Archive for the 'Fun for Kids' Category

hungary? These kids are!

February 7th, 2010 categories: Donna Johnston, Fun for Kids, Giving Back in Charlotte, Good stuff we find, Sunday Inspiration

Every year my kids amaze me on how enthusiastic they are about sleeping in a box and fasting for 30 hours. It is usually cold and raining yet that just energizes them. My kids have a huge heart and soul and Haiti has been especially on their minds. This event is so unique because it is planned and ran by the youth and volunteers.

This year, St. John Episcopal Church is building its box city for the 30 Hour Famine on Saturday, Feb. 27th, 2010. The youth have to raise at least $360 to participate and hundreds do. This is not just for St. Johns but any youth (grades 6-12) that want to help raise money for a good cause while having fun. The 30 hour famine raises awareness for hunger not just around the world but in our city as well. St. Johns youth set records every year on how much money they raise for the 30 hour famine.

World Vision is a well respected 5 star charity that has a mission to feed the hungry. In the aftermath of the devastation of Haiti, the need is there more than ever. Did you know that over 25,000 children die from hunger or hunger related illnesses every DAY? This year at St John’s 30 hour famine the theme is “Western” and yes, I have heard they are going to have a mechanical bull for the kids to ride, Woo Hoo. I am looking forward to the Famine Hoe Down square dance they are hosting. I haven’t done that since I was a kid myself.

All are welcome to join in the fun for $5 or $20 per family and you don’t have to wear the square dancing dress- unless you just happen to have one in your closet…. Want to help, see it in action, donate, spread the word- please do. Click here to see more 30 Hour Famine St. Johns. Do you know of any event going on to raise awareness for hunger? As I am preparing the food for my guests coming over for the super bowl, I realize how fortunate we are. Imagine being so hungry without a kitchen to go to. Click Here to donate directly to St Johns 30 hour famine.

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

Up and Away (almost) in the ReMax Balloon!

February 15th, 2009 categories: Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

** please note that we are keeping this post at the top of the blog for a while so after you watch the video please check below for our most recent posts

Crisp autumn air, Carolina blue skies, a pastoral setting what else could you ask for? Well as it turns out a little less wind would have been nice! Last October the Charlotte Premier Realty team Donna, Betsy, Rhonda, Jackie and Blake invited clients and their families to an old fashioned picnic ~ great food, games and yes the famous ReMax hot air balloon. Almost everyone (some were understandably more interested in the watching than the riding) was excited about the chance to ride in a real hot air balloon! While the windy day dashed those hopes ~ we did get to see the balloon, learn from the expert  and watch as the propane jets spewed fire 20 feet into the air! (which was enough for all the boys & men in the crowd)

As we watched the video we could not help but  realize just how close we are to our clients and how much we enjoy their company. We work very hard in our client’s best interest so it was really nice and a bit humbling to hear the nice things that were said  ~ we hope it’s what sets the Charlotte Premier Realty team apart.

We can not thank our friend Cristina Cassidy enough (Rhonda helped Cristina & Ray buy their Charlotte home last year) for creating this video. We were very lucky to have Cristina an exceptionally talented local filmmaker capture the fun, warmth and friendship of that afternoon. Cristina is busy with some amazing projects please check out her Stick it To Me (you’ll never look at a  bumper sticker the same) and her short trailer for her upcoming  hauntingly poignant documentary Concerto for Two Brothers - her work is stunning and soon to be award winning!

So thanks so much for everyone who made it out to the 2008 picnic ~ we loved having you ~ we hope to get the balloon and do it again in 2009 ~ we are all due for calm day don’t you think!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 4 Comments »

Uptown Charlotte even has its own magazine(s)!

January 15th, 2009 categories: Charlotte Legends, Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Yeah who knew, well we knew but maybe you didn’t — Charlotte has a couple of great magazines focused on the still growing and bustling Uptown area. Check out this link to Uptown’s super cool online version of the magazine. If you’ve never seen an online magazine where you can actually turn the page it’s pretty cool. And make sure to watch the short video promoting Under the Influence at Charlotte’s iconic Visualite theatre (it’s not what you think!) SKI much?

Or maybe come by the Visualite and check out the Gourds — now that one caught us by surprise too! Rhonda, Jackie and I however did see two great Duncan Sheik shows at the Visualite if that is more your style!

Oh yes and make sure you check out Charlotte’s newest uptown magazine EYE Charlotte by our friend and reknowned Charlotte Observer reporter Crystal Dempsey!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Fall in LOVE with Steel Creek: Convenience and Coasters Abound

November 15th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Charlotte Real Estate & More, Fun for Kids

 

The beautiful autumn leaves and the crisp morning air mean that fall has come to Charlotte. Are you looking for a Charlotte community with the convenience of shopping, dining, theme parks, and easy access to the major highways so that you have time to enjoy this great autumn weather? You should check out the lower Steele Creek community in southwest Charlotte.

 

Housing prices in the lower Steele Creek area are affordable considering all the amenities in the area. The homes in the area are a mix of older, established single-family homes, town homes, and new construction. The average home price in the lower Steele Creek area is $213,985.

 

The River Gate shopping center is the unofficial town center of the lower Steele Creek community. The shopping center sits at the intersection of Highway 49 (South Tryon Street) and Highway 160 (Steele Creek Road). River Gate boasts anchor stores like Home Depot and Super Target. River Gate also includes dining options like TGI Fridays, City Tavern, and Just Fresh. New stores are opening on a regular basis so you never know what you may find.

 

 

Would you and your kids enjoy the convenience of a theme park within minutes of your home? Carowinds , a theme park which sits on the North Carolina/South Carolina border, is a part of the lower Steele Creek community. It is a 112-acre park with entertainment for all including Nickelodeon Central for the younger crowd, Boomerang Bay for water lovers, and exciting roller coasters like Nighthawk for the thrill seekers.

 

Access to the major highways is so convenient. Interstate-77 sits to the east and Interstate-485 sits to the north. West Boulevard is also an option for those wanting to get to Uptown Charlotte using a non-highway route.

 

If you are a Steele Creek resident who would like to share more tidbits on the hidden treasures of the area, your prospective neighbors would love to hear from you. If you are a prospective Steele Creek neighbor with questions about additional features of the area, we would love to hear from you as well.

 

Steele Creek rocks!

Spoken by Donna Johnston | Discussion: No Comments »

Charlotte’s “Race Playce” is no place for disabilities!

October 19th, 2008 categories: Fun for Kids, Sunday Inspiration

That’s right disabilities have no place at Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation’ new Race Playce because this new playground was designed so that no child has to be left out! Children of all “abilities” now have place to play and have FUN together!

Karen Sullivan reports today A “Playce” for kids with disabilities in the Charlotte Observer that…

3,700 volunteers with varying abilities…turned towering piles of lumber into an 11,780-square-foot NASCAR-themed adventure called Race Playce. Park and Recreation’s goal was to take $400,000 approved by the county and create a playground where a disability would not be a barrier. Planners studied similar projects in other communities.

Then the planners brought together about 170 children with varied abilities in November 2007 to ask how they would build a playground….(read more)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: 1 Comment »

101 Great things to do in Charlotte NC #86~84

August 29th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

86. The Comedy Zone - Live Comedy Venue that features local, national, and international talent every weekend.

85. Richard Childress Racing Museum – The excitement of NASCAR Winston Cup racing can be found at the Richard Childress Racing Museum.

84. Pit Crew U and 5 off 5 on – Drop in on the school that is training the best pit crew in NASCAR. The school offers a basic eight-week program, Pit Crew U, followed by an optional advanced-level course, called “5 Off 5 On: Race Team Performance.” The term “5 off 5 on” refers to a tire-changer’s duty: Five lug nuts come off, five go on.

(Charlotte things to do courtesy of NC Tourist Guide)

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

Southern Women’s Show 2008 | Food fashion & fun | Charlotte 9/18~9/21

August 28th, 2008 categories: Charlotte Legends, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Southern Shows is a Charlotte institution. I know! I went to high school with current President David Zimmerman and worked at the shows during high school for the legendary (and really classy & nice) Charlotteans Robert and Joan Zimmerman founders of the company (David’s parents). By the way the Zimmermans are also reknown for their family & friends Christmas Grog parties which were lavish enough to spawn a “teen” Christmas party with the leftovers! 

The Zimmerman family continues to put on some of the most amazing & fun lifestyle shows in the country the Charlotte Southern Women’s Show (here in Charlotte 9/18 (and eleven other cities) & the Christmas Show are awesome!

What you may not know is the Zimmermans and crew also host three of the most impressive home renovation and garden shows ~ if you are building, remodeling or planning your dream home you don’t want to miss this!

• Southern Spring Home & Garden Show  coming March 4~8 2009
• Southern Ideal Home Show  Charlotte Merchandise Mart  9/5~9/7
• Southern Kitchen & Bath Show  Charlotte Merchandise Mart  9/5~9/7

Enjoy the shows and make sure you save the date for the Christmas Show ~ the strudel is to die for!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

101 Things To Do in Charlotte North Carolina #89~87

August 2nd, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Buying a home in Charlotte North Carolina is only the beginning! Whether you live in Charlotte or are dreaming about relocating here we think you’ll find the Charlotte Mecklenburg area has some pretty amazing things to do and some hidden gems! Rather than list all 101 Charlotte attractions we’ll give you three at a time (hint: you can find the complete list right now here courtesy of the North Carolina Tourist Guide).

We know lists can get a little boring so let’s make it fun — we’ll share our thoughts good & bad (in pink) and if you’ll let us know what you think if you go please leave a comment right here on our blog (its easy simply click on Comments above under the title)…so let’s get started…

89. Latta Equestrian Center – show grounds, lighted arenas, guided trail rides, horseback riding lessons and a tack shop at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve in northwestern Mecklenburg County. With 13 miles of equestrian trails winding through the woods, this is the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon ride.

88. Opera Carolina – one of the largest and most successful professional opera companies in the Southeast. The company’s strong reputation is built on a commitment to excellence in its mainstage productions and acclaimed Education & Outreach programs.

87. City of Frescoes – Charlotte is called the City of Frescoes. Rare in the U.S., Charlotte is home to several sites painted by Ben Long, a NC native. Ben is world renowned and a beloved Charlotte icon — see the Bank of America lobby!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

101 Things To Do in Charlotte North Carolina #92~90

August 1st, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Buying a home in Charlotte North Carolina is only the beginning! Whether you live in Charlotte or are dreaming about relocating here we think you’ll find the Charlotte Mecklenburg area has some pretty amazing things to do and some hidden gems! Rather than list all 101 Charlotte attractions we’ll give you three at a time (hint: you can find the complete list right now here courtesy of the North Carolina Tourist Guide).

We know lists can get a little boring so let’s make it fun — we’ll share our thoughts good & bad (in pink) and if you’ll let us know what you think if you go please leave a comment right here on our blog (its easy simply click on Comments above under the title)…so let’s get started…

92. Hart Witzen Gallery – Charlotte’s Hart Witzen is a privately owned, self sustaining arts venue supported through rental of the gallery and artist studios allowing Hart Witzen to function as an alternative space not dependent on government grants nor subject to the artistic opinions of others. Some of the most original artwork in the area can be seen here. Home to Rhonda’s husband Michael’s 2002 art exhibit Qui. A mutual appreciation for each others’ work, complimentary styles and a conversation about the color pink has led to emerging artists Dina Lowery and Michael Morgan Gibbons work simultaneously on two separate canvases switching the canvases periodically to work on each others painting. Completed paintings are unique exhibiting the style, inspiration and signatures of two artists. (here’s a sample)

91. NC Racing Auto Hall of Fame located in Mooresville NC, this Racing Hall of fame annually inducts new members and is available for touring year round.
90. Dale F. Halton Theater – At Central Piedmont Community College’s Dale F. Halton Theater, education meets entertainment. Catch theater, music and dance productions on a stage worthy of the world’s great artists. Charlotte has had more than its share of, strong, successful and influential women. Dale Halton is one of the icons — might call her the Queen of Pepsi here in Charlotte!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

101 Things To Do in Charlotte North Carolina #95~93

July 21st, 2008 categories: Charlotte Lifestyle, Fun for Grown Ups, Fun for Kids

Buying a home in Charlotte North Carolina is only the beginning! Whether you live in Charlotte or are dreaming about relocating here we think you’ll find the Charlotte Mecklenburg area has some pretty amazing things to do and some hidden gems! Rather than list all 101 Charlotte attractions we’ll give you three at a time (hint: you can find the complete list right now here courtesy of the North Carolina Tourist Guide).

We know lists can get a little boring so let’s make it fun — we’ll share our thoughts good & bad (in pink) and if you’ll let us know what you think if you go please leave a comment right here on our blog (its easy simply click on Comments above under the title)…so let’s get started…

95. McColl Center for Visual Arts – The center supports an active artist in residence program and their works can be viewed by the public. The Center also offers lectures and artists forums.
I think we’ve all visited the McColl center during gallery crawls — always an eclectic display and one of Charlotte’s most intriguing architectural landmark. Originally built in 1926, McColl Center for Visual Art is located in a former Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. In 1995, Bank of America acquired the church for and deftly, beautifully transformed the burned out reamins of the church! — you have to see it to believe it!
(photo: courtesy McColl Center: Sarah Hughes| Flower House)

94. Queens Landing – Experience a day of fun on beautiful Lake Norman, where the possibilities are endless. Conveniently located 30 minutes north of Charlotte, we have so many things to do that you’ll have to keep coming back. You can reach us by car or boat. Whether you’re enjoying Lake Norman in your own boat, or meeting friends for lunch at Jack’s Lakeside Grill everyone loves lake Norman! Don’t forget to check out The Catawba Queen our replica Mississippi River Boat. We can safely say we ALL have had wonderful times on Lake Norman — and becauce Charlotte’s weather is perfect plan on enjoying the lake from April to October! Who knows you might be so smitten you’ll end up buying a home on Lake Norman –you wouldn’t be the first!

93. Lowes Motor Speedway Over the Wall Tour - (photos courtesy Harold Hinson) At the center of the excitement is Lowe’s Motor Speedway, one of the country’s premier racing facilities which hosts three NASCAR Nextel Cup events each year as well as other motorsports races and various car shows. The Speedway’s Over the Wall Tour is a fun behind-the-scenes tour which allows visitors to get a close-up look at the garage, travel down pit road, and even drive around the Speedway’s infamous 1.5 mile oval with 24 degree banks. Over the Wall tours are just $5 and well worth the cost to experience driving along the Speedway. For Five Bucks, This is a special tour but then everything about NASCAR and Lowes Speedway is special, loud and fast – pass the chicken!

Spoken by Mike Gibbons | Discussion: No Comments »

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