WSOC-TV/Carolina Chevy Dealers, Bojangles - CMA Awards Trip Giveaway
 
 
Beginning at 8:30 AM on Monday, October 2, 2006, and continuing through 11:59 PM on Monday, October 16, 2006, anyone eighteen (18) years of age or older who is a resident of North or South Carolina may enter for a chance to win one (1) Grand Prize package. Grand Prize package consists of Roundtrip coach airfare from Charlotte, NC to Nashville, TN for two, 2 tickets to the CMA Awards Ceremony on November 6th in Nashville, Tennessee, Downtown Nashville hotel accommodations for 2 nights - designated ABC winner check-in location (November 5 & 6, 2006), Roundtrip ground transportation between the airport and hotel, 2 tickets to an event at the Schermerhorn Symphony Hall with celebrities TBA, 2 tickets for a self-guided tour at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, Admission for 2 into a CMA Awards Private After-Party at Wildhorse Saloon and CMA Awards Gift bag. The retail value of grand prize package is $2,000. The total retail value of all prizes is $2000. If any winner is unable to use his or her prize for any reason, their prize will be void.

No purchase or other consideration is necessary to enter or win the grand prize package. Contestants may enter by going to http://www.wsoctv.com/ and filling in the entry form for the contest or they may personally write their name, age, address, day time phone number and email address if they have one on a 3 x 5 card and mail it to WSOC-TV CMA CONTEST, ATTN: Laura Hollis-Starnes/Sales 1901 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206. Mailed entries must be received at WSOC-TV by October 17, 2006. Contestants may only enter once during each calendar day during the Sweepstakes and each entry must be made on the above web site or personally completed and mailed to WSOC-TV. No photocopied or other reproductions of mailed or personally delivered entries or automatic electronically generated entries will be accepted. Neither WSOC-TV nor its sponsors are responsible for computer malfunctions or any electronic problems which may cause an entry not to be recorded or any mutilated, illegible or misdirected paper entries. Employees and agents of WSOC-TV, WAXN-TV, Cox Enterprises, Carolina Chevy Dealers, Bojangles nor their families are eligible to enter or win any of the prizes in this Sweepstakes. Any misrepresentation as to a contestant's eligibility or acts, other than multiple personally completed daily entries, designed or intended to enhance a contestant's chances of winning may result in a contestant's disqualification. Contestants' disqualification for any such action shall be at the sole discretion of WSOC-TV whose decisions shall be final.

On or about October 18, a potential winner will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified of their selection at the telephone number shown on their entry during normal business hours. In order to receive his or her prize package, the potential winner will be required to come to the WSOC-TV Studios, furnish proof of his or her age and residency, sign a release and consent to the use of his or her name, voice, likeness and picture in general advertising, public relations and promotional purposes for WSOC-TV and its Sweepstakes Sponsors without compensation and submit a W-9 form properly completed by no later than 5:00 PM on October 23, 2006. If WSOC-TV is unable to contact any potential winner by the telephone number on the entry form or if any potential winner does not accept and qualify to receive the prize as provided above, another potential winner will be randomly selected and so on until prize package is awarded.

The prize is not transferable, may not be sold or bartered by the winners, are not redeemable for cash, and no substitution of prizes or winners is permitted. All taxes and other expenses are the responsibility of the winners. This contest is void where prohibited, required to be registered or licensed by law. The odds of winning the sweepstake prize depends upon the number of entries received. Name of the winners may be obtained by mailing a self addressed, stamped envelope to Laura Hollis/Starnes - WSOC-TV/CMA WINNERS LIST at the stations above address after October 29, 2006.

Josh, 30, and Jenny Teal, 29, thought their dreams were coming true.

Their first child is due Oct. 31, and they closed June 6 on their new home in the Avery Park subdivision off U.S. 29 North in Newnan.

However, after three closing extensions, a punch list of incomplete tasks, several mechanic liens on the property, no Certificate of Occupancy to date and a builder who filed for bankruptcy, the Teals are demanding accountability — along with some of their neighbors who must also cope with liens on their property and punch lists that haven't been completed.

Their list of move-in problems is extensive. A few of their worst complaints, aside from monetary loss, include a flooded basement; temporary steps leading to their front door that Jenny is scared to climb since she is in the last trimester of pregnancy; no phone service; a curled up piece of wood used to construct their deck; sod placed over wood pieces scattered around the yard; and about a dozen other complaints.

Jenny Teal works for an accounting firm in Atlanta, and Josh is a firefighter in Peachtree City who also works for Vital Care ambulance service in Coweta. Last summer, the two began looking in this area to build a new home after spending six years in Tyrone in Fayette County.

The Teals said they were impressed with the list of standard features for homes being built in Avery Park on The Boulevard by In-Line Construction.

The building company is owned by Teresa Lynn Lewis of Peachtree City, and the majority of the work was handled by her husband, Bobby Lewis, according to the Teals. All of the homes in Avery Park are marketed by The Home Source Realtors, which is owned by Peachtree City developers Pathway Communities.

The Teals signed their non-binding reservation and paid a deposit for lot 10, at 456 The Boulevard, Aug. 6, 2005. They signed their official contract a few days later on Aug. 12 and expected to move in before the end of 2005.

Subsequently, three extensions were signed and, in the process, the Teals' home in Tyrone was sold Jan. 12, 2006, and they were forced to move into Lakemont Apartments in Newnan knowing In-Line Construction hadn't broken ground on their property, said Josh. They were comforted by Lewis, who, according to the Teals, promised to "help us with our rent." However, they never received any compensation for their expense.

The Times-Herald attempted to contact Lewis for comment via her lawyer on several occasions and complied with a request to submit a list of questions to Lewis. All attempts since to reach Lewis for comment were unsuccessful, and the questions have not been answered.

"All along, Home Source gave us peace of mind and a false sense of security that everything was OK," said Jenny. "We're holding them responsible for what has happened to us," said Josh.

Peggy Sullivan, vice president of marketing and corporate relations for Pathway Communities, issued a statement saying, "Pathway sells developed land to independent home builders. The building company is responsible for the houses constructed and any warranty or guarantee on labor, and materials offered is supplied solely by the builder. Home structure, site warranties, builder financial status and construction quality are not the responsibility of Pathway Communities."

As the house was under construction, the Teals said they and In-Line Construction started disagreeing over the "standard features." According to the Teals, at one point, In-Line Construction claimed to have never released the list of standard features that the Teals were given by The Home Source prior to reserving the property.

"The standard features are why we originally went with In-Line," said Josh. "For example, In-Line refused to install granite countertops in our kitchen, as was in our contract, so we paid $1,973 out of pocket," he said.

On June 4, Home Source issued a letter stating that $1,859.84 would be reimbursed to In-Line Construction for tile in the master bathroom and plumbing upgrades. The total reimbursement was to be deducted from the commission earned by The Home Source Realtors.

The bath tile and plumbing upgrades were never completed, according to the Teals.

The Home Source declined to comment about this or any other specific issue raised by the Teals.

The home was complete in June, minus the items on the punch list, and ready for the closing, or so the Teals said they were told. Bobby and Teresa Lewis had ceased work on the house, but the Teals kept telling themselves that their $1,200 appliance allowance that was outlined in their contract would cover some of the items on their punch list. The Teals said they were told by Bobby and Teresa that they would have the check in hand the day after they closed, but that check never came, the Teals said.

Before anyone can legally occupy a home in Newnan, they must have a Certificate of Occupancy as issued by the City of Newnan's Building Department, according to City Attorney Brad Sears. This responsibility, according to Sears, falls squarely onto the shoulders of the builder.

On June 6, the day of the Teals' closing, Bobby Lewis told the couple, according to the Teals, that the final inspection had gone "great" and that a C.O. had been issued. In actuality, an inspector had seen the residence earlier that day and did not issue a C.O., according to a copy of the final inspection checklist provided by the Teals. The reasons cited on the inspection were that the home still needed a certificate of elevation, front porch handrails and to do some work in the basement where water was coming in.

"Teresa called the day before we closed to say that everything was fine — she blatantly lied to tell us what we wanted to hear," said Josh.

Claiming they were unaware their home had not passed final inspection, the Teals signed a seller's affidavit on which the builders state: "...There is no outstanding indebtedness for equipment, appliances, or other fixtures attached to said property; there are no pending suits, proceedings, judgments, bankruptcies, liens or executions."

Signing this affidavit made the Teals the legal owners of the property. They also purchased title insurance, which protects against loss arising from problems connected to the title of the property — including liens. It also covers any claims and legal fees that arise out of such problems.

It didn't take long for the liens to begin to surface.

Georgia Floors Inc. filed a Materialman's and Mechanic's Claim of Lien July 5 in Coweta Superior Court for $5,715.04. The notice of the lien arrived by mail not long after they had moved in. The lien came only days after builder Teresa Lewis declared bankruptcy June 30.

The Teals are presently unsure whether or not the title insurance will cover all of their liens.

In-Line Construction built 10 homes in Avery Park. Four residents, including the Teals, have filed incident reports against Teresa Lewis with the Newnan Police Department after liens surfaced on their property.

Ernestine McNair, of 413 The Boulevard, told police that she purchased her home on March 31 and received a lien from All Seasons Heat and Air for $2,800 in June for a heating and cooling system that was installed.

Samuel Lerch, of 339 Baldwin Court, reported that he and his wife purchased their new home Dec. 14. A lien was filed in March by Wheeler's Lumber Company for $3,700 worth of building materials that were used in the construction of the home and not paid for in full. A second lien was filed in June by All Seasons Heat and Air for $1,800 for the heating and cooling systems that were installed.

Nancy and Charles Harris, of 436 The Boulevard, reported that they purchased their home and were served four liens on May 4 for unpaid construction. Caldwell Concrete, Inc. filed a lien for $4,200, Southern Pumping, Inc. filed a lien for $480, Caldwell Poured Foundations, Inc. filed a lien for $830 and Cherokee Pumping, Inc. filed a lien for $1,300. A fifth lien was filed in July for $9,200 by Georgia Floors, Inc.

"We're holding off on warrants while we check to see if some of the liens were improperly filed — that will determine whether the homeowners or the service providers are the victims, then we will proceed," said detective Sgt. Danny McDonald of the Newnan Police Department. "This is still under active investigation and will be pursued," he added.

Lewis filed for bankruptcy June 30 2006, and has to date had one creditors hearing on Aug. 10 as a proceeding of U.S. Bankruptcy Court and two more continued while the case is being investigated, according to court documents.

During the first meeting of creditors Aug. 10, a trustee learned about a $306,280 home in Peachtree City that Lewis purchased June 29, the day before she filed for bankruptcy.

According to U.S. Bankruptcy Court documents obtained from the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia, at the Morgan Federal Building in Newnan, creditors are currently holding $249,966 in unsecured non-priority claims against Teresa Lewis. These holders cannot foreclose or repossess any of the property in dispute to satisfy their financial claims. The majority of the claims were filed by subcontractors, vendors and suppliers of building materials, fixtures, equipment and services used in the construction of the homes built by Lewis that are the subject of this legal action.

The trustee continued the hearing in order to collect more documentation from Lewis. The subsequent scheduled hearing was on Thursday. Once again, the trustee opted to continue the hearing, this time to Oct. 19.

"They are reviewing paperwork Lewis provided to the U.S. trustee assigned to the case," said Griffin E. "Trey" Howell III, a trustee, at the scheduled hearing Thursday in Newnan.

The Teals hold many people responsible for their current situation.

"The Home Source could help us if they wanted," said Josh.

In a statement released Sept. 14 from Cindy Millard, a broker with Home Source, she rebutted, "The Home Source is a real estate brokerage firm and not a home builder. As with all brokerage firms, we cannot guarantee that buyers will not have problems with their new homes. Since we do not claim to have construction or legal expertise, we recommend that when situations of this type occur buyers seek the advice of experts who can better advise them."

The fall gardens is featured at Flora Montreal this week
 

Fall is coming this Thursday and this week we invite you to come discover the fall gardens at Flora in order for you to learn more about how to transform your garden with the changing seasons.
Certain gardens at Flora, mainly the « Urban Romance » and the « Allegoria », will introduce you to some new kinds of plants, in order to help you keep your garden until the coming of the first snow fall…

Garden : Allegoria
Come meet Mr Réjean Millette, president of the Quebecer’s Hostas and Hemerocalles Society (SQHH) and will talk to you about the plantation of hostas and hemerocalles in the fall.
• Réjean Millette, Plantation of hostas in the fall, Wednesday September 20 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
• Réjean Millette, Plantation of hemerocalles in the fall season Thursday September 21 from 11:30am to 12:30pm.
DID YOU KNOW...
More and more people keep a small space in their landscaping specifically for a kitchen garden. It’s also popular now to look at this in another way and to combine the classical elements of the garden with vegetables, fruits and fine herbs. A lot of these plants often have decorative foliage or numerous flowers that will offer a surprising effect and a tasty result! Fully grown, most fruit and vegetables will also add a touch of color that will stand out.

Most fine herbs will keep their green color all summer long and grow back quickly after usage. Also, with all the seeds and ready-grown plants available everywhere today, it is now easy to add an exotic touch in your landscaping. Once you try it, planting vegetables, fruits and fine herbs in your landscaping project will become a fun and original way to control the quality of what you eat!

For more information : http://www.appq.org/

COME AND ENJOY NATURE!
What happens to my yogurt container after I toss it in the trash?  Does it disappear after a certain amount of time?  Where does it go?  To trash heaven?  Of course not!  Solids eventually decompose.  Tiny bacteria and insects contribute to the gradual transformation of this trash into particles which then become part of the soil.  Certain of these particles are beneficial to the earth as they become fertilizer.  Biodegradable waste decomposes organically and rapidly, in harmony with the environment.  This is described as organic matter, such as fruit, vegetables, wood, etc.
Other types of waste only pollute and do not decompose organically.  They wear down instead, as is the case with plastic, metals and glass.  Just imagine, it takes 1 million years for a ball point pen to disappear!
Have you ever looked in your lunch box or that of a member of your family?  The food has been packaged in one or more containers.  If these are reusable, congratulations!  It will not be necessary for you to toss them out and to use other containers next time.  However, if your food packaging is single-use, such as a sandwich bag, you will have no other choice but to throw it away.  Did you know that it can take up to 500 years for your sandwich bag to completely disappear from its dump site?
Quebecers produce waste at a yearly rate of more than 9.1 million tons, or 1.24 tons per person!  That’s like one elephant worth of waste per Quebecer!

Les Clubs 4-H du Québec – http://www.clubs4h.qc.ca/

OUR GARDEN CREATORS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
NIP PAYSAGE IS CREATING REACTIONS ONCE AGAIN!!

The new drive thru garden from Nip Paysage, located on the corner of Saint-Marc and St-Antoine street, is an unexpected intervention on a section of a the tunnel that bears the same name.
It suggests a roadside environment as a public garden.  This new look on an infrastructure is both sensual and inhospitable, imposing and anonymous.  It punctuates the transit of its multiple daily users.

Come and see NIP Paysage’s garden at Flora, a playful space for all.

For more information : http://www.nipaysage.ca/
 
THE FLORA PACKAGES
Take advantage of the sunny days of the Fall and do a little trip in Montreal to relax and enjoy the International Flora.

To do so, the Gouverneur Place Dupuis hotel offers, starting at only 169.00$, for 2 people, a full package that includes one night stay at the hotel, 2 delicious breakfasts, 2 tickets to enjoy the wonderful site of the International Flora Montreal, and a 20$ gift-certificate.

For more information:  http://www.gouverneur.com/

OUTDOOR FURNITURE
You wish to add a more unique and elegant touch to your garden?

Obelisk from Dedon

Furniture from Landscape Forms and AMAT
Many different options exist and one of them could be simple as choosing the right furniture.  Flora offers to its public a large variety of outdoor furniture that allows you to give a more unique touch to your garden and terraces.

The very trendy and design furniture that Flora has to offer can be found notably in the Garden lounges and in the restaurant areas.

Furniture from Dedon

Furniture from Serralunga
Here is the list of the suppliers and manufacturers of the Flora’s furniture partners. 

To find a piece of furniture or a pot in particular that you noticed at Flora, we invite you to come visit us again, because we installed some signs, with pictures, for a faster identification of the product.
 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND MORE AT FLORA'S GARDEN
Perennials in the garden are certainly a sustainable development choice. Although, a change in the way people create their garden is needed, and mainly, new visual aesthetics have to make their way into peoples’ gardening life. This is an important shift for the annual lovers that count on the immediate colour sparkle after the grey winter months. In this new approach, perennials are used to support the garden structure and annuals will give the accent. Furthermore, in winter perennials continue to give life to the garden. Grasses will bring movement to the garden and the flower buttons left on the stems are a treat for the birds.

Perennials in the Flora garden will be at their best next year.  Protected during the winter, they will continue to contribute to feed the wildlife that enhanced this season’s event.  Next year, Flora will integrate again native plants, without forgetting about the novelties in the annuals that the producers are preparing for us.
FLORA'S BIG WINNERS
Flora has, to this day, welcomed more than half of the winners, for the promotion “The VIA Rail Garden Route”.
Our sincere congratulations to Mrs Arielle De la Loyere, resident of Toronto, she won from the contest that took place at “Casa Loma Castle” and Mr Emilien Bouffard that won the prize from the contest located in the Roger Van den-Hende Botanical Garden of Quebec.   Let’s not forget Mrs Pierrette Laframboise our winner from Gatineau that won from the contest held by the Commission of the National Capital of the Mackenzie King Estate.

  
 
These winners, 10 in total, have won a week-end for two, of relaxation in Montreal.  They we’re transported here, courtesy of VIA Rail CANADA (http://www.viarail.ca/) that took them in the VIA 1 class and stayed at the luxurious Place d’Armes boutique hotel in the Old-Port of Montreal (http://www.hotelplacedarmes.com/). 

To conclude this weekend of relaxation, a walk through the gardens at the International Flora and the Botanical Garden of Montreal was envisaged.
For more information : www.viarail.ca/garden/en_index.html

PLANT AND RAKE WITHOUT THE ACHE

You wish to be as healthy as possible?  You will have to put some time, energy and discipline into it.
First step, the chiropractors suggests walking.  It is the most basic and natural type of exercise you can find, it is also the most beneficial.  There is nothing better than a regular walk to give tonus to your body and facilitate the toxins elimination, while thinking of everything else but the everyday worries. It is recommended to walk 30 minutes per day in nature or in a safe place, where you head will be free to just enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
 
For more information: http://www.chiropratique.com/

CURE FOUNDATION AND FLORA

There are five kinds of biopsies. Here are two of them.
A Mammotome Breast Biopsy System is a minimally invasive devices used to retrieve tissue to improve the detection and diagnosis of breast disease.  The Mammotome has a disposable probe, with a hollow sleeve and a sharp tip to penetrate the breast tissue through a tiny nick in the skin. A vacuum is attached to the probe and the probe is rotated 360 degrees.  The process yields 8 contiguous samples in one rotation.
Open Biopsy is performed by a surgeon.  It combines surgical removal with microscopic examination of the suspicious tissue.

AS WINTER LOOMS IN TAJIKISTAN, UN APPEALS FOR $1 MILLION FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
 
The United Nations today appealed for $1 million for emergency aid over the next six months to help victims of the July earthquakes in Tajikistan, which destroyed or damaged nearly 2,600 houses and affected some 21,000 people, as winter approaches.

"There is a fear that half of the fully destroyed houses (approximately 500 houses) will not be rebuilt before the winter begins," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said. "If this were to occur, it would have serious humanitarian consequences, which is the reason for this appeal."

The UN Country Team and the international community have been effective in meeting urgent, sector specific needs, especially in health, water and sanitation, and education in the southern district of Qumsangir. But although the Government started rebuilding houses only a few days after the quake, the work has progressed very slowly.

The appeal calls for 500 winter tents, as well as material support for rebuilding 200 houses. Nine schools, in which more than 7,000 children study, were also affected by the quake and the appeal covers part of their rehabilitation.

Although the school year has already begun, the children in the affected area do not have access to a safe learning environment. There is an urgent need for full or partial rehabilitation of schools, provision of school furniture, textbooks, and essential school supplies.

Although the Government has committed to the reconstruction of two schools on their own, their resources are very limited to complete the rehabilitation of the other seven schools.

Chile to hold peacekeeping force in Haiti mission
 
    Chilean troops would remain part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti until a professional Haitian police force is formed, Chilean Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet said on Wednesday.

    Ravinet told a news conference that Latin American countries had agreed "that we will accompany the new government for one to two years" after the Feb. 7 election.

    Chilean President Ricardo Lagos would address the parliament soon about his plan to keep troops in Haiti until next June, he added.

    Lagos reiterated on Tuesday that Chile would keep to its promise to the UN that it would contribute to political stability in Haiti, where 600 Chilean soldiers are currently deployed.

    Ravinet said that a major task for the force is to create "an efficient and honest" police force in Haiti.

    However, Senator Sergio Fernandez, head of the Chilean lower chamber, said that "now is the time to determine whether troops should stay on that island."

    Chile, Brazil and Argentina have been leading the multinational peacekeeping force alongside the United Nations in Haiti, which has been experiencing a climate of violence since the ex-president Bertrand Aristide stepped down in 2004 due to pressure from the United States.

    Aristide is currently in exile in South Africa, but many of his followers wish him to run for President in the election which has been shadowed by constant illegal activity including drug trafficking and kidnapping.
 

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Up to a half dozen people, including two members of Congress, could face charges after high-powered lobbyist Jack Abramoff's plea deal with the Justice Department, sources with knowledge of the investigation tell CNN.

Abramoff has been cooperating with Justice Department prosecutors and FBI agents for several months in their investigation of his dealings, including his allegations of exchanging gifts for political favors.

Authorities have focused on about 20 people who possibly committed wrongful acts, government sources have previously told CNN. The number is a moving target as new information comes in.

Sources with knowledge of the investigation say at least two members of Congress are under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation. One is Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, who sources say was the person identified in Abramoff's plea agreement as the official who took action for Abramoff after receiving from him such things as a golf trip to Scotland.

Ney has steadfastly denied wrongdoing, has pledged to cooperate with the investigation and has said he is confident he will be cleared.

The sources would not identify the other member, and they told CNN that no charges appear imminent.

DeLay staffers under scrutiny
Also under scrutiny, the sources say, are some current and former congressional staffers, including at least two people who used to work for then-House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay. DeLay, R-Texas, and Abramoff had a long working relationship.

Investigators are also examining the activities of some officials at the Interior Department and the General Services Administration, sources tell CNN. One former GSA official, David Safavian, was indicted in October on charges of obstructing a GSA proceeding, obstructing a U.S. Senate proceeding and making false statements in connection with the investigation.

Abramoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and tax evasion charges January 3 and agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors. About 30 to 40 FBI agents and other staff are working full-time on this investigation, which officials have said is a high priority for the government. (Full Story)

Legal experts have said while there may be some evidence of ethical violations, it is very hard to prosecute government officials for acting on a bribe, because it is standard operating procedure for lobbyists to do favors for those in power hoping to get something in return. They say it is very hard to bring a court case to prove someone acted as a direct result of a bribe.

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