Ah, Spring and its beautiful palette of color!

Hope all our our reader made it through April Fool’s Day without any calamities (other than the Stephen Curry hoax!), no computer viruses and no tricks from small fry in your home.  And now we really can think Spring with trees leafing out and spring plants available at every garden shop.  (Be sure to check today’s garden notes.)

Speaking of shopping, one reads almost daily about people’s advice on ways to save money.  Do you keep scissors handy to snip coupons in the Sunday paper?  Pore over Money Mailers from your mailbox?  Study the “Clipper Magazine?” Print out restaurant coupons from DavidsonNews.net?  You know what they say about “pennies into dollars grow.” Your Around Davidson correspondent keeps a zip-lock bag filled with money saving coupons in the car at all times and has news this week about two places they were used.

TRIPLE COUPONS AND A NEW MANAGER

Ever notice those shoppers lugging three-ring binders filled with coupons on days when Harris Teeter offers “triple-the-value” coupon days?  Coupons plus specials-of-the-week can really add up to savings.  Just ask Harris Teeter’s manager on duty.

A "Changing of the Guard" at Davidson's Harris Teeter: Welcome to Charles Trice (at left) and farewell to Jerry Furr.

A Tuesday visit with Manager Jerry Furr on his last day at our Davidson Harris Teeter made the case for those coupon specials.  A customer interrupted our interview to exclaim that she had just saved $120 on her grocery bill!  And she was thrilled.  Why not? agreed Jerry Furr who opened our Davidson Commons store Feb. 5, 2008.  (We all remember that evening’s  Grand Opening which was the big social event of the month!)

Jerry, who lives in Harrisburg, has been with Harris Teeter since 2005 and will be moving to manage the Colony Road store in Charlotte.  Sure to keep him on his toes, Jerry commented that this is where the president of Harris Teeter shops.  He is looking forward to the move but does admit he will miss the friendliness of his Davidson shoppers.

Taking over manager duties effective April 1 at Davidson Commons is Charlie Trice who moves from the Byers Creek Harris Teeter at the intersection of Route 150 and Perth Church Road in Iredell County.  Charlie lives in Huntersville with his wife and three children.  He is no stranger to north Mecklenburg shoppers since he had been with Harris Teeter since 1993 and used to manage the Exit 28 (Southlake) store, which now houses The Fresh Market.

So it is no April Fool as we say good-bye and good luck to Jerry Furr and welcome Charles Trice who started at our store yesterday.

A “FITNESS TOGETHER” TUNE-UP

Finding a coupon for a FREE consultation and training session at one of DavidsonNews.net‘s advertisers made your correspondent lace up her Sauconys for a one-hour appointment at “Fitness Together” located in Davidson Commons adjacent to PostNet.  What a delightful hour to find out that geriatric muscles still had a little life left in them and furthermore to get to meet owner, Jeff Heal.

Davidson's "Fitness Together" owner, Jeff Heal.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Jeff graduated from East Stroudsburg University where he ran hurdles, 4×4 relays and was a nationally ranked high jumper.  Following college he coached high school track and field for eight years and worked in personal training  before running Parisi Health Club in New Jersey.  Visiting family in the Mooresville area made Jeff and his wife, Christine, think about moving to North Carolina. He soon interviewed with Rick and Mike who offer The Link 107.9 radio Saturday morning workout and also opened the first “Fitness Together” studio in Charlotte.  Jeff was hooked and of the 12 “FT” locations in the Charlotte metro area, Jeff now owns two:  the Davidson’s franchise as well as the location in Kenton Place in Cornelius.

He and his wife and their two young sons, Aiden (3 1/2) and Eric (2) live in the new Waterlyn subdivision in Mt. Mourne.  They love North Carolina weather, are Tar Heel fans (and also NY Jets enthusiasts), and find small town living just right.

Asking how Fitness Together differs from the “Y” or other fitness clubs, Jeff explained that his focus is “1 Client, 1 Trainer, 1 Goal.”  All exercise sessions are one-on-one with a trainer and by appointment only in private “training suites.”  Nutrition is stressed and the focus is on the client in a comfortable environment.  Jeff partners with a nighttime trainer, Charles Briner, who covers late afternoon and evening sessions.  Hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Friday and 6 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday.

Gotta love those coupons when it brings a delightful introduction to a new business and a new family in our area.  Stop in and meet Jeff or check Fitness Together at his email: jeffheal@fitnesstogether.com, telephone (704.895.6044) or on the web at www.fitnesstogethercharlotte.com.  And just think – your correspondent found out that she still really can touch her toes!

THINKING SPRING

Carolina Cones' owner Gary Winge is ready to talk spring with customers.

An early dose of springtime always comes this month when one can walk among the spring flowers, herbs, shrubs and whimsical decorations at Carolina Cones on North Main Street in Cornelius.  For decades owner Gary Winge and his staff have treated us to the delights of the season.  Do stop by for a real treat – whether plants or ice cream – but also do remember that our last frost date is mid to late April.  Best to plan areas now for annuals and vegetables but plant later when the ground is warmer.

North Mecklenburg High School’s Horticulture Club will have their annual spring plant sale later this month on April 18 from 8-12 noon at the school.  The club is working on a new entrance to the greenhouse and better parking, so be sure to watch for the signs.  The students will be selling annuals, perennials, herbs, hanging baskets, mixed pots and more.  Email horticulture teacher Christy Thornton at cthornton@cms.k12.nc.us for more information.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Don’t forget the concluding concert for the Music at St. Alban’s 2008-2009 Concert Series this Sunday at 3 p.m.  “Vox and Friends” will perform in the sanctuary of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church with David Tang directing.  This group brings classical, folk, jazz, world and gospel music to the audience.  Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for students and seniors.  A nice way to spend Palm Sunday afternoon.

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Have news for Brenda? Write to her at hbarger@bellsouth.net.