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Community Win BY Losing dieters lost 233 pounds Weight-loss contest finale drew promises to continue healthy lifestyles by Sarah Hyde news@unioncountyweekly.com It’s a wrap for Monroe Crossing’s “Win By Losing” weight-loss challenge, but it’s only the beginning of the journey for the 10 Union County participants who lost 233 pounds. The biggest loser was Marshville’s Danny Morgan, who dropped a whopping 54 pounds in eight weeks and won a $750 gift certificate from the mall. The eight-week fitness challenge ended with a night of celebration at the mall on Sept. 1 with more than 200 residents cheering on the dieters, who spent the summer sweating off the pounds. “We had a big party to celebrate the achievements of these awesome folks,” said Monroe Crossing Marketing Director Caroline Adams. “It was so exciting.” While other weeks featured challenges for prizes, Tuesday night focused on the triumphs of the contestants, all of whom lost weight and inches – Morgan lost 20 percent of his body fat. “I wasn’t doing anything at all before the challenge, but now I exercise six or seven days a week,” he said. “I have no doubt I’ll continue to exercise and count my calories.” All the contestants reported changes in their physical strength and overall energy levels. “I’m no longer on blood pressure or cholesterol medicine, and I’m wearing clothes I haven’t been able to use in years,” said Indian Trail’s John Fritz, who lost 14 pounds. His wife and fellow competitor, Linda, who lost 9 pounds, added, “My first workout, I barely made it two minutes on the elliptical machine. Now I can easily do 15 minutes.” The partnership with event co- sponsor Enterprise Fitness Center was a key element in the program’s success. “We had four trainers working once a week with the Win BY Losing contestants,” said owner John Howie. “Our trainers set each contestant up with a specific routine and then kept them accountable for recording their progress. Being accountable to a trainer helps people succeed in their fitness goals.” For contestants like Morgan, having the chance to work with a personal trainer made all the difference. “I cannot believe all the things I had been doing incorrectly in the past. It was a true blessing to have someone right there who was patient and totally focused on everything I needed,” he said. Adams said the program’s goal was We can’t control gas gas prices, house house prices prices or the or market the market but we but can we provide can provide you with you a great with guarantee a great regardless guarantee of market regardless conditions. of ING market Guarantee conditions. Choice ING is a single Guarantee premium Choice deferred is a annuity single premium with a nine deferred year surrender annuity charge with schedule a nine year offering surrender a guaranteed charge interest schedule rate offering for up a to guaranteed 10 years. The interest surrender rate charge for is up waived to 10 for years. 30 days The following surrender the charge end of an is waived interest for rate 30 guarantee days following period. the end of an interest rate guarantee period. ING GUARANTEE CHOICE ANNUITY RATES 1 Premium of $15,000 - $74,999 LOCK IN A GUARANTEE: FIXED RATES UP TO 5.00% Premium of $75,000 and higher 3-Year Guarantee Period 3.00% 4.00% 1st Year 3.00% Years 2-3 5- Year Guarantee Period 4.00% 5.00% 1st Year 4.00% Years 2-5 1 Interest rates as of 07/09/2009; subject to change. To learn more about the ING Guarantee Choice Annuity, please contact: Contract is issued by ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. Guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of ING USA Annuity and Life Insurance Company. This is a summary only. Read the contract for complete details. The product and its features may not be available in all states and are subject to change. Nine-year surrender charge schedule. The surrender charge is waived for 30 days following the end of an interest rate guarantee period. Please see contract and disclosure documentation for complete details. 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ANNUITIES ING GUARANTEE CHOICE ANNUITY RATES 1 Premium of $15,000 - $74,999 Jaren Kiser 8320 University Executive Park Dr Suite 103 Charlotte, NC 704-295-6649 Premium of $75,000 and higher 3-Year Guarantee Period 3.00% 4.00% 1st Year 3.00% Years 2-3 5- Year Guarantee Period 4.00% 5.00% 1st Year 4.00% Years 2-5 1 Interest rates as of 07/09/2009; subject to change. To learn more about the ING Guarantee Choice Annuity, please contact: Jaren Kiser 8320 University Executive Park Dr Suite 103 Charlotte, NC 704-295-6649 to affect the lives of the participants and the people around them. “One successful person could affect 20 others to make a change for themselves,” she said. Other contest co-sponsors included Union County Weekly, WIXE radio and MonroeScoop.com, which told the contestants’ stories, and Carolinas Medical Center-Union, which provided checkups and nutrition guidance. Encouraged by his success, several of Morgan’s family members have joined Enterprise and begun to work toward healthier lifestyles, too. “If I didn’t do anything else in this competition, I really wanted to inspire other people to change their lives,” said Morgan, who wants to lose another 26 pounds. The other contestants and their weight losses were Sarah Robinson of Marshville (19), Sherri Alexander (23.25), Ruby Coffey (18.5), Robert Gayle (38), Leah (Top) All 10 Win BY Losing contestants were winners and losers, dropping 233 pounds total. (Back row, from left) Jennifer Lance, Sherri Alexander, Robert Gayle, Sarah Robinson and Enterprise Fitness Center owner John Howie. (Front row, from left) Monroe Crossing Marketing Director Carolina Adams, winner Danny Morgan, Leah Ross, Ruby Coffey, Linda Fritz, Debbie DeLoreto, John Fritz and CMC- Union Director of Diabetes and Community Wellness Director Liberty Stroman. (Bottom) Morgan (center), who lost 54 pounds, is congratulated by (from left) Stroman, Adams and Howie. Ross (25) and Debbie DeLoreto (14), all of Monroe, and Jennifer Lance of Indian Trail (18.5). The challenge was such a success that Adams already has plans to repeat the program in January. “We’ll bring back this group and have them kick off the next round by reporting their losses in the interim,” she said. Adams said she feels each challenge member will continue to lose weight in the coming months, depending on each other for support. “We have a Win By Losing Fan Page on Facebook that’s been really beneficial to the contestants, and I think they’ll continue to use that site as a support network,” she said. Information about future challenges will be available in a few months on the Monroe Crossing Web site, www.shop monroemall.com. Interested Union County residents will be able to apply online. q Adopt a pet Jet Gabi was thrown out, wet and filthy, at a flea market but rescued by a Humane Society of Union County volunteer. The puppy cleaned up beautifully and now is doing well on housebreaking/crate training. Gabi’s sweet as can be, very friendly and likes playing with other dogs. He’s had his first vaccination/deworming/heartworm treatment. His adoption fee is $150, including spaying when he’s old enough. For more information, e-mail Barbara at doggierescuer@carolina.rr.com or fill out an adoption application at www. hs-uc.org. Rusty Jet is a 7- 8-month old who weighs a too-thin 11 pounds and may be an Italian Greyhound. He’s very people-oriented and enjoys other dogs, but is learning to resist catchasing! His springy legs make him a good jumper, but he’s learning to sit nicely for petting and is being housebroken and crate-trained. He needs human attention – he’s not for the person who’s not home for long stretches. Contact Barbara at doggierescuer@ carolina.rr.com, or submit your Humane Society of Union County adoption application at www.hs-uc.org. Jet’s adoption fee is $150; he’s had his first shots and been dewormed, microchipped and neutered. Gabi Urgent!! Rusty is an adult, male shepherd who’s been at the Union County Animal Services Shelter in Monroe for way too long and needs a home immediately. He’s friendly, extremely obedient and would make a great family pet. He’s healthy, neutered and has all his shots. His adoption fee is $85. To meet Rusty soon, go to the animal shelter at 3340 Presson Road or call 704-283-8303. Mike Slade/UCW photos 154303 08/04/2009 Your future. Made easier. SM Page 8 • Sept. 4-10, 2009 • Union County Weekly www.unioncountyweekly.com
Candidates (continued from page 5) say the current mayor (wasn’t supported by) the majority of the registered voters. She did have the majority of the registered voters who exercised their right to vote. In 2007 Weddington received 605 responses to a mailed survey about town issues. … While most people didn’t respond, survey results (also) indicated the majority of people didn’t want more commercial growth, but the current mayor continues to lead the town in (that) direction. If I win, I’ll address more of the apathy problem by listening to residential taxpayers. (Our) most immediate problem is the impact the N.C. Department of Transportation’s work on Highways 16 and Barbara Harrison Background: Harrison has lived with her husband, Pat, in Stratford on Providence for five years. She’s a retired Johnson & Johnson executive, where she held a global position working with international regulatory bodies. Harrison has a degree in mathematics from Kean University in New Jersey and one son and grandson. Harrison was president of Stratford on Providence’s Homeowners Association for two years. She’s now on the board of Christ Our Shepherd ministry and the client advisory council for the American Prosperity Group, both in Matthews, and is the Republican chairperson for District 41. Why are you running for mayor? It’s time for Weddington to have responsive, responsible and, most important, transparent leadership. For the past year, the town council can’t agree on any items … and there appears to be discord among the members. Weddington citizens can’t continue to have a government whose every action is tainted by questions concerning the personal gains or interests of individual council members. The “voice of the people” seems to be falling on deaf ears. What are your qualifications for office? I’ve attended almost every town meeting for the last three years, including all of the public hearings on The Woods private sewer plant. I (have) over 20 years in management, managed an annual budget of $90 million and received numerous leadership and achievement awards. What are the three most important issues? 1. Commission a new, comprehensive land-use plan that solicits citizen opinion and lays a strong foundation for (Weddington’s) future growth. I believe that without a strong foundation it’ll be hard for Weddington’s elected officials to make informed decisions about new roads, developing commercial areas and working with Union County to bring water, sewer and new schools. 2. Ensure existing commercial businesses can prosper, which adds revenue … and keeps the tax rate low. Have a unique downtown area and actively work with the businesses to promote their business. Hughie Sexton Background: Sexton is a 29-year Weddington resident who worked at the Charlotte Observer for 39-plus years before semi-retiring. He graduated from West Mecklenburg High School, attended Central Piedmont Community College and currently takes law classes online. The head usher at Weddington United Methodist Church, Sexton has three children and five grandchildren. Why are you running for mayor? To help provide a decade of experience and honest leadership for Weddington to help face the many challenges that seem to be incredibly problematic for the current mayor and town council. Also, the litany of self-serving projects and initiatives that don’t benefit the town or meet the “public purpose” standard for tax-dollar use is appalling. What are your qualifications? My community involvement includes previously serving on the Weddington Town Council and Union County Board of Commissioners. I’ve served on many boards, including the Mecklenburg-Union Metropolitan Planning Organization for the town and county; Centralina Council of Governments, library trustee and foundation, health department, Criminal Justice Partnership, Downtown Merchants Association and others. What are the three most important issues? 1. No more self-serving connector roads, roundabouts, weight-room donations or other inappropriate use of the taxpayer dollars, including loaning $1 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation to do the connector road work or using town hall as collateral to secure a loan, all of which is inappropriate and unprecedented. 2. Continue support for the Rea Road extension (N.C. 84 Relocation Road) to allow through traffic to bypass Weddington and relieve congestion. 3. Support an ordinance prohibiting any future www.unioncountyweekly.com consideration of a private sewer plant. What does the council need to do differently to improve the community? The mayor and town council need to listen to citizens’ input on town surveys, (which) is continually ignored. They should be required to attend classes offered by the Institute of Government to learn their duties, responsibilities and what constitutes a “public purpose” for which taxpayer dollars are supposed to be allocated. Should Weddington develop a downtown area? Weddington already has a downtown area that can be enhanced with appropriate resident input. Our current mayor and town council seem to forget the town belongs to the people, and citizens’ opinions should be respected. Should Weddington expand its commercial district? Weddington has all the commercial development it needs, as indicated by 72 percent of town residents who oppose any further commercial development, (who) have responded repeatedly and consistently, and are still being ignored. The mayor and town council seem to have an agenda contrary to the wishes of the citizens they’re supposed to represent. What should be done to resolve the county’s current lack of adequate water and sewer capacity? Stop residential development until the county’s infrastructure can handle the community’s needs without penalizing current residents who are sick and tired of having their water restricted and allocated elsewhere toward projects yet to be built. Blatant unfairness from the county! Are there any other issues on which you’d like to comment? Union County volunteer firefighters deserve our utmost support, and Providence Volunteeer Fire Department needs the town’s help and support with an initiative to redraw the Providence and Wesley Chapel VFD fire districts. Two-thirds of Providence’s fire district has been absorbed by Charlotte annexations, and realigning the Providence and Wesley Chapel fire districts is in Weddington’s best interest. q Community 84 will have on Weddington Commons shopping center. While I’m not for commercial growth, I don’t want to waste the resources we currently have. As mayor I’d strongly encourage DOT to put a traffic signal on Highway 16 (for easy) traffic flow in and out of the shopping center. The current plan greatly reduces access to the shopping center. Does Weddington need to develop a downtown area? No. The majority of people don’t want to develop a downtown area. Should Weddington expand its commercial district? No. The majority of people don’t want more commercial development. I don’t plan to attract more commercial/ retail business. q 3. Join with our neighboring towns to build regional awareness and partner on projects (to) benefit us all. What does your current council need to do differently to improve the community? I believe the council should come to meetings prepared, ask questions and make informed decisions. There should be a more professional atmosphere to the meetings. Does Weddington need to develop a downtown area? Yes. A downtown area promotes businesses that surround it and could promote an activity center and plan events for the town. The town council has voted to employ a consultant to help formulate a downtown master plan. If taxes are escalating in your community, what, if anything, should be done about them? In these economic times, there should be no budget increases for the next several years. The town shouldn’t be taking out loans and should be lowering expenses and encouraging residents to shop at local businesses. Should Weddington expand its commercial district? No. I’d rather see time, effort and a combined marketing plan (current businesses and the town) to ensure current businesses can prosper. Again, a comprehensive land-use plan (could) forecast the need for more commercial, where that commercial should be and what type of businesses would be successful. What needs to be done to resolve the county’s current lack of adequate water and sewer capacity? Just as the towns worked together to produce a Local Area Regional Transportation Plan, they need to work together to forecast future growth and provide Union County and the commissioners with a plan. For Weddington, this should be on their agenda every month. Are there any other issues on which you’d like to comment? I believe Weddington should actively pursue having a regional library, developing a civic center, enabling affordable housing for senior citizens and attracting a family-style restaurant. Most important, the voice of the people should be heard! q You & your pets are invited to the largest pet event in Union County... 5th Annual Fido’s Fall FUn Fest AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day Events & Open House @ Waxhaw Animal Hospital & Reigning Cats & Dogs Pet Boutique Corner of N. Broome St (Hwy 16) & Church St in Waxhaw Animal Adoptions • Raffles • Games • Doggie Social AKC Dog Breed Parade • Dog Training Demos Grooming Demos • Dog Bite Prevention Kid’s Activities • Moonbounce “Fido’s Feats” Pet Contests! Register before 3:00pm Reigning Cats & Dogs Pet Boutique 704-843-2269 Saturday Sep. 19 th 1:00 - 4:00pm 704-243-1946 Union County Weekly • Sept. 4-10, 2009 • Page 9
Page 1 and 2: WBTV Weekend Weather FRI SAT SUN Un
Page 3 and 4: Community Committee recommends expa
Page 5 and 6: Weddington mayoral race Editor’s
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