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INSIDE
March 2015 • VOLUME 10 NUMBER 6
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Three Cornelius residents you would be fortunate to know... Page 4
2 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
March Things to do Susan Tillis is Newsmaker March 12 Susan Tillis, the wife of U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis and a political force in her own right, will speak at Business Today’s Newsmakers Breakfast Thursday March 12 at The Peninsula Club. She proved to be a formidable statewide campaigner in the 2014 elections which saw her husband, a former Cornelius Town Commissioner, defeat an incumbent, Kay Hagan. She is also the former head of Allen Tate’s Cornelius office. The Newsmakers Breakfast with Tillis will begin at 7:30 a.m. and conclude at 9 a.m. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. for networking and a full country breakfast. The open forum Q&A begins at 8 a.m. The Peninsu-
la Club is on Peninsula Club Drive, at Jetton Road. The presenting sponsor of the Newsmakers Breakfast is Allen Tate Realtor Dixie Dean, a Cornelius resident. The Breakfast SponTILLIS sor is Cheri Thebeau, a Cornelius-based attorney. The Coffee sponsor is Davidson Wealth Management. Anyone can attend but reservations are required. Call Cornelius Today at 704895-1335. The cost to attend is $12 and includes a full country breakfast.
Big Day at the Lake Beach Bash is March 6 Year 11 of Big Day at the Lake gets under way Friday March 6 with a Beach Bash at Harvey’s in Cornelius. The suggested donation at the door is $5 per person. Regardless of the weather, wear beach garb and enjoy food and drink specials, a deejay, auctions and prizes. The Beach Bash fundraiser will run from 5:30 p.m. till 10 p.m. at Harvey’s, 19707 Liverpool Parkway. Big Day at the Lake puts at-risk youngsters from Big Brothers Big Sisters and their mentors — “Bigs” — out on Lake
Norman and Mountain Island Lake for a day of fun each year. Big Day at the Lake is Saturday, July 18 this year. Upwards of 600 people participate every year. Big Day at the Lake has three goals: Provide a day of fun for at-risk children who would not otherwise experience Lake Norman or Mountain Island Lake, recruit Bigs and raise money for a worthy non-profit. Big Day at the Lake brings people from all walks of life together. It has virtually no overhead. More info: www.bigdayatthelake.com.
Silent films at Cornelius Arts Center Studio-C Cinema will present several restored historic silent film comedies March 7-8, starting at 7 p.m. each night. The program, with films from Charlie Chaplin and Mack Sennett, will be part of a 90-minute program that includes a short introduction to each film. Pianist Ethan Uslan will accompany the films. Doors open 6:15 p.m. for a wine and
cheese reception sponsored by Cornelius Today. Screening begins at 7. Tickets are $10 Cornelius residents, $11 for non-residents. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.studioccinema. com, at the Cornelius Art Center, or by phone, 704-996-7724. Studio-C Cinema is located in the Cornelius Arts Center in Oak Street Mill.
More Local Events: www.corneliustoday.com
Adoptable Pets
www.corneliusanimalshelter.org
Open for adoptions Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon. Call for appointments 704-237-3602
Cole is a petite five-month-old black, male kitten who was picked up as a stray when he was about six weeks old. He has a silky black coat, big green eyes, and a very long tail.
Willie is an energetic one-year-old Husky mix who was recently surrendered to the shelter. He has a soft white coat with a sweet disposition
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 3
Table of Contents National Treasures Three Cornelius seniors have a wealth of knowledge and experience Page 4
Governor’s visit postponed
Local officials hope the bridge over I-77 is completed before a gubernatorial visit Page 8
In good hands
Robert Jarosz looks out for Cornelius school kids Page 10
Newsmaker
County Commissioner Jim Puckett hits questions head on Page 12
Cornelius Cooks
Linda Daley’s recipe for Puffed German Pancake is sehr gut Page 29
HOME DECOR ………………………… Page 23 HOME SALES ……………………… Page 18-22 NEWS-E ………………………… Pages 14-15 new coporations …………………. . . Page 24 SOUNDOFF, letters ……………… .Page 30-31
Keith Blankenship designed this month’s cover
Lake People RUN DEEP
STAFF
Editor: Dave Yochum, nebiztoday@gmail.com; Sales and Marketing Director: Gail Williams, gail.todaypubs@gmail.com; Production Director: Stephen Nance, production.todaypubs@gmail.com. Send us your news: corneliustoday@gmail.com Cornelius Today is published 12 months a year by NorthEast Business Today, LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any content without permission is prohibited. The Cornelius Today logo, stylized wave, and Lake People slogan are copyrights of Cornelius Today and NorthEast Business Today. All rights reserved. Views expressed herein are not necessarily the views of Cornelius Today or Business Today. Cornelius Today is a local community service-driven publication. Cornelius Today, PO Box 2062, Cornelius, NC 28031-2062. Telephone: 704-895-1335 Fax: 704-490-4447 Email: corneliustoday@gmail.com Cornelius Today is independently owned and operated and is not affiliated with the Town of Cornelius. Back issues: Payable by VISA and MASTERCARD ONLY. $1.50 (if available); $4 to mail. Reprints: Reprints on high-quality , framable stock are available, starting at $65 Photos: $100.
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4 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
National Treasures in our own backyard The 1920s and 30s produced a generation of people toughened by the Great Depression and World War II, but brimming with a sense of empowerment. They changed the world and they changed Cornelius. Here’s a look at three national treasures who live right here in Cornelius. By Dave Yochum
The Rev. Didi Wayland
Didi Wayland was a 19-year old medic in a rifle platoon when his landing craft stopped short of the Utah beachhead, dropped the front end out and he jumped off. “The water came up to here,” he says, pointing to his chest. “You can’t run very well when the water is up to here.” A smile and a pause. The platoon charged and the Germans counter-charged. “We had to back up and we charged again.” A wounded soldier was blown out of his arms by German gunfire, died instantly and Didi picked up another wounded GI and took him to a Jeep. Did the wounded GI survive? “I don’t know.” But Wayland did. He would be stuck on that beach that night. Bullets. More bullets. Bombs. “A terrible experience,” Wayland recalls. The young soldier, who would become the beloved pastor of both Bethel Presbyterian Church and Cornelius Presbyterian Church—serving both at the same time—scraped a place out in the ground to get under the small arms fire, near an apple tree. “I laid down, scared to death, and then exhaustion, so totally exhausted, I woke up in the rain.” Plane after plane flew in overhead dropping their bombs on the Germans. In the confusion that is war, some fell short. Didi thinks 500 GIs were killed. Did you hate the Germans? “No,” he says. Didi, whose real name is John, went on to seminary, and then took a call in Cornelius over his late wife’s objections. The manse was about the worst in the Piedmont. Cornelius right after the war was still a place of haves and have-nots. Of course, the returning GIs helped transform America, but Cornelius was a tiny farm
Rev. Didi Wayland led both Cornelius Presbyterian and Bethel Presbyterian for 40 years, two sermons each Sunday
village that had become a mill town centered on a handful of textile mills. “A lot of people worked three days a week, minimum wage in the IX Co. mill,” Didi says. “Most of the people in Cornelius were the have-nots,” he says. Life improved over the years, and Lake Norman was transformational, but for those people with deep roots here, Cornelius was a quiet little corner of a world that moved more quickly almost everywhere else. He’s not quite the human dynamo he once was, but nobody is after 90. He gets out for breakfast with the regulars at Bojangles almost every morning.
more or less, of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Miriam and her sister Lilyan Hunter, who lives nearby, are descendants of one Robert Potts who purchased the land grant in 1753, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission. Farming was a way of life and then, as now, it was best done on a large scale. The property remains intact, and it’s a productive, working farm to this day. Lilyan’s son Eugene and grandson Wes farm it. Here is the chain of title according to
the commission: 1. Original Land Grant dated the 11th of April, 1752 George II conveyed to John Brevard 636 Acres in Anson County [Before it became Mecklenburg County] on the headwaters of Rocky River. N.C. Land Grant XI, 4-5 2. John Brevard to John Potts dated the 4th day of September, 1753 by lease and release 636 Acres in Anson County 3. John Potts conveyed to son, Robert Potts, Sr. on January 16, 1770 636 Acres in Mecklenburg County 4. Robert Potts, Sr. conveyed to son, Robert Potts. Jr. On July 24, 1811 a tract of 96 Acres called a “deed of gift” 5. Robert Potts. Jr. conveyed to son, Thomas Espy Potts January 20, 1848 by Will Clerk of Superior Court 6. Thomas Espy Potts Heirs conveyed to son, William Robert Potts on October 20, 1898. Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds 7. William Robert Potts conveyed to Nephew, Clifton Eugene Smith on December 11, 1946 by Will Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court 8. Clifton Eugene Smith conveyed to Daughters, Miriam Smith Whisnant and Lilyan Reid Smith Hunter by Will dated August 15, 1969 Miriam knows these dates like the back of her hand.
Miriam Smith Whisnant
Miriam Smith Whisnant has seen Cornelius up close since before the Great Depression. There were still vestiges of Reconstruction, not to mention the Civil War itself. The Confederate Soldiers Reunion was something most people looked forward to every year in Old Cornelius, before this part of the South ran through a demographic Cuisinart. She has no less than four lines of ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War. Miriam’s corner of this part of the south is very much like it was 250 years ago. Formally known as the Potts Plantation, it’s still a working farm, with more than 500 acres of good soil off to the east,
Miriam Whisnant, was born and raised on the centuries-old Potts Plantation. She met with Ron Potts recently in her home
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 5
And her Smiths are the people behind the Smithville neighborhood, the predominantly black community just east of Highway 21 on both sides of Catawba Avenue. Many of the lots were gifts, she says. Some young people got a helping hand from Clifton Eugene Smith, her father, to go to college. A son of Smithville, Ron Potts, visited Miriam and her husband Rod Smith, a former Town Commissioner, on a cold day in February. Why am I named Potts, Ron wanted to know. Well, most likely his people were owned by the Potts family. That’s how it worked. Miriam spent some time sharing names and some history with Ron. They exchanged information together for the first time: Her grandfather was Jacob Lafayette Smith. Ron’s grandfather was Lafayette Potts, no relation, of course, but you can see the connection if you look through the prism of an antebellum plantation and all the families that were part of it.
Nannie Potts
Ron Potts’ brother is Mickey Potts, the barber downtown, and Mickey’s wife Nannie is the first female mayor of Cornelius, not to mention our first—and only—African-American mayor. Nannie, who is a devoted church worker at Torrence Chapel AME Zion and community pillar, grew up on a farm near Hoke Lumber in Davidson. She says the world has changed a lot. She was just a tot when the black opera singer Marion Anderson performed at the Lincoln Memorial, having been denied permission to sing at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. At the time, politicians suggested it was the end to racism and bigotry in America. Ron Potts said one of his first recollections of Nannie was about her being part of sit-ins at Barber Scotia College, a historically black school in Concord. Back in 1960, shortly after the history-making sitin in Greensboro, Barber-Scotia students started sit-ins at the Belk Department Store and three other lunch counters in Concord. According to the Global Nonviolent Action Base, “students organized pray-ins, where they gathered for prayer in public areas and places reserved for whites.” They were heckled by teenagers. The Concord Police, Ron said, picked up Nannie and drove her all the way home. Protests ended when the school semester ended, but on Aug. 17, 1960, “a black
Nannie Potts, the first and only female African American mayor of Cornelius, is also a retired school teacher
couple ate at Belk’s lunch counter at the whites-only section, signaling an official end to public lunch counter segregation in Concord,” according to GNAB. She plunged into a life of family, teaching school, volunteerism and politics. She even ran a catering business with lifelong friend Vertie Torrence. She was elected to the Town Board in 1983, giving a voice to the African American community that
is centered in Smithville, just west of Highway 21 along Catawba Avenue. As top vote-getter, she was mayor pro tem, and when then-Mayor Wesley Rood suddenly resigned, she became mayor. Attorney and community leader Bob McIntosh said “this was at a time when black leaders were not all that prevalent in our area…now it’s common, but back then it wasn’t.”
“For her to be able to lead a community like Cornelius goes to her a) character, b) coalition-building skills. She reached across all lines, party, race and gender, because Nannie was and is just a great person.” “She’s gonna tell it like it is,” McIntosh said. She launched summer programs and after-school reading programs for disadvantaged kids. Ron says Nannie has “always been an anchor for the family, and the main cook of the family.” Today, at 78, she is still consulted by people who want to run for town commission and hope to win. “When I think of Nannie Potts I think of a caring leader with a big heart. She is respected and is a go-to person for many in our community. As a town leader, her expectations were high. As a long-time public school teacher, the expectations she had of her students were equally as high. Nannie leads by example of hard work, integrity and determination. It was always hard to tell her no when she asked something from you. She has truly earned the utmost respect from our town and region,” says Cornelius native and Mayor Pro Tem Woody Washam.
8 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
McCrory’s visit to dedicate Catawba bridge postponed
NAILED IT?
Rendering Left side: Rendering as distributed by town in November shows more cables
ing showed eight. Plans for Gov. Pat McIn mid-January, MayCrory to dedicate the or Chuck Travis said the Catawba Avenue bridge mast and cable installaover I-77 any time soon tion is the “first enhancemay have been thrown ment with the masonry under the bus by a hail of walls and landscaping criticism of the so-called features to follow. In “aesthetic improveaddition, we included ments” portion of the money to bury all the bridge re-do. power/utility lines, purWhen completed the chase mast arms for the bridge will have new signals, decorative lightlandscaping, abutments MCCRORY ing to match Catawba and special lanterns, lending a nautical feel to the new gate- Avenue, etc.” The trees that obscure the sides of way to Cornelius. Indeed, McCrory and NC Cultural Resources Secretary the bridge will also be removed. The governor’s visit was to be the Susan Kluttz were expected to help christen the bridge in late January or inaugural effort of the state’s “Art That Moves You” program, according early February. But the outpouring of criticism of a to Travis. He made the announcement bridge too incomplete seems to have at a Newsmakers Breakfast hosted by some local leaders hoping either the Business Today and Cornelius Today. “Our Gateway to Cornelius bridge mood changes or work is completed soon. Much of it has occurred on the structure, which will be installed after “Exit 28 Ridiculousness” Facebook the holidays, has been chosen to serve as the prototype for this new state propage. Even NC Sen. Jeff Tarte has weighed gram designed to encourage more crein, saying: “EVERYONE recognizes the ativity and originality in areas such as design of the masts at Exit 28 falls woe- bridge design,” Travis said. “The program’s goal is to urge citifully short of expectations.” There are six decorative cables on both inboard zens and officials not to do typical bridgsides of the masts, although renderings es and structures, and we’re proud that circulated by town staff as late as No- Cornelius will be in the forefront of this vember at a Bailey’s Glen citizen meet- statewide effort.”
Actual Right side: Actual photo on Exit 28 Ridiculousness page
N.C. Sen. Jeff Tarte’s full post on Exit 28 Ridiculousness Facebook page Jeff Tarte NC State Senator Jeff Tarte I for one apprentice* [sic} Amanda and her initiative to encourage dialogue around our infrastructure projects. Having lived here for 23 years when W Catawba was a two lane road with no businesses I have watched a ton of change occur. 95% of you came here after me. We all just showed up on “LKN’s doorstep.” Driving along this corridor has never been aesthetically pleasing. Nothing is going to make this the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our local elected officials and town staffs have many challenges to balance. Knowing all of these electeds and town staffs I know them to be thoughtful and professional folks. There are significant issues facing the state and towns regarding funding future road projects. Get engaged or stay engaged. Your elected officials actually do listen to all of you, if the conversation and information exchange is courteous and does not digress into name calling. Keep sharing your thoughts I read your comments. EVERYONE recognizes the design of the masts at exit 28 falls woefully short of expectations. Last, we will keep addressing our day-to-day issues while recognizing LKN is truly one of the most fantastic places to live on this planet. Cornelius resident Amanda Mandy started the Exit 28 Ridiculousness page on Facebook. It has 1,740 followers. *Autocorrect apparently changed the word appreciate to apprentice
10 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
It’s elementary: Dr. Jarosz enjoys kids
By Dave Vieser Meet Robert Jarosz, the cheerful crossing guard who guides students and parents safely across Catawba Avenue at Cornelius Elementary School. Jarosz has become a familiar, friendly figure in downtown Cornelius over the four years he’s been working as the school’s crossing guard. The 82-year-old enjoys the job immensely. “It’s fun to speak with the kids and their parents, too,” Jarosz said on a recent Thursday waiting for the 3:45 p.m. bell to ring. “Most of them know me by name, and I’ve come to know many of them too.” Jarosz is very proud of his record at the crossing which is located at the entrance to the school directly across from the library. “Four years, no accidents, no injuries. That’s the way I like it.” Being a crossing guard is a “career change” for Jarosz, a retired dentist from New York. Originally, the Jarosz’s were looking near Fort Mill S.C., but when they saw the Bexley at Lake Norman apartments, Cornelius won out.
Jarosz, who met President Eisenhower when he was in the Navy, praticed dentistry for 38 years near the Bethlehem Steel Plant in Lackawanna, N.Y. He and his wife Evelyn have three children and five grandchildren. Cornelius Elementary Principal Jessica Holbrook spoke highly of Jarosz: “Safety is always one of our top priorities in school and it’s great to have someone as responsible as Robert making sure that our students and their parents are able to cross the street HOLBROOK safely every day.” How does Jarosz like standing outside for hours each day in the cold weather this winter? “I’m used to it, coming from upstate New York. Furthermore, I’m also used to hunting in temperatures well below zero. Just dress warm.”
12 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
Commissioner Jim Puckett: Work together on economy
Former Mayor Gary Knox asks a question
Jim Puckett fielded questions from citizens, business leaders and elected officials
By Dave Vieser North Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jim Puckett says that the towns in North Mecklenburg and the Golden Crescent must work together in order to “fully demonstrate the economic power that we possess.” Puckett made his comments before a crowd of over 50 people who braved record cold temperatures to attend the Feb. 19 Business Today Newsmakers Breakfast at The Peninsula Club in Cornelius. “Make no mistake about it...today, our region brings a lot of economic clout to the table,” Puckett said. “It hasn't always been that way. Years ago, everything went through Charlotte and there was a lack of appreciation for the strength in this region.”
Puckett says the key to maintaining that strength will be to advance the area's positive qualities on a regional basis. Puckett is a long-time player in Mecklenburg County politics. The Huntersville Republican won back his old District 1 seat back in November 2014, after former Commissioner Karen Bentley chose not to run for re-election. He also has deep roots in Mecklenburg County. He's a descandant of two signers of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Nevertheless, he decried the lack of appreciation for the area's history. Puckett said that schools should spend more time teaching local history. He also said that the structure of the education sys-
tem throughout the state “is one of the biggest problems we face today and must be addressed.” Before serving on the county board between 2000 and 2006, Puckett served on the Mecklenburg County Board of Education. He describes his political style as being “brutally honest” but says even his opponents respect him for “telling it like it is.” Puckett, who owns an industrial painting company, fielded a variety of questions, some of which dealt with economic development incentives. He said he is not a big fan of economic incentives. “We need to say no and be much more selective on what is granted.” He expressed concerns in particular about giving incentives to existing industry. Puckett acknowledged that it is difficult for any one elected official to make an impact on a staff-driven government. He said the county budget is by far the major policy document which the commissioners and department heads must
work with on an annual basis. “Ninetynine percent of decisions are driven by the budget,” he said. Puckett had kind words for Dena Diorio, the new county manager. “She has a financial background and seems to have an appreciation for the financial issues facing the county.” He also urged state legislators to help the county address the revaluation issue. “They especially need to find a way to cap those huge increases some of the property owners are facing.” One good thing about the recession, he said, was that government shrank. “Now that the economy is on the rebound, we need to maintain that streamlined profile.” Newsmakers Breakfasts are open to everyone. The Newsmakers Breakfast with Commissioner Puckett was sponsored by Carolina Trust Bank, Donna Moffett Accountants and Consultants, The Knox Group, Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Davidson Wealth Management.
K.C. Kercher, Candy Lamonica with Berkshire Hathaway Realty, Michelle Rhyne, Lisa Turley with Helen Adams Realty
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 13
Speed limits on Town Board radar with pedestrian friendly sentiment By Dave Vieser The speed limit on a portion of Jetton Road in Cornelius could be reduced later this year, according to several key town commissioners. The speed limit is currently 45 miles per hour from West Catawba Avenue to Peninsula Club Drive, and 35 mph from Peninsula Club to the west. The state will be completely resurfacing the road in the spring, after which the town will take over full maintenance responsibility. "Once Jetton is re-paved and is taken over by the town upon inspection, the town board can make a decision on the speed limit," said Mayor Pro-Tem Woody Washam. "I personally would consider the reduction to a 35 mph speed limit based on what I have observed." Commissioner Dave Gilroy concurred. "Yes, I'm generally in favor," he said when asked if limits on roads such as Jetton should line up with the townwide 35 mph limit. Commissioner Jim Duke, the former head of the Peninsula Property Owners Association, said he's in favor of a lower speed in light of safety concerns. The commissioners aren't the only local officials who have concerns over the speed limit. State Sen. Jeff Tarte had serious concerns about the 35 mph town wide limit when he was Mayor. "I will go on record as stating I believe that is too fast for our residential neighborhoods and safety of our children," he said in an email dated July 9, 2010. \While the town will gain control over the Jetton Road speed limit, that's not the case with other major roads in town, including Bethel Church Road and Torrence Chapel Road. Bethel Church carries speed limits of both 45 and 35 mph in different segments. Those roads are currently maintained by the State DOT and while the town can request a change, the final decision must be approved by the DOT. Del Arrandale, PARC Commission Chairman, served on the town's transportation advisory board when lowering some speed limits in town were recommended. "The DOT explained to us that lowering the speed limit on a road designed for higher speeds poses other
Newsmakers b r e a k f a s t Thursday, March 12 with
safety issues," he said. Still, the road is used as a recreational amenity with cyclists and pedestrians looking for a safe place to exercise even as some drivers travel through crosswalks and intersections at speeds well in excess of 45 mph. It is possible that the town could eventually wind up with full responsibility for both Bethel Church and Torrence Chapel Roads too. In that case, any decisions on changing the speed limits would be a town board prerogative and not require state approval. However, town officials have previously stated that they wouldn't take over other state-maintained roads in Cornelius until or unless a full inspection and cost analysis was completed. Another artery where speed limits could be a factor of major interest will be the section of West Catawba Avenue between Westmoreland and Sam Furr Road, which is slated to be widened in the future. Once again, it appears that the state will have the final say. "There's much discussion pending about that portion of West Catawba at this time," Washam said, "and it's still too early to make any prediction on what speed limits the DOT will recommend."
Susan Tillis
wife of U.S. Senator Thom Tillis The Peninsula Club 19101 Peninsula Club Dr., Cornelius $12 - Includes Breakfast Doors open at 7:15 a.m. for Networking Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. — Concludes at 8:55 a.m.
RSVP Today at 704.895.1335 Presenting Sponsor Breakfast Sponsor
Thebeau and Associates, P.A.
Dixie Dean Coffee Sponsor
14 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
News-e Roundabout for 21 at Catawba among hoped-for projects
Feb. 15. Even as the Widen I-77 antitoll group takes the matter to court, the Lake Norman Transportation Commission (LNTC) has unveiled the first draft list of projects which could receive 100 percent funding from bonus allocation funds related to toll lanes. The list includes five projects in Cornelius totaling $42.7 million. The bonus allocation is a one-time pot of money being made available by the state to local jurisdictions which adjoin the toll lane project. LNTC member Bill Coxe, Huntersville’s transportation director, noted that officials from all across the state will be watching “very carefully” to see if this funding process works. “This list is a technical analysis, part of a process never tried before in the state,” Coxe said at the commission’s Feb. 11 meeting. “If it doesn’t work out, rest assured the state will be only to glad to take the bonus allocation money back.” The draft list will be forwarded to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) this month, and a final list is expected to be adopted in March. The timetable is very tight, and all the funding must be obligated within a five year period. The recommended projects for Cornelius and the funding requested are: • US 21 and Catawba Avenue Roundabout: $6.7 million • US 21 widening Northcross Center Court to Westmoreland: $23 million • NC 115 and Potts Street-intersection improvements: $6 million • Northcross Drive extension: $2 million • Torrence Chapel Road/W. Catawba intersection: $5 million
News from www.CorneliusToday.com
American Legion Post 86 aiming to erect Jon Hair statue at Veterans Monument
Annual BBQ at American Legion Post 86 March 14
Feb. 6. A new Cornelius tradition, the American Legion Post 86 barbecue, is Saturday March 14 at the American Legion Building, 21214 Legion St. The cost is $9 per plate and includes baked beans, slaw, dessert and drink (or three sandwiches for $9). Donations of pies and cakes are appreciated. Proceeds from the Second Annual American Legion Pork BBQ will support the Post’s “commitment to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our community, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.” More info: Mack Robinette at 704-892-8452.
Swing into spring at Community Garden
Feb. 13. American Legion Post 86 will ask the Town of Cornelius in March for permission to place an eight-foot statue of a Gulf War soldier at the entrance to the Veterans Monument at Rotar y Plaza on North Main Street. The bronze by noted sculptor Jon Hair could be in place in time for Memorial Day ceremonies held each year at the monument
which has name of Cornelius veterans inscribed on its walls. The statue, called “The Ranger,” is a realistic depiction of a Gulf War era Green Beret Ranger in full uniform complete with an AR 15 weapon. The cost of the bronze is in excess of $50,000. Post 86 will kick off fundraising with a contribution from members of the post.
Feb. 19 Garden boxes at the Cornelius Community Garden are now available to residents for an annual fee of $25, which includes the box, topsoil, access to tools, water and three growing seasons. The garden is located at 20708 Catawba Ave., near Smithville Park. Info: Ellen Shaw at 828-242-0254 or ellenmandelshaw@gmail.com.
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 15
News-e
Waterfront lot hits the market at $2.35 million Feb 12. High-price lots are moving fast in Cornelius, with at least one lakefront lot—actually two parcels that will be sold as one—apparently ready to break the $2 million barrier. The property at 20205 Lola Circle is listed at $2.35 million with Lee Ann Miller of Allen Tate. A late 1960s brick home is expected to be torn down to make way for a multimillion-dollar home. Tax records show the owners of the home as H. Lynn Moretz and his wife, the late Betty Ann Moretz. The property is assessed at $1.03 million—the dirt alone at $875,000. The Lola Circle property has been on the market for 12 days. The pricetag underscores the tremendous rise in waterfront values, particularly the largest lots with expansive, unobstructed views of Lake Norman. But it’s waterfront: Less than a half acre Town Harbor for $950,000 A .44-acre lot at 18205 Town Harbor Road closed at $950,000 Jan. 27. It was listed and sold by the father-son team of Jim and Lance Carlyle at Corneliusbased Carlyle Properties. The high-end real estate markets in Lake Norman, Myers Park and Eastover are sizzling with an influx of buyers not just from out of state, but out of the country. Business and wealth have become internationalized, and real estate experts say money is sometimes no object when it comes to second and third homes. Cornelius, thanks to Lake Norman and its proximity to Charlotte, is attracting the international set.
Lakefront land at 20205 Lola Circle for $2.35 million
Foreign buyers are actively snatching up high-end real estate. The $2 millionplus range saw 20 deals on the lake last year, up from 19 in 2013. And local bankers are saying they are making jumbo loans at highly competitive rates—not necessarily a rich premium—and lending again for spec homes priced $1.5 million and above. While cash is king at the top end of the market, follow the money and you’re just as likely to find a lender. “I am hearing of multiple banks reentering the larger spec-home financing world,” says Woody Washam, a longtime banker with Carolina Trust Bank’s Mooresville office. Research shows that there is low inventory of new homes on the market with customers ready to buy in this category, Washam says. On Mollypop Lane off Belle Isle Drive, racecar driver Denny Hamlin is building a 30,000 square foot house on two lots where the homes were torn down.
Is there a ‘trickle down’ effect? The trends are helping fuel a resurgence in the high-end residential market. And $2 million is apparently the new $1 million on Lake Norman, luxury brokers say. But does it “trickle down” to homes priced at less than $500,000? It can’t hurt. And the high-end varies from market to market: $500,000 won’t by much in Manhattan or Beverly Hills. According to Zillow, the median home value in Cornelius is $239,000. The market here, Zillow says, is “hot.” Reed Jackson, managing partner at Ivester-Jackson Distinctive Properties in Cornelius and Charlotte, says the $500,000 to $999,000 price range is benefiting primarily from the traditional pattern of families “up-shifting” to bigger homes as income and family size increases. “That has returned very strongly with the economy moving forward,” he adds. -— Dave Yochum
Left turn on red? Cornelius could lead the way thanks to DDI
Feb. 9. Now that most of the construction at the Exit 28 DDI has been completed, attention turns to fine tuning its daily operation, which raises the possibility of changing state law to allow motorists to make a left turn on red. As things stand now, motorists seek-
ing to turn left onto Catawba Ave from the I-77 exit ramps must wait until the signal turns green, even if there is no traffic approaching from their right. “In North Carolina, left on red is illegal in any situation” said Cornelius Police Chief Bence Hoyle. “However,
DDI’s are new and we have spoken with the state specifically about this situation. I would expect to see some legislation introduced on this topic.” Drivers exiting I-77 and turning right can continue to make a right turn on red if conditions permit, just as they did before the DDI was installed. For the time being, however, motorists turning left onto Catawba Avenue must wait until the traffic signal turns green. “Until or unless we get specific legislation and proper signage, left turns on red can be dangerous. We need to wait for the law to catch up with the engineering,” Hoyle explained.
16 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
18 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
Home Sales 1/20/15 $147,000 Jason Sr. & Anne Buechler to Nagarajan Srinivasan & Chithra Nagarajan, 9670 Bailey Rd. 1/23/15 $81,000 Brick Bruot to Cornelius Ellie Del Vecchio, Lot 62, 20615 Rio Oro Dr. 1/15/15 $230,000 David & Kathleen Fisher to Randall Floyd, 1/23/15 $267,500 Mario &Vio19907 Lamp Lighters Way leta Lejtman to ColFin AH-North Carolina 2 LLC, 18903 Kanawha 1/20/15 $306,000 South Creek Dr. Homes to Raymond & Brenda Heerdt, 17906 Coulter Pkwy. These recent property transactions in Cornelius and Davidson were recorded by the Mecklenburg County Register of Deeds.
18801 Flat Shoals Dr. for $1,415,000 1/26/15 $520,000 John & Kay Mulcaha to Michael Lichter, 20316 Christofle Dr. 1/26/15 $244,000 Robert & Lynette Hamer to Marcos & Nicole Ramirez, 19500 Coachmans Trace 1/27/15 $950,000 Chi Kwong Lai & Hwai Juan Lai to JMR Properties, 18205 Town Harbor Rd. 1/27/15 $300,000 Fred & Kathryn Godley to David & Shelley
Little, 10309 Washam Potts Rd. 1/28/15 $149,500 Denise Gimon to Elizabeth Poston, 18824 Nautical Dr. Unit 22 1/28/15 $241,000 MS Antiquity to Jacquelyn Hulsey, 19744 Playwrights Way 1/28/15 $300,000 Cunnane Group to Emma Mahoney & Ghazi Dickakian, 1212 Inn Keepers Way 1/29/15 $260,500 MS Antiquity See HOMES, Page 19
18205 Town Harbor Rd. for $950,000
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 19
Home Sales HOMES
from page 18
to Suzanne Brickley, 19764 Playwrights Way 1/29/15 $375,000 Susan Belt to Francisco Crespo, 19611 Stough Farm Rd. 1/30/15 $328,000 South Creek Homes to Donald & Ruth Slutzky, 18026 Coulter Pkwy. 1/30/15 $237,000 MS Antiquity to Rose & John Francis, 19756 Playwrights Way 1/30/15 $1,415,000 Emily Agnello to Qi Han & Yiwen Chen, 18801 Flat Shoals Dr. 1/30/15 $35,000 Henry & Billie Ausdenmoore to Christopher Frohling & Courtnei Kellar, 19744 Valiant Way 2/2/15 $226,000 Patrick & Amanda Gingell to Chee Tay & Xiaozhuan Shen, 10712 Trolley Run Dr. 2/2/15 $153,000 Jonathan & Jenna Lesar to Amy Nestor, 9168 19129 Peninsula Point for $2,200,000 Glenashley Dr. 2/3/15 $189,000 John & Lindsay Ogburn to Colleen Mullan, 11012 Heritage Green Dr. 2/6/15 $2,200,000 Laurence Cone Jr., to Vesta LLC, 19129 Peninsula Point. 2/6/15 $255,000 Timothy & Meredith Prawdzik to Kathleen White, 9323 Magnolia Estates Dr. 2/9/15 $290,000 Robert & Cynthia Happ to Richard & Deborah Anderson, 18840 Nautical Dr. #64 2/9/15 $134,000 Rae Rae LLC to Semper Fi REI LLC, 18817 Silver Quay Dr. 2/9/15 $237,000 Robert & Michele Cavin to Teresa Campbell, 10322 Watoga Way 2/9/15 $134,000 Hope & Kalan Summer to Doris Philpott, 1711 Delmas Dr. 2/10/15 $351,000 South Creek Homes to Donald & Dianne Marass, 18406 Neville Ave. 2/11/15 $291,000 South Creek Homes to Ernest & Stacey DonaSee HOMES, Page 20
20 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
Home Sales
20316 Christofle Dr. for $520,000
1212 Inn Keepers Way for $300,000
HOMES
Davidson
from page 19
dio, 13411 Hazel Brook Dr. 2/11/15 $970,000 John Hondros to Baer & Lynn Rambach, 17210 Jetton Rd.
2/13/15 $220,000 Robin James to Zein Bou-Abdallah, 9189 Glenashley 2/13/15 $247,000 MS Antiquity to Rich & Jamille Shaffer, 19744 Playwrights Way
1/22/15 $207,000 Meeting Street Towns LLC to Marc Roper, 13625 Breadford Walk Ln. 1/29/15 $208,000 Meeting Street Towns to Thomas Mur-
ray, Marcia Frechette, John Frechette, 13629 Bradford Walk Ln. 1/30/15 $240,000 Patricia LaSee HOMES, Page 22
22 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
Home Sales HOMES
from page 20
monica to Redemption Stellite Network of Churches & Ministries, Unit 8 Emerald Bay Condominiums, 1307 Torrence Cir. 2/5/15 $500,000 Robert & Nancy Osborn to Thomas & Mary Taylor, Lot 272 A New Neighborhood in Old Davidson 2/5/15 $449,000 Bungalow 626 Homes to Kristina Christopher,
15738 Laurel Oak Crescent 2/6/15 $657,500 Jack & Peggy Pierce to John & Kathleen Fitzgerald, 18714 River Crossing Blvd. 2/6/15 $577,000 Eric Vanetti & Elizabeth Janak to Albert III & Lisa Dietz, 18632 River Crossing Blvd. 2/9/15 $500,000 Kathleen Rose Bellot to Sean & Anne Marie Velt, 212 Edgewater Park St.
19500 Coachmans Trace for $244,000
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 23
Decorating with area rugs
Rugs can define space in open floor plans
If your house needs a fresh new look, you could start with a new rug or two. Not too long ago I found a wool area rug I loved at Home Goods on clearance for $88! Since it was such a steal, I was able to spread out my decorating budget. The rug served as a focal point for a family room decorating project. From here I was able to select paint colors, furniture, window treatments, and other décor. Not only are area rugs a great way to introduce color to a space and enhance the overall décor, they are also highly functional. They create warmth when installed on hard surfaces such as tile or hardwood floors. When staging, I often use area rugs to break up busy tile flooring patterns. I also use them to define large spaces or open floorplans. Larger size rugs can define dining areas and smaller rugs can be used to create intimate seating areas. When decorating with area rugs, here are a few tips: • Avoid layering area rugs on top of carpeting. Over time the carpeting will discolor from sun fading and unevenly wear the more permanent carpeting underneath. When it comes time to sell your house, you most likely will need to replace carpeting in this room. • If you have new hardwood floors or recently refinished hardwood floors, you need to let the floors cure for an appropriate amount of time before placing rugs to avoid discoloration of the flooring underneath. Shift your rugs slightly every few months to avoid long term discoloration.
• If you have several area rugs in your home, you want to avoid rugs with busy and competing patterns or styles. For example, you shouldn’t have an oriental style area rug in your formal dining room and a modern geometric style area rug in the adjacent great room. Instead it is best to have rugs that complement each other such as a pattern rug in one room and a solid color area rug of a similar color scheme in an adjacent space. Too many rugs can also create a cluttered look throughout the home. • Lastly, consider using rugs of varying sizes or shapes such as a larger or round rug in your dining room and a smaller rug in your living room (for example, a 5x7’ area rug underneath your cocktail table). • Refresh your home by rolling out the rugs in your living space. By following these tips, you can introduce a rug (or two) to spruce up your home, and give it a fresh, stylish new look. Jamie McNeilis is an Accredited Staging Professional and owner of Centerpiece Home Staging in Cornelius. Email Jamie at Jamie.McNeilis@ CenterpieceHomeStaging.com for home decorating and improvement topics you would like covered in Home Decor
24 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
New Corporations
These corporations have registered with the N.C. Secretary of State
Cornelius 1/16/15 Stacey Simms Media LLC, Stacey Simms, 18322 Indian Oaks Ln., Davidson 1/21/15 Dietrich Consulting Group LLC, Erika M. Erlenbach, 209 Delburg St., Ste. 203, Davidson 1/21/15 Knarr Holdings LLC, John F. Hanzel, 19425 G. Liverpool Pkwy., Cornelius 1/22/15 Special Touch Living LLC, Kit Eure, 11262 Heritage Green Dr., Cornelius 1/22/15 Third Eye Photography LLC, Brandi R. Jackson, 11223 Davinci Dr., Davidson 1/23/15 Aura Hair Supply LLC, Namibia Austin, 17228 Players Ridge Dr., Cornelius 1/23/15 Racehard LLC, Cole L. Thomas-Richards, 21612 Scottcrest Cir., Cornelius 1/23/15 Tekshield LLC, John F. Hanzel, 19425-G Liverpool Pkwy., Cornelius 1/23/15 Veterans Manufacturing Institute Inc., Jack Stefano, 10308 Glenmead Rd., Cornelius 1/26/15 Bryant Companies Inc., Byant Nguyen, 17039 Kenton Dr., Ste. 103, Cornelius 1/26/15 J & F Co. LLC, Josh Johnson, 21101 Brinkley St., Cornelius 1/26/15 John N. Heck III LLC, Tammy J. Heck, 17609 Quiet Lake Dr., Cornelius 1/26/15 Thread LLC, Amanda E. Norkett, 9023 McDowell Creek Ct., Cornelius 1/26/15 West Lincoln Spirit of ’76 Inc., John M. Friguglietti, 575 Davison Gateway Dr., Ste. 101, Davidson 1/26/15 Youmd LLC, Gregory J. Wessling, 100 H. North Harbor Pl., Davidson 1/27/15 B & A Food Sales LLC – The Carolinas, Jeff Lorry, 19701 Bethel Church Rd., Ste. 103, Cornelius 1/27/15 Beauty Box Salon by Jessica LLC, Jessice Deese Hauser, 18711 Ruffner Dr., Unit 2A, Cornelius 1/27/15 DRP Consulting LLC, David R. Peterson, 16806 Riensch Dr., Davidson 1/27/15 KDO LLC, Kurt Ostdiek, 8927 Poplar Ridge Ct., Cornelius 1/27/15 Lemonade Properties LLC, Gloria
Thompson, 21239 Island Forest Dr., Cornelius 1/27/15 Life Path Counseling PLLC, Patsy M. Shinn, 18515 Statesville Rd., #C-01, Cornelius 1/27/15 Malibu Shower Enclosures LLC, Neil Edward Heesch, 21301 Harken Dr., Cornelius 1/27/15 Mountain Point LLC, Robert Wentz, 21600 Norman Shores Dr., Cornelius 1/27/15 Novak Design & Landscaping Inc., Kenneth Novak, 19902 Wooden Tee Dr., Davidson 1/28/15 KSS Healthcare PLLC, Ericka M. Erlenbach, 209 Delburg St., Ste. 203, Davidson 1/28/15 Top Notch Team Inc., Emily Brandy, 6201 Fox Chase Dr., Davidson 1/28/15 Trinity Valley Supply Inc., Peter Quinn, 18302 Town Harbour Rd., Cornelius 1/29/15 Bergerman Properties LLC, Matthew Lineberger, 16407 Jetton Rd., Cornelius 1/29/15 Extra Resource Staffing of North Carolina LLC, Jason Bartmess, 20515 Harbor View Dr., Cornelius 1/29/15 Golfer VIP Card LLC, Lafayette Ferrell, 18708 Nautical Dr., #201, Cornelius 1/29/15 Jackson Innovations LLC, Collin Jackson, 21334 Sandy Cove Rd., Cornelius 1/30/15 Marty’s Wine Bar and Café LLC, Integrated Bookkeeping & Tax Services Inc., 21204 Pumila Ct., Cornelius 1/30/15 Pinnacle Water Sports LLC, Robert J. Bennet, 17505 West Catawba Ave., 130, Cornelius 1/30/15 Southpointe Construction Inc., Judson Stringfellow, 17537 Jetton Rd., Cornelius 2/3/15 Angell Consulting LLC, Michael Angell, 130 Shorecrest Dr., Davidson 2/3/15 Community Mailer LLC, Steven E. Miller, 442 South Main St., Ste. 27, Davidson 2/3/15 Grandfather Mountain Views LLC, Todd D. Weibusch, 18511 Peninsula Cove Ln., Cornelius 2/3/15 Kicks Against Cancer Inc., Robert Dubiel, 19115 Berkley Commons Dr., Cornelius 2/3/15 Legacy Learning Community, Beth E. Zitko-Peters, 19824 W. Catawba St., G203, Cornelius
More new corporations are online at www.corneliustoday.com
LKN CJD
26 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
Senior News
Routines are solid base to excel in everyday life I like March. I don’t know tines can simplify our lives, who coined the phrase “March help us to get healthier and comes in like a lion, and goes reduce stress. out like a Lamb”, and vice versa, but it is true. Another phrase recently coined by my Take the stairs sister is, “March holds out • Skip elevators and escamany possibilities but promlators and opt for the stairs— ises nothing.” Now that really even if you start with just one sums up the month of March floor’s worth. and that is really why I like Stretch Joanne Ahern March because it is fickle and • Set your watch to beep Seniors Columnist unpredictable. However, the once an hour during your one thing that is dependable workday. When it does, take about March is that April is sure to follow a few seconds to notice where your and April is just spectacular in its offerbody feels tight. Change position, ings of new beginnings. And just as sure stretch, move: You’ll feel better for as April will thrill our senses, along comes it. May and then June all marching in a row. They are predictable, they are dependable, To simplify life they are...routine. Book ahead I like routine. It helps me focus, and • Always schedule your next hair apkeeps me on the right track. Can you imagpointment before you leave the saine if May came, then April then October? lon to avoid the hassle and stress of How confusing would that be? We wouldn’t making last-minute appointments. know which way to turn nor what to expect Ditto for dental and medical checknext. ups, vet appointments and routine Some say that routines are boring, but I car maintenance. find that a good routine can be invigorating, Create a master grocer y list even lifesaving in times of stress and strife. • Keep it on the fridge or a kitchen When I have to get up at some horrible bulletin board, and check things off hour like 4 a.m., I depend on my morning as you run out. Next time you head routine to help me navigate through the fog to the store, you’ll know exactly in my brain. Or if I have suffered some kind what you need. of trauma, whether physical or emotional, I
To be healthier
find I can get through the day as long as I have a my routine to rely on. I have several routines that keep me in line. One is my work week routine, the second is my Saturday routine and the third is my Sunday routine. Now there is tremendous flexibility within these routines, and that’s important so that you can take advantage of different opportunities as they arise, but for the most part, you’ll find me doing laundry on a Saturday morning. I’ll bet that you have routines and maybe you never gave them much thought. They create calm and consistency in our lives. Some of us have strict routines, others have more fluid ones. Routines have very different looks but all help us in our daily lives. Perhaps you’re having difficulty being disciplined in eating correctly, practicing the piano, or getting your daily exercise. You don’t have to get all the routines right all the time. Sticking to a routine in at least one area of your life can help you build up your routine-keeping skills in other areas. Kim Pittawy, writing in Reader’s Digest Best Health publication, suggests that rou-
To reduce stress
Play with your pet •
Create regular playtimes with your pet—as you’re getting out of bed in the morning, a few minutes before you leave for work or as soon as you get home. You’ll be happier, and, of course, your pet will be fitter and healthier, too.
Tune in •
Take one minute out of each day to look and listen to the world around you. Notice one thing that makes you happy, whether it’s the snow falling or the stars at night.
Following someone else’s routine may not work for you, but those suggestions can make it easier to stay on the path of our own choosing. And that of course is what a routine really is — the path we take through our day. And just assuredly as April follows March, our routines will create a more peaceful, predictable life.
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 27
, 2015
y a e D k a g L i Bat the
Big D
ay A t
Th
uly 18 1 is J 1 e k e La
a igday www.b
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kn.co
ke-l tthela ®
11
THANK YOU!
to all of our 2014 Boat Hosts, Sponsors and Volunteers 2014 Presenting Sponsor
2014 Admiral Sponsors
2014 Captain Sponsors
2014 Commander Sponsors
AlphaGraphics - Lake Norman, Davidson Wealth Management, Hatcher Law Group, Edward and Terry Keible, Frank, Lynn & Erin Manis & Mama's Pizza, Kiwanis of Lake Norman, Ingersol Rand, Julia Holyfield/Tom Hansen, KS Audio Video, Lake Norman Realty, Law Firm of Bentz and Associates, McIntosh Law Firm, North Mecklenburg Rotary Club, Park Avenue Properties, Dixie Dean, Randy Stephenson
2014 Skipper Sponsors
Harvey's in Cornelius, Andy and Paula Smith, Jim & Carolyn Duke, LePage Johnson Realty, Raymond Kepner Funeral Home, Tracy Stehle, Mark & Lynette Rinker, Troy & Della Stafford
2014 Mate Sponsors
Deborah Young Studios, Margaret and Blair Boggs, Brampton Capital, Woody Washam
2014 Crew Sponsors
Bill & Linda Dagit, Lapis Financial, John Cherry, Tom & Ann Dutton, Mother Lode Wines, Chris & Sally Ashworth, Linda & Bill Dagit
2014 Food Vendors
Alton's Kitchen and Cocktails, Big Bitez, The Brickhouse Tavern, Brewsters, Fireside Bar & Grill, Harvey's in Cornelius, Jack's Corner Tap, Lake Town Tavern
28 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
Scene and Heard Around Town
Keep Calm and Buy Samoas Members of Girl Scouts Troop 2460 from JV Wash-
North Mecklenburg Rotary The annual Pancake Breakfast Feb. 22 was named in
Autumn Care opens The new 102-bed nursing home on Mt. Zion Parkway means people can “age in place” in Cornelius. It has both short-term rehab and long-term care facilities in a neighborhood-community setting. Autumn Care is broken up into “neighborhoods” with four seperate large community areas that will serve as spaces for activities and social gatherings. Autumn Care administrator Joshua Wood emceed the grand opening Feb. 12.
Big Day at the Lake Sen. Jeff Tarte and Dr. Nancy Tarte, Mayor Chuck Travis, Lake
am were out at Publix selling cookies the weekend of Feb. 14. Thin Mints sold out fast, and there is a slight delay in deliveries of Thin Mints because of high demand. No need to fear though; the cookie, which has been a favorite since 1940, will be back in mid-March.
honor of long-time member Sam Wilson who died last year. Pictured are volunteers Greg Holsinger, Tom Dutton and Steve Melton. Rotary supports a variety of good causes. The club meets each Wednesday for lunch at The Peninsula Club.
Norman Chrysler Jeep co-owner Jack Salzman and Lake Norman Chamber Chairman Mike Russell at a fundraiser Feb. 5. Sponsors for the evening included Fine Wines and MotherLode Wines as well as Fresh Chef.
On Sunday, Come Worship With Us Bethel Presbyterian Church 19920 Bethel Church Rd., Worship 9am & 11am Cornelius Presbyterian Church 21209 Catawba Ave., Worship 10:30am Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Norman YMCA, 21300 Davidson St. Worship 10am First Baptist Church 21007 Catawba Ave., Worship 11am Grace Covenant Church 17301 Statesville Rd, Worship 8am, 9:30am, 11:15am Mt. Zion United Methodist Church 19600 Zion St., Worship 8:30am, 9:45am, 11am
NorthCross Church 11020 Bailey Rd., Ste H, Worship 10:15am Point of Grace Lutheran Church 20700 N. Main St., Worship 8:30am, 11am The River Church 18731 W. Catawba Ave., Worship 10:30am Union Bethel AME Zion Church 20738 Catawba Ave., Worship 11am Community in Christ Lutheran Church 7621 Norman Island Dr., Worship 9:30am, 11am, Wednesday 7pm Calvary Chapel 18731 W. Catawba Ave., Worship 10am
Citizenship Award Robin and Jack Salzman, owners of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Cornelius, received the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award for 2014. Mike Russell, the volunteer chairman of the chamber board, noted that over the course of 2014, the Salzmans made more than 120 contributions to area non-profits, totaling more than $250,000.
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 29
Linda Daley shares her recipe for Puffed German Pancakes
Linda Daley, an Ohio native who moved to Cornelius in 1984 to be closer to her sister, enrolled in UNC-Charlotte when she was 32. Eight years later, all the while working, she graduated with a degree in business administration, and now works for Bank of America. The sisters grew up in a family with four children. Mom and Dad have been married 66 years. Her first job, at age 16, was as a diet aide in a hospital. (Her unofficial first job was removing the tassels from farm-raised corn.) Her father was a highway patrolman and then a U.S. Marshal; her mother was nurse. She knows all about home-made breads and soup; the secret to a great
spaghetti sauce is cooking meat along with it. My mother was the best cook and best baker, too,” Linda says. Of course it helped that her grandmothers, one Italian, one German, were “fabulous” cooks. “When we were little we didn’t appreciate it,” she says. “When I have girls over I love to do spaghetti and meat sauce, and salads. In the winter I make soup, maybe Italian bean soup,” she says, explaining that she lives in the Lake Crest condominiums off Knox Road with her cat Mickey. She’s an avid volunteer, including Big Day at the Lake and Lake Norman Covekeepers as well as Catawba RiverDaley keeper Foundation. She also writes the events column each week for the online edition of Cornelius Today (www.corneliustoday. com). This month she shares her recipe for Puffed German Pancakes with Spiced Apples. “It is super easy, delicious and the presentation is awesome,” she says.
Puffed German Pancake with spiced apples • • • • • • •
Ingredients
3 eggs ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 tablespoons flour 6 tablespoons milk or cream 1 tablespoon melted butter Apple-spice topping (recipe below)
Preparation
With a whisk or rotary beater, beat eggs, salt and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until blended. Add flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, and beat after each addition just until mixture is smooth. Do not overbeat. Add milk or cream in 2 additions, beating slightly after each.
Lightly beat in melted butter. Pour into a well-buttered 9-inch frying pan. Bake in a very hot oven (450°) for 8 minutes; reduce heat to moderate (375°) and bake for about 8 minutes more and until pancake puffs up sides of pan and is golden and set. Finish with topping and serve immediately. Apple Spice topping – Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a frying pan or casserole. Add 2 tart cooking apples that have been peeled and cut into thin lengthwise slices. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon dried currants or raisins, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. Cook over low heat, turning occasionally, until apples are glazed and tender, about 10 minutes. Spoon over center of baked pancake.
30 • CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015
soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
TM
Your comments and opinions since 2006
Money should have been spent on widening I-77
"The bridge was such a waste of money from the sails to the diamond exchange. I live on Torrence Chapel and have not seen the improvements in traffic flow or visual appeal that justifies the cost and inconvenience it has posed during its construction. Matter of fact, I see more safety issues with the diamond due to confused new people using it and people trying to change lanes while weaving around the road. The DOT or some previous cars salesman must have sold our leaders on this waste of money. Its a shame we could not have spent the money on needed lanes on I-77." —via anonymous soundoff contact link on www.corneliustoday.com
Exit 28 not improved
Like, wow?
"The bridge was such a waste of money from the sails to the diamond exchange. I live on Torrence Chapel and have not seen the improvements in traffic flow or visual appeal that justifies the cost and inconvenience it has posed during its construction. Matter of fact, I see more safety issues with the diamond due to confused new people using it and people trying to change lanes while weaving around the road. The DOT or some previous cars salesman must have sold our leaders on this waste of money. It's a shame we could not have spent the money on needed lanes on I-77."
"OK, how many Cornelius people stood up and said "WOW" when they saw those wires...please raise your hands! That is, if you could even see them from 77 during the daytime! Do you really think that people coming down 77 would even understand what they mean if they saw them...probably would think it was reinforcing the bridge. And that COST how much? Trying to say we are a boating area and come visit, that might have worked if they had hung a BOAT up there instead, then they might have understood. Well, they SAY it will bring mega customers to the local businesses...lets watch and see!! I hope it does and the local small businesses sure do need it after the diverging diamond fiasco. If not maybe the City of Cornelius can ask the banks to forgo their loans! That is the light at the end of the tunnel to look forward to. I, for one, was not raising my hand for "WOW."
—via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
Short-term focus, long-term needs? "Regarding the Cornelius infrastructure, our political and business leaders 15 and 20 years ago only wanted to reap the benefits of growing communities while giving no infrastructure in return. Roads and schools were the biggest losers. Things that ALL of us depend on, real sad." —via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
Grade for LKN Planners: F
"Poor planning is evident here in the LKN area. There is no excuse for the traffic mess we have here. Either the leaders don't know what they are doing or they are just ignoring the fact that people keep moving here. If they ignore the problem do they think it will go away? I went through this in Phoenix Ariz., in the late 80s and early 90s. Eventually they had to face the issues head on. When will these people do the same? Toll roads? Really? Come on! Let's get some capable people in this
community to sort this out. If you guys don't know how to solve the problems, go ask someone. How can you draw businesses up here and expect people to be able to get to work? By airplane? Such a beautiful area but run by such morons. Oh, and by 'go ask somebody,' I don't mean ask representatives in the Northeast. Those roads up there are in shambles and they can't keep businesses or people in those states. Go west for ideas." —via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
—via anonymous soundoff contact link on www.corneliustoday.com
Re: ‘Anti-toll group hires attorney’ online article “Am I crazy or did I read it right. One source was quoted as saying " As much as they will tell you differently, we will have flying cars before I-77 is widened if they are successful in their legal action. The DOT will happily take their money and go build roads somewhere else." THEIR MONEY???? It is not Their Money. It is ours. When are the citizens of this state going to demand NCDOT is called to order and reminded who they work for? This kind of mentality is outrageous. I along with my friends will now fight even harder to convince state legislators and the governor that the NCDOT needs to be completely revamped. Their money! My God.” —via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
CORNELIUS TODAY • March 2015 • 31
soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
TM
Pickup truck from hell Mark Twain Statue
"To the driver of a black pickup truck with dark windows who rode on top of me on Torrence Chapel: I'm sure your gigantic pickup truck which sounds like a steamship and a bulldozer both makes you feel like a bigger man than you are. That's good because it probably somehow keeps you from acting even more stupid and anti-social than you act right now."
Leaf me alone “What is up with these folks who rake the leaves from their yard and pile them up on the curb or gutter in front of their house? These leaves stay there for weeks, clogging the storm drains, which then causes flooding on the street. These leaves blow all over other neighbors’ yards who have already raked their leaves, bagged them and set the bags out for weekly yard waste pick up. Show some respect for your neighborhood by taking a few extra minutes to bag and dispose of leaves properly.” —via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
—via anonymous soundoff contact link on www.corneliustoday.com
Redneck Riviera
• Assistant Town Manager Andrew Grant responds:
“Welcome to the Redneck Riviera: Booze, hot tubs and pick-up trucks. Thank you Peninsula Property Owners Association. I've had enough.”
“I thought it was a real person sitting on the bench the first time I saw it lol! Where has this guy been and why am I just now seeing his work around our lovely little town??”
—via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
—via soundoffcornelius@gmail.com
“During the entire year, residents may bag their leaves and set them at the curb for collection by the town’s solid waste contractor, Republic (please see the Town’s website, www.cornelius. org, for more information). During heavy leaf season (typically November through January), the Town additionally offers its leaf vacuum service for loose leaves placed at the curb. This year, the Town’s leaf vacuum service will officially stop at the end of January. After that time, all leaves should be bagged for collection by Republic.” • In other garbage news, Republic, the waste contractor, picks up extra garbage bags at the discretion of the individual driving the truck. No more than three kitchen sized bags are allowed. Extra bags more than once a month can result in having to pay Republic an additional $7.72 for an extra container.
Bad boys whatcha gonna do "How sad it is to take one of the greatest songs ever and a music legend and turn them into an advetisment for Exit 28 and the Diverging Diamond and this mess pictured below. PS Plagiarizing is illegal. This is beyond disgusting." —via U.S. Mail