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Cary High School�Troubled By Three�Student Suicides�By Olivia Barrow�The Raleigh Telegram�

CARY - The Green Hope High School�community is hurting. The public school�in Cary suffered two student suicides�during the 2009 - 2010 school year.� “Both of them were devastating to�the school community and both of them�were tragic,” said Principal Jim Hedrick�in an interview with the Telegram earlier�this year.� A junior hung himself in a tree less�than 500 feet from his home in Cary in�November of 2009. This year, a senior�who played on the football team jumped�off of a bridge on Cary Parkway in May,�only a month before graduation. A third�student also took his own life in a gun-�related incident in 2009.� [�Editor’s Note:� The Raleigh�Telegram newspaper made an editorial�decision not to include the names of the�students mentioned in this article to�protect the families of the deceased.]� Community members have begun to�express concern that the deaths may�signal a cultural problem at Green Hope�that needs to be addressed.� Earlier this year, the Parent Teacher�Student Association at Green Hope has�launched a special safety committee�called “Youth Suicide Awareness and�Prevention” with the purpose of raising�awareness about the problem of teen�suicide, educating the Green Hope�community about solutions and�removing barriers that separate suicidal�teens from help.� “One of the founding purposes of the�PTA was to promote safety for children,”�Liza Weidle, Green Hope PTSA Health�and Safety Co-Chair, wrote in an e-mail�to the Telegram earlier this year. “As the�need presents, the GHHS PTSA responds�with particular programs that benefit the�greatest within our community.”� The body of the student who hung�himself was found by a construction�worker on November 12, 2009. The�toxicology report revealed no drugs or�alcohol, and the police ruled his death a�suicide.� The student who jumped to his death�off of a bridge in Cary was a senior�nicknamed “Frenchy” for his heritage.�The student was 18 and had already been�accepted to the engineering program at�N.C. State University. He was going to�graduate with honors and had played�football for four years. Tall with a great�sense of humor, he was a favorite to be�around, say fellow students.� The toxicology report from the�official autopsy results showed his blood�had the presence of four different�benzodiazepines, including diazepam,�which is sold under the brand name�Valium. His blood contained no alcohol.� Benzodiazepines are prescription�drugs commonly used to treat anxiety�

and panic disorders. They are not anti-�depressants and can sometimes cause or�worsen depression. It is not known how�the student obtained the drugs or why�they were in his system.� “[He] has touched my life so much�even though I have only known him for�four years,” said Andrew Shears in his�eulogy for the student. Shears was a close�friend of the student and played football�with him all four years at Green Hope.� On May 9, 2010 at 8:21pm, the�student posted a Facebook status that�said “Im done with life. I cant deal with�sh** anymore. Do not blame yourselfs it�is only my fault. Goodbye. I love you all.”� The autopsy narrative says that he�was reported missing at about the same�time as the Facebook note appeared. His�body was found under a bridge on the�Cary Parkway shortly after midnight.� Coroners ruled his death as a suicide,�but one source says at one point, police�were investigating his death as a possible�homicide, but that has not been�confirmed. There were no witnesses, and�the railroad beneath the bridge is a�common site for gang graffiti. The�student’s car was found near the scene�and according to the autopsy report, his�injuries were consistent with climbing�over the highway fence and jumping.� Some parents have expressed�concern to the Telegram off the record�about drugs at Green Hope. Green Hope�has an affluent student population and�the school is sometimes referred to as�“Green Dope,” a nickname reflecting the�drug culture that some say exists.� One student told the Telegram that�although students at Green Hope may�have access to drugs and alcohol, they do�not think the school has a problem.� Despite the nickname, research�shows that Green Hope has less�incidences -- or at least reported cases --�of drug-related violations than other�high schools in Cary.� As of the end of the 2009 - 2010�school year, there were only five reported�drug violation incidents at Green Hope�in the last two school years: two arrests,�two citations, and one incident that�required a counseling session.� In contrast, Cary High School had 12�incidents and Panther Creek had 20�drug-related incidents during the last�two school years.� Although the details of the student’s�death are still being examined, the�memories from his life will be cherished�forever by all of those who knew him.� “I know that in his life he has loved�and touched so many people and he has�been loved in returned by so many as�well,” Shears said at the funeral for the�popular student. “Saying goodbye to�someone you love is not easy, but it’s not�like you’re saying goodbye forever. No�matter what, don’t forget he loved each�and every one of you here.”�

RDU Airport�Sees Increase�In Passengers�R�ALEIGH - According to the airport, The�number of passengers traveling through�Raleigh-Durham International Airport in�November grew more than 5 percent�over the same period last year.� Throughout the month, 785,084�travelers passed through the airport�compared to 742,696 last November.� In addition, the airport says that so�far this year, around 8.34 million people�have traveled through RDU compared to�8.22 million in the first 11 months of�2009. The airport attributes the increase�to additional flights added by Delta�which added 14 new runs to other�airports and JetBlue which added new�non-stop flights to Boston.�

In this still from a video by the Denmark family of Raleigh, Amelia Earhart (far�left) can be seen breaking a bottle of champagne over an aircraft at the Raleigh�Municipal Airport, although details are a mystery. Photo: James Denmark.�

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Family Video Of Amelia Earhart At�Raleigh Airport Presents Mystery�

By Randall Gregg�The Raleigh Telegram�

R�ALEIGH - Earlier this month, it was�announced that a team of researchers�had discovered a possible human bone�fragment on Nikumaroro Island in the�Pacific Ocean, close to where famed�aviator Amelia Earhart disappeared in�1937. The fragments are among other�artifacts, such as portions of a woman’s�shoe and aluminum parts, that lead some�to believe that she died on the island as a�castaway after her plane ran out of fuel�during her around the world attempt.� The bone fragments are currently�being DNA tested and the results will be�known in a few months.� Meanwhile, a mystery connected to�Amelia Earhart has sprung up in here in�Raleigh. Raleigh photographer Jay�Denmark of Denmark Studios found a�video shot by his father, James�Denmark, that depicts Earhart at the�Raleigh Municipal Airport sometime�during the late 1920’s or early 1930’s.� James Denmark was a photographer�based in Raleigh at the time and the�Denmark family collection of photos and�videos are an import treasure trove of�historic shots of the people and places in�Raleigh from the first half of the century.� James Denmark labeled his photos,�

but it’s not quite clear when the Earhart�video was made, but it was in Raleigh.� “I wasn't sure what the exact date�was when we were talking about it,” said�Jay Denmark earlier this year when�speaking about his father’s film. “It very�well could have been ‘29. I understand�that she was here promoting something�while she was here.”� Earhart may have well been here�during the Raleigh Municpal Airport’s�official opening in 1929. According to�the Lineberry Alliance blog in Raleigh,�the opening was attended by local�luminaries such as Josephus Daniels,�publisher of the News & Observer and�Thad Eure, a state legislator at the time�and later the NC Secretary of State. Also�present was the world famous World�War I flying ace Eddie Rickenbacker,�who later led Eastern Airlines.� However, as Earhart had just�completed her transatlantic flight in�1928 and then engaged in competitive�airplane racing and a lecture circuit in�1929, it seems more likely Earhart’s visit�came after the Raleigh airport opened.� Jay Denmark says that he believes�that Earhart was promoting help for�soup kitchens and other Depression era�aid efforts, which would most certainly�have put the date of her visit during the�

Continued on Page 7...�

In May of this year, students at Green Hope High School remembered their good�friend, nicknamed “Frenchy,” with flowers and other memorials on Cary Parkway�including a painted mural under the bridge. Photo: The Raleigh Telegram.�

The Raleigh Municipal Airport (above)�opened in 1929 to much fanfare. RDU�airport is in a different location. Photo�from NC Archives.�

Elizabeth Edwards Passes Away After�Saying Goodbye To Her Supporters�By R. Gregg, Editor�The Raleigh Telegram�

CHAPEL HILL - After suffering from�breast cancer since 2004, Elizabeth�Edwards said goodbye to her supporters�through Facebook shortly before passing�away on December 7th at 10:16am at her�home. Elizabeth Edwards was the wife�of former US Presidential candidate and�US senator John Edwards.� Edwards’ family said the day before�she died that she was no longer seeking�treatment and a statement on Tuesday�from the family announced that she had�passed away.� “Today we have lost the comfort of�Elizabeth's presence but she remains the�heart of this family,” her family said in a�statement to the media. “We love her and�will never know anyone more inspiring�or full of life. On behalf of Elizabeth, we�want to express our gratitude to the�thousands of kindred spirits who moved�and inspired her along the way. Your�support and prayers touched our entire�family.”� “Elizabeth has been advised by her�doctors that further treatment of her�cancer would be unproductive,” said�Edwards’ family in a statement sent to�the media. “She is resting at home with�family and friends.”� Edwards, age 61, passed away at the�home that she shared with her family on�a large farm outside of Chapel Hill in�rural Orange County. The Edwards�moved to the large estate from Raleigh�several years.� In the public spotlight since her�husband was elected to the US Senate in�1998, Elizabeth met her husband when�they both attended law school at the�University of North Carolina at Chapel�Hill. The couple were married and had�four children. The Edwards mourned�the loss of their first son, Wade, who died�in a car accident in 1979.� During her legal career, while her�husband worked as a trial lawyer,�Elizabeth Edwards worked in the NC�Attorney General’s Office in Raleigh,�practice law at a Raleigh law firm, and�later worked as an adjunct professor at�the UNC law school.� Edwards was first diagnosed with�cancer in 2004 and fought it with both�chemotherapy and radiation treatments.�Sadly, the disease returned in 2007�during John Edwards’ Presidential�campaign when it was announced that�Elizabeth had Stage IV cancer that had�spread to other parts of her body.� Undaunted by her medical�condition, Elizabeth Edwards had�opened a furniture store in Chapel Hill�

called the Red Window and also spoke to�audiences about her life and problems�with health care in the United States.� During the 2008 Presidential�elections, Edwards spoke out against�Senator John McCain’s (R-Arizona)�health care proposals and in 2009, also�spoke at Congressional hearings on the�bankruptcies that many Americans face�because of health care bills.� She also had penned two books�about her fight against cancer and the�tribulations she endured when her�husband withdrew from politics after�news of an extramarital affair.� On the day before she passed away,�Elizabeth Edwards posted a note on her�Facebook page to say goodbye to her�supporters and those who believed in her�over the years.� “You all know that I have been�sustained throughout my life by three�saving graces - my family, my friends,�and a faith in the power of resilience and�hope,” she said on her Facebook page.� “These graces have carried me�through difficult times and they have�brought more joy to the good times than�I ever could have imagined. The days of�our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We�know that. And, yes, there are certainly�times when we aren't able to muster as�much strength and patience as we would�like. It's called being human. But I have�found that in the simple act of living with�hope, and in the daily effort to have a�positive impact in the world, the days I�do have are made all the more�meaningful and precious. And for that I�am grateful. It isn't possible to put into�words the love and gratitude I feel to�everyone who has and continues to�support and inspire me every day. To you�I simply say: you know. With love,�Elizabeth.”�

FUNERAL HELD IN RALEIGH�

Edwards was remembered at a public�memorial service on Saturday, December�11th at the Edenton Street United�Methodist Church in downtown Raleigh,�where hundreds showed up to honor her�life, career, and courage. John Edwards�attended the service with their three�children Cate, Emma Claire, and Jack�Edwards. Cate Edwards spoke of her�mother as having “grace and strength.”� The entire church memorial service�can be viewed online at WRAL-TV:�http://www.wral.com/news/video/�8754460/#/vid8754460� Elizabeth Edwards was buried next�to her son, Wade Edwards, at a private�burial ceremony in Oakwood Cemetary�in Raleigh after the memorial service.�

Elizabeth Edwards on the campaign trail for her husband, where she frequently�spoke out on health issues affecting Americans. Photo: Edwards campaign.�

By Edward Cone,�Special To The Raleigh Telegram�

GREENSBORO - Elizabeth Edwards was�famously skilled at working the media,�both new and traditional.� She addressed the tension around�these cultivated relationships when she�spoke at the old ConvergeSouth�conference in Greensboro, in 2006: "I�know there's a lot of suspicion about�trying to win over a particular blogger to�be a voice for you. I actually have more�respect for you than that. I figure you can�make your own decisions. But if I know�what you're thinking about and I'm not�talking about it... maybe I should."� It was a tension I felt myself, as a�blogger and newspaper columnist on the�receiving end of her outreach. Of course�It was nice to have Elizabeth Edwards�commenting at my blog and inviting me�to dinner with her husband at their�Georgetown home, and it was useful to�my work as well.� But I worked at maintaining my�independence, treating her as I would�any on-the-record source when she made�her Drudge-worthy comments about�John needing the net because he couldn't�count on the free publicity that went with�being a black or female candidate (I'd�guess she know what she was doing with�those remarks; certainly she never�complained about my use of them, even�as her staff went ballistic). Elizabeth�encouraged real give and take at the�meetings she arranged between John�Edwards and bloggers -- more, it seemed�to me, than he really cared for; he�seemed a little startled at the intensity of�disagreement over his support of the�Iraq invasion as the wine began to flow�at one dinner party in 2005, and�impatient with criticism from a larger�group at a later event in Chapel Hill.�

Elizabeth and I talked about this�tension between journalism and�friendship once, on the morning this�column appeared in the News & Record.�I woke up to find an email from�Elizabeth, time-stamped before 7AM,�with a curt message saying I'd gone too�far. I told her to call me if she pleased,�and minutes later my cell phone rang. I�said I could speak as a journalist, or as a�human being. She said to be a journalist�first, so I told her I needed to write that�heartfelt column if I was going to�continue covering North Carolina�politics with any degree of credibility,�and that nobody believed John's half-ass�explanation anyway. She did not�disagree, and we moved on to more�personal commiseration.� After the fall, our relationship�revolved mostly around our mutual love�of UNC basketball. She was sharp and�funny on the listserve she helped start,�once responding within seconds to my�question about a Tar Heel fan's proper�attitude toward the US Olympic team�helmed by arch-rival Coach K (she said�we must root for our country to succeed�despite the terrible blunders we wished�upon the hated Dookie).� Sometimes I would make my way�around the concourse at the Dean Dome�to visit with her at halftime of Carolina�games. In February of this year, we stood�together as generations of players were�introduced on-court to celebrate the�centennial of UNC hoops. It was a happy�moment, and it was nice to share it with�Elizabeth.� ABOUT THE AUTHOR:�Edward�Cone is a professional journalist and�blogger in Greensboro, North Carolina�and his articles have appeared in several�national and North Carolina�publications. His blog can be found�online at www.edcone.com�

NC Journalist Recalls Times�Spent With Elizabeth Edwards�

Zack Galifianakis�Talks About Times�As NCSU Student�

By Dave Pond, NCSU News Service�

RALEIGH - From his early days of�performing standup comedy in small,�New York clubs to the international�spotlight in which he now resides, Zach�Galifianakis has always done things his�way. So when we had the chance to chat�with him as he reflected on his time as a�Communication major at NC State, his�favorite professor and more – including�some advice for current NC State�students – we jumped at the chance.�

Dave Pond, NC State University�Communications: Tell me about�your time at NC State?�

Zach Galifianakis: Well, my father and�my older brother went there. My father�played football, so we inherited being�Wolfpack fans from that. As far as my�time there, I really liked Raleigh and�Hillsborough Street. I had some great�professors, but I was not the student I�could have been.�

There was a legendary establishment�there during my time called The Five 0,�and I spent too much time there. I was at�NC State from 1988-1992, failed my last�course by one point and never got my�degree. My time is so limited, but I’ve�definitely thought about finishing it. If I�were to do it all over again, I would have�studied something specific in agriculture,�because I live on a farm now and do not�know what I am doing.�

DP: How often do you get back to�campus?�

ZG: I get to Raleigh about once a year,�and I always walk through the campus.�Usually East Campus. Last time I was�there I met an old friend, and we ate at�The Roast Grill towards downtown. I�also try to stop into Sadlack’s for a�memory. I used to live very close to that�place, in what could only be called a flop�house for transients.�

DP: What are your best memories�about NC State?�

ZG: I think one of my only A’s was in�Anthropology. I think it was an “A” –�nevertheless, I so enjoyed that class. It�opened my way of thinking to be sure. I�also took a design course that kind of�blew my mind and gave me a different�perspective on how the eye and mind�work together. Socially, I worked a lot. I�worked at Amedeo’s Pizza and also Two�Guys. That was my socialization. I never�joined any clubs or organizations at State�– I was a bit of a loner – but those were�some very fond memories.�

DP: Do you recall any favorite�professors or classes?�

ZG: I had a professor named James�Alchediak who was the coolest, and I�hope he is still there. I would like to�bump into that guy one day.�

DP: What role did your time at NC�State University help play in�shaping your career and realizing�your dreams?�

ZG: A collaborator named A.D. Miles�went to NC State when I was there. He�was one of my friends. We moved to New�York City, lived together and kind of�came up through the ranks together in�the comedy scene, and eventually�worked professionally on a couple of�jobs.�

If I had not met him at State I think�things would have worked out�differently. We see each other from time�to time. He is the head writer of Late�Night with Jimmy Fallon and I do what I�do, and the two of us used to be kids�running up and down Hillsborough�looking for nothing.�

DP: Finally, if you could give one�bit of advice to NC State University�students, what would it be?�

ZG: There is more to life than college.�Use your time in college and grow. There�are some people who are still playing�beer pong in their late 20’s. Do not do�that. ::�

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Duck & Dumpling�Restaurant To Close�Down This Month�By The Raleigh Telegram�

RALEIGH - A popular upscale restaurant�on Blount Street downtown will serve its�last meal on New Year’s Eve, December�31st, according to the owner’s website.� “The Duck & Dumpling will serve its�last meal New Year’s Eve,” says the�Empire Eats website. “Join us for this�special prix fixe dinner and to reminisce�on all those great first romantic dates�and fun First Friday dinners.”� The restaurant was started eight�years ago by well known chef David Mao�and local developer and restaurateur�

Greg Hatem. Mao left the partnership�earlier this year to start his own�restaurant near NC State University�called David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar.� The Duck & Dumpling was a popular�restaurant when Mao was chef, as he�drew loyal customers who followed him�from his previous restaurant ventures.� Hatem sometimes drew attention to�the restaurant by shining a spotlight with�the duck logo on nearby buildings.�According to Empire Eats, which is�owned by Hatem, a new restaurant will�open in restaurant space sometime in the�first quarter of 2011.�

Penn & Teller Tell All�To Celebrity Magnet�By Allison Ruppino�Special To The Raleigh Telegram�

NEW JERSEY - The famous magicians�Penn and Teller made their way to the�Garden State earlier this year where they�took time to meet with Tom Murro, the�“Celebrity Magnet,” who interviews�international celebrities for many media�outlets including The Raleigh Telegram.� Penn Jillette and Raymond Joseph�Teller of the dynamic duo, Penn & Teller,�added three New Jersey stops to their�tour. Tom Murro was able to attend their�last show at the Bergen Performing Arts�Center in Englewood, New Jersey and�caught up with them back stage.� “We like to come back to the east�coast as often as we can, and we haven’t�been to New Jersey in a while so we�came back to do a few shows,” said Penn.� One of Tom's first questions to the�magical duo had to be about New�Jersey’s reality TV shows that have hit�the waves, such as The Real Housewives�of New Jersey.� “I’m not really familiar with them�except that they are very popular,” said�Penn. “Jersey is a lot more than just Jack�Nicholson and Springsteen now, isn’t it?�'I guess it's moved on from Jack and the�Boss, Jack and the Boss, now that's�funny.”� For those who can’t always make�their way over to Vegas, Penn & Teller�wanted to bring the show to them, as�they did by awing the crowd with their�amazing knife tricks and psychic powers.�They also turned water in a bowl into�coins and goldfish but rest assured that�none of the animals were harmed during�this act.� One of the most memorable�moments for Tom and his wife was was�at the end of the show while witnessing�Penn perform his fire-eating act, with�assistance from Teller.� “I swallow a teaspoon of lighter fluid�every time,” said Penn. “Carnival acts�who do 30 shows a week, need time off�after awhile to let their liver regenerate�from swallowing so much lighter fluid.”� A lot of the tricks they perform are�dangerous, and Tom asked them how�

they handle things when an act might go�terribly wrong.� “A lot of the stuff we do is dealing�with rather dangerous things, so we can’t�really afford to have them go terribly�wrong,” said Penn. “So we’re happy with�their just going a little wrong all the�time.”� All of Penn & Teller’s performances�include a high level of audience�interaction. And, the Celebrity Magnet�was able to see this first-hand as his own�wife Kelly was chosen for the levitation�act. He watched as they pulled away each�chair from underneath her, and there she�was floating above the floor. Although�nervous, he knew she was in good hands.�He told her that he just watched her�levitate. “I didn’t even know it,” she�explained.� Penn & Teller have been working�together since 1981, and they currently�perform nightly at the Penn & Teller�Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel &�Casino in Las Vegas. For anyone who has�never seen their show, it is known for�humorous storytelling that weaves magic�tricks and illusions. Throughout this�performance, Penn tells a story while�Teller is the subject of the trick. Teller is�also a mime and does not speak�throughout the show.� Teller is also a writer and director,�and he took on both roles in “Play Dead,”�which is his off-Broadway play in New�York City.� “It is doing very well,” said Penn. “It�is a trip through terror for adults; it’s�very intense and also funny. Written and�directed by Teller, as is pretty much�everything in the country today.”� Surprisingly, the person who actually�wrapped up the interview was the usually�silent Teller. Murro told Teller that it was�good to hear his voice.� “I’m not actually talking, Penn is just�a great ventriloquist,” Teller joked.� VIDEO: See a video of the interview�with Penn and Teller at YouTube at�http://tinyurl.com/2b2ebuh or visit�Celebrity Magnet Tom Murro’s website�at www.celebritymagenet.com to view�stories, videos, photos, and more from�Tom’s escapades on the red carpet.�

Celebrity Magnet Murro (center) with famous magicians Penn and Teller.�

Zack Galifianakis grew up in the Wilkesboro area and attended NCSU before�going to New York. The actor and comedian has hit the big time with such�movies as “The Hangover,” which was the highest grossing comedy film of all�time and “Due Date.” He’s currently filming “Hangover 2”. Photo: Warner Bros.�

A Taste Of Cheerwine:�Case By Case, The North�Carolina Cherry Soda Has�Developed A Loyal Following�

By Andrea Ludtke�Reese News Director Of Content�

SALISBURY, NC - “The words to�describe Cheerwine are very hard to�come by. I’m not sure we have been able�to articulate it, other than, ‘It tastes like�Cheerwine.’ ”�

Vice president of marketing Tom�Barbitta said the carbonated soda’s�flavor is unique among soft drinks.�

“We’re not a cola, we’re not a cherry cola,�although we do have elements of cherry�in our flavor,” Barbitta said. “Just like�pepper tastes like [Dr.] Pepper, or dew�tastes like [Mountain] Dew, Cheerwine is�its own flavor.”�

It’s a recipe that has been manufactured�and managed for 93 years by the�Carolina Beverage Corporation, a private�company of 97 employees in this town of�less than 30,000. The company also�makes Diet Cheerwine, Blue Mist bottled�water and Savage Energy Drink.�

“How we taste and how we deliver on�your tongue is one thing,” Barbitta said.�“But when people discover who we are,�and that we’re an independent company�and that we’re not owned by some large�multi-national, it seems to really�resonate with consumers these days.”�

With its start from a small Carolina�town, Cheerwine was a regional product�that developed a wider following when�travelers through the Tar Heel state got a�taste of the cherry-flavored drink.�

“The biggest thing we hear is people�coming up from Florida passing through�the Carolinas and they get a taste of it�and wish they could buy it back home,”�Barbitta said. “They just buy cases of it�and drive it back down.”�

Carolina Beverage continues to expand�with a robust online store and bottling�and distribution centers spread across�the country. Carolina Beverage and the�Cheerwine Bottling Co. reached an�agreement earlier this year with Pepsi�Bottling Ventures in Raleigh, making it�easier for fans of the soft drink to�purchase it in the eastern part of the�state.�

Cheerwine can be found in 20 states,�mostly in the Southeast but also as far�away as California, according to the�online business resource, Hoovers.�

“While we have a business objective to�get bigger, it’s not really the real driver,”�Barbitta said. “The real driver is to really�liberate the brand, to allow consumers�who have not had a chance to try�Cheerwine to try it — to really set the�brand free. And we’ll only know that�when we can’t fill shelves fast enough.”�

When the Maysville Syrup Company of�Maysville, Kentucky went bankrupt in�1917, L.D. Peeler moved the company to�Salisbury and formed the Carolina�Beverage Corporation. Maysville had�produced Mint Cola, a popular soft drink�in Kentucky. Carolina Beverage�continued to make Mint Cola but heard�about the popularity of cherry-flavored�fountain drinks and decided to invent�one of its own, blending Mint Cola, a�cherry flavoring and 11 other flavors to�create the taste of Cheerwine.�

The drink’s name came at a time when�soft drink manufacturers and marketers�branded new fizzy fountain drinks after�the color of an existing drink they most�resembled.�

“Beer became root beer, ale became�ginger ale, and wine became Cheerwine,”�Barbitta said. “So the wine comes from�the color burgundy. The cheer is a�component of cherry, but also of how it�makes you feel. It makes you�feel...cheery.”�

Tracing the edges of an empty antique�glass Cheerwine bottle, David Swaim,�who works in quality control, explained�how that cheery feeling is a precious�memory he has carried with him since he�was a boy.�

“When I was in elementary school, I’d go�to Bridges Grocery and I could buy a�bottle of this for 20 cents,” he said. “And�it would be ice cold, in the cooler. And,�you know, you think about those kind of�things.”�

Paul Jones, clinical associate professor at�the UNC School of Journalism and Mass�Communication, grew up with�Cheerwine in his hometown of Charlotte.�He’s so passionate about the drink that�when he couldn’t find it in its usual spots�— after the company changed to mainly�Pepsi distributors in 2005 so other�regions of the United States could buy�the drink — he mobilized a Twitter group�to launch a massive search.�

“I was on a mission to find out what�places still had Cheerwine,” Jones said.�“I had a whole group of people assisting�me in Cheerwine triage.”�

Jones regularly cleans out his local�Harris Teeter when it has deals on�Cheerwine, but “they usually only have�six or eight cases,” Jones lamented.�Jones’ son always has at least three cases�in his dormitory at the North Carolina�School of Science and Math, too.�

“I think that once Cheerwine gets in your�blood, it’s passed on,” Jones said.�

Cheerwine memorabilia that he won at�an auction line the walls of Jones’ office�— a Cheerwine outdoor thermometer, a�Cheerwine clock, and even a sculpture of�a man handing a Cheerwine to a boy.�

“The color is enticing,” Jones said. “It�pours in a syrupy pour, and I like how�when you pour it it gets a head like old�school sodas used to do. You can’t get�that without shaking up a cola.”�

This sentimental attachment and loyalty,�Barbitta said, is why Cheerwine has fared�so well amid a weak economy while other�soft drink companies had years of steady�consumption declines. Overall national�sales volume of soft drinks in 2009 was�9.4 billion cases, similar to 1996 sales�levels, according to Beverage Digest.�Carolina Beverage, a privately held�company, declined to release sales�figures from 2009. But the small�business online information resource�Manta estimates the company’s annual�revenue between $50 million and $100�million.�

“I think as difficult as things might�become for people, they’ve always got a�little loose change for a little taste of�home,” Barbitta said. “While the world�around them might be in disarray or�economic times might be hard, they can�always grab a cold Cheerwine, and life is�good again.”�

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:� Andrea�Ludtke, from Weston, Fla., is director of�content for the Reese Felts Digital News�Project at UNC. Article is online at the�following URL: http://reesenews.org/�2010/11/02/cheerwine/1466/�

With its unique sweet cherry taste, Cheerwine has developed a following around�the world, but the drink is hard to find outside the South. Photo: Wikipedia.�

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about. From the open top�pork & shrimp sui mai dump-�lings (above) to the edamame�& mushroom dumplings, you’ll�love these unique flavors from�experienced Chef David Mao.�

When Fishel looks back to the time when he worked mornings in the 80’s, he remembers one�Halloween when he and the staff had the “Great Pumpkin Shootout.”�

“We had trash cans positioned all over the studio, and we'd throw these little pumpkins trying�to get them in the trash can,” he said. “I have very fond memories of those times.”�

But Fishel also seems to enjoy where he is now, saying he doesn't see himself anywhere but at�WRAL in the future.�

“In television, there's so many folks that they feel like they've got to get to a big market to be�'successful,' so they'll use a station like this or any station in this market as a stepping stone to�get to where they really want to be,” he said. “I think it's just one of those things where a lot of�us have come to the conclusion that the quality of life here and the way the company treats�you is more important than being able to say that you work in New York or Los Angeles.”�

The fame of being a TV personality, however, does not escape Fishel, who gets recognized by�viewers. This is something that happened, he said, when he came to the station, which had 56�percent of the audience at 6:00pm.�

“The other TV station I worked for was in a little town called Salisbury, Maryland,” he said.�“The highest rating we ever had for our 6 'o clock was 2 percent of the audience, so I could go�anywhere I wanted in town and no one knew who I was.”�

After arriving at WRAL, he had to adjust to the fact that people were recognizing him. One day�in the 90's, he had a stomach bug the day before an ice storm was coming, and stopped at the�grocery story on the way to work to pick up some chicken broth and Jello.�

“It never dawned on me that the grocery store would be jammed because of the pending ice�storm, and as I walked down the aisle way this one gal looked at me and she says, 'Oh my God,�if you're here it's really going to be bad,'” Fishel said. “At the time, I didn't see the humor in it�much, but I look back on it and I say, 'That's a great story.'”�

One thing that comes with the exposure is being blamed for the weather. Fishel said he thinks�most times people are kidding, though he does have a response for them.�

“I had a pastor years ago that came up with a great comeback,” Fishel said. “He said, 'Just�remind people that you're in sales, not in production.'” ::�

Editor’s Note:� This article originally appeared on our website and was updated before being�reprinted in our Raleigh Telegram print edition.�

Interview By Emily Kiser, The Raleigh Telegram�

RALEIGH - With all of the snow over Christmas weekend, the Triangle’s attention has turned�to local weather forecasters. One meteorologist, Greg Fishel, has been predicting Triangle�weather for over 29 years at WRAL-TV.�

Fishel began working for WRAL in June of 1981 and has since reported on nearly every�extreme from a weather standpoint. From the coldest temperature ever observed in Raleigh in�1985, to one of the hottest in 1988, his career began with an obsession that he credits to a�defective gene and a fear of thunderstorms.�

“My dad was somebody who would sit out on the porch and if lightning struck 10 feet away,�he'd sit there and say, 'Oh boy, that was cool,' and I'd be running for cover in the bathroom,”�Fishel said. “And I can remember being at my grandmother's place when I was fairly small�and it was really, really windy, and...I couldn't bring myself to not run to the window and�make sure that we were okay.”�

This obsession turned into a passion, which prompted him to get a degree in meteorology.�He's lucky, he said, to have a job that he is so enthusiastic about.�

“If you're lucky enough, you or anybody, to have your hobby also be your career, it really�doesn't get a whole lot better than that,” he said, “because you're not just doing it for the�money, you're doing it because you have a passion for it.”�

One of the stories that impacted Fishel was in 1984, when a tornado outbreak south and east�of Raleigh killed 57 people in two states.�

“I remember that night going from worrying that I had overplayed it, to four hours later�worrying that I hadn't done enough,” he said. “It was a real eye-opener for me because, I think�up until then you looked at red on the radar and said 'Oh cool, a big thunderstorm,' and now�you are all of a sudden realizing people have lost family members, people have lost their�homes, and it puts a whole different light on it.”�

Before going to WRAL, Fishel worked at three other jobs over a two-year period. Having no�idea what the word 'longevity' meant, Fishel said the job just happened to work out, and since�then, the station has become a place where everyone wants to stay.�

“As time has gone on, the company that we all work for here has become increasingly unique�in the sense that it's one of the few locally-owned TV stations left in the country, and I think�that's what's made it so attractive,” Fishel said.�

While meteorology is a science, Fishel said there is still an artistic element to it. Two people�can look at the same weather map and one can make more sense of it than the other, he said,�adding it's one of those intangibles where no one can quite pinpoint exactly why that is.�

“We're trying to gear everything we do with as much science as we can, but we also try to be�very honest with people and tell them that the science is not foolproof by any stretch, and that�there will still be surprises,” he said. “And then we kid about the fact that weather forecasts�are never wrong, it's just the timing's off.”�

Technological advances, however, have put a bit more emphasis on science. When Fishel�arrived at WRAL, he would have to dial a phone number and have it download in order to�show one eight-color satellite picture, which would take about 20 minutes. Now, the station�has 256-color images coming in over satellite in a matter of seconds. Radar has also�improved. The station used to have a phone line that was dedicated to the National Weather�Service radar, which Fishel described as a "conventional World War 2 radar" that showed�where it was raining and that was about it. Now, the station owns and operates its own radar.�

When he arrived they were still using magnetic maps to show the forecast. There was a map of�the United States and one of North Carolina, and he would stick little symbols with magnets�on the back to the maps in order to show the weather for the area.�

“I remember the first time we ever did the chroma key thing, where we stood in front of the�green wall,” he said. “That was, oh my gosh, that was just considered to be so high tech.”�

The station also used facsimile machines that would make all the weather maps that came in�from the government every day. The machines used wet paper, and they would burn an image�into the wet paper, and when it printed out, he would rip it off and hang it on the wall.�

“I guess in the mid-80's, or early 80's, they came up with a way to print these charts on a dot�matrix printer, and it was like, 'Oooh, this is cool,'” Fishel said. “It's just interesting that what�was so exciting back then is common place now.”�

Interview With Raleigh’s Weatherman:�Greg Fishel Of WRAL-TV Channel 5�

Famous Raleigh meteorologist Greg Fishel has been a fixture on the Triangle weather scene for over 29 years at WRAL-TV. Photo by the Raleigh Telegram.�

Local Student Makes Prize Winning�Lego Version Of WRAL TV Station�

Visitors to WRAL’s lobby can see the excellent Lego version of the TV�station made by student John Armstrong of Knightdale, who took first�place at the State Fair in the Lego competition. Photo: Raleigh Telegram.�

Twelve Things You Need To See Around�Raleigh Before The Holidays Are Over�

The Raleigh and Triangle area have plenty of things that you should try before the holdays are over. At TirNaNog next to the fireplace (above), an Irish band plays�traditional music every Sunday but also be sure to visit local wineries, breweries, downtown dessert cafes, sushi bars, and more in town. Photo: Raleigh Telegram.�

Above, a local resident takes a photo of the old Capitol Building during the�recent snowfall as a snowman looks on out front. Photo: Raleigh Telegram.�

“Tron 2” which is a sequel to the big hit that�Bridges made decades ago has been popular.�We also liked “True Grit,” which oddly�enough stars Bridges in remake of another�movie from decades ago. You can’t go wrong�with either one of these great films.�

VISIT A WINERY:�

Most people don’t know there’s a winery right�here in the Triangle. Chatham Hill Winery�was the area’s first winery when it started 11�years ago. The winery has a tasting bar, art�gallery, and offers tours of their facility.�Located in MorrisvIlle, not far from Interstate�40 near Research Triangle Park.�

VISIT A BREWERY:�

Did you know that there are several breweries�in the area that make their own beer? In�addition to the Big Boss Brewing Company in�Raleigh, there is the new Natty Greene�brewery and restaurant, Full Steam in�Durham, and others like Lone Rider and�Aviator that offer fun tours and a wide range�of locally crafted beers.�

SEE SOME HOCKEY ACTION:�

If you haven’t been to a Carolina Hurricanes�hockey game yet this season, be sure to try�and catch a game while it’s still cold outside.�Watching in person is definitely a lot more�fun than watching on TV, plus there’s a new�free bus ride from downtown Raleigh to the�RBC Center every game night, so you can save�on parking and don’t have to worry about�driving home.�

DOWNTOWN DESSERTS:�

There are some great European eateries�downtown that offer some holiday treats in�the dessert department. Check out the new�Benelux cafe or the Edelweiss in the old City�Market area (right next to Blount Street) for�something different that will tickle your taste�buds.�

STEP BACK IN TIME:�

We often take our modern conveniences for�granted -- electricity, supermarkets, easy�travel in automobiles, and access to�information over the Internet. To get our�bearings, sometimes it’s good to visit the past�at the NC Museum of History to see how�previous generations lived with less, and yet�sometimes did more. On exhibit now is the�George Washington exhibit where you can�see his false teeth and appreciate modern�dental care.�

REACH OUT TO FRIENDS, FAMILY:�

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of holiday�shopping, rushing to parties, and shoveling�the snow, we forget about those important�people in our lives right here in Raleigh and�elsewhere. Be sure to give your friends and�family a happy holidays wish and let them�know that you’re thinking of them. ::�

By Randall Gregg�The Raleigh Telegram�

RALEIGH - The holiday season is coming to a�close, but before it ends there are some fun�things that you need to see and do here in the�Triangle:�

PLAY IN THE SNOW:�

Before it melts, you need to build a snowman,�make a snow angel, and maybe even get in a�snowball fight. After all, how often does it�snow here in Raleigh?�

SEE GIANT CHRISTMAS TREES:�

If you’re looking for a photo opportunity, be�sure to stop by and see the giant Christmas�trees in the City Plaza on Fayetteville Street�and also the massive two story tree at the�Angus Barn restaurant. The Angus Barn also�has a sleigh where you can take a photo�inside, which might be a good shot for next�year’s Christmas cards.�

FIRST NIGHT RALEIGH:�

Every Christmas Eve in Raleigh, a giant�celebration takes place in downtown Raleigh�as the giant acorn drops at midnight. Of�course, there are other events such as comedy�shows, music, art, kids games, and much,�much more. Some events are free while some�need a prepaid badge. See the FirstNight�Raleigh website for details.�

IRISH MUSIC EVERY SUNDAY:�

They don’t necessarily play Christmas music,�but it’s fun to hear the traditional Irish tunes�every Sunday at 3pm at the TirNaNog Irish�Pub in downtown Raleigh. The music is free�and features violins, accordions, flutes, and�anybody else that shows up and can carry a�tune. A great event to enjoy during this time�of year to be sure.�

EAT SOME RAW FISH:�

We’re not sure why, but Raleigh seems to�enjoy a wide selection of great Sushi�restaurants for a city this size. It has nothing�to do with the holidays, but after eating�turkey and ham, some sushi is s refreshing�change. Try Sono, Sushi Blues, or any of the�other great sushi restaurants here in town.�

ICE SKATING DOWNTOWN:�

The Raleigh Winterfest will continue into�January which means there’s still plenty of�time to enjoy ice skating on Fayetteville Street�at the new and improved ice rink. Skate�rental and admission is reasonably priced, so�it can be a fun event for the whole family.�

GO SEE JEFF BRIDGES:�

Movies are always popular this time of year�and it’s particularly pleasing to have not one�but two Jeff Bridges movies on the big screen�this holiday season.�

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Tired of turkey and dressing? So are we, but luckily, there are several great�sushi restaurants in town including Sono (above) downtown. Photo: Telegram.�

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By Randall Gregg�The Raleigh Telegram�

PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII - Have you ever heard of the USS�Raleigh and its role in the Pearl Harbor attack? It may have�been the first struck by a torpedo, helped save the crew of the�USS Utah, and went on to fight in the Pacific, but many,�including National Geographic, have ignored the smaller ship�when remembering Pearl Harbor.� On December 7, 1941, the Pearl Harbor attack�commenced in Hawaii as Japanese dive bombers and torpedo�planes made their runs against the United States Pacific fleet.�The surprise raid by the Japanese was successful, but luckily�the US Navy aircraft carriers that were supposed to be docked�in the harbor were out at sea, giving the United States a�chance to strike back quickly.� But one ship that was there, the US Navy light cruiser�USS Raleigh -- named after the city of Raleigh, North�Carolina -- is sometimes forgotten in the important battle,�even though some claim it was the first ship hit by a Japanese�torpedo in the engagement.� You won't hear mention of the USS Raleigh in the Pearl�Harbor movie, although they did show members trying to�rescue their comrades from the capsized USS Utah. School�children visiting the National Geographic website on Pearl�Harbor won't even find the USS Raleigh listed as one of the�ships involved in the battle, even though it was hit by a�torpedo and almost sunk.� The USS Raleigh (CL-7) was an older Omaha class light�cruiser built in 1924. According to various reports, the USS�Utah, the USS Raleigh, and other ships were anchored on the�west side of Ford Island in Pearl Harbor. This area was the�location where the Japanese had anticipated where the US�aircraft carriers would be docked.� As a result, the USS Raleigh and USS Utah took torpedo�fire in the first raid and were among the first ships hit. Some�have said that that the USS Utah was struck first, but there�are also some reports that the USS Raleigh was struck with a�torpedo either at the same time as the Utah or just before.� The USS Raleigh also received a bomb hit and the ship�started listing heavily to one side. According to one report,�amazingly the ship did not suffer any deaths but some men�were injured. The crew did strike back during the battle and�eventually brought down five Japanese planes during the�ensuing battle.� A tugboat and a salvage barge were tied to the Raleigh,�keeping her from capsizing. However, during the attack, next�to the USS Raleigh, the USS Utah suffered damage and did�keel over on its side.� Although 58 sailors perished in the USS Utah, some of�them were rescued thanks to the USS Raleigh. When the Utah�capsized, although still under strafing fire and with their own�ship damaged, the Raleigh crew brought over a welding torch�and a rescue party.� Along with the USS Utah survivors, the sailors cut a hole�in the capsized Utah hull, allowing ten men that were trapped�to escape. The USS Utah still remains in Pearl Harbor, with�half of the ship underwater and an unknown number of men�still on board.�

Repaired For Battle In Pacific�

Despite being hit, the USS Raleigh was refurbished for battle�and later saw action in the Aleutian Islands near Alaska and�other Pacific Islands during World War II, eventually earning�three battle stars. The older ship also did escort duty, fired on�Japanese held islands, and performed patrols.� The USS Raleigh was not the first ship named after the�city -- a previous ship that saw action in the Spanish�American War was also named for the capital of North�Carolina. ::�

EDITOR'S NOTE and FOLLOW-UP:�

This article originally appeared in one of our editions on�December 10th, 2005. We run this article every year in the�hopes of trying to keep the ship's contribution to the battle�alive because of the importance of remembering those who�gave their lives for their country in the battle.�

After this story first appeared in 2005, we contacted the�National Geographic magazine about their omissions on the�Pearl Harbor website.� There were several key ships that were struck during the�battle including the USS Raleigh that were not even listed on�the National Geographic Pearl Harbor website and chart�detailing the attack.� Since the magazine's website is used as a major resource�on the battle (it is the top Google few listings under a search�for "Pearl Harbor"), we felt we should bring this to their�attention and e-mailed them.� In 2005, we did receive a response from the magazine. A�spokesperson said some parts of the National Geographic�Pearl Harbor website such as their map did list those ships�but that the main reference chart did not and they would be�correcting the website's omissions.�

RESPONSE FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC:�

“The core section of our Pearl Harbor site is the interactive�attack map, which does include coverage of many of the U.S.�ships in their actual positions before and during the�hostilities, including the three ships you mentioned in your�original email: USS Curtiss, USS Detroit and USS Raleigh.”�

“The partial list of U.S. vessels lost that you referenced is a�selection made by our consultant, noted World War II�historian Tom Allen, as representative of the scores of vessels�in Pearl Harbor on the day of the Japanese attack...You have�raised an excellent point in navigation around our site,�however, and we intend to insert a clarification on the�summary page for those interested in the more complete�picture. Many thanks. Best regards. And let me know if you�have further questions.”�

FOLLOW UP BY RALEIGH TELEGRAM:�

After years of waiting, unfortunately it is evident that�National Geographic will NOT be adding those ships to their�main list on the summary web page.�

Although both the USS Raleigh and the USS Curtiss were�both hit by Japanese bombs or torpedoes and 20 men on the�USS Curtiss died in the attack, evidently National Geographic�Magazine does not consider these ships deserving enough to�be listed on their summary page.�

In the opinion of the Raleigh Telegram, their choice is�disheartening, particularly when others use it as a reference�and especially when brave United States servicemen died on�one of the ships.�

In their defense, at least National Geographic did add a�disclaimer at the top of their list saying it was not complete�and that more ships were listed on their attack map, but the�attack map does not list any of the details about the attacks on�the USS Curtis, Raleigh, or Detroit. ::::�

National Geographic Forgets�USS Raleigh At Pearl Harbor�

ALLEN’S�AUTOMOTIVE�

The USS Raleigh was hit by a torpedo at Pearl�Harbor (above) but was kept from capsizing by a�barge and later served in the Pacific. Photo: US Navy.�

Earhart...�From Page One�

Continued from page one...�

1930’s when the Depression was in full force.� In the video, Earhart is smashing a bottle of champagne�over an airplane draped with bunting while luminaries look�on and cheer. Later in the video, two monoplane airplanes�that look like passenger liners of the time are shown close-up�with the words “City of Savannah” and “City of Columbia” on�the sides.� It’s possible that Earhart was in Raleigh to christen an�airplane that was part of a new passenger service or airline in�the area. Earhart and Charles Lindbergh both promoted�airline services across the country at the time.� As the incident took place so long ago and as the new�RDU Airport is at a different site than the old Raleigh�Municipal Airport, Earhart’s visit seems to have fallen below�the radar, so to speak, on the historical scene.� The Raleigh Telegram tried to get some help from the NC�Department of Cultural Resources as well as the Raleigh City�History Museum, but no one seems to have a specific date or�reason for Amelia Earhart’s visit.� Without a specific year or date, it makes it much harder�to research newspaper archives on microfilm at local libraries�or universities. However, it seems that the visit took place�sometime between 1929 and 1935, when Earhart started�preparing for her ill-fated around the world trip.� The mystery of what happened to Earhart and her�navigator Fred Noonan in 1937 may never be officially solved�and is remains one of the most enduring mysteries in�American history.� However with some help from local historians in Raleigh,�the Raleigh Telegram hopes to solve the mystery behind�Amelia Earhart’s visit to Raleigh and to shed some light on�why this aviation luminary was visiting the capital city.�

EDITOR’S NOTE:� Do you have any information on Amelia�Earhart’s visit to Raleigh? Be sure to contact us here at the�Raleigh Telegram at 919-760-3110 or by email at�raleightelegram@yahoo.com.� Even if you just have a date or other small piece of�information about her visit, be sure to send it in!�

OLD PHOTOS OF RALEIGH:� Jay Denmark and the�Denmark family have placed the old photos taken by his�father online. You can literally search among thousands of�photos of Raleigh citizens, landmarks, landscapes, and more.�Some amazing photos are available for purchase or viewing at�this important collection.�

Visit their website online for more information:�http://www.denmarkphoto.com/�

Amelia Earhart (top) just after she was the first�woman to cross the Atlantic in an airplane. She�would later make the trip solo. In the photo at�bottom, Earhart and Fred Noonan (far right) stand�in front of the Lockheed Electra in which she would�attempt her around the world trip. Earhart and�Noonan disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while�trying to land at a fuel stop. Public domain photos�from Wikipedia.�

Triangle Tax Expert Explains What You�Need To Know About The New Tax Law�By William Bunch, CPA�Special To The Raleigh Telegram�

CHAPEL HILL - After months of uncertainty�and partisan arguing, Congress passed a�wide-ranging law that provides relief to�taxpayers from all walks of life, not just�taxpayers in higher tax brackets. On�December 17th, President Obama signed the�Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance�Reauthorization & Job Creation Act of 2010.� The new law solidifies many parts of the�tax law that expired at the end of last year or�were scheduled to expire on December 31,�2010. It will put extra dollars in the pockets�of millions of Americans -- money that�politicians are hoping will stimulate the�economy.� Here is a rundown of the significant�provisions affecting individuals in 2011 (see�box below for business tax breaks).�

1. LOWER TAX RATES�

Lower tax rates for individuals will stay in�place. For 2011 and 2012, the Tax Relief Act�extends individual tax rates at 10, 15, 25, 33�and 35 percent. Without the new law, rates�were scheduled to increase to 15, 28, 31, 36�and 39.6 percent.�

2. ON AVERAGE $1000 PAYROLL TAX�RAISES FOR MOST AMERICANS�

A new payroll tax cut will be created for 2011.�Most working Americans will get a raise in�their 2011 paychecks as a result of the new�law. Regardless of an individual's income, the�employee share of the Social Security tax�withheld from wages will drop from 6.2�percent to 4.2 percent up to the taxable wage�ceiling of $106,800.�

The extra amount employees will receive in�their paychecks is expected to provide a boost�to the economy. A single taxpayer making�$50,000 a year will save approximately�$1,000 in Social Security taxes. (The Social�Security tax on self-employment income was�also reduced by 2 percent.)�

3. CAPITAL GAINS TAX SAME�

Favorable rates on capital gains and�dividends remain. For 2010, long-term�capital gains and qualified dividends are�taxed at a maximum rate of 15 percent (zero�percent for taxpayers in the lowest two�brackets). The new law extends these low�rates through December 31, 2012.�

If Congress had not acted, the top rate on�capital gains would have increased to 20�percent in 2011. Dividends could have been�taxed at a rate of up to 39.6 percent�

4. ESTATE TAX LIMIT RAISED�

The estate tax comes back but at a more�favorable exclusion amount and tax rate than�expected. For 2011, the estate tax exclusion�amount will be $5 million and the maximum�estate tax rate will be 35 percent.�

Background: A law passed in 2001 gradually�increased the exclusion amount and�decreased the maximum tax rate up until�2010, when the federal estate tax was�repealed for one year only.�

In 2011, it was scheduled to come back with�an exclusion of only $1 million and a�maximum tax rate of 55 percent. So the new�$5 million exclusion means that far fewer�estates will be hit with estate tax. The new�law also makes changes to the gift tax, the�generation skipping tax and the rules�involving the tax basis of assets. We will�detail these changes in future articles. In�addition, the law provides new options for�estates of individuals dying in 2010. Consult�with your estate planning adviser because the�new law has many implications.�

5. ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX�

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) patch is�applied again. If Congress had not taken�action, millions more individuals would have�been forced to pay the AMT for 2010 and�2011. The two-year patch expands exemption�amounts as follows:�

---$72,450 for married joint-filing couples�and surviving spouses for 2010 ($74,450 for�2011).�

---$47,450 for single individuals for 2010�($48,450 for 2011).�

---$36,225 for married individuals who file�separately ($37,225 for 2011).�

Without the patch, the exemption amounts�would have dropped to $45,000 for joint�filers, $33,750 for singles and $22,500 for�married individuals filing separately. Bigger�exemptions mean less chance of being hit�with the AMT.�

6. CHILD TAX CREDITS�

The $1,000 child tax credit is extended. For�qualified taxpayers, the $1,000 credit will be�available through December 31, 2012. (It�begins to phase out for taxpayers with�adjusted gross income of $110,000 for joint�filers and $75,000 for singles.) Without the�new law, the child tax credit was scheduled to�drop to $500.�

7. DEPENDENCY CREDITS�

A higher child and dependent care credit will�still be available for two more years. If you�have expenses for care of your under-age-13�children while you work, you may be eligible�to collect a credit. The tax break is also�available if you pay someone to care for an�incapacitated dependent at home, such as a�parent or spouse.�

The new law extends a higher credit for�qualified taxpayers through December 31,�2012. For one dependent, the maximum�credit is based on up to $3,000 of eligible�care expenses. For two or more dependents,�the credit base remains up to $6,000 of�eligible expenses. The credit percentage�ranges from a maximum of 35 percent to a�minimum of 20 percent, depending on�income.�

Without the new law, the maximum credit�base for 2011 would have dropped to $2,400�of eligible expenses for one dependent and�$4,800 for two or more.�

8. COLLEGE TAX CREDITS�

A better tax credit for higher education stays�in place. There is good news for parents and�students paying college tuition because the�American Opportunity tax credit is now�available through December 31, 2012.�

Background: An earlier law renamed the�Hope Education credit the American�Opportunity credit, and made it more�valuable for eligible taxpayers paying�qualified higher education expenses.�However, the American Opportunity credit�was scheduled to expire at the end of 2010.�Now it is extended for two more years. There�are income limits. The credit begins to phase�out for joint taxpayers when adjusted gross�income reaches $160,000 ($80,000 for�singles.)�

A separate deduction for higher education�tuition was also extended through 2011.�However, you cannot claim the American�Opportunity credit in the same year that you�claim the tuition deduction. You must pick�the most beneficial tax break in your�situation.�

9. EDUCATION ACCOUNTS�

The higher contribution amounts for�Coverdell Education Accounts last another�two years. An earlier tax law increased the�amount you could put into a Coverdell�Education Savings Account to $2,000 from�$500. It also allowed the accounts to be�tapped for elementary and secondary school�expenses.�

These tax benefits were scheduled to expire at�the end of 2010. The Tax Relief,�Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization�and Job Creation Act now extends them�through December 31, 2012.�

10. MARRIAGE PENALTY RELIEF�

The "marriage penalty" is eased for another�two years. Getting married can cause a�couple's combined tax bill to be higher than�when they were single. An earlier tax law�eased the marriage penalty by tweaking tax�brackets for married couples and giving them�bigger standard deductions. But the fixes�were scheduled to disappear after 2010.�

The new law extends marriage penalty relief�through December 31, 2012.�

11. ENERGY TAX CREDITS�

The tax credit for energy-efficient home�improvements is extended another year. An�earlier law established a credit for 30 percent�of 2009 and 2010 expenditures on energy-�efficient insulation, windows, doors, roofs,�and heating and cooling equipment in U.S.�residences. The maximum credit allowed for�2009 and 2010 combined is $1,500. The�credit, under Internal Revenue Code Section�25C, was scheduled to expire at the end of�2010.�

Under the new law, the energy-efficient home�improvement credit is extended through�December 31, 2011. However, the credit�percentage is reduced to only 10 percent and�the maximum credit is only $500 reduced by�credits claimed in earlier years. Credits for�certain items are subject to dollar limitations.�

12. ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS�

The itemized deduction and personal�exemption "phase-out" rules for big earners�are repealed for two more years. Before 2010,�higher-income taxpayers had their itemized�deductions and personal exemption write-�offs phased out when they reached certain�limits. This means that they didn't get the full�benefit of the most popular itemized�deductions such as mortgage interest, state�and local taxes, charitable contributions, and�miscellaneous deductions.�

For 2010, the phase-out rules are gone but�the rules were scheduled to reappear in 2011.�The new law extends the repeal of these�phase-out rules through December 31, 2012.�

13. UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS�

Unemployment benefits are extended for�eligible individuals. Under the new law,�emergency unemployment benefits will�remain at their current level for 13 months.�

By William Bunch, CPA�Special To The Raleigh Telegram�

CHAPEL HILL - The new tax law has some�breaks for businesses that you need to be�aware of when reviewing your accounting.�

UP TO 100 PERCENT DEPRECIATION�

The new law doubles 50 percent bonus�depreciation to 100 percent for qualified�business assets.� According to the Treasury Department,�complete expensing could generate more�than $50 billion in additional investment in�the United States in 2011. This provision is�available to all businesses, regardless of size�for eligible assets placed in service between�September 9, 2010 and December 31, 2011.� For assets placed in service in 2012, 50�percent bonus depreciation will be available.�The research tax credit is renewed�retroactively. The valuable credit, which�expired at the end of 2009, is extended�through December 31, 2011.� It is available to companies that�introduce new products, improve current�products, and develop or enhance their�processes.�

President Obama has asked Congress to make�the credit permanent, rather than renew it�periodically -- often after it expires. The new�law did not do this. It only temporarily�extends the research tax credit.�

WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT�

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is�extended through December 31, 2011. The�credit provides financial incentives for�employers to hire workers from certain�disadvantaged groups. In general, it is worth�40 percent of up to $6,000 of the worker's�eligible wages during the first year. Note: Two�targeted groups, unemployed veterans and�"disconnected youth" were not included in�the extension.�

TRANSIT PASSES DEDUCTION�

A larger tax-free fringe benefit for employer-�provided transit passes is extended through�2011. The amount (adjusted for inflation) was�$230 for 2010 but was scheduled to drop to�$120 in 2011 without the new law.�

CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT�

A tax credit for employers providing child�care facilities is extended through December�31, 2012.�

OTHER TAX CREDITS�

The new law also extends many other�incentives for businesses involving energy,�disasters and charitable contributions. For�more information regarding your situation,�consult with your tax adviser or tax preparer�for further details.�

Tax Law Has Some�Breaks For Businesses�

Tax Credits Extended For Teachers,�Homeowners, IRA’s, Charities, Students�

By William Bunch, CPA, Special To The Raleigh Telegram�

---The annual tax-free employee benefit for up to $5,250 in employer-provided education�assistance was extended through December 31, 2012. These assistance payments cover�college and graduate school costs and the education does not need to be related to a�taxpayer's job.�

---The deduction for qualified mortgage insurance premiums on a qualified home is�extended for one year, subject to some limitations.�

---Favorable rules involving student loan interest deductions, worth up to $2,500, are�extended through December 31, 2012. Without the new law, there was scheduled to be a�60-month limit on deductible interest, and a stricter phase-out provision that would�reduce or eliminate the write-off for many more middle-income taxpayers.�

---The state and local sales tax deduction expired at the end of 2009. It has now been�extended through December 31, 2011. This allows individuals who pay little or no state�income tax the option of claiming an alternative itemized deduction for state and local�sales taxes.�

---The charitable contribution of IRA proceeds is extended through the end of 2011.�Under this provision, older owners of IRA’s can give to charity in a different way. An IRA�owner, age 70 1/2 or older, can directly transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to an�eligible charity. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to�the charity. Amounts transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the�transfer. However, amounts transferred to a charity are counted in determining whether�the owner has met the IRA required minimum distribution rules for the year. Also�included in the new law was an extension through 2011 of the tax break for charitable�gifts of appreciated property for conservation purposes.�

---The deduction for elementary and secondary teachers who spend money on classroom�supplies is extended through December 31, 2011. The write-off, of up to $250 for out-of-�pocket expenses to buy materials such as books, supplies, computer hardware, software�and other equipment, is available even if the teacher doesn't itemize deductions.�

EVENTS:�Lots Of Fun In�Raleigh In�January�By The Raleigh Telegram�

RALEIGH - Don’t forget that all of the fun in�Raleigh doesn’t end just because Christmas�has already come and gone. There are plenty�of things to do in January!�

Winterfest Continues!�

This year’s two-month Winterfest will offer a�larger ice rink than was enjoyed throughout�last year’s cold-weather celebration. Ice skare�tental is available. The natural ice rink is�located on Charter Square, which is the area�immediately south of Bank of America on�City Plaza on the southern end of the 400�block of Fayetteville Street.�

First Night Raleigh Dec. 31st�

Ring in the New Year with the First Night�Raleigh event that includes music, art,�dancing, comedy, food, and of course, the�dropping of the giant acorn at midnight to�ring in the New Year. Some events are free�and some require a paid pass. For a full�schedule of events and information, visit their�website at www.firstnightraleigh.com�

See George Washington’s Teeth�

The NC Museum of History is hosting the�traveling George Washington exhibit.�Approximately 100 objects associated with�Washington are featured in this exhibition on�view through Jan. 21, 2011, in Raleigh. The�N.C. Museum of History is the only venue in�the Southeast on the exhibition’s tour. Some�Washington galleries are free while others�require paid passes. For more info, go to�http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/washington/�index.html�

Jewish Life in North Carolina�

The free exhibit Down Home: Jewish Life in�North Carolina will open Monday, June 14, at�the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh, the�first city of its statewide tour. The traveling�exhibit is part of the first major effort to�document and present more than 400 years�of Jewish life in North Carolina. For more�info, visit http://ncmuseumofhistory.org/�wgo/press_05132010.html�

See Original Norman Rockwell�Paintings At NCMA�

At the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh, see the�original pieces of art from one of America’s�best known artists. The nation’s premier�illustrator for more than six decades, Norman�Rockwell (1894–1978) was the people’s�painter, depicting scenes from American life�for the covers and pages of the nation’s most�prominent publications. Rockwell is most�recognized for his illustrations featured on�the covers of the Saturday Evening Post from�1916 to 1963. Tickets are $15. For more info,�visit www.ncartmuseum.org�

Lion King Comes To The Triangle�

For those who missed the Lion King in�Raleigh, you will be able to see in Durham at�the Durham Center For The Performing Arts.�Tickets for Disney’s production are already on�sal. The Triangle’s most eagerly awaited�stage production will begin performances at�DPAC on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 for a�limited engagement of 4 weeks through�Sunday, January 30, 2011. The opening night�is Thursday, January 6 at 7:30pm. For more�information, visit www.dpacnc.com�

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS?�Visit the Raleigh Convention Center and�Visitor’s Bureau calendar of events and�information website at visitraleigh.com. ::�

Didn’t get what you want for Christmas?�

Then stop by Morgan Imports, the Triangle’s�

most unique store, for that special gift.�

Morgan Imports offers furniture, futons,�

jewelry, games, beauty products, toys, lamps,�

bicycles, pottery, unique gifts for all price�

ranges, greeting cards, candles, and don’t�

forget our Christmas room filled with Dept. 56�

miniatures, nativity scenes, and more.�

Call us for more info at (919) 688-1150 or�

visit us online at www.morganimports.com�

Located across from Brightleaf Square in�

downtown Durham at�

113 S Gregson St, Durham, NC 27701�

IS SOMEWHAT PROUD TO PRESENT�

STARRING RALEIGH CELEBRITIES�--CLAIRE RENFROW,�

ACTRESS FROM “NIGHTS OF RODANTHE,”�--GADGETMONKEY, TV HOST�

--TADDY, THE CHRISTMAS DOG�--SANTA CLAUS & GOV. BEV PERDUE�

WATCH IT ONLINE FOR FREE AT�RaleighChannel.com/�

RTPTVholidayspecial.wmv�

Both the Lion King (above) and the�original artwork of Norman Rockwell�(below) will be in the Triangle during�January. Photos from DPAC, NCMA.�

AROUNDþTOWNþ

Leggett Farms�Organically Grown�

Vegetables & Produce�Selling To Restaurants &�

The General Public�

Call 252-917-2396�www.leggettfarm.com�

Congratulations to Nicole and Faruk�on their beautiful wedding in the�Caribbean and their reception at Oliver�Twists in Raleigh. They look great!�

Congratulations to Jeff Glenn of CB�Richard Ellis on his engagement! We�just hope he’s not going to wear his�hunting clothes to the wedding, LOL.�

Many thanks to Rich Lee of Hosted�Solutions (above right) for his support�of the BandTogether group, which�raises money for local charities each�year in Raleigh through concerts.�

Speakers from Red Hat and Discovery�Channel were among the 1,300 people�at the Internet Summit in Raleigh.�

Raj and other members of the NC State�University entrepreneurship staff�enjoy a quick visit to Player’s Retreat.�

Fearrington House Restaurant & Inn:�One Of Top U.S. Inns Is Just Up The Road�

Raleigh Real Estate Directory:�

Shawn "Dink" DensmoreþRealtor, Brokerþ

Your trusted real estate advisor for Raleigh and�Wake County. Living in Raleigh for 25 years, I�can help you buy or sell your home.�

RALEIGH HOME RENOVATIONS�Jeff Satterwhite 919-422-0274�

GOCENTERLINE.COM�

By Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher�Travel Correspondents�

CHAPEL HILL, NC - If the idea of Christmas�in the country makes you all warm and cozy,�you’re in luck.�

A mere eight miles from Chapel Hill, a�nationally ranked “world’s best” inn awaits�not only with holiday lights and festiviti but�also with award-winning dining,�accommodations, and a gleaming new spa.�

The Fearrington House Country Inn at�Fearrington Village, on US 15-501 South, was�voted the #2 Small Hotel in the United States�by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler in the�2010 Readers' Choice awards.�

It was also named among the Top 5 Inns in�the North America on Travel + Leisure’s 2010�World’s Best List. Heady honors, well�deserved.�

The property is the centerpiece of Chatham�County’s Fearrington Village, a planned�residential community with nearly 2,000�residents.�

Driving into Fearrington Village feels like a�return to a simpler time. Perhaps it’s the�open, outdoor spaces and “Oreo cows” that�graze just beyond split-rail fencing. Dark on�both ends with a band of white in the middle,�the Belted Galloway cattle are a picture�postcard for country living.�

A dairy barn and silo from the farm’s early�years still dominate the landscape that’s also�dotted with whirlygigs spinning in the breeze.�

Village Center, the development’s focal point,�has shops, restaurants, a bookstore, and�gardens, plus the Inn, a Relais & Chateaux�property.�

No hustle and bustle here, a stay at the Inn is�pure retreat with gardens and flowers that�inspire you to breath deeply, slowly, relaxing.�Ahhh.�

The Inn, with a decidedly European feel, has�32 guest rooms clustered around a courtyard�or overlooking the gardens, 17-acre park or�the Village Center.�

We were delighted to sample the best: Room�13 in the courtyard, an upstairs two-room�suite oasis with great views and original�artwork. The coffee table held the�Fearrington House cookbook among the�magazines.�

The large bath had a Jacuzzi tub and separate�shower, heated towel rack, large walk-in�closet with scale, a toilet “closet” and even a�balcony.�

It was romantic as well, with a Victorian flare�and bed fit for royalty. We’re told the Inn’s�pine floors came from a workhouse along the�River Thames.�

We loved the stereo system in the sitting�room and the iPod docking station in the�bedroom, plus flat-screen TV and bath�amenities including bath salts from Molton�Brown.�

It would have been easy to just stay indoors,�but we equally loved our time browsing the�Fearrington grounds.�

Bikes are available for pedaling around the�community, but we chose to walk,�meandering along the sidewalks and into the�park-like setting where a lake and streams are�fringed by well-manicured shrubs and trees.�

Our stroll took us near the woods where we�came upon a surprise: a herd of Tennessee�Fainting Goats. These amusing, Satyr-like�critters no longer faint because they are now�used to the sight of people.�

We also wandered through the residential�area, reminiscent in some ways of Charleston,�albeit quieter. The landscaping is beautiful; a�flower and herb garden are also worth a visit.�

$209,900: 6513 Wooden Shoe Lane. Raleigh�Close to Brier Creek/Crabtree Valley!! Master on 1st Floor�2nd*Great fenced in Backyard & Country Ft Porch for�relaxing*Granite in Kitchen, Hardwoods in LR/DR/Kit,�Hardwoods in U/S Bath*Mostly New Light Fixtures &�Hardware*New HVAC'05 & Hot water heater '06*Smooth�Top 5 burner Stove, Lots of Closets & Storage, Ceiling�Fans, PRICED TO SELL QUICKLY! No�HOA dues!�Call�Realtor Shawn "Dink" Densmore of Coldwell Banker HPW�at 919-414-9166 or visit online at www.thinkdinknc.com.�

$299,990: 11210 Oakcroft Dr. Raleigh�Price Reduction! Perfect House & Location. Trans.�Craftsman Style w/Dramatic Ceilings, Gorgeous Hand�Scraped Wood Floors,1st Floor Office/Bedroom, Separate�Dining w/Wainscot, Beautiful Crown Molding Throughout.�Gourmet Kitchen w/granite ,ENORMOUS Master Suite w/�Tray Ceilings, Sitting Area, Custom Tiled Shower, Floors &�Garden Tub,2-Car Garage, Big Bedrooms. Minutes to�Hwy540 & Shops. A Must See! Call Realtor Shawn "Dink"�Densmore of Coldwell Banker HPW at 919-414-9166 or�visit online at www.thinkdinknc.com.�

$199,990: 832 Canyon Creek, Fuquay-Varina�Huge Price Drop! USDA 100% Financing! Hard to Find�Ranch! Brick Front Ranch, Over 1900sqft for under�$200K!Huge Breakfast Bar, Huge Master Suite, Sun�Room, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, Huge Din-�ing & Living Space ,Open Floor Plan, Covered Patio Back�Yard,2-Car Garage, Utility Room. Awesome Community,�HOA dues includes lawn and landscaping care. Some�Closing Costs Paid. Call Realtor Shawn "Dink" Densmore�of Coldwell Banker HPW at 919-414-9166 or visit online�at www.thinkdinknc.com.�

$219,900�:�105 Occidental Dr, Holly Springs�/ALL THE UPGRADES! Over 2500sq ft,Cul de Sac Lot,�Huge Great Room, Study, Long Foyer, Eat in Kitchen w/�Granite, Hardwoods, Tile, Huge Master Bedroom w/Giant�Bathroom, Walk-in-Closet, Sep. Vanity Area, Walk-in Clos-�ets, Storage, 2-Car Garage, Dining Room,100% Financing�Available! Call Realtor "Dink" Densmore at 919-414-9166.�

Local Homes�And Triangle�

Real Estate Listings�

Life In The Village�

The Village Center at Fearrington is where�residents and visitors alike gather to shop, eat�and mingle at:�

• McIntyre's Books, an independent, full-�service bookstore focusing on cooking,�gardening and books by local authors and one�of the largest author-and-poet-events�programs in the South;�

• The Old Granary, housed in what once was�the Fearrington Farm granary, serving a�contemporary lunch and brunch menu;�

• The Dovecote, an eclectic boutique with�unique items and resident doves Myles and�Buster;�

• The Belted Goat, for snacks, coffee, wine,�plus hand-made chocolate truffles, breakfast�pastries and desserts from The Fearrington�House Restaurant;�

• The Roost in the landscaped courtyard�featuring live music, wine by the glass, and�beers by Carolina Brewery. A Ben & Jerry’s is�here as well;�

• Plus a bank, beauty shop and weekly�Farmers Market in season.�

Fearrington’s roots can be traced to the 1770’s�when William Cole, Sr. purchased 640 acres�for only $80. Residences here now sell for�$250,000 and up.�

The land took the Fearrington name�(pronounced FAIR-ring-ton) when Cole’s�granddaughter and her husband, Edwin H.�Fearrington, inherited it in 1859.�

After a fire destroyed the original homestead�in 1925, Edwin's son, rebuilt in a location�close to US 15-501, where the Fearrington�House Restaurant stands today. It was a dairy�farm from the 1930’s until it was sold in 1974�to R.B. Fitch, who kept the name Fearrington�to honor the prior family.�

Fine Dining In Fearrington Village�

Many in the Triangle already know about fine�dining at the Fearrington House Restaurant,�the only Green Certified AAA Five Diamond�restaurant in the country. Awarded the “Best�Of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator�since 2004, the farmhouse restaurant is�recognized for its sophisticated contemporary�American cuisine. It opened in 1980 and is�surrounded by extensive gardens.�

Our experience started with an elegant�afternoon tea — a whopping 16 choices on the�menu — featuring white ceramic pots and�separate silver strainers, plus tiered trays of�finger sandwiches, traditional English scones�and pastries.�

At dinner, Carl, our server, did a superb job of�describing the dishes in detail and steering us�through the impressive menu of a first and�second course, main course and dessert�created by Executive Chef Colin Bedford and�his team.�

Our golden rule for dining out is to order�something you wouldn’t normally cook at�home. For the main course, we selected the�seared scallops with pickled peaches and�pancetta, plus roast rabbit loin with truffle,�tarragon mousse and porcini linguini.�

We also opted for the wine pairing with each�course, artfully accomplished by Maximilian�Kast, Fearrington’s wine director who is the�only advanced sommelier in the Triangle and�one of only five in North Carolina. He�oversees the 800-item wine list, which has�some bottles priced at more than $1,000.�

He and Executive Chef Bedford are featured�in the November Wine Spectator in a piece on�creating a Dickens Christmas Dinner.�

On the menu is Bedford’s roast prime rib,�which Kast pairs with a Chateau Branaire-�Ducru, and a traditional Yorkshire pudding.�

Our dinner wine-and-food pairings were�outstanding. We especially liked Kast’s�choice for the rabbit, a Basel Cellars Cabernet�Sauvignon 2005 from Pheasant Run�Vineyard located in Walla Walla Valley,�Washington.�

For dessert, we had the hot chocolate souffle,�which is sure to make even the biggest�chocolate fan blush.�

Fearrington House also offers several�Winemaker Dinners throughout the year.�

With the holidays here, Fearrington House�Country Inn and Restaurant is perfect for�visiting family, a romantic getaway, an office�party or entertaining a business client. And,�don’t forget to treat yourself to the new spa.�

Special New Year’s Package�

The New Year's Package, $525 per couple,�includes an overnight stay at the country inn,�tasting dinner for two, chilled champagne�and signature chocolate truffles in your room�following dinner. The package, available Dec.�31st only, also includes afternoon tea and full�breakfast on New Year's Day.�

Fearrington On The Web�

For more information on the Fearrington�House and village, visit their website at:�http://www.fearrington.com�

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:�Raleigh-based,�award-winning freelance travel journalists�Kathy M. Newbern and J.S. Fletcher often�incorporate their travels into their other�business, www.YourNovel.com, where they�put you and your sweetie in your own�personalized romance novel "wild" or "mild."�They are also the creators of the award-�winning travel blog/podcast/radio report at�http://www.YourSpaReport.com.�

The Fearrington House Restaurant (above) and Inn (below) offer a unique�atmosphere not far from Raleigh. Photos by Kathy Newbern and J.S. Fletcher.�

SOLD!�