducing your energy.

5. Practice PTC.

If you worry about something you did or that may happen later, then you aren’t being present. You can’t change the past, and just worrying about something that is only a possibility right now is pointless.

Similarly, if you fear the future, you aren’t being present. The only moment you can control is this moment. Your power lies in the present.

Dr. John J. Ballas, a Charlotte native, has been practicing chiropractic medicine for 16 years. He is a certified chiropractic sports physician, specializing in Cox flexion distraction technique, applied kinesiology, acupuncture and Kennedy spinal decompression. For more information about Ballas Chiropractic, call 704.896.8080 or visit www.ballaschiropractic.com. ©Andybor | Dreamstime.com

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