FREE BUTTERMILK PANCAKES TO BENEFIT LEVINE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL ON FEBRUARY 23 AT IHOP

In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants nationwide
will offer each guest a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes in an
effort to raise awareness and funds for Children's Miracle Network
hospitals.
This year, IHOP is hoping to stack up more donations than ever before,
with a goal to raise $1.75 million, for a total of $5 million five
years with its National Pancake Day fundraising effort. To find a
local IHOP or to donate online, visitwww.ihoppancakeday.com.
For every delicious short stack of buttermilk pancakes served on
National Pancake Day, IHOP guests are invited to make a donation to
the Children's Miracle Network. Donations made at IHOPs in the
Charlotte area will benefit the Children's Miracle Network program at
Levine Children's Hospital.
WHEN: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2010, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
WHERE: Participating IHOP restaurants nationwide.
Fun Facts From National Pancake Day 2009:
· Pancake lovers donated nearly $1.5 million to children's
charities, far exceeding the fundraising goal.
· IHOP served more than 2.5 million free pancakes on National
Pancake Day 2009.
· All of the free pancakes served on National Pancake Day would
create a stack more than 20 miles high.
· Since the inception of National Pancake Day in 2006, IHOP has
raised more than $3.25 million and given away more than 6.1 million
pancakes to support charities in the communities in which it operates.
· National Pancake Day 2009 was IHOP's largest one-day event in
the company's 51-year history.
ABOUT IHOP
For 51 years, the IHOP family restaurant chain has served its world
famous pancakes and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner
items that are loved by people of all ages. IHOP offers its guests an
affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service.
The first IHOP opened in Toluca Lake, Calif. in 1958, and as of
September 30, 2009, there were 1,433 IHOPs in 50 states,Canada and
Mexico. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale,
Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates.
International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).
***NOTE: For centuries, the English have 'flipped' for pancakes in
celebration of Shrove Tuesday, which heralds the beginning of fasting
during Lent. Long ago, strict rules prohibited the eating of all
dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply
of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products . . . hence the name
Pancake Tuesday. IHOP introduced "National Pancake Day" (which always
takes place in February) as a tribute to the centuries old tradition,
but more importantly thank guests for their patronage and give back to
the community.

NewPoint Learning Center Opens New Location in Denver, NC

NewPoint Learning Center (www.newpointlearning.com) is pleased to
announce the opening of its newest franchise location in Denver, NC,
at 3130 North Highway 16. The Owner and Center Director, Ginny
Wirzbicki, is looking forward to being able to serve the needs of
students in the Lincoln-Catawba area, as well as portions of North
Mecklenburg and Iredell County. The opening of this new center will
make it possible for NewPoint Learning Center to serve all of the
areas around Lake Norman with centers already established in Davidson
and Mooresville.

"We're very excited about Ginny, who was a former tutor for our
Davidson center, opening up a NewPoint location in Denver," says Dr.
Mary-Margaret Kantor, Regional Support Director for NewPoint. "She is
very dynamic and enthusiastic, and we're thrilled to have her as the
newest member of the NewPoint family."

Ginny Wirzbicki's background includes a mix of marketing, education
and the arts. After working as an advertising account executive and
marketing director, she returned to school to obtain a Bachelor's
Degree in English and taught 10th grade English for Charlotte-
Mecklenburg Schools. She also works with Measurement, Inc., and
Educational Testing Service (ETS) on the essay and open-ended portions
of the End-of-Grade Tests for various states throughout the nation.
Her experience working with both students and the companies that
administer these tests affords her a unique ability to assist students
with the skills needed to meet or exceed their grade level requirements.

According to Wirzbicki, "Every child should have the opportunity to
reach his or her full potential, and I believe that NewPoint's
philosophy of, not just customizing, but individualizing a program for
each student will make that possible for every student who walks
through our door. I'm really looking forward to working with our
students; when I was a dance teacher, nothing was more fulfilling than
seeing a child's delight at mastering something new or challenging."

NewPoint Learning Center's services include tutoring, homework help,
SAT and ACT preparation, and college planning. The company, formerly
part of The Davidson Center, has been providing education services in
Davidson for over 10 years and began expanding in 2008 with locations
currently in North Carolina, Tennessee, and coming soon to South
Carolina.

For further information about the NewPoint Learning Center in Denver,
please call Ginny Wirzbicki at 704-489-4888. For further information
about NewPoint Learning franchises, call Smita Quinn at 704-895-4000.

SouthWood Signage Grant Awarded to Charlotte Rescue Mission

SouthWood Corporation (www.southwoodcorp.com), which provides image-
conscious signage and graphics for clients nationwide, has awarded a
$5000 "Identifying Our Community" Grant to Charlotte Rescue Mission.
The grant includes the design, fabrication and installation of signage
at their location at 907 West First Street.

Charlotte Rescue Mission provides residential programs for homeless,
jobless men and women with alcohol and drug addiction issues. "This
signage grant from SouthWood will allow us greater exposure and
clearer identity within the community and with the men and women we
serve," says Rev. Anthony Marciano II, executive director of Charlotte
Rescue Mission.

The award to Charlotte Rescue Mission is the sixth in a series of
grants to be awarded by SouthWood to nonprofits in the Charlotte area.
SouthWood's Identifying Our Community Grant program will grant a total
of $100,000 worth of signage and services to eligible nonprofit
organizations to install new signage or upgrade existing signage to
create a positive environment. Grants will be awarded in quarterly
$5000 increments to a different nonprofit every quarter.

"Our community has been a vital part of SouthWood's success over the
last 40 years and it is with sincere pleasure and excitement that we
have this opportunity to give something back," says Amy Spang,
spokesperson for SouthWood Corporation. "We hope this grant initiative
makes our community a better place for all its citizens."

Grants are awarded based on the eligibility criteria listed below.
· Organization must be a 501 (c) (3)

· Organization must be located in Mecklenburg County

· Organization must be able to show how it will significantly
benefit from this grant and how it will further serve its mission

· Organizations applying to upgrade existing signage must
show significant issues with existing signage

Organizations may submit applications to SouthWood through www.southwoodcorp.com
. Applicants may also call 704-588-5000 x149 to obtain an application
via fax or U.S. Mail. Applicants must provide six photos of their
current (or proposed) signage and its location relative to roads,
buildings and driveways. Logos, graphic standards guide or brand
artwork must also accompany the application.

The application deadline for the next SouthWood Identifying Our
Community Grant is April 15, 2010. The next grant recipient will be
chosen at the end of April.

About SouthWood Corporation
SouthWood specializes in the creation and implementation of image-
conscious custom signage and graphics. SouthWood will design, plan,
build, install and manage the project from concept to completion for
clients throughout the U.S., Caribbean and beyond. Founded in 1970,
SouthWood has earned a reputation for helping clients figure out what
they need, getting it done right and on time, and providing service
and quality that generate referrals and repeat business. Call
800-727-6884 or visit www.southwoodcorp.com for more information.

BASS FISHING LEAGUE NORTH CAROLINA DIVISION TO HOST EVENT ON LAKE NORMAN

The FLW Bass Fishing League is headed to Lake Norman Feb. 13 for the
first of five stops in the North Carolina Division series. As many as
400 pro and co-anglers will be competing for top awards of up to
$8,000 and $3,000, respectively.

"There has been a lot of rain in the area which has really muddied the
water," said FLW Tour pro Chris Baumgardner of Gastonia, N. C., who
has two top-10 finishes including a win at Lake Norman. "Anglers will
want to look for the 'hot holes' and fish slow and shallow. Ramsey
Creek and near the 150 Bridge should be full of fish as the water
tends to be a little warmer in those areas. Crankbaits around rocks
should work well."

Anglers will take off from Midway Marina located at 8693 Highway 150
East in Terrell, N.C., at 7:00 a.m. Weigh-in will be held at Midway
Marina as well beginning at 3:00 p.m. Takeoffs and weigh-ins are free
and open to the public.

Bass Fishing League competition is a 24-division league circuit
devoted to weekend anglers, that offers even bigger prizes to regional
championship qualifiers and those who make it to one of the longest-
running championships in all of competitive bass fishing – the BFL All-
American presented by Chevy. Top winners in the BFL can move up to the
American Fishing Series or even the FLW Tour.

ABOUT FLW OUTDOORS
FLW Outdoors, named after Forrest L. Wood, the legendary founder of
Ranger Boats, is the largest fishing tournament organization in the
world offering anglers worldwide the opportunity to compete for
millions over the course of 189 tournaments in 2010. FLW Outdoors has
also taken fishing mainstream with FLW Fantasy Fishing awarding the
largest prizes in the history of fantasy sports. FLW Outdoors
memberships are available featuring numerous benefits including
Player's Advantage. For more information about FLW Outdoors and its
tournaments, visit FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000. For more
information about FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FantasyFishing.com.
FLWOutdoors.com

The Duke Mansion Opens for Weddings

The Duke Mansion, a grand historic estate and bed-and-breakfast inn,
is now available to brides as one of the most luxurious and memorable
wedding venues in Charlotte.

For years, Charlotte brides and their families asked proprietors of
The Duke Mansion if weddings or wedding receptions could be hosted
there. And for years, the answer was no.

But thanks to support from its neighbors in Myers Park, The Duke
Mansion is now open for Charlotte weddings and wedding receptions.
Brides can make their entrance down the elegant spiral staircase, over
the marble hallways where the famed Duke family once walked, and into
classic, picture-perfect gardens or stately, sun-filled great rooms.

The historic non-profit inn and meeting place is now accepting
reservations for weddings and wedding receptions of up to 150 guests.
"This has been one of our most requested services," says Cyndee
Patterson, president of The Lynnwood Foundation, which operates the
mansion. "We are so happy to be able to accommodate brides with this
wonderful facility. We're very grateful to our neighbors who have
permitted this expansion of the mansion's services."

Along with a stunning venue, The Duke Mansion provides on-site
culinary services from Executive Chef Harrison Booth and his team.
Booth is former executive chef for Bank of America Executive Dining,
as well as former chef for the well-loved Lotus Bar and Eatery.

With 20 guest rooms individually decorated with antiques, The Mansion
offers everything the bride, groom, and their families need under one
roof. The bridal party and guests can spend the night in The Mansion
before the festivities begin and use our facilities to help prepare
the bride in grandeur.

Built in 1915 and tripled in size by its most famous owner, James
Buchanan Duke, The Duke Mansion has been home and host to leaders of
the 20th century. Duke's most lasting legacies including Duke
University, Duke Energy, and the Duke Endowment took shape at the
home. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Mansion
is now operated as a nonprofit with all proceeds being used to
preserve and protect this community treasure.

To book The Duke Mansion for your Charlotte wedding or wedding
reception, call 704-714-4400. To see photos of The Mansion, visit http://www.dukemansion.com/

DSS PROVIDES TRANSPORTATION HELP FOR UNDEREMPLOYED

The Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) is
currently taking applications for a program that assists low-income
residents with the transportation costs of going to and from work and
work-related activities. Grants from the Employment Supplemental Fund
Program and the Transitional Transportation Fund awarded by the state
of North Carolina Department of Transportation will fund this program,
which provides mileage reimbursement and bus passes to individuals who
meet the following eligibility criteria:

· Must be employed or enrolled in a job-training program
· Must provide pay stubs or verification of work-related
training in the past 30 days
· Must bring photo identification
· Income must fall within 200 percent of the federal poverty
guideline
· Must provide proof of a valid N.C. license and N.C. vehicle
registration if applying for mileage reimbursement
· Must have valid vehicle insurance and be current with county
taxes if applying for mileage reimbursement.

The application must be completed by a social worker, case worker or
staff from referring agencies who partner with DSS to accept
applications. This program is funded through June 30, 2010. Please
note that funds may be exhausted prior to June 30, 2010.

Residents may apply in person at our two locations:
Kuralt Centre, 301 Billingsley Road
Valerie C. Woodard Center, 3205 Freedom Drive
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. – noon

Residents may also apply at the following public library branches:
February 2 – West Boulevard Library, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
February 3 – Plaza Midwood Library, 1–3 p.m.
February 9 – Belmont Center Library, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
February 11 – Sugar Creek Library, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
February 15 – Scaleybark Libarary, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
February 20 – Main Library, 1 p.m. – 6 p. m.
February 23 – Independence Regional, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
February 27 – Freedom Regional, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

To learn more about the program and to find out whether or not you
qualify, please contact the Department of Social Services at
(704)336-3000.

Ten CMS magnet schools win national recognition

Ten Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools received merit awards from Magnet
Schools of America. Collinswood Dual Language Academy, Davidson IB
Middle, Piedmont Open IB Middle, Randolph IB Middle, Smith Academy of
International Languages and Idlewild Elementary were named 2010
Schools of Excellence.

Magnet Schools of America recognizes schools that show a commitment to
high academic standards, innovative curriculum, successful efforts in
desegregation and diversity, and delivering quality services to
students.

Four other CMS magnets were named Schools of Distinction: Myers Park
Traditional, Oakhurst Elementary, Oaklawn Language Academy and
Tuckaseegee Elementary.

"Our teachers, students and staff work hard to ensure high-quality
magnet programs across the district," said Jeff Linker, director of
magnet programs. "It is a major accomplishment to have 10 of our
magnet schools recognized for excellence."

Only 54 schools nationwide were named Schools of Excellence, including
14 in North Carolina. Seventy-three schools across the United States
were named Schools of Distinction, including 15 in North Carolina.

This was the first time Tuckaseegee Elementary, Myers Park Traditional
and Randolph IB Middle schools applied for the award. Tuckaseegee
Elementary Principal Dayna Sanders said her staff was surprised but
thrilled to learn they had won on their first try.

"Tuckaseegee is tucked away off I-85 and it isn't in a well-known part
of Charlotte. This award makes us shine and lets everyone know we are
just as competitive as any other program in CMS or in America," she
said. "We have scholars who have the potential to be and do whatever
they want because we provide that rigorous curriculum."

This is the fifth year in a row Idlewild has been recognized. Oakhurst
has won awards for four years in a row, and Oaklawn was recognized for
the past three years.

All 10 of the CMS winners will be recognized at the national Magnet
Schools of America conference, which is being held in Florida in May.
The six Schools of Excellence will have displays in the exhibit hall,
and will go on to compete for additional honors and possibly monetary
awards.

Colgate-Palmolive Awards Starlight Fun Center to Charlotte's Levine Children's Hospital

Colgate-Palmolive has awarded a Starlight Fun Center™ to Charlotte's
Levine Children's Hospital as part of its annual "Show the Love"
online challenge – an interactive campaign that engages the public in
awarding Starlight Fun Centers™ to children's hospitals throughout the
country.

Starlight Fun Center™ mobile entertainment units feature a Sharp
AQUOS™ LCD TV, DVD player and Nintendo Wii™ gaming system to provide
hours of fun and distraction to pediatric patients and their families.
For children who may be facing surgery, enduring long outpatient
treatments or fighting loneliness after hospital visiting hours have
ended, Starlight Fun Centers™ provide a comforting break.

In celebration of its 20 year partnership with Starlight Children's
Foundation, Colgate expanded this year's "Show the Love" online
challenge. In addition to awarding one Starlight Fun Center™ to each
of the 20 participating hospitals, Colgate will be donating one
Starlight Fun Center™ every day throughout the month of February.

Show the Love and help Charlotte's Levine Children's Hospital receive
an additional Starlight Fun Center™ by voting online every day at www.colgate.com/showthelove
!

"Show the Love" Online Challenge Details
Now through Sunday, February 28, 2010 consumers can visit www.colgate.com/showthelove
to vote for their local participating hospital. The participating
hospital to receive the most online votes by 12:00AM EST , each day
will be awarded a Starlight Fun Center™.

Each participating hospital is eligible to receive a maximum of three
Starlight Fun Centers™. A total of 48 Starlight Fun Centers™ will be
awarded through this year's "Show the Love" online challenge.
Additional rules and restrictions are available on Colgate.com.

Colgate-Palmolive Celebrates 20 Year Milestone
Colgate-Palmolive proudly celebrates its 20th year of partnering with
Starlight Children's Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to
helping seriously ill children and their families cope with the
challenges that accompany prolonged childhood illness.

During the two-decade partnership, Colgate has donated more than 1,190
Starlight Fun Centers™ and more than $8 million to Starlight to
promote Starlight's mission and help improve the lives of young
patients and their families.

"Sport a Shirt" Fund-raising Campaign For Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Charlotte is looking for area
businesses to participate in its upcoming 2010 "Sport a Shirt, Share a
Night" Fund-raising campaign.

Participating Charlotte-area companies will encourage their employees
to purchase a RMH T-shirt for $10 and wear them on Friday, April 23,
2010. The purchase of one $10 T-shirt will cover a family's donation
for a night's stay at the RMH while their child is receiving medical
treatment at area children's hospitals. Last year, the RMH of
Charlotte sold more than 4,100 T-shirts, raising more than $41,000.
The goal is to sell 7,000 T-shirts this year.

"Even though it costs approximately $70 to host a family for one night
at a House, families are asked for a donation of $10 a night," said
Mona Johnson-Gibson, Executive Director of RMH of Charlotte.
"Sometimes, even this amount is a financial burden for families;
however, the RMH never turns a family away because of their inability
to pay. That's why we are inviting area businesses to participate in
this unique and special fund-raiser to help our families."

Businesses and their employees are asked to support this fund-raiser
by following two easy steps:
· Designate Friday, April 23, 2010 as "Sport a Shirt, Share a Night"
Day, where employees are encouraged to wear their RMH T-shirts.
· Have a company appoint a team coordinator. The coordinator will
encourage others to make a $10 donation in exchange for a T-shirt. The
coordinator is responsible for accepting donations, submitting the
company's T-shirt order form, picking up the T-shirts in April and
distributing them to participating employees. Completed order forms
are due Friday, March 12, 2010.

For more information about the 2010 "Sport a Shirt, Share a Night"
Fund-raiser, call (704) 335-1191 or email
charlottesportashirt@gmail.com.

About the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte
Currently, Charlotte is the only major U.S. city that does not have a
RMH. The RMH of Charlotte is scheduled to open in late 2010 and will
serve the families of children being treated at Levine Children's
Hospital and Hemby Children's Hospital. Located on the 1600 block of
East Morehead Street on land donated by Carolinas Medical Center, the
House will feature approximately 35,000 square feet of living space
complete with 28 bedrooms (one family per bedroom/suite), providing
more than 10,000 nights for the families. It is also scheduled to have
a community kitchen, great room, learning center, playground and
sitting porch, and construction has begun. The RMH of Charlotte is an
independent 501(c)(3) charity managed by a local board of directors
which will oversee construction and operation of the home. The cost of
building and operating the RMH of Charlotte will come primarily from
individual and corporate donations. The RMH of Charlotte will be
funded, constructed and operated by the Charlotte community. The
mission of the RMH of Charlotte is to provide the families of children
being treated in area medical facilities with a safe, affordable and
caring "home away from home." For more information on RMH of
Charlotte, visit www.rmhofcharlotte.org.

Yn Wine Café Announces This Month's Emerging Artists Schedule

Yn Wine Café has released February's line-up for its popular Emerging
Artist Series.

There is no cover charge, doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at
7 p.m. Here is the complete schedule for the month of February (please
note, there is no show on Feb. 7):

Feb. 14 - Carrie Marshall & Chris Harris
Carrie Marshall
With Carrie's expressiveness and sincerity, she captivates listeners
with the depths of her rich voice. Her poetic, faith-based pop is
sometimes laced with classical piano undertones and her original works
range from tender, piano-based ballads to rhythmic pop rock. Carrie
began putting her poems to music in her teens, desiring to "paint
truth with words and melodies." She quickly found that audiences
resonated with her music as she shared her songs wherever she could
find an audience. Carrie's new album, "Redemption," is a reflection of
what God taught her while navigating the troubled waters of her life.
"Redemption" takes the listener on a journey from struggle to hope.

Chris Harris
Chris is a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter living in Charlotte.
Born in the Blue Ridge Mountains and raised in the Pacific Northwest,
Chris was enthralled with the sounds of soul moving music – whether it
be jazz, country, blues or rock n' roll. He taught himself guitar and
began his musical journey by endlessly spinning old records and
replicating the vocal and guitar lines from popular musicians. Mixing
his own brand of grassroots "soul stew," Chris gravitates towards
songs with great lyrics, good rhymes and moving melodies. Chris is a
member ofNashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Feb. 21—Kevin Marshall & Allen Shervelle
Kevin Marshall
Kevin has been a singer, songwriter and guitar player in Charlotte
since the early 1980s. He was the front man for the Charlotte band,
The Wax Gurus, for eight years, but now is playing mostly original
songs with some eclectic covers. He partnered with Jason Switzer, a
multi-talented musician who plays guitar, mandolin and lap steel guitar.

Allen Shervelle
Allen is a songwriter from Charlotte who writes pop country, pop rock
and Christian rock music. He uses his 1990s rock influence melodies
and marries them with today's country lyrics. Allen has played drums
since he was 13, and picked up guitar along the way to write songs.
His dream is to write songs with the hopes of inspiring and giving
people something to feel good about. For the last two years, Allen has
traveled to and from Nashville honing his craft. He has written songs
with Marc Alan Barnette and Brandon Maddox, even assisting in a song
with Barnette called "Less Is More" that features Motown bassist Bob
Babbitt.

Feb. 28—Liz Howell, Dave Petty & Jackie Moseley
Liz Howell & Dave Petty
A resident of Charlotte, Liz began playing guitar and writing songs
when she was a teenager. After partnering with Tyger Wade in 2004,
they released their debut folk-country self-titled CD in 2006 on
CDBaby. Their second CD, released in 2007, has a rich, bluesy feel.
Recently, Liz went solo, but has teamed up with Dave to write a few
country songs. Also a Queen City resident, Dave has been playing the
local coffeehouse scene for more than 10 years. His sound has been
described as country driven by rock progression with The Eagles,
Radney Foster and Pat Green as influences. Both Liz and Dave are
members of the NSAI, and have recently entered their works into CMT's
song contest.

Jackie Moseley
Performing and playing music has been party of Jackie's life since she
was three. Her mother was a big believer in music and dance study, and
her first memory of performing came at the age of 5 when she performed
for her family. Her parents converted an old gas station into a lounge
where they performed skits and music. She has played the piano since
she was eight and taught herself to play guitar at the age of 13
giving her a way to express things that otherwise stayed on the
inside. Some of her influences are Joni Mitchell, Eric Clapton, Heart
and Stevie Wonder.

For more information about the Emerging Artist Series, please contact
Sasha Rabon by calling (704) 724-6150 or emailingsrabon@131-main.com.

About Yn Wine Café
Yn Wine Café, located at 1315 East Blvd., Charlotte, is a true Napa
Valley wine bar in the heart of Dilworth. It has a collection of award-
winning wines, daily drink specials and small plates of delicious
light fare including Espresso Rubbed Tuna, Tender Short Ribs and Fresh
Shrimp Rolls. Yn Wine Café's hours of operation are Sunday from 5 to
11 p.m.; Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; and Friday
and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Yn Wine Café is owned and operated
by Captiva Restaurant Group who also own and operate 131 Main
Restaurants, an upscale casual dining restaurant serving updated
American classics with an emphasis on fresh food with four locations
in North Carolina, including one in Dilworth. Based in Cornelius, NC,
Captiva was founded in 2004 by its three principals: Joe Douglas
(CEO), Michael Vaughn (COO) and Chris Carlsen (CFO). For more
information, visit www.yn-cafe.com.