July 2009 by Belva Greenage

JULY 2009 Complimentary

A World

Of Difference United In Faith, Inspired By Dance

Porch Perfect

Come Sit A Spell

Creature Comfort Specialized Vet Care

Beauty: Drink It In The 411 On H2O

Fashionable Fireworks July09 front coverV3.indd 1

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Luxury at your Finger Tips

Jack Kelege

Chad Allison

N Christopher Designs

Quality | Excellence |

Jeff Cooper

Value |

Education | Selection

4521 Sharon Road, Charlotte NC 28211 • 704.532.9041 or 888.400.4447 (Located across from SouthPark Mall) Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-7:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00 www.DiamondsDirectSouthpark.com Diamonds Direct Birmingham | Mountain Brook, AL | 205-201-7400 • Diamonds Direct Crabtree | Raleigh, NC | 919-571-2881

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Nobody knows noses like Dr. Freeman. Before

After

Have you been searching for the right surgeon to enhance your appearance? Nobody knows noses like Dr. Freeman! With over 20 years of experience with rhinos, who better to choose than The Facial Plastic Rhinoplasty Specialist in the southeast.

Visit our new website at www.onlyfaces.com Actual Unretouched Photos of Dr. Freemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patient

M. Sean Freeman, MD

The Forum at Ballantyne Commons, 11220 Elm Lane, Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28277

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(704)543-1110 6/19/09 8:54 AM

“We were amazed! Within six short weeks Coogan’s transformed our mundane back yard into a dramatic setting. We now have a terraced garden with retaining walls, lush cascading plants, and a fabulous sparkling pool—all built in little over a month.” — Chantal Powers

Creating Backyard Memories...

Design / Build services include: • Residential Master Planning • Swimming Pools and Cabanas • Comprehensive Project Construction

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• Outdoor Entertainment Areas • Open Air Kitchens and Fireplaces • General Contracting • In business for over 27 years

Coogan’s Landscape Design

800 Main Street, Pineville NC 28134 Office: 704.889.1500 Fax: 704.889.1501

www.cooganslandscape.com

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Contents July 2009

14 58

Departments 12 From The Publisher Passport, Please

54 Beauty Wat-er You Waiting For? Get Hydrated

Tips, Trends, And Fancies — For Pets!

58 At Home

14 Grrr Time

20 Queen City Jewels

For Love Of A Good Porch

24 On The Move

62 Health Matters Assert Yourself In The Doctor’s Office

25 Work Notes

What You Need To Know To Stay Well

Happenings You Don’t Want To Miss

Charlotte Women Making Strides

The Name Game

26 Money Talks

72 The Meeting Place

Going Mobile With Your Moolah

Professional And Social Meetings

52 Fashion Red, White, And Blue Looks Good On You

74 Tomorrow’s Charlotte Woman

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64 Health Flash

C h a r l o tt e

Charlotte’s Future Fabulous Females

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6/19/09 3:21 PM

How Many Inches Can You Pinch?

summer special $2,000 Off Tummy Tuck call fOr a free cOnsulTaTiOn

704.525.3522 Financing Available

Let Geoffrey Stiller, MD, FACS help you get rid of that tummy!

704.525.3522 • South Charlotte loCation • www.upliftyou.net (Coming Soon)

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Charlotte Woman Today’s

Business/Lifestyle

Volume XIII, Number 3 July 2009 PUBLISHER

Belva Greenage ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Fern Howerin Editor

Michelle Young Hubacher Assistant Editor

Karsen Price ART DIRECTor

Anita O’Hara SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Carrie Boyd

Sales Director

Kristen Dibble Sales Executive

Barbara Herd Business Manager

Nikki Wilson WEb Designer

Cliff McNamara

Contributing Editor

Leigh Barrett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Bradford-Epstein Fiona Harmon Melinda Johnston Debra Moffitt Leslie Karsen Price Lee Rhodes Joe Takash Joanna Zikos

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Augusto Photography Sam Au Yeung James Brown Laura J. Meier Scott Stiles Susan Whitfield 5200 Park Road, Suite 111 Charlotte, NC 28209 704/521-6872 www.todayscharlottewoman.com

PROFILES 28 Cultural Unity Through Dance

44 China: A Country Of Contrasts

A Mission Trip Illuminates The Dichotomy

Maha Gingrich Cultivates Understanding Through The Art Of Movement

Of This Complex, Beautiful Culture

34 Stars In The Business World

NAWBO Charlotte Honors 2009 Award Winners: Elaine Creasser, Barbara Jones, And Deborah Wright

OnTheCover Dr. Maha gingrich teaches cultural understanding through indian dance.

FEATURES 38 Special Medicine For Fifi

Pet Owners Opt For Healthcare Every Bit As Complex As Their Own

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Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Today’s Woman Inc., and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area. Subscription rate is $20 per year for 11 issues plus the TCW Resource Guide. Copyright ©2009 Today’s Woman, Inc. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited. Today’s Charlotte Woman and Today’s Woman Inc. do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.

Photo By Laura J. Meier.

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I want what’s best for my son. I watch what he eats, who he hangs out with and how he’s doing in school. And if he becomes ill, I know where he’s going: Levine Children’s Hospital. Where dozens of world class specialists in over 30 specialty areas provide the most advanced pediatric care in our region. It’s my child. I have a voice.

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todayscharlottewoman.com Online Profile

Roundtable

Read Up And Speak Out

photo PROVIDED BY karen togba-trueh

Join TCW’s Reader Forum

Out Of

Africa

Liberia native Karen TogbaTrueh has followed a path of quiet strength during her life — a path that led the 36-year-old from her once-idyllic childhood in Africa to The Queen City, where she now runs her own catering business. Visit todayscharlottewoman.com for the exclusive profile.

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Insider Fashion

Summer Guide

Table-Top Terrific

Arrgh, Matey

Check out these vibrant linens, just perfect for outside dining. Who knows, maybe they’ll inspire us to cook. Or at least look good eating.

Finding Refuge In The United States

Today’s Charlotte Woman is seeking loyal readers and fans to join our first-ever Reader Forum. Do you have insights into the magazine that you’d love to share? Are you interested in helping set the course for future content? If so, prospective forum members must complete and submit an application via e-mail by Aug. 1, 2009, to be considered for this volunteer position. Who knows? You might be the very person we are looking for! Go to todayscharlottewoman.com for details.

Living Well

Cooking For You And Fido, Too

New Summer Traditions Summer is here, and the living is hot. If, like us, your brain’s gone to mush and you are badly in need of a new summertime tradition, check out TCW ’s guide for inspiration … from a search for Blackbeard to instructions for playing in the mud.

The health benefits of eating wholesome, nutritious food aren’t just for people, you know! Here, a few tips for creating gourmet meals that you and your pet can happily share.

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FromThePublisher

Passports, Please

aybe the recession has cut into your travel plans for the summer and you have postponed that trip around the world. Well, pack your bags anyway, get out your virtual passport, and embark on a voyage into TCW’s international issue. This month, we return to telling stories of women who are such an integral part of the rich tapestry that is The Queen City. On our July journey, you will meet — and receive the perspective of — Charlotteans with roots outside of America, as well as read my own personal story about a recent trip to China. Dr. Maha Gingrich arrived in our fair city in 1986, when few people in Charlotte had an awareness of India. She began at Central Piedmont Community College as a computer programming student, and now she is a highly respected professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher who shares her gift of dance to bring together people of various backgrounds. At todayscharlottewoman.com, you will find the story of Karen Togba-Trueh, who came to America when civil unrest in her home country of Liberia forced her mother and siblings to seek safety in the Ivory Coast. What was to have been temporary status turned into a permanent need, eventually bringing Togba-Trueh to Richmond, Va., and ultimately to Charlotte, where she was able

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to overcome the trauma of her childhood as a refugee. She now owns a specialty cakes and events business. My travels around the world have allowed me several trips to Africa, the Galapagos Islands, Italy, and Japan, just to name a few highlights. And, this spring, I experienced China, where I had the pleasure and the opportunity to serve God by visiting many Christians in several parts of that vast country. In reflecting on that trip, the faces of the people remain in my mind. They were glad to see us, and delighted that a team of Americans would travel from Charlotte, N.C., just to encourage and support them on their Christian journeys. We invite you to come along on a pictorial review of my visit, which stretched from large cities to remote mountain villages. All of these stories remind me that we are always moving; nothing is static; and life is interesting if we open our eyes to what is around us … whether we are visiting far-off lands, or simply walking through our own neighborhoods. Your passport to a new experience need only involve that big, beautiful mind of yours. Wishing you a marvelous journey,

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6/19/09 8:46 AM

Dr. Ross Nash is pleased to announce the

Grand Opening of

Cosmetic Dentistry of the

Ross W. Nash, DDS Garry S. Tous, DDS Experience • Expertise • Esthetics General and Cosmetic Care 403 Gilead Road • Suite E Huntersville NC 28078 Appointments: (704) 895-7660

www.Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas.com

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Carolinas

Dr. Nash is also proud to announce that American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Accreditation Candidate Garry S. Tous, DDS, will be joining Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas – providing the finest in cosmetic and full general dental care.

Of the nearly 8000 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry members worldwide, there are only 45 who have achieved the exclusive level of Accredited Fellow. In all of North and South Carolina, only one dentist has earned this elite status by illustrating the required level of excellence in the area of cosmetic dentistry: Accredited Fellow Ross W. Nash, DDS.

6/19/09 8:46 AM

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a n d

f a n c i e s

COMPILED BY MICHELLE YOUNG HUBACHER

Doggie’s Day Out Park And Rec Invites A Walk In The Parks

f your pooch is perfectly well-behaved and likes a little social interaction, Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation has several doggie parks especially for you — and her! Dogs in the city’s pooch parks must be leashed until safely inside the

park and must be returned to a leash prior to exiting. They must also have current vaccinations (Rabies with tag, DHLPP, and Bordetella). No animals other than dogs may be brought into the fenced area. Each dog park is free and open from 7:30 a.m. until sunset. Owners must obey all dog park rules. Most of them are common sense: Clean up after your dog, and dispose of her waste in identified containers (that is common sense, right?). Owners must be in view of their dogs and have voice control at all times. Children accompanying dog owners must be strictly supervised and at least 12 years old to be allowed inside. Spectators should remain outside the fenced area. And, of course, owners must immediately leash and remove their pets from the park at the first sign of aggressive behavior. >

Doggie Parks

Off The Leash If you’re in the mood for a romp with Rover or fetch with Fido, take your pick of five area parks featuring designated fenced-in areas:

Frazier Park This 1.3-acre dog park along I-77, near West Trade and Sycamore streets, has one section for small dogs, and another for their heftier friends.

Swaney Pointe K-9 Park Located at 18441 Nantz Road, at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius, this four-acre, fenced-in, offleash park has two separate, secure sections: one for dogs over 20 pounds, and another for dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds.

Barkingham Park This four-acre, fenced-in park is located at 2900 Rocky River Road, in Reedy Creek Park.

Ray’s Fetching Meadow This is a one-acre, fenced-in, off-leash area for dogs in McAlpine Creek Community Park, at 8711 Monroe Road.

Davie Dog Park Five acres are fenced in for off-leash fun in William R. Davie District Park, at 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road. This park has two separate, secure sections: one for dogs over 20 pounds, and another for dogs that weigh less than 20 pounds. 14

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6/19/09 8:49 AM

www.southparkacupuncture.org

Tired of looking

worried?

We are pleased to have SouthPark Acupuncture and Wenhui Li in Morrocroft Medical Plaza. Wenhui Li is welcoming new patients. Schedule your appointment today. Appointment Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday Wenhui Li, L. Ac 4525 Cameron Valley Pkwy. Suite 1600 Charlotte, NC 28211 704-512-6293

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y W

hat

AUGUST PROGRAM TOPIC

The Value of Listening You should hear what you’re missing

Bo Boylan Ravenwood Consulting

Listening Guru, Bo Boylan of Ravenwood Consulting will explain all the ways your work and personal life can improve by sharpening your listening skills.

August Meeting: Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Byron’s South End Networking 11:30AM Lunch/Program 12:00PM September Meeting: Value of Lifelong Learning Tuesday September 1, 2009 Byron’s South End Networking 5:00PM Dinner/Program 6:00PM RSVP www.nawbocharlotte.org or 704-367-3454

BoToX erases forehead wrinkles! $10.99/unit* Minimum 20 units

Call TodAY for an appointment

704.364.3332 AgelessremediesSouthPark.com *May not be combined with any other offer. *Offer expires August 31, 2009.

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GrrrTime bio-identical

hormone replacement

therapy

Woman’s Best Friend

Ronald L. Brown, MD Fellow, American College Ob/Gyn Member, N. American Menopause Society

Could we move Carolina HealthSpan Here?????

you’ve heard

Oprah If not, I think we will need atalking another story for here. it! about See left. Find out how I made a sidebarHormone out of the Bio-identical info right incase we move Therapy can help both Carolina Healthspan here WOMEN and MENupachieve and need to break the copy optimal more. health and can prolong the years of an active, vital lifestyle. AuThOr of ThE YOuTh EffEcT Barraged with the conflicting messages about the safety of hormone replacement therapy? In The Youth Effect, Dr. Brown cuts through the confusion and offers a clear, concise view of the heart of the matter.

Available at Park road Books, Borders ® and Amazon.com.

423C South Sharon Amity Road Charlotte, NC 28211 www.carolinahealthspan.com

For an appointment, call

704.333.4817 16

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Learn To Communicate With Your Pup

omen are the creators and sustainers of relationships.” So says the wise Roger Alan Bernard, a Charlotte dog trainer with 14 years of experience — most of it working with women and their dogs. “Women are often required to sacrifice who they are, postpone or rearrange personal schedules, and place themselves second in importance to the needs of their mates, families, or work responsibilities,” Bernard says. And even the dog’s needs are addressed primarily by the woman of the house! So it makes sense that most of Bernard’s clients would be women looking for better ways to communicate with their pets. According to Bernard, there are five natural characteristics involved in addressing improved communication between you and your pooch (they might help with the twolegged creatures in the house, as well):

1. Eye Contact

Eye contact is vital in effective communication! Avoid looking into a dog’s eyes if you are upset, angry, giving a command, or if the dog is unfamiliar.

2. Voice Inflection

It is very important for women to end their commands on a down cadence. The mother dog growls if she is displeased with a pup. It is

impossible to growl with an up cadence.

3. Physical Stance

Women communicate with touch, but during training, touch should be limited to situations that warrant it: grooming and providing nourishment. Discourage your dog from leaning on you, because that is a classic sign of dominance.

4. Body Scent

A dog can detect a person’s scent and determine whether that individual is comfortable or anxious. If you’re feeling stressed, don’t bother giving your dog a directive. Wait until you are relaxed.

5. Nurturing Behavior

Women are more likely to coddle a puppy or dog, invite her into the bedroom, or make excuses for her aberrant actions. This will not earn a dog’s trust. Delegating canine care within the household will help keep things on an even keel when it comes to appearing in control of a dog’s behavior. Bernard, co-author of A Dog Lover’s Special Report, is currently working on a book that details how women might work with their dogs differently to obtain positive results. E-mail rogeralancanine@hotmail. com, for information.

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Welcome Home, Kitty Wait, Who’s Behind That Door?

ats tend to defend their territory by exhibiting aggression when a new cat joins the household, and even when a resident cat returns home bearing unfamiliar smells after a hospital stay. Kitty may show her displeasure by swatting, chasing, and even attacking the new or returning cat! To curb this feline feistiness, introduce the new or returning cat slowly into your home, and follow these steps for a peaceful kingdom:

1. A Room Of Her Own

Confine your new cat to her own room, with litter, food, and water. The two cats should be able to smell and hear each other through the closed door, with no physical contact.

2. Trading Places

After a few days, switch the positions of the cats. Allow your cat to investigate the

smells of the newcomer, while the new cat explores the house and the scent of his new playmate. Expect some hissing. Switch them back after they have had some time to explore.

3. Separate Tables

At feeding time, place the cats on opposite ends of the same room, either in carriers or restrained with leashes, so they learn to associate the pleasure of eating with each other’s presence. If the cats won’t eat, or if they seem anxious or aggressive, they are probably too close together. If they eat and seem relaxed, they can be moved closer together at the next feeding session.

4. Dinner For Two

Release the cats from their carriers and feed them, still keeping them far apart. Monitor them for anxiety and aggression.

This process can proceed only as quickly as your cats allow, and may take weeks or even months. Signs of anxiety or aggression usually indicate that the introductions are happening too quickly. If the territorial aggression still cannot be controlled, your veterinarian may prescribe medication for both the aggressor and the victim. Keep in mind that medication is only part of the solution and must be used in conjunction with slow introductions and consistent rewards for harmonious behavior. > Source: Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine’s Cornell Feline Health Center.

Custom Care for Your Pet Stanley Apothecary Compounding Pharmacy Specializing in: •Flavored medications for the most finicky of palates. •Medicated topical creams that take the pain out of “pilling” your pets.

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Patient Care Gi reSearCH endoSCoPiC exPertiSe Physician Leaders In The Charlotte Region For More Than 30 Years

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Charlotte • SouthPark • Ballantyne • Matthews Huntersville • Mooresville Patient Appointment Line (704) 377-0246 • www.charlottegastro.com AAAHC-Accredited Office Endoscopy • Approved by most major insurance companies

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GrrrTime

Polly Want Some Understanding Education Is For The Birds!

lthough most of us know that animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats waiting for loving homes, we may not be aware of the enormous population of unwanted pet birds in the United States. Due to the rising popularity of birds as companion pets (now third after dogs and cats), and their longevity (some larger bird species can live as long as 75 years!), the problem of homeless pet birds is growing all the time. “Many people purchase a bird without a full understanding of the commitment it takes to care properly for it,” says Karen Justice, owner of Parrot University in Pineville. Sadly, if a bird is brought into a family “for entertainment,” the novelty fades when the bird turns out not to talk or do tricks, making it less desirable (and unfortunately, expendable) as a pet. Birds that are ignored can turn to screaming, bit-

ing, feather plucking, and self-mutilation. But Justice says that kind of distressing outcome is preventable. A full-service shop that carries food, toys, and bird-care items, and provides birdie boarding, Parrot University also serves as an adoption center for homeless birds. Currently, the shop has almost 50 birds, ranging from small parakeets to large parrots and cockatoos, all waiting for good homes. Because Justice knows that knowledge and understanding are key to a successful bird/owner relationship, her store offers free classes to educate bird lovers in the care and happy keeping of these exotic pets. For information, visit parrotu.com.

After The Referral... Services:

Annual Exams Pap Smears Gynecological Surgery Breast Disease Incontinence Infertility Routine & High Risk Obstetrics Ultrasounds

by design to provide personalized care in a friendly and comfortable environment. Call us at 704-344-1000, then press 2 to start a long term, healthy relationship.

Presbyterian Medical Tower • 1718 E. 4th St. Suite 707 • Charlotte, NC 28204 www.midtown-obgyn.com Accepting new patients. Affiliated with many insurance plans.

Stacey Wood, Jr., MD

Beverly Belle, MD

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James Hardy, MD

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Dr. Kiya Green Dixie Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology

he relationship between you and your dentist is a special one. Your dentist may be the first to observe a change in your health. When a periodontal change is noted, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. Left untreated, periodontitis may lead to tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and complications with diabetes and pregnancy. Dr. Kiya Green Dixie, of the Periodontal & Implant Center of Matthews, is board certified and the only practicing female periodontist in the Charlotte area.

The Periodontal & Implant Center of Matthews offers patients: • A soft touch in a caring atmosphere. • The only laser FDA approved to treat periodontitis, which means therapy without cutting, sutures, or pain. • Treatment of non-disease periodontal issues, such as frenectomies, gum grafting, correcting gummy smiles, and implant therapy. • Different levels of sedation, if necessary, including IV sedation, oral sedation, and laughing gas. • Periodontic care for pediatric and orthodontic patients.

Periodontal & Implant Center of Matthews

Heather N. Robertson White, MD

Gregory Parker, MD

Midtown Obstetrics and Gynecology is small

1320 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 101, Matthews, NC 28105 (704) 847-5657 • www.matthewsperio.com

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Oh, Brother! Help In A Pet Emergency Roll incident. The book also includes first aid, an emergency assessment guide with a glossary of signs and conditions, pet safety and preparation in the event of a natural disaster or evacuation, and a complete section on traveling safely with pets, including a pet travel kit checklist. The Pet Emergency Pocket Guide is available at informedguides.com, amazon.com, barnes andnoble.com, and in bookstores nationwide. To learn more, visit informedguides.com. TCW

• General care, handling, grooming, muzzling, and transporting • Glossary of signs and conditions in dogs and cats

Tumescent Liposuction and Laser Liposuction Laser Surgery Laser Hair Removal for Women and Men Laser Treatments for facial veins, blood vessels, pigmented lesions, rosacea, age spots/sun spots, hyperpigmentation, scar revisions, tattoo removal Blepharoplasty Chemical Peels Deep Cleansing Acne Treatments Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery Research Center for Dermatological Clinical Trials Cool Touch™ CTEV Endovenous Laser Treatment Varicose Vein Treatment/ Sclerotherapy Licensed Medical Aesthetician Medical Skincare Products Hand Sclerotherapy Over 20 different Laser and Light Treatments Available

The Pet Emergency Pocket Guide covers a number of topics, including the following: • Contact information for important emergency references

Wrinkle Fillers Botox® Cosmetic, Restylane®, Juvéderm™, Radiesse®, Perlane®

Surgical Lifts for Face and Neck

Safety First • CPR and Heimlich maneuver

laser and cosmetic surgery for

• Taking care of a sick dog or cat, and more serious conditions • How to create pet emergency and shelter/evacuation kits • Traveling with your pet • Pet preparedness for natural disasters

• List of the most common poisonous • Pet record pages to help document information such as allergies, vacand toxic foods (I checked; Tootsie cinations, and surgeries Rolls are not on there.)

SUM MER SP Save ECIAL $ Boto x® an50 on (valid d Filler s* o Save nce) Suns 15% on creen s*

Girish S. Munavalli, MD, MHS I J. Blake Goslen, MD Board Certified by the American Academy of Dermatology and Internal Medicine Fellow, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology American Society of Dermatologic Surgery Fellow, American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery American College of Phlebology

704.375.6766 I 800.626.6257 I www.carolinaskin.com 1918 Randolph Road I Suite 550 I Charlotte, North Carolina 28207 *Offers expire 07/31/09.

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o, you’re dog-sitting your brother’s beloved Jack Russell Terrier. And he somehow gets on top of the refrigerator and into a giant bag of Tootsie Rolls. Do you know what to do? I didn’t have a clue. Um, I mean, I can’t imagine, but I would think this would be a stressful situation. For you, that is. Well, the folks at Informed Publishing, producers of resources for emergency preparedness and response, have introduced the Pet Emergency Pocket Guide, a tool that provides quick access to information that makes caring for pets easy, both every day and in emergencies. (Like, how to change your name and address so your brother can’t ever find you again.) This little volume delivers step-by-step guidelines to help pet owners (and their sisters) care for pets daily, and to respond quickly and confidently in the event of a pet injury, illness, or Tootsie

Formerly The Goslen Center

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Q u e e n H a p p e n i n g s

v C i t y Y o u

D o n ’ t

J e w e l s W a n t

T o

M i s s

A Walk On The Wild Side

hoe lovers, take note: The Mint Museum of Art has brought the art of platform shoes to life this season in its popular exhibit, The Heights of Fashion: Platform Shoes Then and Now. The Heights of Fashion highlights more than 60 styles from the 1930s through the present, and spans more than 100 years of platform shoe fashion. Although the platform first appeared in parts of Europe and the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, the style actually dates back to ancient Greece, and extends into the far corners of Asia. The platform shoe reached its stride in the 1970s, when it

became associated with a rebellious youth movement. Ranging from the delicate “lotus bud shoes,” designed to emphasize the tiny, bound feet of women in 19th century China, to the chunky Goth creations of the 1980s, the array of shoes on exhibit in The Heights of Fashion demonstrates how extreme variations on a style often develop in response to different cultural philosophies and concepts of beauty. The exhibit includes platform shoes by such high-fashion couture designers as Vivienne Westwood and Jimmy Choo, as well as household brand names like Candie’s, and

photo courtesy of love, p vintage

The Mint Museum Mounts A New Platform

the sleek, unconventional designs of emerging designer Ruthie Davis.

WantToGo? The Heights of Fashion will be on display at The Mint Museum of Art through spring 2011. For information, visit mintmuseum.org, or call 704/337-2000.

Hot Days, Cool Tunes Grab a sandwich and head over to uptown Charlotte to enjoy a leisurely lunch while you listen to some of the area’s finest jazz and acoustic musicians perform on Fridays in July. The Founders Hall Friday Acoustic Concert Series is held July 10, 17, 24, and 31, at Founders Hall, Bank of America Corporate Center, 100 N. Tryon St. Each show begins at noon and runs until 2 p.m. This year’s lineup features guitar player Tom Billotto (July 10); jazz duo Ziad (July 17); pianist Neal Davenport (July 24); and jazz duo Hipshack (July 27).

WantToGo? For information, visit FoundersHall.com, or call 704/386-0120.

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photoS BY JOAN MARCUS

Founders Hall Acoustic Concert Series

Oh, Mamma! Mamma Mia! Returns To Belk Theater

ore than 30 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters and story line that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show, and the sunny, funny tale returns to Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s Belk Theater, July 28 through Aug. 2. This musical delight includes a mother, a

daughter, three possible fathers, an unforgettable wedding, and a fabulous ABBA score. Who can resist?

WantToGo? For information, visit blumenthalcenter.org, or call 704/372-1000.

6/22/09 2:15 PM

Sand In Your Shoes Author Dorothea Benton Frank Visits ImaginOn

Sullivans Island, along with an opportunity to have the book signed, and a chance to win a one-night stay at the historic Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, S.C.

ew York Times best-selling author Dorothea Benton Frank, known for her engaging characters and steamy Southern settings, is coming to Charlotte’s ImaginOn McColl Family Theatre Wed., July 8, at 7 p.m. Book buffs won’t want to miss this live presentation by Frank, author of Sullivans Island (A Lowcountry Tale), The Land of Mango Sunsets, and her latest, Return to Sullivans Island (A Novel). The event is co-presented by the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County and Park Road Books. The $25 ticket price includes admission to Frank’s presentation and a first-edition hardback copy of Return to

Ahead Of Art Hodges Taylor Shows Trotman Work Experience an exhibition of figurative sculptures in wood and related drawings by Bob Trotman in the exhibit, Here’s Looking at You: Figurative Art by Bob Trotman. Hosted by Hodges Taylor Gallery through Aug. 15, the exhibit runs concurrent to Trotman’s show, Business as Usual, at The Mint Museum of Art. >

WantToGo?

For tickets, call the Library’s partnering agency, the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, at 704/973-2828, or visit ctcharlotte.org/store/index.php?catid=697.

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QueenCityJewels

Opposites Attract CTE Offers City/Country Exhibit

he Center of the Earth Gallery presents City/Country, an exhibition of diametric opposites, July 3 through Aug. 22, with an opening reception Fri., July 17, at 3204 N. Davidson St. City/ Country features an eclectic mix of sweeping landscapes and urban scenes, and the work of Sharon Dowell, Dana Johns, Maxx Morgan (whose work is pictured here), and Christopher Stephens. Dowell is a Charlotte painter who strives to capture the tension between the microcosms and macrocosms of urban settings.

Johns’ work is rooted in childhood memories of time spent in rural Georgia. Morgan, an Atlanta resident, created his “Night Series” city scenes to capture the quiet time that occurs when the roads become still and reflection occurs. Stephens paints almost exclusively from life, in all types of weather,

and uses vibrant colors and high contrast to uniquely approach a traditional subject.

WantToGo? For information, visit centeroftheearth.com, or call 704/375-5756.

Brews And Cruise A Trip And A Taste

Heavy Metal RedSky Exhibit Soars With Innovative Material, Approach

edSky Gallery announces an exhibition of new works by metal sculptor Ben Parrish and painter Terry Thirion. Parrish uses traditional blacksmithing methods to create designs in metal, resulting in a diverse body of work. Thirion’s work is the result of two months of intensive study at the Penland School of the Arts, where she utilized carving and painting techniques to incorporate

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images of childhood memories and world circumstances into her creations. The show opens at RedSky’s Dilworth gallery, 1244 East Blvd., with a reception July 10 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The exhibit runs through Sept. 10.

WantToGo? For information, visit redskygallery.com, or call 704/377-6400.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center, a 307-acre public adventure and sport facility located at historic Tuckaseegee Ford Park, offers its Moonlight Micro Brews Cruise on Tue., July 7, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. For $40, you can enjoy an hour and a half “flatwater” paddle on the Catawba River, followed by a quaint spell of campfire-lit beer tastings and delicious snack pairings on Jones Island.

WantToGo? Space is limited; visit usnwc.org for information, or call 704/391-3900 to reserve your spot.

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Beautiful Coverings Lark & Key Showcases The Fine Art Of Quilts

ark & Key Gallery and Boutique presents True Lineage: Fine Art Quilts, by Jen Swearington, through July 26, at 453-B E. 36th St., in Charlotte’s artsrich NoDa neighborhood. Swearington combines her love of drawing and sewing with her line of clothing and scarves, and one-of-a-kind fine-art quilts. Often inspired by books and

movies, her quilts offer elements of nostalgia, with juxtapositions that can be meaningful or random. She gives this traditional art form a modern twist with the use of gold leaf and shellac.

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WantToGo? For information, call 704/379-1826, or visit larkandkey.com.

Cutting Edge Shear Madness Returns

photo BY Curtis Wilson

outed as Charlotte’s favorite comedy, Shear Madness is a play like no other, offering audiences a list of wacky characters and

plenty of madcap mayhem. In a feat of post-modern madness, audience members find themselves entrenched directly in the middle of a murder mystery — with the decision as to “whodun-it” resting firmly on their collective shoulders! Presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and held at Stage Door Theater, the show starts July 9, and runs through Sept. 6.

WantToGo? For a performance schedule and tickets, visit blumenthalcenter.org, or call 704/372-1000.

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O n W o m e n

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Job Changes/Promotions 24 Hours of Booty Inc. has announced the following changes: Kim Uffmann was named operations manager; Annie Jackson was named office manager; and Lorraine Bias was named staff accountant. Angela Snider was promoted to the affiliate marketing coordinator position for Greater Media Charlotte. In addition to her current duties, she will undertake guest booking for the nationally syndicated Bob & Sheri morning radio show at 107.9 The Link. Cathryn Crosland, M.D., has joined Randolph OB/GYN and Presbyterian Novant Medical Group, located at 2711-512 Randolph Road, in Charlotte, and 18515 Statesville Road, Unit C-6, in Cornelius. The Matthews HELP Center has named Kim Rhodarmer executive director.

New Business/ New New Business/Changes KidsAbilities: Occupational Therapy For Children, P.C., a private pediatric occupational therapy practice, has opened a second location in Davidson, at 200-F North Harbor Place.

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Gerontologist Lyndall Hare, Ph.D., has opened ElderCare Coaching & Consulting Inc., at 1204 The Plaza, Suite 2, in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. The North Carolina Technology Association has announced the addition of a new membership category targeted to companies and organizations outside the traditional information technology sector (biotech, retail, health services, consumer goods, life sciences, and automotive industries), which will give companies the opportunity to connect their IT leadership and staff to NCTA’s activities and programs. Joyce Saint-Cyr has opened Diversity Den Café at 160 Concord Commons, D-1, in Concord. Dr. Jennifer Lidstrom has relocated her Lakeside Sports Chiropractic Center to 19924 Jetton Road, Suite 101, in Cornelius. McKinney Personnel Inc., an administrative staffing company, has moved to 5200 Park Road, Suite 200-B. Total Nutrition Technology has moved its Myers Park office into Balance Fitness Studio at 507 Providence Road, Suite 200.

Jessica Best has joined Integra Staffing & Search as marketing manager and assistant to the president.

v T h e M o v e

New Business/ New Business/ Awards And Installations Sandra and Leon Levine received the 2009 Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award at the agency’s annual Cornerstone Celebration luncheon. The Jack Callaghan Cornerstone Award is the highest honor given annually by Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont.

s t o r i e s

Michelle Tunno Buelow, president and founder of Bella Tunno, was named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2009 Award in the Carolinas, which recognizes entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The employee Child Development Center at Presbyterian Hospital recently received a five-star rating by the North Carolina Division of Child Development, based on two key criteria: staff education and program standards. Alisa Phifer, wine director of Max’s Ally in Concord, was named a certified sommelier by the American Court of Master Sommeliers. The Court of Master Sommeliers was established to encourage improved standards of beverage knowledge and service in hotels and restaurants. USA Dance Inc., the national governing body for Dance-Sport in the United States, has awarded Angela F. Prince the organization’s National Director of Public Relations designation, the association’s highest national award for outstanding service to the DanceSport industry. Send your news to:

On The Move editor@todayscharlottewoman.com

Today’s Charlotte Woman 5200 Park Road, Suite 111, Charlotte, NC 28209

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What’s In A Name? Everything! Five Rules For Remembering By Joe Takash

here are many reasons we forget the names of people we meet — sometimes almost immediately upon meeting them! Our connections with the people whose names we can’t recall are far weaker than with those whose names we do remember, so it’s imperative we learn to remember. Following are five tips that can help give you an edge when it comes to personal interactions: 1. Just ask! How many times have you been to the same church, bar, or gym where you saw the same people repeatedly, yet never bothered to introduce yourself? Think of the personal connections and professional opportunities you could be passing up! 2. Spell and pronounce names correctly. I was once introduced to speak to 500 people in the following manner: “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr. Joe Takass.” Taking time to assure

the correct spelling and pronunciation is important. 3. Ask again when you forget. Eighty percent of the time, most of us forget names immediately. By asking someone again, you are simply informing that person that you value her, and her name is an attachment to that value. 4. Create memory aids. To lock names into your mental hard drive, use all memory tools possible. These can include rhymes, like “Dan the man,” or associations like “Rhonda from Reno.” 5. Use ‘em or lose ‘em. In writing, on the phone, or in person, use people’s names. When your name is called as someone who contributed to the success of a team effort, it feels great. When your daughter’s name is on the dean’s list, it looks like a work of art. Knowing names increases your confidence, makes others feel good, and is a competitive advantage in business. TCW

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MoneyTalks

Brought To You By ...

Money On The Go M o bile

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When it comes to the continuing parade of technological advances, our vocabulary is not the only thing that is changing (think of all the verbs we use now that didn’t exist a few years ago: “texting,” “Googling,” “friending”). Technology is fundamentally reshaping behavior as well — from the way we create both professional and personal networks, to the way we shop, to the way we bank. So it only makes sense that mobile technology — you know, the kind that walks around with you in your purse or your back pocket — is impacting how we live in even more significant ways. Applications for mobile devices are critical tools for today’s savvy traveler. And considering the way we are all on the go for so much of our day, these applications are even more relevant — not only for those of us jetting across the ocean, but for those of us jetting around town! Using a Smartphone, travelers can track flights, find taxi companies, discover cool local eateries, and tune in to all of the cultural hot spots of the cities where they happen to be. Combine our busy schedules with today’s economic environment, and it only makes sense that Smartphones can also reduce a lot of stress on the road, by helping us literally tap in, via keypad, to our day-to-day finances. Consumers can check available balances, pay bills, locate ATMs, and transfer funds from their online accounts from virtually anywhere. By staying on the forefront of this growing consumer need, Bank of America has become an industry leader in mobile banking, enabling customers to manage their bank accounts whenever, wherever.

“Mobile banking is really becoming a mainstream money management tool,” says Doug Brown, senior vice president, Mobile Product Development, with Bank of America. “Bank consumers are managing their entire family’s finances through their phones. And that just makes so much sense for how we live now.”

A Growing Trend •

The number of people who use mobile-banking services in the United States increased from 400,000 in 2007, to 3.1 million in 2008. This number is expected to hit seven million in 2009, according to technology research firm ABI Research.

•

Since the launch of mobile banking in the spring of 2007, more than 2.5 million Bank of America customers have signed up to manage their personal finances “on the go.”

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Bank of America was the first banking institution to develop an iPhone

Mobile Banking application available through the iTunes® App Store, and continues to boast one of the top downloaded iPhone finance applications. •

In November 2008, Bank of America introduced an app for the Google Android Market platform.

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Most recently, Bank of America inaugurated a new application for BlackBerry devices.

“What we need from our banks is changing all the time,” Brown says. “Bank of America is responding to that need with ways to make it convenient and safe to manage your money on your schedule and in your own way. “Mobile Banking,” he continues, “offers consumers an intimate experience: your banking on your phone in your time and space. And the technology is rapidly evolving. It’s fundamentally changing behavior. I imagine one day you will be using your phone as a replacement for your wallet!”

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photo BY Laura J. Meier

Dr. Maha Gingrich has brought cultural sharing to Charlotte — all through a love of traditional Indian dance.

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The Choreography

Of Unity Maha Gingrich Uses Dance As A Bridge To Understanding By Lee Rhodes

s a little girl growing up in India, Dr. Maha Gingrich nurtured a love of dance from almost the time she could walk. That early passion for the art of movement never left her, and she went on to study under some of India’s most renowned artists. Today, she’s a firmly established professional dancer who uses her gift to pull people from different

cultures together — employing the arts, and dance specifically, as a basis for unity.

Part of Gingrich’s dedication to what she terms “unity in diversity” stems from lessons her father taught her at a young age. She recalls his frequent advice: “You must give back to the community to make it a better place. Otherwise, you’re not using your life wisely.” That insistent coaching from her father, combined with her own natural motivation, galvanized Gingrich with a strong sense of drive and purpose. She now has a successful career at Charlotte’s Central Piedmont Community College, where she serves as assistant to the executive vice president. She hosts CPCC’s weekly TV show, Charlotte, a City of International Success (on TWC’s channel 17), and co-hosts Nazar Television (on TWC’s channel 9). She helped establish Charlotte’s annual Festival of India, and she was recently appointed chair of the Charlotte International Cabinet. She also serves on the Arts & Science Council, and just graduated from the FBI Citizens’ Academy. In addition to her work and civic contributions, Gingrich is what she describes as “a terminal student.” Her father encouraged that aspect of her life, as well. “He said, ‘When you stop learning, you stop living,’ ” she recalls.

A Shared Cultural Perspective

Gingrich, who arrived in the United States in 1984, moved in 1986 to Charlotte, where she began her long association with CPCC, first as a computerprogramming student. “In those days they didn’t know where India was,” she chuckles. Nonetheless, the city and the school welcomed her. She recalls an atmosphere that was at once friendly and protective, and, because of that, she feels she melded fairly seamlessly into the culture of the South — a culture she believes is not unlike that of her native India. She cites an emphasis on family and faith, as well as on patience and deference, as hallmarks of both. As a student, Gingrich studied diligently, even though she didn’t initially understand the CPCC grading system. When her advisor explained that even one B would mar her 4.0 average, she vowed never to make a B, and she didn’t. After finishing her two-year degree, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, followed by a Master of Business Administration degree from Wingate University in Monroe. Her career progressed nicely, as well. She began clerking in the CPCC admissions office and was promoted repeatedly, eventually > J U LY

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photo BY PATRICK SCHNEIDER PHOTOGRAPHY photo BY Daniel Payne

The dancers in Maha Gingrich’s cultural display, Dances of india, convey to the audience a thousand-year-old tradition of spiritual movement.

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becoming associate dean of CPCC’s Central Campus before accepting her current position. She also found time to meet and marry an American, despite her brother’s admonitions about the divorce rate in this country. “It was a very expensive international call,” Gingrich recalls good-naturedly. “My brother lectured me for about two hours on all the statistics about marrying an American. But my mother came on the phone and said, ‘I trust your judgment.’ ” That was 16 years ago. Since then, she and her husband have been busy raising their daughter, and Gingrich has continued her quest for higher learning, most recently earning a doctorate in education leadership and cultural foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. “It was more of a hands-on, face-to-face, critical-thinking kind of program,” she says of

her latest course of study. “And coming from an MBA program, it was very hard in the first semester. But I started to like the deep conversations and critical thinking. It opened my eyes to so much, and reiterated my belief about giving back to the community.”

Blending The Best Of Two Worlds

Giving back includes teaching dance in The Queen City. While she was a CPCC student, Gingrich began instructing young dancers in classical Indian dance, both in her home and in the homes of her students. From those inauspicious beginnings — at one point in those early days an Indian shopkeeper refused to hang her “Dance Lessons” sign because she was “just a kid” — she has established herself as a fixture within Charlotte’s Indian community. Today, her dance classes, which are taught

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as “Maha’s Dances of India,” incorporate epic literature, mythology, nature, and other aspects of Indian culture, all through classical dance forms. She teaches only what she calls “the purist form” of Indian dance, always keeping in mind the spiritual and cultural aspects of the art. Many of Gingrich’s students, ranging in age from 5 (the age she was when she started) to adulthood, are second-generation IndianAmericans. She says she strives to help these students find a sense of pride, as well as a sense of balance, in their dual American and Indian identities. Her dissertation, in fact, focused on second-generation Asian-Indian girls and the issues and challenges that they face here in the United States. “I call them the 1.5 generation,” she says. “They have the best of both worlds. You have the traditions of the Indian culture, with so much richness from thousands and thousands of years. Then you come to a country that is full of enthusiasm and newness. America is like a newborn baby — we welcome everything.” Charlotte can take much of the credit for that welcoming spirit, Gingrich says. Even though she routinely travels to India for visits, she considers Charlotte her home, >

the dancing form of Lord Nataraj is considered The king of traditional indian Dance.

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photo BY laura j meier

photo BY Daniel Payne

“

The vibrant costumes add to the allure of dances of india’s yearly productions.

and confesses to even sensing a bit of culture shock when she’s back in her native land.

Creativity Unbounded

It’s fitting, then, that Gingrich initiated her Dances of India production in Charlotte. The annual event debuted in 2000, as part of the Indian Association of Charlotte’s Festival of India. This year’s performance, which took place in April, featured Gingrich showcasing 2000-year-old traditional North and South Indian classical dances, including Bharatha Natyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathak, along with a variety of Indian folk dances. More than 40 performers, costumed in colorful silk, cotton, and elaborate jewelry representing each region, shared the stage. Tommy Lopez, a flutist who regularly performs in Dances of India, says, “Working with Maha is wonderful. She is a person who knows what she wants and allows creativity. We can bring our own cultures into the music and she’s very supportive of that.” Gingrich meets with the musicians early on as part of preparation for Dances of India, ascertaining what tunes and beats are similar from country to country. The group composes music based on her findings and she choreographs 32

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”

You must give back to the community to make it a better place. Otherwise, you’re not using your life wisely.

— Dr. Maha Gingrich

numerous dance genres into the composition, incorporating everything from American ballet to flamenco to salsa to classical styles. “You can see the similarities, but there’s also uniqueness to each dance form,” she explains. “We are dancing to the same music, but we are all doing our own stuff and dancing together.” The reaction has been powerful, indeed. Audience members frequently admit that they get goose bumps. They cry. They rush the stage to hug Gingrich. The event remains a tremendous part of the life of the performers, and garners equally tremendous support from the college, various community organizations, and the general public. Although Gingrich injured her leg in a recent accident, she continued to “dance,” teaching from a wheelchair until she was able to return to the stage. She also, as she puts it, danced through her mother’s death, which

occurred two weeks before this year’s Dances of India. Knowing that her mother would want the show to go on, Gingrich didn’t cancel the production, but she acknowledges that it was difficult to perform in the midst of mourning. “I was trying to be normal and smile,” she says, “but it wouldn’t quite reach my soul. And these dances are soul-based. I always say it’s not an entertainment. We are here to share our cultures.” Tony Torres, percussionist for Dances of India, agrees. “Even though she represents India, for Dr. Gingrich, it really is a case where an inch is equivalent to a mile in terms of sharing cultures and diversity. It’s always been an honor and a pleasure to work with her.” “If I can bring joy to someone, I really have no business feeling self-pity,” Gingrich concludes. “If you’re gifted, you’d better share the gift.” TCW

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48307 T

”

No Books to Check Out … Just His Story

State-of-the-art exhibits. Multimedia displays. A lifetime of memorabilia. Come to the Billy Graham Library and discover how God used an ordinary man to do extraordinary things. Tour his boyhood home, enjoy lunch in the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar, or browse Ruth’s Attic bookstore. Admission is free. For more information about upcoming events or exhibits, please call 704-401-3200 or visit billygraham.org/Library.

48307 Dr. Gingrich Today's 0709.indd Charlotte33 Woman Ad 2 July 09.indd 1

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Soaring To

Greater Heights NAWBO’s 2009 Award Winners By Fiona Harmon • photos by augusto photography

ith over 10.5 million women-owned businesses in the United States — and 42,000 in the greater Charlotte region — the strength of women in leadership

roles in our area cannot be denied. The National Association of Woman Busi-

ness Owners’ Charlotte chapter has made its mission to strengthen and support

these women in their professional endeavors. Each year, NAWBO Charlotte recognizes professional women for their success, potential, and service to the community.

The 24th annual NAWBO awards were sponsored by Duke Energy and presented in May at The Mint Museum of Art. This year’s winners reflect the depth of business acumen, the diversity of skill sets, and the level of determination necessary to succeed as an entrepreneur today. The Woman Business Owner of the Year designation honors a NAWBO member who has demonstrated strong leadership skills in growing and managing a successful business (no small feat these days!) that is more than five years old, and who is active in civic and volunteer efforts. Elaine Creasser, president of Tile Collection and this year’s recipient, represents the drive to stay on top in an industry that depends on top-rate customer service. The Rising Star Award recognizes a NAWBO member who has demonstrated entrepreneurial creativity and determination in managing a business that is less than five years old. This year’s winner, Barbara Jones, president of Allegra Print & Imaging, is a textbook example of a professional who has used years of ex-

perience working with small businesses as a springboard for the successful pursuit of her own small business enterprise. The Community Service Award is presented to a member of the business community — not necessarily a NAWBO member — who has made outstanding contributions in support of women in business. Deborah Wright, vice president for adult studies at Montreat College, has worked with some of The Queen City’s most impactful volunteer-run organizations to make a difference in the lives of others in the community. NAWBO Charlotte was formed in 1985 as Charlotte Women Business Owners and was chartered as an official NAWBO chapter in 1995. Through networking events and opportunities for women business owners to form strategic alliances, the group works to change public policy and positively influence the perception of women in businesses of every kind and at every level. For information about NAWBO Charlotte, visit the group’s Web site at nawbocharlotte.org. >

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Poised For Success

E l a i n e c r e a s s e r — 2 0 0 9 W o m a n b u s i n e s s Ow n e r o f t h e y e a r

Elaine Creasser President, Tile Collection 2009 Woman Business Owner Of The Year

In 1992, Elaine Creasser started a search in Charlotte for unique tile to install in her new home and came up empty-handed time and again. Like some of the best business ideas, the void Creasser experienced turned out to be the impetus for what would become one of the most successful family-owned (and woman-run!) businesses in The Queen City. Creasser was a homemaker with a background in dressmaking, bookkeeping, and sales. Using a credit card to borrow $20,000 in startup capital, she and her then-20-year-old son, Matt, took her tile store idea from table 36

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chat to the development of Tile Collection, now a multimillion dollar company with 35 full-time employees and 15 contractors. “I knew if I followed my instincts, I could do it,” Creasser says. “But it was not easy! We worked so hard, right from the start, with this business.” With her sales experience and Matt’s status as a licensed contractor for tile, the pair made an immediate impression in the marketplace. “My son taught me the technical side of tile installation, and Deborah Henry, a close friend in the tile business, has been an industry mentor,” Creasser says. “The industry is exceptionally dynamic, and with new product lines being introduced, the training never ends!”

That immediate enthusiasm for the business of tile paid off, as Creasser booked the company’s first job within three days of opening Tile Collection. “I sold that first job, and my son has not been back in the showroom since,” she says. “He was so swamped with work that we instantly hired two more installers.” As is the case for many startups, though, the early days were lean ones. Creasser says she and her son did not take a paycheck for three years, choosing instead to invest every cent back into the business. And, she says, she wouldn’t change a thing. “I just love what I do. I work as hard now, and in some ways harder, than I did when we started the business.” In 2003, Creasser’s husband, Mark, left his corporate job to join the family business and launch the granite fabrication division. Today, Tile Collection’s award-winning showroom has 13 designers, 14 employees in the granite facility, and 14 installers. Creasser strives to create a work environment that is every bit as family-friendly as when it started. “We are a dynamic group,” she says. “I like for people who work with me to be positive-minded and team-oriented. We are each other’s support system. We work hard and all enjoy the benefits of a successful business.” Her management style is based on her belief and expectation that her employees will work as hard as she does and will care as deeply about customer satisfaction, as well. “I am blessed to have the people around me that I do,” Creasser says. “I am a lucky woman.” Lucky, indeed. With almost zero employee turnover, Creasser has forged a team that has a vested interest in how Tile Collection succeeds and, more importantly to Creasser, how it is perceived in the community. She continues to put customer service first when it comes to her business, and she remains active in charitable work, donating to organizations such as the Charlotte Rescue Mission, Crisis Assistance Ministry, Blessings in the Storm, and local schools. With her priorities in order, and her goals always before her, Creasser looks forward to many more years as a Charlotte business owner. “I cannot imagine ever retiring,” she says. “This is exactly what I want to be doing.”

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B A R B A R A J O N E S — 2 0 0 9 RI S I N G S T A R A W A R D

Barbara Jones President, Allegra Print & Imaging 2009 Rising Star Award

After 17 years of working with small businesses as a tax accountant, Barbara Jones had a unique perspective on what it takes to run a successful enterprise. When the time was right for her to make the leap to business ownership herself, she was armed with invaluable experience. In 2004, she and her husband, Tim, an information technology pro, bought an existing print shop in Charlotte, and became part of the Allegra Network of independent printers. “With my accounting background and my husband’s IT experience, we knew we could make this franchise a success,” Jones says. They immediately put into place a plan to grow the business. When the couple purchased the company, it had declining sales and profits, but within four years, Jones and her husband turned that around. “For us, taking advantage of an existing customer base was important,” she says. “But we really wanted to fulfill its potential.” She initiated a direct mail campaign to reach new business accounts, hired a professional telemarketer, and made sure to follow up on every referral. As a result, the Allegra Network has recognized

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Jones as being in the top 10 percent of its centers in profitability and business excellence for the last four years. Jones attributes Allegra Print & Imaging’s positive results to a dedication to the customer. “The best way to grow is to continually make sure our customers know that their satisfaction is our top priority.”

Deborah Wright Vice President For Adult Studies, Montreat College 2009 Community Service Award

Deborah Wright’s diverse experience includes work in government, corporate, and educational environments. Currently, as vice president for adult studies at Montreat College, she has an opportunity to lend both her marketing creativity and her business savvy to Montreat’s School of Professional and Adult Studies. Under her leadership, the department has reported record enrollment and revenue growth and has introduced two new degree programs. “I think I have a gift for administration, which I have finally learned to embrace!” Wright says. “I am also very empathetic. So when I’m working with a group and I hear the

stories and the needs, I always see the people, not the activity.” With a strong presence in the Charlotte community, Wright offers her business acumen and passion for personal development to many of The Queen City’s organizations — and she has been recognized for her contributions. She is an institutional representative for the Consortium for the Advancement of Adult Higher Education, and has served on the boards of the Adult Higher Education Alliance and the West Charlotte Business Incubator. She has been honored with the YWCA Tribute to Women Award. Wright was also the catalyst for implementing the “Service Driven” portion of Montreat’s mission in the adult program. Under her direction, the school’s students and staff members have participated in community service projects with organizations such as the Angel Tree® Network, the Charlotte Shelter for Battered Women, the American Red Cross, the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, and the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. “I don’t take credit for all the work,” she says. “What I do is passionately share the story, and get others rallied to help.” TCW J U LY

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Cartwright, a Great Dane, receives treatment at Carolina Vet Specialists.

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By Karsen Price • Photos By Susan WhitFIELD

A Special Kind

Of Care Y

Veterinary Specialists Provide Targeted Treatment

ou’ve just received a message from the internist, and the news isn’t great. Your beloved Baby needs a kidney transplant. And Baby is a 75-pound bulldog.

Is such a scenario really possible these days? Surprisingly, it is very possible. But

what about treatment? Well, that’s possible, too. Gone are the days when animal healthcare consisted of the yearly rabies shot and not much else. Veterinarians no longer struggle to sell the idea of general care and vaccinations to pet owners, especially in metropolitan areas like Charlotte. Dental care for animals is now routine, and specialty services, surgeries, and treatments are becoming more and more commonplace. In fact, in 2009, it’s not unusual for a pet to have a dentist, dermatologist, ophthalmologist, and orthopedist! It seems that the more educated and proactive humans become regarding their own healthcare, the more willing they are to pay for specialized care for their pets. >

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Veterinarians, vet techs, and assistants work with dozens of canine and feline patients each week at Carolina Veterinary Specialists.

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If It’s Good Enough For Me … “People have come to expect the same level of care for their pets as they receive themselves,” says board-certified veterinary surgeon Daniel Mertens, DVM, MS, who practices at Carolina Veterinary Specialists, the largest multispecialty veterinary hospital in North Carolina. “People who have had MRIs or who have undergone arthroscopy for

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Her reading’s much improved since I started working with her!

themselves naturally begin to ask for those services for their pets.” At Carolina Veterinary Specialists, those services and more are available. With a total of four locations — in south Charlotte, Huntersville, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem — Carolina Veterinary Specialists is one of the leading specialty clinics in the state, and the only North Carolina veterinary hospital that offers such fields as neurology, oncology, and ophthalmology. “As in any service industry, veterinary specialty healthcare is driven by demand,” Dr. Mertens says. And while he hesitates to call specialty healthcare for pets “the norm,” he does say, “It is becoming increasingly available, not only across the United States, but also in Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.” Referral to a specialty clinic can happen for a number of reasons, at the discretion of the family veterinarian. “Typically, cases are referred for advanced diagnostics or procedures that the referring veterinarian is unable to provide,” Dr. Mertens says. “Other times, referrals are made because the animal requires 24-hour care. Most specialty practices offer overnight monitoring of inpatients, while very many general practices do not offer this service.” According to Dr. Mertens, one of the earliest veterinary specialty colleges in the United States was founded in 1966, for surgery, and another was established in 1972, for internal medicine. Other veterinary colleges include such specialty fields as radiology, dentistry, and oncology.

Puppy Love

Candace Bloch is a Charlottearea hairstylist who, along with her husband, Ken, recently opted for anterior cruciate ligament repair surgery for Fenway, their 2-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever. Pictures of Fenway hang in Bloch’s locker, beside photos of her husband, niece, and nephew. When Fenway was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his knee this spring, Bloch was referred to Carolina Veterinary Specialists, where orthopedic experts described for her the procedures that were available for her precious pup. “Until recently, ACL repair wasn’t successful in dogs,” Bloch says. But recent strides in canine orthopedic care have resulted in a new procedure that includes rotating the dog’s ligaments until the posterior ligament — which is basically of no use in dogs — fills the place of the anterior cruciate ligament. Fenway had the surgery in April, and after a two-month recovery period, has been cleared for all activity. The price tag? Just under $3,000. And Bloch, who happens to carry pet insurance, isn’t complaining. “He’s like my child,” she says. “He was in pain, and they knew how to fix his knee. It was a no-brainer for us.”

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Suzanne LeGrange, DVM, MS, a board-certified internist with Carolina Veterinary Specialists, says it can be an emotional experience for clients to hear about their animals’ health > J U L Y

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A Woman’s Place Rising Trend Shows More Vets Are Female According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there were 90,644 positions held by U.S. veterinarians as of Dec. 31, 2008. In private practice, 52.2 percent of vets are men, and 47.8 percent are women. But Cher Canaday, a senior vet student at the University of Georgia, predicts that in a few years, the world of veterinary medicine will be populated almost entirely by females. “Our class is about 65 to 70 percent women,” she says. “There may be an almost-equal distribution in the working world now, because men used to dominate the field. But once the ‘older guys’ start to retire, the statistics will change drastically.” To become a veterinarian, a person first generally needs to complete an undergraduate degree. The next step is getting into veterinary school itself, which is no easy task. Canaday has often been told by instructors that it is easier to get into medical school than into vet school, perhaps in part because there are more medical schools than vet schools located around the country. “UGA generally gets from 400 to 600 applications a year, and accepts approximately 98 people,” she says. A degree in veterinary medicine includes typically three years of coursework, followed by another year of clinical rotations in the teaching hospital at that college. And it isn’t cheap. “It’s safe to say that the average student taking out loans for vet school will owe between $100,000 and $200,000 easily,” Canaday says. If specialization is desired, it is generally obtained by a one-year internship, followed by a three-year residency, followed by at least one, and often two, additional board exams. It takes approximately eight years to obtain a board certification in a specific field of veterinary medicine. Dr. Suzanne LeGrange, an internist at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Charlotte, recalls the factors that inspired her to become board certified in internal medicine. “I was exposed to it in my second year of veterinary school and was immediately attracted to the concept of doing more than just the basics,” she says. “I had a knack for the complexities of thinking required for internal medicine, and an interest in performing endoscopy, ultrasound, and now, even laparoscopic surgery. I always loved animals and interacting with people, so veterinary medicine was a natural place to end up.”

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Top: Parker, a German shepherd mix, awaits his examination at Carolina Veterinary Specialists. Bottom left to right: Dr. Daniel Mertens, surgeon, performs a surgical procedure on his canine patient; and surgeon Dr. Laura Dvorak examines Luke, a Labrador retriever.

problems. In fact, it may be, she says, “just as difficult for owners to understand and accept as it would be for a person to know about another family member’s disease.” “Many people do not want to know the cost, and their gut reaction is to say,’Cost is no object,’ ” she continues. “This often occurs because they do not realize the emotional impact and stresses of what they are contemplating doing to their pets — and to their pocketbooks.”

That’s where a veterinary specialist steps in, advising on the patient’s alternatives, and offering an objective voice of reason to help clients make the best decisions for themselves — and for their pets. Such considerations include cost, quality of life, and survival expectations, among other factors. Dr. Mertens says the doctors at Carolina Veterinary Specialists are prepared to spend as much time with a patient and her owner as

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“The human/animal bond has been more extensively recognized over the past 15 to 20 years, and people are more apt to think of their pets as family members than they used to.” — dr. Suzanne LeGrange necessary to find the right outcome. Appointments at the hospital last from 30 minutes to an hour, and specialty veterinarians will generally make themselves available by phone for extended conversations. “A strong relationship between an owner and the specialty veterinarian is required in order for the veterinarian to fully understand what the client expects for herself and the pet,” Dr. Mertens explains. “It is not unusual for me to spend 30 minutes on the phone with a client explaining a situation or answering additional questions.”

All In The Family

According to the U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, 49.7 percent of all pet owners consider their furry friends to be members of the family. Native Charlottean Cher Canaday, a senior in the University of Georgia’s Veterinary School, believes this high number of “pet family members” explains the rise in specialty treatment for animals these days. “Animals hold less of a working role in a family than they did in the past, when farm

dogs, hunting dogs, and work horses were common,” she says. “They are seen now as members of the family, and people often view pets as equals to their children. In fact, many people who do not have children actually consider cherished pets to be their children. Pet parents understand and experience the benefits — both physical and emotional — that animals bring to their lives, and are prepared to protect the health and longevity of those pets, no matter what the cost.” Dr. LeGrange agrees, saying, “The human/ animal bond has been more extensively recognized over the past 15 to 20 years, and people are more apt to think of their pets as family members than they used to. As a result, they are more willing to pursue the extra steps necessary to do what they can to treat their pets. “There is more access to specialty care and more awareness of the alternatives,” she adds. “With the Internet, people can do more of their own research and are able to become better informed about options for their pets’ care.” Although it’s difficult to estimate what percentage of Canaday’s classmates will con-

tinue into specific fields after graduation, she notes that as many as 10 percent of her peers at the University of Georgia have expressed an interest in specializing. And while she does not currently plan on taking that route, she thinks the trend is a good one. “Some people want to know that they did absolutely everything possible for their pets, even when terminal disease is present,” she says. “Specialty pet care makes that possible.” Dr. LeGrange explains that it is a particular kind of person who is willing to consider specialized care, such as cancer treatments or a knee replacement, for an animal. “These are usually people who consider their pets to be family members and not just possessions or replaceable animals,” she explains. Dr. Mertens points out that his clientele comprises an extremely diverse collection of individuals, adding, “The common thread is that they simply want to do what they can to help their pets.” TCW

We Love ’Em Statistics from the American Veterinary Medical Association show that there are 72 million pet dogs and nearly 82 million pet cats in the United States. The average household expenditure on veterinary care in 2006 was $366.

Subscribe Today! 11 issues plus the TCW Resource Guide for just $20. For a limited time, you will receive a TCW reusable shopping bag.

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J U L Y

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by belva greenage • photos by sam au yeung

a mission of faith

China. There are few places on Earth that conjure as much mystery. The rich history, the complicated politics, and, yes, the pluralistic religion. As a woman of strong faith, I find that a culture’s view of its spiritualism is always of interest.

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china is a land of contrasts: crowded cities full of lonely faces; satellite dishes atop the most humble abodes; old traditions being crowded out by modern china; simple lives complicated by poverty, pollution, and over-population.

have long wanted to know more about, and someday visit, China. And, for years, I have had a deep wish to do mission work. I had no idea that both of those desires would come together for me. But because my church, Church at Charlotte, has a long-standing commitment to China’s House Church, the opportunity to visit China on a mission trip was set before me this past spring. A team of nine Charlotteans visited three cities (Beijing, Lanzhou, and Chengdu), and many small villages — where it seemed all of the residents came out of their homes to see “the foreigners.” What I learned about the people halfway around the world was not surprising — they are not all that different from us. They laugh. They love. They long for a

deeper faith. There is hope in abject poverty. There is beauty alongside disaster wrought by nature. And there is strength in a people every bit as complex as you and I. I always knew that God is everywhere. Prior to visiting China, I had experienced His glory in nature: a Maui sunset; the contrast of a Nile delta and the desert in Egypt; a star-filled evening in the South African wilderness; the ancient lure of the Galapagos. In China, I saw God not so much in nature as in the humanity. In a Communist country that is officially atheist, God is there … in His people. I hope you will enjoy the amazing photographs, taken by a friend, on the following pages. They document my travels to China’s cities and countryside better than words ever could. > J U L Y

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The 2009/2010 TCW Resource Guide hits the streets in August!

mark your calendars There is hope in abject poverty. There is beauty alongside disaster wrought by nature. And there is strength in a people every bit as complex as you and I.

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In China, I saw God not so much in nature as in the humanity. In a Communist country that is officially atheist, God is there ... in His people.

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Attention: Smile-Conscious Charlotteans

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7 Reasons You Should EXPECT Comfortable Dentistry: 1.The Latest Technology: See your own teeth like I see them! With our digital photography and digital x-rays, you’ll know exactly “what’s going on”. 2.Laser Cavity Detector: This FDA-approved technology instantly and painlessly finds new cavities with 99+% accuracy. X-rays rarely see these cavities, and even “traditional” exams (using the dental “pick”) miss them 76% of the time. Early diagnosis is the key to fast, easy, and affordable repair… before things get worse or painful. 3.Numb Like You’ve Never Been! Is regular numbing not enough for you? If so, then the new FDA approved anesthetic we use may very well be the extra boost of numbing you need. We’ll never proceed with any work unless we know you are completely numb…and comfortable. 4.Sedation Dentistry: Does intense fear of dentistry keep you from smiling and having healthy teeth? Using a safe, simple pill, you can deeply relax while you get your needed dentistry completed comfortably, and in fewer visits than you may think! 5.Exquisite Lifelike Esthetic Dentistry: New techniques whiten, strengthen, and reshape your teeth like never before. You can now replace failing, ugly mercury/silver fillings with the finest porcelain restorations. Design your dream smile with Ultimate Power Whitening (first in Charlotte!), Invisalign or Veneers. Ask to see our Before and After photos. The possibilities are endless! 6.SPA-Like Pampering: With back-massaging dental chairs, personal satellite video glasses, heated neck pillows with a hint of lavender, warm moist face towels…and more…to soothe your body and soul, you’ll forget you’re in a dental office! 7.Comfortable Financially Too: A wide range of payment options and plans available (up to 84 months with approved credit) make even the finest dentistry affordable. Ask us how you can even SAVE BIG on your investment in excellent dentistry!

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“I work with dentists from all over the USA and Canada. For “drop dead” gorgeous cosmetic results, Dr. Chris Bowman has the technical skills, passion, and commitment to excellence that make him the #1 dentist I would choose in the Greater Charlotte area!” - Elizabeth Davidson; Editor, The Independent Dentist newsletter “Dr. Bowman & his staff are the BEST! Their sensitivity to your needs and comfort level are unduplicated in any other dental office I’ve ever encountered. Thanks for the great service!” - Krista Grzandziel Charlotte, NC

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Fashion

A Yankee Doodle Dandy P atr i o t i sm

L o o ks

S o

G o o d

O n

Y o u

Styled By Michelle young hubacher • photo by augusto photography

Make your own fireworks this month, with a display worthy of Uncle Sam’s approval.

Nautical Red Denim Pea Jacket Lauren Jeans Company, Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, $129

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Long Chain Disk Necklace Target, $12.99 Blue Leather Tasseled Clutch Michael Kors, Belk, $248

Blue Ruffled Sleeveless Blouse Sine, Anthropologie, $98

Sea-Charmed Bangles Target, $12.99

White Denim Sailor Pant Apostrophe, Sears, $44

Bright Red “Clara” Loafer Lauren, Ralph Lauren, Dillard’s, $89

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Beauty

t has the power to energize you through one more workout. It keeps skin glowing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an 8-ounce glass of sheer vitality. Water, more than any other substance, renews, replenishes, and refreshes the body, mind, and spirit, in much the way that this life-sustaining liquid makes plants grow taller and greener. From your skin to your brain, every organ of your body relies on adequate hydration to function properly. About 70 percent of your body is water, and the only thing more important to keeping you feeling and looking great, especially during the summer months, is oxygen. Hot summer conditions and intensive sports activities demand even more H2O than the suggested eight glasses (64 ounces) a day for the body to keep its balance.

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Of Life Tonic Of Beauty By Debra Moffitt Leslie

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Beauty routine after a dip in the ocean. Although seawater can improve some skin conditions, such as acne, it is also drying.) Dr. Libby Edwards, a Charlotte-based dermatologist, explains that the water you drink doesn’t go directly to the skin, so it is essential to keep skin well moisturized and protected from the drying effects of sun, chlorine, and salt. She also notes that washing with a mild soap like Dove® once a day should be sufficient to keep skin clean without destroying its natural balance. “We’re addicted to soap and water,” she says. “It’s a sure way to get dry skin.”

Water, Water Everywhere

Ample water intake after a massage also helps to flush out toxins and give skin a healthy, vibrant look. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system and releases lactic acid and toxins stored in muscles. Drinking sufficient quantities of H2O afterward helps to dissipate these toxins.

When it comes to balance, water provides the key to proper functioning of most biological processes. Water aids in digestion and metabolism; water flushes toxins out of the kidneys; and water helps our joints remain loose. Staying hydrated makes good sense — it helps you feel good, and it helps you to look good, as well!

Hydrate For A Healthier You

“You need to make sure to hydrate the skin by keeping your body hydrated,” says Eleana Esquer, lead aesthetician at The Spa 56 Beauty0709.indd 56

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at Ballantyne. “You have to take in water to get rid of toxins and keep all organs healthy. When the body is functioning well, your skin naturally looks good and clear.” Esquer uses distilled mineral water to cleanse skin before hydrating it, because distilled water contains no chlorine or other impurities normally found in tap water. Pointing out that chlorinated water dries skin and strips it of natural oils, she says that every swim in a pool should be followed by a quick rinse and the application of moisturizers to protect the skin. (She recommends a similar

The next best thing to cooling down outdoors after work or play is the traditional spa. The word “spa” actually means “health by water,” according to The Spa at Ballantyne’s director, Bill Toth. Spa of-

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ferings such as relaxing steam and soak baths that include essential oils are great mini-retreats that help detoxify the body, as well as ease stress. They also hydrate challenged skin and can, of course, be an at-home luxury. A water temperature between 98.6 and 101 degrees provides the best results. TCW

Keep the small promises you’ve made to yourself

Visit our Web site at todayscharlottewoman.com for tips on creating The Perfect Bath!

PUBLICATION: Charlotte the City Magazine DATE: August 2006 ARTICLE: Eat, Drink

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Hair needs special attention around summer watersports. According to Kelly McCarty, artistic director of hair color at Carmen!Carmen! Salon é Spa in Charlotte, the chlorine added to water in swimming pools is a bleaching agent that damages and lightens hair, as does the salt in seawater. McCarty explains that, because hair is porous, it tends to readily absorb the chlorine or salt from the water. To help minimize damage, McCarty advises her clients to wet the hair with a quick shower before swimming, both at the local pool and at the beach. This allows hair strands to absorb the less-damaging tap water instead of the chemically treated or salt water. An after-swim shower and specially formulated protective conditioners remove salt and chlorine and will revitalize and restore hair.

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Mary Jane and Terry Heath enjoy many a summer hour relaxing on the pretty front porch of their Dilworth home.

Front And Center For Love Of A Good Porch By Karsen Price • photos by scott stiles

woman will buy a house for a porch. It is a peculiar, little-known fact. The pantry can be too small, the fixtures in the bathroom all wrong, the yard too narrow in the back. The next-door neighbors can have a U-Haul permanently parked in their yard, and a dog that barks all

night long. But give a woman a wraparound porch, and she will fail to notice these details and more, and declare the house perfect. I know this, because I am that kind of person. I am a porch person.

In fact, a wraparound porch can be held partially accountable for helping my marriage hit the 15-year mark this year. That porch has provided just the sliver of real estate necessary when respite or escape or flat-out running away seems most in order. As such, I have rules about porches.

Porch Particulars

Rule No. 1: A deck is not a porch. A deck brings to mind a prominently placed grill; a table with a striped umbrella sprouting from its center; a cooler of beer. Don’t get me wrong — decks can be nice. But decks are not porches. Porches speak to the poet in us all … that meandering little artist hidden in the

folds and pockets of what might have been, and what might yet be. Porches exist to provide shelter for the gentler side of the soul, offering shade from the summer sun and protection from the occasional sprinkle of raindrops (and sometimes an excuse to leave the dishes until tomorrow). Porches evoke the mingled scents of honeysuckle and Blue Moon hybrid tea roses, the chink-chink of ice in elegant, etched glasses or chunky Mason jars slippery with the sweat formed when a cold drink goes up against a midsummer afternoon and beats it … for a little while. Which leads me to Rule No. 2: The only beverage that should be served on a porch is one of those two stately ladies > J U LY

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of Southern refreshment: the glass of sweet tea, or the tumbler of lemonade. With maybe a drop of Maker’s Mark roiling around the laces, to take the edge off that 98-degree heat. Rules Nos. 3, 4, and 5: A porch should have roses, or at least a few geraniums, nearby. A porch should feature a rocking chair or a brightly colored upholstered sofa in the corner. A porch should be dotted with pots overflowing with sweet potato vines and petunias. And perhaps a cat sleeping on the front steps.

Come Sit A Spell

I am not the only one who feels that porches are to houses what Romeo and Juliet is to Shakespeare: the zenith of a really good thing. Mary Jane Heath and husband Terry bought a house in Dilworth — a poetic neighborhood if ever there was — for the porch itself. “Our five-year plan just hit 28 years,” Terry says, explaining that the plan didn’t include staying put for over a quarter of a century — it just happened. Mary Jane proudly points out that Terry handcrafted the wood railing on their quaint porch because, as she eloquently puts it, “We kept losing the children over the edges.” As far as porches go, this one is everything a great porch should be. It is as wide as the house, offering abundant room for sitting and an ambiance just this side of laziness. It features a painted-wood ceiling and floor, enclosed by the crisp white railing, and is accessible by a series of wide brick steps that are ideal for family cat Courage’s afternoon snooze. The Heaths’ porch is framed by just the right mix of neatly trimmed landscaping, capped off by delicate sprays of ivy cascading down the sloping front yard. But what sets this porch apart is the light blue paint accenting the 1922 home’s front window shutters; a robin’s-egg shade mimicked on the porch ceiling and floor. It is a color that captures your eye from the street; promising cooler temperatures under its eaves, if only you’ll come and sit a spell. “The other night, some neighbors came walking by, and we began talking from the road,” says Mary Jane. “We said, ‘Come on up!’ And honestly, we must have talked for nearly three hours.” Now that’s what I call a porch. A mighty fine porch, indeed. TCW

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Taking Control Of Your Office Visit One Question At A Time By Joanna Zikos

Be Prepared …

For A Satisfactory Visit A little advance thought and preparation will go a long way in making sure a visit to your doctor’s office is all it should be. Together with Cynthia R. King, author of 100 Questions & Answers About Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider, TCW has compiled a few basic suggestions to help you obtain the best healthcare possible for yourself and your family: • Select a healthcare provider who is with a small practice, King advises. When you purchase healthcare today, you are purchasing a team. Make yourself aware of the physician’s team members and how accessible they are if you have to contact them during the day or, in case of an emergency, after regular office hours. • Before you make an appointment, know what your health plan covers. Call the insurer and double check. • When scheduling an appointment, make clear to the person taking your information why you want to see a doctor or nurse, and what you expect. For example, if you want to have a full checkup by a general practitioner or an internist, request a complete physical and ask what is included at that particular practice. Will you be given a stress test? A gynecological exam? Is it a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment? 62

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Learning From Patient Perspectives

aura* was given a battery of tests for allergies at a large area practice specializing in allergies and asthma. Even before the test results were ready, a nurse appeared in the examination room with “hypoallergenic” pillows, pillowcases, and mattress covers that could be purchased at the office. “At that moment, I felt as though I had stepped into Bed Bath & Beyond, not a doctor’s office,” Laura recalls. Then came what felt to her like a sales pitch for a series of shots — maybe as long as two years’ worth — to desensitize her from the allergens. “What is the cost per shot?” Laura asked. The nurse replied, “What do you care? Your insurance will be paying for it.” Robert*, who recently moved to Charlotte, scheduled his annual physical with a doctor recommended by another physician. During the physical, he spoke of some worries he had about his health, and some of the symptoms he had been experiencing. His insurance covered the cost of an annual physical, so he was stunned when he received a bill for more than $235 from the practice. “You mentioned having heartburn and experiencing ringing in your ears,” he was later told by a practice administrator. “Any

Be A Part Of The Process

The experiences recounted by these patients are, unfortunately, not unusual. Queens University of Charlotte nursing professor, Cynthia R. King, thinks the road to better healthcare begins with an informed and empowered patient. That’s why she and her father, John A. King, M.D., a retired internist, wrote 100 Questions & Answers About Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider, released earlier this year by Jones and Bartlett Publishers. The book is written for the layperson, with real-life examples of situations that can be intimidating or confusing if patients are uninformed or don’t feel confident asking questions. It begins by defining the various types of healthcare providers, and includes sections that focus on pediatrics and geriatrics.

time you talk about a specific issue, we have the right to charge you.” During his physical, Robert had stated he was seeing a gastroenterologist for the heartburn. As for the ringing in his ears, the doctor should have referred Robert to a special-

ist. “I refused to pay the additional bill,” he says. “They had no choice but to remove the charges. I also complained to my insurance company. What they were doing is unethical. Aren’t you supposed to talk about your health concerns when you go to the doctor for a physical?”

“My father and I felt strongly that patients have a sense they cannot assert themselves,” King explains. “This is partly because there has been the perception for years that doctors are god-like and you do what they tell you. “While consumers are becoming more savvy, we’re still not there,” she continues. “Patients are getting lost in the system, whether it’s in the doctor’s office or hospital, or in the pharmacy. It’s just a quagmire, and patients need help.” King stresses that the goal of the book is to “create an assertive patient, not an aggressive patient.” “As a patient, be clear about what you want from the provider,” she says. “Go in with a clear goal and objective. Go in with a notebook where you’ve written down the most

Sharon* visited a local ear, nose, and throat specialist for ongoing sinus problems. She wanted to know if there were any abnormalities in her sinuses that could be causing recurring infections. The doctor prescribed an antibiotic and had his office schedule a CT scan in 21 days. Sharon had a history of bad experiences with antibiotics and told the doctor of her concerns. She had no idea that the drug he had prescribed for her was a heavy-duty antibiotic sometimes used to treat anthrax. Just five pills into the treatment Sharon was extremely nauseated, had serious joint and muscle aches, and noticed her hair falling out. A week later, two different doctors, four nurses, and three pharmacists confirmed that the dosage of the antibiotics had been excessive, unnecessary, and possibly dangerous. Sharon had to be treated for a yeast infection and stomach problems. “I came away sicker than when I went in, and with absolutely no confidence in the ENT or the practice,” she says. “The nurse kept telling me the doctor was unavailable, so she was consulting with his physician’s assistant. When the doctor was available, he was unaware of a serious symptom — the hair loss.” *Names have been changed for privacy.

important information you want to communicate to the provider. Also, take notes.” King sees a good healthcare provider as someone who is an active listener. “After all,” she says, “the patients have lived in their bodies all their lives.” 100 Questions & Answers About Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider is available at jbpub.com/medicine. TCW For more tips on getting the most out of your trip to the doctor’s office, visit us online at todayscharlottewoman.com. J U l y

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Putting The “Pause” In Early Menopause

ot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia. You might expect these annoyances when you hit the half-century mark, but not in your mid-30s! And yet, 1 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 45 go through premature or “early” menopause, medically described as permanent cessation of menstruation before the age of 50. Although the average age at the onset of menopause is 51, certain categories of women are more likely to experience early menopause: women who have a family history of early menopause; women whose ovaries have either stopped producing eggs or no longer manufacture the hormones necessary for ovulation (known as premature ovarian failure); women who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer; and women with an autoimmune disease, such as thyroiditis or lupus. Still, more often than not, doctors are unable to determine what causes menopause to occur in younger women, which can make this sometimes-difficult stage of life even more frustrating.

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Symptoms of premature menopause are essentially the same as those of natural menopause: night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, headaches, and joint or muscle pain. Body shape changes, especially weight gain around the abdomen, are common, and water retention is often a problem. Menopausal women can also experience emotional ups and downs, along with anxiety, depression, cravings, and forgetfulness. All of these symptoms are triggered by the characteristic hormonal fluctuations — especially a dramatic reduction in estrogen levels — which cause a variety of changes in the body’s functions. For women undergoing early menopause, one treatment option is hormone replacement therapy, which may help manage some of the more difficult symptoms such as hot flashes, declining sexual desire, and impaired sleep. Weighing the risks and benefits of HRT with your healthcare provider is an important first step in addressing those issues. Although menopause is officially defined as the time when a woman’s menstrual periods have ceased for 12 months, doctors at Duke University recommend if you are younger than 40, your periods are getting lighter or you are skipping them altogether, and you have hot flashes, night sweats, and are unexplainably irritable, you should certainly schedule a checkup … to ease both your mind and your body.

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Previous Cervical Dysplasia Boosts Risk Of Future Cancer

recent U.S. study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women who have been treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (commonly known as cervical dysplasia) are at higher risk for a more severe CIN recurrence and/or invasive cervical cancer than are women who have not been previously treated. Cervical dysplasia is a precancerous condition in which there is an abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix. Researchers followed more than 100,000 women for eight years and found the risk of CIN recurrence to be as high as 35 percent in some groups. The majority of those cases recurred within the first six years after treatment, with most diagnosed within the first two. “Recurrence risk depends on the grade of abnormal cells that were initially treated, what treatment was used, and the woman’s age,” wrote Dr. Joy Melnikow, of the

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University of California, Davis. Currently, there is no standard treatment for abnormal cells. At early stages, they are monitored to determine if they might resolve without treatment. At later stages, the method of treatment depends on several variables, including the grade and distribution of the cells, and whether the patient has been treated previously. The findings of this study could help guide physicians in making recommendations about the type and intensity of follow-up therapy needed after initial treatment for abnormal cells. >

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Treatment Options • Cryotherapy is a treatment that freezes a section of the cervix in order to destroy abnormal cells. Cryotherapy has a slightly lower success rate than other treatments for CIN, and so it is less commonly used. One problem with freezing, especially in severe dysplasia, is that the depth cannot be precisely controlled, so some abnormal cells may be left behind. This is less of a problem with small areas of mild to moderate dysplasia. • Laser ablation is done under a local anesthetic. In this treatment, a laser beam is pointed onto specific areas of the cervix to destroy the abnormal cells. • Loop excision is a common surgical procedure that uses an electrified thin wire loop to remove abnormal tissue. The amount of tissue removed can be a little or a lot. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and is usually done as an outpatient procedure, under a local anesthetic. The cervical tissue that is removed can be sent for further examination under a microscope. • A cone biopsy, which employs a laser to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the center of the cervix, may be performed to both diagnose and treat dysplasia. If a basic biopsy reveals severe CIN, or if abnormal cells extend into the cervical canal beyond the sight of the doctor, this procedure may be needed.

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HealthFlash

Single And Having A Baby The Numbers Are Way Up

ccording to a report called Changing Patterns of Nonmarital Childbearing, released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40 percent of births in the United States are to single women. And most of the women are in their 20s — not their teens. The report also notes that out-of-wedlock births in this country increased by 26 percent between 2002 and 2007, while the rate of out-of-wedlock births in 1980 was 18 percent. The number of out-of-wedlock births in the United States is so large and widespread in all population groups that it cannot be accounted for by socioeconomic factors, says Stephanie J. Ventura, director of the Reproductive Statistics Branch at the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, and author of the report. Ventura also found dramatic increases in out-of-wedlock birthrates in other industrialized countries between 1980 and 2007.

The largest increase was in the Netherlands, where out-of-wedlock births escalated from 4 to 40 percent. In Spain, out-of-wedlock births increased from 4 percent to 28 percent; in Ireland, they rose from 5 to 33 percent; and in Italy, the numbers went from 4 to 21 percent. Though the reasons for the widespread proliferation of out-of-wedlock births are not clear, one factor might be that unmarried women who have babies are no longer stigmatized by society.

Other findings: • In the United States, out-of-wedlock births are highest among women in their early 20s; they are lowest among girls younger than 18, and among women older than 35. • Among women in their 20s, 45 percent of births are to those who are not married. In 2007, among women 20 to 24 years old, 60 percent of births were out-of-wedlock, up from 52 percent in 2002.

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ne area of the body that sunscreen cannot protect is the eyes! Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn to the eye, also known as photokeratitis, a painful condition that may result in temporary loss of vision. In addition, the presence of pterygium, a growth of tissue that forms on the white of the eye, is in direct correlation to the amount of UV exposure to which the person has been subjected. Without early treatment, this condition may require surgery. According to Prevent Blindness America, UV damage is cumulative and has been linked to cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. The delicate skin around the eye and the eyelids is also susceptible to UV damage. Fortunately, protecting the eyes and vision is easy and does not have to be

expensive. No matter what the time of year or what the weather forecast, sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays are essential. While UV-A has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the center field of vision. UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues. For tips on choosing sunglasses for adults and children, visit preventblindness.org/uv/.

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HealthFlash

Her Nose Knows A Woman’s Heightened Senses

ody odors have long been known to play a role in human sexual attraction. Although women’s noses are genetically identical to those of men, studies have shown that certain smells activate a greater region in a woman’s brain than they do in the brain of a man. Women, it seems, are far better at discerning body odor, even when camouflaged by colognes and deodorants. “It is quite difficult to block a woman’s awareness of body odor,” says Charles J. Wysocki, a behavioral neuroscientist at the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. “In contrast, it seems rather easy to do so in men.” Researchers such as Tim Jacobs, professor of physiology at Cardiff University, speculate that estrogen surges dur-

ing ovulation play a role in increased odor sensitivity. Women may use their superior sense of smell to sniff out biologically relevant information in sweat that might, in fact, help them select a mate. “Women have a larger interest in reproductive events because they have fewer opportunities for passing on their genes than men, making them more biologically attuned to whom they are mating,” says George Preti, a Monell Chemical Senses Center organic chemist. “This may explain why it is difficult to block women’s perception of sweat odors.” Interesting research, sure. It still does not explain, however, why you can smell that the garbage can needs to be emptied, but he cannot.

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Journaling Your Health

Carol is just one of Dr. Marlowe’s success stories.

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For years, every attempt to lose weight failed, and I thought I’d tried everything.

An Organized Approach To Diabetes

ype 2 diabetes affects 21 million Americans. Poorly controlled diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood vessels, and nerves. Good diabetes selfcare is vital in order to avoid lifethreatening complications, yet people with diabetes often find the stress of daily diabetes management overwhelming. Doctors and diabetes educators encourage their patients with diabetes to make many lifestyle changes, including meal planning, exercise, stress management, blood sugar testing, and possibly medications. In addition, your doctor will recommend a schedule of follow-up visits, blood tests, and exams with specialists. What’s more, there is ongoing paperwork and important information to keep track of, such as doctors’ phone numbers, insurance, medical expenses, and sick day plans. If you have diabetes, it is essential that you work closely with your doctor and your diabetes educator, participate in daily self-care regimens, and keep diabetes-related information current and organized. Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CDE, CD-N, co-author of My Diabetes Organizer, notes four primary methods of organizing information related to your medical treatment for the best self-care.

Dr. Marlowe has helped me improve my entire quality of life, and I’m happy to say I’ve lost 98 lbs. in 6 months!

Set Goals

With your doctor, set personal health goals and mark up a calendar for the coming year with reminders to schedule follow-up visits and recommended screening tests. Your plans may include reducing your A1c (or blood sugar levels), losing weight, lowering your blood cholesterol, and lowering your blood pressure.

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Plan Ahead

It’s important that you have a plan for the times you are feeling sick. Know what actions to take, and know when to call your doctor. Keep a notebook to record your doctor’s recommendations and questions or concerns that come up between doctor visits.

Organize

Set up files for keeping track of paperwork related to treating your diabetes. Quick access to this information will save you time and give you peace of mind. TCW J u l y

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6/22/09 4:09 PM

Shift Your Energy Change Your Life

counseling

Jackie Burleson CPC, MBA, EFT-ADV

• Life & Career Change Coach • Know Your Life Purpose Coach • Emotional Freedom Techniques • Free Consultation Available TM

EnergyConnect Coaching, LLC

restaurant

Call 704/521-6872 to reserve your space today!

704.529.5287 • WWW.ECCOACHING.COM

food

Jill C. Eilenberger LCSW, LMFT Psychotherapist and Author

19 Years At The Arboretum

8206 Providence Rd. #1800 Charlotte, NC 28277

(704) 542-1444 www.natmkt.com

Vitamins/Supplements Sports Fitness • Natural Foods

MONTHLY VITAMIN SALES

H o m e d e s i g n & Imp r o v e m e n t

E R G

Treatment For Emotional Eaters

704-522-0291 www.jilleilenberger.com

financial services

EN IT U P

YARDSCAPES

1515 Mockingbird Lane Charlotte, NC 28209

Unleashing Your Money’s Hidden Potential

Maharani brings to you the authentic essence of Indian cuisine, blending the finest aromatic spices to create dishes that are traditional in flavor, all to be enjoyed in an atmosphere that is warm, inviting and elegantly adorned.

Your Business Card Should Be Here

“Outdoor living space design and maintenance professionals” (704)789-YARD (9273) E:mail: jim@greenitupyards.com Web: www.greenitupyards.com

Jim Corcoran president 20+ years experience

“NO JOB TOO SMALL ONE CALL DOES IT ALL”

Debbie Peterson

Personal Cash Flow sPeCialist Special Offer — Six Hours Of Consulting At No Fee

www.moneycounts.biz 704-2776995

Deb@moneycounts.biz

Kathleen Kolb,Owner 704.922.9316 8508 Park Road #176 Charlotte NC 28210 www.budgetblinds.com

FREE In-Home Consultation

fitness

Lunch Buffet & Lunch Specials

FIT HAPPENS!

Want to lose weight, tone, firm, maybe get rid of that muffin top? I can make it happen. Best of all I travel to your home, office, park, or accepting gyms.

Dara Barber

Cabinet Design Specialist Remodel & New Construction

704 522 9200 Ext. 27

8325-D Arrowridge Blvd. Charlotte, North Carolina 28273

We Make the Decision Easy™

Sat & Sun Noon - 3:00 pm Dinner Mon-Sun 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

901 S. Kings Dr., Suite 115, Charlotte NC 28204 • 704.370.2455

Wellness Curatio Spa & Rehabilitation Let Us ease YoUr Pain

William Bronson LMBt #5764 Massage therapist/owner

7810 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy Suite 313 Charlotte, NC 28277 704-542-3399 www.curatiorehabilitation.com

We Care About Women’s Health! With Chiropractic & Microcurrent Acupuncture We Specialize In: • Migraines/Headaches • Weight Loss • Fibromyalgia • Numbness/Tingling • Menstrual/Menopause • Back Pain new: Esthetics/Skin Care and Massage Therapy

HirscH cHiropractic & Wellness center 2125 Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC 28205 (704) 569-1567 www.Hirschchiro.com

“We are here to help!”

When You Don’t Make Excuses…

For more information go2 www.mo-fit.com or 704.231.2278 AshanoJohnson, Johnson, NSCA-CPT, Founder of Mobile Ashano BA, BA, NSCA-CPT, Founder of Mobile Fitness Fitness

Mon-Fri 11:30 pm - 2:30 pm

for your Relaxation Rejuvenation Rehabilitation Restoration with Quality and Variety!

Professional Therapies on Chair, Table or Floor” For Individuals, Couples or Groups

704-525-9909 Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6

www.CharlotteMBCenter.com

730 Arcade Square, Tyvola Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Neck Pain? Back Pain? Problem with Muscles or Bones? RESTORATIVE AND PREVENTIVE PHYSICAL THERAPY MAY BE RIGHT FOR YOU. Dr. Sindhu George, DPT Board Certified and Licensed in North Carolina

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Emphasizing a compassionate, personal and holistic approach to physical therapy for: • Headaches • Plantar Fasciitis • Neck Pain • Herniated Discs/ • TMJ Pain Joint Dysfunction • Back Pain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Fibromyalgia and more

Your first consultation is absolutely free. Call (704) 319-2232 today for an appointment.

Visit us on the web at www.todayscharlottewoman.com

George Rehabilitation and Wellness, LLC 7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28277

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T h e A C A L E N D A R

Mondays Every Monday

Lake Norman Toastmasters, Suite 206 above Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, 19900 W. Catawba, Cornelius, ext. 28, 6:30-8 p.m. Call Loria Cass, 704/560-8881; www.lakenormantoastmasters.com. Six-O Toastmasters, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 3200 Park Rd., 7 p.m.; 704/451-8502; www.monday6o.org. Women’s Cancer Group, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 6:30-8 p.m.; 704/3845223. Visit www.presbyterian.org/buddykemp for other support group info.

First & Third Monday Of Each Month

Independence Toastmasters Club, Dowd YMCA, 7th floor, 400 E. Morehead St., 7:07 a.m., charlottetoast.freetoasthost.org.

Second Monday Of Each Month

Executive Women International, 5:30 p.m. reception; 6 p.m. dinner, members only. Call Sara Evans, 704/731-4397. International Association Of Administrative Professionals, Charlotte Chapter, Hilton Executive Park off Tyvola & I-77, 6 p.m. Call Leigh Ann Nafus, 704/243-4786. Junior Woman’s Club Of Charlotte, The Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Rd. 7 p.m., www.charlottejuniors.com. Mint Hill Women’s Club, call Dixie Helms, 704/545-3806; vicepresident@minthillwc.com; www.minthillwc.com.

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Holistic Health Network, Presbyterian Hospital, Hawthorne Lane (Bobcat Room), 6:45 p.m. Meets Sept.June. Open to all. Call Belle Radenbaugh, 704/542-7040; www.ncholisticnetwork.com. Lake Norman Women’s Connection, Atlanta Bread Company, Huntersville, 10 a.m. Call Janet, 704/281-8496, or Lindy, 704/892-9060. National Association Of Women Business OwnersCharlotte, locations and format vary. $30-$60. 704/3673454; www.nawbocharlotte.org. Women In Electronics, Holiday Inn University Executive Park, 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. meeting, $15; www. womeninelectronics.org.

Second Tuesday Every Other Month

Women’s Initiative Network, Charlotte Chapter. Call Pat Baldridge, 704/541-0277; www.womensinet.com.

Second Tuesday Of Each Month

American Association Of Medical Assistants, Charlotte Chapter, Pritchett Hall, Kings College, 6 p.m. Visitors welcome. RSVP to pjh2ncaama@aol.com; www.aama-ntl.org Carolina Breast Friends, Myers Park United Methodist Church, Room 109, 7 p.m.; www.carolinabreastfriends.org. Charlotte Woman’s Club, 1001 E. Morehead St., $10, 704/333-1980.

Third Monday Of Each Month

Clemson Women’s Alumni Council, Charlotte Metro Area Chapter, locations vary, drinks 6:30 p.m., dinner/ activity 7 p.m. Call Anne Roberts, 704/236-0255; AnneVRoberts@alumni.clemson.edu; www.clemsonclub.net.

Last Monday Of Each Month

Crohn’s And Colitis Foundation Of America, St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd., 7:30 p.m. Call Andy, 704/907-9374 or 704/717-3300.

Ovarian Cancer Support Group, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 10-11:30 a.m., 704/384-5223.

International Association Of Administrative Pro fessionals, Metrolina Chapter, 3210 CPCC W. Campus Dr. Call Davandra Reed, 704/605-5817.

Tuesdays

Project Linus, Candlewyck Baptist Church, 7200 Providence Rd., 6:30-9 p.m.

International House Book Club, International House, 7 p.m., 704/333-8099. Latin American Women’s Association, The Mint Museum, 2730 Randolph Rd. 6:30 p.m., 704/552-1003.

Every Tuesday

BizNetwork.org, SouthPark, locations vary, 7:30 a.m. Call Kathryn Mosely, 704/676-5850, ext. 101. Charlotte Concert Band, Dana Auditorium, Queens University, 7:30 p.m., 704/553-8062; www.charlotteconcertband.org. Queen City Toastmasters Club, Cisco building, 1900 South Blvd., 6 p.m. dinner; 6:30 p.m. meeting, 704/366-3519.

First Tuesday Of Each Month

Artists’ Forum, Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., 7:30-9 p.m. Charlotte Association Of Insurance Women, Myers Park Country Club, 2415 Roswell Ave., 5:30 p.m. dinner/speaker, $25. Call Dot Williams, 704/333-6694.

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The Heart Link Network-Mooresville, dinner, 7 p.m.; www.28115.theheartlinknetwork.com for info. Watercolor Artists Of Charlotte, Sardis Swim Club, 7400 Thermal Rd., 10 a..m-1 p.m. $5. Call Sandy, 704/578-7077.

M E E T I N G S

Institute Of Management Accountants, Holiday Inn Woodlawn, CPE/dinner meetings, 1-5 p.m.; dinner, 6 p.m., 704/717-9165; www.ima-charlotte.org. Lake Norman Women’s Connection, NorthStone Country Club, 10 -11:30 a.m., $13. Call Lisa, 704/953-6693. Mecklenburg Evening Republican Women’s Club, Captain Steve’s Seafood, 8517 Monroe Rd., dinner, 6 p.m.; program, 7 p.m.; free. E-mail Iris, cltfolks@bellsouth.net; www.meckgop.com. National Association Of Women Business Owners North, Acropolis Café, 20659 Catawba Ave., 8-9:30 a.m., $6 members, $10 visitors. Call 704/987-3828, or e-mail sales@advancedbatteries.net. National Association Of Women Business Owners South, The PRStore Ballantyne, 13855 Conlan Circle, 8-9:30 a.m., $10 members, $15 visitors. Call 704/525-5539; e-mail info@bhs-cpa.com. National Association Of Women In Construction, Hilton Executive Park, 5624 Westpark Dr., 5:30 p.m. network; 6 p.m. dinner/meeting; $25 members, $30 guests. Contact DKeziah@rodgersbuilders.com.

Fourth Tuesday Of Each Month

American Business Women’s Association, Hornet’s Nest Chapter, Olive Garden, 4336 Independence Blvd. 6 p.m. dinner (order from menu). Call Johnnie Simpson, 704/545-4198. Friends Of Beverly, Pewter Rose, South Blvd., 6 p.m. RSVP by e-mail to Beverly@friendsofbeverly.com. Pilot Club Of Charlotte, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. dinner/meeting. Call Jean Funderburk, 704/846-3526.

Wednesdays Every Wednesday

Business Network International, SouthPark Producers Chapter, Zebra Restaurant, 4521 Sharon Rd. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Call Chris Bennett, 704/502-7947. Bosom Buddies, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 10-11:30 a.m., 704/3845223. Visit www.presbyterian.org/buddykemp for other support group info.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary 2031, 7:30 p.m. Call Naomi Sigmon, 704/384-9662.

Toastmasters, Sunrise Speakers Chapter, Conference Rooms C & D, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, 7 a.m. Call Wayne Caulder, 704/846-7846.

Third Tuesday Of Each Month

First Wednesday Of Each Month

Dirt Divas Mountain Biking Club, Blonde Lounge (below Jason’s Deli), 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd., 7:30 p.m.; www.dirtdivas.net.

Young Republicans Club, South End Brewery, 7 p.m., contact scottallocco@hotmail.com; www.meckyr.com.

Second & Fourth Tuesday Of Each Month

Delhom Service League, Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., 10 a.m.; b.holland@mindspring.com.

Doorways, International House, 10 a.m., 704/333-8099. North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club, NorthStone Country Club, 10:30 a.m. Call Dawn Bradford, 704/875-1402.

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Second Wednesday Of Each Month

American Business Women’s Association, Charlotte Charter Chapter, Crown Plaza Hotel-Charlotte, 201 S. McDowell St., dinner, $23. Call Clarice, 609/351-0373; www.abwacharlottecharter.org. Charlotte Women’s Connection 1, Raintree Country Club, 10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., lunch/entertainment, $14. Call Janice, 704/847-2669; charwomenconn1@aol.com. Daughters Of The American Revolution, Piedmont Patriots chapter. Call Mary Joy, 704/334-6035. Democratic Women Of Mecklenburg County, locations vary, 6:30 p.m. Call Dr. Ann Mabe Newman, R.N., 704/517-7008; http://democraticwomenofmecklenburgcounty.org/. eWomenNetwork, Byron’s South End, networking, 11 a.m.; lunch/program 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.; members, $35; guests, $45. Call Mel Miller, 704/650-5439.

Second & Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month

Legal Clinics, Mecklenburg Women’s Commission, free seminars; 704/336-3210, 704/336-3414.

Third Wednesday Of Each Month

Association Of Fundraising Professionals, locations vary, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 704/331-8518; www.afp-charlotte.org. eWomenNetwork, Lake Norman, Birkdale Golf Club, networking, lunch/program, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; members, $35; guests, $45. Call Lori Dvorak, 704/947-8476. Friends Of Beverly, Borders Bookstore, Morrocroft Shopping Center, 6 p.m. RSVP to Beverly@friendsofbeverly.com. Metropolitan Business & Professional Women, The Capital Grille, IJL Financial Center, 201 N. Tryon St.; 11:30 a.m.; members, $21; guests, $28; 866/851-9446; www.mbpw.org.

Fourth Wednesday Of Each Month

Assistance League Of Charlotte, Assistance League of Charlotte Center, 3600 S. Tryon St., 9:30 a.m. Call 704/525-5228; alcharlotte@bellsouth.net; www.charlotte.assistanceleague.org Charlotte/Mecklenburg Republican Women’s Club, Maggiano’s SouthPark, 11:30 a.m., members, $25; www.cmrwc. com for reservations, or call Dana Both, 704/621-9191. Guild Of Charlotte Artists, Sept.-May, Mint Museum of Art, 2730 Randolph Rd., 7 p.m., 704/337-2000; www.guildofcharlotteartists.org. Public Relations Society Of America Charlotte Chapter, Design Center for the Carolinas, Suite 110, Byron Hall, 101 W. Worthington Ave. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; members, $22; guests, $29; students, $15; www.prsacharlotte.org.

Thursdays

New Friends Of Carolina, Women’s Group, New Members Welcome Coffee. Visit www.newfriendsofcarolina. com, or call 1-866/213-9183. United Daughters Of The Confederacy, Chapter 1840, General James H. Lane ; call Gail Sifford, 704/366-4737.

First & Third Thursday Of Each Month

International Coach Federation, Charlotte chapter. Dowd YWCA, 400 E. Morehead St., 7th floor; 6:15-8 p.m. Call Janet Caffray, 704/372-0154; www.icfcharlotte.org.

Charlotte Networking Professionals, Ramada Inn Conference Center, 212 Woodlawn Rd., Pineville, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $15. Call Drew Waterbury, 704/5236914; www.charlottenetworkingprofessionals.com SHARE: Supporting HSV/HPV awareness, resources, Sensovi Institute, 2125 Southend Dr., 6:30-8 p.m. Call 704/377-2022.

Second Thursday Of Each Month

Charlotte Newcomers Club, 10:30 a.m., 704/543-8330. Daughters Of The American Revolution, Mecklenburg Chapter, 10 a.m. Call Miriam Smith, 704/391-0504. Daughters Of The American Revolution, Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence Chapter, 10 a.m. Call Patricia Autry, 704/366-3487. Professional Association Of Healthcare Office Managers, lunch $10, guests free. Call Sandy Glaspell, 704/795-7010. University City Women’s Group, Oasis Shrine Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place, 9:30 a.m. meeting; 11:30 lunch. Call Jan Bleavins, 704/598-4863, or e-mail LunchUCWG@gmail.com. What Every Woman Should Know, financial discussion group. Smith Barney, 6101 Carnegie Blvd., 2nd floor. Noon. E-mail Nicole.E.Hudson@smithbarney.com.

Third Thursday Of Each Month

American Business Women’s Association, University Chapter, 11:30. RSVP Jane Norman, 704/552-8492; www.abwauniversitychapter.org. American Payroll Association, Charlotte Chapter, 12:30-2 p.m.; call Denise Bryant, 800/221-7573, ext. 6142; www.apacharlottenc.org. Cabarrus Newcomers & Friends Club, Max’s Ally in Concord, 10 a.m., optional lunch. Contact Carolyn Osborne, 704/792-9577. Carolinas’ Professional Saleswomen And Entrepreneurs, Marriott Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Drive, 11 a.m. networking, 11:30 a.m. meeting; members, $25 ; nonmembers, $30; walk-ins, $35. Call Ann Hodges, 704/7240326; www.CPSECharlotte.org.

First Thursday Of Each Month

Charlotte Business And Professional Women, Hotel Charlotte, Sharon Amity Rd., 6 p.m. dinner/program, 704/517-2357 or 704/545-3717.

Lake Norman Republican Women’s Club, Jeffrey’s, Mooresville, 7 p.m.; call Debbie Lambert, 704/660-3140. National Association Of African Americans In Human Resources, Charlotte Chamber, 6:30 p.m., no meeting Jan. or July; 704/307-2598; naaahr-charlotte.org.

Fourth Thursday Of Each Month

Credit Professionals International, Ole Smokehouse Restaurant, 1513 Montford Drive, 6:30 p.m., $15. Call Diane Radcliff, 704/841-9573.

Every Thursday

eWomenNetwork, Cabarrus/University Area region, Speedway Club, networking, lunch/program, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; members, $35; guests, $45. Call Lori Dvorak, 704/947-8476.

Women In Architecture, call Nora Black, 704/536-4988.

United Daughters Of The Confederacy, Chapter 220, Stonewall Jackson; call Suellen Del`ahunty, 704/708-9866.

Charlotte Artists Society, Queens Gallery, 1212 The Plaza, 7 p.m., guests welcome. Call Chuck Calhoun, 704/847-2111; www.charlotteartistssociety.org.

Business Network International, Ballantyne, 7:30 a.m., call Tammy Copeland, 704/804-1761.

Call Margo, 803/322-8629, or e-mail mgoodman@parksouthgroup.com.

Charlotte Newcomers Club, locations vary, lunch, speaker, 11 a.m., 704/543-8330. Sisters Network, for black women with breast cancer, Presbyterian Buddy Kemp Caring House, 242 Colonial Ave., 6:30 p.m., 704/384-5223. Women In Insurance And Financial Services Carolinas, Carmel Country Club, 4735 Carmel Rd., luncheon.

New Friends Of Carolina, Women’s Group, monthly luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Visit www.newfriendsofcarolina. com, or call 1-866/213-9183.

Fridays Every Friday

Debtors Anonymous, St. Stephen United Methodist Church, 6800 Sardis Rd., 7:30-8:30 p.m. Call Harold, 704/362-0587.

Saturdays Every Saturday

Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Rd., walk-ins welcome, 8-10:30 a.m., $10. Call 704/376-2787; www. CharlotteArtLeague.org.

Second & Fourth Saturday Of Each Month

Saturday Morning Toastmasters, SouthPark Suites Hotel, 6300 Morrison Blvd., 8 a.m. Call Morris Lawing, 704/366-0846.

Third Saturday Of Each Month

American Association Of University Women, Trinity Presbyterian Church, 3115 Providence Rd., 10 a.m., 704/596-3482. No summer meetings.

Fourth Saturday Of Each Month

Dining For Women, Charlotte Chapter. World Alliance for Families and Children, 4835 S. Tryon St. Contact Saba K. Washington, jesapro@hotmail.com. The Girl Friends Inc., locations vary, noon, members only. Call Victoria Carter, 704/258-3420. The National Association Of Negro Business And Professional Women’s Clubs Inc., Charlotte Club., Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 517 Baldwin Ave., 3 p.m., members only. Call Dr. Carlether Burwell, 704/4557205, or visit www.nanbpwc.org.

Sundays First Sunday Of Each Month

A LOTT Of Sista Love, all women welcome. Locations vary, visit www.alottofsistalove.org or e-mail communication@alottofsistalove.

Third Sunday Of Each Month

Black Political Caucus, Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2600 Beatties Ford Rd., 7 p.m.; www.bpccharlotte.com.

BeInTouch To be considered for inclusion in The Meeting Place, or to update a listing, send details to editor@todayscharlottewoman.com.

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T o m o r r o w ’ s G i r ls

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Libby Lamb Animal Shelter Volunteer

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Creature Comfort By Michelle Young Hubacher • Photo BY JAMES BROWN

“I

t’s the little things that can make all the difference.” In work, in life, and especially in volunteerism, we find this to be true. For 16-year-old Libby Lamb, “the little things” to which she refers might truly make all the difference in the chance of a homeless pet being adopted into a loving family. Libby, who has logged at least 80 hours of volunteer time with the Humane Society of Charlotte since last fall, sees her work as an opportunity to change not only the lives of the animals in her care, but the lives of the individuals who are potential pet owners. “If I help a dog learn to sit or walk nicely on a leash,” she says, “that dog becomes more adoptable. Anyone who lets that dog into their family because of it will be so happy. And that’s important to me.” As a junior volunteer with the Humane Society of Charlotte, Libby, accompanied by her mom, Laurie, has been educated in various aspects of animal care. She has been trained to provide socialization for the animals, along with basic — and basically unpleasant — cleaning. “It’s just as important to be there to help do things like clean up the kennels,” Libby says. And clean kennels she does, some-

times 20 in one day. “She definitely doesn’t mind the dirty work,” says Cat Belteau, Humane Society of Charlotte volunteer coordinator. “And there is a lot of dirty work here!” But for Libby, cleaning the kennels is a great excuse for spending time with the animals, each of which she says has a completely different personality. “If I am in every kennel, I get to spend a little time with that dog, and they come to trust me and know me as much as I know them!” she says. “Libby has always had a soft spot for animals,” her mother says. “For her eighth birthday, she asked for pet food donations instead of gifts. That’s just the kind of girl she is.” Libby, a sophomore and honor student at Charlotte Latin School, hopes to continue her involvement with the Humane Society of Charlotte. As a no-kill animal shelter, the organization is never short on pets in need of homes … and never short on work for volunteers. “Animals can’t help the situation they end up in,” Libby says. “It’s not their fault that they’re stuck in a kennel. And there are animals there that have had a hard life. But they have so much forgiveness and trust. They just want a home.” TCW

ToLearnMore For information on volunteer opportunities, or to see some of the pets in need of homes, visit the Humane Society of Charlotte at humanesocietyofcharlotte.org.

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