TO YOUR HEALTH AND FINANCIAL WELL-BEING!


by Michael Creasman, CFP


Whether you think that taxes are heading up- ward or not, it is never too early to think about


tax planning. With this in mind, it pays to minimize taxable income by maximizing pretax contributions. For instance, if you are eligible, fund a health savings account (HSA) with tax-deductible money and withdraw money needed for medical expenses tax-free. For 2010, an HSA can be set up and funded if you are covered by an “HSA compatible” high-deduct- ible health insurance policy. For the 2010 tax year, the contribution limit is $3,050 for an individual and $6,150 for a couple or family. If you and your spouse are 55 and older, each of you can make a catch-up $1,000 contribu- tion.


HINT: Beginning in 2011, an


HSA cannot be used to pay for over- the-counter drugs.


With 2010 coming to a close, many


people will start thinking about their tax returns. By knowing what tax deductions and credits you might qualify for, you can maximize your deductibles. At CREASMAN 401(k) PLAN ADVISOR, INC., we have served clients in the greater Asheville area since 1978 with professionalism and integrity. We specialize in pro- viding complete financial services to middle-income individuals and fami- lies. No one is turned away because we feel strongly that everyone can benefit from sound, thoughtful financial ad- vice. Please call us at 828-253-7231 to schedule a consultation. Our office is located at 1328F Patton Ave. www.creasmanfp.com


Where we worship


By Loren Metts As the upcoming holiday season


quickly approaches, members of Victory Fellowship Worship Cen- ter are gearing up for their busiest time of year. During November and December, this church spends countless hours serving our com- munity. “Instead of having service, we become the service,” Pastor Sonia Burleson said. Christmas gifts and food boxes are distrib- uted to needy families throughout Buncombe and Madison counties. Christmas shoeboxes are prepared for children living on an American Indian reservation in New Mexico. Gift baskets are also given to local senior citizens that are either home- bound or residents of area nursing homes. Burleson has been leading Vic-


tory Fellowship since it began in October 1994. Originally from Asheville, Burleson has lived in the North Buncombe community for nearly 20 years. She was first or- dained in 1988. Prior to starting VFWC, she served as children’s pastor at Biltmore Holiness Church for ten years and at Candler House of Prayer for another two. Burleson is quick to compli-


ment the heart and hands of Vic- tory Fellowship. “Tis is a very special church, one of the very best in Western North Carolina,” she continued. “Even though we are small in number, probably 90 percent of our church is actively involved in weekly ministry.” Te church’s ‘Beacon of Hope’ food


Victory Fellowship Worship Center


The church and its pastor, Sonia Burleson (inset), have been in the area since 1994.


pantry has touched the lives of over 4,000 people each year since 2003. Tis ministry distributed food to nearly 150 people last week alone. On the first Saturday of each month, VFWC also teams up with members of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Marshall for the ‘Jesus Dinner’. Te two churches work together to serve food to hundreds of people within Asheville’s home- less population. Victory Fellowship first began meeting in downtown Weaverville


in the building now occupied by Blue Mountain Pizza. Te church relocated to the Stoney Knob strip mall and continued meeting there for the next decade. In November 2008, VFWC moved to its new four-acre home on the corner of 19/23 and Aiken Road. “We love it here and know that God pre- arranged for this to be our home,” Burleson said. One of Burleson’s favorite scrip-


tures is Psalm 118:24, “Tis is the day the Lord has made; we will


rejoice and be glad in it.” She ex- plains from her own life that, “no matter the news of your day, no matter how good or how bad, God can give you the strength to get through it.” Victory Fellowship Worship


Center offers our community a place to experience biblical teach- ing and a Pentecostal style of wor- ship. For more information about the unique ministries and worship of VFWC, call 243-3088 or go to victoryfellowshipwc.org.


Fresh & Delicious Cakes, Pies & Cookies Fall Favorites


• Pumpkin Pound Cake • Pumpkin Cake Rolls • Pumpkin Bars


Fresh Apple Cakes!


Globetrotters to bring act to NBHS


Apple Pie


Pumpkin Squares


Western North Carolina’s ONLY RBA Certified Cake Decorator!


146 Weaverville Hwy. (828) 645-2038 Tues-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-2 www.BakeShoppeAsheville.com


2 THE TRIBUNE/LEADER - October 14 - October 20, 2010


By Matt Tate Te trademark bars of “Sweet


Georgia Brown” will filter through- out the North Buncombe High School gym on Saturday (Oct. 16) when several Harlem Globetrot- ters will team with a handful of NBA legends for a benefit basket- ball game. Venture Sports Shows is hosting


the game that will be a fundraiser for Woodland Hills Church mis- sions efforts in Peru and Hondu- ras. Several of the Harlem Globetrot-


ters playing will be BoBo Hubbard and Shorty Coleman. Tey will team with former NBA stars such as Reggie Johnson, Ricky Brown and Mike Glenn against the West- ern North Carolina All-Stars led by Terry Boyd.


Karen Young with Venture


Sports Shows said the Globetrot- ters/Legends team will feature 15 players in all. Te doors open at 6 pm and the


game will start at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the church office, Buncombe Bap- tist Resource Center, Copy Xpress, Plaza Express Lube, Brank Insur- ance and by calling Young at 776- 3402.


www.weavervilletribune.com


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