Archive for August 12th, 2008

Charlotte realtors (and their kids) Giving to help the Soul!

August 12th, 2008 categories: Our Charlotte Realtors

One of the things that makes me proud to be the team leader of Charlotte Premier Realty is how my team gives back to the community. Personally, I am involved in many charities but the one I like to talk about the most is supporting my children in raising money for World Vision. (by the way rated 4 stars by Charity Navigator!) With the help of our church St. Johns Episcopal ,and the volunteers, the youth at St. Johns have raised over $330,000 in the past 3 years ~ fasting and sleeping in makeshift cardboard huts! They were even featured in a World Vision promotional video in 2007 and I am proud to say 3 of my teens are in this video. It still brings tears to my eyes to watch that one.  

Another great thing we do with every transaction we have is we give back to the Children’s Miracle Network.  RE/MAX was one of the leading companies to give to that charity. Rhonda Gibbons is also very involved with giving back. She and her husband Mike started a cycling team MojoRiding which in four short years has raised over $250,000 on behalf of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and National multiple sclerosis Society. Ask Rhonda about her 24 Hours of Booty ride ~ its not what you think!  Rhonda’s bike team ride each year in local Charlotte charity events as the 24 Hours of Booty and the MS ride to the Beach. I am not sure how Rhonda does it and sells so much Real Estate but her dedication is unflappable. 

So what do you do to feed your soul? I challenge any family to just 5 hours a month to any community service. From helping in the parks to donating to whatever cause you believe in. We’d love to hear what you are doing ~ please leave us a comment below ~ we listen!

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

Giant (soft) Crabs attack Charlotte NC!

August 12th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Living

OK maybe not exactly an attack…more like a recipe for… Crispy Maryland Soft Shell Crabs with Cilantro Slaw from one of Charlotte’s newest and best seafood digs Oceanaire at the Piedmont Town Center in Southpark! The recipe is courtesy of executive chef Executive Chef de Cuisine, Brad MacFiggen. Thanks Brad!

Just don’t feel like cooking (me either) let Brad work his magic on those soft crustaceans for you while you sit back and enjoy the attentive service and ambiance at Oceanaire! Oh and be sure to read the interview with Brad at Connect With Charlotte in part…

“My career turned around when I was given the opportunity to be a chef that interacted on the floor, bringing down the wall between me and the guest. Here (Oceanaire) we bring the personality of the kitchen right to the side of the table. Making that guest connection is unbelievable for me. It’s a reward.”
Delicious.
We’d like to know, what is your favorite fish…or crustacean?

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: Your Comments Please »

HomeArama 2008 coming to Charlotte’s Palisades…again!

August 12th, 2008 categories: Great Neighborhoods

The Palisades is one of Charlotte’s most beautiful lake communities. Nestled on the coves of Lake Wylie this planned community played host to the 2005 Charlotte HomeArama. The Charlotte Observer’s Allen Norwood reflects that at the time…“the neighborhood was so new that the entrance road asphalt was still warm and the mortar in the entry monument was still wet.” Well the pavement is cool and the mortar is now set, set for a “best ever” 2008 Charlotte HomeArama October 4-28 at the Ranch at The Palisades! Allen goes on to say…

“The soccer fields and clubhouse are in place in The Palisades, off N.C. 49 above Lake Wylie, he said, and the new Episcopal School is open. The HomeArama site is in The Ranch, a gated equestrian neighborhood inside the 1,500-acre development, and there’s a huge new commercial horse barn that will be available to any horse lovers.

“Galloping trails” ramble through The Ranch, the way 18 holes of green space might twist through a golf course community. Lots are 1 acre and average $340,000. Each lot will accommodate a two-horse stall. Medall said he expects some horse lovers to buy two or three lots to create larger estates.

He expects homes to range from 4,000 to 10,000 square feet – and the three HomeArama houses, the first in the neighborhood, are on the imposing end of that range.” (read the entire article here)

Picture of the main horse barn at the Palisades Ranch

You won’t want to miss this one so mark your calendars and make plans for the premier of the Ranch at the Palisades, TalkCharlotte you apprised of all the details and great info about discount tickets, events and builder profiles! If you’d like to tour HomeArama with one of  us we’d be happy to give you complimentary tickets!

Authored by Donna Johnston | Discussion: 1 Comment »