The story is spreading across the blogosphere! Bloggers and readers are enraged that Freedom of Speech in cyberspace is being challenged by a company called ePerks, who claims to have lost business and suffered a damaged reputation. The alleged culprit? …the cybervoices of critical comments shouting out their dissent against the company’s claims of lead generation Nirvana.

A little backstory, ePerks is a lead generation company that mainly focuses on gaining the business of Realtors. Their current troubles started when they hired a respected blogger, Vlad Zablotskyy, to promote their services on his well read blog.

The relationship turned sour when Vlad’ s positive posts caught the attention of numerous disgruntled and angry real estate agent customers of the EPerks, who in response posted negative and critical comments re: ePerks business practices.

Along the way  ePerks legal team sent a Cease and Desist letter to Vlad which demanded he take his blog down. Fearful of repercussions and feeling alone in this struggle, he complied. Later he regretted this decision, and put up blogs asking for more feedback on the company. Negative comments and horror stories about ePerks flowed in. The story then evolves into is a mini soap blog opera that involves numerous responses to the negative comments with over the top glowing testimonials in defense of ePerks and its business model.

Mr. Zablotskyy’s suspicions were aroused by the pattern and tone of the positive comments. Further investigation revealed that these positive comments were all initiated from the from the same IP address, although different names were used for each comment.  

Around this time a slanderous post questioning Vlad’s moral character and making horrific accusations about him surfaced on another web-site. The source of these malicious and libelous statements are currently under investigation.

ePerks meanwhile also strongarmingly encouraged him to control even what other bloggers were posting. They actually wanted him to get other bloggers to take down their related blogs.

Vlad, of Ukrainian descent, a child of the Soviet Union System, has since been standing strong under pressure. The threats by ePerks have persisted and last week a lawsuit was filed in California.

As the heat on ePerks has turned up, ePerks has extended it’s threats to other bloggers as well.

There is outrage and shock in the blogosphere for sure. Bloggers are standing strong behind the First Amendment rights of Vlad Zablotskky. and others who participated in an open and free exchange of opinions.

Since when, in America, does criticizing a company’s business practices online become a case for legal action? Wow, what might this come to!

Will political action blogs be forced to scrub their comments? Will ePinions, a web-site for product reviews have to shut it’s cyber doors? We think not!

Freedom has always comes with a price. Blood Sweat and Tears, Sacrifice, Courage and Standing for what’s right and just.

We are confident Justice will prevail. Meanwhile, Vlad can use our help in mounting his defense. Legal costs are mounting. if you can help, Greg Swann has set up the vehicle for contributions.

Support Vlad Zablotskyy’s Defense Fund

if you can’t give to the fund, please give of your prayers and good wishes, for Vlad and for the perseverance of the precious liberties we hold dear.

Read More:

Vlad’s blog.

 ePerks To Sue Blogger – Freedom Of Speech Threatened

Blogger Get “Cease and Desist” from ePerks

Coastal North Carolina Fun Festivals this Easter Week! (edit/delete)

The first week of spring in Wilmington NC was ushered in with bright and beautiful Carolina Blue Skies with perfect weather and a trio of Festivals on board this week for fun lovers of all ages.

From Gardeners, Film Enthusiasts, Crafters, Shoppers, Art lovers, there is something for all to enjoy on this awesome Easter week!

Hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy some Carolina Blue sunshine and Have a Blessed Easter!

CUCALORUS KIDS! Film Festival

Four days of workshops, screenings and movie-themed activities for aspiring young filmmakers Kicks off with Thursday & Friday nights with a special presentation of locally produced Muppet films: Elmo in Grouchland and Muppets in Space. The Cast and crew will be available for discussion about the making of the films. Cucalorus Kids! Filmmakers Day Camp tours Screen Gems Studios on Friday and Saturday, where hands-on instruction will be offered by local filmmakers. Registration is limited, contact Cucalorus headquarters to reserve your spot today. 910.343.5995 or email dan@cucalorus.org

• Where: Jengo’s Playhouse 815 Princess Street
• When: March 19^th-22^nd

SOUTHPORT SPRING FESTIVAL & CRAFTS SHOW

Franklin Square Park in Southport will host over 100 crafters and their homemade treasures. Southern fare will be available as 10 food vendors offer their delectable treats. The Southport-Oak Island Kiwanis Club will be selling a wide variety of bedding plants for yard and garden including numerous shades of beautiful Encore Azaleas. Local bands will provide live entertainment throughout the festival.

Saturday will feature the return of the Robert Ruark Chili Cook-Off Contest. Contact: Peggy McDonald 910/279-4616

• Where: Franklin Square Park Southport
• When: March 21st – 22nd 10AM – 5PM

4th ANNUAL CAPE FEAR ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW

10,000 visitors attended last years show in historic downtown Wilmington NC. Live Music will entertain the crowds and show will feature original arts and crafts, paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, pottery, mixed media, jewelry and fiber/textiles. Call 239.530.8072 for more information

• Where: Downtown Wilmington, Water Street Wilmington, NC on the Cape Fear River
• When: March 22-23 7AM – 7PM

More Blogs Posted about Fun things to Do in Wilmington NC

• Historic Downtown Wilmington NC Things to See and Do
• Wilmington’s “Best Kept Secret” Airlie Gardens
• Wilmington NC: All About Our Local Sports Teams
• Gardening Tips for Wilmington NC & Coastal Carolina Areas

Have a great time!

New Hanover County NC residents have a great opportunity to visit some of our Wilmington NC area’s most popular attractions for Free this weekend as once again the Cultural Community of Wilmington NC gives back to its residents. For the 13th Year in a row “Be A Tourist in Your Own Hometown” Residents’ Appreciation Day will be celebrated this weekend on Sunday March 2nd!

The weatherman is promising bright sunny “Carolina Blue” skies and temperatures in the 60’s. What a perfect time to get out and enjoy some of the many venues open in the Wilmington NC, New Hanover County Area for Free Admission!

From Gardens to Battleships, from Museums to Mansions, there is surely something for all tastes,ages  and interests to explore for free this Sunday in Wilmington NC

Some of the Wilmington NC area attractions opening their doors to residents free of charge on Sunday include:

Airlie Gardens

Battleship North Carolina

Bellamy Mansion

Cape Fear Museum

Cameron Art Museum

Screen Gems Studio

Wrightsville Beach Museum

Check out the the full list of free attractions and hours are available at:  Cape Fear Coast

Other Blogs Posted about Things to Do in Wilmington NC

• Historic Downtown Wilmington NC Things to See and Do

• Wilmington’s “Best Kept Secret” Airlie Gardens

• Wilmington NC: All About Our Local Sports Teams

Have a Fun Time!

If you are new to the area or thinking of relocating to Wilmington NC, and have an interest in gardening, you will most likely want to spend some time getting acquainted with the beautiful flora and fauna that grace our Coastal Carolina region.

When we moved to Wilmington NC from the northeast one of the many charms of the area that delighted us and that we still enjoy every day is the wide variety of beautiful plants, flowering shrubs and trees adaptable to our Coastal Wilmington NC Environment.

There are so many exquisite species of flora and fauna that I never had seen up close and personal before. What fun to visit garden centers and explore the possibilities!

With the 60 degree temperatures gracing our Wilmington NC area, buds appearing on many of our trees and shrubs and the Garden Show in town this weekend thoughts of spring gardening are dancing in my head! It’s a great time to take a look at some gardening catalogs and plan out some new additions to our garden for the spring.

So let’s think spring and spring into a gardening state of mind! If you are just starting your landscaping and garden beds in NC it’s always a good idea to have a soil test done. To do this scoop out about a cup of soil from 3 different areas of your garden, the take a drive to the New Hanover County Arboretum and they will send it out for to be analysis free of charge. While there visit their gift shop or chat with one of the the Master Gardener volunteers who will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Perhaps you have a tree or shrub that is not doing well or has some leaf spot or just looks sick; cut a sample and bring it by for advice on how to treat it or not treat it. They are also available to take questions by phone on their hotline 798-7670

Popular shrubs along the Cape Fear Coast are Yaupon Holly, Oleander, Nandina, Eunonymus, Indian Hawthorne & Wax Myrtle and Azalea. Colorful perennials such as Lady’s Mantle, and Rudebekia, Veronica Speedwell and Lantana should fare well. Ornamental Grasses form all sizes such as the giant Pampas Grass to the smaller varieties such as Blue Fescue are a delightful sight in our local landscape designs.

When Choosing plant this year keep in mind though that drought tolerant plants Chinese Hollies, are a smart choice because of our water restrictions. Some drought tolerant plants and trees recommended for our area include Juniper, Lantana, Pineapple Guava, Rosemary, Lacebark Elm & Crape Myrtle.

You can find most of the shrubs and trees perfect for our zone 8 climate, and a wealth of good advice at local Nurseries such as , Pender Pines, Country Garden, Pierce’s Nursery, Pendercrest & Zone 8, Pender Pines, (Hampstead). Perennials, if not available locally can be ordered from catalogs and usually come with a guarantee.

I have been successful growing annuals from seed such as Zinnias and Cleome. So now is a good time to buy some seed packets. You can start them in trays in a few weeks.

More Resources information for Gardening in NC and the Coastal Areas is available at

Gardening In NC

New Hanover County Arboretum

Good Books On Coastal Gardening

The Southern Living Garden Book

Best Garden Plants for North Carolina

Garden Perennials for the Coastal South

My favorite Plant Catalogs order early favorites sell out quickly

White Flower Farm

Wayside Gardens

Happy Gardening!

Posted by Ginger Sala

Wilmington NC Relocation Specialist & Garden Enthusiast

Spring is is the air in Wilmington, NC as the The 15th annual Wilmington Garden Show comes to town this weekend at will at Cape Fear Community College Swartz Center in downtown Wilmington.

40 plus booths will feature the latest in gardening products and services for gardening and landscaping. A variety of Lectures will be available on gardening topics, landscaping and plant selection for our climate and soil conditions.

The Garden Show Poster was designed from an original painting by local artist Bates Toone. Posters will be on sale and the original painting will be auctioned.

Where: Swartz Center Cape Fear Community College

When: Saturday, Feb 2nd 9-5PM Sunday, Feb 3rd from 9-4PM

Admission is $7, under 12 free

click here for directions

The Garden Show weekend will kick off with a Preview Party Friday evening to benefit the Ability Garden. Specialty hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, and fruit, desserts, fine wines, and coffee will be served. The Vince Stout Jazz Trio will provide the musical entertainment. Exhibitors will be available for all your shopping needs.

Where: Swartz Center Cape Fear Community College

When: February 1-7-9pm

Tickets are $30 in advance/$35 at the door and at the Arboretum calling 798-7670.

Posted by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor/Relocation Specialist

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

Wrightsboro United Methodist Church Wilmington NC is hosting Christian Comedy Night, a fundraising event this Saturday evening. The Special Guest is Gale Mayes comedienne and singer from Nashville, TN

Gale, one of Nashville’s top background vocalist who has worked such artists as CeCe Winans Donnie McClurkin, Gaither Homecoming, Quincy Jones and many others.

She also travels with Gaither Homecoming Artist Lynda Randle all across the country singing and making people laugh. Her Character Ms. Puddin’ is a senior citizen “church lady” who thinks she “is” gospel music!!!! You will be in stitches for sure beginning until the end.

The Wilmington Celebration Choir and WUMC Choir will also be appearing!

Admission: $15.00 call: 910-762-2583 All proceeds from the evening will be used for Church Building Fund. Tickets are also available at Cox Christian Books & The Salt Shaker Bookstore

When: Saturday Feb 2, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Wrightsboro United Methodist Church

3300 N. Kerr Ave. Directions Click Here:

The first homes in the Wilmington NC Community of Emerald Forest were built in the late 90’s. Homes are for the most part Colonial style, with a few Low Country, and Ranch style homes mixed in. The sq ft ranges from 1300 to around 3000 sq ft.

Most of the homes are vinyl sided, although there a few brick homes in the community. Lots sizes vary with the average being around 1/3 of an acre. The community was entirely built out by 2003.

The neighborhood of 120 homes was laid out in a curvilinear pattern which gives it an open feeling. Conservation areas run through the community which adds to the charm.

Emerald Forest is located on the north side of Wilmington NC in Zip code 28411 in an area known as Ogden.

Ogden Elementary, the new elementary school built in 2007 is located just outside the Oyster Lane Entrance to Emerald Forest.

Emerald Forest is conveniently located within 7 miles of beautiful Wrightsville Beach, a quick a 3 mile drive to the fantastic shopping at the Mayfaire Town Center, only 8 miles to Historic Downtown Wilmington. It’s outside the city limits so residents pay no city taxes..

Emerald Forest is a very popular neighborhood for its convenience, location and quality of life and resale homes are in demand.

Fast Facts about Emerald Forest Community

• Zip code 28411
• Built by Bill Clark Homes
• Located just outside Wilmington City Limits
• County taxes .42 per 100 value
• No HOA

Emerald Forest School Assignments

• Ogden Elementary School District
• Noble Middle School
• Laney High School
• New Hanover County School Website

Emerald Forest Real Estate Market Reports

• Prices From $225-425,000
• 13 Homes sold last year
• Average 2007 time on market 90 days

For more information on Wilmington NC Neighborhoods and the Wilmington NC Real Estate Market or for a free Relocation packet, Please Contact:

Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Relocation Specialist Keller Williams Realty

Professional Home Staging REALTOR®/ Emarketing Specialist

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

GingerSala@kw.com 910-431-7075

If you love good ole Southern cookin’ with all the fixins’ like Grandma made, you will surely love the pickins at Casey’s Buffet Barbecue & Home Cookin’ on Oleander Drive, Wilmington NC. Open only 3 years, Casey’s has developed quite a following and has been voted the “Best Buffet” and “Best Soul Food” in 2 categories by Encore Magazine.

The casual Buffet Style Restaurant is decorated with a “Down Home Country” feeling that will make you feel cozy and comfy. Adding to the down home charm and home again feeling is Casey’s owner, and Hostess extraodinaire, Gena Casey, who will most likely greet you when you enter, unless she is strolling about getting caught up with the regulars, or getting to know the newcomers.

Gena’s Husband Larry will be manning the kitchen, and keeping watch on the buffet serving line may be one of their two sons, if it’s not school time. Their teenage daughter is often on board too with a helping hand.

Come Hungry because at Casey’s Buffet it’s all you can eat! Main Dishes Served Daily: Fried Chicken, BBQ Pork, Baked Chicken, Catfish, Whiting. Side dishes Served Daily include: Chitlins, Rutabagas, Sweet Potato Souffle, Turnips, Hushpuppies, lima Beans, Mashed Potatoes and of course Okra and Collard Greens!

Desserts Daily include: Blueberry, apple and Peach Cobblers, Banana Pudding, Cherry Cheese Cake, Ice Cream and often Brownies, Strawberry Shortcake

Casey’s is open for Lunch: Tuesday through Sundays. Dinner is served on Wednesday through Saturday till 9pm. They close early on Sunday 6pm. Mondays is their well deserved day off.

Phone 798–2913 to reserve for large parties. Take out is available. Casey’s is also open on Thanksgiving and serves a terrific traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Casey’s Current Daily Specials

Tuesday ~BBQ Pork~Spare Ribs

Wednesday ~Meatloaf~ Chicken Gizzards & Country Sausage~ Ham

Thursday ~Brunswick Stew~ Spaghetti~HAMBURGER~ Deviled Crab

Friday~ BBQUE Pork Ribs w/red sauce~Fried Shrimp~Deviled Crab~Carved Roast Beef

Saturday ~Hot Wings~Fried Pork Chops~Hamburger Steak~Fried Shrimp~Deviled Crab~Carved Roast Beef

Sunday ~Turkey~Ham~Roast ~BBQ Chicken~Dressing~Over-baked Cornbread~Homemade Biscuits

You will surely leave Casey’s Buffet filled to the brim with nourishment, “good feelings” and maybe a even a big hug!

Casey’s Buffet Barbeque & “Home Cookin” 5559 Oleander Dr. Wilmington NC DIRECTIONS: Click here:

Posted by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor/Relocation Specialist

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

Each year since we have lived in Wilmington, we look forward to the annual TreeFest held every January at the Independence Mall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to give green thumbs an early winter boost. Up to 5 free bare-root seedlings are distributed per person to plant in their winter garden.

Don’t know what to plant? Volunteers from The New Hanover County Cooperative Extension and Forestry Service will be on hand to answer any questions you might have regarding what plants are best suited for your particular home environment and what care the tree will need.

The seedlings available are chosen for their adaptability to our coastal climate. There will also be pamphlets to bring home to help assist you with the planting.

In past years we have come home with River Birch, Weeping Willow, Black Swamp Gum, Redbud, and various Evergreens. My little Weeping Willow sapling is now 8 ft high!

Although a projected 10,000 seedlings will be given out, you might want to come early for best selection. Also it’s a good idea to bring a plastic liner for you car trunk as the seedlings must be kept damp.

TreeFest is sponsored in conjunction with the NC Cooperative Extension and Keep America Beautiful of New Hanover County, NC Forest Service, NHC Parks Department, NHC Soil and Water Conservation, Progress Energy, and Independence Mall. The seedlings were grown in Division of Forestry’s nursery in Goldsboro, NC

Where: The JC Penney wing of Independence Mall, Directions click here:

When: Friday, Jan. 25, 10:00 am. – 7:00 pm. Saturday, Jan. 26, 10:00 – 6:00 pm.

Here’s a fun contest sponsored by The Wilmington Tree Commission every month. You might win a free tree!

Click here

Happy Planting!

Antique Lovers of North Carolina mark your calendars! Next weekend, starting on Friday January 25th, the North Carolina Jr. Sorosis Club presents their 38th Annual Jr. Sorosis Club Antiques Show at the Coast Line Convention Center located in Downtown Wilmington.

There promises to be something for everyone as 35 Antique Dealers from North Carolina and surrounding states offer their wares, which will feature primitives, oriental rugs, jewelry, clocks, silver, glassware, formal antiques, furniture and china.

Admission is only $5 and is good for all three days! The proceeds from the event will benefit local charities. This is the 38th Year the show has been sponsored by The North Carolina Junior Sorosis, a local woman’s club which supports area charities.

Where: Coastline Convention Center 501 Nutt St Wilmington NC.

When: Jan 25th-27th Friday and Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm.

Posted by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor/Relocation Specialist

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

Well I have to admit I am sometimes late to the party…. or to jump on the bandwagon of the latest fashion trend, “in” food or TV Fad. I was probably one of the last people on earth to buy a microwave. And I reluctantly gave in to cell phone domination only to support my business calls. “I love Raymond” was in its 7^th year before my husband and I discovered it on late night reruns…LOL!

It’s more the nonconformist rebel in me who dares to be different, than being “out of the loop”. It’s where I have chosen to be… I kind of like being out of the mainstream…set apart!

Don’t get me wrong I truly love adventure, and learning about and embracing new things that have merit, bring joy, enhance efficiency, and benefit humankind.

The Blogging community has certainly brought that side of me to the forefront. Every new day is another learning experience. I could probably spend the next year just reading and implementing everything on all my AR Bookmarks!

But I digress…I may be late to this party, but I am still excited about my new fascination which may soon turn into an addiction! It centers around one of the big loves of my life, Music. I am a music fanatic and basically have it going 24/7 when I am home, if I am not listening to cable news. Blogging time???…gotta have my music!

So, I maybe behind the curve on this, maybe I am late to the party again, but who cares! I am having a party over my new found discovery and I wanted to share it with you all in case some of you are late too!

It’s, drum roll please,>>>PANDORA Radio! Right now it’s tops on my “the greatest thing since sliced bread list!”

Do you Pandora??? Wow! What an awesome site! FREE internet Radio where you can create and customize your own commercial free radio stations from their selection of 35,000 artists and 500,000 songs!

Here’s how it works: Select an artist, a genre or a song that you love. Hit create a radio station; they will match other artists with similar sounds and styles to your selection. Then as the songs play you are given the option of giving it thumbs up or down. I love that a thumbs down will reject the song and move to the next one. You can also link to biographical info on the artist, link out to Amazon to purchase the CD, download tunes…bookmark tunes to a list, or email your stations to a friend. As you hear new artists, you can create additional stations or combine artists.

There is also a Social Network side to it with profiles and sharing of music, if you choose to go that route..(another SN? not now, please!)

Pandora has their song selection down to a science and rarely do they come up with a dud in my experience. How do they do this so well?? It is a science of sorts called the Music Genome Project!

From Pandora’s website: (emphasis mine)

“Together our team of fifty musician-analysts has been listening to music, one song at a time, studying and collecting literally hundreds of musical details on every song. It takes 20-30 minutes per song to capture all of the little details that give each recording its magical sound – melody, harmony, instrumentation, rhythm, vocals, lyrics … and more – close to 400 attributes! We continue this work every day to keep up with the incredible flow of great new music coming from studios, stadiums and garages around the country.”

Read More about it click here: Music Genome Project!

On Pandora I have been introduced to so many Music Artists that I never knew about before, or had heard of, but not heard! Some artists that I am familiar with have surprised me with new tracks that I now love. Right now I have 15 stations, and building. It’s really been fun! Of course now my blogging takes longer as I surf back and forth to check out who’s playing now…I keep the Pandora site open on my FireFox Browser BTW, Pandora can also be synched with Sprint and AT&T mobile Phones!

So if you’re a music lover like me, and haven’t sampled Pandora, please go open Pandora’s Box of Treasures and enjoy! Come back and share your experience!

Happy Listening!

Posted by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor/Relocation Specialist

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

If you live in or have visited the Wilmington NC area, you probably know that we are a music loving town, and that there is a strong and long tradition of community support for the arts. The area plays host to many free outdoor concerts during the season. And year-round many venues offer the opportunity to enjoy a variety of musical styles for a low ticket price.

One of our great traditions is sponsored by the Cape Fear Jazz Society in conjunction with the Cape Fear Museum and happens on the first Friday of the month when the museum hosts their Winter Jazz concert series

Tomorrow night, January 4 the Sea Pans will be the featured artists for this month’s First Friday Jazz. The Sea Pans Steel Drum Ensemble is a popular local group that plays Caribbean, Latin & Jazz tunes and music that will transport you to an island in your mind. The Concert starts at 6pm and runs 2 hours. Admission is only $5 and free to museum members. Friday Night Jazz is a popular event so arrive early. You may bring your own snacks and beverages. The Cape Fear Museum is located at 814 Market St.

For more information on Wilmington NC please visit our website:

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

Posted by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Relocation Specialist

Wilmington NC is often referred to as the City of Churches and It seems like there is one on every corner. Form the impressive 19 century architecture of the historic downtown Wilmington churches to the most modern churches built auditorium style. The churches this weekend are offering a variety of concerts, plays and live nativity presentations. Public invited and all are free!

Pine Valley United Methodist Church 3788 Shipyard Blvd will have their annual Christmas Musical ”The Wonder of Christmas” on Saturday, December 15th & Sunday the 16th at 7 pm. call 791-0353.

Pleasant Acres Church 2911 Old Cherry Point Rd in New Bern will present a musical drama called ”The Road to Bethlehem” on Saturday, December 15th & Saturday the 16th at 7 pm. A nursery is provided. For more information call Gary at 252-637-2704.

College Acres Baptist Church corner Eastwood Rd & Cardinal Dr will have their 27th annual Living Nativity on Saturday, December 15th and Sunday the 16th from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. Luminaries light the way & Christmas music can be heard as you drive through & view this Nativity scene. For more information call 799-3773.

First Presbyterian Church 125 South Third St will have a program on Sunday, December 16th at 5 pm with John T Hoggard High School Holiday Choral Concert. The concert is free and donations are appreciated. Child care is provided. For more information call 762-6688

The ROCK church at Castle Hayne presents Imagine Christmas a multi media retelling of the Christmas story that will fill you with a passion for the one who came to live an ordinary life among us so that we may live a life of abundance with Him Sunday Dec. 16th at 10 am and 6pm FREE!

The Sanctuary Choir of the Wilmington First Church of the Nazarene will have a Christmas Cantata ‘‘The Gift Goes On’‘ on Sunday, December 16th at 10:30 am at the Brigade Boys & Girls Club (corner of Vance St & Raleigh St). For more information call 799-3562.

Posted by Ginger Sala Wilmington NC Realtor/Relocation Specialist

www.CoastHomeNorthCarolina.com

The Holiday Spirit is in full gear in our beautiful Wilmington NC Cape Fear region. Why not take some time out from the hustle and bustle to stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of our town town this weekend! Here is a sampling of the best of this weekends Holiday Happenings:

Friday December 14th

Wilmington Choral Society Christmas Concert

The Louise Cameron Art Museum will offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season in song! Tonight’s concert by the choral group will featuring well known music by George F. Handel, Irving Berlin, Zollene Reissner, John Rutter, Michael Clawson, Donald Fraser, and Theron Kirk. Concert begins at &pm Dec 14th 7:00 PM By Donations accepted.

Friday Through Sunday

Visit Santa!

Santa and one of his Elf’s are waiting for your list before he heads off to deliver presents all around the world! Arrive early line closes at 8:30 pm. call 910.341.4602. There will be a candy cane and a free toy for all children Hilton Park 407 Hilton Street Wilmington NC

Saturday

Trolley Tour of Holiday Lights

the Wilmington Trolley Company offer 45 minute tours of Wilmington NC neighborhoods lighted for the holidays Enjoy the spirit of the holidays in a warm festive trolley.: (910)763-4483 $10 adults, $5 under 12 (910)763-4483

Sunday

Imagine Christmas The ROCK church at Castle Hayne presents Imagine Christmas a multi media retelling of the Christmas story that will fill you with a passion for the one who came to live an ordinary life among us so that we may live a life of abundance with Him Sunday Dec. 16th at 10 am and 6pm FREE!

Our refrigerator stopped cooling well last week. At first we were in denial that anything was severely wrong so we just turned up the thermostat for a couple of days, till things got worse. On a Sunday night we were already figuring we might be reluctantly buying a new fridge for Christmas.

On Monday I called Roger’s Appliance, our trusty local Mom & Pop appliance store for advice and possibly a service call. Tom had helped us before when our washer was making strange noises. I explained the problem with the fridge, Tom listened carefully and then asked several diagnostic questions. We got to the big question: Is the freezer fan still running?… Yes! It was and that was really good news! We most likely don’t have a compressor problem and won’t need a new fridge WHEW!

He thought from all the info he gathered that it could be the heater. Who knew a freezer had a heater! What a concept?? The only way to know for sure is to take the back panel off and see if the coil on the heater has burnt out. OK, I will do that so first I removed all the food to our freezer in the garage, then took off the back panel which revealed the coils’ were covered in solid ice…I could not even see the heater. I called Tom back and he said yeah could be the heater or the thermostat, I would have to defrost it… so I turned it off let it defrost for hours.

When my husband Roger got home and the frost was gone, he was able to see that the heater was burned when he removed it. Next day off he was to the appliance store for a 35 dollar replacement heater which Roger installed in a few minutes, turn back on the fridge and we were up and running in no time, and yes! it was cooling again

I want to thank Tom at Roger’s Appliance for his willingness to go the extra mile taking the time with us and for his patient and thorough service. This little part could have cost a couple of hundred in service repairs.. Think about it ….the service guy would charge come and diagnose, get the part, defrost and replace… you think at least 200… maybe.

This is the second time Tom has helped us like this by encouraging DIY. Last year he diagnosed our washer over the phone by the strange sound it was making .

Before I continue., I go to tell you my husband Roger is not the handiest guy in the world. In fact he readily admits to being all thumbs…Speaking of thumbs, he almost lost his when he was using a friend’s circular saw to cut a piece of quarter round without a vice… I won’t go into details, but can you say ER , bloody mess and 20 stitches???

Anyway when Roger went and got the part for the washer, Tom drew him a diagram and instructions on how to repair it. That job took him a couple of hours of backbreaking work under the machine, but he was so proud of what he accomplished and saved. So was I, and very impressed!

So before you go calling repairmen, Check out your local Mom & Pop Appliance store. You just might have a Tom in your town!

Roger’s Appliance 4715 Oleander Dr. Wilmington NC 28403 910-79-0146

Posted By Ginger Sala Broker Keller Williams Realty

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