Suzanne Zick

...that it is illegal for Real Estate Agents to use words like "good schools", "close to the Catholic church", "excellent for families" and "no child molesters live here!" in our advertising or descriptions? Okay, the last one was a stretch, but in fact it is true. The reason being we must be equal to everyone, and religion, familial status and the like are protected classes.

People get frustrated by my refusal to make a judgment on the schools or neighborhoods, but in truth I'm just trying to stay out of Real Estate Prison!!

Instead of getting angry, try to educate yourself on things that are important to you. If you have young children and need to know which schools in the area are acceptable, try School Matters to see their report card.

Want to know what churches your new home might be close to? Try looking at Cultural Features before you buy.

You can also check out the proximity of sexual predators to your new home by going to Family Watchdog.

Looking for a group to socialize with now that you are a parent with no social life? My girlfriend introduced me to this group online: The Lake Norman Mommies!

Here you will find local news, entertainment news, food news and business news.

You'll also be privy to events around the area, like the recent "Cooking with Books." It is held at the library in Morrison and is for grades k-5. It has a chatroom that allows you to chat with other LKN moms around the area, too. When you feel comfy, add photos to the photo album or share recipes with other moms.

It also has a mom's forum that discusses anything from fashion and parenting to latest movies and books you are reading. You can even find out where to volunteer!

It's a truly great place to meet other moms and friends, and it is all ours!

March 15

• St. Patrick's Day at NV Lounge: Green Beer! DJ SUPA DAVE playin all of today's top 40 and all your favorites in the main room, and DJ Chris Bond in the SideBar spinning and accepting all your requests. Doors open at 9pm, Ladies in free before 11pm. NV is located at 90924 Torrence Chapel Rd. Cornelius NC Exit 28 off I-77. For more info. call 704-896-6982 or myspace.com/nivnightclub or nvlounge.net
• Join Beggars Caravan and The Rudder for the weekend St. Pats Party. Enjoy $2.00 Killian Bottles; $1.00 Jello Shots; $1.50 Coors Light Draft and $1.00 Keystone Light. THE TIKI BAR IS OPEN!!!
• Gallway Hooker: Come join us Saturday for St. Pattys Day kick-off party. Doors open at noon, Food and Drink Specials. VIP Doors open at 4pm. Tickets $75/person or $125/person for Saturday and Monday's VIP party. VIP party for both nights includes all you can drink beer, and wine, Irish Whiskey Tasting, and all you can eat Irish Buffet. At the end of the night enjoy a breakfast buffet starting at Midnight. Live Music featuring Kenny Floyd on Saturday, along with great Irish Music. On Monday the doors open at 8 a.m. for breakfast, and great drink specials all day long! VIP doors open At 4pm. Come celebrate St. Patricks day with us at The Galway Hooker! For information on VIp tickets Call Kelly at 704-995-2742

Simply Thank You has the cutest St. Patty's Day basket for your Irish cutie!

Clipper's Florist has some lovely floral arrangements for St. Patty's.

Erin Go Braugh!

Looking for a nice country club in the Lake Norman area? NorthStone may just be what you are looking for! It's actually a cool little club with no intitiation fees, no minimums and no assessments. You don't see that around here very much! Even if you don't golf, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy including fitness and social activities:

• Golf : #1 rated course in Charlotte Business Journal
• Golf academy (even open to non-members!)
• Full tennis program including on site tennis pro!
• Aerobics
• Massage
• Swimming (4 pools!)
• basketball
• volleyball
• Childcare!
• Children's play area
• picnic area
• social events such as Beef and Burgundy Night and Bubba Gump Shrimp Night
• Formal ballroom, bar, casual and fine dining

There are so many beautiful houses in Northstone for sale, too. Call me today if you'd like to see one! (980-241-1511)