Charlotte Prowler Magazine: 100 Degrees of Summer

PHOTOS BY DANNIE WALLS

Fight Lab 38 July 26th, 6-11pm Grady Cole Center in Charlotte www.FightLabPros.com

THE BIG EVENT It’s no mystery what people love about Fight Lab: It’s always an amazing show.

Promoter and Pit Boss Kenny Letts is no stranger to the fight scene in Charlotte—he brought to bear many years of Fight Night in Charlotte to benefit children’s charities—where many of boxing’s most familiar faces could be seen among Charlotte’s elite business folk for some high-brow exhibition boxing and fund raising. Kenny himself is most approachable and despite the fact that he runs a business where it’s all about the ancient art of gladiator vs gladiator, he’s impossible not to like. This breeds loyalty from both fighters and fans. Did we mention he’s spent his own time in the ring? It’s quite likely that all of these things contribute to the all-out Vegas-style show that has elevated Fight Lab to the top of the regional MMA picture. Letts has recently announced that Fight Lab will continue at the Grady Cole Center every 45 days or so, with exhibition matches at The Epicentre and major events at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and US military bases around the south—most recently held at Ft. Bragg Army Base. You may not have experienced MMA competition, but you owe it to yourself to plan a night out with friends (male and female) and see what all of the fuss (and fight) is about. It’s PG-13 for sure, but you can handle it. Live a little!

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TH E RETU RN OF FOOTBALL

| W H E R E TO WATC H

SPORTS BARS WE LOVE Football is finally here and we couldnt’ be happier. Look around for the Prowler/ESPN HD Media Trailer at Charlotte’s top tailgating locations and watch the game with us on one of our many HD screens inside and outside the rolling man cave (see pics below). We’ll have prizes onhand for everyone and register you and yours to win a grand-prize trip to Harrah’s Atlantic City with air fare courtesy of our good friends at Pair-A-Dice Travel. Any way you look at it “Everyone’s A Winner!”.

W

e here in the Queen City have sports in our blood and a sports bar on every corner. Some suit us just because they’re down the street and house all of our easy, familiar faces. Others wow us with incredible food, stellar wait staff, exceptionally good looking staff or crisp cold beer on ice. Here are our suggestions for a game or three—pull up a stool and see if they feel like home.

Red Rocks Café Less bar, more restaurant, but here sports are at home. Proprietors John Love (South Park) and Ron Herbert (Birkdale Village) take time to hand-pick staff and make customers feel special.

The food is great and you may just spot an NFL or NASCAR celeb at any moment. RedRocksCafe.com Icehouse South End This place rocks at game time. Ice cold bins of all of your favorite domestic beers, beers on tap and games on in every direction. The food and wait staff STAY CONNECTED

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are good to a distraction but who’s complaining? Try the pulled pork nachos and check out the patio.

Hickory Tavern So good they are the non-official official sports bar of Charlotte area sports teams with a location inside Hornet’s TWC Arena and Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Great food and one heckuva’ home-built brand. The classic sports bar, taken up a notch. Midtown location at The Met has a patio scene like no other.

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille We can say we knew them when (owners

Norm and Matt) as we congratulate them on 10 years. DNG makes Morehead St. a great spot for lunch, special events and all our favorite games.

Stop in for a cold one and tell them we said “thank you” for some good times in 10 years.

Cinebarre (Arboretum) This swanky upfit of the modern movie theatre—adding a full menu of really good food, liqour (!), beer and wine—is way cool. What’s even cooler is Monday Night Football on the big screen with theatre candy. Top that.

All-American Pub/Oak Room When you’re thirsty for nightlife and want to catch the game as well, this is the spot. There’s always a good crowd, great specials and plenty of your favorite cocktails flowing here.

Strike City At the heart of the Epicentre is the sports bar/bowling alley where some of the biggest names in sports come to unwind, play a few games, bowl a few frames and get a bite to eat. All while watching the game on dozens of big screens. Cool concept that works.

Tavern on the Tracks This corner spot has been a favorite since it’s early opening in South End. The food is a step above and cold beer, great specials and a smiling staff make it a neighborhood favorite.

Jackalope Jack’s Jack’s is packed on game day with good looking guys and gals and always cool wait staff. Hot food, cold drinks and a rambling layout packed with TVs everywhere make this place big fun.

Buffalo Wild Wings A franchise yes, but the stadium like atmosphere, ice cold yards of beer and a menu custom-made for Saturday and Sunday afternoons make it great. We love the staff and suggest you check out events on the corner at Crown Point as well as at the Hall of Fame location.

—Send us a few word about your favs: info@prowlermagazine.com.

LIKE PROWLER MAGAZINE ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-THE MINUTE UPDATES ON ENTERTAINMENT IN CLT

Photos: Dannie Walls

CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS

HOME GAME SCHEDULE

OPPONENT Durham Bulls Durham Bulls Durham Bulls Gwinnett Braves Gwinnett Braves Pawtucket Red Sox Pawtucket Red Sox Pawtucket Red Sox Pawtucket Red Sox Gwinnett Braves Gwinnett Braves Norfolk Tides Norfolk Tides Norfolk Tides Norfolk Tides Gwinnett Braves Gwinnett Braves

DATE Wed, Jul 30 Thu, Jul 31 Fri, Aug 1 Tue, Aug 5 Wed, Aug 6 Thu, Aug 7 Fri, Aug 8 Sat, Aug 9 Sun, Aug 10 Mon, Aug 18 Tue, Aug 19 Fri, Aug 22 Sat, Aug 23 Sun, Aug 24 Mon, Aug 25 Sun, Aug 31 Mon, Sep 1

Triple-A National Championship BB&T Ballpark Tue, Sep 16

TIME 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 2:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 5:05 PM 7:05 PM 7:05 PM 2:05 PM 7:05 PM

Congratulations to the Charlotte Knights and their fans—they have set a record for MiLB attendance in their first year at the new BB&T Ballpark uptown. Join the crowd for a great day at the park: CharlotteKnights.com

Prospect has Home Loans for Every Need!

When you decide to purchase a home or refinance an existing loan, our licensed Loan Officers can provide you with quality-focused, world-class service and a wide selection of loan programs with competitive rates. Here is a snapshot of what is available: n

Conventional Loans – With 95% maximum financing available for primary single family residences, a fixed-rate conventional loan may be a good source of financing.

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Fannie Mae HomePath® Financing – A special home loan to finance the sale of Fannie Mae real-estate-owned properties across the country for all occupancies.

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FHA Loans – A great choice for first-time homebuyers, buyers with little down payment, or with less-than-perfect credit.

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Agency Conforming – Fixed and adjustable loans available; great for nearly every borrower.

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Jumbo and Super Jumbo – Ideal for borrowers who require higher loan amounts.

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Veteran’s Administration (VA) Loans – Perfect for active and reserve military; spouses may also qualify.

USDA Rural Financing – Homeownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income borrowers in rural designated area

by USDA. Must meet USDA income limits, property must be in USDA eligible area and homebuyer counseling required.

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State and Local Bond Programs – Perfect for buyers with little down and wanting down payment/closing cost assistance.

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I nvestment Property Loans – The current market has many investment opportunities, and we can provide the financing.

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Prospect’s New Opportunity FHA LoanSM – FHA loan with as little as 3.5% down payment for a primary single family residence for buyers with credit scores from 580-639.

Homebuyer counseling required.

HomePath® Renovation Mortgage – With only a 5% down payment requirement for primary single family residences, this loan allows you to buy and renovate a home in one loan.

Residence must be a Fannie Mae real-estate-owned property designated for a HomePath® Renovation Mortgage.

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203(k) Renovation Loans – Great financing choice for those buying a home in need of renovation through the FHA.

Call me to find out how I can help you meet your financial and homeownership goals!

Tiffany Turner Sr Loan Officer Prospect Mortgage 10925 David Taylor Drive, Ste 150 Charlotte, NC 28262 Direct: (704) 737-8433 Fax: (704) 973-9618 Cell: (704) 737-8433 Tiffany.Turner@Prospectmtg.com http://www.myprospectmortgage.com/TTurner NMLS#: 68555; Branch ID: 874846 I am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the following state(s): NC

HomePath® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae.

Rev 11.21.13 (0809-12)

Loan inquiries and applications in states where I am not licensed will be referred to a Loan Officer who is licensed in the property state. Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage is located at 15301 Ventura Blvd., Suite D300, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. Prospect Mortgage, LLC (NMLS Identifier #3296, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) is a Delaware limited liability company licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act and operates with the following licenses: AK Mortgage Lender/Broker License #AK3296; AZ Mortgage Banker License #BK0903027; CO licensing regulated by the Division of Real Estate; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #16984; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee #MB.0006424; Kansas licensed mortgage company; MA Mortgage Lender/Broker License #MC3296; MS Licensed Mortgage Co.; MT Mortgage Lender Licensee #3296; Licensed by the NH Banking Dept.; Licensed Banker-NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance #9932414; NV Division of Mortgage Lending Mortgage Banker #1173 and Mortgage Broker #3095; Operates as Prospect Lending, LLC in NY located at 711 Westchester Avenue, Suite 304, White Plains, NY 10604 (Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Dept of Financial Services); OR Mortgage Lender Licensee #ML-2006; PA Dept. of Banking license #22122; RI Licensed Lender #20021343LL, Loan Broker #20041643LB; Washington Consumer Loan Company License – CL-3296. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. Loans are currently being closed and committed at the expressed rates, however these rates may change or may not be available at the time of your loan lock-in, commitment or closing. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Interest rates and APRs are based on recent market rates, are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice and may be subject to pricing addons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, credit score and other variables. Call for details. Terms and conditions apply. Additional loan programs may be available. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under MN law, or any other applicable law.

LACROSSE cuts lines across Carolina from high school to college and now MLL—Pro Lacrosse in Charlotte

OUR HOUNDS ARE ON THE TRAIL

Move over football. The 2014 World Cup proved that we can

all stretch our sports acumen and that there is room in America for more than the big three sports. Lacrosse is growing across the US and Charlotte and Raleigh are both major hot spots. If you’ve missed the Hounds this season, you’ll have one more chance to catch them August 1st.

Your friends here at Prowler Magazine have spent the last two summers following our Charlotte Hounds Pro Lacrosse team.

We’ve enjoyed meeting the fans and had the good fortune of speaking with lacrosse players from the age of 10-40. They are a very passionate and fit group. We invite you to join us for the last home game of the season Friday, August 1st and enjoy the

Charlotte Hounds experience for yourself. We’ll tailgate from 3:30pm in the afternoon up until game time—which is 7pm and then watch our Hounds defeat the New York Lizards.

Tailgates are tailored for the family with games, music, food and beverages. For more information see the Charlotte Hounds Facebook page. Also, on the web: www.CharlotteHounds.com

Don’t miss the fun August 1st for the last Hounds home game 2014.

Photos of Charlotte Hounds and Fans by Dannie Walls | Photos of Zero K Tailgate by David Carter

HOT NEW SPOT AUTOMATIC SLIMS T here are lots of glitzy, shiny bars in Charlotte—plenty to go around. This place isn’t one of them. No, Automatic Slims is rowdy, retro and a mash of modern and pop culture. It’s creators have kept the fun stuff—loud music, free pouring libations, buxom gals in pin-up clothing (with loads of tattoos and killer, kinky hair-dos).It’s just what the NC Music Factory needed—a bar as loud as the Factory is. There’s actually three distinct parts to Slims. There’s the main bar, where you and yours are invited to dance, sing or do as you damn well please on the bar. Here a wooly, inked DJ rocks the boards in an Airstream and images of Peter Fonda and random American grit line the walls along with a ensemble of bubble screen TVs sharing tiled images that make you want to drink yet another shot. Then there’s Betty’s pool hall, a tribute to the best/worst pin-up girl ever, with muscle car feel and even more of Slim’s gals.

Step outside to the Tiki bar and soak up more of that counter culture LA feel. And heed the slogan: “Where beautiful people come to get ugly.”Get going, you.

AUTOMATIC SLIMS @ The NC Music Factory, Uptown Charlotte Wednesdays @ 8- Pool League with Bar Athletes Fridays- Party Like a Pin-up Saturdays- Rock Mashups SPECIALS: $5 Fireball & $3 PBR TallBoys Photos by Reneé Wright

TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY ZŽĐŬ,ŽƵƐĞ y ǀĞŶƚƐ DŽŶ͕ ƵŐ ϰ - ZŽĐŬ,ŽƵƐĞ y ŝŶŐŽ dŚƵƌƐ͕ ƵŐ ϳ - ZŽĐŬ,ŽƵƐĞ y ,ĂƉƉLJ ,ŽƵƌ ^Ăƚ͕ ƵŐ ϵ - ZŽĐŬ,ŽƵƐĞ y ŽĚŐĞďĂůů dŽƵƌŶĞLJ

ǁǁǁ͘ZŽĐŬ,ŽƵƐĞ ǀĞŶƚƐ͘ĐŽŵ

Thank you Charlotte for 10 incredible years!!!

Jianwei Li with a vintage Prowler in 2009, photographed at The Bund, Shanghai China, 7,600 miles away from Charlotte

AND

MORE

ACTIVE

PLAYER

ROS-

NC MUSIC FACTORY EVENTS

CHARLIE MURPHY The real shizzle is back on tour...

COMEDY ZONE

www.cltcomedyzone.com Eddie Griffin, July 25-26 Ralphie May July 29-30 Shaun Jones July 31 Dave Attell Aug 1-2 World Series of Comedy Aug 6-9 Kyle Kinan Aug 11 Marc Maron Aug 14-16 Jimmy Schubert, August 21-23 Carolina Rhea August 26 Charlie Murphy, August 28-31 THE FILLMORE www.livenation.com/venues/14570/the-fillmore-charlotte

July 25 Jesse Mccartney July 26 Curren$y July 29 Dirty Heads July 30 Umphrey's McGee August 1 Trial By Fire- Journey Tribute August 2 MKTO August 6 Rodrigo y Gabriela August 7 Keyshia Cole August 10 G Love & Special Sauce August 17 Kat County Summer Jame August 19 3 Doors Down Acoustic August 28 Yonder Mountain String Band September 4 Prince Royce September 7 August Alsina September 11 DJ Shado & Cut Chemist September 12 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band September 18 Matisyahu UPTOWN AMPHITHEATRE

www.livenation.com/venues/14076/uptownamphitheatre-at-nc-music-factory July 28 Sara Bareilles August 4 Gavin DeGraw and Matt Nathanson August 13 Panic! at the Disco August 21 Old Crow Medicine Show August 22 NEEDTOBREATHE August 27 Bob Weir & Ratdog October 3 Darius Rucker

In Carolina, fans have a lot to be thankful for, a lot to look for-

ward to and a few concerns. We can be thankful for an amazing run last season and thrill after thrill as Carolina showed everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with. We are all looking forward to seeing our team with a healthy backfield, a fresh receiver coreStatistics including our #1 draft pick, #28 overall REcap of 2014 in the 2014 NFL Draft, Kelvin Benjamin. There are some major improvements at Bank of America Stadium, including escalators and tremendous new screens at each end of the stadium. And then there are the concerns: Steve Smith #89, a longtime scoring leader and rabble rouser...is gone. The Panthers GM Gettleman and owner Jerry Richardson are clearly advancing a strategy.

Then there’s the offseason ankle surgery that leaves #1 Cam Newton recovering well, yet still without full mobility just weeks before pre-season.

And something else is missing: Jordan Gross—the stalwart left tackle and a leader among the Panthers has retired leaving fellow offensive lineman Byron Bell to compete for his position during the pre-season and other rookies and acquired players to fill in along the line. Returning are both of the 2013 starting guards who went out with injuries early on:Amini Silatolu and Garry Williams—this is good news. Right up the middle we’ll have Ryan Kalil, the Pro Bowl center who keeps things in order for his QB. There is much to be seen about the O Line—the barrier between Cam Newton and 3,000+ lbs of defense on opposing teams.

Many question if Cam will be able to stand up in the pocket and make the plays he needs to downfield. If not, we may be looking at another year of Cam on the run—exciting but not a solid, winning gameplan.

Ron Rivera, once on the hot seat, stood strong and delivered his Panther team to NFC South Championship status and earned two things in the process last season: the moniker of Riverboat Ron for going for it on 4th down* and NFL Coach of the Year in 2014.

So fans think back to years past and remember injuries, QB debacles, beginning play off lopsided, losing records and dig in for a season that promises to be warfare in the NFC South and one where you just-might-see-your-cats-go-all-the-way!

The Panthers will be powerful on the ground with Newton, Stewart, Williams and Tolbert all healthy and ready to literally roll over would-be tacklers.

PHOTOS BY STEVE LINDENMAN

2014 TEAM ROSTER Pre-Season C AROLI NA PANTH ER S

Returning and ready: Newton, Kalil, Tolbert, Kuechly, and Johnson

N F C P L AY O F F P H O T O S B Y S T E V E L I N D E N M A N

2014 SEASON SCHEDULE C AROLI NA PANTH ER S

PRESEASON

MAGAZINE

Aug 08 Aug 17 Aug 22 Aug 28

BUFFALO BILLS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ NE PATRIOTS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS

BOA Stadium BOA Stadium Gillette Stadium Heinz Field

7:30 PM 8:00 PM 7:30 PM 7:30 PM

TWC/CP TWC/CP TWC/CP TWC/CP

Sep 07 Sep 14 Sep 21 Sep 28 Oct 05 Oct 12 Oct 19 Oct 26 Oct 30 Nov 10 Nov 16

@ TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS DETROIT LIONS PITTSBURGH STEELERS @ BALTIMORE RAVENS CHICAGO BEARS @ CINCINNATI BENGALS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS @ PHILADELPHIA EAGLES ATLANTA FALCONS Bye Week @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS CLEVELAND BROWNS @ ATLANTA FALCONS

Raymond James BOA Stadium BOA Stadium M&T Bank Stadium BOA Stadium Paul Brown Stadium Lambeau Field BOA Stadium BOA Stadium Lincoln Financial Field BOA Stadium

4:25 PM 1:00 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 8:25 PM 8:30 PM 1:00 PM

FOX NBC CBS FOX FOX FOX FOX NFLN ESPN FOX

REGULAR SEASON

Nov 30 Dec 07 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 28

TCF Bank Stadium Mercedes-Benz Superdome BOA Stadium BOA Stadium Georgia Dome

1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM

FOX FOX FOX CBS FOX

C H A R L O T T E P R O W L E R M A G A Z I N E presents

KINGS OF

OUR

SUMMER

Carolina Beach Music Lives On with Ken Knox & Company

Here is a true tale of the Carolinas and our beach culture for all who love our coast: Ken Knox, former

member and long-time saxophone player with the Chairmen of the Board headed by the legendary

General Johnson, remembers well the moment he got his marching orders for the rest of his life...

“We didn’t even know how sick General was then, that he wouldn’t be getting better,” Knox says.

“He looked at me and said, ‘Go out and give the best show you can give and continue our legacy.’

General passed me the baton and I will keep on playing our songs.”

Meeting General Johnson in the mid-1970s was a life-changing moment in young Ken’s life. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan with music all around— Motown, Junior Walker, King Curtis, and Boots Randolph were early influences. “You couldn’t help but pick up the music,” he says. “My friends would be singing down at the end of the block. My brother had a sax so when I was 11 or 12 I taught myself to play.”

His fledgling musical career led to the night when

Danny Woods, long-time vocalist with General Johnson, walked into the club where Ken’s band was playing. Ken and the band’s horn section ended up dancing on the bar with Danny that night.

Woods happened to be auditioning musicians for an upcoming tour.

“We clicked!” Ken says.

“He told me, be ready next Wednesday.” Ken was 21 years old.

That week, Knox found himself on stage with General Johnson playing a Detroit concert with the Supremes. The same night he boarded a private Lear jet for a concert in Madison Square Garden with the Stylistics. Next it was New Orleans for a concert with Earth, Wind and Fire.

“It was a life of limos and Lear jets,” Knox remembers. “I was hooked.”

Interview by R E N E E W R I G H T

For the next 38 years, Knox lived the dream, touring as a member of the Chairmen of the Board and producing recordings.

The group relocated to North Carolina when the Invictus label folded in 1978. “General said to me that they had this thing called Beach Music down south, so we moved down here and founded Surfside Records,” Knox says.

Studio East on Monroe Road in Charlotte became the band’s home base. It was there, in 1980, that the group recorded one of Beach Music’s most beloved songs, “Carolina Girls.”

“You were always hearing about California girls back then,” Knox recalls.

“We wanted to give Carolina girls some respect.”

The song became a regional hit and is still played

frequently on radio and at shag clubs across the south. General Johnson and the Chairmen of the Board were inducted into both the North Carolina and South Carolina Music Halls of Fame, and were members of the 1995 inaugural class of the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame. CNN dubbed them the “Kings of Beach Music.”

General Johnson died unexpectedly in 2010, after a pain in his knee turned out to be lung cancer that had spread. Ken Knox and the band toured as the Chairmen of the Board for a few years, then decided to retire the name to an honored position “on the mantle” as the Chairmen went their separate ways and Ken’s own career evolved. He now tours as Ken Knox and Company (KCO, Former Members of

Go.See.Do. If you’re so inclinded, or have a teenage daughter, attending this show is simply the biggest event of the year. Perhaps the biggest band of the decade, possibly of all-time when they’re done, Simon Cowell’s One Direction returns to Charlotte after a world tour that tumbled all previous records. Their infectious harmonies, hooks and sing-along chorus hits have us all singing in the shower and after school, despite a million denials.

PNC Bank Pavilion. September 27th

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll by an amazing array of local art of a mindbending loop at 60mph you crave for summer fun, Charlotte has it all.

Festival in the Park Carowinds Matthews Alive!

While we’re at it, did we mention that upstart 5 Seconds of Summer will open for One Direction in Charlotte? Our best guess is that screaming teen girls won’t make it through the opening act before requiring oxygen.

HOT IN THE CITY

SOAK UP THE SUN, CARPE DIEM, BASK IN THE NIGHTLIFE, ETC...

BREAK THE SPEED LIMIT

Yes, you can do this legally. There are many ways to get yourself in the driver’s seat at Charlotte Motor Speedway with an on-track driving package from www.NASCARDrivingExperience.com.

the Charlotte area. A good place to start is by contacting our good friends at Freedom Animal Hospital, where you’ll commonly find kittens and puppies available for adoption. www.freedomanimalhospital.com. When you call, congratulate them on rescuing over 50 cats locally

BECOME A “PICKER”

Locals have strolled the aisles of the Metrolina Fairgrounds (Sunset Road exit of 77N) for many decades, admiring collections and offerings of all kinds. Coca-cola collectibles, fine rugs, incredible Civil War memorabilia, vintage posters and literally, just about everything you can imagine.

Think eBay, rolled out live with hundreds of vendors, millions of things to see—most of which, you don’t see everyday. It’s a good walk and fair food and drinks are available. Great for an interesting date or families. Alternating weekends. See website for schedule and details. www.icashows.com

ZIP LINES NEXT TO NATURE

Zipline tours are available at the National Whitewater Center. You and a group of friends can glide from treetop to treetop. www.USNWC.org.

Finally GoPro Kart Racing lets you rev it up like you like it! GoProMotorplex.com

and finding great homes for all of them (a cat lover in despair called to inquire about euthanizing all of her pets, and FAH decided to rescue all of them and home them instead—at their own cost).

APPRECIATE LOCAL ART

STOP AND SMELL THE RARE FLOWERS

Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens showcases 380 acres of the most unusual and well-kept horticulture in the South, just along the banks of Lake Wylie in Belmont, NC. We can’t do justice to the visual of this treasure—please visit www.dsbg.org.

RESCUE SOMETHING CUTE AS PIE

Summer is an excellent time to bring a pet into the family, when you have time to nurture and train your new family member. There are many waiting across

SUPPORT LOCAL ART (and BEER!)

Our friends at The Comet Grill on Park Road present the First Annual Sunshine Art Festival, Sunday, August 10th where local artists will display their work 12 Noon-6pm. There will be live music from 10 bands (going on long after the art segment). This event is presented by the Comet Cares program which supports local art with the goal of keeping creativity in Charlotte. Bands include a bushel of top local talent: Instigators, Loose Lugnuts, Wicked Power, Lenny Federal, Dub Axxess, Ren Elvis, Kirkwood Crew, Safety Meeting, Hunter’s Travesty, and Truckstop Preachers. Call 704-371-4300 for more information.

GET AWAY FOR THE DAY

TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

If it’s been a while since you really let loose, Carowinds may be just the place to shake up your routine—no matter what age you are. Some of the best rollercoasters in the south are sure to take your mind off the moment and deliver memorable summer thrills. New mega water slides are here...dare you? www.Carowinds.com

ering, iconic new Mint uptown. A start at either end is advised, and please don’t think you’ve seen it all until your journey is complete.

Art is entrenched in Charlotte culture. A nice mix of corporate and counter culture continue to make it so. You can find it, along with others who enjoy the visual, gathering, eats and drink of the monthly gallery “crawls“ the first Friday of each month. Bohemian meets it’s match starting at N. Davidson street in NoDa (the North Davidson Arts District) and continuing throughout Uptown Charlotte, particularly along Tryon. The movement culminates along the Levine Avenue for the Arts on South Tryon with the Bechtler Museum and then, the tow-

You might win big or you might just make some new friends on the Prowler Magazine Day of Play motorcoach day trip to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, presented by Pair-A-Dice Travel. The big bus rolls out at 7am and the group plays at Harrah’s until 7pm. The afterparty is at Icehouse South End Bar & Grill where some lucky guy/gal will win a trip for two to Horseshoe Tunica, MS or Harrah’s Atlantic City, NJ with air fare!

Come join us. For more info see the EVENTS section on the Prowler Magazine Facebook page or contact Kim Smith at Kim@MyCasinoTravel.com or 704-542-7772. The next trip is August 23rd and coast is $60 per person, which includes $20 in casino play. Hurry, reservations deadline is August 4th.

CAROLINA BEACH BLAST

If you’re from Carolina you know the tune “Carolina Girls” (best in the world).

Ken Knox and Co., formerly Chairmen of the Board will bring that big beach sound to the NC Music Factory on September 6th. The day begins at Noon with cars and guitars—the Charlotte Cruise Ins will host their popular car cruise in and show (bring your ride or bike and join the fun), with bands and music all day. There will be games and vendors, plus some seriously beachy

swag. Proceeds will benefit Celebrity Charity Wishes, one of our favorite local charities. Celebrity Charity Wishes works with Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte and the Levine Children’s Hospital to have celebrities deliver smiles, school supplies, teddy bears (Bears for Buddies™) and does other much needed work with families who have children in treatment during their time of need. America’s Got Talent’s Nick Cannon is a spokesman for the charity. For more info visit Carolina Beach Blast on Facebook.

calming fountains surrounded by artistic elements, Bearden is very welcoming.

And once you’re there, the views of the skyline make you want to stay. It’s an oasis of outdoors in the heart of the city—just what it was designed to be.

Wednesdays from 5:30-9pm,

Wednesdays Through September July 30 Jim Quick & Coastline August 6 Band of Oz August 13 The Fantastic Shakers August 20 A Sign of the Times August 27 On the Border September 3 Too Much Sylvia September 10 The Swingin' Medallions September 17 Gal Friday September 24 The Dickens A special performance by The Headliners (5:30pm) and Ken Knox & Co. , formerly Chairmen of the Board (7:30pm) will be held at Bearden July 26th—go hear some great soul and beach music in your uptown.

There will be food vendors, Brixx Pizza, I Scream 4 Ice Cream, Roots Farm Food, Thrasher Dawgs and Junior Scoops Italian Ice. All concerts at Bearden are free to the public. Parking can be an issue, so go early and find the best spot.

ROMARE BEARDEN PARK UPTOWN Nothing says southern like iced tea (or moonshine) Romare Bearden was Firefly Tea and Firefly Moonshine are fast becoming the adult beverage of choice for picnics and backyard bbqs. an iconic Charlotte painter. The park, which we can celebrate a first birthday for August 29th, has quickly become a centerpiece Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec of uptown living and destination for presents live music with many of CharTo keep up with events in Charlotte we inthose who visit. With it’s immediate lotte’s favorite performers. Lawn chairs vite you to subscribe to our weekly enews proximity to the also-new BB&T Balland picnics are welcome, and food and edition, ON THE PROWL. It’s free. Just visit park, (home of the Charlotte Knights beverages are available for purchase. our website and click to subscribe at MiLB team) and its lush greens and Please, no glass containers.

ProwlerMagazine.com.

Incredible Edible Bites

Food as an institution is now in effect in your home town. CPCC, Johnson and Wales and other fine culinary educational programs are spawning more than good cooks and fine chefs. Entrepreneurs are taking their show on the road—and collecting national attention with food trucks, events and festivals.

Show on this page: PIcs from Food Truck Fridays, YAISOU! The Greek Festival and event food done to perfection. Visit CharlottesGotALot.com for more.

Go.See.Do.

ONE GREAT SUMMER OF SONG, COMEDY AND DANCE

FRESH NEW TALENT AND ICONIC STARS COLLIDE IN CHARLOTTE CONCERT DATES: Darius Rucker 10/3, Sarah Buerelis 7/28, MKT 8/2, Little Mix 9/30, Kenny Wayne Shepherd 8/19, Ralphie May 7/29/30, Florida/Georgia Line 9/6, 3 Doors Down 8/19, From the Cover: Seinfeld 7/25, Keith

Urban 8/22, Alice Cooper 8/19, KISS 7/26, Miley Cyrus 8/6, Dave Attel 8/1/2, Ken Knox & Co.(formerly Chairmen of the Board) 9/6 @ Carolina Beach Blast at the NC Music Factory

Keep a watch out for other major shows at additional venues including Amos’ South End, PNC Bank Pavilion,The Fillmore and Time Warner Cable Amphitheatre at the NC Music Factory.

Go.See.Do.

If you’ve ever attended Speed Street or watched a NASCAR Sprint Cup race out at Charlotte Motor Speedway, you’ve already been to a Jay Howard production. His company, JHE Production Group, which he founded in 1987, is now one of the top event production companies in the country and one of the fastest growing. JHE has been called the best production company in motorsports both for how creative and how well-run its events are.

Even if you don’t follow motorsports, you’ve likely encountered other JHE productions, such as the Belk Bowl FanFest, the CarolinaFest during the Democratic National Convention, and Panther half-time shows. But its shows in Charlotte are just the tip of the JHE iceberg. The company’s mobile touring department is on the road 52 weeks a year, bringing engaging experiences to fans at sporting events ranging from arena football to professional hockey games and bull riding competitions across the country.

Prowler Magazine got together with Jay Howard to find out more about the many activities of the JHE Production Group.

Prowler: How long have you been involved with Speed Street and the shows out at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

Jay: We’ve been lead producer of the Opening Ceremonies out at the Speedway for 25 years. And this is our 19th year of producing and promoting Speed Street.

P: Do you do this sort of thing at other tracks around the country?

Jay: We produce opening ceremonies for 36 of the 38 Sprint Cup races and our Sprint Experience display, with five tractor trailers of gear, goes to every race. In addition, we do events for Indy races and the Nationwide NASCAR series. We’ve got something going on somewhere every week.

P: What’s the most challenging part of what you do?

Jay: When we’re doing a live event, like the Sprint All-Star Race, with a lot of live elements like concerts and driver introductions, the timing has to be flawless, and you don’t have a lot of time to get things in place. For the All-Star pre-race show we set up, tore down, moved the stage and other components close to a mile, then brought it all back and set up again for the post-race show. We don’t own much that doesn’t have wheels.

P: What’s the most fun thing about what you do?

Jay: When everything goes well, it’s quite a rush to see your ideas come to life. It’s great to have an opportunity to take a product to market and have results, like lead generation, that are measurable, and make it fun for the public as well.

P: What are you most proud of?

Jay: At this past Sprint All-Star Race, we produced a new driver introduction format that got great reviews. It was all live on TV, and we never missed a beat. And I’m tremendously proud of our team, how cool and calm everyone was, amid enough chaos to drive anyone insane. You can

always tell how well an event is going by how much chatter there is on the radio, and at the All-Star, the radio was nearly silent. No panic. Everyone did a professional job.

P: Earlier in May, you produced the Concours d’Elegance at the Pinehurst Resort. Can you tell us about that event?

Jay: It was our second year producing the Concours at Pinehurst. It’s based on the granddaddy of all car shows at Pebble Beach. Over 100 rare show cars were on display on the greens at Pinehurst. The idea is to combine the iconic golf destination with the most elegant cars from around the world.

P: You’ve been on the ground as Charlotte’s sports scene has evolved. Any thoughts?

Jay: A varied sports scene is important for the city. Besides motorsports, we’ve run the game openers for Checkers hockey, and did six seasons of half-time shows for the Carolina Panthers. I’d say I have a little experience with a lot of sports. It has to be a passion.

For more information on the JHE Production Group, visit www.gojhe.com

SPRINT ALL-STAR RACE Festivities by JHE Production Group. —Photos by S T E V E L I N D E N M A N

DOING GOOD RESCUE RANCH, NC

WILD THINGS ABOUND

W

RYAN NEWMAN AND WIFE KRISSIE’S RESCUE RANCH JUST NORTH OF CHARLOTTE IS ALL ABOUT THE ANIMALS

ith more than a handful of dog parks in Mecklenburg County and annually-attended events like The Humane Society of Charlotte’s Pet Palooza and the Park and Recreation Department’s Bark in the Park, one might venture to say the greater Charlotte area is “dog-gone crazy”.

But, that passion for helping dogs, rabbits, birds and more has been taken to a new level thanks to speed-loving advocates, NASCAR driver Ryan Newman and his wife, Krissie.

With a long-standing enthusiasm for helping animals in need, the Newmans have adopted many dogs over the years and continue to expand their family of rescues.

After promoting the need for the community to spay and neuter their pets, Krissie felt that more work needed to be done and decided she wasn’t going to stop there. So, in January 2012, the well-known racing couple took their passion for animals to a new level and founded Rescue Ranch.

Located in Statesville, only 45 minutes north of Charlotte, Rescue Ranch is a nonprofit animal welfare organization focused on ending pet overpopulation, animal suffering and the promotion of humane care of domestic animals.

The 80-acre facility will welcome guests interested in humane education programs, animal rescue services, and in the future, Rescue Ranch will offer animal trauma veterinary services, ther-

apy, spay and neuter, pet memorial gardens, walking and riding trails and more.

Humane education is a rather new term, but it essentially teaches people compassion and respect for both animals and their environments, as well as skills and suggestions for living peacefully with them.

Rescue Ranch’s education programs coach animal lovers and those interested in animal adoption these skills while offering a variety of activities to provide direction and instruction in animal behavior and habitats, the importance of rescue and adoption of animals, and responsible pet ownership.

Underscoring the need to learn about care and responsibilities prior to

bringing an animal home will hopefully aid in decreasing the number of mistreated or abandoned animals.

“It’s so important for people to educate themselves on the animal and associated care before bringing it into their families,” said Ms. Newman. “Puppies will get big, vet bills can be expensive and some birds and reptiles can outlive their owners. Knowing these things ahead of time creates a more responsible pet owner.”

In addition, children can participate in Animal Day Camps which will provide an opportunity for hands-on interaction between children and animals to enhance the learning process of respect, compassion and care of animals.

This summer, Rescue Ranch will offer “Critter Camps” to children in first grade through eighth grade. The weeklong camp sessions will build upon a child’s interest for animals with fur, feathers or scales. The hands-on animal experiences, crafts, games and activities

are excellent opportunities to let your feathers fly with animal fun.

If your child has explored the possibility of becoming a veterinarian, Critter Camps even offers sessions with special guests from VCA Animal Hospitals giving

children an up close and personal veterinary experience.

Don’t miss out on Rescue Ranch’s Pet Club, an online community to share your love and passion of animals. Creatures of all shapes and sizes are welcome in the Rescue Ranch Pet Club.

Whether your best friend has fur, feath-

ers or fins, you can create a page just for your pet and share their thoughts, post photos and tell the world what makes them unique!

There are several ways you can place your paw print on Rescue Ranch.

The organization is in need of animalloving volunteers, important supplies to help care for the animals and property and valuable funds to allow the ranch to continue to add services.

Help the Newmans speed up the process of helping those in need. The couple is eager to reach the checkered flag and create a winner’s circle for the animals that can’t help themselves.

Story by CRYSTAL EMERICK

For those of us who grew up right here in the Carolinas a sip of Moonshine at the holidays was and remains a time-honored tradition. It’s still illegal, in it’s purest form. But the crafty distillers who brought us Firefly Tea have found a way to serve moonshine up fresh and flavorful right here with the blessing of the good-ole’ ABC commission. It’s available at most any corner ABC without a trail of blue lights to follow you. If, that is, you don’t open it until you get home. We’ve gone so far as to round up near 20 recipes that your guests will just plain love. But mind you, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and this new breed of moonshine is also to be enjoyed...respectfully.

Caramel Apple Chilled Firefly Apple Moonshine and Firefly Caramel Moonshine, served in a shot glass

Hot Ass Apple Pie Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine mixed with Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, served in a shot glass.. aka Flaming Apple

Green Apple Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine mixed with Ginger Ale, generous splash of lime juice, served over ice Apple Pie of my Eye Equal parts Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine & Ginger Ale with a splash of fresh lime Blackbeard’s Apple Pie Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine, ½ Spiced Rum, lemon slice Apple Ale Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine, Ginger Ale, cherry

Cran Apple Ale Apple Pie Moonshine, Cranberry Juice

Backwoods Boiler Maker Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine dropped in a half pint of beer The Suspension 1 part Apple Pie Moonshine, 1 Part apple cider

Palmetto Moon Firefly Apple Pie Moonshine, Apple Pucker, Sour, and Ginger STILL THIRSTY?

Caramel Apple Breeze Firefly Caramel and Apple Pie Moonshines, lemon lime soda, Cranberry Juice

Caramel Coffee Hot or iced coffee topped with Firefly Caramel Moonshine

Javamel Sea Island Java Rum mixed with Firefly Caramel Moonshine, chilled or served in a shot Caramel Barrel ½ Firefly Caramel Moonshine. ½ Buffalo Trace Bourbon Pancake Syrup Firefly Caramel Moonshine, Orange Juice, Butter Scotch Schnapps Dark Side of the Moon Firefly Cherry Moonshine, Black Raspberry Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, and Sprite Carolina Cola 2 parts Firefly Cherry Moonshine, 3 parts Cola

Shirley Shine Temple 2 oz. Firefly Cherry Moonshine, fill with Sprite, serve over ice and garnish with a cherry For Island Oasis Machine:

Moonshine Margarita 1.5 oz Cherry Moonshine, 5 oz Frozen Margarita mix

For more fabulous cocktails for every season visit our archives at www.ProwlerMagazine.com. Enjoy!

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LET US QUOTE YOUR PROJECT, LARGE OR SMALL

Serving the Charlotte Region since 1976

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Service@ARCElectricCompany.com www.ARCElectricCompany.com CHOOSE THE ELECTRIC COMPANY CHOSEN BY ABC’S THE BACHELORETTE, HOMEARAMA AND ESPN/PROWLER MAGAZINE

Light

FRESH FLAVORED SUMMER SALADS Hearty Healthy

Tuna Salad Everyone Will Love

Ingredients

CHICKEN SALAD ROSEMARY MAKES THE SANDWICH Ingredients 3 cups chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 3/4 pound) 1/3 cup chopped green onions 1/4 cup chopped smoked almonds 1/4 cup plain fat-free yogurt

1/4 cup light mayonnaise 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 10 slices whole-grain bread

CRAB SALAD CRISP AND TASTY

Ingredients 1 lb cooked lump crab meat (can sub imitation crab) 1 tbsp grapeseed oil 2 tbsp white wine vinegar lemon juice from 1/2 fresh

Yum!

lemon 1/2 cup celery, diced 1/2 orange or red bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup red onion, diced fine 1/2 cup cucumber, diced

STILL HUNGRY? See more at www.ProwlerMagazine.com.

Directions

Combine first 9 ingredients, stirring well. Spread about 2/3 cup of chicken mixture over each of 5 bread slices, and top with remaining bread slices. Cut sandwiches diagonally in half.

2 cans (5 ounces each) chunk light tuna in water, drained 2 medium stalks celery, chopped 1 medium carrot, shredded, about 1/2 cup 1/2 medium (4- to 6ounce) red peppers, chopped 1/4 cup(s) light mayo 3 tablespoon(s) nonfat plain yogurt 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Pepper

Directions

In medium bowl, combine tuna, celery, carrot, red pepper, mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Directions 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked white pepper 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 3 tablespoons light/low cal mayonnaise Garnish: salad greens, sliced avocado, lemon wedges

Mix cooked crab meat with oil and vinegar and lemon juice, stir well and break up crab meat into flaky pieces.

Add diced celery, orange or red pepper, onion, cucumber, cilantro, salt, pepper, seasoned salt and mayonnaise. Cover well and place salad in the refrigerator for an hour to chill and let the flavors meld. Serve over mixed greens with slices of avocado and fresh lemon wedges.

Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes Serves 4-6.

C H A R L O T T E P R O W L E R M A G A Z I N E presents

Story & Photography by Reneé WRight

Chef Aaron Maurice

Ice House South End Bar & Grill ake a quick look around ice house in the Atherton Mill complex, and your first impression is – this is a sportsbar – an unusually large, clean and spacious sportsbar, with an unusual number of huge, high quality tVS – but a sportsbar, none the less, no doubt offering the same tired menu of wingsquesadillas-burgers as every other sportsbar in the city. And that’s where you’d be wrong.

A look inside ice house’s lengthy menu reveals a world of different flavors—thai noodles, Asian salads, italian pastas and pizzas, tex-Mex tacos,

T

Cajun jambalaya, plus fresh seafood, barbecue and a big selection All-American hamburgers. Rare seared tuna comes atop a thai peanut slaw with just the right amount of kick. A colorful italian Caprese salad of fresh mozzarella is made extra-special with roasted tomatoes and a generous ribbon of basil pesto on top.

And yes—there are wings, particularly tasty ones, smoked then grilled with a choice of house-made sauces. the man behind this flavor extravaganza—the most upscale menu of bar food we’ve encountered to date—is Chef Aaron Maurice.

Like many chefs, he ended up running a kitchen by following his passion. “i worked in the kitchen at a golf course when i was 16,” he told us. “then i went to school for computers, and ended up working for iBM and earthlink. But i got sick of the cubicle. i decided to go back to what i love.”

A menu insert lists “Chef Maurice’s Specials,” a menu of seasonal dishes, or just what Maurice is liking right now. “i’m a fan of good food,” he says. “i’m partial to italian and thai. i could eat thai every day.” his favorites on the current menu are the Chicken Caprese Panini (grilled

chicken, mozzarella, fresh basil and balsamic roasted tomatoes piled on ciabatta bread), and the Hawaiian, with ham, bacon, pineapple and Swiss cheese on a pretzel bun.

Maurice changes the menu every couple of months to keep things fresh and offers daily specials. For example, right now Mondays bring chicken & dumplings, Tuesday is salsa verde day, and Fridays are celebrated with shrimp po’ boys. Each day includes a

solid selection of daily beer and cocktails specials, as well. Monday through Wednesday, tacos are on special during happy hour (4-6 pm) for $1.50 each.

Chef Maurice isn’t finished experimenting with flavors. “I’ve got a really big smoker back in the kitchen and I’ve been playing around with smoking salmon. All our soups are made inhouse, and I’ve been making a smoked salmon chowder now and

Samplings From The Menu Thai Noodle Salad Cabbage, carrot, cucumber and fried wonton with ginger peanut vinaigrette

Beef and Blue Salad Sirloin, tomato, onion, bacon and crumbled blue cheese with blue cheese dressing Pulled Chicken Salad Egg, tomato, onion, bacon, mixed cheese and croutons with BBQ Ranch dressing

Summer Pasta Chicken, tomatoes, fresh basil, spinach, garlic, capers, and lemon zest in a white wine reduction, served with garlic toast

then that’s been a big hit.”

The smoker also turns out tender beef briskets and pork butts, plus a smoked prime rib that makes unbelievable chili.

Chef Maurice says he’ll go the extra mile to get Ice House patrons excited about his menu. “I’m going to try to wow you,” he told us.

Consider us wow’d!

FOR INFO, MENU & EVENTS: www.icehousecharlotte.com

Ice House South End Bar & Grill

Lemon Chicken White wine butter sauce, mashed potato and mixed vegetable

Fried Chicken Breast Panko breaded chicken with pork gravy over mashed potato and mixed vegetable Bacon & Avocado Burger Lettuce, tomato, onion, Bacon and cilantro mayo Monarch Burger Fried egg, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar and cilantro mayo

Pimento Cheese Burger Pimento cheese, bacon, jalapenos Veggie Burger Coleslaw, guacamole & tomatoes.

Beef Sliders Onion, cheddar and mustard Buffalo Chicken Sliders Blue cheese dressing

Greek Pizza Chicken, banana pepper, black olive, roasted red pepper, feta and mozzarellas

GUEST CELEBRITY INTERVIEW Kyle Jenkins discusses Body by Vi/Project 10

ARE YOU UP TO THE CHALLENGE?

The program challenges you to help yourself and helps children in the process. It’s all win.

Meet Kyle Jenkins—interviewed by Wordsmith J about the worthwhile and amazing things that Project 10 is doing for kids AND adults of all ages: Kyle is an athlete & body-building competitor that happens to also be an accomplished health & wellness advocate, rightfully so. When it comes to health awareness, he is passionate about educating those are who in need of knowledge and understanding, he stimulates those who have the will to become active, and he motivates those that are driven to be all that they are capable of being by introducing them to a masterful program ViSalus. ViSalus offers not only a fitness program geared towards weight-loss, building lean muscle, or improving energy & endurance, but it’s promoting a healthier way of life. How could this type of program not intrigue Kyle? Quite naturally, when two things gather with identical goals, dreams, and aspirations, it quickly becomes a blissful and productive union. Kyle and his wife,

Lindsay, have joined forces with ViSalus and the Body by Vi Challenge to combat the global epidemic of obesity from adolescents up to adulthood by promoting awareness and preventative methods. Let’s see what this program is all about…

Wordsmith J How has ViSalus influenced you and your family?

Kyle Jenkins ViSalus has allowed me a platform to change not only my life but it also changed my wife’s life and it has helped us to help thousands of other people achieve their health & wellness goal(s). We are directly challenging the childhood obesity epidemic as well. When I started this thing, I didn’t even want to look at it, the typical exathlete male.

To put it lightly, I was friends with every employee at every GNC near my house and they sold me everything over the counter and I spent hundreds of dollars on stuff looking for the quick fix. I didn’t realize that it

wasn’t going to work; I was programmed to think that adding something to my body that would work athletically, it had to come from a GNC or what have you…

My wife, thank God for her (laughs) actually tricked me into even looking at this program. The day I started, I was 253lbs with a 38-inch waist; I was technically obese even though I was in the gym 4 days a week and more active than the average person. It wasn’t doing anything for me and it stemmed from the types of food that I was putting in my body and it wasn’t offsetting. I hear people all of the time say, “I often workout so I can eat what I want to.” I get that, however I do want to let people know that I’m not saying you have to give up what you like, but you should make better choices when it comes to longevity in doing the things that need to be done. The day I started the program, the 90-day challenge, I did it only so that I could tell my wife that it didn’t work. At the end of my 90-day challenge, I lost a total of 44lbs.

I went from 253lbs to 209lbs and from a size 38 waist to a 32, and I never thought I’d see these results from a program like this. My wife dropped 42lbs, more importantly she’s a chronic-migraine sufferer, has been ever since the age of 15, and she had the type of migraines that would literally knock her off of her feet for 2 to 3 days. She started this in November of 2010 and (as of today) she hasn’t had a migraine in 39 months! This is when we started to really pay attention to what type of fuel we are putting in our bodies. There is so many pros to what this program does and there is so much for our lives that it has done.

WJ-What exactly is obesity? To my understanding, obesity and being over-weight are two different things?

Kyle Jenkins In my own words, obesity is a life-threatening epidemic that has taken not only our country but also our planet by storm and it is something that can be corrected but it starts with awareness and education. Everybody knows that obesity begins as an over-weight issue but what it’s stemming from is the type of programming that we are receiving on a daily basis like the, “Eat the burger, get the crown,” or the, “Eat the chicken nugget, get the toy,” notions, not to mention the trickery in cereals and our obsession for tastes; Our obsession as a country to produce food for cost reasons and not for nutrition. Obesity is exactly that, an

epidemic that is taking lives in a tragic way at an alarming rate that directly stems from being over-weight, not much of a difference.

WJ-What inspired you to begin focusing on childhood obesity specifically?

Kyle Jenkins We have a program called Project 10 and this is how it works. For every adult that has a weight-loss goal of 10lbs or more and/or a muscle-building goal of 10lbs or more, and as they achieve those goals for every 10lbs, our company donates 30 healthy meals to children in need and we are working directly with experts in the childhood obesity field to make sure that these meals are going exactly where they are needed.

In 2013, the American Heart Association stated, “…the obesity epidemic is disproportionally more rampant among children living in low-income, low-education, and higher unemployment households…” Logic kicks in and tells me that with less income, that means less food, however when you factor in government assistance (i.e. food stamp programs, assisted living stipends, etc.), how does that statement on the epidemic affect your mission? What can these underprivileged and disadvantaged do to combat childhood obesity in their communities with limited resources?

It truly begins with education; just because someone is in a low-income situation or because they are on government assistance, it doesn’t mean that they cannot eat healthy. That is something I dealt with for a long time; I thought that eating healthy was more expensive. Now because of the way that I reprogrammed my body, it is actually cheaper for me to eat healthy opposed to eating unhealthy, but the common misconception is that, “We don’t have a lot of money so let’s get the cheapest thing that’ll stretch the furthest,” but unfortunately those types of products are arguably high in cholesterol, high in sugar, high in preservatives and things in that nature which directly ties into contributing to the obesity epidemic.

It is common that in a low-income situation, we must shop for comfort food or convenient food such as chips, soda, or junk in general. When a child is in a low-income situation and it’s time for a snack, that snack is not going to be healthy because they do not have the vegetables in the house; it’s going to be the sugary drinks and things of that nature. That’s where it ties into the “low-income” situation and that’s why the childhood obesity epidemic is massive in those types of situations. It’s combated with education and with adults making a conscious decision to want to change. It’s going to take the parents to take the initiative to make something happen; they’re going to have to make the conscious decision to buy a case of water rather than a case of soda.

When I was a child, we had recess just about everyday and gym/physical education multiple times each week. Things have changed now and with a lot of budget cuts, a lot of playgrounds are being torn down, after

school sports are either being canceled and/or you have to pay-to-play, and other things included. With that being said, I see it as children having less access to the physical activities to keep them in shape, so how do you convince young children who go without these daily activities to put down the unhealthy snacks and go outside (after school) to become physically active?

That truly starts with the parents and it goes back to educating everyone. It also stems furthermore from unhealthy, inactive adults that are very busy in their work life, but when it comes to being active or going outside of the “inactive box,” it’s hard because they enable themselves by enabling their children by pacifying them with things such as a PS4 and other gaming systems not to mention giving them tablets or access to a lot of electronics that we didn’t have growing up. When it came to entertainment, it was simply go outside and play with a stick if you had to; it wasn’t sit around the house and play video games all day or have a portable electronic device in your hand and even while being outside, it’s still in your hand. In my household, when my wife and I send our children outside to play, they are not allowed to take their tablets; they are going outside to play, to kick that ball, things of that nature. The children are generally conditioned to stay in the house because most of the time, the parents are enabling and enforce that behavior by pacifying the kids by gifting the gaming system.

That’s not all of the situations but that is a lot of them where it is easier for them (parents) to keep an eye on them in the house while watching television or playing video games rather than getting up and being active with them. There are a lot of funding issues where children do have to pay-to-play. I don’t understand kids only having P.E. only once each week, but it’s a matter of changing the programming to put the emphasis on healthy activity and putting that awareness to the forefront. Without the adequate activity, it’s hard to get any child to become healthy even if you are putting the right foods in their body, they’re still sitting around doing nothing. On the other hand you have people like Coach Felando Clark, who is helping individuals using his passion for health awareness as well, helping others and putting health awareness on the forefront by offering outlets in fitness and education.

Everyone knows somebody who is either a diabetic, has a cardiovascular disease, has high blood pressure, or other relatable conditions but the vast majority of these constituents are more than likely above the age of 40, generally speaking. With childhood obesity, that general health-decline has shrunken down from the general age of 40 down to adolescents. As shocked as I am about the following term, they have coined “pre-diabetes” which is the state of readying your body (metaphorically speaking) for conditions to come such as those that I listed. Once a child learns that they are a pre-diabetic, do you believe that it is possible to “coach” them out of that state or are they

doomed? Do you believe that the ViSalus or Impact Training Systems programs can reverse that diagnosis? Is the epidemic more hereditary or is it more learned & self-inflicted?

It is absolutely possible! It isn’t only self-inflicted but it can be self-corrected as well. Type-2 Diabetes is the most deadly disease on this planet. I say it’s self-inflicted because people are making the decisions to buy the sugar, the sodas, the foods that are directly linked to diabetes and their bodies are literally eating themselves. When you’re talking about the average teenager at the age of 19 that is consuming up to 20lbs of sugar every week, and they’re wondering why the ages are getting lower and lower for the pre-diabetes or the type-2 diagnosis, it’s because of the massive sugar consumption.

We, as Americans, consume so much sugar and wonder why we have these health conditions, it comes down to simply making a choice, and before you can make a choice, it comes back to self-awareness and education on such matters. If you’ve been around somebody who has type-2 or if you’ve been around somebody who had a limb amputated, or if you know somebody who is dealing with the type-2 diabetic ulcers, they can attest to this. The next generation coming up could possibly be twice as bad if they do not make a change. It is against the law to advertise any type of weight-loss to any children because children are way too impressionable and the last thing you want to do is to start playing with the psyche of a child with the weight-loss thing, so we don’t want to do that. Our program is designed for adults to make a decision to get healthier and as a result of them getting healthy, we donate these meals to children.

As of this year, we have already donated over 100,000 meals to children in need. People don’t realize that diabetes and heart disease are leading causes of death in the United States, but nobody wants to talk about it. The scariest thing is that it is a disease that can be prevented, but it can also be collected.

This is obviously an epidemic that many organizations are advocating to bring awareness to the forefront. Where can people learn more about how they can become a promoter or accept the challenge with ViSalus to actively combat childhood and overall obesity?

You can become directly involved with the Project 10 program by going to : - instagram page: KyleJenkins54 —- our facebook page: or search Kyle Jenkins 54.

See more from Coach C. including workouts on the web: www.ImpactTrainingSystem.com