LKN September 2022

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND LKN MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2022 | PREMIERE ISSUE

Motto Mortgage understands the local real estate market and we pride ourselves on being part of our vibrant community.

You’ll get personalized service with the convenience of today’s digital mortgage solutions. We are here to help make your Lake Norman dream home come true.

Motto Mortgage

Christopher Campolieta MOTTO MORTGAGE MOVES Mortgage Loan Originator LO NMLS #2089901

Office: 910-406-2305 | Cell: 704-619-8565 christopher.campolieta@mottomortgage.com mottomortgage.com/offices/ moves-southern-pines/chris

Atrium Health

Orange Theory Fitness

MORE THAN A GYM Orangetheory is a science-backed, technology-tracked, coach-inspired group workout designed to produce results from the inside out.

704-626-7515 | 631 Brawley School Rd. | Mooresville, North Carolina 28117

Excellent Lawn Care Services for Your Yard When it comes to Weed Control, Mosquito Control, Liquid Aeration and Shrub Care; the experts at GrassRoots are here to provide you with exceptional service and results.

GrassRoots Turf

It’s time to schedule your fall aeration and seeding for all fescue lawns!

(704) 691-5936 GrassRoots Turf of Lake Norman | Denver, North Carolina | grassrootsturf.com Areas Served: Catawba, Concord, Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Huntersville, Iron Station, Kannapolis, Lake Norman, Lincolnton, Lowesville, Maiden, Mayhew, Mooresville, Mount Holly, Mountain Island, North Charlotte, Sherrills Ford, Stanley, Troutman

126 Mooresville Commons Way, Suite C | Mooresville | 704.662.0007

Bliss By the Lake @blissbythelake

blissbythelakeboutiquenc |

Monday - Friday 10am-6pm | Saturday 10am-4pm | Sunday by Appointment

PUBLISHER Keela Johnson Keela@lkn-magazine.com

EDITOR Brooke Eagle Brooke@ForsythMags.com

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

“S

Kasey Jamison Thompson Kasey@lkn-magazine.com

omeday is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you.” - Tim Ferris

SALES & MARKETING Barbara Minor Barbara@lkn-magazine.com

Hello! I’m Keela Johnson and I’m beyond excited that my “someday” is today.

Launching LKN Magazine has been a dream of mine for many years and seeing it come to life has been challenging, beautiful, exciting... and lots of emotions in-between.

ADVERTISING Advertising@lkn-magazine.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Seventeen years ago, I started a magazine in my hometown, Winston-Salem, NC. After hundreds of issues and thousands of articles – Forsyth Woman is a known and respected source of information in Forsyth County.

Throughout the years, we’ve launched sisterpublications, including Forsyth Family and Forsyth Community, and now LKN Magazine.

JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

Robin Shupe Keller

While the thought of starting a magazine in Lake Norman has been in the back of my mind for many years (my husband and I moved to the lake nearly 5 years ago), life kept getting in the way. After my second round of breast cancer in 2018, I thought that was my sign it was time to slow down and live life to its fullest. Everyone dreams of retiring someday, right? So I did! I handed over the Forsyth Woman publisher role to my daughter, Brooke, and got busy learning how to be retired. I took up paddle boarding and gardening and started spending lots of quality time with my (also retired) husband – life was great! However… I don’t rest well.

The LKN Magazine team can’t wait to get to know you and your business, and build a partnership of mutual trust, as we work together to strengthen and build ties throughout our community. We are a team that believes collaboration is the best way to help everyone rise to the top. Meet and learn more about our team on page 44.

I love living at Lake Norman and everywhere I turned I saw incredible possibilities to share the compelling stories of local people and local businesses. Forsyth Magazines was more than a career for me, it was my passion… and my calling! Bringing that passion to the greater LKN area is a privilege I do not take lightly!

BACK OFFICE & VIRTUAL ASSISTANT The Office Nerd, Denise Heidel

COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Jodie Brim Creative

Our magazines are positive-focused and community-driven. We aren’t journalists, but we are citizens sharing content that is relevant to our readers! Just as we’ve done month after month for 70K+ readers in Forsyth County, we are excited to do the same here in Lake Norman. THANK YOU for picking up this magazine – it means the world to my team and me. While we’ll have a new issue each month, you can follow along with us on social media in the meantime! You can find us at @lknmagazine on Instagram and Facebook. I can’t wait to get to know you and your business!

Keela All my best,

Keela Johnson Publisher

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LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER Carrie Allen, LLC

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS *credited throughout accordingly

CONTENT EDITORS Kim Beane Robin Shupe Keller Meghan Corbett

SENIOR STAFF WRITER Martie Emory

OTHER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristy Dodd Jessica Grimsland Amy Hill Taryn Jerez Jean Marie Johnson Michael Johnson Chelsea Kowalski Carolyn S. Peterson Rocky Thompson *others credited throughout accordingly

GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Emerson Designs

WEB DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE McIlwraith Enterprises, LLC

CONTACT Lkn-Magazine.com 888-892-3204

LKN Magazine 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. ©2022 by LKN Magazine, Inc.

The Publisher Perspective

SweetGrass

home • gifts you (704) 663-5878 | 146 Mooresville Commons Way, Suite H | Mooresville |

@sweetgrasshome

FEATURES 12 Orangetheory Mooresville focused on life!

22 GrassRootsTurf.com 24 Summit Place of Mooresville: Living & Loving Like Home 30 Living Military Museum at Richard’s Coffee Shop: A Gathering of Generations 40 Logan Home Energy Services: The Comfort Keepers 68 Let’s Bring Back the Monarchs!

70 Farewell Burnout, Hello Harmony

44 Cover Story

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42 IN EVERY ISSUE 36 View by the Lake 50 LKN Foodie: A Taste of the Lake 54 Marzano Capital Group: Are you Comfortable?

56 Retirement: The Emotional Journey 58 Lake Norman Fashion 62 Celebrations!

76 The Fancy Fork 78 - 81 Calendar of Events 82 The Last Word on Life at the Lake

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Orangetheory Mooresville focused on life!

BY MARTIE EMORY

The certified personal trainers at Orangetheory in Mooresville truly believe the work you put in at their studio makes all the difference out there in your personal world – and wherever your day-to-day journey takes you!

endurance and being able to do more steady training, and some days may be power days, which really gets into explosive movements and working your fast twitch muscle. Other days we work strength and inclines to build the overall body.”

Once you’ve only barely stepped into the studio, you are already drawn to the multiple flashing colors up on the large screen – that’s their heart rate monitoring technology hard at work. Amazingly, it is capturing the unique heart rates of nearly one million members worldwide, and soon, you will have a good feel for what these colors actually mean for you!

At the end of the day, Daniel explains, it’s all about functional training: You strengthen your heart and muscles to be able to do everyday activities and you feel good about it.

The studio, now with eight employees, has been at this location since April of 2017, and owner/operator, Daniel Schloss, walks us through the importance of the technology.

“The OTbeat technology is all about real time heart rate training,” he explains. “While working out, your heart rate will obviously go up and down based off your effort and intensity. With the monitoring system, members can see exactly what their hearts are doing, and, over time, they can see how their hearts have strengthened and how their performance has improved.”

Your results are sent to you and stored in the Orangetheory App, so you can see how you have improved over time with Orangetheory’s many benchmarks and specialty workouts!

What makes heart rate-based interval training so effective?

“Heart rate interval training manipulates the heart rate to respond to the effort and intensity,” says Daniel. “Some days we focus on

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“Yes, you may get sore, but soreness is great when you’re getting more life out of your workouts and your day-to-day activities!” he says. “We really emphasize being able to complete the workout at your own pace,” says Daniel. “We are for all levels of fitness from beginners to the advanced lifters and runners … we have people who have never worked out, all the way to pro athletes. Our amazing coaches are certified to offer plenty of options for any injuries to make sure you are getting a great, safe workout.”

You don’t have to look far to find what’s different about Orangetheory Mooresville: It’s the community. By the way, member ages range from 14 to 78!

“When you walk into our studio you can feel the family atmosphere,” says Daniel. “The staff loves to get to know all members, and there are always people to meet and new friends to make while getting in a great workout.”

Orangetheory is located at 631 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC, 704-626-7515. Hours are 5:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. daily. Visit orangetheory.com for information on classes and membership packages.

The following testimonials say it all!

“Orangetheory has helped me gain strength, improve my endurance, lose weight, and live a much healthier lifestyle. The community makes me feel positive and upbeat about taking on new challenges.” – Allison Kaufman

“After taking six months off from my regular workout routine due to foot surgery, I decided to give OTF a try. Fast forward four years, and I’m still a dedicated member who goes 5-plus times a week. Every workout is different and can be modified for any fitness level.” – Kelly Tummillo

“My family started working out at Orangetheory about three years ago, after a good friend and coach at the Mooresville location, Holly Bosman, thought we would enjoy the challenge. After the first workout, I was hooked! If you have a teenage son or daughter, it’s also a great way to spend an hour bonding with them!” – Jim Williams

“This was my first time attending an Orangetheory class, and I couldn’t have been more impressed. The staff was unbelievable, and I can’t thank them enough. I can’t wait for my next class!” – Hayden M.

“The coaches are incredible and genuinely care about every member! I’m so thankful for the amazing people I’ve met under the orange lights!” – Kristen Whiteside

“I joined in 2018 and had never really exercised before. I was 50 years old and basically starting at square one. I have accomplished so many goals thanks to the amazing support from the trainers and the incredible friends I have made there. I started out walking but now I can run!” – Tina Tillson

“Y’all know that Golden Girls theme song?

Turns out it was actually written for this place!

The coaches make you feel welcome every single time, and sometimes we have so much fun, for a split second you forget how sweaty and tired you are. You’re a pal and a confidante, OTF!” – Jackie Young

“I like that I schedule my workout – it’s a fixed amount of time and I can plan it. The workout summary reaffirms I made a difference in my health and wellness!”– Adam Barish

BY MARTIE EMORY, PHOTOS BY CARRIE ALLEN, LLC

When Charlotte Parris arrives at her stylish boutique in Mooresville every morning, she knows she will do much more than sell a few items of clothing. She may also lift the spirits of a client with just the right outfit or encourage a first-time customer to think outside the box when putting together a new wardrobe. Charlotte will definitely spend time with friends – and likely make a few new ones!

“I wanted the store to be a real gathering place where people would come and shop, but also stay and sit on the couch and chat for a while,” says Charlotte. There is no question that customers become friends quickly. – and for life.

Opened in 2019, Bliss by the Lake came about its name in the sweetest way. Charlotte and daughter, Anitra, were tossing around potential ideas, and Charlotte says she felt, above all, blessed! She had always loved the word bliss, she says, so it was a natural progression to the perfect business name.

“Our primary goal is for every woman, no matter her age or her size, to feel unique and beautiful when she leaves our store, having been uplifted by her shopping experience!” explains Charlotte. That is a beautiful kind of personal bliss!

While she had always loved fashion, an accounting career kept Charlotte busy in the corporate world for many years.

After her husband died, she moved from Charlotte to Davidson to begin her new journey and opened Bliss by the Lake Boutique in Mooresville. Tapping back into her love of fashion has truly helped her find her passion in many ways!

While Bliss by the Lake recently launched a successful online shopping experience – and an App – plus plenty of Facebook and Instagram Live experiences, Charlotte is quick to say that “brick and mortar” is still her heart.

She has an amazing team of style gurus – Ann, Tami, and Sydney, who handle marketing and social media – and they also host monthly ladies’ night events – always inspired by a creative theme!

“There are drinks, snacks, prizes, and lots of socializing and networking – and always plenty of fun!” she says, adding she often invites other local vendors to set up in the boutique on those nights.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for event updates!

Charlotte is proud that what she feels sets her business apart is the mission to turn customers into family. “We truly love our customers – and we hope that shows!” she says happily.

Bliss by the Lake is also proud to be involved in the community as members of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Norman chapter of Women in Networking (WIN). They often sponsor blood drives and other special events with proceeds going to local charities.

Bliss by the Lake is a must-visit boutique located at 126 Mooresville Commons Way Suite C, Mooresville NC. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sundays by appointment. You can shop online at blissbythelakeboutique.com. Their free App is available on both Apple and Android devices. Follow them on Facebook @ blissbythelakeboutiquenc and on Instagram @blissbythelake.

Project Patience:

How to Handle the In Between Stages of a Home Project

BY TARYN JEREZ

As a society entertained by reality television and DIY networks, we live for the before and after! But how many of us are guilty of fast forwarding to see to the beautiful perfection at the end sometimes? In reality, your own transformative projects take time or money - and often a far larger amount of both than what you first imagined.

Whether you are working on a small project like redecorating a half bath or taking on something a little more HGTV, like hiring a team to remodel a kitchen, chances are that the anticipation of seeing the end results is even higher than watching one on TV. So, how do you handle the in-between stages that are leaving you feeling a little impatient and sometimes even downright discouraged?

Here are a few tips on how to make the process as painless as possible and find joy in the waiting!

SET *LOOSE* EXPECTATIONS Before you get to the point where obscenities are being mumbled under your breath each time you pass by your half painted guest room, create a framework for your project. Regardless of whether or not you are doing the work yourself or have hired a contractor, having a plan in place will help set expectations and help you feel more in control. How long do you have to complete the project? What is the overall budget? Are you planning to purchase all the needs up front or do you need to space things out? Is there a firm deadline or grace period of when you’d like things completed? Knowing what to expect can really make a difference compared to working on something continuously with no end in sight. Create a plan and follow it as closely as you can, being flexible when it calls for it.

CHOOSE WISELY WHAT’S NEXT You may have a laundry list of projects you can’t wait to accomplish but remember to focus first on the ones

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with the biggest return on investment! Which projects are going to bring your joy or make life easier? As you get started, try to choose which steps happen when, in accordance with what can be completed versus sitting unfinished for a lengthy time. If it can be avoided, try not to leave things a mess while a project lays unfinished.Even if time marches on quicker than you’d like, it will feel less daunting if you finish one thing before starting another. This will help avoid unnecessary stress if you can see a completed progress on some aspects of the project!

IDENTIFY CHANGES IN VISION A funny thing happens when a project is taking time: your vision may evolve. Suddenly those shelves you didn’t get to purchase and install yet don’t quite seem like the best fit anymore.

The gallery wall that’s been taking forever to find time to hang, you realize is actually a better fit on the opposite wall above the dresser. Sometimes that inbetween stage is a blessing in disguise allowing your vision to reach its full potential. You may be surprised that the pauses in progress, whether caused by time or budget, are giving you a chance for project evolution to capitalize on the best opportunities for the space.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE As we said earlier, your own home projects aren’t always going to pan out like a 60 minute episode on HGTV. Projects, especially the ones that excite us, can take anywhere from days to years sometimes to complete. Find ways to stay focused on the “why” behind what you’re working towards.

Home in on what life will look like after the project is done and you and your loved ones can enjoy the fruits of your labor! If you are working for months on a backyard patio, imagine the memories you’re going to make out there with your children or grandkids.

Have a master bathroom you’re remodeling? Think about the self care filled moments you’ll be able to have soaking in your new bathtub! You can even create a vision board and keep it on your refrigerator to remind you of what feels like a total eye sore is actually going to be the most amazing part of the house once it’s complete.

Carrie Allen Photographer

ELLIE MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Giving You the Look of a Lifetime for the Best Moments in Life

VINES STUDIOS

BY CAROLYN S PETERSON

Once you hear the words, ‘will you marry me?’, and say, ‘yes!’, the wedding preparations begin and soon kick into high gear with a lot of choices to follow. There’s the venue, the rehearsal, the menu, and don’t forget the dress! Each detail will determine the mood and look of your big day. Another important choice that can’t be overlooked is your bridal glam. Sarah Gerber, stylist and owner of SMG Beauty Co., in downtown Kernersville, NC, can help you look beautiful, feel confident, and be uniquely you on your wedding day.

A PASSION FOR BEAUTY

Sarah Gerber has always had a passion for beauty, working in the wedding industry for about 10 years. “I started my business about 5 years ago, but it was initially a side job as I had a 9-5 job out of college. In October of 2019, with great support from my husband, Tyler Gentry, I was able to make this my full-time job! Now I have two teams of absolutely amazing makeup artists, who continue making our brides happy. We are all constantly learning and growing in the industry through continuing education classes and staying up on all the latest styles of hair and makeup. It’s an ever-changing industry and knowing the best products, as well as new looks and styles, are really important,” said Sarah.

A LOOK AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU

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The stylists at SMG Beauty Co. can give a bride any look she and her bridal party wants. “There’s a time and place for the most natural makeup all the way to the most bold and glam you can get. Hair and makeup trends are constantly changing, so it is fun that there are always new things to learn and try out with brides. We offer trial runs to make sure our brides have the look they want for their big day; this also helps us going into the big day because there is no question as to what the bride will look like. We encourage our brides to schedule the trial run on the same day as their bridal portrait; that’s a great way to see how everything works together and photographs. Right now, our favorite looks are very boho, featuring tousled hairstyles, with glowy, neutral makeup for brides. We take the stress of hair and makeup for the bride and bridal party away, by making ourselves available to travel to the wedding venue, providing a more relaxing experience. I frequently travel to Lake Norman and the Charlotte area for bridal parties,” Sarah commented.

Before you visit with the stylists at SMG Beauty Co., having a general idea of the look or style you want prior is always a good idea. “It’s okay if you don’t have an exact idea nailed down completely, we are more than happy to tweak whatever you like and get the look you want. For instance, if you have short brown hair and want an updo, look up online ‘updos for short brown hair’, or if you have green eyes and want a look that will accent them, search ‘makeup for green eyes’ so that the things you find are realistic to what is achievable,” stated Sarah.

SMG Beauty Co. also does hair and makeup for photo shoots, always focusing on making you look your best. “For photoshoots, we love anything out of the box, very editorial, colorful; things we have never tried are always a favorite, because it keeps our creative juices flowing!”, said Sarah.

For more information, visit www.smgbeautyco.com, or call 336-420-1455.

You can follow on instagram @smgbeautyco. SMG Beauty Co. is based in Kernersville and regularly services the Triad, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville regions, by appointment only, and is willing to travel to best meet the customers’ needs.

JodieSTORY Brim Creative SHOWCASING THE BEHIND THE BRAND.

Jodie Brim, Photographer + Creative Director

jodiebrim.com | 336.997.9487 |

@jodiebrim | 405 N. Cherry Street, Winston-Salem

THE WINES OF DYNAMIS ESTATE,

BY ROCKY THOMPSON

The bounty of North Carolina, from the beaches to the mountains to the “inland sea” of Lake Norman, are all well known. Perhaps yet to be discovered, but just as much a treasure of the state, is a small powerhouse vineyard less than an hour north of Lake Norman.

Where the road begins to climb into the Brushy Mountains, you’ll find something akin to one of the remote valleys of California or a seaside chateau in France. It is a high elevation vineyard laden with a vibrant crop of grapes, tended by passionate experts who are producing premium wines with few peers.

Dynamis Estate Wines is set amid a scenic spur of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Divided by the Yadkin and Catawba Rivers, driven up by tectonic movement, the Brushy Mountains are about 45 miles long but only eight miles wide. This range is a little bit of wine paradise and an ideal site for vintners – where the unique soil and elevation have been millions of years in the making.

Situated 1,640 feet above sea level, the wind, sun and temperature affect the vines and their fruit in powerful ways. The climate ripens the grapes at an ideal, even rate.

Partnering with the other half of the vineyard equation, the soil! Which encases the vine roots and delivers a complex minerality that lends the grapes a unique expression of their mountain terroir.

“Grapevines like a site with a view, and our vineyard at 1,640 feet of elevation with rocky soil and constant air flow helps to develop high-quality fruit,” said Vineyard Manager Joseph Geller.

The Bordeaux-inspired wines produced by Dynamis are grown, aged and bottled at the estate.

Most winemakers, even well-known ones in North Carolina, will grow some of their own grapes onsite while importing more grapes from places like California, which allows those wineries to produce and

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sell more wine than their vineyard can yield. Dynamis is a true estate winery, making all of their wines, from vine to bottle, onsite. Owning the entire process not only makes this winery unique, it allows them to control every aspect of the wine and ensure it is crafted to perfection and purely of the land, as well.

In their winemaking process, Dynamis winemaking duo, Katy Kidd and Matheson Worrell blend the time-honored traditions of Europe’s centuries-old winemaking with the most advanced technology available.

The grapes are harvested in nearfreezing, predawn temperatures and then extracted with a modern, state-of-the-art press. Reds ferment in handmade French Oak that breathes naturally before aging in French Oak barrels built new for each vintage. Whites are aged and fermented in egg-shaped concrete vessels based on early Greco-Roman designs, whose oval shape lets the wine swirl and flow naturally.

You’ll learn all about grapes, fermenting and bottling when you visit the estate for a 60- or 90-minute private tasting led by one of the knowledgeable and friendly wine ambassadors.

“We strive to deliver an elevated luxury tasting experience in every way,” said Director of Hospitality Jennie Hess, “which you’ll find in the tasting lodge setting and in the level of hospitality.”

Perhaps they’ll even share a bit about their name, which comes from their pursuit of perfection in winemaking. The Greek name speaks to the potential to obtain limitless power. And their logo, the Greek delta, symbolizes their winemaking journey, which in mathematics is the ability to change the value of any variable.

In the same way, these people, in this place, with these tools can overcome any obstacle in their pursuit of wine perfection.

PLAN YOUR VISIT Dynamis Estate Wines is open 11am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday and 12-5pm Sunday for wine tastings by reservation. Call in advance or reserve a tasting online at dynamisestatewines. com. All guests must be 21 years old as they are a private estate and working vineyard. Light snacks from the local farm-to-table café, The Barking Coyote Kitchen, are available.

336.468.6702 Dynamis Estate Wines | 1004 Highland Road | Jonesville, NC 28642

UNIQUE & UNRIVALED

September 2022 | 21

BY MICHAEL JOHNSON

There are services everyone needs in their daily life. We all seek to establish well-honed relationships with service providers who are reputable, responsive and do great work. Finding a great mechanic, dentist, pet sitter and even a lawn care specialist for your family are all examples of businesses that just make life smoother.

GrassRoots Turf LKN is a lawn care service that is a local business you should certainly add to your rolodex of service providers who get the job done. They are located here in the Lake Norman community and are your hometown resource for expert lawncare.

David Tilley, owner of GrassRoots Turf LKN, sat down to discuss his background and his business and all it can do for their customers each day. They are here to provide all the resources needed to keep your lawn looking its best.

My wife and I have always been gardeners and lawn keepers for our own properties, and it appealed to me to work outside, interfacing with customers and fill a void I think was needed in our marketplace. My motivation was not to build a big company like some of the others in this space, but to build a great place to work for my employees and provide the best lawns in the Lake Norman area. It’s that simple.

What sets GrassRoots apart from other lawn service businesses?

Tilley: Our business model is all-inclusive; we use the best products that are available and tackle all issues anyone’s lawn may see from year to year. We don’t apply unnecessary upcharges.

The training we give to every one of our local employees is unmatched.

Have you always been in the lawn care business? What was the genesis for this line of business for you specifically?

We specialize in treatments for the health of lawns and tree and shrubs. That’s it! We don’t mow, trim, mulch, hardscape, etc.

We are very narrowly focused on what our mission is and feel we’re the best at what we do.

Tilley: I’ve had 40+ years in a successful corporate career building teams and business units and exited my corporate path in 2020.

What would be the one thing you want to convey to potential customers?

GrassRoots Turf started 20+ years ago in the Atlanta market and we brought it to Charlotte in 2019; first, by bringing it to South Charlotte and then to the Lake Norman area in 2021.

Tilley: We really do care! We treat your lawn like it’s our own. We understand what people want from their landscape and lawn.

We understand how important your home and surroundings are to your health and well-being.

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Who is your target audience?

Tilley: Anyone who has a lawn and cares about it! The customer will have much better results with any lawncare company when they are engaged with the service provider. We have no issues communicating our knowledge and expertise to exceed our customers’ expectations. Again, we care! We always find great enjoyment going back 2 or 6 or 12 months later after we have started a lawn, when we then can say, “Yes, we did this.”. It’s such a great feeling!

What is your greatest challenge in this industry?

Tilley: Probably finding and retaining good employees. I work very hard at finding, coaching, and mentoring good employees. As much as I need to be happy with their performance, I want them to be happy with their work.

I want my customers to feel comfortable with my service team and have complete confidence in their work. And by the way, I am personally on every property, go out on the truck every day, and work in the field as much as my employees do!

I want my employees to act like it’s their company as well!

What brings you joy with this business?

Tilley: Offering a great product! I love offering customized service for every property, including custom mixing treatment materials streetside for the issues on a particular lawn.

And who doesn’t love 5-star GOOGLE ratings? I am always thrilled knowing that we are bringing great results to customers, and they’re thanking us every day!

I love knowing my employees are happy and fulfilled after a hard day’s work!

What do you want your regular customers to say about you when someone asks them about your service?

Tilley: We want our regular customers to say that we are the best in the business! We think that keeping a great lawn is probably the most competitive endeavor! This past year, we saw over 60% of new customer acquisitions were from referrals. So, we know our regular customers are talking in the community about us. Right on our truck, we have posted a customer testimonial that says, “The Best Service Company Ever!”

September 2022 | 23

Living & Loving Like Home

BY MARTIE EMORY & BARBIE HATHAWAY, PHOTOS BY CARRIE ALLEN, LLC

When residents and their families think of day-to-day life at Summit Place of Mooresville, they focus on the staff’s dedication to seniors being able to live, love, and learn in the comfort of a home-like setting.

required to care for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Time for active reminiscing, along with incorporating relevant memorabilia and home furnishings, help simulate a nurturing, familiar environment for Memory Care residents.

Opened in 2000, making it the oldest assisted living community in Mooresville, Summit Place originally offered 38 studio apartments and two semi-private suites.

With unsurpassed personal care, luxury-style accommodations, amenities such as cable, internet, laundry, meals, snacks, and still a small-town feel, Summit Place encourages residents to maintain a solid purpose in their lives, no matter what their condition or needed level of care. Staff members are not chosen solely based on their level of experience, but also on their level of love and compassion, and every person involved with senior care shares the same vision to encourage and enrich the lives of all residents.

In 2010, a secure 20-bed Memory Care unit was added, and the community will be going through another exciting change soon – this time, with a complete renovation. Phoenix Senior Living, the current management company, began upgrading systems at the beginning of 2022, and will end with a complete renovation by the end of 2023.

The company believes moving to Summit Place is just the beginning of a new life chapter for residents, and their expansion plans will build on the current mission of allowing them to live as independently as possible. While it may be the oldest assisted living community in Mooresville, Summit Place is also the smallest!

“Being small may be our greatest strength,” says Barbie Hathaway, Community Engagement Director. “Having a smaller community allows us the opportunity to form a more personal relationship with families and residents. They become part of our family, too, which means they celebrate and morn with us, as much as we do with them.”

Always an important aspect of senior living, the Summit Place Signature Memory Care Neighborhood provides a comfortable, home-like setting, while offering all the necessary modifications

“We offer daily activities, special events, and monthly entertainers,” explains Barbie. “Our newest activities manager, Kirby Culbreth, recently graduated from UNC-Wilmington with a Recreation Therapy degree, and she brings fresh new ideas and enthusiasm to the community.”

In addition to the obvious importance of secure physical care, Summit Place also focuses on social and emotional well-being.

Other eagerly anticipated projects on the horizon include an Alzheimer’s/dementia support group, weekly church services, and the formation of a welcoming committee where current residents help new residents acclimate to their new life within the community.

Summit Place of Mooresville would love to provide you with more information! The community is located at 128 Brawley School Road. Reach them at 704-799-2712, or online at phoenixsrliving.com.

Henderson Ventures

Madison Callaghan 704.915.5271 madison.callaghan@compass.com @madisoncallaghanrealty hendersonventuresinc.com

Ten Reasons to Use

MADISON CALLAGHAN as Your Real Estate Agent

1. Your expert guide - Buying a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. Madison’s knowledge within real estate is extensive and she will know what’s required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes.

2. She’s got your back! - Madison will be your right hand and stand in your corner during negotiations. There are many factors up for discussion in any real estate transaction - from price to repairs to possession date. Madison will look at the transaction from your perspective, helping you negotiate a purchase agreement that meets your needs and allows you to do due diligence before you’re bound to the purchase.

3. Offer objective information and opinions - Madison will guide you through the home search of your dreams with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. She can answer your questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.

4

Expand your search power - Madison will help you gain access to the full range of opportunities. Using a cooperative system called the multiple listing service, she can help you evaluate all active listings that meet your criteria, alert you to listings soon to come on the market, and provide data on recent sales. This means that she will also have access to all other properties listed by other agents.

5

Your time is valuable - Madison recognizes that your time is of the utmost importance. Real estate transactions can typically be a long and lengthy process. Working with Madison can make the process easier for you. For example, if you’re looking to sell a property, she will handle open houses, showings, marketing and everything in between to help your real estate transaction move smoothly and efficiently.

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Bye, bye paperwork! - The process of closing real estate deals involves exhaustive paperwork. This includes tricky contract documents, requests, offers and counteroffers, settlement statements, federal and statemandated disclosures, and more. Madison can do all the above and knows how to handle your real estate needs, making the process more convenient, and she will ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

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She knows what to look for - Yes, you have a firm idea on the property you’re looking for, and you have your must-have and must-not factors.

Madison will keep in mind all your wants and needs, but also be alert for issues that might not cross your mind, such as furnace issues, leaks, roofing problems, and mold and insect issues. She will recognize signs and red flags of these problems and know how best to approach them, creating an experience and knowledge that can end up saving you big time down the road.

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Up with the times - Even if you’ve bought a home before, laws and regulations change. Madison is dedicated to continued growth in real estate knowledge, continuous research, current, and reputable data regarding a neighborhood’s demographics, laws, schools, and other important factors. She is here to help ensure an up-to-date, smooth experience.

9. Negotiating is key - The last thing you want to do when you’re buying or selling a home is lose at the negotiating table. Madison can help you make an offer, counter an offer, or accept an offer. She is your expert for each and every aspect of negotiating.

10. For you - Whether you’re buying or selling a home, Madison is your ally.

Madison is here to help YOU. She can make sure your best interests are being represented by providing you loyalty, confidentiality, disclosure, obedience, accounting and reasonable care and diligence. Don’t wait, don’t walk- run to Madison Callaghan Realty today to help fulfill all your real estate needs.

September 2022 | 27

“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” – John Burroughs

BEGINNING THE JOURNEY

BY ROBIN SHUPE KELLER

Welcome, LKN readers, as we begin an exciting journey together that will give us a tantalizing look at each of North Carolina’s “Naturally Wonderful” state parks (34), recreation areas (4), and staffed state natural areas (3). Hopefully, the content of these articles will pique your interest enough to go out and explore these stunningly unique areas of NC on your own, with family, and/or friends.

THE MISSION

100-MILE CHALLENGE

The NC state park system exists to inspire all its citizens and visitors through conservation, recreation, and education.

The NC State Park system wants every North Carolinian to get outside and enjoy the resources and the natural beauty of the state. By joining the park system’s 100-Mile Challenge you are encouraged to complete 100 miles of activity in one year, whether it be walking, running, biking, swimming, paddling or other favorite activity. To register and find more information on this unique challenge, go to the NC State Park website 100miles.org/

The opportunities that the NC state park system offers include adventure, relaxation, and recreation. From the mountains to the shorelines of NC there are enigmatic lakes, untamed swamps, giant sandhills, piedmont river systems, and meandering mountain streams included in the many habitats that cover this diverse park system.

Recreation: To provide and promote safe, healthy, and enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the state.

“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” – Joseph Campbell

Conservation: To conserve and protect representative examples of North Carolina’s natural beauty, ecological features, recreational and cultural resources within the state parks system.

Education: To provide educational opportunities that promote stewardship of the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”

– Henry David Thoreau

“Allow nature’s peace to flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.” – John Muir

PARKS AND TRAILS FOR HEALTH (PATH) According to the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources PATH “is a new initiative designed to encourage physical activity in North Carolina’s parks, greenways, and other outdoor spaces. PATH connects people to nature by promoting physical activity, fostering an appreciation for the life-sustaining role of parks and natural areas, promoting diverse experiences and voices in the outdoors, and helping people lead healthier and happier lives.”

According to their website, NC ranks in the bottom third of all states for many major health indicators such as obesity, smoking, premature death, infant mortality, and cardiovascular death. By connecting with nature, PATH’s purpose is to help people in our state improve their health and wellbeing through expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and learning experiences, leading to positive mental health, lasting lifestyle choices, and a love of the outdoors.

COASTAL REGION

TRIAD REGION

Carolina Beach State Park Dismal Swamp State Park Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Fort Macon State Park Goose Creek State Park Hammocks Beach State Park Merchants Millpond State Park Pettigrew State Park

Hanging Rock State Park Haw River State Park Mayo River State Park Pilot Mountain State Park

“Just being surrounded by bountiful nature, rejuvenates and inspires us.” – E.O. Wilson

EASTERN REGION

SIX NC STATE PARK REGIONS Below are the NC State Park regions followed by the name of each park, recreation area, and natural area that we will offer a brief glimpse into during our journey together. From the giant sandhill of Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the coast where you can windsurf and hang glide, to the first state park created, Mount Mitchell State Park, where in the winter you can cross country ski or snowshoe while enjoying the highest peak in NC and east of the Rockies, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Jones Lake State Park Kerr Lake State Recreation Area Lake Waccamaw State Park Lumber River State Park Medoc Mountain State Park Singletary Lake State Park

METROLINA REGION Crowders Mountain State Park Lake Norman State Park Morrow Mountain State Park South Mountains State Park

TRIANGLE REGION Carvers Creek State Park Eno River State Park Falls Lake State Recreation Area Jordan Lake State Recreation Area Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Raven Rock State Park Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve William B. Umstead State Park

MOUNTAIN REGION Chimney Rock State Park Elk Knob State Park Gorges State Park Grandfather Mountain State Park Lake James State Park Mount Jefferson State Natural Area Mount Mitchell State Park New River State Park Stone Mountain State Park

I hope these articles inspire you to realize the unique beauty that NC has to offer and to take time to visit these natural habitats as often as possible. Be on the lookout for next month’s issue where we will begin our journey in our own backyard with Lake Norman State Park.

Robin Bon voyage,

Living Military Museum at Richard’s Coffee Shop A Gathering of Generations

BY MARTIE EMORY

There’s a treasure tucked away in downtown Mooresville that not only serves excellent coffee, but also offers a generous helping of the very best brand of hospitality.

Richard’s Coffee Shop is also home to a Living Military Museum honoring America’s veterans, founded in 1995 by local Army veteran Richard Warren, who dubbed the shop “Pat’s” at the time, in honor of his wife. When Richard – a U.S. Army Vietnam combat pilot who flew a Huey attack helicopter, or “gunship,” with the callsign “Mustang 53” – passed away in 2009, the coffee shop closed temporarily, then reopened, proudly bearing Richard’s name.

When you visit Richard’s Coffee Shop and explore the museum, you’re sure to become acquainted with at least one or two veterans who regularly stop by for conversation and camaraderie. That’s why it’s referred to as a “living” museum, as history is vividly brought to life every day with stories told from days gone by. It’s a Mooresville stop you’ll also want to share with children and teens, passing along a glimpse of history to a new generation.

Lt. Colonel John Hedley is Executive Director Vice President of the non-profit organization behind the Living Military Museum, which displays photographs, unit plaques, uniforms, documents, and other keepsakes families have proudly donated for display and reminiscing.

This violin belonged to a local Mooresville soldier who traveled by horseback along WW I trenches to play for the troops.

Coffee | Museum | Food | Gift

When a veteran visits for the first time there is a short welcoming ceremony, where they are asked to sign “Richard’s Book of Honor,” and are presented with a key ring of beads reflecting some aspect of the veteran’s service.

“We do believe the museum adds a valuable point of interest in the community,” says John. “We work hard to be an active part of what happens downtown, participating in community events whenever possible.”

He also adds that, when asked what they miss most about their active duty time, most vets say it’s the people – the folks who share their sense of mission.

“We fill a need for veterans in the local area by providing them a place where they can connect with other vets,” he explains. “We have no membership fees or dues, access is free, and we provide that opportunity to reconnect and feel a sense of belonging.”

The group is also working to become even more welcoming to the public, as many people feel the coffee shop is only a gathering place for veterans. Nothing could be further from the truth!

“We all served the great people of this country, protecting their freedoms and independence, and we wouldn’t have done that without a love of our countrymen,” says John. “We encourage everyone to visit us, to see our displays of American history, and to talk with our veterans about their service.

Most are proud to talk about their days in uniform, with stories of where they served and what they did.”

Carve out some time soon to visit with your family, and you’ll leave with a greater sense of appreciation for all those who have served. Anyone can donate items to Welcome Home Veterans, and volunteers are happy to look at all prospective donations, treating and displaying them respectfully. For more information or to donate to this 501 (c)(3) visit welcomevets.com and follow Richard’s Coffee Shop on Facebook for news on events and special occasions.

The Living Military Museum at Richard’s Coffee Shop is located at 165 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115, (704) 663-0488. Hours are Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Every Thursday morning there is free coffee for veterans, and a music jam every Saturday for those who want to play music or simply socialize!

Shop | Events | Community

MOORESVILLE ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER FINDS CONNECTION THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

BY MARIE GLAPIAK, VOLUNTEER FOR THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION

Honey Crum of Mooresville describes her mother Dyan as an absolutely amazing woman. “She was very creative. She was the costume maker for our church productions for years and a certified wedding planner...The absolute matriarch of our family,” Honey shares. In addition to being very busy outside of her main career, Dyan worked in the local school system for more than 20 years as a high school administrator, always willing to help colleagues and community members. About eight years ago, Dyan’s family started noticing a series of small moments that worried them. She would start saying things that were uncharacteristic for her.

She lost familiarity with her favorite foods. She gradually became quiet, which was a real change from her earlier personality. Honey recalls, “We started glancing at each other at public outings, we were suspicious. We were nervous because we thought it could be something bad.”

Dyan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. While some families would take an understandable moment to pause and mourn this unknown new future, Honey and her family dove right in to finding solutions that worked for them. Honey contacted the Alzheimer’s Association on the day her mom was diagnosed to discuss care planning, disease information, and how to give back to families like hers. Honey’s father, a football coach and educator, worked in the same school as Dyan. During the diagnostic process, the couple decided to retire early on the same day, walking out hand in hand to start their care partner journey together. Honey’s parents actually moved to a house three miles away from her so she could assist with her mom’s care. “We now live closer than we ever have before,” exclaims Honey, finding a silver lining.

Through the family’s caregiving journey, there have been calls to the Association’s free 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900). Honey appreciates this service, giving the family a sense of community saying, “Knowing that you have an advocate. That someone is in your corner. And there is a place you can call at any time.”

But most of all, there has been a real sense of hope for the future through participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s - Iredell County.

They missed the event the first year of her diagnosis, so the family walked together for the first time in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic.

Somehow, through the adversity of caregiving in the middle of an isolating epidemic, Honey’s

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Walk team, Team Di, managed to be the top fundraising team. The family donned their purple hats and Walk t-shirts and walked around Dyan’s neighborhood since there was no large group gathering for the Walk that year. Even on the drizzly day, they met two neighbors who offered donations on the spot.

When the Walk returned to an in-person gathering in 2021, Team Di was there in full force, including Dyan, and once again gained fundraising accolades. When Honey reaches out to friends and family to raise money for her team, she focuses on the Association’s research efforts. “It’s just about knowing that efforts are being directed towards research,” explains Honey. “It’s encouraging and hopeful knowing that someone could be spared [in the future]. Groundbreaking research is a victory for all of us. To find that first survivor... everyone will feel a sense of joy.”

Since the last Walk, Dyan’s health has declined. So once again as a family, they came together to decide what the best care for her looked like. Following the lead of Honey’s father, the family continues to act as the support system he needs as Dyan’s primary caregiver.

And now, this year in addition to leading her Walk team again, she has also taken on the role of Walk Chair for the Iredell Walk taking place on September 24 at its new location, Bellingham Park in Mooresville. She feels she’s honoring her mom on an even greater level. Honey goes on to add, “It’s been really helpful for me to be a part of the Alzheimer’s Association as a volunteer because I’ve met people within the community that are not only giving me connections that could potentially be a part of mom’s long-term health care, but also knowing there’s other people that are facing this has been healing to me.”

To Honey, “The Walk is about that sense of belonging. It’s like you’re holding hands with everyone and lifting your hands together in unity.

We see you, we love you, and we are trying to get you more help.”

LKN Magazine is a proud media partner of Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Iredell County taking place on September 24, to get involved visit alz.org/ walk. For those wishing to learn more about the local care and support resources of the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org/northcarolina or call 800-272-3900.

Alzheimers

A L I F E L O N G I N S P I R AT I O N F O R

Madison Callaghan

BY MARTIE EMORY

Originally from Clemmons and now a Lake Norman and Charlotte-area transplant, Madison Callaghan has always been driven to help others in their journeys.

From young children in Thailand, to helping families find their first home in Charlotte, she’s a true inspiration, having started her first company at the age of 20. Blessed with an abundance of entrepreneurial spirit, Madison founded a swimsuit line – Bongani Swimwear – with each piece inspired by an amazing person who had touched her life! Each swimsuit is designed to embody the unique, true story behind its name. Her line benefits the charity United through Sport – the perfect choice.

“Playing sports can provide an outlet for people facing overwhelming obstacles in life,” she says.

Having grown up with depression, it was easy for Madison to relate, and to know firsthand that sports can be a huge source of motivation, confidence, and resolve.

“I believe every child should have the opportunity to play,” she says. “This charity reflects my hope to provide more opportunity to those who need it most. I do believe children are our future!”

That’s also why she started her own non-profit three years ago – the Madison Callaghan Foundation – with the mantra of “Every Child, Every Right.” Her charity advocates for children’s rights, providing educational materials, sporting equipment, and scholarships on a global level.

As fate would have it, a global opportunity presented itself, allowing Madison to reach children on an international level.

Her participation in the Miss Grand International competition has offered her a chance to impact others in a variety of positive ways.

In Thailand Miss Grand Queens are treated much like celebrities and Madison put that opportunity to good use by donating school supplies, food, and games to the entire village.

“Meeting 70 other ladies from all across the world was an experience I’m forever grateful for,” explains Madison, who loved hearing that what brought most of them there was exactly what brought her there. They, too, saw a need for change within the world they live in, and wanted to take a stand. “It was so empowering to hear about everyone’s good works.”

STEPH EN KH YLER P OW E

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“I decided to go to Thailand two weeks early to really show I wasn’t there just to win a competition, but to use my non-profit to reach outside the United States,” says Madison. “I started traveling across Thailand visiting orphanages and various organizations across the country. I was especially taken with the Phuket Sunshine Orphanage, a foster home for approximately 90 children in need. The village focuses on familybased, long-term care of children, trying to reunite them with family, when conditions are safe. They experience reliable relationships and so much love from the incredible staff.”

O BY PHOT

“The state director for Miss Grand North Carolina approached me, having seen the charity events I host within the Carolinas, and felt the Miss Grand Organization would be the perfect fit for me,” says Madison. “I looked into the organization and their mission fit with what I was trying to do within my community, and I’m all about raising awareness to as many people as possible. So the platform that I could gain with potentially becoming Miss Grand USA seemed like a dream come true.”

Madison did indeed become Miss Grand North Carolina and went on to Chicago to compete for Miss Grand United States 2021, where she was crowned by Abena Akuaba, the first Miss Grand USA and first African American to win Miss Grand International. She then went on to Miss Grand International in Thailand to compete for an entire month representing the USA and speaking about her passion of advocating for youth.

After early high school graduation to pursue a modeling career, Madison attended the School of Broadcasting in Charlotte, and after graduating, worked within the world of sports journalism (including the Carolina Panthers!), but felt like she wasn’t quite where she wanted to be.

“I grew up seeing my parents flip houses and create custom homes, so the real estate world always fascinated me, “she explains. “It seemed like the perfect fit, and with all the areas of the U.S. I’ve worked in, they all seemed to have one common factor -- the lack of accessibility to housing, and especially affordable housing. I knew I could really make a change here.”

Madison joined Henderson Ventures, a firm powered by Compass and owned by Nilou and Gerald Henderson, that specializes in clients within the sports and entertainment business. Now settled into a real estate career, Madison says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love being part of someone’s journey to find their perfect first home and being by their side to find what is right for them – a place they can call home in peace.”

She has also fallen in love with the organization Gracious Hands, a non-profit she supports that serves homeless women and children in the Charlotte area. Gracious Hands provides a temporary home, equipped with the necessary resources to “love women and children back to life.” Her next fund-raising event for Gracious Hands will be held October 6 at 6:00 p.m., at The Bazal Gallery Nightclub in Charlotte.

Contact Madison (see below!) for more information.

Madison’s lifelong mission says it best: “Every child deserves the opportunity to love, live, and learn in peace, and it’s up to us to make sure children are given the resources they need to succeed.”

You can reach Madison Callaghan at 704-915-5271, or at madison.callaghan@compass.com, and follow her on Instagram @madisoncallaghanrealty.

CHARLIE & MARIANNE SCHULER LKN Magazine definitely wants you to know these two folks: Charlie and Marianne Schuler and not just because they are the publisher’s parents.

You will likely see them delivering LKN Magazines around the lake community, especially the Denver area.

Marianne and Charlie are pretty interesting people. Why, you may ask?

They are active doers, no matter what it is they are engaged in at the time.

They both had long – over 30 year – professional careers in the Bell System; and they have both been retired for over 30 years. How is that for balance?

By retired, we don’t mean laying about. They lived on a beautiful 42’ sailboat for four years and all together sailed her over 9 years. Between the three sailboats that they owned; they logged over 20,000 miles.

When they were spending more time on shore, they started a Power Squadron chapter to build community among boaters and to support new boaters. They built the Power Squadron into a very active chapter with many proud members.

At the same time, they were very active in their church community and rarely said “no” to a need for a church volunteer or leader. Charlie loves to teach and did that for years as a Sunday School teacher. Marianne loves to do anything that nurtures people, especially children. They also managed to fit in other hobbies, like golf for Charlie and gardening for Marianne.

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They moved here almost two years ago from Little River, SC, which is just north of Myrtle Beach, after spending 31 fruitful years there. They love the area and especially Lake Norman. They are members of the Freedom Boat Club, which is perfect for their boating needs. They now live in a 55 and over community, which gives them the activities they love to do. Also, they found a church that meets their desire for a spiritual community.

As they have aged past 80, they found new priorities, physically, mentally, and financially. Proximity of family became most important to them. For the Schulers, being near their daughter and favorite son-in-law has been a real blessing.

Charlie and Marianne don’t want to brag, but their daughter is Keela, publisher of LKN Magazine. Before she launched LKN, she started Forsyth Woman and other magazines 17 years ago. Her daughter and the Schuler’s granddaughter, Brooke, is now publisher of the Forsyth Magazines. Keela “retired” and moved to Lake Norman permanently. Of course, Keela, being Keela, saw the need for a LKN community magazine and what you are reading is her response to that need. You will see her picture and monthly comments on the publisher’s page.

You will be seeing the Schulers around a lot as they help with deliveries of LKN. Make sure to introduce yourself to them, so that they can learn as much about you, as you now know about them.

CLAY STUTTS Clay Stutts is originally from Mooresville and worked as a plant operator at Marshall Steam Station for 32 years. He attended Sherrills Ford School and Bandys High School, class of 1957. Clay knows Lake Norman better than most as he lived through the progression of Lake Norman’s development from start to finish.

He grew up on the Catawba River, saw the lake get developed and finished while still living on the water.

He loved the quiet nature of Lake Norman which he admits is rapidly changing to a more robust, active community. His favorite local business is The General Store, and after 83 years of living in the area, he’s had plenty of time to confirm this opinion! In his free time, Clay enjoys reading, gardening and mowing as well as spending time with his family which includes two daughters and five grandchildren.

ANNE MCGRAW & LARISA KAMP Anne McGraw & Larisa Kamp are the owners of LKN Local, an apparel and gift company dedicated to providing high quality products centered around the lake they love! They were both born in Baltimore, MD; Anne went to Virginia Tech as well as the University of Baltimore and Larisa studied at the University of Maryland and NYU. In addition to co-owning LKN Local, Anne also works at Davidson Day School in the Learning and Enrichment Center, and Larisa is an accomplished artist and former art teachers who volunteers regularly at Feed NC. They first met as school teachers in Baltimore. Their favorite local businesses are Sweet Grace and Ace Hardware. They love Lake Norman because they feel like newcomers are welcomed from day 1. “It’s a wonderful place to raise a family, too,” they said. They added that the best part of living in the Lake Norman area is “…the people that we’ve met and our beautiful lake! Life is best when shared with people you love in a relaxing and gorgeous place.” In their spare time, they enjoy boating and taking trips together with their families.

JEFF MYLTON Jeff Mylton is the Charlotte Market President for HomeTrust Bank. He was born in Miami and attended Florida International University. His wife, Lynn, is the owner of Spooky Marketing. He has two children and three grandchildren. “Lake Norman is the ideal place,” said Jeff. “We love the small town feel with a sense of community that comes with it. We love being in close proximity to so many amenities. Spending time with family and friends enjoying watersports, hiking/biking a trail, live music, food trucks, local beer and wine are just a few of the many things we enjoy. Each lake town has its own personality with lots of entertaining things to do, great places to dine and beautiful waterfront views. While living here is a vacation in itself, the fact that we’re only four hours from the beach and two hours from a mountain getaway is a great perk. Being in close proximity to the center of downtown Charlotte, with all the sports and cultural options is also a plus.”

September 2022 | 37

Brand Photography as Storytelling

BY MARTIE EMORY

While you’re flipping through the pages of our very first issue, you’re also getting a glimpse of supremely talented, Charlottebased photographer Carrie Allen, who shot many of the features in this issue.

Carrie was born in Charlotte and raised in different suburbs around Charlotte, and she’s been told that makes her a unicorn!

She actually studied psychology (an early calling!) across the country at Colorado College, where she covered campus events for various organizations, photographed friends on a regular (read: daily) basis, and also fell in love with the beauty of Colorado Springs – quite a different local vibe from Charlotte!

Now, with over 10 years experience capturing life’s details – from headshots, product shots, and branding (what she calls her specialty), to lifestyle photography of couples, families, and unforgettable milestones – Carrie considers herself an authentic storyteller.

“The most rewarding aspect of photography as storytelling is the effect it has on the subject, which is typically the business owner,” says Carrie. “I let their brand’s personality lead the session, capturing movement and emotion behind the scene, so when they see their gallery, they see their purpose, passion, and hard work amounts to something real. Then they feel recognized for the sense of community they’ve built from the ground up.”

Carrie believes being the photographer who shows her client’s business in the context of its story, and recognizes the business’ efforts in a way they can easily share with their audience, is an honor! And much like the driving factor that moved her towards a study of psychology, she sees the force driving her towards photography as a desire to connect with people deeply, and help them in a lasting, meaningful way.

“I became a photographer organically,” says Carrie. “It was not the plan, but just something that happened when the stars aligned in 2016. As a 23-year-old mother at the time, I started my business and put grad school on hold. I never expected that my photography would take off the way it has, and I’m in awe to this day that I get to do what I love on a daily basis.”

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As a small business owner, Carrie typically prefers working alone when it comes to actual photography, but does outsource accounting, bookkeeping, and loading images onto her website. That website features more of Carrie’s own story, pictures that reflect her range of artistic expertise, and details of how you’ll actually work together on a project. Visit the FAQ

section for specifics, and yes, she can create a custom, archival quality album for you as well!

In 2017, Carrie also founded “Let’s Collab,” a worldwide community for photographers and small shop owners to collaborate – i.e., trade products for professional photos.

“So you could say I’m pretty passionate about all things photography, and anything that’s small business related!” says Carrie. “My best advice for aspiring photographers is to seek out a community to help you grow, whether that’s a group of friends, or a group of 10,000 strangers on Facebook. You’ve got to have people in your corner, who are honestly critiquing your work. The more you engage with constructive criticism, the faster you’ll reach your goals.”

Wise words, and maybe a tad of psychology peeking through! Whatever her secret, Carrie is building brands, savoring moments, and growing her own successful business, while telling endless amounts of amazing stories!

Visit Carrieallen.com for online scheduling, or reach Carrie by email at carrie@carrieallen.com.

HOME ENERGY SERVICES

T HE COMFO R T KE E PE R S

BY MARTIE EMORY

Celebrating 70 years!

This past summer was a hot one! Ask Scott Boyles of Logan Home Energy Services in Mooresville, and he will tell you it was prime time for his dedicated team, offering their professional services to both residential and commercial customers as the temperatures started to soar!

Scott’s advice to homeowners trying to ward off trouble is simple, with three top items which might find their way on your weekend to-do list!

• Keep your system cleaned and maintained to handle extreme conditions.

• Make sure filters are changed regularly.

• Keep trees and bushes cleared away from outdoor units.

Celebrating 70 years in business this year with over 100 dedicated employees who, combined, deliver decades worth of HVAC experience, the Logan team provides services for all model types.

This includes natural gas, oil, electric, and propane, and yes, that includes 24-hour heating and air-conditioning repairs!

Whether you need assistance with repairing or replacing your air conditioner or heater, installation of a reliable generator (especially heading into fall and winter) or complete weatherizing of your property, long-time Logan customers know they can trust every experienced Logan employee. Free, written estimates are always provided, followed up with the absolute highest level of service on every job. There is never a surprise charge on your bill, thanks to their upfront quotes and always an opportunity for rebates and warranties.

“Training our staff to be the best at what they do, while providing the highest level of professionalism and service, is what truly sets us apart from other companies,” says Scott.

If your system is not heating or cooling, or you suspect there is a leak, the Logan team will perform a thorough inspection to pinpoint the issue. All technicians on staff are certified by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) – the largest certification program in the United States. Logan Home Energy Services is also a Carrier® factory-authorized dealer with access to the best products and installation techniques in the industry.

Logan’s Total Comfort Specialist approach to solving energy problems and providing whole house/building solutions for energy savings and comfort is also a top priority, no matter what the season.

Proper insulation can also prevent mold growth, and mold can contribute to serious health concerns. When warm air escapes from your home, it can condense on cold surfaces like windows and walls, providing an ideal environment for mold to grow.

“Taking the right steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system can have a big impact on your utility bills, as well as the comfort and health of your home overall,” explains Scott.

The Logan team is also your go-to electrical company when you need electrical repair or replacement options. Their service area covers Alexander, Catawba, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Guilford, Iredell, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin counties – all of Central North Carolina – including 24/7 service when needed.

In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of a home’s energy consumption is lost through un-insulated walls, windows, and doors. This means your heating and cooling system will not have to work nearly as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to lower energy bills.

Scott agrees with the numbers: “Upgrading to super-efficient HVAC equipment can cut heating and cooling costs by 30-50%, so do not hesitate to contact us today!”

Call or visit the experts when it comes to keeping your home at its maximum comfort! Logan Home Energy Services is located at 1214-D River Hwy., Mooresville, NC 28117, 704-508-4047. Visit loganhvac.com for more information and services, and also visit their Winston-Salem location at 5142 N. Causeway Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, 336-203-7630.

HOME ENERGY SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL HVAC

Logan Home Energy Services

loganhvac.com Logan Home Energy Services is turning 70!

See why our customers have been trusting us with their HVAC systems for 70 years, give us a call today!

Winston-Salem 336-203-7630 | 5142 N Causeway Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Mooresville 704-508-4047 | 1214 D River Highway Mooresville, NC 28117

Lake Norman Honey - Oh, So Sweet

BY ROCKY THOMPSON, PHOTOS BY CARRIE ALLEN

That bee you saw buzzing around the lake may be one of the million that just moved here from Charlotte. George McAllister of Terrell is relocating his beekeeping operation to Lake Norman, and that’s good news for honey lovers — and anyone who buys local honey for the possible allergy boost from its pollen.

“In the end no biopharmaceutical company is ever going to invest any R&D into testing it lest they lose market share to local honey producers,” said Dr. Tarpy. “I have heard many, many anecdotal reports of people swearing by it, so who am I to doubt them? But I have no good empirical data to support it.”

So how do you move 15 hives of bees from Charlotte to Lake Norman? Very carefully.

Whether it helps with allergies or not, there’s no doubting the appeal of local honey. McAllister has fielded interest from restaurants and even large grocery retailers in the area. He’s held out on the major groceries, saying the honey he produces each year would sell out in about a week.

McAllister sells most of his honey locally and online. A few times a year, you might run into him at a farmer’s market.

“You seal off the entrance at night, when they’re all in the hive,” McAllister said. “Seal them off at night, and move them at night, or very early in the morning when it’s cool.

You don’t want to do it when it’s hot, or you’ll end up with a lot of angry bees.”

Each of those 15 hives will produce 75 to 125 pounds of honey per summer season depending on the number of bees in the hive and the weather. McAllister processes the honey himself making sure to leave the flower pollen in his honey. Some people believe that it may help alleviate allergy symptoms, McAllister said.

“A lot of people buy my honey not only because they like the taste, but because it contains local pollen. Honey from, say, Texas, doesn’t have the same pollen,” he said.

Can local honey really help allergies? Dr. David Tarpy, an NC State professor of Applied Ecology and specialist in honey bee biology and beekeeping for NC State said, “The official stance of the NC State Apiculture Program is if you think local honey helps your allergies, then keep using it.”

He went on to say there is little, if any, medical evidence behind the effectiveness of alleviating allergy symptoms by using honey, and in fact there are some biological reasons why it might not work, including the small quantities of pollen and the fact that most people’s allergies are related to wind-borne pollutants and not pollen.

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McAllister’s family has a long history of beekeeping. His grandfather Frank Meacham was a professor at NC State who taught WWI vets about beekeeping as a possible vocation. He also kept 75 of his own hives, which is where McAllister learned the trade. McAllister started his own beekeeping operation in high school and made his way into the rolodexes of the local fire and police departments, and exterminators, as the best person to contact when a panicked homeowner called about a hive taking up residence. While his high school friends were flipping burgers at local restaurants earning minimum wage of $2.50 an hour in the ‘70s, McAllister was making about $400 a weekend removing hives for homeowners, which he’d then resell to beekeepers.

That business acumen worked well for him over his decades as a consultant. And when, in the late 2000s, he wanted a diversion from the grind of consulting work, he turned back to beekeeping.

So, when you see bees buzzing around the Lake, know that they might be collecting nectar for the McAllister hives. And that honey could very well end up in your kitchen. If you live at the lake, you can buy some of McAllister’s honey at Bees of Lake Norman.

September 2022 | 43

CARRIE ALLEN, LLC

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A New Way to Celebrate the LKN Community

BY ROCKY THOMPSON

The story behind LKN Magazine is one of serendipity, lifelong friendship, family, and a horse-sized dog who wouldn’t hurt a fly that landed on his nose.

“RETIREMENT” AT THE LAKE The story starts with Keela Johnson who, like a lot of folks, looked forward to retiring at the lake. In 2020, she left the on-the-ground operation of a family of publications she’d founded in Winston-Salem in the capable hands of her daughter Brooke, and moved to the lake full time.

But anyone who spends five minutes with Keela knows she’s not a woman to sit still long.

While Brooke took Forsyth Woman magazine, Forsyth Family magazine, Forsyth Woman Engaged, and Forsyth Community magazines into the social media and podcasting era – Keela continued to help with their day-to-day operation from the lake. And while getting settled full-time at Lake Norman, she became better acquainted with the region.

“Lake Norman is an incredible community built up by so many businesses invested in the region,” Keela said.

“I’m blessed that I’ve been able to build a career by producing magazines focused on positivity and bringing valuable content to our 70,000 readers while profiling and celebrating the business community. It’s worked well for over 16 years in Forsyth County, and there is so much to celebrate and recognize here.” After much discussion, Keela and Brooke took the step to expand their family of magazines beyond Forsyth County and launch LKN Magazine.

A LIFELONG FRIEND MOVES HOME A lifelong friend Barbara Minor moved from Atlanta back near her hometown, settling in the Westport area of Denver. Keela and Barbara had gone to school together and spent the summers hanging out at Barbara’s aunt and uncle’s Mooresville A-Frame with friends, swimming in the lake, camping out, and learning to waterski. Barbara had followed Keela’s magazines with hometown pride for years from Atlanta. The two celebrated her return to the lake, picking up just where they left off, and Barbara was thrilled to join the team launching the magazine.

NEW NEIGHBORS FROM THE NORTH Meanwhile, next door to Keela, where one of the many homes popping up around the lake had been under construction, a family with New York plates pulled into the driveway to be greeted by the aforementioned horse-sized dog Carter, who happened to belong to Brooke. The family that got out of the car, Kasey Jamison and her writer husband Rocky Thompson (yours truly), along with their two boys that they seemingly haven’t stopped chasing since, met everyone all at once. Kasey, eager to settle into Lake Norman life and seeking harmony with her demanding career as a sales director, made her the perfect serendipitous piece of the LKN Magazine puzzle. Their shared vision for LKN Magazine is to be a service to the businesses and community.

COLLABORATION IS KEY “I’m especially excited about the collaboration aspect,” Brooke said.

“Our cover shoot is a perfect example of our vision. We’ve always been about positive encouragement. During our photo shoot, we had two incredible photographers working side-by-side, sharing equipment, and laughing. What could have felt like a competition turned into a collaboration – one that elevated the entire experience and turned it into a better-together kind of moment.”

“I agree,” said Keela. “Every page of our magazines, including LKN Magazine, is rooted in the common love we share for the community. We are not a news-oriented magazine – people can find out the news from other sources. We know from our years with Forsyth Magazines the power of shop small. We’ve seen the beauty that comes from celebrating the small business community, especially when competitors recognize one another’s successes and celebrate each other’s wins.”

A TENACIOUS TEAM OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS The four of them, Keela, Brooke, Barbara, and Kasey, teamed up to bring LKN Magazine to the Forsyth Family of publications. Did they succeed?

Well, the magazine in your hands is proof they did. Meet the four, and you’ll discover their excitement for the possibilities of the magazine are limitless.

LKN Magazine can be found in Harris Teeter & Food Lion stores from Statesville to north Charlotte as well as local restaurants, boutiques, gyms, salons and spas. You can find a full list of distribution points on our website!

Digital editions of the magazine can be read online at Lkn-magazine.com.

Call 888.892.3204 or email advertising@lkn-magazine.com to learn about advertising opportunities. Be sure to like LKN Magazine on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @lknmagazine.

September 2022 | 45

Meet the LKN Magazine Team!

KEELA JOHNSON

BROOKE EAGLE

LKN Magazine, Publisher

LKN Magazine, Associate Editor

“In Lake Norman, I’ve found a vibrant, active community of friendly people. I’m excited to engage with this dynamic group of folks and the members of my Lake Norman ‘neighborhood.’”

“Though I graduated from High Point University with a degree in elementary education, I chose to join the magazines full time after college because I love this community and wanted to continue Mom’s celebration of the small business community. My favorite part of my job is hosting the Forsyth Magazines podcast.”

~In her spare time, Keela loves to paddle board, garden, babysit her fur-grandbabies, and spend time with her retired husband, Tim.

~Brooke is an exercise enthusiast and in addition to her magazine duties, is busy starting her own gym in Winston-Salem – Washington Park CrossFit! She loves wake surfing, snowboarding, and being a dog mom to her Bernedoodle and German shepherd.

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PHOTOS BY JODIE BRIM CREATIVE

BARBARA MINOR

KASEY JAMISON

LKN Magazine, Sales and Marketing

LKN Magazine, Chief Sales Officer

“I grew up visiting Lake Norman and always dreamed of living here, so I’m thrilled to call the Westport/Denver area home.

After a successful career in administration and marketing, I’m excited to join the LKN team and continue sharing all that Lake Norman has to offer.”

“After spending 17 years in New York City, building an advertising sales career with companies like The New York Times, Amazon, and Instacart, I’m excited to be a part of LKN Magazine.

It perfectly blends my love for advertising and lake living.”

~When Barbara has downtime, she enjoys tennis, pickleball, reading, cooking, paddle boarding, and boating. She also loves it when her grown stepsons visit from Atlanta.

~Kasey and her husband, Rocky, are parents to two sons, and they love spending time outside, playing sports – especially tennis and swimming. They also love exploring new restaurants and shops in the area.

September 2022 | 47

TOUR DE BOUTIQUE OCTOBER 1ST 2022 PHOTOS BY MEGAN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

Do you have to visit the stores in a certain order?

No! You are welcome to go rogue and create your own route. Our routes are purely suggestions to give you some added efficiency.

How much does it cost? $40!

One of our most popular events of the year is happening on Saturday October 1st in Winston-Salem! We want to address some frequently asked questions!

FAQS What is the Tour de Boutique?

The team at Forsyth Magazines knows a thing or two about shopping, and more specifically, shopping trips. Since 2010, we’ve hosted over 15 shopping events! We love turning a regular Saturday into an extraordinary Saturday with a non-stop, shop-til-you-drop adventure! The Tour de Boutique is a self-guided tour of TEN local boutiques. These boutiques roll out the red carpet! From exclusive discounts to mimosas and cupcakes…. they really know how to make a girl feel special. Shop at your own pace and earn chances to win door prize(s) at every stop you make!

We all know the value and importance of shopping local. 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!

What is the distance to/from Winston-Salem and Lake Norman?

It is an easy 50-mile drive on I-77 to I-40. It’s an easy day trip for mother/daughter, friends, relatives, church group, etc. You will enjoy great fellowship or team building and, of course, fabulous shopping! It is well worth the short trip!

Is transportation provided?

Tour de boutique is a self-guided tour, so you can shop at your own pace.

Will there be route options?

Yes! We will provide shoppers with several route options depending on which side of town they would like to start.

What does the cost include?

Your $40 registration fee includes the ‘shop local’ crew-neck sweatshirt, you see pictured, inside a swag bag with some other goodies, access to exclusive specials and discounts at all participating boutiques, door prize tickets (50+ door prizes are given away!!), and a day full of fun and quality time with your girlfriends!

When will you release a list of participating stores?

Stay tuned to social media -@forsythmags and @lknmagazine on Instagram and Facebook.

We have TEN participating stores this year!

Can you purchase apparel if you don’t go on the tour?

Nope! This apparel is exclusively available for our Tour de Boutique shoppers.

What time does it start?

It starts as early as you would like!

We will be sure to communicate open and closing times of each boutique with participants. Many stores will open early and stay open late, just for us. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. is the typical time frame, but, since it’s selfguided, you can shop at your own pace. You may spend 20 minutes in one store and an hour in another.

Are you required to visit all the stores?

No, it is not required, but the more stores you visit, the more chances you will have to win door prizes!! You can enter a drawing at every store that you visit, and we have a special GRAND PRIZE that you can only be entered into when you visit all 10 stores.

Do people usually sign up with friends or individually?

BOTH! We have seen three generations sign up together (mother, daughter, granddaughter), we’ve seen groups of friends, co-workers, sisters, cousins, AND, absolutely, people can sign up individually. We know some people prefer shopping alone, and that is totally fine!

We can assure you the stores will make you feel welcome all day long!

Will there be a Tour de Boutique in Lake Norman?

Yes! Planning is still in the works for our first annual LKN Magazine Tour de Boutique! You can help, by letting us know your favorite local boutiques! Contact Barbara at barbara@ lkn-magazine.com to find out how to secure a spot on our first-ever LKN Magazine Tour de Boutique!

What past shoppers are saying: “I love spending time with my girlfriends and being able to shop at our own pace!” – Cassie P. “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. “My friends who started the day out not knowing each other, became friends by the end of the day!

We had a blast!” – Emily B. “Tour de Boutique introduced me to stores I didn’t know before I moved to NC. Now I’m a regular of the stores and the Tour de Boutique! Love the customer service that local boutiques offer.”

–Barbara M.

REGISTER AT TINYURL.COM/2022TDB 48 | lkn-magazine.com

Tour de Boutique

Saturday, October 1st

USE PROMO CODE LKNMAG5 FOR $5 OFF!

swag bags | door prizes | store specials | + more

MEGAN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY

to learn more and register TINYURL.COM/2022TDB

“Originally from upstate New York, Chelsea Kowalski and her husband Chris Kowalski moved to Lake Norman four years ago.

When moving to the area, Chelsea created a list in her phone to keep track of restaurants she wanted to try. As they went along, she would write down their favorite dishes and things to remember for their next visit. In 2020 she decided to start the Instagram page @ lakenormanfood as a pandemic project devoted to posting these experiences. Chelsea has loved being able to share photos and recommendations to help other newcomers in the area find great places to eat or long-time locals who haven’t tried new spots yet.

Living in Lake Norman, Chelsea and Chris love to be by the water which is why North Harbor and Port City are some of their favorite restaurants in the area. Chris is a meat lover while Chelsea is happiest with anything containing bread and cheese. If the two start with drinks, Chelsea usually opts for anything tropical to make her feel like she’s on a vacation at the beach. Both Chelsea and Chris’s favorite food is pizza, frequently picking up pies from I Bambini, Alinos, and Brooklyn Boys. They also both have a big sweet tooth and try their best to save room for dessert when dining out. They frequently get ice cream at local spots like Two Scoops Creamery, Bruster’s, and Whit’s Frozen Custard. The best cookie shop they have found is hands down Red’s Scratch Made who serves delicious cookies and soft serve ice cream in downtown Mooresville.

BY CHELSEA KOWALSKI

Chelsea also owns a wedding videography business “Captures By Chelsea.” In her spare time, she enjoys anything outside such as reading, boating, wake surfing or hanging out with their cat Tate (aka Tater Tot). Taking photos and videos has always been a passion of hers which was another reason starting a food Instagram page seemed like a no-brainer. In upcoming issues of LKN Magazine Chelsea will be featuring a local restaurant to review each month.

She’s so excited to start this new venture as our designated foodie!

Q&A:

What appetizer is your favorite when going out with family and friends?

AMANDA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

I love anything that’s going to be bite size so a big group can feel like they’re eating a lot. Our most frequently ordered apps are probably calamari, bruschetta, pretzel bites, or a French fry basket. The best calamari we’ve found has been at Waterman’s in Cornelius, they have so many fresh seafood options! We loved the “Truffle Garlic Parmesan Fries’’ at Scratch Kitchen by Ghostface in Langetree. The bowl of fries is enormous and delicious, perfect for sharing! Mi Amiche is another great spot for apps. They have the best pretzel bites we’ve ever had, and their bruschetta is served in a bowl to plate on bread slices yourself which I thought was an awesome idea. It was so hard choosing apps there because they’re all so good. Our waitress told us a lot of times people go in for just apps and drinks.

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What’s your all-time favorite dessert to order out?

My favorite desserts are ice cream and cookies so when dining out our go-to is a cookie skillet with ice cream. We’ve found one at Fox and The Hound in Huntersville that’s called the “Cookie Blitz” which is a fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie, vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup, salted caramel sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. It’s a great spot to go for football games. We’ll usually order dessert in the fourth quarter, it’s the perfect portion for two people!

AMANDA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

If you have family or friends in town for the first time, where do you go?

I always see what kind of “mood” they are in first to pick the cuisine style. If it’s seafood, Waterman’s is a great new option but in the past, we have usually gone to a waterfront spot like Eddie’s or North Harbor. We love Mac’s Speed Shop if they are coming to the south for some good barbeque. The most frequent option is typically casual American, in which case we tend to pick Brickhouse or Barcelona Burger. If they’re in the mood for more unique fine dining, we’ll venture to downtown Davidson and go to Kindred or Flatiron.

What do you love about the food scene in the Lake Norman area?

I love that it’s always expanding. There’s a lot of people moving to the area and with that comes more food opportunities. In the four short years we’ve lived here we’ve seen so many new restaurants pop up. There’s also a lot of favorites from Charlotte that will add second locations up here. We still have a very long list of places to get to and at this point we’re adding more to it than checking off!

What are some spots on your current list you want to get to but have not yet?

I really need to get over to the west side of the lake! The Lake Norman Brewery opened in June 2020 so I’ve been wanting to try it for two years now. The Soda Shop in downtown Davidson, 131 Main paired with a drink at The Cork and Cask for date night, On the Nines and Table 31 are also at the top of the list.”

September 2022 | 51

LEARNING & HEALING TOGETHER

Debbie Dalton finds herself on a mission that no mother wants or expects to embrace. Yet, her words are powerful as she reflects on the path her life has taken, the joy that only her son, Hunter, could exude, and the way the two have merged to offer education, support, and hope to countless young people and their families.

Born in Cornelius, NC, in 1993, Debbie’s son, Hunter, was an athlete and a fraternity brother, but most of all, Hunter was a friend and inspiration to everyone who crossed his path. Hunter’s loves included Little League baseball, soccer, basketball, and Pop Warner football – playing both JV and varsity football at Hopewell High School – and growing up on Lake Norman, savoring memorable days of swimming and boating with his family and friends. He enthusiastically graduated from UNC-Charlotte in 2016, and relocated to Raleigh to begin a new job.

Sadly, 2016 also marks the year Hunter passed away, after encountering an evil he could not overcome: Fentanyl.

“We held our precious son Hunter’s hand for seven days in the hospital, not believing this had happened to our family,” remembers Debbie. “We never saw this coming, but we know if we had known what we do now about Fentanyl in recreational drugs, that Hunter would still be with us.”

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Hunter dubbed his own short time on earth “the HD Life,” a colorful collection of years filled with family, friends, joy, and adventure. Debbie loves reminding everyone she meets that her son was genuinely happy, and always wanted others to feel the exact same way. She also admits she went through a very dark time after Hunter passed away, but always felt her son’s incredible love of life pushed her to do everything in her power to make sure no other family suffers the same unbearable loss.

“We started the Hunter Dalton #HDLife Foundation to educate people about the real dangers of recreational drugs,” says Debbie. “I will walk through any open door to share our story.”

And walk through open doors she does – to speak to school groups, parent groups, and civic groups – often finding bonds she never expected, and realizing many are hearing this life-changing information for the first time. And the number of people who are not aware of the dangers of Fentanyl. with regard to recreational drug use, still astonishes her.

“Among those who have heard of the drug, the biggest misconception is who is susceptible, and where the drug is found,” says Debbie. “The assumption is Fentanyl deaths are linked to hard drugs like heroin, and that only people suffering from addiction are at risk. The reality is that Fentanyl has been found in all drugs, and first time users are always at risk.”

One of the greatest threats, as Debbie explains, is counterfeit pills – such as Xanax, Adderall, and Percocet – laced with Fentanyl.

“Those pills are running rampant on school campuses, and sadly, most young people have been exposed to some form of illicit drug by the time they reach middle school,” says Debbie.

“NO non-prescription drug is safe, and NO source should be trusted. Nobody can control the drugs on the street – those will either kill you or control you for the rest of your life.”

Her heartfelt presentation reveals more people are currently dying from drug overdoses than from homicides and motor vehicle accidents combined, with overdoses now the leading cause of accidental death for Americans under the age of 50.

For young people, Debbie strongly believes hearing personal stories can leave a powerful, lasting impression. “Knowledge is power, and the dialogue has to permanently change from ‘Drugs are bad for you’ to ‘Drugs will kill you,’” she explains.

“One mistake is sadly often followed with no second chance.”

From Debbie’s personal visits to many schools, she describes stacks of letters she has received from students, all with a common theme.

“They feel like Hunter could have been their best friend – and more importantly – that after hearing his story, they don’t ever want to do drugs. They truly relate to Hunter, and I do believe they are listening to our message,” she says.

“Every student who sees our presentation is given an #HDLife bracelet that we hope will be a constant reminder for them to make good decisions,” tells Debbie. She’s looking forward to a full schedule of speaking engagements this fall, with as many opportunities as possible to share Hunter’s story.

“I believe the saddest misconception with regard to the opioid crisis is it won’t happen to your own family,” shares Debbie. “That was certainly my thinking before we lost Hunter. Please know it is not you until it is you, and our entire community should be very concerned about the current statistics.”

The #HDLife is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with information on Debbie’s mission, special events, and donating found at thehdlife.org, or you can reach her at debbie@thehdlife.org. Also visit morepowerfulnc.org, a wonderful resource for schools working together with communities to overpower the opioid crisis.

September 2022 | 53

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Independent Advisor Alliance, a registered investment advisor. Independent Advisor Alliance and Marzano Capital Group are separate entities from LPL Financial.

Are You Comfortable?

Our Take on the Client-Advisor Relationship

BY MIKE MCGILVARY, AIF®, PARTNER, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

There is no sugar-coating it, 2022 has been a difficult year for capital markets. Not only have stocks experienced volatility, but so have bonds. We know that often this causes anxiety for investors, and we certainly understand why. We have the privilege of working with a broad client base, and this has taught us perspective.

We know that everyone’s situation is dependent upon their goals and needs. Understanding that folks currently drawing from their investment accounts feel differently about market dips than their peers who are in the wealth accumulation phase is important.

It is our duty to clients/potential clients to build and formulate financial plans that can help you stay focused on the big picture and give you a certain comfortability with your personal finances. Below are a few ways we strive to do this:

1.) Communication: In our opinion, face-to-face reviews and phone conversations are a massive part of weathering any difficult market. We feel that the proactive nature of our review and investment processes help with this. We also make every attempt to help our clients/potential clients feel comfortable picking up the phone to contact us with any financial questions, even if it is not necessarily about the assets that we are already managing for them.

2.) Financial Education: We pride ourselves on being the go-to resource for financial/ investment education in the area. If you have a general question about investments, or what is currently going on in the market, lean on our firm.

We would be happy to help and being able to add value is the first and foremost goal in our company. As an example, sometimes folks may have questions about their workplace retirement, and we take great pride in educating investors on their options within these plans.

3.) Coaching and Mindset: Investing is a mindset. Every conversation, we are looking to coach our clients to a new level. Keeping the emotion out of your investment plan is key, and this is one of the many duties we have to our clients as well.

Please understand, these are items we work on as a team daily. It is an honor to be able to manage this community’s wealth, and we want to make sure our clients know this!

Make sure you are having these check-ins with your financial advisor. Money can be emotional, and being comfortable in the way your plan is being managed can reduce stress. If you feel like you are not being heard, or your mindset is no longer aligning with your financial team, it may be time for a second opinion.

Dynamis Estate Wines

dynamisestatewines.com

By Reservation I Jonesville, NC I 336.468.6702 I

@dynamisestatewines

AMANDA RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Captures by Chelsea

C A P T U R E S B YC H E L S E A . M Y P I X I E S E T.C O M @captures.by.chelsea

September 2022 | 55

BY JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

What happened?

I thought it would be SO GREAT! What do you mean?

You know. It sounded like the perfect fit, everything I wanted.

And…?

It’s not.

We’ve all been in this conversation, but what are we actually talking about? Is it a new relationship that’s lost its sizzle? Or maybe a cool part-time gig that’s already gone sour? It could even be that new downsized house, an exciting relocation. “It” – that which leaves us wondering “What happened?” could even be that chapter we refer to as “your retirement.” So let’s put this into perspective. First, remember that retirement is a major life change. It comes with its own set of emotional experiences, surprises, and hurdles which can catch us offguard and unprepared. And yet, sociologist Phyllis Moen notes that people spend more time planning their wedding – typically a oneday affair – than they do the years they spend in retirement. Ouch! With a better understanding of the emotional journey that accompanies retirement, we can expect and prepare for the road that lies ahead.

AgeWave, a thought leader on issues related to aging, suggests that there are five distinct emotional stages that retirees report experiencing. Other researchers corroborate their findings and describe them in similar ways.

So, rather than engaging in the magical thinking that will make you ask, “What happened?” or even “What was I thinking?” consider the selfreported experience of others.

THE FIVE STAGES OF RETIREMENT Stage One: Imagination Don’t most great experiences begin here?

Retirement is no different. In the six to fifteen years before retiring, our enthusiasm and excitement begin to grow as we begin to look beyond our working years. At this stage, it is a good idea to start setting some initial goals, such as where we may want to live and how much money we will need in our new lifestyle.

Stage Two: Anticipation This stage occurs in the one to five years before we retire. At this point, we are initially excited and hopeful. It’s time now to think about the experiences we want to have and how we want to reinvent ourselves when we close the door on our long work life. As the end date nears, it is common for worry and doubt to begin to creep in.

Stage Three: Liberation This stage covers an entire calendar year and lasts only that long. At this point, we are on our honeymoon as excitement and relief from work stress reign supreme. We tend to reach for pleasures and enjoyments that we’ve long waited for.

Stage Four: Reorientation We may find retirement more challenging two to five years into retirement than we anticipated because it isn’t what we imagined it would be in Stage One. We may feel bored, disenchanted, or even depressed as the novelty wears off, and we begin to question our identity and our purpose. By addressing those concerns wholeheartedly, we can successfully reinvent ourselves and create a rewarding new life that gives us a sense of fulfillment.

Stage Five: Reconciliation In this stage, which begins at sixteen years and beyond, we tend to be relatively content, less depressed, and less worried. We are looking at the big picture now and comfortably balancing fun activities with those that bring us a sense of meaning and fulfillment. At the same time, we may also experience sadness as we begin to confront our end-of-life issues.

You might say that we start with the dream, grapple with the reality, and then make peace and find contentment at our journey’s end. In fact, that is exactly what retirees report: 74% of people in the Imagination Stage expect to enjoy their retirement “a great deal.” Sixteen years or so later, 75% are indeed enjoying their retirement “a great deal.” The bottom line: by thoughtfully planning for the practical and emotional journey ahead, people are generally happier in retirement!

Resume Nerd

Lancaster’s BBQ

lancastersbbq.com Huntersville 9230 Beatties Ford Rd. | Huntersville, NC 28078 | (704) 394-1464 (closed Mondays) Mooresville 515 Rinehardt Rd. | Mooresville, NC 28115 | (704) 663-5807 (closed Tuesdays) September 2022 | 57

LAKE

NORMAN

BY JESSICA GRIMSLAND

Welcome to the inaugural column of Lake Norman Fashion. This column will be a source of information, inspiration and instruction of everything fashion related.

The Lake Norman area is an up area in terms of fashion. It has recently been coined “The New York of the South.” From its one-of-a-kind boutiques to its amazingly talented designers, this area has so much to offer those that find style and fashion a passion.

Lake life lends itself to a specific way of styling. In this column, we will explore how life at the lake influences fashion trends and where to go to get these items to add to your wardrobe.

This will ensure you are dressed impeccably for any lake activity that may arise.

A little about myself. My name is Jessica Grimsland. I am a fashion stylist. I am originally from New York and moved to North Carolina to raise my kids. I have two amazing boys who are both now in college, so I am an empty nester. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 22 years. We both love traveling. My love of fashion was cultivated from a very young age. My mother is an impeccable dresser who always puts her best self forward for all occasions, formal and informal. She taught me how to dress well, how to care for my clothes and how to make smart, qualitydriven shopping purchases. This knowledge has helped me help others in creating the wardrobe of their dreams. My goal is to have everyone love getting dressed each day. I want them to feel amazing in everything they wear. I want to teach them how to choose quality items, so their wardrobe has longevity.

Each month, this column will educate you, inspire you or help you become the best dressed version of yourself. The Lake Norman area holds some of the best kept fashion secrets around. I look forward to sharing them each month with you.

Jessica J. Grimsland is a fashion stylist who specializes in creating wardrobes that enable people to feel their best while making ethically responsible purchases. She has a passion for practicing “slow fashion” and focuses on curating a closet that contains quality pieces that are timeless. She believes that everyone should feel amazing in their clothes each day. Jessica teaches people how to shop their closet and become more creative with what they already have. “Shop less and create more” is her mantra. Her personal daily fashion tips and stylish dressing can be seen on her Instagram page at @Jessica_Grimsland.

With fall right around the corner, here are a few of my top tips to help you start creating the fall wardrobe you have always wanted.

As we all know, fall weather in NC can go from the high 90s to the low 60s in one day. So, my first tip is to dress in layers. Layered dressing done right looks elevated and stylish with minimal effort. Layers are not only functional but exude a well put together style.

My second tip is to stick with neutrals and add an accent of a darker fall color to your outfit. Whether it’s a purse, shoes or even glasses, this addition of a rich color to the neutral base gives the outfit a cohesive look without looking trendy or mismatched.

Lastly, cashmere is king! This is one item that I feel everyone should have in their wardrobe no matter what. Cashmere is an expensive item, but is a sure investment. Truth be told, if you can’t afford a full price cashmere sweater, go to a local consignment shop. You can get it there for a fraction of the cost. A cashmere sweater never goes out of style and is one of the most versatile pieces that you will ever own. Cashmere has the wonderful ability to keep you warm without overheating your body. It is not a bulky material so you can wear it under or over anything. Cashmere always looks lush and expensive. It’s a great way to look elevated and stylish without even trying.

Implementing these tips will ensure that you have a great start to creating the fall wardrobe that makes you feel amazing and helps you put your best foot forward daily.

I look forward to sharing fashion inspiration, information and tips with you each month.

“Saying ‘yes’ to life, even in its strangest and hardest problems.” ~ Frederick Nietzsche

“Gosh, son, well...maybe...let’s have a think on that and discuss it later!”

“One of the most effective means for transcending the ordinary and moving into the realm of the extraordinary is saying ‘yes’ more frequently and eliminating ‘no’ almost completely. I call it, saying ‘yes’ to life.” ~ Wayne Dyer

You are convinced that will initiate a cease and desist to the plaintive cries for a sleepover.

But children are like tiny elephants that never forget. They have a magical way of circling back endlessly to your “maybe,” when only a “yes” will suffice.

Harken back to the carefree days of elementary school. You sit nervously in class and tap your pencil at your chin.

You are not trying to work out the latest arithmetic problem. But instead, you are trying to excavate and craft the right words to ask your unsuspecting crush if they like you. While you try to work out the correct balance of enthusiasm and cool that you can inject into your words, you settle upon the following:

I was recently outnumbered when the subject of adding a dog to the family roster was raised.

I seemed once again to be Eeyore on his own, listing all the reasons getting a dog was not a good idea (those reasons still are, in fact, true in my mind). Tigger and little Piglet (mother and son respectively) were relentless and ultimately convincing. We now have a new Golden Retriever named “Max.”

“What’s up? Do you like me?

Circle YES, No, maybe.”

Notice that “yes” is capitalized in order to lead the witness, as it were. While the answer “maybe” at this age was almost as good as “yes,” as it indicated a cautious affirmation, you were completely thrilled by a good old- fashioned clear-cut “yes.”

Saying “yes” to life is something from which we as adults can sometimes stray. While I, myself, would like to think I am more aligned with the perky enthusiasm of a Piglet or Tigger from the Winnie the Pooh series, I have so often been told I am much more similar to Eeyore. Eeyore is the pessimistic and gloomy stuffed donkey from the pages of Winnie the Pooh. He is always quick to point out the trials and tribulations of life.

But let it be known he always appreciates his friends trying to perk him up, and he is reliable. Eeyore isn’t so bad, but one could argue Eeyore isn’t living life to the fullest.

My wife recently turned to me and said, “You should say ‘yes’ more often.” What?!

I have been known to say “yes” to saving money or to second helpings of coffee ice cream. How dare she!

But, in fact, what she was trying to convey, of course, was that I needed to live a little.

As parents, sometimes we rely on our favorite words, “no,” or even “maybe,” almost automatically. Let us be honest—“maybe” is ultimately a way to procrastinate a “no” when our kids ask us for something financially or emotionally or physically strenuous.

“Dad, can I have a sleepover here in the living room with three of my friends?”

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I tried to drag out the “maybe” as long as I could with the subject of a dog. It just didn’t work.

My better two-thirds could see right through my tricks and wore me down. And now Max and I are pretty tight companions, even if I think he knows I initially did not approve.

But let us not always be at the ready with “yes.” There are times when a solid “no” is warranted. Ordering Prime Rib at the local greasy diner/pancake house is a time to say, “no.” If your 12-year-old asks if he can practice driving your car down the driveway, that is also a time to say, “no.” Answering in the negative is not always such a bad idea.

I will say that my wife was right about being more positive and going with the proverbial flow. Life’s roller coaster is excruciatingly fast and is chock full of opportunities to experience so much. There are times when prudence should win out, but there are so many occasions when being wide open to the adventures is wise.

What could possibly go wrong by saying, “yes” more often? You might end up as a new Winnie the Pooh character or get an adorable new puppy! Go ahead, give it a try.

Saying S E Y

BY MICHAEL JOHNSON

SMG Beauty Co Onsite Wedding & Special Event Hair & Makeup

www.smgbeautyco.com 336-420-1455 |

@smgbeautyco

Jeffrey’s

jeffreyslkn.com | 704-799-1110 117 Trade Court Mooresville, NC 28117

Mon - Thur 11am - 9pm | Fri 11am - 10pm • Sat 4:30pm - 10pm • Sun Closed September 2022 | 61

Celebrations

TAYTUM LEIGH KISER born 7-8-22 @ 420 pm LKN Hospital weight 7lbs, 18” proud parents are Dani & Seth Kiser

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DR. JOHN E. CHANDLER, III Dr. John E. Chandler, III, will celebrate his 80th birthday on September 12. Chandler, a retired Greensboro dentist, is responsible for five generations of Chandlers enjoying Lake Norman. His eye for design and outdoor sculpture has inspired thousands of boating onlookers since 1975. Happy birthday!

CHARLIE & MARIANNE SCHULER JUST CELEBRATED THEIR 40TH ANNIVERSARY They are purposely dedicated to church, family, boating, gardening, and travel… and to being “Fantastic.” The Schulers’ glasses are half-full, and they love to share that spirit with those around them. Family is at the center of much of what they do these days, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy 40th Anniversary, Mamaw and Pop Pop, from your children, grandchildren, and great grandchild!

September 2022 | 63

It’s Okay to NOT Want More

BY GENEVIEVE CONDON

Progress. Upward momentum.

Promotions. Degrees.

No matter what we call it, there is always the pressure and assumption that we must want to move upwards. That once in a relationship you must plan to get married. Then buy a house. Then have children.

The job you finally snagged after going to college and putting yourself in debt; you have to want a promotion.

Then to become a supervisor.

Better yet, why don’t you just own the place!

You must always want to move upwards. No matter what. No matter the cost.

Sometimes that cost is our own happiness and so often people are willing to forgo that in order to make more happen - to fit this mold and goal structure that society has set for us that is absurd and causes so much unneeded stress on people.

That encourages people to live outside of their means, putting themselves further in debt, dieting until we are sick, working ourselves until absolute burnout.

Society says we must always want more.

Society is wrong.

We never talk about how it is okay to stay still. To relish in the beauty of the moments you have and be happy with your relationship as is it. It’s okay to look forward to the simple joy of coming home to a partner that loves you and asks about your day, listening intently as you speak animatedly about something that happened. To love the apartment that has the absolute best view and Starbucks around the corner for your daily coffee fix. And the job. To just love what you are doing and be able to leave at the end of the day with a smile on your face, not wondering how you can do more than your colleague to prove you are worthy.

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You are worthy. Even if you don’t stay past closing. Even if you don’t want to go back to college to get that master’s degree. Or you don’t want to get married or have children.

We don’t always have to uproot our lives and what makes us happy in an effort to always be moving upwards. The focus, the true goal, should be to grow within ourselves and aim to be the best version of ourselves we can be. This doesn’t mean we have to get married, have kids or get promotions to validate our self-worth because happiness looks different for everyone. Accepting this is true freedom, true upward momentum.

Think about it. There would be no more pressuring ourselves to find someone we want to marry or working overtime to prove we deserve that promotion.

No more missing out on sunny days, dinners with our families or dance recitals and t-ball games. Vacations would be taken without feeling like we are letting our company down and driving the newest, fanciest car not a requirement to be seen as having truly made it.

At the end of the day, each person should pursue their own happiness. For some that is going to be the new car, promotion and a beautiful house on the hill.

For others, it’s going to be simple days in the sun and a job that makes ends meet.

We must remember, though, that it is okay to stay still.

To not want more. To be happy with what we have and who we are. Because if we aren’t truly happy with what we have in this moment, no amount of money or notoriety is going to change that.

So, I challenge you to stop.

Reflect. Take notice of what truly matters and remember: It’s Okay to Not Want More.

When It Comes to Your Loved One, Everything Matters.

Summit Place of Mooresville

phoenixsrliving.com/summitplaceofmooresville 128 Brawley School Road | Mooresville, NC 28117 | 704-799-2712 @summitplaceofmooresville

Living Military Museum Coffee | Museum | Food | Gift Shop | Events | Community

Richards Coffee Shop

Honoring America’s Veterans, Active Duty Personnel & Emergency Services Personnel. www.welcomevets.com | (704) 663-0488 | 165 N. Main Street, Mooresville Monday - Saturday 8am-1pm | Thursday: Free Coffee for Vets | Saturday Music Jam

September 2022 | 65

Blessing new generations!

BY MARTIE EMORY

Embracing wellness, kindness, and self-care, Seven Seed Soap Company takes its new name from their best-selling Seven Seed Facial Serum.

While the name did change (due to circumstances beyond their control), this popular brand is anything but new! Now celebrating 21 years in business, the Samson family has always made hospitality a high priority, and with daughter Jennifer now at the helm, the family’s dedication to that sense of community and wellness will be growing for many years to come.

“Our retail space was so small (only 400-square feet) that we knew our customers would need more space to shop during the holidays. Once we moved to our downtown location, we quickly realized it was time to expand,” says Jennifer, who felt God was aligning everything to move forward, even though the path wasn’t always crystal clear!

In case you’re intrigued by the name, its meaning is bountiful! Seven is the biblical number of completion (fitting as they reach the 21-year milestone) and, of course, seeds symbolize growth, life, and fruit – making even more seeds and continuing the beautiful cycle!

“I always love to hear people’s stories about how my mom and dad have taken care of their family’s needs over the years, and recollections of where they first discovered our soap business,” says Jennifer. “We have a wall of customer photos that keeps growing, and so many of the faces are loyal, long-standing customers from when we attended the Charlotte and Hickory Farmers Markets.”

The family connection is strong here at Seven Seed Soap, and Jennifer, shares the importance of carrying on the blessings.

“Knowing how much time, effort, and so much of my mom’s heart has gone into the business, it means so much,” Jennifer explains. “To be entrusted to take it over has been an honor.

Everything we do now had its start and inspiration from my mother, and she put in many hours of commitment to our customers.”

Jennifer says the biggest challenge has been the rapid expansion brought on by Covid. She officially took over the business in 2019, and things changed quickly.

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Working with her parents and family at the company has also been one of Jennifer’s biggest personal blessings.

Jennifer shares stories of generations of families who were brought up using the company’s soap and loves when new generations come in and embrace the current store.

“I feel like Seven Seed Soap Company is a place where you can become part of our family.,” she says. “Since starting the company, my mom and dad have made a habit of giving back to our community, and always being generous with their attention and time spent with customers.”

That familiar atmosphere is what makes the shop so special. Customers comment on the calming

ambiance, and how they leave with such a sense of peace – every single visit!

“This place is an extension of a home for me,” explains Jennifer, who wants the very same for her customers. “We want them to feel they belong, and this is a place for them to feel cared for and safe.”

With a background in graphic design, Jennifer loves her chance to be creative with both the shop space and the inventory, sharing new designs with customers that she hopes will lift them up and strike the perfect balance they are trying to achieve with a product – whether it’s a personal choice or a gift for someone they love. She feels it’s an honor to offer something both useful and beautiful, to enrich her customers’ lives.

Visit the store – or shop their website – to find wonderful options for face care, including the Seven Seed Facial Serum, a variety of soaps, lip balms, and facial scrubs; body products including herbal deodorant, lotions, and the popular brown sugar butter scrub; a wellness category filled with essential oils, natural hand sanitizers and bug sprays; plus, a men’s category that features beard butter, oil, and soaps!

Seven Seed Soap Co. is located at 111 N. College Avenue in Newton, NC, 828-466-2271. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. or shop online at sevenseedsoap.com.

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Blu Star Grill

blustargrill.com thenoveltaproom.com | 704-576-0603 12 N Ashe Ave. | Newton, NC | Mon-Thu 3-10pm | Fri 3-11pm | Sat 2-11pm | Sun 12-8pm

704.660.5577 | 120 Marketplace Ave, Mooresville Monday - Thursday 11am-8pm | Friday - Saturday 11am-8:15pm | Sunday Closed

September 2022 | 67

LET’S BRING BACK THE

MONARCHS!

BY KRISTY DODD

From the time I was a child growing up in Michigan, I have always had a love for butterflies. My father majored in entomology in college, and from an early age, he had my sister and me chasing butterflies with our butterfly nets.

I became more fascinated with the butterflies, especially monarch butterflies when my family moved to Florida, and we had a plant called milkweed growing in our yard.

I noticed that the monarchs were laying eggs on my plants, which quickly hatched into tiny and very hungry little caterpillars! I learned that milkweed is what is called a host plant. It is the only plant the little caterpillars will eat. They are very picky eaters! The more I learned about these beautiful butterflies, the more I became addicted to their fascinating life cycle. Within about a month, the caterpillars go through a truly amazing metamorphosis, starting from a tiny egg the size of a period and culminating in the release from their chrysalis, a beautiful orange and black monarch butterfly!

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Monarchs are one of the only butterflies that migrate to Mexico in the winter, where they are protected from the cold. They gather by the thousands on an estimated 12 mountain tops in Mexico, where they are protected by the branches of oyamel fir trees. When warmer weather comes, the monarchs begin their long journey into parts of the US. It takes about four generations for the butterflies to reach Florida and the Midwest states. Dining on nectar from plants along the way, the first generation goes a short distance, rests to lay eggs and the next generation that hatches from those eggs flies a little further until they arrive at their destinations. They often arrive in the same place where their great great great grandparents visited the year before! How they know where to fly is still a mystery!

After a few months when the weather again begins to cool, the next generation of monarchs to hatch are called Super Monarchs. These monarchs are larger and stronger, and this generation flies all the way back to Mexico to spend the winter, beginning the cycle again.

I hope by now you are beginning to be as fascinated by the monarchs as I have become! At the time there were many monarchs in our yard in Florida, but with further research, I soon learned that the monarchs were experiencing an 80%to 90% decline in their numbers from 1.2 million 20 years ago to an estimated 30,000 currently. The US Fish and Wildlife Service may soon decide if the butterflies should be officially designated “Endangered.” There are many reasons for their decline. Extreme weather due to climate change has allowed freezing weather in Mexico to freeze the butterflies as they huddle together in the fir trees. Large swaths of prairie in the US that support the milkweed the caterpillars need to survive have been wiped out by development and have been re-appropriated for farming. Over that time, we’ve lost over 150 million acres of monarch habitat. Patches of milkweed that used to grow in fields and roadsides are gone due to genetically modified crops that are sprayed with herbicides that allow crops to grow but kill the milkweed that the monarchs need. Also gone are the nectar-producing flowers the adult butterflies need to sustain them on their journey.

Now you might realize why I entitled this article “Let’s Bring Back the Monarchs!” These beautiful butterflies cannot depend on farmers and developers for their survival. They must rely on people that love plants and all they bring to our environment. Who better to help restore butterfly populations than gardeners like us! Milkweed is readily available in nurseries, so be sure to plant a patch of milkweed in your garden! Share the news about these beautiful butterflies with friends and neighbors so that they will survive to thrill generations to come!

After decades of population declines, the North American migratory monarch butterflies are now classified as endangered by the International Union of Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. Pollinators of all kinds are in trouble right now, not just butterflies, but the western migratory monarchs have seen some of the most alarming declines in recent years—we’ve lost over 99% of the population since the 1980s.

Monarchs face increasing threats to their survival, including pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change-driven extreme weather.

Please support initiatives that increase the availability of the monarch’s caterpillar host plant—native milkweed—as well as important nectar food sources for adult butterflies—native nectar plants—and it will help develop and sustain migration corridors so that more monarchs survive their seasonal migrations north and south.

The beloved monarch butterfly and its incredible long-distance migration is one of a kind, a treasured part of America’s rich natural heritage. That is why we’re asking conservation advocates like you to help us continue our important work to increase monarch populations in the years to come and protect this iconic species from extinction.

Thank you for all that you do for wildlife and our natural world. For more information contact the National Wildlife Federation at NWF.org

Farwell Burnout, Hello Harmony

BY KASEY JAMISON, PHOTO BY CARRIE ALLEN, LLC

Anyone else out there battling with the constant pull of priorities and the gnawing feeling that there aren’t enough hours in the day?

Since covid, that’s me to a tee. I’m working longer hours, spending late nights or early mornings staring at the dim light of my laptop, racing to meet a pending work deadline while my two kids sleep.

Or, I’m battling the feeling that I’m letting my work team down because I’m on camp pick-up duty and can’t make that important call. It’s an endless battle of trade-offs, and I feel like I’m always coming up short.

The pressure of achieving the ultimate ‘work-life balance’ is part of the problem. It’s problematic because it implies a trade-off — you have to sacrifice your life for work or vice versa to achieve ‘balance’. Like a tipping scale, you’re putting things on and off, making sacrifices along the way. Well, I’m saying enough is enough to balance, and I’m striving for harmony - work-life harmony.

Work-Life Harmony is about you — your whole self — and where you choose to invest your energy to make your life richer. “Work” and “life” are interdependent elements that are completely intertwined — they play together like an orchestra. There is no trade-off where you shut off the work part of yourself (or worse, the home part of yourself). Sometimes, you’ll go out of balance, meaning you’ll give more energy to your career or vice versa, but harmony is about realizing that it’s okay to go out of balance. Like your favorite song where vocals and the instruments go up and down to make that beautiful track. I read this quote from the Founder & CEO of Lifehack, Leo Ho, and it stuck with me: “Living in harmony is about feeling good about the ways in which you spend your time, despite how busy you may be. Your switch from work mode to a more personal mode should be effortless. It’s about integrating your personal life and the things you love into your busy work life.”

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So, how do we end the constant trade-offs and stop beating ourselves up over competing priorities and find and nurture harmony to be our best self? Here are a few things I’ve learned as I’ve started my journey: 1. Lean into what brings you joy. Find what brings you energy and lean into it. Let’s face it, not every aspect of our job brings us joy, and there sure are things in our personal lives that we’d rather avoid — so when you’re feeling like you need an energy boost to be your best (whole) self, lean into the parts your career/personal life that make you happy. For me, when I feel my energy depleting at work, I take a step back, and I lean into the people aspect of my job. Personal connections make me the happiest. Or, I take time away and double down on family time or pick up a design magazine (my favorite pastime). This always brings my energy back and makes me better. Research suggests that we are happier and more invested in our work when we can find joy in what we do.

2. Be present: Be intentional about where you put your focus in that moment. When you’re at work, put your focus and attention there — give your all. When you’re with your family, leave work matters out of your mind. Give your full attention to whatever you’re doing at that specific moment. Not only will this energize you, but it will also make you more productive at the task at hand. Trust me, it’s nearly impossible to open that spreadsheet when your mind is somewhere else.

3. Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. We live in a ‘culture of busy’ with constant stimulation. It’s impossible not to feel like we could be doing more — but I am here to tell you — you are awesome and you are doing enough. None of this will work if you don’t practice self-kindness (and self-care).

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www.bethelpc.online | 704-892-0546 | 19920 Bethel Church Road, Cornelius, NC 28031 September 2022 | 71

Embrace Summer’s End with a New Skill: Learn How to Play

in Lake Norman

BY AMY HILL

Sad about saying goodbye to your summer activities? As the days get cooler and nights get longer, it might be time to retire your summer routine and find a new way to spend your free time. With the perfect combination of cardio, competition, and community, the popular sport of pickleball can help keep your end-of-summer blues at bay.

After pickleball players Gary and Debbie Hellmann invited my friend Kim and me to play along with them one evening, I was quickly able to understand why pickleball is the nation’s fastest growing sport.

Within minutes of playing, I knew the sport was a hobby I could enjoy on a regular basis – something stressed and overworked adults of all ages are often longing for.

coordination. And while tennis and pickleball do overlap in many arenas, the concept of the “no-volley zone,” commonly referred to as the “kitchen” by pickleball players, made the sport more challenging than he initially expected. In the kitchen, players are prohibited from volleying the ball (or hitting the ball out of the air) and are only allowed to enter the zone to return a ball that bounces within the zone. Because of this rule, professional pickleball players often find themselves in a game of “dinking,” or lightly hitting the ball back and forth within the kitchen, until someone inevitably errs.

Gary Hellmann, a pickleball enthusiast/fanatic, began playing the sport around five years ago after his neighbor invited him to play. Currently, Gary plays around three to four times per week for an average of two to three hours at a time. When playing alongside his wife Debbie, the Hellmann duo makes for an intimidating pickleball pair.

Unlike tennis, pickleball can be picked up fairly quickly by most novice players. Tennis often requires years of expensive private lessons to master, in addition to the pressure many tennis players feel to purchase the latest and greatest tennis gear and garb.

Because pickleball carries a more lighthearted reputation, players can enjoy the thrill and fast-paced nature of the sport with a fraction of the financial burden. Additionally, volleying occurs much more frequently in pickleball than it occurs in most tennis singles matches, making it a riveting sport to watch.

Gary initially assumed that pickleball would be a cakewalk for him, as he is well-versed in playing tennis and has a knack for hand-eye

Another advantage of picking up pickleball is the size of the pickleball itself. Being much larger than a standard table tennis ball,

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the pickleball is slightly slower and easier to spot (although just as bright). With pickleball courts being smaller in perimeter than standard tennis courts, senior players can still hustle for the ball without having to cover too much ground.

Lake Norman locals interested in playing pickleball can find numerous courts nearby. Founded in 2020, the Lake Norman Pickleball Association (LKNPA) advocates for new facilities and hosts social events, educational clinics, and competitive tournaments throughout the communities of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, and Denver. New to the sport and not sure where to start? LKNPA encourages first-time pickleball players to attend

their Introduction to Pickleball events held at 5:00 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month at Robbins Park in Cornelius. Attendees will learn the basic rules of the game, proper technique, and form.

Pickleball paddles and balls will even be available to those who have yet to invest in equipment.

LKNPA members enjoy the benefits of club newsletters, access to member socials and tournaments, reserved court time, free and reduced rates for clinics, and a newfound group of friends. To join LKNPA, learn more about the organization, and stay updated on upcoming events and open play locations, visit www.lknpickleballassociation.com.

September 2022 | 73

Calm Cruising for Every Boating Style

BY MARTIE EMORY

The wonderful community of Lake Norman is all about the water!

Known for an endlessly warm, inviting vibe, those miles of shoreline make Lake Norman one of the most popular lakes in the southeast, according to Todd and Kim Reynolds, owners of a local family business that knows those waters well!

With over 20 years experience in the marine industry, KTR Marine specializes in boat sales (both new and used), service of all types, upholstery, and restorations, making them an allaround, full-service marine dealership.

Conveniently located near Denver, Charlotte, Mooresville, Cornelius, Lake Norman, and Hickory, their down-toearth 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 even the toughest service or mechanical issues.

Whether you are a first-time buyer and new to the Lake Norman area, or already an experienced boater, you’ll instantly become family at KTR Marine. You’ll be impressed with their impeccable work ethic from the first visit on, and be the recipient of the absolute best customer service around.

Even after all these years, Todd says satisfied customers with happy smiling faces are his favorite part of being in this business, and you’ll see those smiles out fishing, cruising, and simply enjoying laid-back lake days around Lake Norman!

“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 – but always call ahead to check what our inventory is at that time.”

Some of KTR Marine’s other offerings include complete reupholstering services for your boat, a variety of flooring options including Sea Grass, Sea Deck, carpet, and vinyl, and canvas covers featuring bimini tops, cock pit & bow covers, full and partial enclosures, and individual seat covers. The team is always working on a new project – and you’ll likely learn something new from them every time you stop by.

Yes, the KTR Marine team makes “lake calls” – and personal pick-ups right on the water if your boat is in need of a thorough detailing. This is where KTR excels, with the finest detail service including compound buffing, wet sanding, and waxing. No matter what condition they find your boat in, it will be returned to you looking brand new.

Stop by soon to meet Todd, Kim, and their team! KTR Marine is located at 3840 Hwy 16N, in Denver, NC. You can reach Todd and the KTR professionals at 828-312-1743, and learn more about their full-range of 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.

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Call (770) 316-1372 or email Barbara@lkn-magzine.com to reserve this spot.

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Crispy Baked Garlic & Parmesan Brussel Sprouts While the season has been cold, the abundance of Brussel sprouts is in blossom. Brussel sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that not only makes a delicious side dish but also fuels your body with key nutrients. Being low in calories, Brussel sprouts are high in minerals, protein, fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Especially during these cold months, it’s important to have proper consumption of vitamin C as it helps support immune functions, tissue repair, and iron absorption to fight those viruses. In addition, just a half cup of cooked Brussel sprouts has over 2 grams of fiber which helps to promote a healthy digestive system by feeding the beneficial gut bacteria.

Fun fact: Did you know that this nutrient-dense vegetable really is named after the capital of Belgium? Brussel sprouts were first introduced in Louisiana during the 18th century by French settlers.

They became quickly adored as this little vegetable was established as a commercial crop in California by the early 1900s. Today, the U.S.A produces nearly 70 million pounds of Brussel Sprouts every year.

Welcome to The Fancy Fork! Your hub for seasonal produce insight and farm-style recipes that are made to satisfy.

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

Servings 4

INGREDIENTS • 1 lb. Brussel Sprouts • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil • 3 Garlic Cloves, crushed

• 4 tbsp. Parmesan, grated • 1/2 tsp. Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Trim and halve the Brussel sprouts. Toss into a large bowl with 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan, olive oil, crushed garlic, and salt.

3. Evenly spread onto the prepared baking pan, then sprinkle with the reserved one tablespoon grated parmesan.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the Brussel sprouts, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes, until crispy. Enjoy warm!

Now that you’ve mastered the art of roasting Brussel sprouts, it’s time to grab your fork and enjoy the warmth of Winter season delights!

Ginger-Miso Baked Salmon Servings 4 Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 3-4 oz. Salmon Fillets (the sauce is enough for up to 4 salmon fillets) • 1 T Miso • 1 T Fresh Ginger, grated or finely minced • 1 T Maple Syrup • 1-2 tsp. Low-Sodium Soy Sauce (optional) • 2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced • 1/4 tsp. Sea Salt • 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450F. 2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil, then add the salmon fillets skin-side down in a single layer.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the miso, minced ginger and garlic, maple syrup, salt and black pepper. Stir in the soy sauce, or substitute with water.

4. Evenly coat each salmon fillet with the sauce.

5. Bake for 12-13 minutes, then broil 2-3 minutes (or until fully cooked). Enjoy!

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Mint, Grapefruit & Rosemary Soda / Spritzer

Servings 8 Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Cooling Time 10 minutes Total Time 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

• 2 Grapefruits, zest & juice • 1/4 cup Cane Sugar, or Maple Syrup • 1/2 cup Water • 3 Rosemary Sprigs • 3 Mint Springs, about 1/4 cup • 4 cups Pineapple Chunks, about 1/2 pineapple • Sparkling Water, for serving • White Wine, for spritzer (optional)

1. In a saucepan over medium high heat, stir together the pineapple chunks, grapefruit juice, cane sugar, rosemary sprigs, mint sprigs and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes.

2. Stir in the grapefruit zest, then allow the simple syrup to cool completely, then strain the pulp.

3. To serve: Add 1-part simple syrup with 1-part sparkling water. Garnish with a slice of fresh grapefruit and fresh rosemary or mint leaves.

Crispy Garlic & Thyme Stacked Potatoes Servings 12 Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Total Time 55 minutes

INGREDIENTS • 1 3/4 lb. Yukon Potatoes • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated or shredded • 2 1/2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 3 Garlic Cloves, crushed or finely minced • 1 T Thyme Leaves • 1/2 tsp. Salt • 3/4 tsp. Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400F. 2. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan with a little extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle a dash of salt in the bottom of each cup, as well.

3. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, salt, black pepper and garlic. Set aside.

4. Thinly slice each potato to be 1/8” – 1/16” thick (using a mandoline is easiest to achieve the 1/16” thickness).

5. In each cup, add 4-5 sliced potatoes, then brush with the oil mixture, then continue stacking until each cup is filled to the top with potato slices.

Add any remaining oil mixture on the top of the potato stacks, as well as the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan.

6. Bake the potatoes for 35-45 minutes, until your desired crispiness. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve warm. Enjoy!

September 2022 | 77

Calendar of Events Dates and details subject to change, please connect with event host for the most up-to-date information.

THURSDAYS THROUGH NOVEMBER 17 MUSIC BINGO AT ELEVEN LAKES BREWING 7-9pm, Eleven Lakes Brewing, 10228 Bailey Road, Suite 201 in Cornelius.

SATURDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 22 HUNTERSVILLE GROWERS’ MARKET 8am-12pm, Huntersville Town Center Lawn. The Huntersville Growers’ Market was established in 1999 to provide locally grown food products, to sustain farmers in Huntersville and surrounding areas, and to strengthen a sense of community.

WEDNESDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 26 BIRKDALE BUDS 10:30am-12pm, Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Suite 202 in Huntersville. Adventure awaits your little one at our weekly Birkdale Buds featuring a variety of interactive events! Bring your pre-school aged little bud for playtime in the Grove. Weekly activities may include face painters, storytellers, magicians, arts and crafts and more! Note: Crafts and activities will be available while supplies last.

FRIDAYS THROUGH OCTOBER 28 LIVE UNDER THE OAKS 6-8pm, Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Suite 202 in Huntersville. It’s time to get groovy in the Grove! Start your weekends unwinding with live musical performances in the Grove. Grab your friends and family, and get ready to dance the night away!

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SEABROOKS’ MUSIC BINGO 7-9pm, 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.

MONDAY NIGHTS NOVEL TAPROOM - TEAM TRIVIA Starts at 7pm, 12 N Ashe Ave, Newton, NC 28658. Trivia Night at the Taproom. thenoveltaproom.com

THURSDAYS & SATURDAYS NOVEL TAPROOM — LIVE MUSIC Starts at 8pm | 12 N Ashe Ave, Newton, NC 28658 Sept. 3 — Preston Benfield Sept. 8 — Dani Kerr & The Skeleton Crew Sept. 10 — Unknown Artist Band Sept. 17 — Backwoodz Sept. 22 — The Part-Time Blues Band Sept. 24 — 20/20 Band Sept. 29 — Scott Sanders Band thenoveltaproom.com

TUESDAYS LAKE NORMAN BREWERY-TRIVIA NIGHT 7-9pm, 1753 Triangle Circle Denver, NC 28037 SOCIAL CORN HOLE LEAGUE 6:30-8pm, Primal Brewery, 16432 Old Statesville Road in Huntersville. 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

WEDNESDAYS LAKE NORMAN BREWERY-MUSIC BINGO 7-9pm, 1753 Triangle Circle Denver, NC 28037

THURSDAYS WELCOME HOME VETERAN LIVING MILITARY MUSEUM @ RICHARD’S COFFEE SHOPFREE COFFEE FOR VETS 9am-1pm, 165 N. Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115. Every Thursday morning veterans get together and enjoy each other’s company and a free coffee

TRIVIA THURSDAY 7-8pm, D9 Brewing Company, 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!

FRIDAYS LIVE MUSIC 6-8pm, Mac’s Speed Shop Lake Norman, 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.

SATURDAYS DAVIDSON FARMERS MARKET 8am-12pm, 442 South Main Street in Davidson.

The Davidson Farmers Market is a produceronly, year-round Market featuring more than 35 farmers and local producers from within a 100mile 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!

NOVEL TAPROOM - RUN CLUB Starts at 9am, 12 N Ashe Ave, Newton, NC 28658. We will meet at the taproom for a short 3-5 mile run and then finish with some amazing beer selections.

We will also conduct 0-5K classes to get the couch potato ready to run a 5K. thenoveltaproom.com WELCOME HOME VETERANS LIVING MILITARY MUSEUM @RICHARD’S COFFEE SHOP-MUSIC JAM 9am-12pm, 165 N. Main Street Mooresville, NC 28115. 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!

SEPTEMBER 1, 8 & 15 LANGTREE LIVE 6-9pm, LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Rd in Mooresville. The 2022 LangTree LIVE Concert Series Featuring Love Tribe (9/1), Black Glass (9/8), and Kids in America (9/15)

SEPTEMBER 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 & 18 HELLO DOLLY! GREEN ROOM COMMUNITY THEATRE Friday & Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 3pm, The Old Post Office PlayHouse at 10 South Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658.

Bursting with humor, romance, and energetic dancing, Join us for this musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker as we meet the romantic and comedic Dolly Gallagher-Levi, the turn-of-thecentury matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” who is certain to thrill and entertain audiences of every generation.

SEPTEMBER 3 CAROLINA CLTURE FESTIVAL 7-10pm, 19725 Oak St #13 in Cornelius. Find event and ticket information on Ticketbud.

SEPTEMBER 1-30 WINS WOMEN’S NETWORK Brick Row in Cornelius. Open to all women! A forum for women to connect in a professional, yet informal atmosphere over coffee and morning refreshments. There is no membership fee, obligation or longtime commitment. Bring your business cards and name badge. Call Sylvia at the Chamber Office 704.892.1922 with any questions.

SEPTEMBER 6-7 AUDITIONS FOR PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLE 5-7pm, The Green Room Community Theatre, 10 South Main Avenue in Newton. The performance ensemble is directed

by Grace Bollinger. You only need to attend one night of auditions.

Continued on next page

Calendar of Events Continued from previous page

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 11

SEPTEMBER 16

SECOND FRIDAY STREET FESTIVAL– PATRICK REYNOLDS 6pm-10pm, Oak Street Mill,19725 Oak Street Cornelius, NC, 28031. Bella Love presents another season for art and music festivals on the second Friday of each month with Patrick as your emcee.

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Remember your grandparents and take them to eat, shop, enjoy lake activities and support local businesses, all at the same time. Lake Norman State Park or other local parks will also enjoy the support on this special day.

SEPTEMBER 9

SEPTEMBER 13

EVENTIDE 6-11pm, Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road in Huntersville. Get out your pirate best and join them for a night of swashbuckling shenanigans and a delectable dinner in the Rural Hill Cultural Center. You will encounter historical pirates to tell their tales of the sea. Dinner will be an apropos Caribbean menu by Durty Thumbs.

Live Pirate Band. Each Letter of Marque (ticket) comes with one (1) drink ticket (must be 21+), and a cash bar will be available. There will be an Adult Costume Contest (Best Male, Best Female, Best Couple will win a bottle of rum! Meet and greet with the pirates. Cost: $50/person.

ANNUAL NIGHT FOR PAWS GALA 2022 6pm-10:30pm, Lake Norman Humane Society, 2106 Charlotte Hwy, Mooresville, NC 28117. We are excited to announce the return of our Night for Paws on Tuesday, September 13th 2022, and it’s going to be better than ever! Join us for a night under the stars at our second pop-up gala, where we’ll be transforming our expansive outdoor covered pavilion into an enchanted, end-of-summer wonderland where you’ll enjoy exceptional food, fun, and fellowship. Guests will enjoy an evening of delicious dinner options and hor d’oeuvres, as well as a complimentary bar including wine, beer and an array of delightful cocktails. And wear your dancing shoes because the night will feature live entertainment! We’re putting together an incredible selection of live and silent auction items. It’s all in support of the lifesaving work of Lake Norman Humane. We look forward to seeing you there.

JAZZ AT THE VINEYARD-SUMMER SUNSET SERIES FEATURING THE PEACE & LOVE BAND! 6pm, Davesté Vineyards 155 Lytton Farm Road Troutman, NC. Come enjoy a great evening of live music with one of the region’s favorites!

A great mix of Jazz, R&B and Funk from Peace &Love Band! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets and kick back on the beautiful grounds of Daveste’ Vineyard for a great evening of live music! You can also purchase snack items from the Tasting Room featuring Boar’s Head. A Food truck will also be on site.

All tickets are sold in advance! Your ticket purchase includes a glass of wine/wine slushie or craft beer.

SEPTEMBER 10 BUCCANEER BASH AT RURAL HILL 10am-5:30pm, Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road in Huntersville. Get a look into the true history of pirates! Dozens of pirate reenactors will engage and entertain you. This event is family friendly!

Get your tickets in advance! Will be more expensive at the gate. Cost: $15-$25/person.

704.875.3113

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SEPTEMBER 17 LAKE NORMAN SPIRITS CAR CLUB 8am-10am, FREE Third Saturday of the Month at Waterbean in Cornelius. British cars mostly from the 1950s and 1960s, but all makes and models are welcome.

PADDOCKPALOOZA WITH HINDS’ FEET FARM 10:30am-4:30pm, FREE at 14625 Black Farms Road Huntersville, NC 28078. Hinds’ Feet Farm, a non-profit serving individuals with brain injury, is excited to announce our inaugural Paddockpalooza, a premiere, openair artisan market to showcase our beautiful 32acre farm and raise awareness of brain injuries.

Exhibiting premiere artisans and shops, while enjoying tasty treats from local food trucks.

SEPTEMBER 20 CHARLOTTE BUSINESS GROUPCBG - LAKE NORMAN CHAPTER HAPPY HOUR BUSINESS MIXER 5pm-7pm, 158 N Main St., Mooresville, NC 28115 Come mingle, socialize, and network with local professionals and entrepreneurs right after work. You’ll make great connections in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while expanding your web of contacts to help fuel your own career or business goals.

SEPTEMBER 23, 24, 25, 29 & 30 DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS: MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Thurs/Fri/Sat 8-10pm, Sun 2pm, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour St, Davidson, NC. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning there is one passenger fewer…

SEPTEMBER 24 CATAWBA WINE & JAZZ FEST 12pm, 102 1st St NW, Catawba, NC Join us for the Catawba Wine and Jazz Fest! We are excited to have some wonderful live Jazz Music, exciting new vendors, food trucks and great food vendors, and so much more.

Bring your chairs, and your blankets, and come out and join us for a while on Main Street in Catawba!

VICKI LAWRENCE AND MAMA – A TWO WOMAN SHOW Newton Performing Arts Center, 60 West E 6th Street, Newton, NC. Matinee Show - 3pm, Doors open at 2:15. Night Show 7:30 pm, Doors open at 6:45pm Emmy Award-winning comedienne Vicki Lawrence is one of the most beloved television personalities of her generation. Plucked out of total obscurity as a high school senior, Vicki went on to become part of the now-legendary cast of the “Carol Burnett Show.”

SEPTEMBER 24-25 HARVEST FOLK FESTIVAL 10am-5pm, Two Days of Family Fun! The Murray’s Mill Harvest Folk Festival celebrates Catawba County’s agricultural heritage with an array of exhibits, craftsmen, and activities, including antique cars, tractors and farm machinery, and traditional food preparations such as molasses making. Bluegrass, Country, and Gospel comprise the impressive band schedule, the Cockman Family hosting musicians and audience in the Murray’s Mill Amphitheater. Included in the ticket price is a tour of the mill, whose original French burr millstones grind away producing bags of flour or cornmeal, a prized and usable souvenir.

Ages 3 and under are free, ages 3-12 $5, and over 13 $10.

SEPTEMBER 29 & OCT 1, 7 & 8 HAMLET-THE GREEN ROOM COMMUNITY THEATRE 7:30pm, FREE at Southside Park 1775 Southwest Blvd Newton, NC. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s first masterpiece, arguably the greatest tragedy in the English language. Charged by his father’s ghost to kill his uncle, the new King Claudius, Prince Hamlet struggles with doubt and alienation in Denmark’s corrupt court. Free to the public!

OCTOBER 15-16 CELEBRATE THE TATAS TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS 8am-5pm, Richard Barry Memorial Park, 1307 Beatties Ford Road in Huntersville.

The weekend experience is a way of equalizing the gap between those who are lucky enough to have insurance and those who do not have access to healthcare. On the soccer fields, everyone is equal. We rely on sponsorships, donations and gifts to help us reach our goal of providing a full day of free mammogram services to both Atrium’s Levine Cancer Institute and Novant Health. Join us on the field, cheer on our superhero players.

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September 2022 | 81

The Last Word on Life at the Lake

BY ROCKY THOMPSON

When people talk about life at the lake, they never mention the bugs. They talk about the views, the sunsets, the serenity of the water, and of course, the local real estate transactions. But let me assure you, the bugs are just as much a part of life at the lake as Duke Energy.

Each month brings a new species that crashes over the land like a swarm of, well, locusts. There are the black ones with red lines that look like they were built on a forage on Mars. The ones with big bodies and millions of tiny legs. The ones with tiny bodies and millions of big legs. The ones that look like ladybugs but aren’t. The fish-hooked shaped bugs that weigh so much they overwhelm spiderwebs big enough to trap humans.

Speaking of spiders, what must life be like for them on the lake? Judging by the sheer volume in which they settle into docks, windows, and front porches, it must be a paradise. Take the stubborn spider who comes to my dock to rebuild his web after I knock it down every day. Can you imagine how he feels around Halloween when he watches me knock down his web and then hang up fake spider webs as decoration? I’m pretty sure he’s gotten his revenge by relocating his web from my dock to the motion-detector light in my backyard that he sets off each night just as I’m about to drift off to sleep.

Our bug guy is our only ally. I’ve never met him.

One day he stuffed a business card into our mailbox and the next week while I was out of town he showed up to spray mysterious chemicals around the house. He assures me they’re nontoxic, but I’m sure the pile of quarter-sized beatles I found on the front porch a week later would disagree. Our relationship is simple and pure: he sends me bills and then talks to me through the camera in our doorbell whenever he decides to show up.

The bugs aren’t all bad, of course. There are the ladybugs that bring a little levity to my evening on the porch. And the wooly bugs that land on the water to the delight of fish. Whenever I see them it reminds me that I have a fly rod stashed away in a closet somewhere and darnit — it’s time to get it out and wave it around like I have any clue what I’m doing. And of course the cicadas, singing the soundtrack of summer, sometimes so loud on an otherwise windless, waveless evening that they’ll drown out the sound of a cigarette boat roaring right past my dock.

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