A couple of announcements are out from Downtown Davidson Inc. today:

• Davidson merchants will welcome the 2008 holiday shopping season with a Holiday Open House Sunday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stores downtown, along South Main Street and at Davidson Commons off Exit 30 will participate.
• McIntosh Law Firm has signed on as the presenting sponsor of 2008 Christmas in Davidson, which is planned Dec. 4-6 downtown and at other local business districts.

Also, we have info about a new magazine out this month for parents in the north Meck area, called Blossom Magazine, news about medical staff officers at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and about the hospital’s addition of free wireless internet access.

OPEN HOUSE NOV. 9

The Nov. 9 open house will feature festive holiday decorations, refreshments and music, door prizes and more. Merchants will be fully stocked with Christmas merchandise and will offer a sneak preview of the 2008 Christmas in Davidson ornament. The collectible ornament is the second in a series and supplies are limited.

McINTOSH SPONSORS CHRISTMAS IN DAVIDSON

Since 1988, the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Davidson has marked the beginning of the holiday season for North Mecklenburg residents and visitors. McIntosh Law Firm of Davidson is the presenting sponsor of this year’s festival, Dec. 4-6.

The event will be 6-9 p.m. nightly, with shopping, entertainment, refreshments, and special events. Organizers say it will be the largest ever, with participating businesses and activities downtown, in the South Main Arts District, the Davidson Cotton Mill and at Davidson Commons and other businesses off I-77 Exit 30.

The McIntosh Law firm has long been a supporter of Davidson events, including Christmas in Davidson, Concerts on the Green and the Davidson Community Players.

“Our events would not be possible without the tremendous support from sponsors, especially McIntosh Law Firm,” said Margaret Martens, Downtown Davidson Inc.’s project coordinator, said in a press release. “Our entire community benefits from their generosity.”

According to Bob McIntosh, “Since its inception in 1997, The McIntosh Law Firm, headed by Robert G. ‘Bob’ McIntosh and William ‘Bill’ Ellison, has become a staple in the North Mecklenburg area. Growing from a five person staff, the law firm now employs over 40 full and part time employees, and their level of community support seems to grow with each new person.”

“When we give to community events and organizations, we increase our own potential sources of clients, customers and employees,” Bob McIntosh said in the press release. “By investing in the overall quality of local life, our business quietly reinforces the message that we care about every citizen and the community at large.”

McIntosh Law Firm is located in the historic Davidson Cotton Mill.

A NEW BLOSSOM

A new publication called Blossom Magazine is on the market, aimed at families of preschool aged children in Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville. The publisher is Tiffany Barnette, who has ties to Davidson. Her parents live here and she has taught preschool at Davidson College Presbyterian Church for five years. She says the magazine will look at learning, health, education and other issues facing parents. More at www.blossommagazinelkn.com.

NEW OFFICERS AT HOSPITAL

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center has announced its Medical Staff Executive Committee Officers for 2008-2010. They are: Chief of Staff David Gish, Vice Chief of Staff Craig DuBois, and Secretary/Treasurer Michaela Renich.

All three are medical doctors and took office on Oct. 1. They’ll serve through Sept. 30, 2010. The Medical Staff Executive Committee coordinates and administers the activities and general policies of the hospital medical staff.

WIRELESS ACCESS AT HOSPITAL

The Lake Norman Regional Medical Center also announced that it has added free, unsecured wireless internet access for patients and guests. It’s available in waiting areas and patient rooms as well as the Legends at the Lake coffee shop.

The hospital expects the service to be especially welcome in the Emergency Department. “Our goal is pretty simple — to help patients have the best experience possible while they’re here,” said Tommy Mason, MD, Medical Director of the department. “We’ve added a flat-screen television and free internet availability to the waiting room and are considering other amenities such as video games for children.”

Lake Norman Regional Medical Center is off I-77 at Exit 33 in Mooresville. www.LNRMC.com

BLUNDERS GAME WINS AWARDS

“Blunders,” a board game that teaches kids social and dining etiquette, has now won eight toy industry awards, creator Aimee Symington of Davidson says. They include: Dr. Toy Award, Creative Child Preferred Choice Award, The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, iParenting Media Award, Mr. Dad Seal of Approval, and three Toy Man Awards including the eChoice Award, Seal of Approval, and the Award of Excellence. More about the game: www.blundersmania.com

“We have been overwhelmed by the positive response to the game from toy reviewers, families, educators and children. Adults love Blunders because it helps them teach and reinforce essential social and dining etiquette skills, and children love the game because it’s fun to play,” said Ms. Symington, who is founder and CEO of the children’s etiquette company, Successful Kids Inc.

Ms. Symington also is planning two children’s etiquette workshops at the Davidson Public Library over the next two weeks. The first is for children ages 5 to 9 on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 2-5 p.m. The other workshop is for children ages 10 to 13 and will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 2–5:30 p.m. Both workshops are $65 and each participant will receive a comprehensive etiquette manual, activities and worksheets, and an award certificate of completion.

To register for either of the Successful Kids Practical Children’s Etiquette Workshops either call 704-564-6502 or email Aimee Symington at aimeesymington@blundersmania.com. Workshops are limited to the first 14 participants.