LKN April 2023

SPRING HOME ISSUE

THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTIFUL LAWNS

NO MATTER WHAT SIDE OF THE STREET YOU LIVE ON, GRASSROOTS TURF HAS THE EXPERTISE TO KEEP YOUR LAWN LOOKING AMAZING.

Clockwise, starting top left: Glass Carin & Vases by Thomas Spake, Houston Llew Spiritles, Simple Necklace by Anna Balkin, Zpots Studio Pottery, Elijah Kell Glass Vessel

WELCOME TO COMPLETE REHAB

At Complete Rehab, our specialty is neuropathy and our mission is simple: regardless of the diagnosis, we strive to deliver complete, compassionate rehab to all patients with the goal of improving function and/or performance by addressing deficits to maximize potential.

If you struggle with neuropathy, your peripheral nervous system has a difficult time transmitting information between your central nervous system and the rest of your body. As a result, you might experience numbness, weakness, pain, or a number of other symptoms from nerve damage or deterioration in your legs, feet, arms, hands. This can result in significant discomfort, reduced function, and a lowered quality of life.

OUR GOAL

At our neuropathy clinic in Clemmons, North Carolina, we will work with you to understand exactly what is causing your specific neuropathic symptoms. Using our experience, we will then establish a Plan of Care to relieve or completely eliminate your symptoms so you can finally get relief! While medication can help in certain situations, this isn’t our first response, and we work hard to identify solutions that can provide results on a long-term basis. In fact, it is rare that we are unable to improve or completely heal a patient struggling with neuropathy.

With over 24 years and 7,000 patients worth of experience, I and my team of neuropathy specialists at Complete Rehab will figure out YOUR specific type of neuropathy and completely eliminate or decrease your symptoms.”

- BRETT DUFFEY

NEUROPATHY SPECIALISTS

Ready to do something about your neuropathy? Try Complete Rehab— THE NEUROPATHY Specialists!

Neuropathy

Neuropathy Symptoms

Neuropathy Clinic

Website

Address www.crtherapy.com

6000 Meadowbrook Mall, Ste 22 Clemmons, NC 27012

Sweet Grass Boutique

Publisher Perspective

April is the first full month of spring, and I am so excited and ready for my favorite season of the year. I look forward to getting outside more, whether it is to plant flowers with my sweet mama, who officially turned me into a gardener last summer, or to enjoy the beauty of nature as I take my daily walk.

April is also when we publish our biannual “HOME SECTION” in LKN Magazine, and we are proud of our first spring issue with 18 pages covering home topics from easy and inexpensive tips for home improvement to having the lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood with GrassRoots Turf of Lake Norman.

Speaking of GrassRoots Turf, it is our cover story (page 28) for this month and a local company that I can speak for personally. David Tilley and his team first started making our yard look amazing in the summer of 2022. When we started LKN Magazine he was one of the FIRST to advertise, and we are both thrilled with the response that it has generated. He believed in our publication from the beginning and has been a loyal advertiser since the first issue.

Our FIRST ANNUAL TOUR DE BOUTIQUE in Lake Norman is this month and if you have not signed up yet, register NOW at http://tinyurl. com/LKNTDB2023! Information about the tour is on page 62. We are so excited to bring this FUN event to the LKN community it’s a win-win for local businesses and shoppers alike. We are truly grateful to have a unique group of shops to partner with us for our first annual event. Follow our social media for updates and more info!

Please be sure to mention LKN Magazine to our advertisers when you visit them. The advertisers make this free magazine possible and for that we are extremely grateful! Nothing makes my heart happier than supporting local businesses and publishing interesting stories about our amazing community.

Blessings to All!

KEELA JOHNSON, Publisher

BROOKE EAGLE, EDITOR Brooke@ForsythMags.com

ROBIN SHUPE, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

photography by CARRIE ALLEN

BARBARA MINOR, SALES DIRECTOR

Barbara@lkn-magazine.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

Carrie Allen, LLC

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER*

Carrie Allen, LLC

CONTENT EDITORS

Robin Shupe

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS*

Adele Casanova

Karen Cooper

Laura Czerwinski

Martie Emory

Lindsey Fisher

Bethany Godwin

Tyler A. Hampton

Taryn Jerez

Tanner Johnson

Chelsea Kowalski

Brandon James

Javier & Shannan Labrador

Carolyn S. Peterson

Tabatha Renegar

Susan Schabacker

Charlie Schuler

Leslie Speas

Rocky Thompson

KATE SHAW, CREATIVE DIRECTOR

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE McIlwraith Enterprises, LLC

BACK OFFICE & VIRTUAL ASSISTANT

The Office Nerd, Denise Heidel

CONTACT

LKN-Magazine.com

888-892-3204

ADVERTISING

Keela@lkn-magazine.com

*Others credited throughout.

Disclaimer: Please note that the inclusion of stories and articles in LKN Magazine magazine does not imply endorsement of products or people. The views of the authors are presented for information and entertainment only, and may not necessarily reflect the views of LKN Magazine. Specifically, LKN Magazine in no way endorses any claim associated with health and/or well being with respect to any particular person. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We will not be held responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage that is caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of, or reliance on, any content in this magazine. LKN Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement or listing that does not meet LKN Magazine standards. Submissions are welcome but unsolicited materials are not guaranteed to be returned. LKN Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services or statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. ©2023 by LKN Magazine, Inc.

LKN Magazine

MARTIE EMORY, SENIOR STAFF WRITER

FEATURES

20 The Perfect Dress: A Mother’s Time to Shine

22 Profolio Events: Top Notch Art Portfolios

24 Uplift Skin & Body: Let’s Uplift Each Other in 2023!

26 2023 SPRING HOME ISSUE

28 COVER STORY GrassRoots Turf of Lake Norman: The Business of Beautiful Lawns

32 Susan Dolan, Senior Broker: Trending Listing

34 Using Pinterest to Plan Home Projects

36 Motto Mortgage: Tuned in to Clients & the Community

38 Consign on a Dime & Showplace 28: Why Consigning Makes Sense!

40 10 Inexpensive Home Improvements for Spring

42 The House: Putting Customer Service First!

46 DIY Tea Beauty Recipes

48 The Unexpected Gifts of Grief

50 How Music Moves & Shapes Us

54 The Peninsula Community Foundation: Celebrating 20 Years

58 Westport Swim & Tennis Club: Family Fun from the Courts to the Pool!

62 LKN EVENTS Tour de Boutique

64 Heart of the Carolinas UU Animal Ministry ChainFreeDogs.org: Spreading Unconditional Love

66 A Simpler Life

68 Why Do We Procrastinate & What Can We Do About It?

IN EVERY ISSUE

Capital

DO YOU HAVE A FINANCIAL PLAN

by BRANDON JAMES, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

At Marzano Capital Group, we believe that everyone should have a written financial plan. The main purpose of having a plan is so that you can see your financial assets in a detailed and organized manner and how they relate to your overall goals. Having a plan is like a road map and will give you confidence in the progress you are making every step of the way. Trying to manage the ebbs and flows of life without a plan to cover your financial needs is like starting out on a trip without a map or GPS. It’s not a very reliable way to approach your destination. Knowing there will be route changes and detours in your life’s journey will be easier to navigate with the proper instruments in place to get there.

We use a robust planning tool that enables us to build a customized plan that is specific to your current situation and future goals. This program models many things, such as your assets, expenses and savings rates to show how each of them impact your net worth. Once we have a “base case” in place, we can build alternative scenarios and goals for the future to illustrate how those changes might impact your plan, such as when to retire, when to claim social security and how to manage expenses throughout retirement. We feel that this is a strong value-add and a feature that our clients enjoy building and updating, because it ultimately leads to financial confidence.

Your financial plan should be a “living document” that is frequently updated to reflect any changes that have occurred since the last time we reviewed your plan. When we meet with our clients, one of the most exciting parts of the meeting is when we review their financial plan. It is in that part of the meeting that they get the answers to the questions that every individual, couple and family want to know: Are we going to be okay? Are we going to have what we need? Can I retire early? Will we have spending flexibility in retirement? How much of a legacy will we be able to leave to our children and grandchildren?

The reality is, a lot of people spend more time planning their family’s vacation than they do their own life’s goals. What if something happened to you? Would you have the means to support your family without them having to bear tremendous hardship? What if you lost your job? Of course, you’d need to find a new one, but would your savings, unemployment benefits or other assets be enough to get you through before you found employment again? What about future weddings for your children, college educations, long-term care for you or your spouse, needs for aging parents, health insurance, or unexpected expenses like major home and auto maintenance and repair? Do you have a plan in place to address these concerns and others?

Creating a financial plan will give you a first-hand look at where you are with your assets and expenses. It’s a realistic and trusted blueprint for reaching your financial goals and where you want to be at various points in your life. Since your plan is customized for you, it’s easy to make adjustments or modifications when necessary based on various life events or situations that can impact your overall strategy. We will help you assess your investment risk tolerance and which securities or other investment tools are the best match for your personal needs and situation.

Nobody plans to fail in life; they just fail to plan. Let us help you discover how to make the most of your journey with the confidence of a financial plan.

“Nobody plans to fail in life; they just fail to plan.

Let us help you discover how to make the most of your journey with the confidence of a financial plan.”

Lindsey Fisher Health

IN MY PANTRY

by LINDSEY FISHER

“What do you use?” “Do you meal prep?” “What kind do you buy?” “It is all so overwhelming. Just tell me what you eat.”

Keto, paleo, vegan, natural, organic, whole grain, grass fed, lean, etc, etc, etc...

Every single day I get questions from clients, friends and people in our community about what all of this really means. Is it just some marketing scheme or what exactly should we really pay attention to?

If you follow my blog, have attended one of my seminars or recognize the foundation and mission of my business, you know that I do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach to nutrition. What works for me, may not work for you or the person next to you. This is the fundamental reason that diets DO NOT work. You go on a diet, you come off of a diet. Defining my purpose is taking the time to get to know my clients and figure out what works for each one individually.

I heard it best described in a podcast that I listened to years ago—my job is similar to that of a health CIS investigator. You (my client) present me with the evidence (your story and health history), and I use the tools that I have to solve the crime (what is wreaking havoc in your body).

While we are all on our own journey, there are certain foods that do benefit most people and that I keep stocked in my pantry. Please note, I said most, not all people.

Now, if you are ready to go shopping for just a few of the basics for your kitchen pantry, here are some suggested staples. Not the list for the kids that is a whole other article.

I am a HUGE fan of Trader Joe’s and Costco. Be careful though. Always check your ingredients! Just because you buy something labeled organic, or from a health food section or specialty food store, does not mean it is good for you.

Organic peanut butter, almond butter, and sunflower seed butter. (Note: Nut butters that you choose should not have added oils or sugar.)

Raw nuts. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. (Make your own trail mix - add some dark chocolate chips.)

Chia seeds

Happy shopping! If you are interested in learning more, please follow LindseyFisherNC.com. Reach out to Lindsey to book a seminar, workshop or set up your 30-minute consultation.

Dark chocolate

Raw cacao powder

Yes, I LOVE chocolate! Coconut flour/almond flour

(85%)

High quality protein powder

Protein bars for a quick grab ’n

go snack. (Most are junk, closer to a candy

bar. Read your labels. A couple of decent choices are RX Bars and Raw Rev Glo Bars.)

Wild caught tuna

Organic black beans

Organic garbanzo beans

Organic chicken broth

A good jarred spaghetti sauce (Rao’s is a great option)

Canned organic diced tomatoes

Organic brown rice

Quinoa

A BOW OF Gallantry

April is here, and with it comes my favorite holiday…the colors are bright, the weather is perfect, and people gather in droves to celebrate while the pianos play and the birds chirp in the background. Easter is wonderful, but Masters Sunday is entirely unmatched.

Will 2023 bring a repeat victor, or will this be the year in which Rory, Justin Thomas, or Jon Rahm finally gets the coveted green jacket? Only time will tell, but until the final pairing rounds Amen Corner and makes its way back to the clubhouse, the anticipation and excitement will continually grow.

Known worldwide as A Tradition Unlike Any Other, The Masters exhibits to the public the sheer beauty of Augusta National, the pure glory of victory, and the painstaking agony of defeat. One aspect which has changed, however, is style in golf. Of course, there are plenty of great looking and functional golf apparel collections today, but seemingly lacking is the pride in those of us wearing them. On so many occasions, I see untucked shirts, backwards hats, and even skin-tight joggers on the golf course. This only makes me long for the era of golf being truly stylish. I don’t mean knickers and tweed like the olden days of Bobby Jones, rather the effortlesslymasculine style of the 60s with Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead. These guys were tough competitors, and they certainly looked the part.

While performance fabrics and stretch are clearly here to stay, we’re seeing a resurgence of natural fibers in golf attire as well. In many

by TYLER A. HAMPTON

cases, this is in the form of a blend of cotton and elastane, but cotton is making a comeback! Not only do cottons look better on the course, they’re much more appropriate to dress up for a sophisticated-casual look off the course also. They just lay better and give the appearance of more effort than athleisure. If you haven’t worn one of these shirts or pants in a while, give it a try and you’ll see that cotton can be equally as comfortable as the synthetic performance materials, if not more so.

One of my favorite golf apparel lines on the market currently is Holderness & Bourne. The collection blends classic style with a modern, tailored fit, and the materials they use are a step or two above most other offerings. Unlike the majority of performance lines, it’s not made in China. The shirt collars all feature built-in collar stays and a structured interior, so they always stand up and look nice, plus genuine shell buttons and clean hardware on the pullovers. The branding is minimal as the quality speaks for itself. One of the founders, Alex Holderness, is a Charlotte native as well! Swing by Hampton’s and try one on…it’s sure to be your new go-to golf shirt.

The countdown is on to Masters Sunday. Until then, get out and enjoy a few rounds for yourself and remember to look good doing it!

If you have any questions or a topic you’d like to see addressed, please feel free to contact me at Tyler@HamptonsMens.com

The Smartest Workout for More Results

Orangetheory is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out. Because you shouldn’t live to exercise. You should exercise to live.

Love Languages

THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES

Truly, It’s the Thought that Counts

by TABATHA RENEGAR

Welcome to part four in the Love Language article series. I hope that you have enjoyed learning more about words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch. As refresher, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate is a 1992 book by China Grove, N.C. native, Dr. Gary Chapman. The book outlines five general ways that romantic partners express and experience love, which Chapman calls "love languages." According to Wikipedia, the book sold 8,500 copies in its first year, four times what the publisher expected! The following year it sold 17,000, and two years later, 137,000. It has been on the New York Times Best Seller list since August 2009. A new, revised edition of The Five Love Languages was released on January 1, 2015.

THE FIVE “LANGUAGES” ARE: WORDS OF AFFIRMATION ACTS OF SERVICE

PHYSICAL TOUCH GIFT GIVING QUALITY TIME

I would like to begin talking about language #4, gift giving, with two of the sexiest words in the English language: flannel sheets.

That’s right, flannel sheets. That is not a typo! For over 24 years now, Spouse and I have been managing our way around a common relationship hurdle that will be familiar to just about everyone reading this in one way or another: bed temperature. I’m the burrowing type; the more sheets and blankets on me the better! (My current life stage has upended this somewhat but that presents its own challenges and will be saved for another article!) Spouse comes to bed scantily clad and, at the very most, wants only a top sheet over himself. No down comforter or electric blanket for that guy! I am alone in my desire for my slumber to feel like a wool cocoon.

So imagine my surprise when I pulled back the comforter recently to discover the softest, coziest, toastiest flannel sheets on our bed! Something he has openly displayed hatred for when encountered in guest rooms in the past!

“Moving out?” say I. Totally joking, of course! He then proceeds to tell me that he saw them on sale and thought of me. He hoped that perhaps they would help me fight my bouts of insomnia and especially the leg and foot cramping that frequently sends me to the tub at 3 am to soak my extremities in hot water.

“But you hate flannel sheets!” I say.

“Yes, but I love you” he says.

For the person with gift giving as one of their love languages, it’s important to understand that it’s less about the gift and more about the thought that comes from the gift, which communicates emotional love. The intention behind the gift is what matters most. People speaking this “language” tend to be quite sentimental and you’ll notice that they themselves will cherish items, not for the monetary value of the item but for the memories it evokes. While some may have a hard time understanding why anyone would keep decades old birthday cards or silly souvenirs received from a partner years ago, for our gift giving loved-ones, it’s a visual reminder of being loved and appreciated.

SO HOW BEST TO BE A GRATEFUL PARTNER OF A GIFT-GIVER?

There’s no denying birthdays and special holidays are a very big deal for gift givers but not for the reasons you think. Of course they like getting spoiled equally (if not more) than spoiling others. But more importantly, holidays are a time when they can express love and show you how attentive they are in a way that comes most naturally to them. So if you want to make an impression on a gift giver, you have to put yourself in their shoes. If attentiveness is what they appreciate, surprises are one effective way of getting the message across. Unlike a Christmas or birthday gift, there’s no obligatory act tied to surprise treats, which to a lover of gifts speaks volumes. Give when nothing is expected in return and be sure your gift is truly delivered without ulterior motive, only to delight the recipient!

By tuning in to what your partner values, taking notice of what makes their face light up with joy, and listening to their needs, you’ll find out what they like. It might be as obvious as a favorite dessert or bottle of wine! Or you might have to work just a little bit harder… Like trying to find a pair of boxers made from wicking material to help a hot-natured person sleep in the softest, coziest, toastiest flannel sheets around!

See what exciting opportunities are currently available!

A MOTHER’S TIME TO SHINE!

Owning and managing The Perfect Dress boutique in Mooresville is a dream come true for mother-daughter team Dina and Brooke Haugstatter. Guiding customers to find the styles that make them feel beautiful—and confident—is their absolute favorite part of the job!

With the experience she gained opening her first bridal store in New Jersey in 1991, working for Liz Claiborne in Manhattan, and then venturing out on her own, Dina is well-versed in helping mothers choose the perfect ensemble for their son or daughter’s wedding day.

You’ll find The Perfect Dress boutique situated in the historic Merino Mill, a building that already exudes romantic ambiance, and is an ideal setting for the all-important mothers to pamper themselves! Dina always tells moms of the bride and groom to give themselves plenty of time— ideally five or six months—so they can order something they love and have time for any necessary alterations. She also reminds them to enjoy every single moment of the experience!

“It’s important for me that every client, no matter her size, shape, or personal style, feels beautiful in her dress,” says Dina. “I take pride in treating every client equally and making sure everyone knows how much they matter to us!”

When it comes to decision-making, today’s mother-of-the-bride or groom shouldn’t feel restricted to the traditional attire.

“Mother-of-the-bride or groom dress etiquette has seen its changes over the years, offering mothers the opportunity to spotlight their unique personal style,” Dina advises. “Whether you love sparkle and beading, simple and chic, shorter or longer hemlines, sleeves or off-the-shoulder, there are endless options. There’s a dress out there that will

make you feel beautiful and confident on your daughter or son’s big day.

She also wisely advises that mothers should not forget about themselves throughout the planning process! It’s just as important that they give themselves almost as much time to find their dresses as the bride does.

“When shopping at a specialty store you will have the option to order a dress in the style, color, and size of your choice, which could take up to 16 weeks for delivery,” explains Dina.

While the look of the mothers’ attire should complement the overall wedding color palette, the season, and the wedding venue, the ultimate choice should be one that mirrors her personal style. Tradition does still suggest that the groom’s mother waits to see what the bride’s mother is going to wear before choosing her dress—the groom’s mother never wants to outshine the bride’s mother!

From proms and homecomings, to mothers’ gowns, special occasions, and quinceañeras, The Perfect Dress is stocked with the latest styles from well-known designers. Visit the boutique at 500 S. Main Street, Suite #116, in Mooresville, 704-978-9928, or online at theperfectdressnc.com. Boutique hours are Monday through Friday 11:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday noon – 5:00 p.m.

photography by CARRIE ALLEN by MARTIE EMORY

TOP NOTCH ART PORTFOLIOS:

A KEY COMPONENT TO THE ART COLLEGE OF YOUR CHOICE

PARENTS: THIS MISTAKE COULD COST YOUR CHILD A CHANCE AT THE NATION’S TOP ART SCHOOLS!

Think about this for a minute.

Admissions officers at top art schools see literally thousands of portfolios every year. They’re looking for reasons to quickly toss your kid’s submission into the ‘no’ pile. Poor quality photographs are one of the most common mistakes they see from high school students.

Your insanely talented child has spent hundreds of hours on the pieces in their portfolio. Are you willing to risk admission into their dream college on poorly shot photographs?

Claire Lieu, a former professor at the Rhode Island School of Design, believes, “As Artists, we live and die by our photographs. In a portfolio situation, this could not be more true. A poor photograph of your artwork is hugely distracting and can really make or break an admission officer’s initial reaction to the work.”

Cell phone pics aren’t going to cut it. If their photographs aren’t the highest quality, your child will come across as unprofessional and not ready for the bigtime, certainly not a fit for their prestigious school. Simply put, bad photos will not do their artwork justice.

CURTIS DEWOLFF

THE GOOD NEWS IS: THIS PROBLEM IS EASILY FIXABLE.

Charley Weaver, a sophomore at Lake Norman Charter, created Profolio Events, a series of pop-up events exclusively for creative LKN high school students. These events help other high school creatives get into the right art program.

Profolio is having their first event on Saturday, April 29th to help students improve the quality of the photographs in their portfolio. Attendees can get up to four (4) pieces of their artwork professionally photographed for free.

If you have a talented high school child in the LKN area and they’re working on an art portfolio, this event is perfect for them.

For more information or to claim one of the limited spots, visit profolioevents.com.

LET’S UPLIFT EACH OTHER IN 2023!

by MARTIE EMORY

True to their name, Uplift Skin and Body in Cornelius, NC, is built around supporting each other on many different levels. The physician-owned boutique MedSpa is dedicated to the highest level of care, and Medical Director Dr. Trupti Patel describes the process with inviting detail!

“Our vision was to be the place that, even if you’ve never stepped into a MedSpa or heard of our services, that we are warm and welcoming!” says Trupti. “We provide a unique, intimate experience—like you are walking into your home!”

Since their “soft” opening in September 2022— and grand opening last November—Uplift Skin and Body has felt fortunate to be part of the Lake Norman community, and proud to strike a balance in the lives of both their clients and their providers.

“Our culture is focused on our patients and our providers, and the work-balance for our providers is extremely important,” she adds. “Uplift’s providers have flexible schedules, and because of that, they can accommodate their patients’ schedules as well. We want to contribute to our providers’ growth, and provide opportunities to expand their skills and allow them to provide services they are passionate about.”

Walking someone through prioritizing themselves for the first time in their life is a privilege, echoed by Uplift providers Sarah Stokas, PA-C, and Laura Perrino, PA-C. Both say helping patients gain confidence and re-igniting their passion to live life is the best feeling in the world!

“To see clients light up from their results, and see the physical transformations we helped with also create an inner transformation as well, is amazing,” says Sarah.

“The incredible part about this experience is that we get to witness that transformation happening,” says Laura.

Co-founder Trish Kowalchyk points out that as clients for MedSpa services themselves, the staff understands the importance of time, and what a significant investment these appointments can be for your health and skin.

“We’ve all struggled in the past getting readily available appointments for services,” she says. “We are happy to try to match your schedule if you want a time outside our usual shop hours—just email us with your request!”

Uplift Skin and Body was founded to offer exceptional MedSpa services including fillers, microdermabrasion facials, peels, weight loss counseling, Morpheus8 and Lumecca IPL services for both tightening and lightening. Referrals are always the finest compliment, and clients are delivering high praise!

“From the moment I met everyone at Uplift, I knew my experience would be like no other! After eating at a restaurant nearby, I had a tour of the spa—the door was open and Trupti and Trish invited me in! They were so enthusiastic and told me about an event they were having. My consultation was with Sarah, who was lovely and super knowledgeable. This was my first time getting Botox, and she answered all my questions. I am blown away by my results! I’m 56 and have been insecure about the lines and wrinkles on my forehead and between my eyes. Now, when I look in the mirror I see a happy face, and that’s everything!" -

Julie K.

“I love walking into Uplift and being greeted with the smiles and genuine excitement of the staff. They add personal touches and take time to consult with you to deliver exactly what you want and need. They are well-trained and extremely talented, and I couldn't be happier with my results, from Botox to facials to chemical peels to Morpheus! Not only are they the best in the industry, they've become family." -

Laura H.

The Uplift team is also community-oriented, and passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others. They recently held a pet adoption event with the LKN Humane Society to help match dogs and cats with their forever homes, and last fall donated proceeds to those fighting and surviving metastatic breast cancer.

As the business grows, Trupti and Trish say they are excited to continue to “Uplift” the Lake Norman community and make a difference together.

Uplift Skin and Body is conveniently located at 19400 Jetton Rd, Suite 203, in Cornelius, NC, 704-604-5654. Visit them online at upliftskinandbody.com for more information and to book your appointment, and follow them on Instagram @upliftskinandbody. Hours are Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m.6:00 p.m., Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

I had my third Morpheus 8 treatment this morning. It was great. You have an awesome staff. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. It’s a pleasure going to Uplift.”

Home Heart and Soul

SPRING HOME ISSUE

In every issue of LKN Magazine we celebrate all that the Lake Norman area has to offer, but in our April and October issues we celebrate the many ways that we can make our homes an inviting place to gather with family and friends. Our homes are more than just houses, apartments, or condos, they are the vital space where we go to rest, recharge and make memories together. The April Home issue is not just about making your home look beautiful inside and out, it is also about making it work for you and your lifestyle.

THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTIFUL LAWNS

by MARTIE EMORY

photography by CARRIE ALLEN

PROUD TO BE A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BUSINESS, GRASSROOTS TURF OF LAKE NORMAN IS A TEAM THAT PROVIDES NEXT-LEVEL CARE FOR YOUR LAWN.

That translates to a relaxing, enjoyable aesthetic for your family’s everyday living, and lovely landscaping for your neighbors to admire. No matter what side of the street you live on (and yes, it can make a difference!), GrassRoots Turf has the insight and expertise to keep your lawn looking amazing.

“We live in the Lake Norman communities we serve, and we consider it a privilege to deliver unbeatable lawn care service to our neighbors, friends, and new families moving into the community,” says David. Part of that outstanding customer service includes those little details that make such a difference: arriving on time and ready to work, closing your gate behind them, and leaving things neat and tidy. Those polite ways of doing business add up to being the premier choice for lawn treatments in Lake Norman, Catawba, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, and the surrounding areas.

“We only hire trustworthy technicians with personal integrity and a strong work ethic,” says David. “There’s nothing we take more seriously than the trust you’ve placed in us.”

Owner David Tilley introduced GrassRoots Turf to North Charlotte and the Lake Norman area in mid 2021.

GRASSROOTS TURF OF LAKE NORMAN

GETTING DOWN TO BASICS

David knows his team leads with their customer service, agronomy and turf knowledge, and the quality of the products they use is the best around. The word— and reputation— is spreading, and this past year 80% of the company’s new customers came from referrals. Loyal clients know there won’t be added charges or hidden fees, and there’s also the option to make unlimited service calls between the routine visits at no extra cost!

Every lawn is different, and the team starts by getting acquainted, says David. “These are questions we ask a new customer: Do they have irrigation? What are their mowing practices? After all, there are many different pressures and distractions, and then there’s Mother Nature!”

No one’s lawn or situation is exactly the same, and working together is key.

“My motivation for owning and growing GrassRoots Turf surprises many people,” says David. “We’re building a company that supports its employees with year-round work, living wages, health benefits, paid time off, a healthy environment to work in, and a weekly salary regardless of weather. We are passionate about our work— and, of course, we strive for beautiful lawns!”

Business tripled in size last year, says David, and he has the right equipment and capability to be able to double in size this year.

THE SCIENCE

“As the science of lawn care changes and new products are available, we use them, regardless of cost,” explains David. “We train and study every day! All my techs understand our mission is to get a client’s lawn moving towards the best health possible.” Their applications are based on what your lawn needs— and the process always starts with a free estimate.

“Many companies put down a simple NPK type granular fertilizer, use generic type herbicides for their weed control, and charge per application. We take an all-inclusive approach, and apply many different types of nitrogen for feeding, including some that are time-released,” he explains. Most importantly, we focus on soil health and changing the structure. It’s a carbon-based, humic focused science that greatly improves the plants uptake. We use only the best herbicides available for particular targets, and preventive fungicides and stagger them so the turf does not become resistant.”

For fescue lawns they now offer three different choices for Aeration and seeding in the Fall.

“We go overboard and put down 40% more seed and many other additives, again working on soil health and achieving better results. We have a premium version of this which is unmatched in our area. For lawns that are in really good shape we can liquid aerate and overseed with great results, and we have a four-seed blend that’s the best of the best. It’s highly drought and fungus resistant with 0% weed seeds.”

Cover Story: GrassRoots Turf

GrassRoots also applies micro-nutrients and biologics in almost every application. For warm season turf like Bermuda and Zoysia they have perfected a Liquid Aeration application that is a “game changer” for both the health of the lawn and for the soil. This is a service they normally do in May, after the first feeding. David explains that most of the time there is NO need to punch holes in the ground for warm season turfs.

David and his team enjoy teaching customers how and why they use certain techniques, and they also work well with ‘engaged’ customers who already understand what it takes to get their lawn to the next level.

“In addition, our tree and shrub program is very similar to our lawn program with six applications, paid monthly,” says David. “It is timed to treat for fertilizing at the right time, and defending against insect and fungus issues. If you have plantings that do not have many pests, we also have a twice-a-year feeding program for those plants in spring and fall.”

GrassRoots Turf also includes a pre-emergent treatment that is strategically timed to control weeds before their emergence. Late fall or early winter is perfectly fine for this procedure, and it’s always a good idea to discuss the future game plan for your lawn!

If you’re bothered by other pests, they also offer a popular mosquito program, applying different products to give both a quick knockdown, as well as extended coverage. The team returns every 30 to 35 days, maintaining coverage from April through October.

If you’re ready to stand out in the neighborhood, bring your yard to the next level, and truly enjoy time spent outside at home in a beautiful, healthy yard, give GrassRoots Turf a call at 833-66-GRASS, follow them on Facebook, and visit them online at Grassrootsturf.com. You can also contact David Tilley directly at 704-740-5061.

“

My motivation for owning and growing GrassRoots Turf surprises many people. We’re building a company that supports its employees with year-round work, living wages, health benefits, paid time off, a healthy environment to work in, and a weekly salary regardless of weather. We are passionate about our work — and, of course, we strive for beautiful lawns!”

DAVID TILLEY, OWNER, GRASSROOTS TURF OF LAKE NORMAN

4211 ASH HOLLOW LN, DENVER, NC 28037

$1,200,000.00

Incredible Sailview custom home with a spectacular outdoor oasis! No expense spared in design or build! Gorgeous pool/spa featuring lounge pad and waterfall! Screened porch and huge deck with hot tub! Striking new entry doors and roof! The fabulous kitchen features a center island, walk-in pantry, large breakfast area, gorgeous cabinetry and opens to a spacious great room! Stunning main floor with a newly remodeled bath, large dining room/office and front covered porch! The upper level boasts 3 spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets, remodeled Jack & Jill bath, an updated hall bath and attic storage! Oversized 3 car garage and detached 2 car Garage! Cul de sac lot in a premier waterfront community that offers many amenities!

Pinterest Home

USING PINTEREST TO PLAN HOME PROJECTS

by TARYN JEREZ

There is something beautiful and innately human about cultivating one’s home and the spaces we dwell. New York interior decorator Billy Baldwin, also known as “the dean of interior decorators,’’ once said, “Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.” Frankly, I couldn’t agree more.

In a world where we’re now face to face with so many images of perfectly curated spaces fit for an interior decorator’s portfolio, I am on a never ending quest to create a home around my own tastes and not give in to “keeping up with the Joneses.”

If you’re anything like me, however, it can be difficult to take

all of the things you like and pair them with the functionality your family needs in a home to create a space you love.

PINTEREST IS THE PERFECT PROJECT PLANNING TOOL YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED!

If you’re unfamiliar with Pinterest, it is a visual discovery engine for finding ideas like recipes, home and style inspiration, and more. It’s a great place to get home inspiration and to help you create a plan to bring all those ideas to life!

Here are five steps to use Pinterest as a planning tool for your next home project!

STEP #1 CREATE AND TITLE YOUR BOARDS INTENTIONALLY

Once you have your Pinterest account you can create a “board” for each project with whatever that particular board’s purpose will be. When planning out your home projects, you can either create an entirely separate board for every single room in your house or, I prefer the option of creating a main board that’s specific to its overall purpose, creating sections inside it. For example, a board called “Outdoor Projects” could have sections titled “backyard,” “patio, “curb appeal ideas” and more. This is how you will organize all of the ideas and products you will be saving, referred to as “pinning” on Pinterest.

STEP #2 FIND INSPIRATION AND START PINNING IDEAS

Sometimes inspiration finds you and other times you go on a mission to find it! If you’re on Pinterest you can use the search bar to search for different ideas by being specific. For example, you can search “boho half bathroom” and pin ideas you like to your “bathroom ideas” board or “playroom organization” to pin to your “bonus room idea” board. Make sure to download the free Pinterest Chrome extension “pin button” so you can easily pin any ideas you see on the internet. If you’re browsing a local houseware boutique online and see a beautiful bed set for yourself you can pin it to your “master bedroom” board for instance.

STEP #3 DIYS (DO IT YOURSELF), DIFMS (DO IT FOR ME), AND PURCHASES

Review your Pinterest boards when you are ready to start planning out the execution of your next home project! You can drag and drop things to reorganize the order of your pins if you wish to group certain ones together, or delete whatever you longer need. Next, you will look things over and decide which pins to adopt to your space as a DIY project vs. DIFM and create a timeline for yourself. This is the perfect time to look at any pinned items that you’ll be wanting to purchase. If you pinned something for inspiration to purchase, open the mobile app when you’re out shopping so you’re clear on what you’re looking for.

STEP #4 SHARE YOUR VISION WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND CONTRACTORS

Pinterest is perfect for sharing your ideas with others! Collaborating with someone or want opinions on specific projects? You can share pins with them! Just make sure they have a Pinterst account of their own. You can also add them directly as a “collaborator” on a board so they can add pins to the board as well. Working with a contracted designer, painter or builder? You can share your board with them as well so they can see what you’re wanting and also get their opinions. You can even change a board to “secret” if you don’t want specific boards to be seen by other users or collaborators.

STEP #5 PRINT OUT YOUR PINTERST BOARD FOR QUICK REFERENCE

While the world may be more virtual now than ever before, there’s something special about a good old fashioned physical mood or inspiration board! You can print your Pinterest boards as a PDF or simply screenshot them and print them out so you have a handy reference tool while you’re painting a room, organizing a bookshelf, art shopping for a gallery wall, and more!

If you don’t already have a Pinterest account, sign up for a free one and begin planning your home one space at a time. Remember to be patient as your vision comes together and have fun in the process!

TUNED IN TO CLIENTS & THE COMMUNITY

by MARTIE EMORY, photography by CARRIE ALLEN

Chris Campolieta of Motto Mortgage knows the Lake Norman area well, and will tell clients in a heartbeat the best reasons to move here!

‘It is becoming very obvious that Lake Norman is brimming with possibilities!” says Chris. “The number of restaurants and businesses that make their way to ‘The Lake’ is unbelievable. Lake Norman is also very affordable compared to some surrounding areas. Of course, you have those beautiful lake homes, but there are also a lot of great neighborhoods that are perfect for raising a family.”

Whether you are in the market for your very first home, or looking to buy a second residence, Lake Norman is a perfect fit, and Chris is your best resource for quality, efficient loans! Because we all know real estate transactions can happen quickly, Chris shares how he expedites the process, and keeps his clients on track to close quickly.

“Communicate, communicate, communicate!” he explains. “From start to finish, I am calling everyone to make the deal happen as smoothly and quickly as possible. I believe in being up front and honest about what each loan will take to close on time—or even faster. We set the expectations ahead of time!”

From the very first consultation, Chris gauges how familiar a client is with the home-buying process overall, and especially in 2023.

“Some clients might be buying a home for the first time, some may have bought five houses in the last 10 years,” says Chris. “Every family’s story is different. It’s my job as a mortgage professional to help where I am needed at all times. I try to collect documents ahead of time, so when the file goes to underwriting, we aren’t running into issues. Some deals have more speed bumps than others, but I care enough to be there every step of the way.”

It’s clear from client and broker testimonials that Chris’s caring approach and willingness to pick up the phone when something more than a text message or email is needed, does make all the difference.

“It’s obvious that Chris loves what he does, and is passionate about helping families get into a new home! When working alongside him, I’m always impressed with his around-the-clock availability, and my clients rave about the same characteristic. My clients also appreciate his experience with VA loans and his ability to answer any questions or concerns in a clear, timely manner. I’m confident my clients are in great hands when they choose Chris as their Loan Officer! ”

- TRACEY GREENE, Premier Real Estate of the Sandhills

“Chris helped me get a second mortgage so I could get into my dream home in Whispering Pines. Chris gave 110% and I highly recommend him!”

- TERI MORGAN, Recent Client of Motto Mortgage

“Chris was an amazing broker! Honestly, we were turned down by three other brokers, and we were so discouraged when we were trying to buy a house. As a Veteran, I just wanted to have a nice home for my children to live in with a nice neighborhood. A neighbor told me about Chris, and I called him around 8:00 p.m. one night and told him about our situation. He was having dinner with his family, but took his personal time to help us find a map to get our dream home. We were down on our luck, and he came in to give us hope, working efficiently and diligently to get us in our home by Christmas! Chris was transparent through the process, and gave us guidance on how to meet our goal. We were truly blessed to have him as our broker. I always refer him to anyone looking to purchase a home!”

- VANESSA IACOVONE, Recent Client of Motto Mortgage

Motto Mortgage is located at 160 West New York Avenue, Suite 2A, in Southern Pines, NC, 910-406-2305 or 704-619-8565, or email Chris at Christopher.campolieta@mottomortgage.com. A locally owned and operated franchise, Motto Mortgage understands the local real estate market, and loves being part of a vibrant community. You’ll get personalized service and the convenience of today’s digital mortgage solutions. Or, if you prefer face-to-face conversations or in-depth phone calls, Chris is here for you!

Why Consigning Makes Sense!

by MARTIE EMORY

With two unique locations, Consign On A Dime & Showplace 28 both take this tagline seriously: “Where Consignment Meets Refinement!”

While you’re pondering the consignment trend and weighing your options when it comes to fine furniture and decor, owner Heather Kline offers the company’s “Top Five” reasons why consignment is always the right thing to do!

FURNITURE CONSIGNMENT TAKES THE HASSLE OUT OF SELLING

When you bring your furniture to a consignment store, they take the guesswork out of both pricing and selling. One of the biggest benefits you receive from a consignment furniture store is having access to their customer base—something you won’t have access to when selling on your own. Most people who consign their furniture start online, and taking photos, writing descriptions, and posting them on online platforms is time-consuming. By choosing a consignment furniture store to assist in the resale of your furniture, your items will be staged beautifully amongst other decor inside a showroom. That highlights your furniture in its best light, and also increases the likelihood of a definite sale. And all this requires little effort on your part!

DIRECT SELLING RISKS

When you choose to sell your furniture directly, there are many risks you could potentially face. From damage to your furniture, selling to the wrong buyers, and allowing strangers into your home, these risks add unnecessary stress to your life. When you work with a consignment store, you skip these hassles completely. The consignment process will handle every step of the resale, and ensure you are getting the best value for your items. Bypassing the physical and emotional stress of direct selling can not only save you headaches, but also time and money!

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

While supporting your local community is beneficial, it’s also helpful to be able to access brand name items quickly at a convenient location. There are endless benefits to shopping locally, and by choosing to consign at a local furniture store, you’ll be able to access these benefits for yourself—and for the community.

CONSIGNING YOUR FURNITURE IS ECO-FRIENDLY

Recycling isn’t just for glass bottles, plastics, and cardboard packaging. By utilizing the services of a consignment store to resell your furniture, you not only make money on the unwanted items, but you help save the environment at the same time. Rather than throwing away perfectly good furniture that could end up filling landfills, consigning not only gives them a second chance, but also helps save the environment. These items can be repurposed, reused, and enjoyed in another home, and could even end up being someone else’s new favorite piece!

Consign On A Dime is located at 19207 W. Catawba Avenue, Suite A, Cornelius, NC, 704-892-8492, and online at consignonadime.com. Showplace 28 is located at 20924 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius, NC, 704-892-4447, and online at showplace28.com. Follow them on Instagram @coadandsp28. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE STORES HAVE A TIGHT KNIT FOLLOWING

Consignment store owners have access to plenty of shoppers, with solid, established customer relationships. Frugal shoppers aren’t the only customers at a consignment store! Many small-town consignment stores belong to a tight knit community of customers who stop by every week to see what has arrived. Many store owners also have close relationships with interior designers in their area, and these relationships allow savvy shoppers to find items that are rare gems or high-quality pieces of furniture at a fraction of the price.

Easy Inexpensive Home Improvements

10 Easy, Inexpensive Home Improvements for Spring

by KAREN COOPER

Who doesn’t love the hopefulness of spring? After a long, gray, lonely winter (especially this one), who among us isn’t ready to get out in the sunshine and make our living space more beautiful…inside and out! If your home and surroundings need a little sprucing up, there’s no time like the present to embark on a new project!

These budget-conscious ideas will have you admiring and

Find unconventional items around your house to use as garden planters—an old box spring, a wheelbarrow, a bass drum, crates, shelves, and pallets… all make wonderfully inventive planters and great conversation pieces! Design your vegetable, fruit, and herb garden using these inventive pieces.

enjoying your space for years to come. From funky garden planters and inexpensive outdoor furniture makeovers, to refreshed walls and cabinets inside, there are plenty of ways to improve your surroundings without spending a fortune.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy your time spent making your surroundings beautiful! Then invite your favorite people to enjoy them with you.

Change the hardware on your kitchen or bathroom cabinets; change out handles and knobs, and while you’re at it… change towel racks and even lighting fixtures. You can get great vintage fixtures online or at antique markets, or find brand new ones anywhere they sell home goods. There are so many varieties to suit your taste! What a difference a small change can make!

Incorporate old bricks and stones into your garden or backyard. Create a garden pathway, a small patio, a fire pit, or a place to set your café table and chairs. Wherever you need a hard surface or a focal point, use bricks or stones to make a fine-looking statement.

Make window planters—you can really get creative with these! They can be as simple as a plain wooden box or one fashioned out of old pallets; you can buy an inexpensive vinyl box ready to install, or adorn your boxes with ornamental iron features you love. Paint your boxes whatever color you choose, then pick out beautiful plants and blooming flowers that make you happy to look at each time you drive up the driveway.

Add peel-and-stick wallpaper to an accent wall or an entire room—anything you can dream up can be found in a peel-and-stick wallpaper these days. Bring the outside in with a forest scene, an English meadow, a tropical beach panorama, a night sky, or even go to the moon! Go anywhere you want to be! Create something amazing without breaking the bank.

Find “new to you” deck or patio furniture on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for a steal! Look for a giant umbrella to create comfortable shade and relax with friends over a lazy summer al fresco dinner.

Make wire cloche covers to protect your vegetables/ fruits or other plants from pests—use chicken wire or wood covered in chicken wire to make cloche covers that will keep the pests out! There are great DIY videos online showing a variety of designs and how to make them.

Paint your front door a color you love—make your house POP! What color would you choose? Red? Yellow? Orange? Blue? Imagine the possibilities!

Tiny lights—across the yard, deck, patio, anywhere you want to make a magical atmosphere….string up tiny lights. There are so many varieties now to help you make your space beautiful.

Install a birdbath and bird feeder. It doesn’t have to be your standard-fare birdbath. You can get creative and make it match your decorating personality! Anything that holds water can be a birdbath…a pile of stones with a terra cotta saucer or galvanized pan, stacked bricks with a shallow bowl or pan on top, a hanging birdbath with any shallow thing that holds water.

The House

PUTTING CUSTOMER SERVICE FIRST!

by MARTIE EMORY

While Trae Stone was working as a regional sales manager for a Charlotte-based company that provided service and repairs to commercial clients, he discovered a need that led him to where he is today—a happy small business owner!

In early 2022, Trae launched his own business— The House.

“While managing over 350 accounts who I saw on a quarterly basis, I found it difficult to find installers or technicians with the same passion to complete the work in a timely manner— which was what I was selling to our customers,” says Trae. “So, I started doing the work myself, and found it extremely satisfying to see happy clients, and be able to help them with tasks we did not normally provide as a company.”

Trae says he had no intention of starting a home repair business, but he had so many requests to help a realtor friend—and then “friends of friends”—who couldn’t find qualified workers who would even return their calls, much less show up for scheduled appointments.

“These were the same issues that I experienced on the commercial side. So with my previous home repair experience, and my commercial experience, I decided to start the business to fill a need,” Trae explains. He has lived all over the country, primarily on the east coast, and for the past 20-plus years in Charlotte, so he knows the area well.

Trae’s inspiration is simple, but pivotal to a successful business, and truly helping others!

“I have a passion to provide the lost art of SERVICE in whatever it is I’m doing. As business owners, of course we need to make money, but I believe if that is your only motivation, you are in the wrong business!” says Trae. “You need to care about people, quality work, and providing great customer service.”

Trae works frequently with realtors and home owners preparing to put a house on the market, and his favorite projects are those that include finish carpentry. He typically works alone on small jobs, but occasionally enlists help on larger projects. Typical tasks might include replacing doors and locks, painting, installing ceiling fans, general carpentry, garage doors, drywall, light fixtures, decks, exterior upgrades, and replacing plumbing fixtures.

“I recently had the opportunity to do quite a bit of work for a few homeowners, and it is really gratifying when the work is completed and you can step back and look at the before-and-after photos,” he adds. “The best compliment is a client who is happy with your work, and will call you back for another project!”

Trae also offers sage advice: When you’re searching for a service provider, find someone who is easy to work with, is fully insured, and one who can provide references upon request. His personal requirements are, of course, the best customer service—which you can always find with The House!

Reach Trae Stone at The House, located at 14316 Reese Boulevard W, Suite B-1729, in Huntersville, 704-995-6955, or email him at Trae@thehouserepairs.com. Follow The House on Facebook and Instagram @thehouserepairs. Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed!

Amanda Anderson Photography

THE LANDING

Welcome back to the newly renovated waterfront spot in Sherrills Ford, The Landing Restaurant, Tiki Bar and Marina. Dustin Keith, the new owner spent last year on overhauls for the space starting in February 2022. Dustin has done a great job of taking the original integrity of this Lake Norman gem and providing upgrades, not only to the food, but the design theme as well. A new patio, upgraded indoor space, and planted palms are just a few to mention. The menu has been elevated to keep fast casual dining but with a chef’s touch. While the primary focus is on handhelds, they’ve expanded their menu to add more high-end dishes, serving items from pizza to filets. Chef Drew Moseley is doing a fantastic job of keeping the fan favorites of this establishment alive, while providing a higher quality standard.

Take your pick of driving or boating up to this tropical oasis, located on the west side of Lake Norman. If driving in by land, head around back to the patio to be seated. If by boat, there’s about twenty courtesy docks for boaters, but if those fill up don’t worry, because there’s a tiki transport boat for anchored guests awaiting to be shuttled in once their table is ready. One of the best things about this spot is that there are some great spaces to hang out in if there is a wait. There’s a tiki deck and sandbox beach area for the kids, with seating if you want to enjoy drinks or takeout. The inside even has a game room to entertain the little ones!

by CHELSEA KOWALSKI

Pork Belly Street Tacos

Lake Norman Foodie: The Landing

Now, let’s get to the food! We began with the Millie’s Meatballs, which were six hefty sized meatballs, nicely seasoned, topped with parmesan cheese and basil. Shockingly enough, the Brussel sprout basket is the most popular starter which I was surprised to hear, until I tasted them! Roasted to perfection and packed with flavor, they were tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Either of these are great shareable items for the table. We also got to test out the “Lava Flow”, a non-alcoholic kids cocktail which came in a fun tiki cup, topped with an umbrella and light up ice cube.

Next, we had a classic pepperoni pizza loaded with cheese and a tasty crust. There are seven fixed pizzas, or you can make your own with fifteen toppings to choose from! All pizzas are about twelve inches and hand tossed with gluten free options available.

Under their “South of the border” section we tried the new street tacos and pork belly tacos which are being added to the menu. Both tacos come with your choice of a side. With ten to choose from we opted for the chips and homemade salsa. The street tacos aka quesabirria tacos were three pressed soft shells with braised beef, mozzarella, salsa, cilantro, and onion served with consommé for dipping. The pork belly tacos were one of our favorite items! They were loaded to the brim with flavorful pork bites that were super crispy.

We ended our meal with a taste of the new filet entrée which did not

disappoint. The eight-ounce hand cut filet was deliciously flavored with roasted garlic and herb butter demi glaze. This was a highlight of the meal and a perfect representation of what Dustin and Drew are bringing to the table with their elevation of this restaurant. It’s one of the more upscale items on the menu which allows for a wider variety for guests who want both quality handhelds and more premium options.

More to note is their live music every Saturday and Thursdays from spring to late summer. They are connected to the Aquaventure Boat Club and also offer kayak rentals year-round. They even have tropical snow cones on the property with nearly 100 flavors to choose from during the warmer months!

Furthermore, this location is not merely just a restaurant and tiki bar. It’s a landmark that has been in the Lake Norman community since 1993. Upstairs, The Landing has a waterfront motel (the only one on Lake Norman) and overnight guests will enjoy newly renovated waterfront rooms, free kayak rentals, free transient docking, use of the boat ramp and discounts on food.

We can’t wait to come back in the summer to see this spot at its liveliest. This restaurant is especially perfect for families with plenty of places to play and food that everyone will love. It’s truly a kids and adults paradise on Lake Norman. Great views and great food. What else could a restaurant goer ask for? This place has it all!

Clockwise, from top left: Millie’s Meatballs, Lava Flow Mocktail, Quesabirria Street Tacos, Filet Entrée, Classic Pepperoni Pizza

Sip Your Way to Better Health & Beauty Benefits With Soothing Teas

SIP YOUR WAY TO A MORE BEAUTIFUL & HEALTHIER YOU

by SUSAN BOYOUNG BAILEY SCHABACKER

What better time to refresh and repurpose your beauty routine with purer products than a warm welcoming spring! As the season ushers in a fresh new time of growth, it’s time to think of tea. Not just a nutritious and delicious beloved beverage to sip and savor, tea also offers bountiful beauty benefits supportive of your health.

Tea’s ample antioxidants, antiinflammatory properties, and plentiful polyphenols contribute to anti-aging properties that assist in cellular regeneration. The caffeine in tea can tighten pores, and other benefits of tea will give your skin a healthy glow. With antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, tea packs a punch when combined with essential oils and other pure ingredients, banishing breakouts and also preventing them.

In addition to the bountiful beauty benefits that tea offers with each sip, soothe, refresh, and rejuvenate your skin with these DIY recipes featuring tea.

KEEP IT SIMPLE WITH GREEN TEA TONER & MASK

BREWING INSTRUCTIONS

Place an organic green tea bag or 1 teaspoon organic green tea leaves in a mug. Pour ¼ cup boiling water over the tea and allow to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain the tea leaves or remove the tea bag.

What could be simpler! Brew a fresh cup of green tea in the morning and your skin can enjoy re-energized benefits and reduced redness later as your tea works double duty. The antioxidants will be super fresh with no need to pay top dollar for a commercial antioxidant toner. Pour tea into a spray bottle and spritz or

simply splash directly on your face. Store toner in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 5 days.

Mix left-over green tea leaves with ½ teaspoon honey to use as a face mask and soothe angry breakouts, remove toxins, and tighten pores.

Remember using cucumber slices on your eyes to soothe puffiness? Green or black tea may be an even better choice to reduce dark circles, inflammation, and swelling. Place warm or chilled tea bags over closed eyelids, sit back, relax, and drift away for 10 to 15 minutes. Whether pink eye (conjunctivitis), red eye, black eye, or dry eye, all will benefit.

CITRUS GINGER GREEN

TEA EXFOLIATING & MOISTURIZING SCRUB

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup sugar or sea salt

• ½ cup coconut oil (solid)

• ½ cup olive, avocado, apricot kernel, or sweet almond oil

• 1 teaspoon matcha green tea powder

• 1 teaspoon ginger powder

• 1 teaspoon orange or lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

• A few drops essential oils

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine ingredients in a medium size bowl. Store in a glass mason jar. Stir before use. Use as a hand scrub or as a body scrub in the shower.

FLOWER POWER TONER

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup rosewater

• ½ cup witch hazel (alcohol free)

• ¼ cup lavender herbal tea

• ¼ cup chamomile herbal tea

• ¼ cup rose petals and buds herbal tea

• ¼ cup jasmine green tea

• A few drops essential oils (such as lavender, chamomile, rose, geranium, ylang ylang, and/or jasmine)

INSTRUCTIONS

Stir ingredients to combine and store mixture in a spray bottle. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. To apply, spray directly on your face or use a cotton ball.

TEA FOR TEA-RIFFIC TRESSES!

In addition to keeping you and your skin nourished, tea also provides nourishment for your hair. Whatever your desired hair color of choice, tea can bring out natural highlights or lowlights, as well as give your locks luscious luster. So, after you steep, sip and savor your tea, save some to try in these DIY recipes for a more beautiful and healthier you!

NSTRUCTIONS

• For blonde highlights, add cooled chamomile herbal tea and lemon juice to a spray bottle. Cardamom pods may have an effect similar to peroxide and can be included when steeping the chamomile.

• For a reddish tint, try hibiscus and/ or rooibos red tea. Steep in boiling water until concentrated and dark red and let cool.

• And, for going darker, try concentrated black tea that can also be combined with coffee (like dirty chai). This works especially well for shades of brown hair and gray hair and adds a healthy shine.

• Add concentrated tea ingredients to plain yogurt or pour over hair and leave on hair for about 1 hour. Rinse out and condition.

The Gifts that Grief Can Give Us

THE UNEXPECTED GIFTS of GRIEF

by BETHANY GODWIN

EXPERIENCING A SIGNIFICANT LOSS CAN BE CONSIDERED ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT AND PAINFUL EXPERIENCES IN OUR LIVES. THERE ARE MANY FACTORS THAT PLAY INTO A LOSS EXPERIENCE AND HOW SEVERELY IT AFFECTS US. NO TWO LOSSES ARE THE SAME, HOWEVER, THERE ARE SOME COMMON EXPERIENCES THAT MANY MAY IDENTIFY WITH.

At the beginning of our grief journey the range of emotions we may feel can be likened to a snow globe that has been turned upside down. There is no consistency, no single emotion to be felt at a steady pace. It can feel like it’s coming at us fast and full with no idea of the path it will take. Grief, we begin to learn, is unpredictable.

One day though the path begins to slow somewhat. It starts to feel different, with repetition we begin to adjust to this new life post loss. That does not mean

however that it is without pain, it just becomes a new version of “normal.”

As we move through this process, we begin to learn along the way our grief triggers. They may become a little more noticeable and predictable. We may begin to accept our grief. No, that does not mean that we are “OK” with our grief or are absent of pain, but we lean into the grief. As if it were a wave we see coming towards the shore. Instead of running from the powerful wave, we stand there bracing for the crash that we inevitably know is coming.

CONNECTION WITH OTHERS GRIEF CHANGES US

Throughout this journey we may notice our identity is shifting, and our perspective on the world has expanded maybe. How we connect to others feels different as well. It is in this process that we might say that there are unexpected gifts that come from grieving. We’ve been changed in ways that we never could have known. We cannot predict our grief experiences or how we will respond to it until we are in it.

When we experience a significant loss, we may feel disconnected from others. This feeling may pop up many times on our journey. When we come to a point where we are open to support, we might find that connecting with others can feel very different from prior to our loss. We can find connection with others on a deeper level because of our life experience. There is a saying that many deep friendships begin when we can look to another person and say “oh really, you too?”

LEANING INTO THE CHANGE

Grief can push change onto us and that can be hard to accept. Acceptance with our grief means that instead of trying to fight grief from changing us, we lean into acknowledging the fact that grief does change us and we cannot escape it. Instead of focusing on controlling our experience to not let it impact our lives, we let go of the control and can experience calmness by accepting that we will be shaped by this life changing event.

When we experience a loss, we are undoubtedly faced with what has been taken from us and what has been put on us. On our unpredictable journey when we begin to experience glimmers of healing, there can also be the realization of what grief has given us and how we have been forever changed by it. When we allow grief to change us, our loved ones can continue to make a difference in the world through us, long after they are gone.

DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF OTHERS

Grief can give us the ability to be more compassionate towards others. When you’ve experienced a significant loss, you learn firsthand the depth of grief’s impact. This opens up our perspective of the world and others, to look deeper than what is right in front of us. Think about how many people we pass by every day, and we have no idea what they’ve been dealing with in their lives. For example, someone in the office you’ve noticed is struggling with their job duties. Others can become easily frustrated, checking in with them you might find out they’ve recently had a loss. With life experience, we can relate to their absent mindedness. This is the gift grief can give us, to be more understanding of others, because we realize there can be something much deeper than what we see on the surface in our daily interactions.

Music

HOW MUSIC Moves AND SHAPES US

by ADELE CASANOVA

You may have you heard the famous quote from American author Georgia Cates, “Music is what feelings sound like.” Music does move us emotionally and can shape our mood and outlook on life. Music is a natural, inborn part of human existence and has been a part of all cultures throughout history. The intellectual capacity to recognize and experience music is present in every person from birth and is the first mental capacity to develop in the human brain.

There are significant positive benefits from listening to and performing music. Listening to music is stimulating to the brain, engaging neurons to connect, which creates a state of learning. Music is more stimulating to the brain than any other activity. It brings together the activation of both the right and left sides of the brain. The results are increased creativity, improved memory and positive thinking.

Music stimulates the neurotransmitter dopamine, known as the “feel good” chemical in the brain, related to our sense of reward and happiness. This knowledge has led to music therapy becoming a popular and successful form of therapy, used to increase positive mental and physical states. Research into music therapy has found that listening to music can increase happiness and life satisfaction. At Durham University in Ireland, researcher Tuomas Eerola, PhD, a professor of music cognition, writes, “The results help us to pinpoint the ways people regulate their mood with the help of music, as well as how music rehabilitation and music therapy might tap into these processes of comfort, relief, and enjoyment.”

Other research has focused on the joy upbeat music can bring. The American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) reports that music therapy programs can be designed to achieve goals such as managing stress, enhancing memory, and alleviating pain. It has been found that music can indeed reduce physical pain. A 2015 review in Source found that people who listened to music before, during, or after surgery experienced less pain and anxiety, compared to patients who did not listen to music. The music listeners didn’t even need as much pain medication.

Music therapy can also improve the outlook and management of mood disorders, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, stroke and multiple sclerosis, according to research by World Journal of Psychiatry

We all have favorite songs that elicit certain familiar emotions. The more often we hear a piece of music, the more favorable will be our emotional association. Music can stir new emotions in listeners, as well as bring up emotional memories associated with familiar music. Music is a huge part of our social lives, and accompanies life-changing moments, such as weddings, funerals and religious events. Music can also create a sense of empathy in the listener for the emotions experienced by the performers. Likewise, music often stirs listeners to action, such as dancing, marching or

singing. Just think of people moving to music at concerts or children naturally breaking into dance when they hear music.

Knowing that participating in music can lead to positive outcomes for people, many parents are beginning to introduce playing a musical instrument as an additional activity for children ages seven to seventeen. In 2019, Guitar Center commissioned an independent study to explore the effects of supplemental music lessons on the development of children. Results were as follows:

• PATIENCE IN PROBLEM-SOLVING: 85% of parents found that their children were more able to complete tasks.

• PRIORITIZATION SKILLS: 71% of parents found that children were able to voluntarily reduce screen time.

• INCREASED SELF-AWARENESS: 83% of parents found their children were more receptive to feedback.

• TIME MANAGEMENT: 68% of parents found their children were more able to finish tasks on time.

• SELF-MOTIVATION: 60% of parents found that children developed a greater ability to self-monitor screen time.

Music is indeed an integral part of our lives. It keeps our brains active, alert and healthy, while helping us to fight depression, lift our mood and stay connected through empathy and shared emotional experiences. It helps our children develop critical life skills and brings us together as a society to enjoy a shared creativity.

MEXICAN STYLE SMOKED CHICKEN THIGHS

by TANNER JOHNSON

For this month I wanted to do a recipe that is in common rotation in our household, no matter the time of year. My favorite part of the chicken…the thighs!

THE STAR INGREDIENT

Chicken thighs are full of flavor, and have a little fat on them so they get nice and tender especially in the smoker. Thighs are very hard to dry out, unlike chicken breasts which must be cooked perfectly to avoid drying them out.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

These smoked chicken thighs can be eaten by themselves with any kind of sides, veggies etc. They can be shredded up and added to some tacos or in a delicious taco bowl with some rice. My favorite way to do this is to shred them up by hand and add to flour tortillas with guacamole, cilantro, jalapeno and some yellow onion or pico de gallo.

INSTRUCTIONS

First, get a pack of chicken thighs (boneless & skinless or bone in) rub them all over with some hot sauce for a binder to allow the seasoning to stick better (my favorite is Cholula) then season them heavily all over with Hardcore Carnivore Tex Mex seasoning. I like to then let them sit in the fridge for a couple of hours so that the seasoning can really soak in.

Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees (or 250 if you want to cook a little faster). Once your smoker is up to temp, toss them in. They should take around 90 minutes, but could take longer depending on thickness. I usually flip them around 30-45 minutes and take the internal temp at this point too to see how much longer to expect.

Side Note: These can also be grilled on a regular grill with this same seasoning on medium/medium-high flipping every few minutes for a total of around 15 minutes (until 165 internal temperature).

Once they reach 165 degrees internal temperature (usually around 90 minutes in), they are good to come out, but I usually end up letting them cook until closer to 170. Next you’ll want to let them rest for at least 5 minutes, preferably 10. You want to rest so the juices will redistribute inside the meat and not all come flowing out once you cut them up or pull them apart.

Once they have rested, I use some nitrile gloves to shred them apart with my hands, if these are cooked correctly they will shred up very easily with no need for a knife. From here my favorite option is to load them on a tortilla with some amazing taco toppings like I mentioned above!

For more recipes and demos, follow Tanner on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook @919backyardbbq

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY TO NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

The Peninsula Community Foundation (PCF) unites the neighbors of the Peninsula Community of Cornelius, NC, to empower the work of nonprofit organizations. Founded in 2001, PCF is an allvolunteer organization that has contributed over $2,000,000 to local charities making an enormous impact on the communities of North Mecklenburg County. PCF increases awareness of significant needs in the local community and then brings the people, capital and ideas together to address the unmet needs of the young, poor, distressed, elderly, and handicapped in the community. Recently, PCF held their gala, celebrating their 20th Anniversary.

“Our gala was held on November 19, 2022 at The Peninsula Club, with a theme of emerald green, the traditional 20th anniversary color, with attendees encouraged to wear the color of the event. The sold-out gala was a great fundraiser with a featured tequila and bourbon tasting, Golden Ticket raffle, live auction, silent auction, and games. A delicious sit down dinner was served by the Peninsula Club team before the Golden Ticket winner was drawn. This was followed by a very lively live auction and donation appeal facilitated by the exuberant auctioneers, Austin Helms and Jason West. The evening continued with dancing to the popular band, Brightside,” said Pamela Varghese, PCF Gala Chairperson.

Peninsula Community Foundation OUT & ABOUT: PENINSULA COMMUNITY

The money raised during the gala will be distributed to local charities that best address the unmet needs of the young, poor, distressed, elderly, and/or handicapped in the Cornelius, NC community.

“The PCF is committed to helping local nonprofit organizations develop and expand not only through direct financial contribution, but with their entire mission. Our recipient organizations also benefit from the direct involvement of PCF Board Members, neighbors, and volunteers in the Peninsula and Cornelius community. We believe we are stronger together as we help local nonprofits provide a better life to those in need in the Lake Norman area,” Pamela commented.

For more information on The Peninsula Community Foundation, visit https://www.yourpcf.org.

by CAROLYN S PETERSON photography by DANIELLE ANGELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Danielle Angell Photography Carolyn Peterson

Out & About: Peninsula Community Foundation

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

ARE YOU AN AVOIDER?

Avoiding an issue or difficult conversation tells the other person they are not worth the effort of working it out. We have also seen one person in the marriage begin to stonewall or shut down, which may be rooted in their past or fear that something must be wrong with them if things are not well in their marriage. Soon, the stonewalled spouse will distance themselves whenever their spouse pursues them. With time, that spouse grows resentful and bitter and notices everything that disappoints them about their spouse. They become a lawyer instead of a lover; keeping record of all the past wrongs. Avoiding your spouse, the conversation, or the pain will create a void in your marriage.

Does this conversation sound familiar? I am sure you have had this conversation in your head many times. I have. What happens to the issue or unaddressed behavior? The issue or problem does not go away. It grows and begins to eat at you and your spouse. Left unconfronted, you or your spouse will feed it and tell yourself a false story. “You see, he doesn’t care enough to come after me and talk about it,” or “She always acts that way, and if I say something, nothing will change anyway!” Marriage issues do not go away. Dragons must be slayed, not left to slumber and gather strength.

Here is what I have learned after thirty years of marriage; avoidance is not a strategy if you desire a healthy marriage. One can undoubtedly try to kick the issue down the marriage road, but then it sits like strewn trash on a highway. You may have moved on, but it is still there and has an effect. If you find yourself being an avoider, then it is your fault! I know that is harsh, but you cannot blame your spouse; how they respond or react, you must own it, my friend. I spent the first five years of my marriage avoiding issues. Honestly, avoiding Shannan. We did not have an easy start to our marriage. Shannan was very strong-willed, and I was passive. Although I knew I needed to address issues in our relationship, there was no way I would poke the sleeping dragon. I came from a line of avoiders, from my great-grandfather, and grandfather, to my dad. They all were card-carrying avoiders. I saw the distance it created in their marriages and the lack of intimacy and connection they had with their spouses.

In the latter years of their marriage, my dad broke the generational avoider curse and set a precedent for me. Through his example, I finally learned that my wife was waiting for me to step up and lovingly confront her and not avoid her. She wanted me to lead and move towards her, even if she breathed fire now and then. She wanted to know I would fight for her, even if she did not know how to receive it in the early years of our marriage. This simple act of moving toward her changed everything.

Yet, when you move toward your spouse and address the issue with truth and love, then you fill your marriage with understanding and grace. You make room for healing. Regardless of how your spouse may respond or if she wants to avoid the tough conversations, you are responsible for having the conversation and communicating how you feel. So the next time you find yourself wanting to walk around the problem and not go through it, stop and say, “If I don’t say something, they may get upset. I may not know what to say, but I will not be an avoider!” Go ahead and poke the dragon!

Javier & Shannan Labrador are the founders of 24/7 Marriage, an organization committed to restoring marriages, and The Marriage Lab, a 38 ft. mobile marriage support 5th wheel that tours the country working with and supporting couples. As sought-after speakers, counselors, coaches, and authors of the upcoming book “Confessions of a Terrible Wife,” they are committed to seeing marriage stories redeemed. The Labradors publish a weekly podcast, teach, develop resources, and coach couples worldwide. Learn more about their ministry at bio.site/247marriage.

by JAVIER & SHANNAN LABRADOR THE MARRIAGE FLIPPERS

“IF I SAY SOMETHING, SHE WILL BE MAD. SHOOT. IF I DON’T SAY SOMETHING, SHE WILL BE EVEN MORE UPSET. I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO SAY IT. I’LL IGNORE IT. I’M SURE IT WILL GO AWAY!”

Westport Tennis Club

FAMILY FUN FROM THE COURTS TO THE POOL!

by MARTIE EMORY

and features the following amenities:

• 8 lighted clay courts

• USPTA pros and tennis programs

• Pro shop and tennis apparel

The club provides tennis leagues, clinics, and programs for all ages—including 26 USTA teams. You will find the father/ son tennis pro duo—they have been with the club for over seven years!— on the courts daily, and highly engaged with all members and guests. Aside from tennis, the club hosts a variety of amenities for the entire family including pickleball, fitness and yoga, monthly social events, and swimming in the summer. A summer membership at the club offers the perfect “backyard get away” by the pool. Summer memberships are available now, but do fill quickly!

Best of all, there truly is something for everyone, says Managing Owner, Robin Dann. Pickleball—the fastest growing sport in America—has also caught on at the club in a big way!

“Pickleball is all the rage for all ages, and with our five new pickleball courts with LED lights, our members are having a blast!” adds Robin.

“We also have a fantastic personal trainer on-site as a benefit for our members, as well as weekly yoga classes,” says Robin. “Being a very social environment, there is always an opportunity to meet new friends through tennis clinics, leagues, a pick-up game of pickleball, and our monthly member socials. Our wine nights and craft beer days are a huge hit with members and guests alike!”

Always engaging with the community, Robin says members graciously invite guests to come in and take a look at all the facilities the club has to offer. Local small businesses in the Lake Norman area are invited to partner with the club through its Court Flag Advertising program.

“We’ve also had the opportunity to partner with many small local businesses through our fundraising re-build campaign, and are excited to continue those relationships,” she adds. “Several of our socials, especially our wine nights, are open to members and guests. This spring, we are partnering with the Lincoln County Chamber to host a Community Networking Social on May 11th from 5:30 - 7:30.”

Awarded the 2021 North Carolina Tennis Facility of the Year, the club offers tennis programs and activities for the entire family

A cozy member lounge and bar offers craft beers and wine, the Junior Olympic-size pool features a water slide and splash pad area, and during the summer, kids can participate in the Stingrays—the club’s social swim team. The expanded fitness facility offers treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, rowing machines, Echelon bikes, free weights, medicine balls, and kettlebells, and weather permitting, the Westport Tennis & Swim Club pool will be open mid-May through mid-September!

The pool includes an eight-lane wake free competition pool, splash and activity pool, double-flume slide, snack bar area, and swim lessons for children and teens. Water aerobics is also available, along with special summer events, poolside cookouts, and club socials. There are always opportunities to meet up with old friends, and definitely plenty of chances to make new ones.

CURRENT MEMBERS COULDN’T AGREE MORE!

“We couldn’t be more thrilled! The new clubhouse is open with a members-only lounge area with beer on tap and featured wines. The lounge overlooks the tennis courts for a bird’s eye view of the action, and the fitness center is beautifully remodeled with all new equipment, flooring, TVs, and technology. The new yoga/group fitness area is larger and features barn doors that can be closed for added privacy. Check out the PRO shop and the tennis gear as you head to the lounge! And the staff and pros are still as friendly and welcoming as ever! If you haven’t checked out the updates, I highly recommend you call or stop by for a tour. We love the club, the pool, and the people!” - Amanda

M.

“Joining Westport is the best decision I have made for my health. I enjoy playing tennis five days a week at age 73, and I am in great shape. Join Westport, you will love it and the people! - Larry

R.

For families interested in Westport Swim & Tennis membership opportunities, call Willie at 303-525-4600, or email westportclub@att.net to request a tour! The club is located at 2525 Shanklin Lane, Denver NC, 704-4892227. Visit them online at westportswimandtennis.com, and follow the club for news and events on Facebook and Instagram @westportswimandtennis.

Located in the heart of the Westport community in Denver, NC, Westport Swim & Tennis Club is a family-run, membershipbased club inclusive to the Lake Norman area and surrounding communities.

Simple Schooling at Home

SIMPLE SCHOOLING AT HOME

by LAURA CZERWINSKI

It’s not ‘new news’ that more families are choosing to educate their children at home, especially since the throes of the pandemic. In fact, there are currently over 96,000 registered homeschools in NC today. For a plethora of reasons, there are many that wonder if schooling at home is worth considering. If you are one of those people, have been curious about what homeschool families DO all day, or simply want to know what some of the basic ‘rules’ are, take a journey with me over the next few months and explore Simple Schooling At Home.

ALL THE QUESTIONS! When people discover that our son learns at home, they are often intrigued and naturally have questions. Here are five of the most common questions people ask.

WAS HOMESCHOOLING ALWAYS YOUR PLAN?

Nope. We had no idea we’d end up on this path. One day, while at a story time activity at the library, I met a mom that homeschools her kids. I asked her some questions, attended a few seminars and started trying things out at home while our son was still very young (2) and it just fit. After all, aren’t we already all our children’s first teachers?

WHAT ABOUT SOCIALIZATION?

This is one of the top questions (and concerns) for many when it comes to schooling at home. I get it. But rest assured, there are plenty of opportunities for your kids to socialize with their friends. Our son has friends from similar homeschool activities like PE class or his swim team. Some of his classmates from his music classes attend local public schools. There are so many events to participate in, you may even find it hard to be sure you are making enough time to get the basics in! (More to come about fun activities in the Lake Norman area in a future article!)

SO WHAT HAPPENS…DO YOU HAVE TO JUST GIVE YOUR KID A TEST EVERY YEAR OR SOMETHING?

According to NC state law, your child must take a nationally standardized test or other nationally standardized equivalent measurement on an annual basis. You must notify the state that it has been administered by logging it online. (More on this later!) We choose to hire someone to administer the Woodcock Johnson exam each summer. We also have this person return in January to do an abbreviated version of the test to give us a quick glance at where our son may have more growth opportunities.

CAN YOU HOMESCHOOL AND WORK AT THE SAME TIME?

One of the huge benefits of schooling your kiddos in a more personal environment is that there are no set times as to when school happens each day OR on which days school happens for that matter. Some families take advantage of time on the weekends. Others ‘do school’ in the late afternoon or evenings. It simply needs to be on a consistent basis for 9 months out of the year except for reasonable vacations and holidays. (Laws vary from state to state, visit NCADMIN.nc.gov for more info.)

I only worked part time when our son was younger and started on a more full-time basis recently now that he is able to work more independently. Many families have more than one child and often the older ones help out the younger ones.

DO YOU JUST GET TO STAY HOME IN YOUR PAJAMAS ALL DAY?

Well, technically we could. But we don’t. We get up, make our beds and get dressed. It’s just a more productive way to start our day. Even though the common term is called HOME schooling, our son has activities and lessons that often take him outside our home where PJ’s are not ideal.

Next month, I will share some simple steps towards having a smooth start in schooling at home. For those that want a bit of a head start before then, feel free to check out: NCHE.com and NCADMIN.nc.gov

Consider it your first lesson on learning at home.

Join me next month:

Simple Schooling at Home: Smooth Starts

“The bottom line is that there is no right or wrong way to educate your children. It’s all a matter of what works best for your family. There are excellent schooling choices available and educating at home is just one of them.”

“In a world where everyone is shopping online, it was awesome to go to actual stores with your best friends and be treated like VIPs while doing it!” - Meredith M.

SPREADING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

by MARTIE EMORY

AS

WITH MANY GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATIONS, CHAIN FREE DOGS STARTED WITH A FEW GOOD PEOPLE DOING HEARTFELT VOLUNTEER WORK ON BEHALF OF THEIR FAVORITE ANIMAL!

Chartered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2018, Heart of the Carolinas UU Animal Ministry is moving forward stronger than ever! Volunteer Claudia Perkinson says she and several others saw a sadly growing need in Lincoln County, and they reacted by rallying together to build fences for dogs they found in compromised situations.

“As people saw what we were doing, they began to volunteer and donate,” shares Claudia.

The group builds free, donor-funded fences for dogs living on chains, tethers, or in small, outdoor pens, with a goal of getting all dogs in Lincoln County off chains, and into a safe, comfortable living situation. With dedication, determination, and much love, volunteers have “unchained” over 200 dogs—including 78 last year in 2022.

Builds are scheduled every other week, with usually 15 to 30 volunteers taking part. Funded 100% by donations, and staffed completely by volunteers, the group always welcomes new workers and supporters. Many donations are made to honor pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge—and you can sign up to donate, volunteer, or request a fence for your own dog at ChainFreeDogs.org.

“We will build and outfit a fenced enclosure for people in need who meet certain

BY THE NUMBERS

With dedication, determination, and much love, volunteers have “unchained” over 200 dogs— including 78 last year in 2022!

qualifications,” says Claudia. After a dog owner applies for fencing, a meeting is scheduled to review the animal’s current needs. Dogs are required to be spayed or neutered (the group can make arrangements and pay for the procedure), and they must be up-to-date on necessary shots.

“We provide a ‘dig proof’ fence, a dog house, straw bedding, water and food bowls, and other essentials,” adds Claudia. While the group currently works exclusively in Lincoln County, they may be able to refer pet owners in other areas to similar resources.

Requests for fences often come from individuals whose dogs are running free or are chained, but also from neighbors and concerned citizens, animal control, and other animal welfare organizations.

Here’s what’s included in a “build” by the group:

• A sturdy “dog proof” fence

• An elevated dog house

• Rain and sun protection

• Straw bedding

• Pooper-scooper

• Water pail

• Enrichment toys

• Safety and security

• Access to low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines

• Heartworm information

• Love and affection

• A lasting relationship

The group is also blessed with generous supporters from within the Lincoln County community, including Dog Supplies Warehouse, East Catawba Animal Clinic, East Lincoln Animal Hospital, Lawn & Landscape by AJ, Landmark Fences of Lake Norman, and Max and Neo Dog Supplies.

What’s at stake when a dog is left in an undesirable situation? Chaining can be detrimental to a dog’s physical and psychological well-being, but fortunately, many cities and counties are passing laws to ban the practice. Chained dogs do not receive adequate exercise, they are susceptible to overheating and freezing in extreme weather conditions, they may drag their chain and spill

water bowls (leaving them dehydrated), they cannot escape the attack of a wild animal, or can even die from strangulation if they try to jump over something and become tangled.

For more information on how you can improve a dog’s life and continue spreading the love, email HEARTCAMUU@gmail.org, visit ChainFreeDogs.org, or call 704-280-2354.

A SIMPLER LIFE

by LESLIE SPEAS

Does your life feel overly complicated? Does it feel like you are pulled in a dozen different directions? Do you ever wish for a quieter, simpler time, like Little House on the Prairie? No cell phones, no checking email at night, no being a taxi service for the kids, less drama. Of course, lack of electricity might be a problem…and I'm pretty sure I would have to cook and sew. But a simple life sounds pretty good to me at this juncture. I am envisioning a log cabin in the mountains. But I would need to be fairly close to shopping and Starbucks and with WIFI.

Jesus lived a really simple lifestyle. He traveled to teach and heal without much baggage. He ate and stayed at other people’s homes and encouraged his disciples to do the same (Mark 10:10). He was focused on one thing and one thing only—spreading the word of God.

Jesus says: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10) The life that he speaks of is not about fortune, fame, or material possessions. It is a life that is rich in love (of God and other people) where we are doing God’s work. To do this, we have to cut through the clutter in our lives, ditch the unimportant things, and manage the complications.

Our world today is so full of distractions and shiny things that clamor for our attention. It’s really easy to get caught up in all of it which

complicates our lives. Even in this environment, it is still possible to live a focused, simple life. To do this, we must let go of things that hinder our walk with God, freeing ourselves up to live a life of commitment to Him. This will also help to increase our contentment in our lives.

If your life feels complicated and out of control, make a choice to take it to its simplest form. Here are some tips to consider:

• Learn to live with what you need and within your means.

• Take a break from social media and technology.

• Spend time in nature.

• Don't try to be more or less than God's design for you.

• Spend time with people you enjoy and decrease or cut out time spent with toxic people.

• Love and spend quality time with your family.

• Identify your top five priority areas and start saying no to activities that don’t fit in.

• Own what you actually need and make it simple to care for.

• Keep an eternal focus.

Sounds easy peasy, right? Maybe not that easy but you can consider baby steps in this direction. I’m getting ready to go through my closet. I probably really don’t need 15 pairs of boots.

So, what will you do to simplify your life?

“…and make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you.”

Resume Nerd

What Causes Procrastination

WHY DO WE PROCRASTINATE & WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT IT?

by KAREN COOPER

You may have heard the saying, never put off until tomorrow what you can do the day after tomorrow? Funny, right? Not so much….

Procrastination. Webster’s dictionary says it is: “To put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done.”

Most of us procrastinate. We feel guilty about it and criticize ourselves for it. And yet we still do it. Why is it so easy to fall into this trap even when we know better? According to some psychologists, the answer is not that people are lazy or have poor time management skills. Instead, research suggests that procrastination is a problem related to our emotions and that learning to manage negative emotions effectively can help us overcome it.

SO WHY DO WE DO IT?

The temptation to say no to distractions for instant gratification is too great…and this is exactly what makes the procrastination cycle really vicious. We know that when we are rewarded for something, we tend to keep doing it. If putting off a task provides us relief, it feels like a reward so we continue the cycle. And there you have it! What may have been an occasional problem can turn into a chronic habit.

We may also procrastinate when we are not able to manage negative feelings relating to a task (such as anxiety, boredom, frustration, and selfdoubt). This is especially true of tasks that make us unsure of ourselves or stress us out. In scientific terms, when we are feeling stress because of something we need to do, the rational part of the brain (the prefrontal cortex) shuts down and the amygdala (the part of the brain that regulates our fear response) identifies the task as an actual threat to our self-esteem or our mental health which causes our brains to want to remove the threat by any means necessary!

HOW CAN WE STOP IT?

You can begin by objecting to the unhelpful thoughts that occur when you think about doing the task. This could include thoughts of something being too hard, too overwhelming, or not doing something as well as another person. It could also include negative self-talk such as telling yourself you “never get things done on time”. If you identify these intrusive thoughts (that are at least an exaggeration and at most not even true), you can work to correct them. By changing the way we think about the tasks in front of us, we have the power to change the way

we feel about the situation and then ultimately how we move forward with our responsibilities. It’s also important to let yourself off the hook for procrastinating so you’re not stuck in a cycle of guilt which will only compound the bad feelings associated with completing necessary tasks.

START WITH A SMALL STEP.

When I’m struggling with procrastination, I think of something my grandmother used to say. “Get at it, keep at it, and get through it.” Simple, but meaningful. Wise words from a woman who got through a lot in her day. So, when you have something you don’t particularly want to do but need to do…you simply take a small step. If a few minutes into it you are miserable, stop and go back to it later. However, it’s much more likely that you will keep working on a task once you’ve started. Find something that motivates you to get started. A special drink to give you a jolt (caffeinated or not), a reward for when you’ve gotten to a certain point. Whatever works for you. Break the task down into portions if that feels better to you and reward yourself for every step. By doing this you switch the negative feelings associated with the task to positive feelings.

At its core, procrastination is about emotions and not laziness or lack of work ethic. The solution doesn’t involve downloading time management apps, keeping your calendar scheduled up to the minute or mastering new levels of self-control. What it really comes down to is managing emotions in a new way and forgiving ourselves for not being perfect.

CELEBRATING EVERY MEAL!

by MARTIE EMORY

BESIDES THEIR WELL-KNOWN REPUTATION FOR THE FRESHEST, MOST NATURAL INGREDIENTS, BLU STAR GRILL IN MOORESVILLE IS KNOWN FOR AFFECTIONATELY REFERRING TO THEIR “GUESTS”—NOT THEIR CUSTOMERS—AS THAT’S JUST HOW IMPORTANT YOU ARE TO OWNER NELSON BASS AND HIS TALENTED TEAM.

Nelson sums up their philosophy well: “We care about every meal being a great meal!”

Serving the Mooresville and Lake Norman area for the past 12 years, Blu Star Grill tempts you with amazing daily fish specials created from wild caught Alaskan salmon, wild caught mahi mahi, flounder, or wild caught shrimp. If seafood isn’t your thing, they will lure you in with hand-pattied burgers made from grass-fed and grass-finished black Angus beef that was raised on small family ranches in Colorado. Maybe you’d like to try a bison burger? That bison meat is from South Dakota, and all naturally fed, something that makes Executive Chef Zachary Jenkins proud. You can also sample free-range Canadian elk!

As Nelson also enjoys quoting, “We know where all our proteins come from, and how they are raised!”

If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Trio Burger—showcasing the finest elk, bison, and angus beef together on a freshly made bun. With fries, of course! Or, sample the Frontier Bison

Burger, complete with sliced avocado, cheddar cheese, and sliced red onions.

With his background that includes a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, Chef Zach’s enduring love for cooking is reflected in every dish on the menu at Blu Star Grill. That passion stirs his emotions for his craft, and inspires him to create the irresistible weekly specials and new, exciting menu items that enhance the restaurant’s regular offerings. Their “Tour of America” celebration is also in full swing, with featured cuisine from each different state over several designated days. (Follow them on social media @blustargrill to see the featured state!)

Setting also stands out at Blu Star Grill, and in a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere you can gather with friends or your entire family for a celebration. Besides their amazing beef and seafood options, guests can also enjoy a large assortment of fresh, organic salads and wraps. Blu Star also offers a large gluten-friendly menu, and the restaurant is highly rated on the Gluten Free North Carolina website. Chef Zach loves

incorporating ingredients from special regional cultures as well. Outstanding vegetarian options are always available including black bean burgers, grilled vegetable wraps, and vegetable pasta, along with a delicious selection of additional pasta dishes including blackened shrimp Alfredo.

Experienced, friendly, and attentive servers are another staple of this popular restaurant, where expanding your culinary horizons is always a pleasure. Nelson and the Blu Star Grill team is also proud to partner with the great works of Watchmen of the Streets—offering assistance to homeless neighbors in the area. Blu Star Grill contributed more than 800 meals to Watchmen of the Streets in 2022, and continues to work with the organization to feed those in need in our community.

Schedule a lunch or dinner outing soon at Blu Star Grill, located at 120 Marketplace Avenue in Mooresville, NC, 704-660-5577, and online at Blustargrill.com. Restaurant hours are Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., closed Sunday.

One Man’s Perspective: 28 Day Cruise

28-DAY CRUISE

by CHARLIE SCHULER

There is a lot to be said for cruising on a commercial cruise line. They have a great safety record, they serve your every need, and they feed you well prepared, delicious food. One of the things I like most is that you don’t have to pack your bags every day. They have fun things to do on board such as a gym, hot tub, pool, games, casino, and they have great entertainment. It’s really a pretty good deal financially. Some may say that we have sailed a lot, but we still decided to do a 28-day cruise.

Twenty eight days is a long time. But it wasn’t the length of the cruise that was important. It was the ports of call where we stopped, and this was a cruise up the AMAZON RIVER, which I wrote about in an earlier article.

The ship we chose was the VOLENDAM from the Holland America Line. They have been in service for 150 years, and the VOLENDAM is the smallest ship in their fleet; one of the requirements for sailing up the AMAZON RIVER. The river is over 4,000 miles long and up to 6 miles wide, but it had shifting sand bars that had to be avoided. We actually had

to wait for high tide to enter the Amazon from the ocean. There was a point that the Captain said we had two feet of water under the keel. The ship was 781 feet long, carried 1432 passengers and had a crew of 580. So even though the ship was the smallest in the fleet it was still an ocean going cruiser.

An interesting thing about the VOLENDAM was that it was recently used as emergency housing for Ukraine refugees. They talked about hundreds of kids running around. They thought the kids really liked ping pong, but then they found all the balls in the toilets. They must have thought the toilets were great receptacles for their game.

We actually spent eleven days on the AMAZON RIVER and in places it was a challenge. The River had flooded and washed away many of the docks so we had to “tender” ashore. This was an adventure in itself. The ship had their own tenders, four of them, which held 40 people at a time. Fully enclosed, but we did have 1,400 passengers on board. So it took a while to move everyone. Getting ashore was a lot easier in our other ports.

YOU MAY KNOW THAT WE HAVE CRUISED OUR SAILBOAT EXTENSIVELY FOR MANY YEARS, BUT AS THE BIBLE SAYS, “THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING.” AND OUR TIME HAS COME AND GONE.

There is a tradition that sailors have been following for years when you cross the equator for the first time. They continued that tradition on this ship and had a big affair. It involved King Neptune in costume giving a fun speech, and selected candidates being covered in slime and having to kiss the statue of a fish. There were a lot of candidates and everyone had a really fun time. They gave us degrees that showed we had really crossed the equator with date, time, latitude and longitude.

We departed and returned from the port at Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our itinerary included stops at Philipsburg, Saint Martin, Castries, St. Lucia, Devils Island, French Guiana, Santarem, Alto do Chao, Parintins, Manaus, Boco Da Valeria, and Belem Brazil. We crossed the equator four different times on this part of the journey. Our next stops were In Barbados, Aruba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

There is always some type of activity available for you to do. We tend to take a lot of guided tours. There are normally some physical activities as well available.

We feel we are truly blessed. We got to see the Amazon River and some of its features, like Pink Dolphins. Yes, I said PINK dolphins. They are also called “Boto” or pink river dolphins. We were treated like royalty by the crew on the ship, cruised in paradise, and met some wonderful people.

Yes, we will take another cruise.

Small Business Spotlight: Summary Vol. 2

LOCAL BUSINESS RECAPS

by MARTIE EMORY

KTR MARINE

With over 20 years experience in the marine industry, KTR Marine owners Todd and Kim Reynolds specialize in used boat sales, service of all types, upholstery, and restorations, making them an all-around, full-service marine dealership. Conveniently located near Denver, Charlotte, Mooresville, Cornelius, Lake Norman, and Hickory, their down-to-earth team of seven brings you the most sought after boat lines, quality parts, unique interiors, and all the experience you could possibly need to solve your service or mechanical issues. Whether you are a first-time buyer and new to the Lake Norman area, or an experienced boater, you’ll instantly become family at KTR Marine. “Our wide selection includes bowrider, deck boats, outboards, pontoons, ski/wake boats, and more,” says Todd. “We also bring in quality pre-owned boats offering the newest models including Bayliner, Chaparral, Cobalt Boats, Four Winns, Premier, Sea Ray, and Yamaha.” They also offer complete reupholstering services, a variety of flooring options including Sea Grass, Sea Deck, carpet, and vinyl, and canvas covers featuring bimini tops, cockpit & bow covers, full and partial enclosures, and individual seat covers. They can make a “lake call” or personal pick-up if your boat is in need of detailing. No matter what condition they find your boat in, it will be returned to you looking brand new!

KTR Marine is located at 3840 Hwy 16N, in Denver, NC. Reach them at 828-312-1743, and learn more about their services at ktrmarine.com, including parts requests and service requests that can be submitted online. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Myrtle Beach, SC. “We started in the travel business as investors,” explains Mary. “We had so much success, we soon bought another property.” With a stroke of perfect timing, they realized no one currently owned the iTrip franchise territory in the Charlotte area a leading short-term vacation rental management company that has revolutionized the way people vacation and manage their properties. “The company itself has been around for 14 years now,” says Mary. “You’ll find iTrip franchisees everywhere from Canada to the Florida Keys and even Hawaii! They now manage 30 properties in eight North Carolina counties – from the metro Charlotte area (Charlotte, Pineville, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Davidson, Lake Norman, Denver, Sherrills Ford, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, and Concord) all the way to Asheville. The Charlotte company provides short-term rentals (less than 31 days or month-to-month) and property management, keeping properties at their very best. Mary’s experience as an art director in the publishing industry has inspired their marketing, as has her love of art and interior design. “I love putting houses together! When business calls for it, I’m happy to step in with fresh new design ideas.” The Ceccarellis are also nature lovers – and that includes hiking, kayaking, and white-water rafting, which makes them love bringing vacation experiences to anyone visiting the Lake Norman area.

See their full inventory at iTrip.net or reach them online at Charlotte.itrip.co. iTrip also partners with over 85 global channel partner sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, Expedia, and NEW this year Marriott Hotels & Villas!

CLC DEALS

ITRIP CHARLOTTE

Husband and wife team Marco and Mary Ceccarelli, own and manage iTrip Charlotte, combining their varied backgrounds with a passion for world-class customer service. When ready to jump into raising a family, they followed Mary’s brother’s nudging, and fell in love with the Charlotte area as their new family home. But they soon found themselves missing the beaches of Miami, and began the search for an oceanfront condo at

For one of the most unique shopping experiences in the area, set aside time to visit CLC Deals in Denver, NC! Gerry Papiernik and the CLC team focus on continually searching for products customers request. “In a short period of time we were buying overstock inventory from a wide variety of suppliers,” says one of the owners. The team is constantly improving product offerings, and the store inventory is ever-changing. In fact, the possibilities are endless! The tempting list of available items on any given day might include home goods, lamps, rugs, lighting and accessories, clothing, toys, bath towels, linens and bedding, pet supplies, and select gourmet food items. Holidays are also a wonderful time to shop CLC Deals! The team genuinely has fun doing their job, and shares that enthusiasm with customers—while offering the absolute best values around! Follow CLC Deals on Facebook to catch their Facebook Live posts, and tours of what’s new in the shop.

CLC Deals is located at 1806 Hwy 16 N, Denver, NC, 704-665-1620. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.4:00 p.m., and Sunday 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

SINCE THE PREMIER ISSUE OF LKN MAGAZINE, WE’VE INTRODUCED YOU TO SOME AMAZING BUSINESSES IN THE AREA. HERE’S A RECAP OF JUST A FEW—TO ENTICE YOU BACK FOR A VISIT, A CALL, OR TO SHOP ONLINE WITH THEM!

Calendar of Events

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dates and details subject to change, please connect with event host for the most up-todate information.

MONDAY NIGHTS STARTS AT 7:00 PM

TUESDAY NIGHTS

NOVEL TAPROOM:

TEAM TRIVIA

12 N Ashe Ave, Newton, NC 28658.

Trivia Night at the Taproom. TheNovelTapRoom.com

LAKE NORMAN

BREWERY: TRIVIA NIGHT

1753 Triangle Circle Denver, NC 28037.

7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

SOCIAL CORN HOLE LEAGUE

TUESDAY NIGHTS 6:30 PM TO 8:00 PM

Primal Brewery, 16432 Old Statesville Road in Huntersville.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS

SEABROOKS: MUSIC BINGO

BoatYard Lake Norman, 18418 Statesville Road in Cornelius.

Free to play with a winner in every round. Groove the night away! Amazing prizes and great music.

LAKE NORMAN BREWERY:

MUSIC BINGO

1753 Triangle Circle Denver, NC 28037.

ELECTRIC BIKE ADVENTURE

Davidson.

Take advantage of our pedal assist ebikes and follow us on this 90 minute journey through Davidson and Cornelius. Enjoy nature and travel with us without getting tired while trying our electric bikes. visitlakenorman.org/listing/electric-bikeadventure/2399/

7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

No fee is required, and no weekly commitment is required. Beginners are welcome, and players of all levels may participate! Feel free to come with friends or alone! 704.947.2920 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

10:00 AM TO 11:30 AM

WELCOME

Calendar of Events

LIVING MILITARY MUSEUM AT RICHARD’S COFFEE SHOP: FREE COFFEE FOR VETS

165 N. Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115.

THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS

NOVEL TAPROOM:

LIVE MUSIC

12 N Ashe Ave, Newton, NC 28658.

TheNovelTapRoom.com

STARTS AT 8:00 PM

D9 BREWING COMPANY: TRIVIA

THURSDAY NIGHTS 7:00 PM TO 8:00 PM

THURSDAY

11138-C Treynorth Drive in Cornelius.

Test your smarts with our weekly general trivia! Bring all of your smartest friends, some snacks and we will provide the beer! Multiple rounds that are always changing, so you’ll need to keep your wits about ya! Top three teams win gift cards plus bragging rights!

FRIDAY NIGHTS 6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM

MAC’S SPEED SHOP LAKE NORMAN: LIVE MUSIC

19601 Liverpool Pkwy in Cornelius.

Get here early, because it’s first come, first serve, and we promise we will fill up fast! Come on out, and enjoy our drink specials all night long.

DAVIDSON FARMERS MARKET

SATURDAYS 8:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

442 South Main Street in Davidson.

The Davidson Farmers Market is a producer-only, year-round Market featuring more than 35 farmers and local producers from within a 100-mile radius. The market is a lively gathering place for meeting friends and for learning about food, agriculture and nutrition. Growers and producers are on hand to answer your questions, from “How was this grown?” to questions about how to prepare and preserve all types of foods. The market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses produced by sustainable or organic methods, when possible. Other agriculturally based products such as breads, eggs, honey, flowers and soaps are also offered. And prepared foods, pastas and ready-to-eat foods, too!

Center and Charming Gifts

Expert Advice Vibrant Local Inventory Gifts and Decor Garden

ONGOING

WELCOME HOME VETERAN

LIVING MILITARY MUSEUM AT RICHARD’S COFFEE SHOP:

MUSIC JAM

165 N. Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115.

AM TO 12:00 PM

On Saturdays we have a Music Jam session, where anyone is welcome to come in and either play or have a cup of coffee, or just enjoy the music!

SHOES & CLOTHING DONATIONS NEEDED

10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 200 in Charlotte.

9:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Carolina’s 1st Choice Agency has partnered with soles4souls.org to collect used shoes/clothes. We collect monthly and can even pick up your items from your office/home or you can swing by our office at 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 200 in Charlotte. Let’s empower people and pay it forward. For more info Contact Christian at 704.701.5972.

APR 01 A SESQUICENTENNIAL SYMPHONY WITH LAKE NORMAN PHILHARMONIC

6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM

APR 01-30

160 South Magnolia Street in Mooresville

Mooresville Arts & Events and the Lake Norman Philharmonic are proud to present a special musical event – “A Sesquicentennial Symphony.” This event is featured in the 150 Fun Things To Do in 2023 calendar and will be free for all attendees. Please join us as Maestro Eduardo Cedeño conducts the Lake Norman Philharmonic, a highlyacclaimed orchestra in the region, through a range of classical and contemporary pieces of music including varied selections from Verdi to The Beatles. Seating is on a first-come basis. Free parking is plentiful on-site, and the Mooresville Performing Arts Center is fully accessible. For more information, visit ourtownstage.com.

LOCALIZED CRYOTHERAPY: 15% OFF

11:00 AM TO 7:00 PM

Phenix Salon, 591 River Highway, Suite E-F # 106 in Mooresville.

Localized cryotherapy in Mooresville. Great for soreness, inflammation, pain, shin splints and athletic recovery. tlurecovery.com

HAVE AN EVENT TO SHARE?

Scan the QR code above or visit lkn-magazine.com/submitevent to submit an event.

APR 04 MOORESVILLE

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MEETING

Springhill Suites, 121 Gateway Boulevard in Mooresville.

The Young Professionals Group is open to any and all between 20-40 years of age. Vision Statement: To make Mooresville one of the nation’s premier places to live, work and play and to serve as a model for all young professionals.

APR 08

‘TAWBA WALK ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL

Oak Street Mill/Cornelius Town Hall in Cornelius.

‘Tawba Walk is a free, multidimensional, eclectic art crawl which snakes its way through Old Town Cornelius. Live music on multiple stages, craft breweries, food trucks, kids activities and more than 100 local artisans and vendors. cornelius.org/339/Tawba-Walk-ArtsMusic-Festival

APR 14 TELL ME LIES: FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE SHOW

215 North Main Street in Mooresville.

7:00 PM

Painting

Ceiling Fans

Carpentry

The seasoned musicians that makeup Tell Me Lies have been making music together in various combinations and styles for years. It seemed only fitting that they should come together to pay tribute to the one and only Fleetwood Mac. For more information or tickets, visit ourtownstage.com. Cost: $20-30/person.

Calendar of Events

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dates and details subject to change, please connect with event host for the most up-todate information.

APR 16

VENDOR MARKET AT KING CANARY BREWING COMPANY

562 Williamson Road in Mooresville.

APR 21

1:00 PM TO 5:00 PM

APR 22

Free shopping with local vendors and artists, live music, lawn games, food trucks, kids craft tables and tasty adult beverages in King Canary’s taproom. kindmarketco.com

NORTH MECKLENBURG COMMUNITY CHORUS SPRING CONCERT

14005 Stumpton Road in Huntersville.

Featuring hits from Elton John and Billy Joel.

LKN FIRST ANNUAL TOUR DE BOUTIQUE

Various Boutiques.

7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM

APR 23

9:00 AM TO 6:00 PM

The team at Forsyth Magazines knows a thing or two about shopping, and more specifically, shopping trips. Since 2010, we’ve hosted more than 15 shopping events! We love turning a regular Saturday into an extraordinary Saturday with a non-stop, shop-til-you-drop adventure! The LKN Tour de Boutique is a self-guided tour of 10-12 local boutiques. These boutiques roll out the red carpet! We all know the value and importance of shopping locally. It helps stimulate the local economy, creates jobs and brings tremendous value to our community. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that you won’t want to miss!

$50 per person includes the LKN simple modern 40-ounce Trek tumbler cup, a swag bag with some other goodies, coupons and even gift cards hidden inside! There will also be exclusive specials and discounts at all participating boutiques, door prize tickets and a day full of fun! Register online at: tinyurl.com/LKNTDB2023

GOAT YOGA & MOCKTAILS

The Ivory Barn, 14418 NC-73 in Huntersville.

10:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Includes one hour of yoga with Jessica Bieber, one mocktail, small bites and access to the beautiful venue. There will also be a photographer on site for pictures during yoga and after. Cost: $40/ person (21 and older). linktr.ee/theivorybarn

Calendar of Events

APR 26 SHAG NIGHT AT NOVEL TAPROOM

APR 30

12 N. Ashe Avenue in Newton.

The Lake Norman and Lake Hickory Shag Clubs dance at Novel Taproom in Newton every quarter.

SUNDAY SALUTATIONS YOGA RETREAT

The Ivory Barn, 14418 NC-73 in Huntersville.

MAY 13

6:00 PM

MAY 14

11:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

Please join us to relax, refresh & restore. Cost: $125/person ($145 after 3/31). All levels welcome, catered lunch, restorative stretch, relaxing sound bath and a cocktail hour. jessicabieberyoga.com/sundaysalutation

FOOTHILLS FOLK ART FESTIVAL

16 North Main Avenue in Newton.

10:00 AM TO 4:00 PM

A family friendly festival, which draws close to 9,000 visitors from throughout the region showcasing a variety of local contemporary folk artists – whose work will be for sale. Come and enjoy local restaurants and businesses, area food trucks, beer garden, music and much more! Free event. foothiilsfolkartfestival.com

LAKE NORMAN HALF MARATHON

297 Yacht Road in Mooresville.

7:00 AM TO 12:00 PM

Join us for the return of the Lake Norman Half Marathon. This is the only race that highlights the best of Lake Norman. See beautiful views of the lake and enjoy running on one of the fastest courses in the Charlotte area. Afterwards, enjoy live music and beer. This year, we will be hosting the event at a new location, and we are very excited to show off our beautiful finish line! The Lake Norman Yacht Club has agreed to allow us to finish at their breathtaking property. You will have a stunning view as you come in of the lake and of all of the amazing sailboats moored there. Cost: $80/person. lakenormanhalfmarathon.com

12AUG 11

JUN

2023 SUMMER CAMP AT THE SAFE HARBOR PENINSULA YACHT CLUB

18501 Harbor Light Boulevard in Cornelius.

9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM

A supportive atmosphere in which children can learn new skills and build friendships. Open to prospective members! We offer a variety of camps: Toddler, Day, Boating & Wake Surf Experience. peninsulayacht.com/summer-camp

TIME TRAVELING IN SPRING

ROCKY THOMPSON

Savings Time…or maybe “sprung” out of Daylight Savings Time and into Standard Time? I don’t know, the nomenclature never made sense to me.

In any case, the sun is setting later. Behind us are the days of driving home in the dark after work. At least until fall returns, but that’s all the way on the other side of summer.

I hope this is the last time we’ll spring forward and the time change will stay permanent, which is something I hope every year. And each year, some politician who I disagree with about a ton of stuff will introduce a bill to make the Daylight Savings Time permanent, and I’ll think, “Oh look, I actually agree with this person about one thing,” and then the bill won’t pass and the time change will keep happening.

Why the bill won’t pass and the time change keeps happening is fascinating to me. Getting rid of the time change is very popular. And it’s not like there’s some well-funded Daylight Savings Time lobby that’s pouring tons of cash into making sure nothing changes.

The history lesson on the Daylight Savings Time is that it was a wartime shift in an effort to save resources. Less fuel was needed to power factories (and it could make it more difficult

to spot them at night) with the shift, and it’s largely stuck around in the US since then. That was in 1918. Today, factories run regardless of the outside lighting, and factory workers are seldom dodging incoming paratrooper attacks on the way to work.

So, why the holdup? People want it and politicians don’t change it. It’s like a microcosm for the whole national government. Each year in autumn when we “fall back” I threaten to become a one-man island that doesn’t observe the time change. A roving time zone that never changes would move in a 10-foot diameter everywhere I travel. People would have to consider it when inviting me to a meeting at work or making plans to get dinner. I’d continue to get that extra hour of daylight at the end of the day. The only thing stopping me is that my kids’ school is stubborn about adjusting their entire start/stop time for me, which is understandable.

At this point you might say, “But Rocky, isn’t it also nice to have that hour of daylight at the start of the day?” Heck, for all I know, you may even be one of the four or five people in the state of North Carolina who feel that way. To those few folks who take advantage of the extra hour of morning light to roll out of bed at the crack of dawn and go for a 10 mile run before having their coffee, I can only say this: “No.”