LKN-September2026-LowRes

GREAT DESIGN 4 U

WHERE BEAUTIFUL SPACES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 2026

Charlotte/Pineville, NC • Hickory, NC • Cornelius, NC goodshomefurnishings.com

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Our private dining room offers an intimate, refined setting for gatherings of up to 40 guests for a seated dinner or 50–60 for a cocktail-style or networking event. Thoughtfully designed and fully serviced, it’s ideal for celebrations, business events, and special occasions. The Private Dining Room also has audio and visual capabilities if needed.

Overlooking the dining room, our Mezzanine is a larger semi-private space that allows you to share time with friends and family while still enjoying the ambience of the restaurant. It can hold up to 50 people and can also be combined with the Alcove space.

ALCOVE

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The Alcove is a semi-private space overlooking our dining room that provides an intimate setting for a business dinner, birthday party, or small rehearsal dinner. It has audio and visual capabilities and can hold up to 20 people.

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Featured: Undaunted by Sandra Gittleman, 48" x 60" Oil Painting

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HELLO SEPTEMBER, HELLO FALL

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SWEET GRASS HOME HOME - GIFTS - YOU

F

146-H MOORESVILLE COMMONS WAY, MOORESVILLE, NC 28117 - 704-663-5878 all is right around the corner, and we’re welcoming the season with all the cozy touches you’ve been waiting for! Our latest fall décor and serving pieces are perfect for refreshing your home, whether you’re getting ready for football weekends, family gatherings, or simply adding a little autumn charm to your everyday spaces. And don’t forget your wardrobe—we’re bringing in new fall clothing filled with easy layers, seasonal colors, and stylish pieces perfect for those first cooler days. There’s so much to love about the season ahead, and we can’t wait to help you get fall-ready!

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A Little Fall, A Little Spooky othing makes it feel like fall quite like a cozy candle and a few festive touches around the house! Our fall candles are here with warm, seasonal scents that make every room feel extra inviting.

Add a little personality to your kitchen with our fun fall and Halloween dish towels, featuring the cutest seasonal designs perfect for spooky season and everything autumn. Whether you’re decorating for Halloween or simply bringing a little fall charm into your home, these easy touches are the perfect way to celebrate the season!

New Homes in Mooresville from the $400’s

Harris Farms in Mooresville 1 & 2-Story Homes | Pool, Dog Park, Tot Lot Personalize in our Design Studio Model Homes Open Daily 124 Tonbridge Way Mooresville, NC 28115

Sales: ECH Brokerage LP. License #C33712. Construction: EHC Homes, LP, Empire Homes (NC: 85275; SC: 123509). Pricing effective date of publication and subject to change without notice.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

SCAN TO EXPLORE

Publisher Perspective FOUR YEARS OF LKN MAGAZINE:

STILL GRATEFUL, STILL LOVING EVERY MINUTE Four years.

It’s hard to believe LKN Magazine launched in September 2022. When I decided to bring a magazine to Lake Norman, I had no idea what was ahead. I hoped it would become something special, but I could never have imagined the people I would meet, the friendships I would make, the stories we would tell, or how much this little magazine would come to mean to me.

From the beginning, our goal has been simple: to celebrate life at the lake. The people, businesses, nonprofits, events and everyday stories that make this community so special.

Somewhere along the way, I realized we weren’t just building a magazine. We were building community.

And that has been the best part.

Over these four years, you have trusted us with your stories, your businesses, your milestones and your causes. You’ve opened your doors to us and allowed us to introduce you to the people and places that make Lake Norman such a wonderful place to call home. I don’t take that trust for granted.

This past year has also reminded me just how important it is to appreciate the people and moments right in front of us.

A few weeks ago, I lost my brother, Mike, after an extremely short battle with lung cancer. My mom and I were able to visit him and his beautiful daughters just a few days before he passed away. We had absolutely no idea it would be our last time together.

I am so incredibly thankful we had those few days.

That experience has been a constant reminder, for me and I think for all of us, that tomorrow isn’t promised.

PUBLISHER Keela Johnson Keela@lkn-magazine.com EDITOR | STRATEGY & GROWTH Brooke Culler Brooke@ForsythMags.com COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Ingrid Russell Photography CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS* Ingrid Russell Photography CONTENT EDITOR Meghan Corbett

We get busy. We put things off. We assume there will be more time.

And then, sometimes, there isn’t.

So while I’m celebrating four years of LKN Magazine, I’m also taking a moment to celebrate the people who make this journey so meaningful.

My parents, Charlie and Marianne, are some of LKN Magazine’s biggest cheerleaders. They deliver magazines every month, talk about the magazine everywhere they go and have never once made me feel like my crazy ideas are actually crazy. They are amazing parents, grandparents to six and great-grandparents to one very loved little girl.

become part of this community.

Today, I know it has.

A dear friend of my mom and mine, Kay Davis, wrote a beautiful poem for us after Mike passed away. It captured emotions that are difficult to put into words, and I am honored to share it with you.

Kay’s poem will be published online September 1.

I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read it.

Life is short. Love your people. Make the phone call. Take the picture. Say the things you mean to say. Don’t wait for tomorrow to tell someone you love them.

Tim, aka Teej, my husband of more than 42 years, is the guy behind the wheel, behind the scenes, behind the playlist and always behind me. He has supported every crazy idea and every long night. He will always be my #1.

Thank you for being part of our LKN Magazine family for these past four years. We are so grateful for every reader, advertiser, contributor and person who has shared a story, passed along an issue or simply told us, “I love this magazine.”

I can’t talk about where we are today without talking about where it all began. I founded Forsyth Woman in Winston-Salem in 2005, and this month we celebrate its 21st anniversary.

Today, my daughter and right hand, Brooke Culler, leads that magazine, along with Forsyth Family. None of what we’ve built would be possible without her. She keeps me grounded, brings calm to my chaos and can talk me out of a bad day like no one else.

We really do love doing this.

And four years in, we’re still just getting started.

With heartfelt gratitude, KEELA JOHNSON, Publisher, LKN Magazine

And then there is my LKN Magazine team. Kate Shaw, our creative director and magic maker, turns my ideas into beautiful pages. Martie Emory fills our pages with stories that have heart and Lake Norman spirit, while also being a dear friend. And Ingrid Russell continues to help us tell even more of the stories happening around the lake through social media.

I am incredibly lucky to have these people in my corner.

Four years ago, I hoped LKN Magazine would

SENIOR STAFF WRITER Martie Emory GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION Kate Shaw WEB DESIGN/MAINTENANCE Next Wave Services VIRTUAL ASSISTANT/CRM MANAGER Liz Jacobs SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Ingrid Russell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS* Summer Fair Carter Jessica DeHart Martie Emory Steven Gallo Taryn Jerez Keela Johnson Tanner Johnson Robin Shupe Keller Julie Parra Katharine Rosenthal, RDN Anna Rooney Thorp Charlie Schuler Brandy Woods Snow

CONTACT LKN-Magazine.com | 888-892-3204 ADVERTISING advertising@lkn-magazine.com

*Others credited throughout.

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. ©2023 by LKN Magazine, Inc.

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Table of Contents FEATURES

16 5 Simple Ways to Keep a Clean House: Despite Having a Family That’s Always on the Go 18 GOOD’S HOME FURNISHINGS: A New Address for Fine Living 26 MODERN FABRICS: Finding Your Pet-Friendly Style 32 Fall Refresh: Lake Norman Style 36 COOKE RENTALS: Why Buy It When You Can Rent It? 38 THE SERVE PICKLEBALL + KITCHEN: A Perfect Fit For Your Special Event 40 SWEETBAY HOME & GIFT: Sharing the Love for Refinished Furniture 44 Still Standing Firm: A Family’s Fight, and the Light that Followed 50 MOORESVILLE ARTS: Visit this Month to Experience Heaven on Earth 52 DEEP WELL ATHLETICS: Welcoming You to the Fitness Lifestyle 56 KELL GLASS: Creative Journeys Between Artist and Client 58 Born to Race: The Jonathan Tadlock Story 62 BLINDSIGHT: A Vision of Hope and Healing 64 Plant Forward, Vegetarian, Vegan: What’s the Difference?

70 HARVEST SEEDS MINISTRY: Helping to Provide the ‘Printed Seeds’ of the Gospel 74 Engaging Our Older Loved Ones in Personal Storytelling 82 Fears, Flights and Landings: A Summer Reflection

28 Cover Story

IN EVERY ISSUE 08 PUBLISHER PERSPECTIVE: Four Years of LKN Magazine 20 WELCOME HOME: Don’t Be Afraid to Entertain

52

22 ASK BETTY BEE 28 COVER STORY GREAT DESIGN 4 U: Where Beautiful Spaces Begin 48 MARZANO CAPITAL GROUP: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About 529 Plans 54 BE WELL TABLE: Kale, Walnut, and Apple Salad 66 919 BACKYARD BBQ: Chicken Wings 68 ONE MAN’S PERSPECTIVE: Hugo 76 MEDITERRANEAN MADE SIMPLE: The Story Behind My Mediterranean Life Binder 78 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

40

18

26 56

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5 SIMPLE WAYS TO KEEP A CLEAN HOUSE, DESPITE HAVING A FAMILY THAT’S ALWAYS ON THE GO

By TARYN JEREZ

M

ost families with kids can barely remember the series of events that unfolds Monday through Friday! Between getting the whole family ready to head out the door in the morning, prepping meals, going to work, and heading to multiple pick-up-and-drop-off scenarios at the end of the day, keeping the house clean can seem like a daunting task to add in!

Families often want to eliminate the unwelcome frustration and added stress of a messy, dirty, or disorganized home, but they haven’t necessarily figured out how to implement the steps they need to get there!

If this sounds like you, keep reading for five simple ways to keep a clean house that can work for even the busiest of families. #1 REDUCING CLUTTER BEFORE IT BEGINS You don’t have to “Marie Kondo” your entire home, but be realistic about which clutter you can eliminate. Does the corner of the entryway table get overthrown with random junk mail daily? Consider sorting through the mail outside and tossing the unimportant stuff into the can before coming in. Kids bringing home a sweet, but overwhelming amount of artwork from school weekly? Instead of shoving it on top of the fridge, choose your favorite pieces to display and take photos of the rest, rather than keeping every piece! If you know the garage is going to be a dumping ground for sports season in Spring, start getting rid of things now that the family doesn’t use to make space ahead of time and avoid a huge mess.

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#2 PRIORITIZE THE PROBLEM AREAS You may have little boys who can’t quite hit their target in the bathroom or a cluttered kitchen island, making it impossible to get lunches packed up. The high-traffic parts of your home that you know create stress or overwhelm when they are left in mayhem need to be top priority. Every family will have a different answer for this! Before bed each night, consider having a few key things that you and your spouse are on the same page about regarding keeping them clean. If backpacks need to be hung up in the mudroom on hooks to prevent before-school chaos, then that’s a recurring priority before you head to bed. #3 BUILD CLEANING INTO THE FAMILY ROUTINE Everyone is guilty of saying, “I’ve got to find time to clean this house!” When things get crazy and the mess is overwhelming, we’re almost claiming fault, and therefore guilt, for our home being dirty and then leaning into this obscure idea of “finding time.” The truth is, finding time isn’t the problem. The problem is not creating time to clean the way you create time for everything else your busy family has on the agenda. We treat soccer practice and bus pick-up or dinner time as a “non-negotiable” part of the routine, but that can refer to cleaning, as well. Mark out a portion of a specific day of the week for certain tasks that you know need to be accomplished to ensure your spaces are tidy.

Not everything will stay pristine, of course, but you’ll feel so much more in control. #4 SET A 15-MINUTE TIMER TO “ATTACK CLEAN” Remember that a little bit every day goes a long way! If you spend most days on the go,

you’re not going to have a solid hour to clean house, but 15 minutes? You can absolutely find this chunk of time to focus on one or two things you can “attack.” Maybe it’s the kitchen counters driving you crazy or the kitty litter right now. Use that limited time to get to work and knock out whatever you decide to focus on. You may find you finish those one or two things quicker than you thought, so add in something else if you can. If your spouse or kids are home during this time, consider making it a family “attack,” where everyone has the same 15 minutes to rock out a single cleaning or picking-up project in that time frame! #5 COLLECT SAFE & EASY-TO-USE CLEANING SUPPLIES Don’t for a second assume children are useless when it comes to keeping a clean house. While they may be the main messmakers, they are more than capable of taking on some tasks that align with their age. (Even toddlers can throw a toy or two into a basket!) Having non-toxic cleaning supplies such as water- and vinegar-based spray bottles or essential oil mixtures, for multi-surface cleaning that is safe for everyone involved, very helpful. Organizing supplies like garbage bags, microfiber cloths, paper towels, and your kid-safe cleaners in an easy-access spot in the house is key, so when it’s time to fix a quick mess or take time for those “15-minute attack cleans,” everyone knows where to get what they need!

Start this week by choosing and implementing just one of these steps within your own household, and go from there!

Once you have one of them down, move on to the next!

YOU SEE YOU CAN CAN SEE THE THE

WORK

What You Don’t Always See Is What It Took to Get There.

Across Iredell County, homes are taking shape—framed, built, and finished through steady effort and real commitment.

What you see on the outside is only part of the story.

Behind every home is a process that requires time, discipline, and follow-through. Families partner with Habitat to build their homes, complete financial education, and invest in their future.

Sharon Stevenson Statesville Homeowner

"'My kids are my motivation. I know that every step of the way – they know what I went through, and that helps them.'"

This is how homeownership is created here—through work, accountability, and a shared commitment to building something that lasts.

Sharon, a Statesville native, is planting roots and building a legacy by building her home with Habitat in Statesville.

Learn how you can impact Habitat's Get involved in building a affordable housing mission.

stronger Gaston County

A NEW ADDRESS FOR FINE LIVING Good’s Home Furnishings brings its signature blend of luxury and value to Cornelius

By BRANDY WOODS SNOW

F

or more than 15 years, Good’s Home Furnishings has built a brand that offers fine home furnishings at a great value, offering customers world-class furniture and luxury upholstery, crafted by local Hickory artisans from some of the best furniture manufacturers worldwide.

The company’s proximity to these manufacturers gives them the edge on the most competitive pricing and value that turns first-time shoppers into devoted customers.

And their footprint is expanding.

Charlotte’s most discerning homeowners will enjoy the quality and value synonymous with the Good’s name, with backyard convenience, as the company showcases its first showroom in Cornelius, on northwest Charlotte’s I-77 corridor. The timing feels like a longoverdue arrival.

“This area has been underserved in the premium to luxury home furnishings segment for decades,” says Kevin Bowman, Owner and CEO. “We feel that those in this community who appreciate high-quality home furnishings

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and design services at the incredible pricing offered through our NC Advantage pricing, will be very excited to welcome us.”

The Cornelius showroom, though smaller than the flagship store at Hickory Furniture Mart or the Pineville showroom, is intentionally curated to showcase a refined

edit of the brand’s most compelling offerings in a gallery-like experience. Visitors will be able to peruse luxury upholstery, the warmth of artisan woodwork in this season’s returning brown and walnut stains, and the subtle movement of innovative new materials appearing on storage piece fronts across the industry’s best lines.

There are new design trends having a moment too. Bowman notes color is confidently re-entering the conversation in pillows, accent chairs, and statement rugs with neutrals anchoring the larger pieces with timeless ease. Good’s also produces a two-page section called “Woven” in its own publication that tracks textiles and provides insights into the latest in furniture fabrics from the best minds in the industry. The Cornelius showroom will reflect the freshest thinking in the space.

Beyond the inventory, it’s the Good’s team and their dedication to service that truly distinguishes the furniture buying experience.

“For the discerning consumer who values quality, comfort, and customization, our end-to-end experience — from the stores through delivery and beyond — is unrivaled,” Bowman says.

While having tens of thousands of product choices is a distinct advantage, Good’s team of skilled sales designers will assist each customer, asking the right questions to help narrow the search for the perfect piece. Each sales designer brings deep product knowledge, access to sophisticated selection tools, and the option for in-home consultations, which operates more like a design partnership.

With Pineville anchoring the south and Hickory serving the northwest suburbs, the Cornelius opening completes a thoughtful arc across the metro. And if this new, more intimate showroom format performs as expected, it may well become the blueprint for Good’s next chapter.

“This new showroom is the next step in affirming our commitment to the Charlotte design community,” Bowman says. “Its success could well mark an expansion into adjacent markets in the Carolinas.”

Visit Good’s Home Furnishings at 19441 Old Jetton Road in Cornelius, NC, 704.469.4691, and at goodshomefurnishings.com. Follow them on Instagram @goodshomefurnishings for stylish inspiration and a glimpse of new inventory.

Welcome Home

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ENTERTAIN

By KEELA JOHNSON I have always loved having people in my home.

There is something special about gathering around the table, sitting by the firepit, taking an evening boat ride, or spending a few hours on the screened-in porch laughing about absolutely nothing and everything.

Those are the moments I treasure.

But for a long time, entertaining came with a little more stress than I wanted to admit.

I was the person refilling everyone’s drinks, clearing plates, making sure everyone had what they needed, and quietly noticing every little thing that still needed to be done. I wasn’t enjoying the moment because I was too busy managing the moment.

comfortable opening my cabinets and drawers to find what they need. It has become a running joke in our circle, but it also represents something I love about the people in my life: they know they are welcome here.

Recently, I made a change that completely transformed the way our home functions.

After years of feeling overwhelmed by clutter and never quite being able to finish organizing projects, we brought in help from Bee Organized. I thought I could tackle it myself,

but every time I started, life got busy and I never made it to the finish line.

The Bee Organized team gave me something I couldn’t seem to give myself: a fresh start.

When they revealed the finished spaces, I cried. And I am not someone who cries easily.

It wasn’t just about having organized cabinets and drawers. It was the feeling of walking into my own home and feeling calm instead of overwhelmed.

Part of that came from my own personality. I am easily distracted, I tend to juggle too many things at once, and if I’m being honest, I’m not someone who finds joy in spending hours in the kitchen.

Now, when family comes to visit or friends stop by, I’m not worried about where things are or apologizing for the chaos. I can focus on what matters most: the people in front of me.

Give me a girls’ dinner with nuts, fruit, hummus, guacamole, and good conversation, and I’m perfectly happy.

I’m learning that creating a welcoming home doesn’t mean everything has to be perfect. It means making space for connection.

Thankfully, my friends know me well. In fact, many of my closest friends are completely

And sometimes, making that space starts with simply asking for help.

So invite the friends. Light the firepit. Pour the drinks. Order the pizza if that’s what works. Let people bring a dish. Open your door.

The best memories rarely come from everything being perfect. They come from being together.

Welcome home.

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EXPERIENCE LAKEFRONT LIVING ON LAKE NORMAN LIKE NEVER BEFORE

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EXPLORE LAKESIDE POINTE BY BEECHWOOD HOMES

BY THE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CHARLOTTE

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Images may be AI-enhanced. Floor plans and elevation renderings are illustrative only and may change during design and construction.

ASK BETTY BEE The mere mention of “moving” can bring on a major wave of anxiety! But, there’s always a silver lining as Bee Organized Lake Norman’s wise company mascot, Betty Bee, shares how to lessen the dread of all those boxes and focus on a fresh new start for your family!

Dear Betty Bee, We’re moving soon, and I’m completely overwhelmed. We’ve hired movers for the heavy lifting, but I still have to figure out how to pack everything while juggling work and everyday life. Where do I even start?

BETTY BEE SAYS: Oh, friend, if you’ve looked around your home and wondered how all this stuff is supposed to fit into boxes, you’re not alone!

Moving can feel overwhelming because you’re managing your current home while preparing for a new one. When time is short, it’s tempting to toss everything into boxes and deal with it later. But, a little planning now can save you hours of stress when it’s time to finally unpack.

better when your new home is filled only with things that are useful or meaningful to your family.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE MOVING TIPS: Declutter before you pack. Sort through closets, drawers, garages and any extra storage spaces before moving day. If you don’t want to unpack it in your new home, don’t spend time packing it now.

And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. If preparing for a move feels overwhelming, professional organizers can help declutter, sort, carefully pack, label and even unpack your belongings, giving you more time to focus on your family and the exciting transition ahead.

Most importantly, remember moving isn’t just about getting everything into boxes.

It’s about creating a fresh start and setting yourself up to feel settled – and happy – in your new home.

Before you pack a single box, ask yourself: Do I really want to bring this into my new home?

Pack with purpose. Pack by room, label boxes clearly and avoid creating “miscellaneous” boxes. Instead of “Kitchen,” Take it one room at a time, give yourself try “Kitchen – Everyday Dishes.” Specific plenty of grace and don’t be afraid to ask labels make unpacking so much easier. for help when you need it.

Moving is the perfect opportunity to let go of items you no longer use, need or love. Every donation bag and every item you remove is one less thing to pack, move, unpack and find a place for in your new space. A fresh start feels even

Prepare for your first few days. Keep an “essentials box” with toiletries, chargers, medications, important documents and a few days’ worth of clothing so you’re not searching through boxes that very first night.

Bee Organized serves the Lake Norman area including Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Denver and surrounding areas. Schedule a free organization assessment at beeorganized.com/lake-norman or by calling 704.966.7708.

Follow them on Instagram @beeorganizedlakenorman.

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Before you know it, all those boxes will be unpacked and your family will be well on the way to making new memories in your new home.

Happy moving! - Betty Bee

Ready to Simplify Your Hive?

Ready to Simplify Your Hive?

Bee Organized is Lake Norman’s premier

Bee Organized is Lakecreating Norman’s premier organizing company, customized, organizing company, customized, sustainable solutionscreating that bring peace and sustainable solutions bringyou peace andtime function to your space,that giving more function tofor your space, giving most. you more time what matters for what matters most.

• Professional home and business organizing • Professional home and business organizing

• Moving packing, unpacking • Movingsupport: support: decluttering, decluttering, packing, unpacking • Concierge services • Conciergeservices Compassionate. Confidential.

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GIVE US A BUZZ! Photos by Local Life Media CONSULTATIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY. GIVE US A BUZZ! 704-966-7708 CONSULTATIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY. www.beeorganized.com/lake-norman

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Family Owned and Operated Newton (828) 465-2111 7878 NC Hwy 16, P.O. Box 234 Newton, NC 28658

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Bennett Funeral Service is family-owned and operated by Robbie and Rhonda Bennett. Our dedicated staff is made up of local men and women who live, work, and serve right here in our community. As neighbors serving neighbors, we are committed to providing personalized care and trusted service with compassion, respect, and professionalism.

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Bennett Funeral Service — Because There Is a Difference.

Proudly serving families across the Catawba Valley and Lake Norman Region.

Modern Fabrics

FINDING YOUR PET-FRIENDLY STYLE!

By MARTIE EMORY

I

f your beloved family includes a fourlegged friend — and you’re looking to update a piece of furniture — there’s good news all around. Welcoming pets into your home never means sacrificing style — it just means adding love!

As you’re embarking on a new design project, visit the trusted source for both DIY enthusiasts and interior designers — Modern Fabrics in Huntersville, NC (and at modern-fabrics.com).

Founded by Ewa and James Powell in 2004, with Debra Worthy, store manager, Modern Fabrics shines brightly in its impactful niche: reclaiming high-quality, luxury textiles from cutting room floors. Leading the way in reducing textile waste — while making popular designer fabrics more accessible to consumers — they should be your go-to partner when it’s time to reupholster a favorite piece of furniture or craft a unique throw pillow.

Eco-friendly and affordable, with fabrics that offer endless possibilities, you’ll be glad you made the connection with Ewa, James, and Debra — who also love sharing their knowledge when it comes to choosing what works best in your home.

That brings us back to those adorable — but incredibly furry — pets! While you’re browsing pretty fabric patterns, it’s hard to ignore pets come with claws, hair, and the occasional “accident” on the couch. Fortunately, the term

“pet-friendly” can co-exist with luxury fabrics — if you’re shopping in the right place.

TIPS FOR PET-FRIENDLY STYLE 1. Search for Easy-to-Clean Durability Think microfiber or Ultrasuede. This tightly woven fabric is resistant to scratches and simple to clean. Its smooth texture also prevents pet hair from sticking — so just a quick vacuum does the trick. Leather and Faux Leather are also easy to wipe clean, and resistant to odors and spills — but remember sharp claws are not a great match. Tweed Upholstery Fabric is resistant to wear-andtear, and that distinctive texture can even camouflage pet hair. (Hint: Modern Fabrics sells this incredible option by the yard!)

2. Choose Stain-Resistant and Scratch-Resistant Despite thoughtful training and loving care — accidents do happen! Look for Outdoor Performance Fabrics that are intentionally designed to withstand the outdoor elements, making them also resistant to stains and scratches. You may also be surprised to know high-quality velvet is durable and easily cleaned, as its tight weave means tiny claws won’t snag the fabric, and loose pet hair can easily brush off.

3. Discover Patterns and Colors That Actually Hide Pet Hair!

Your ultimate furniture goal is easy maintenance — which means opting for medium or darker fabric shades is a given.

Consider patterns and textures also — as tweeds and other textured fabrics can help hide excess pet hair and unwanted dirt.

4. Do Avoid These Fabrics!

There’s a reason you won’t find many silk or linen sofas in pet-friendly homes! And the same goes for cotton — these are all delicate fabrics, very easily stained or torn. You’ll want to shy away from loosely woven fabrics as well. Your pet’s claws can easily get caught, leading to snags and tears, and even be painful for their paws.

5. Count on Modern Fabrics for PetFriendly Upholstery!

Along with the friendliest faces and downto-earth customer service, Modern Fabrics

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offers a wide range of upholstery options for pet lovers. You’ll find those tweed upholstery fabrics, microfiber, leather, vinyl, outdoor fabrics and more. Purchasing their upholstery fabric by the yard makes customizing your couch an easy project with beautiful results and happy family members!

Modern Fabrics also recommends ordering free fabric swatches for a test run, before making your final purchase. That way you can test the fabric with common spills such as ketchup or wine — or even muddy paws — plus confirm you feel comfortable with the color and texture alongside your other furniture.

Choose wisely — and your family’s treasured living space will be comfortable, functional, and a joy to come home to at the end of the day!

Discover the incredible collection of upholstery fabric at Modern Fabrics, located at 15435 NC-73 in Huntersville, NC, 704.740.9676, and at modernfabrics.com. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Follow Modern Fabrics on Instagram @modernfabrics for creative ideas and inspiration!

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Call it your personal happy place or your family’s soulful retreat; however you define it, every detail of “home” should bring you peace.

GREAT DESIGN 4 U

WHERE BEAUTIFUL SPACES BEGIN Written By MARTIE EMORY, Portrait Photography By INGRID RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Designer Anna Stowe appreciates the extraordinary feeling of truly finding joy at home!

Call it your personal happy place or your family’s soulful retreat; however you define it, every detail of “home” should bring you peace.

“Waiting until November or December only lessens the time you have to complete a new project,” Anna shares. “That creates unnecessary stress during a festive season that’s meant to be enjoyed!”

Take that first step now, with a well thought out plan that saves time and the risk of costly From her charming boutique design studio – Great mistakes. Bring your vision to Anna and her team – via a Design Starter Session – where Design 4 U in Mooresville, NC – Anna delivers an you’ll have a chance to honestly talk through elevated, luxury experience in all things interior your expectations for a renovation. This design. Whether you’re embarking on a full complimentary call or in-person appointment redecorating adventure or setting the stage to is built around meaningful conversation, so update a favorite space with a few well chosen everyone shares the same goal. And just like that, new accents, working side-by-side with Anna is your custom design experience is underway. where you belong.

Maybe this scenario hits home: You’ve been pondering a new look – even carefully constructed a mood board for inspiration. Still, you’re discovering that “decision confusion” and “timeline confusion” are stealing the excitement of moving forward with a new home project.

That’s where Anna steps in, and there’s no question now is the time to launch your plans for a refresh, right in time for entertaining over the holidays!

Offering full concierge design from start to finish, Anna and her team handle every intricate detail of the sourcing, tracking and styling process. If a total redo isn’t realistic in time for the holidays, Anna welcomes you to her studio for a more lowkey styling consultation and product selection of a few choice pieces. Design assistance on a smaller scale with the same seamless service.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 29

Continued from previous page.

Think exquisite window treatments, like colorful artwork, flooring options that include area rugs for inside or outdoor rugs for your patio or porch, custom furniture and timeless wood accents, sophisticated lighting and custom cabinetry for your indoor or outdoor kitchen.

The studio is your go to for stylish accents that perk up tired spaces or new looks for the walls of your most used rooms.

“Wallpaper is also having a renewed moment, and our studio carries a wide selection of amazing papers,” Anna shares. “Let us show you a variety of colors and patterns that are perfect for ceilings, bathrooms and home offices – and decidedly not the same wallpaper that’s reminiscent of the 70s and 80s!”

With such classics in stock as Thibaut & Anna French, both timeless collections known for their stunning wallpapers, luxurious fabrics and sophisticated designs, Great Design 4 U

is proud to carry these beautiful lines right in their Downtown Mooresville studio where you can experience every delightful texture and color in person. At the end of the day, trust Anna and her team to show you functional spaces don’t have to be boring!

For those larger scale construction projects, Anna’s New Build Design Service offers a true turnkey experience, guiding you effortlessly from the initial blueprints to final installation.

That includes collaboration directly with builders, contractors and architects from day one, managing every interior detail including space planning, 3D renderings, interior finish specifications and custom millwork, right down to the plumbing fixtures and hardware.

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A graduate of High Point University with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, Anna founded Great Design 4 U in 2008. She has flourished in her growing business based on 30 years of varied experience across the design industry. That background blends nicely with Anna’s personal beliefs of connecting with clients and recognizing the value of excellent taste. At home in Mooresville, or tucked away in her design studio, Anna’s keen eye for style and luxury is backed by a small in-house team handling operations and administration. She’s also proud to work with a trusted network of professional partners who handle everything from delivery to installation, allowing her focus to remain on creating the most elevated client experiences.

Reach Anna Stowe at Great Design 4 U to chat about a new home project of your own at 704.305.0139 or email anna@ greatdesign4u.com. Follow the studio on Instagram @greatdesign4u, and visit greatdesign4u.com to schedule your free discovery appointment. Great Design 4 U is located at 172 N Broad Street, Suite 102, in Mooresville, NC. Anna and her team are available to travel throughout North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Enter the GREAT DESIGN 4 U UGLY DINING ROOM CONTEST for your chance to win an incredible dining room transformation valued at $5,299! Visit their website for complete contest details, entry requirements and your opportunity to turn your "before" into a beautiful "after!”

FALL REFRESH, LAKE NORMAN STYLE

By JULIE PARRA

A

s summer comes to an end, there’s something about September that feels like a fresh start. The mornings become a little cooler, the afternoons become cozier, and front porches around Lake Norman slowly begin filling with pumpkins and hints of autumn. Before the holiday season arrives, fall offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy the changing season, and refresh your home and routine.

Around Lake Norman, welcoming fall doesn’t have to mean fully redecorating your home or changing your schedule overnight. Sometimes it’s the small, simple changes and local experiences that make the season feel special.

COZY UP YOUR HOME An effortless way to welcome fall is by adding a couple of seasonal touches around your home. A cozy throw blanket, a colorful wreath, or a few pumpkins on the front porch quickly make an area feel warm and inviting without requiring a total makeover.

Local favorites like Ace Hardware and Lowe’s make it easy to find outdoor fall decor and seasonal plants. Accent Prone & Modern Fabric in Huntersville, and Home2Court in Cornelius, offer inspiration for creating a cozy vibe indoors. Sometimes, a few simple updates are all it takes to make your home feel ready for fall.

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UPDATE YOUR FALL STYLE

SETTLE INTO THE SEASON

As the weather begins to cool, it’s a great time to swap your summer pieces for a few fall favorites, such as flannels, scarves, boots, and accessories you can mix and match as the seasons change.

Before weekends are filled with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, haunted houses, and holiday celebrations, there’s a chance to appreciate the season as it begins to develop.

Take a trip to Birkdale Village, Downtown Davidson, Cornelius, or Mooresville and explore various shops as they begin adding new fall pieces, from lightweight sweaters to jewelry. Shopping locally is a great way to refresh your wardrobe while supporting the businesses that help make the Lake Norman community unique.

ENJOY THE LITTLE THINGS One of the best parts of fall time is taking the time to enjoy the change of season.

Meet a friend for a seasonal latte at a local coffee shop, spend a Saturday morning browsing through Davidson Farmers Market or Josh’s Farmers Market for fresh baked goods, or enjoy the cooler weather with an evening walk at Jetton Park or Lake Norman State Park.

September is the perfect time to enjoy sitting on your patio before cooler weather arrives later in the season. Whether you’re eating dinner with family, catching up with friends, or watching the sunset over the lake, it’s usually the easiest moments that make fall feel so memorable.

The fall season doesn’t have to be filled with lots of plans to be meaningful. A cozy home, a new favorite sweater, an afternoon exploring local shops, or taking a walk by the lake are small moments that make this time of year so enjoyable. However you choose to welcome the season, supporting local businesses and taking time to enjoy everything Lake Norman has to offer with friends and family is a great way to make the most of fall.

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Panoramic Views. Updated. MLS#: 4370065

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4 BEDS | 4.5 BATHS | 7,500 SQFT | $5,400,000 Waterfront Mediterranean estate. 600 linear feet of shoreline. Detached 600 sq ft studio guest house with 1 bath. Oversized garage. MLS#: 4369529

4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 0.80 ACRE | 3,248 SQFT | $1,449,000 Mountain Retreat. Beautifully Updated. Indoor-Outdoor Living.

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7831 SPINNAKER BAY DR #301, SHERRILLS FORD 3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,628 SQFT | $510,000 Updated. Deeded Boatslip.

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HOMES FOR SALE

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Screened Porch. 2-Car Garage. Gorgeous Landscaping. Pool-Ready Yard. MLS#: 4414414

4293 H ARBO R LANE, SHERRI LLS FORD 3 BEDS | 2 FULL BATHS, 2 HALF BATHS | 3,099 SQFT | $1,799,000 Waterfront. Big Views. Private Dock. No HOA. Custom Details. Outdoor Living. Covered Deck. Firepit. Workshop.

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Why Buy It When You Can Rent It?

THE SMART WAY TO TACKLE HOME AND YARD PROJECTS

H

ome projects have a funny way of growing. What starts as a simple weekend task can quickly turn into a project that requires specialized tools, extra time and equipment you may never use again.

That’s where renting can make a lot of sense.

For homeowners tackling seasonal yard maintenance, major cleanups or those once-in-a-blue-moon projects, renting the right equipment from Cooke Rental can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to purchasing it outright.

Think about the equipment you might need only once or twice a year. A lift to reach high branches. Equipment to help with landscaping. Machines for cleaning, digging or preparing your property for a larger outdoor project. These are tools that can make a big job significantly easier, but owning them also means finding space to store them, keeping them maintained and making a sizable investment in something that may spend most of the year sitting unused.

With rental, you get the equipment when you need it, for as long as you need it, without the long-term commitment.

THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE One of the biggest advantages of renting is having access to equipment that is designed specifically for the task at hand. Instead

of trying to make do with a ladder or tools that aren’t quite right for the job, you can use equipment that helps you work more efficiently and with greater confidence.

Whether you’re trimming trees, refreshing your landscaping, cleaning up storm damage or tackling a larger home improvement project, the right equipment can save time, reduce frustration and help you accomplish more in a single day.

The best part is that you don’t have to be an equipment expert before you walk through the door.

The team at Cooke Rental can help you determine which equipment is the best fit for your project, explain how it works and help you rent it for exactly the amount of time you need. Instead of guessing, you’ll have knowledgeable guidance from people who understand the equipment and the projects homeowners take on every day.

MORE TIME FOR THE THINGS YOU ENJOY There’s also something to be said for getting the job done efficiently. The right equipment can turn an all-weekend project into something much more manageable, giving you more time to enjoy your home and yard instead of spending it wrestling with the wrong tools.

Whether you’re preparing your yard for the

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changing seasons, tackling a landscaping project or finally checking off that home improvement project you’ve been putting off, renting gives you the flexibility to take on bigger jobs without making a permanent investment.

Before you buy equipment you’ll rarely use, consider renting instead.

Not sure what you need? Just ask. The Cooke Rental team can help you find the right equipment for your project, so you can get the job done without the expense and hassle of ownership.

Go a little higher.

Get a lot more done.

Need to trim tall trees, reach rooflines or tackle a hard-to-reach project?

Rent a boom lift, often called a cherry picker, from Cooke Rental.

Not sure which lift is right for the job? Our team will help you choose the right equipment so you can work smarter, safer and with confidence.

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The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen

A PERFECT FIT FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT

By MARTIE EMORY

S

uddenly, you’ve been appointed host for your next family birthday gathering — and you’re already pondering how you’ll manage to arrange so many details, and still pull off a celebration to remember!

The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen in Cornelius, NC, specializes in those memorable moments — and so much more — with superb catering and event options that include expert staff guiding the way!

Where else can you host a birthday party, anniversary party, family reunion, or company meeting in a private area — and then move right into enjoying games together, such as pickleball or TopGolf Swing Suite activities?

“Our private events can be booked months in advance, but we also do our best to accommodate last-minute requests,” shares Owner, Robin Salzman. “Best of all, our events at The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen — as well as

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our Home & Office Catering for offsite events — are each created and designed individually for our guests.”

Whether your event is small, large, or somewhere in between, Event Sales Director, LeAnna Dunlap promises The Serve will be an excellent fit.

“No matter the size, you’re going to have a great time, and enjoy delicious food and exceptional service,” she shares.

What sets The Serve apart when you’re envisioning your next private event?

“We pride ourselves on providing the personal touch, which means we don’t limit your selections to packages options,” Robin adds.

“Our events team will reach out to each person inquiring about an event, to understand their vision. The second thing setting us apart is the opportunity to combine multiple activities into a single event.”

That means twice the fun for family get-

togethers, holiday parties, corporate events (including multi-media equipment), and civic or fundraising events — which translates to enjoying delicious cuisine, while weaving in a variety of sports and game options.

On the dining side, LeAnna shares how their most popular buffet set-ups include select items from their varied menu of appetizers.

“These foods work so well for all events, from parties on the courts to larger events in the lounge or the event room,” she adds. “No matter the size of the guest list, these appetizer

options are all super popular and make a wonderful presentation!” Picture a fabulous charcuterie board, mouth-watering sliders, a beautiful fruit and cheese display, or their enormously popular grilled shrimp. You’ll also have options for cocktails, mocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

All desserts at The Serve are made in-house, but if you’ll be providing your own cake or wine, they offer corkage, cake cutting and cake plating for a standard fee. If you’re thinking about a more creative themed cake for your event, custom flowers, or specialty décor, simply ask to see the venue’s list of recommended vendors.

Venue options are varied: The Lounge, accommodating 44 guests, offers the comfort of couches and chairs, plus high-top bar seating, with a view of the outdoor courts.

The Event Room gives you classroom-style, lecture, or dinner seating for 64 guests, with plenty of counter space and a big screen TV. The Serve offers Four TopGolf Swing Suite Bays, which are ideal for business meetings or small groups of friends gathering to work on golf swings or hosting a viewing party on the big screen!

With their 16 Pickleball Courts — that’s six outdoor and 10 indoor — you can relax with super comfortable seating and delicious court-side refreshments, while taking in a little competition among friends.

The Serve has been sharing delicious cuisine and plenty of memory making with the Lake Norman community since the fall of 2025.

A truly unique indoor/outdoor sports and entertainment complex, here’s a venue that will appeal to everyone on your guest list — and allow you to plan your next event with ease.

Play, drink, and dine at The Serve PickleBall + Kitchen, located at 20220 Chartown Drive, in Cornelius, NC, 704.851.1800 — where there’s no membership required! Visit theservepickleball.com to book a table for dining, plan your next special event, or reserve a TopGolf Swing Suite bay or pickleball court. Follow The Serve on Instagram @theservepickleball for updates and specials. Hours are Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sweetbay Home & Gift

SHARING THE LOVE FOR REFINISHED FURNITURE

By MARTIE EMORY

“W

atching well-loved furniture become beautiful custom painted pieces never gets old!” shares Courtney Brownewell, the delightful owner of Sweetbay Home & Gift in Mooresville — who’s always ready for a friendly chat or a creative challenge.

Refinishing furniture — both to sell in the store and for customers — is just one of the many specialties that set this charming boutique apart. Located in the Historic Merino Mill, you’ll find endless reasons to shop here this fall, from new seasonal décor and one-of-a-kind gifts, to the task that’s soon to be on everyone’s mind — a home refresh for the holidays!

Courtney shares one of the easiest ways to breathe new life into your home — at

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any season — is by updating your favorite furniture pieces. Before tossing aside heirloom pieces, think about how you can give them a second chance to shine.

“We love the challenge of refurbishing an item the customer didn’t even think could be saved,” she adds. “A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a beautiful piece you already own. We take great care to create a beautiful, expertly finished surface while preserving the original lines, character, and craftsmanship that make each piece unique.”

Maybe it’s an old writing desk, that with a new look might inspire that book you’ve been meaning to write, or an heirloom sideboard that could bring joy to a new generation if it felt a little love!

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People all over the Carolinas are trusting NeoGenix for stem cell therapy to relieve pain in their knees, shoulders, hips, back, and other joints. These powerful, all-natural treatments have little to no down time, carry none of the potential life-threatening risks of surgery, and regenerate and heal damaged tissues to get you back to living the life you deserve.

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Continued from previous page.

The Sweetbay team can easily handle that furniture transformation for you, or Courtney invites you to take one of the store’s furniture painting classes. If you’re ready to transform a piece of furniture — with confidence — they offer a hands-on, beginner-friendly furniture painting class that can truly inspire your creative side.

“We teach you the proper preparation, as well as all the necessary painting, distressing, and finishing techniques,” says Courtney.

“And the finished product will be a beautiful addition to your home!”

All supplies are provided for furniture painting classes, with a cost of $35.00. Call 704.658.9792 to sign up for the next class —

September 17th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., or stop by the boutique to register. Bring in a photo of your “project” piece of furniture, and Courtney can steer you in the right creative direction.

So, why do vintage and refurbished pieces absolutely belong in today’s homes? Those treasures add true personality to your family’s everyday routine — making every room feel unique — and it’s a process that’s more sustainable than replacing furniture with something new. You can also bet those refurbished wonders are offering your family much better quality than newer massproduced furniture options.

While you’re updating your home for family visits or relaxed holiday evenings in,

COURTNEY’S REFINISHING REMINDERS My favorite rule: Do you seriously love it?

If you love the lines of a piece, don’t get rid of it just because you don’t love the finish.

If you love the shape, details, craftsmanship, or sentimental value, changing the finish can give it a whole new life. Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all a piece needs to make you fall in love with it again.

Is the piece structurally sound?

Paint can hide a lot, but it can’t fix loose joints, broken drawers, water damage, or major structural issues. Make sure the bones are good first.

remember Sweetbay carries exceptional décor options including candles, stylish lamps, cozy throws, and pretty throw pillows to brighten every space this season. Think about how you’ll use something from their newest shipments of life-like faux greenery and flowers, or ask the team to assist you in restyling bookshelves or choosing the perfect new piece of wall art for a bedroom.

Even the smallest home updates can create a big impact!

Visit Sweetbay Home & Gift at 500 S. Main Street, Suite 111, in Mooresville, NC, 704.658.9792, Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @sweetbayhomeandgift for new product introductions and inspiration for the holiday season — and watch for details on other upcoming classes.

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What type of wood and finish are you working with?

Veneer, solid wood, laminate, stained finishes, and previously painted pieces can all require different preparation. Know what you’re dealing with before you begin.

Consider the function of the piece.

Is it a high-use dining table, nightstand, dresser, or decorative piece? The amount of wear and tear you expect should influence your paint and finish choices.

Think about reversibility.

If it’s an antique, heirloom, or potentially valuable vintage piece, think carefully before painting. Some pieces are better preserved in their original finish.

NOTICE THE DETAILS. Beautiful legs, carved details, interesting hardware, or unique lines can become even more special with the right color. Ask yourself: Could paint actually make these features stand out?

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Still Standing Firm: A FAMILY’S FIGHT, AND

THE LIGHT THAT FOLLOWED

By ROBIN SHUPE KELLER

S

eptember is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time when gold ribbons appear on porches and lapels across the country, honoring the children and teens diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. each year. It’s a month built around a simple, urgent truth: childhood cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither does the grief it leaves behind.

In Denver, North Carolina, one family’s story captures exactly why that gold ribbon matters.

BJ Correll was, by every measure, a kid living a full freshman year, basketball, football, fishing, the outdoors, and a smile that seemed permanently switched on. People found themselves inspired by his faith and his refusal to let circumstances dim his light, the same light that gold-ribbon campaigns try to honor every September: the resilience of kids who never asked for this fight.

That resilience was tested for nearly four years. BJ battled Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with a kind of stubborn grace, staying focused on his faith no matter what the disease threw at him. His courage reached people who had never met him. In

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December 2015, members of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 8 honored him, naming him an Honorary Navy SEAL in recognition of his strength and warrior heart. They didn’t disappear after the ceremony, they stayed in his corner until the very end, each driving a Trident into his casket at his funeral.

His story reached Deborah of Inside Edition, and through that story, which now has 4.8 million views, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took a moment to wish him happy birthday, a small gesture that meant everything to a family fighting to hold onto hope.

By early 2016, after chemotherapy, clinical trials, and two rounds of immunotherapy had been exhausted, BJ was discharged home from the hospital under the care of Kid’s Path Hospice care. BJ’s family continued to search and within days they connected with a local integrative medicine physician, but fifteen days after leaving the hospital, two days after his fifteenth birthday, a severe systemic infection took BJ’s short life.

This is the part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month that ribbons alone do not capture the aftereffects. Michelle Love

describes the months following BJ’s death as a kind of drowning. Grief swallowed her whole, leaving her barely able to breathe, let alone show up for her eleven-year-old daughter, Carly, who had experienced her brother’s death also.

But grief needs somewhere to go, Michelle says. Six months after BJ died, she and her daughter, Carly, founded the Stand Firm Warrior Foundation to support kids fighting cancer, a name carrying double meaning: BJ’s own stand against childhood cancer, and his family’s unshakable faith in carrying his legacy forward. If you have the resources, donating to this local foundation would go a long way to support children fighting cancer. The link is standfirmwarrior.org and any amount will go a long way.

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Escape to the Beach in Your Own Backyard!

THE EXPERTS IN OUTDOOR LIVING

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During her grief, a friend gently suggested Biofield Tuning, a sound-based energy therapy. That first session, Michelle said, was powerful beyond words. With each one after, she found small pieces of herself returning. She built a framework from what she learned: that repressed emotions don’t just vanish, they settle into the body, sometimes resurfacing as illness or struggle, and that healing means giving pain room to be felt and released.

Michelle’s desire to heal others with what worked for her, led her to become a certified Biofield Tuning Practitioner, later earning Advanced and Master certifications directly under the therapy’s founder, Eileen Day McKusick. Later she added the Reiki Master Certification to her many achievements. Her practice, Love Sound Therapy in Denver, NC, is based on Michelle’s unwavering belief that these sessions are effective treatments to help people, wherever they are on their journey to heal.

A decade into that journey in March, Michelle has turned her story into words on a page.

Her new memoir, Still Here: Holding On and Letting Go, opens with a line that captures exactly where she stood in those first unbearable days: she simply hadn’t imagined surviving what came after losing him. The book traces more than ten years of memories, journal entries, and reflections, tracking her path through grief, spiritual awakening, and transformation, and arriving at the hard-won understanding that healing was never about letting go of love, but about learning to carry it differently.

Alongside the memoir, Michelle released a companion, Still Here: A Guided Reflection Workbook, built for anyone walking a similar road, whether grieving a loss or moving through any of life’s unexpected transitions. It offers guided reflection questions, journaling exercises, and gentle mindfulness practices, along with black-and-white illustrations at each chapter’s start that readers can color as part of their own reflection. Readers are invited to move at their own pace, skip what doesn’t resonate, and return when they’re ready.

Every September, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month turns porches gold, Michelle’s foundation, her practice, and now her book all stand as living tributes and proof that one fifteen-year-old boy’s insistence on shining a light, even from a hospital bed, never actually went out.

46 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

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Marzano Capital Group

5 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT 529 PLANS

By STEVEN GALLO, CFP®, FINANCIAL ADVISOR

W

hen it comes to saving for your child’s education, 529 plans are a popular choice due to their tax advantages and flexibility. However, there are several lesser-known aspects of 529 plans that can enhance your saving strategy. Here are five things you might not know about 529 plans:

assets and do impact financial aid calculations, the impact is relatively minor. Typically, only up to 5.64% of the value of a 529 plan is counted towards the expected family contribution (EFC) on the FAFSA. This is much lower than the assessment rate for student-owned assets, which can be as high as 20%.

1. YOU AREN’T LIMITED TO THE 529 PROVIDED IN YOUR HOME STATE.

5. YOU HAVE FLEXIBILITY WITH UNUSED FUNDS.

There are numerous plans available nationwide.

You can compare them based on factors such as maximum contribution limits, fees, and available tax benefits. Identify your priorities and select a plan that best meets those criteria.

If your child doesn’t use all the funds in their 529 plan, you have several options. As mentioned, you can change the beneficiary to another family member or use the funds for graduate school. Most notably, beginning in 2024, you can also roll over unused 529 plan funds to a Roth IRA for the same beneficiary. This rollover allows you to convert up to $35,000 of 529 plan funds to a Roth IRA over the beneficiary’s lifetime, providing a significant opportunity for tax-advantaged retirement savings.

2. YOU CAN CHANGE BENEFICIARIES OR SHIFT FUNDS PRETTY EASILY. 529 plans are more flexible than you might think when it comes to beneficiaries. You can change the beneficiary to another family member without incurring taxes or penalties.

This feature is particularly useful if one child decides not to attend college, allowing you to use the funds for another child’s education . Additionally, you can roll over funds from one 529 plan to another beneficiary’s 529 plan once every 12 months without penalties.

Understanding these lesser-known aspects of 529 plans can help you make the most of your savings strategy for educational expenses.

From state tax benefits and flexible use of funds to minimal impact on financial aid, 529 plans offer a variety of features that can be tailored to your family’s needs.

Sources U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (2023, August 31). Updated Investor Bulletin: 10 Questions to Consider Before Opening a 529 Account.

SEC. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https:// www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-and-bulletins/ ib_529accountquestions Compare 529 Plans By State. (2023, October 17).

Forbes Advisor. Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/ compare-529-plans-by-state/

3. QUALIFIED EDUCATION EXPENSES ARE BROADER THAN YOU THINK. Funds from 529 plans can be used for a wide range of educational expenses beyond just tuition. Qualified expenses include room and board, textbooks, computers, and even internet access required for schooling. This flexibility ensures that more of your education costs can be covered using the tax-advantaged savings in your 529 plan.

4. THE IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AID IS MINIMAL. Many parents worry about how a 529 plan will affect their child’s eligibility for financial aid. While 529 plans are considered parental Securities offered through LPL Financial. Member FINRA/SIPC. Marzano Capital Group is an other business name of Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC. All investment advice is offered through Independent Advisor Alliance LLC, a registered investment advisor. Independent Advisor Alliance is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

48 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

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Eggemoggin Reach by Tony Griffin

VISIT MOORESVILLE ARTS THIS MONTH TO EXPERIENCE HEAVEN ON EARTH.

By JESSICA DEHART & ANNA ROONEY THORP

W

hat does heaven on earth mean to you? Is it driving on a country road and watching the clouds soar and shift? Is it the first sip of coffee while sitting in your favorite chair, looking out at the calm tranquility of a local lake, mountain river or ocean seaside? Maybe the sight of a new bud opening in your garden?

Heaven on Earth at Mooresville Arts showcases seventeen artists from across the state of North Carolina, and mediums across the spectrum. When you visit this showing of fine art, you’ll see paintings, pottery, glass, mixed media, photography, and more - all lifting up the feeling of heaven on earth.

This collection began as an idea rooted in the work of three artists. Curator Anna Rooney Thorp found a throughline running through paintings by Anne Harkness, Nicholas Burton Bragg, and Tony Griffin: a shared devotion to the quiet beauty of simply being alive. As she

50 50| LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

started reaching out to other artists to join the show, that’s the feeling she was seeking.

Working alongside Mooresville Arts Executive Director Jessica DeHart, Anna and Jessica are thrilled to present this collection of artists to the Mooresville community. Ms. DeHart expressed, “Mooresville Arts is committed to showcasing local artists through its gallery exhibit space. This exhibit expands upon that mission by featuring artists from all over our beautiful state of North Carolina.”

This exhibition is on display now at Mooresville Arts at the Depot now through September 24th, in the organization’s premier gallery space – the Center Gallery. Once the Mooresville Depot’s warehouse and storage area, this space now displays art of all kinds throughout the year. The high beams and woodwork are a piece of art in itself and are an excellent backdrop for vibrant paintings, glass work and pottery.

Clouds All the Way by Anne Harkness

Pastel Flowers by Nicholas Burton Bragg

More than just an olive oil store — an experience for every foodie!

At Lake Norman Olive & Vine, it’s not just about olive oils and vinegars — it’s about tasting, learning, gifting, and elevating your meals and gatherings. From private tastings and classes to thoughtful gifts and custom gift baskets, there’s something for every occasion.

Heaven on Earth features the talents of North Carolina artists Justin Akeim Trapp (ceramics), Jonathan Brilliant (sculpture), Nicholas Burton Bragg (paintings), Frank Bragg (paintings), Darrell Coble (photography), Janet Ecklebarger (metal), Diana Greene (photography), Tony Griffin (paintings), Anne Harkness (paintings), Betty Haskin (paintings), Tama Hochbaum (photography/paintings), Chieko Murasugi (paintings and mixed media), Bill Neville (paintings), Mike Newins (wood/stone), Paul Travis Phillips (mixed media), Peter Tietbohl (glass), and Lamar Whidbee (paintings).

Join curator Anna Rooney Thorp for a private tour of the exhibition, anytime during open hours on the following dates: Friday, August 28th (2-8pm), Friday, September 4th (2 -8pm), Thursday, September 10th (12-4pm), or Thursday, September 17th (12-4pm).

Also, on Sunday, August 30th, from 2-4pm, the gallery will be open for a special artist talk, and tour of the exhibition. All are welcome to join us, and this event is free.

FOR DETAILS: Visit their website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming tastings, events, classes, and seasonal gift collections.

Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 12-4pm; Friday, 2-8pm; and Saturday, 10am-4pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.

Mooresville Arts is located at 103 W Center Ave, Mooresville, NC.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 51

great time working out and walk out feeling like they have improved. It’s also important for everyone to feel welcome, knowing they will be met wherever they are in their fitness journey. Whether you are just getting started or you’re a collegiate athlete, we have options to help you be even better.”

Beginners and seasoned athletes work out together – and besides CrossFit, the gym offers WELLfit, Strong60 and HYROX. A 6,000-square-foot facility, Deep Well Athletics is outfitted with a 44ft Rogue Rig, Rogue Echo Bikes, Concept2 Rowers, Ski Ergs, Bike Ergs and a variety of kettlebells, dumbbells, wall balls and plyometric boxes – showing their commitment to creating the very best workout experience for members.

You’ll also find foam rollers, resistance bands, Crossover Symmetry and other tools to help recover faster and prevent injury.

Deep Well Athletics

WELCOMING YOU TO THE FITNESS LIFESTYLE

By MARTIE EMORY

M

aking a positive impact on the health and fitness of his community has been goal number one for Justin Fisher since becoming the owner of Deep Well Athletics in Mooresville.

“We do this by creating a space where people can come in and have a great coach-led workout, where we challenge them to be better, hold them accountable to be there and provide education around fitness and nutrition, all while making it a fun and enjoyable experience,” he shares.

Justin was personally led to CrossFit by a friend and fellow golfer, who was seeing improvements in his fitness and golf game after beginning CrossFit. “Once I saw a new CrossFit gym was opening just down the street from me, I decided to give it a try,” he adds. “I was hooked after my

first class, and it quickly became my early morning routine. Within a few months, I noticed significant changes in my appearance, endurance playing golf (we walked when we played) and I was hitting the ball further with what felt like less effort.”

That was September of 2014, and by July 4th weekend of 2015, Justin was getting his coaching certification.

“After seeing how much it impacted me, I knew I wanted to help others achieve the same results,” he adds. “Nutrition was a big piece of the puzzle as well, so I dug into that and started coaching people through nutrition.”

Justin credits a blend of strength-focused conditioning and individual-focused coaching as the keys to reaching your fitness goals.

“Everything is planned for you – all you need to do is come in, work hard and lift each other up!” he shares. “We have an amazing team that truly wants everyone to have a

You’ll find an open floor plan that also includes a kids’ room, lockers and an inhouse physical therapist. Members can also find all the workout gear and post-workout items they need (from recovery drinks to protein powder), as well as options for meal prep delivery.

Schedule a free intro online, where you’ll tour the gym, meet the coaches and talk with a coach about your personal fitness background, future goals and how the Deep Well Athletics team can help you get started.

Deep Well Athletics is conveniently located one mile from the heart of downtown Mooresville, Liberty Park and the Mill. Visit them at 1010 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC, 704.397.4949.

For more information, email info@ deepwellathletics.com, follow them on Instagram @deep_well_athletics and learn more about their programs and meet the coaches at deepwellathletics. com. The gym is open Monday through Friday 5:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

“The Deep Well Athletics community is exceptional because it makes me feel like it’s my home away from home. I might have had a really bad day at work, but I can take my frustrations out on the barbell or dumbbell and, by the end of the workout, I feel like I can take on the rest of my day or night. Justin does a great job sending out monthly newsletters to members, keeping us up to date on upcoming events and explaining the focus of programming. The members are welcoming and friendly.” - LIZ N. “I’ve been a member at Deep Well for five years, and it’s the best gym to be part of. The coaches are amazing, and the community of people is simply the best. If you are looking for a great place to get fit with great people, check out Deep Well Athletics!”- MATT H. 52 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

WE’ R E BAAAAACK! SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

MOORESVILLE, CORNELIUS, DAVIDSON AND HUNTERSVILLE SHOP HOP Our annual LKN Magazine Shop Hop is coming back — and we’re ready for another fun day of shopping local!

Grab your shopping bestie, get a jump start on your holiday shopping and join us for a Saturday filled with local shops, good finds & lots of fun.

Store list + registration coming soon!

SAVE THE DATE. GRAB YOUR GIRLS. LET’S SHOP. PRESENTING SPONSOR

Follow @lknmagazine for all the details.

Be Well Table

KALE, WALNUT, AND APPLE SALAD

By KATHARINE ROSENTHAL, RDN Servings: 4-6 Prep time: 10 minutes Total time :10 minutes • • • • • •

Ingredients: 12 ounces kale 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 1 medium honey crisp apple, diced 3 ounces goat cheese crumbles 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup dates, chopped

• • • • • • • •

Maple Dijon Dressing 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon garlic, minced 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon oregano 1/2 tablespoon onion, grated

Instructions: 1. Add the chopped kale to a large bowl.

2. Toss in the walnuts, diced apple, goat cheese, cranberries, and dates.

3. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, oregano, and grated onion.

4. Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss until everything is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Enjoy right away or let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors settle in.

For more recipes and nutrition tips, head over to the Be Well Table blog.

54 54

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Kell Glass

CREATIVE JOURNEYS BETWEEN ARTIST & CLIENT

By MARTIE EMORY

For as long as he can remember, Elijah Kell has been building and creating.

An independent artist and small business owner of Kell Glass LLC, Elijah finds collaborating with clients to create custom pieces incredibly gratifying.

“Being in the process, from vision to installation, is truly where my passion lies,” he explains. “To me, art is a shared experience – a collaborative journey between artist and client. Each commission captures a memory, celebrates a milestone or serves as a statement piece that reflects a business’ or home’s character.”

Elijah shares two distinctive custom installations, one residential and one commercial, with a glimpse into his thoughtful process.

“My project with The Serve Pickleball & Kitchen in Cornelius stemmed from a partnership with Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center, via owners of The Serve, Jack and Robin Salzman,” he explains.

“Longtime supporters of the organization, they became familiar with my work through Dove House’s annual events.”

They contacted Elijah in August of 2025 for a wall installation for the facility’s event room, with a targeted completion timeline of late October. The space is used for business meetings, social gatherings and private special events.

“The facility was not yet open, but after a phone consultation and seeing initial photos, we discussed colors for the installation,” adds Elijah. “Their vision was to complement the facility’s multi-use focus of ‘Play, Drink, Dine’ with two sports (pickleball and golf), several restaurants and a venue for gathering.”

A site visit to take measurements came next, getting a sense of the overall feel, color scheme and design motif. Once the proposal was approved, Elijah began developing design ideas and creating digital renderings for the client to visualize options and offer feedback.

“Production then began for what would be a 12-piece installation of wall discs,” Elijah shares. “Several prototypes were completed to assess design and color combinations, and based on those, I established a plan. Each disc was individually created in specialordered casting molds, crafted entirely with handcrushed fragments of glass in varying sizes and consistencies, meticulously arranged and layered to create the patterns. Once the firing cycles were complete, each solidified disc was cold-worked to completion. This took approximately seven weeks to fully finish.”

Elijah determined the final configuration of discs via a simulation using plastic round boards and experimenting with layout options and spacing on a wall in his workshop. Once the actual installation began, it was completed over a two-day span. The finished design titled “Serve. Swing. Savor.” encompasses the following: Discs are configured in a gradual incline as an abstract representation of pickleballs and golfballs in motion. Each is designed to evoke a sense of energy, movement and a trajectory of balls as they rotate through the air, gathered together to reflect a community of activity. Individual disc designs comprise wavy and swirling motions representing movement, but also as a nod

to the client’s home for immediate installation, and it was such a joy to see how happy they were and how well the piece completed the space just as they had hoped it would.”

Local honey made from the abundant variety of flowering plants growing around Lake Norman.

to the seamless flow of events and lively activity throughout this multi-use facility. The installation’s color palette complements The Serve’s logo and the facility’s color motif of turquoise/teal (logo and adjoining accent wall in the event room), white/ivory and beige/ brown as well as accent shades of blue that reflect the pickleball courts.

“This was such an incredible project! Robin and Theresa Wengel, marketing and brand manager, were great to work with through every step,” Elijah shares. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to consult, design, create and install a commercial project like this, especially for a brand new facility.”

Next up was an especially fun residential commission, as Elijah created a glass sculpture for a Mooresville client’s primary suite powder room.

“This commission came from clients of Juelerye Artisan Gallery, Kelly and Greg, who requested a glass sculpture to complement the interiors of their powder room,” Elijah shares. “We scheduled a site visit to see the space and discuss the sculpture’s design, shape, size and color. The room already featured natural floor-to-ceiling light as well as overhead vanity lighting and a calm, neutral color palette with muted, French blue walls.

Their furniture was upholstered in a beautiful dusty blue floral motif, while the vanity featured white quartz and silver trim with a large black mirror. Accent pieces included a Kinzig Design lamp in light blue, wall sconce lighting in antique/brushed bronze and a pair of Parisian paintings.”

Elijah brought several sample sculptures to the consultation, in varying heights and shapes to help visualize what might work best.

“As we collaborated, the creative direction for the sculpture’s design emerged – gradient shades of blue building from the base, to clear at the top and around the perimeter, adding pale amber accents and flashes of gold glass fragments scattered throughout the design,” he shares. “I delivered the sculpture directly

“We first discovered Elijah’s glass sculptures while visiting Juelerye a few years ago and were immediately struck by their beauty,” this happy client shares. “We were delighted to finally meet him at a Sip & Shop event, which happened around the same time we were planning to update this room in our new home. Elijah came to our home with a variety of color samples and took time to understand our vision. He transformed our ideas into a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind masterpiece that fit perfectly in the room. We absolutely loved working with Elijah!”

BeesOfLakeNorman.com

Purchase online at

BeesOfLakeNorman.com/shop For more information, and to begin your own collaboration, visit kellglassart.com, follow Elijah’s journey on Instagram @kellglassart or email Elijah@kellglassart.com. In Mooresville, you can find Kell Glass at Juelerye Artisan Gallery, 112 S. Main Street, 704.728.0460 and at juelerye.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 57

Born to Race:

THE JONATHAN TADLOCK STORY

By ROBIN SHUPE KELLER

W

hen Chris Montgomery at Whip Radio introduced Keela Johnson of LKN Magazine to Jonathan Tadlock, “I didn’t know much about his racing career. The more I learned, the more I knew he was exactly the kind of local story we love sharing in LKN Magazine. It’s always exciting to introduce our readers to people in our own community who are following their dreams and making Lake Norman proud.”

RACING IN THE BLOOD

has helped me get to the point I am at this stage. I literally couldn’t do it without him.”

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Most drivers will tell you that there is a moment before the green flag, when the nerves take over.

For most racers, that means a racing heartbeat or clammy hands. For Jonathan Tadlock, it means something far more visceral, he throws up before every single race he’s ever run.

Racing wasn’t something Tadlock stumbled into, it was waiting for him. His father, Cary Tadlock, and his uncle, Gary, once ran Late Model Stock Cars at Concord Speedway in the late 1990s, long before it closed its gates. That family legacy sat dormant until 2020, when a 19-year-old Jonathan, his dad, and his middle brother pooled together and bought a car. A year later, at 20, he made his first laps at Lancaster Motor Speedway.

“I remember like yesterday sitting in the staging lane so nervous, I could throw up,” he recalls of that debut. Some things, apparently, never change.

Today, the operation is still very much a family affair. “Basically just me and my dad,” Tadlock says of who builds and maintains his car. “We built the frame and car together, and I built the engine in it.” His father serves as crew chief both on and off the track. It is a partnership Tadlock credits as the foundation of everything he’s accomplished. “He

58 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

Jonathan Tadlock at Florence Motor Speedway in 2026.

Continued on next page.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 59

Continued from previous page.

“It is more mental for me personally,” Tadlock admits. “I get myself so worked up and nervous, I actually throw up before every race.” It’s a startling confession from a driver who, once the green flag drops, transforms into one of the more determined competitors on the local racing scene. But that’s the paradox of Jonathan Tadlock: a stomach full of nerves, and a heart full of fight.

RESPECT, RIVALRY, AND RESILIENCE Ask Tadlock who he respects most on the track, and the answer might surprise you: Ricky Locklair Jr., the very driver he once tangled with in an on-track incident. Rather than holding a grudge, Tadlock studied him. “Ricky is a fearless driver and can do anything with a racecar,” he says. “The biggest two things I have learned from him is his determination to win, and the work that he puts into his car to make it go as fast as possible.”

That same determination has carried Tadlock through a rough patch with his current car, and one he describes as a battle. “We were in a slump and are just now digging our way out of it,” he says, crediting persistence, not perfection, as the difference-maker.

LIFE BEYOND THE CHECKERED FLAG Off the track, Tadlock’s passion for racing extends into his career. His biggest idol isn’t a driver at all; it’s NASCAR engine builder Doug Yates. After spending roughly five years working in a race engine shop, Tadlock landed his dream job at Roush Yates Engines in 2025.

“Doug is always looking for ways for his engines to make more power,” Tadlock says, admiring both his mentor’s relentless innovation and his kindness toward employees.

60 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

He also points to colleagues Fletcher Whaley and Jeremy Anderson as influences, the latter teaching him to examine every detail with precision, a lesson he’s carried straight into his own race preparation.

Looking ahead, Tadlock dreams big but stays grounded: a shot at the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway, a run in the Valley Star Credit Union 300 at Martinsville, and funding permitting a future in the CARS Tour.

For now, success means consistency: more races, a few more wins, and staying in one piece to fight another week.

Because if there’s one piece of advice that’s stuck with him, it’s this: “It’s better to keep the car in one piece and come back next week than wreck it and not be able to come back.”

For Tadlock, racing isn’t a hobby, it’s a way of life. “We eat, sleep and breathe racing,” he says. “Every day, it is all we think about.”

Nerves and all.

Left to Right: Bennett Deane, Butch Farrah, Jonathan Tadlock, and Cary Tadlock (Jonathan’s father).

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 61

BlindSight A VISION OF HOPE & HEALING

By MARTIE EMORY

B

lessed beyond measure, husband and wife team, Dr. Michael Assell and Dr. Amanda Barker-Assell, have always welcomed the opportunity to use their profession to protect what they believe to be our most precious sense – our sight.

Well before formally establishing BlindSight in 2015, Mike and Amanda had already been committed to vision-related mission work.

“Since 2000, we have been providing eye care to underserved communities – both internationally and in the United States,” Amanda shares. “Serving people who have little or no access to quality vision care has always been a calling for us. I realized early on that providing eye care was a meaningful way to use the gifts and skills God had given us to serve others.”

The years leading up to the launch of BlindSight were a personal journey, as well.

“In 2008, Mike and I hosted two young girls from the Middle East who came to the United States for medical care. We learned one of the girls, Khaleda, had a condition called beta thalassemia major, a life-threatening blood disorder, and was already in heart failure. Her doctors told us if she returned to her home country, it would likely be a death sentence in less than two years,” Amanda explains.

“During that time, we fell deeply in love with her. With the blessing of her biological family, we started a process of adopting her, so she could not only receive the lifesaving medical care she needed but also academic opportunities.”

That’s when the link between literacy and opportunity became so clear!

“When Khaleda joined our family, she was illiterate and had never attended school,” Amanda shares. “Teaching her English and helping her build a foundation in reading and academics became one of the most

meaningful experiences of our lives. I was able to sit with Khaleda’s biological mother on one occasion and asked her, ‘if there was one thing I could do to make her life better, what would it be?’ She quickly said one of the greatest gifts we could give her was the ability to read because ‘knowledge is power.’

Those words profoundly impacted me and reinforced the connection between vision, literacy, education and opportunity. That shaped the mission of BlindSight. I came to understand that restoring sight doesn’t just improve vision, it opens the door to learning, independence, hope and a brighter future.”

Through the years, Amanda, Mike and their team – including son, Silas, and daughter, Naomi, have had the privilege of serving thousands of patients around the world. On a recent trip to Rwanda, they provided eye care – along with another Rwandan doctor – to approximately 530 patients in just two days at the clinic.

“Serving people who have little or no access to quality vision care has always been a calling for us. I realized early on that providing eye care was a meaningful way to use the gifts and skills God had given us to serve others.” - DR. AMANDA BARKER-ASSELL 62 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

with different obstacles, they are somehow able to walk through the room and avoid the obstacles. It’s as if they are able to see each obstacle but are unaware they see them.

Amanda found learning about this disease offered two personal meanings – feeling as though she walks around with perfectly fine sight by medical standards but is sometimes blind to the needs right in front of her; and relating the term BlindSight to her faith where she chooses to walk by faith, not by sight.

Visit blindsightinc.org to learn more about the nonprofit’s vision and literacy-related projects, both locally and globally. The mission of BlindSight will always remain the same – to restore sight, foster learning and share hope with every person they encounter!

Donate to BlindSight on their website via PayPal or Square, or mail a check to BlindSight, Inc., P.O. Box 723, Denver, NC, 28037.

“We carried thousands of donated glasses from our local community and beyond, and redistributed those to people who had nothing, and also purchased new sunglasses and readers to distribute on these trips,” Amanda adds.

“Experiences like the trip to Rwanda remind us of the tremendous need around the globe and of how much can be accomplished with just a few committed people.”

The need for vision care internationally is astounding, as the team saw people lining up each morning – before the clinic opened – many waiting all day to be seen.

“The number of patients we care for on each trip is limited only by the time and energy our team has available. There’s always more work to be done, a reality that continues to motivate us to expand our reach and train others to serve,” shares Amanda.

The name BlindSight itself comes from a real, very rare condition with only a few documented cases. Affected individuals are blind and see nothing but black, but if you put them in a room

PLANT FORWARD, VEGETARIAN, VEGAN: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

By KATHARINE ROSENTHAL, RDN

P

lant based eating has gained significant popularity, with various diets emphasizing different levels of plant consumption. Among the most popular are plant forward, vegetarian and vegan diets.

While these diets share a common focus on plant foods, they differ significantly in their guidelines and restrictions. Understanding these differences can help you make informed choices about your dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

PLANT-FORWARD DIET

Are you curious about consuming a more plant-based diet but do not want to cut out animal foods completely? A plant-forward diet is a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes but does not necessarily eliminate animal based foods.

Meat or other animal based foods may be included in a meal but are usually not the main component.

VEGETARIAN DIET A vegetarian diet is a way of eating that focuses on plant based foods while excluding meat, poultry and fish. This diet includes various fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and grains, providing a rich array of nutrients essential for good health. There are several types of vegetarian diets that have additional allowances and/or restrictions.

Some vegetarians may also include dairy products and eggs. A vegetarian diet can be both nutritious and delicious by emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods, supporting overall well being and environmental sustainability.

64 64| LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

VEGAN DIET A vegan diet is a type of plant based diet that excludes all animal products. This means no meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs or any other animal derived ingredients. Vegans also steer clear of products that involve the use of animals, such as honey and specific food additives. A well planned vegan diet can provide all the essential nutrients the body needs. However, attention must be given to certain nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids and protein which are more commonly found in animal products.

BENEFITS OF THESE DIETS By following one of these diets, you may benefit from a decrease in the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and many cancers. Some meats are high in saturated fat which can lead to poor heart health.

Processed meats like deli meat, bacon and sausage are usually high in sodium and can increase blood pressure. A well balanced vegan, vegetarian or plant forward diet can offer numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases, better weight management and improved digestion. By emphasizing whole, unprocessed foods, these diets can be both nutritious and delicious, supporting overall well being and environmental sustainability.

As interest in plant based eating continues to grow, understanding

the differences between plant forward, vegetarian and vegan diets is crucial for making informed dietary choices. Each of these diets offers unique benefits and allows for varying degrees of animal product consumption. Whether you choose to adopt a plant forward approach, embrace vegetarianism or commit to a vegan lifestyle, focusing on plant based foods can lead to numerous health benefits, as mentioned earlier.

Remember, the key to a successful transition to any of these diets is to emphasize whole, unprocessed foods and ensure you are getting a balanced intake of essential nutrients. By making mindful and informed choices, you can enjoy a diet that is not only nutritious and delicious but also supports your health and the environment.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 65

919 Backyard BBQ CHICKEN WINGS Instructions: 1. My favorite way to cook wings is over charcoal using a two-zone setup: one side with indirect heat and one side directly over the coals. eptember is here, and that means 2. While the grill is heating up, season the wings generously on all sides. one thing... football season! Whether you're hosting friends for the big game 3. Once the grill reaches about 250-300 degrees, place the wings on the indirect side and cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. or just enjoying a Sunday afternoon at home, 4. After they've developed some good color and are mostly cooked through, move them chicken wings are always a crowd favorite. directly over the coals to crisp the skin and add a nice char.

They're simple to make, packed with flavor, 5. Continue cooking over direct heat, rotating and flipping every few minutes until the wings and even better cooked over charcoal. reach your desired level of crispiness. I usually cook them to an internal temperature of 175Here's my favorite way to grill wings that 185 degrees, which helps render the fat and gives you that perfect bite-through skin. come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the 6. Remove from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. inside, and full of smoky flavor.

7. If you're a sauce fan, toss them in your favorite buffalo, barbecue, or garlic parmesan sauce.

Personally, I think a well-seasoned, char-grilled dry rub wing is hard to beat.

Ingredients:

By TANNER JOHNSON

S

• 10-12 chicken wings (or more, depending on how many you're feeding) •

Now all that's left to do is grab a cold drink, turn on your favorite football game, and enjoy!

I like buying the Smart Chicken wings at Harris Teeter since the flats and drums are already separated, making prep quick and easy.

• Your favorite seasoning (I love a Cajun rub, Old Bay, or lemon pepper, but just about any seasoning will work.)

66 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

For more recipes and demos, follow me on Instagram: @919backyardbbq

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 67

One Man’s Perspective HUGO

By CHARLIE SCHULER

O

ur plan was to retire early and sail to all the nice places. We did sail over 20,000 miles, but we didn’t make it to all the nice places. A few years earlier we had bought a boat slip at Myrtle Beach Yacht Club, (MBYC). They would rent the slip while we were not there, and we would have a place to call home when we retired.

Retirement finally arrived for both Marianne and I, we left Point Pleasant, New Jersey and headed south. First stop was Atlantic City where we left some money. Then on to Cape May. According to the Mason-Dixon line, we were in the south. We took a tour and loved the historical district.

An unusual thing happened that night. We set sail very early that morning because we wanted to make the Delaware canal in the daylight. We were sailing off Cape May when I decided to make coffee. I noticed on the Radar there was something circling us. My thought was, the Coast Guard or Pirates. I went topsides and found the automatic steering had failed and we were going in circles. A minor glitch and soon repaired. But it was exciting for a while.

As we entered Norfolk Harbor we saw the battleship, USS Iowa, that had a hole in the

68 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

side of the hull. And more importantly I had been thinking about the book I had been reading, More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell.

He talked about all the prophecies that only Jesus could have fulfilled. Prophecies made by different prophets over many years. This was it. I finally was convinced that Jesus was the son of God. I got on my knees as we sailed along, and I accepted Jesus into my life. I always believed in God and at 55 years of age I believed in Jesus.

there were three lanes of traffic leaving and one going onto the coast with one car on it. When we got to Little River, SC, we made the SEAGULL TWO as secure as we could make her and started looking for a place for us to ride out the storm. We ended up parking the van on high ground above the club house and next to a building with no windows on its side.

We finally got to the MBYC and our slip. We spent the summer there and we decided to travel by car to Napolean, Ohio to see my stepmother. While we were there, I kept seeing the news report of an approaching hurricane. As I watched, it became obvious to me that it was going to hit Myrtle Beach and everything we had was there. Time to leave Ohio and head back to our boat and the storm. I was afraid that a surge would come into the harbor, lift the boats and docks off the pilings and the wind would blow them onto Highway 17. Then the scavengers would come and pick us clean.

We headed back.

People from the yacht club patrolled the docks, Marianne was on guard duty, and I slept. Marianne asked why I was sleeping, and I said that my work would be in the morning. The MBYC faired very well. There was a surge, and the boats floated above the short pilings and within inches of the tall pilings. No boats were just floating around or up on the highway. This was not true south of us. In fact, the bridges were closed for days. And when we were finally able to travel, we got a better understanding of the storm. Boats were on land all over the place, and the Francis Marion Forest looked like a tornado had ripped through it heading for North Carolina. The Intracoastal Waterway was made inoperable for many months. Boaters traveling south could not get to Charleston without going in the ocean.

It was interesting, as we got near the coast,

When you are told to evacuate, do it.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 69

Harvest Seeds Ministry

“HELPING TO PROVIDE THE ‘PRINTED SEEDS’ OF THE GOSPEL TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!”

By MARTIE EMORY

W

hat began as a single project of Pat Hamrick’s Sunday School class at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church now shares the Word of God worldwide, through collections of new and used Bibles, Sunday School materials, devotion books, hymn books and Christian magazines.

“I was the Women’s Missionary Union Director for our church in Shelby and had been sending our old Missions Magazines to a group in Georgia who then sent them overseas,” shares Pat. “When they stopped taking magazines, I began searching for another place. In 2008, God led me to Luke 19:10 Ministries in Greenville, SC which took all types of Christian materials, sending what they collected around the world to English-speaking third world countries.”

“The project grew so fast, it became a ministry of the entire church, instead of

70 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

just our class. Other churches brought over materials and helped us sort them,” Pat adds. “In the summer of 2011, Luke 19:10 Ministries stopped taking these materials.

Seeking God’s guidance again, we were eventually led to partnering with Love Packages in Butler, Illinois to distribute the materials, but getting our donations to Illinois was an issue.”

Chris Turner, another member of Mt. Sinai Baptist, whose family owned a local trucking company, saved the day – and the ministry – confirming one of his company’s drivers did indeed travel near Butler and would deliver donated materials free of charge!

“Showing me the Goodness of God, Turner Trucking is a Christian owned company, always helping with the needs of so many ministries,” shares Pat. “In the beginning, my son Joey – who has his own construction business – would bring a couple of his

employees and load our completed boxes of literature onto pallets, shrink wrap and label them, and place them on his truck to travel to Turner Trucking’s warehouse.

Our first shipment to Love Packages was delivered in February of 2012.”

With continued growth of the ministry, pallet loadings began taking place in the church parking lot and now happen twice a year, once in May and once in October.

Putnam Distributors volunteered their box trucks to transport pallets to the Turner Trucking warehouse, also providing pallets and a pallet jack. Originally, another church member donated his Bobcat to load the pallets onto Putnam’s trucks, but now, Putnam Distributors donates one of their forklifts to help load, while Turner Trucking brings two of their 53-foot trailers to load pallets and return with empty trailers once those are filled.

Continued on next page.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 71

Continued from previous page.

Once Mt. Sinai Baptist began delivering to Love Packages, Pat and the team realized their ministry needed a name!

“We came up with Harvest Seeds Ministry.

All who are part of this ministry are volunteers, and a number of people from other churches also give of their time in helping unload deliveries, sorting, boxing, praying and helping financially,” shares Pat. The oldest Harvest Seeds volunteer – who had been part of the ministry since its beginning – was 97 years old when she died in 2023. The current oldest volunteer is 96 years old and has been with the ministry since 2008.

“Our volunteers work hard, but the best part of working together is the fellowship and fun that God allows us to have while working for Him!” Pat adds. “Harvest Seeds Ministry is God’s Ministry, and He is allowing everyone involved to be used as His vessel!”

Workdays are scheduled as needed based on how much literature is donated. Because many different churches and community groups are now involved, putting a number on the current group of volunteers and people who donate materials is nearly impossible; but Pat sends a newsletter out about every four months which includes more than 1,000 recipients!

“Since 2012, we have shipped 80,141 boxes of Christian materials, 1,506 pallets and 1,962 different pieces of medical equipment to Love Packages for distribution in third world countries,” she shares. “Harvest Seeds Ministry is not about Mt. Sinai Baptist Church or any of the volunteers. It’s about Jesus and serving Him by helping to share the Gospel Message!”

For more information about the type of materials they accept, contact Pat Hamrick, coordinator for Harvest Seeds Ministry, at 704.472.5154. The collection site – Mt. Sinai Baptist Church – is located at 1227 Mount Sinai Church Road, Shelby, NC, 28152, 704.482.5871.

To learn more about the mission of Love Packages, visit lovepackages.org.

72 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

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Through laughter, authenticity, and meaningful storytelling, she reminds others that clarity, courage, and purpose begin with one simple decision: being available.

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Direct: 980-389-3099 | Email: ayla.johnson@betterfoothills.com www.aylajohnson.sites.bhgrealestate.com Instagram/Tiktok: Aylamakayla.sells | Facebook: Aylamakayla © Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate 2023 – 2024. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens®, BHGRE® and the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Franchisee Legal Entity Name (not the dba) fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchisees are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC nor any of its affiliated companies.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | 73

ENGAGING OUR OLDER LOVED ONES IN PERSONAL STORYTELLING

By JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

M

y mom lived in a nursing home the last eight years of her life. As Alzheimer’s creeped in, my sister had a brilliant idea: “Let me buy Mom a set of notebooks where she can capture her memories and tell the story of her life.” We were excited about the prospect of her telling her story in her way and looked forward to those inevitable “I didn’t know that” or “Well, who knew?” moments of our own.

In our mom’s case, it wasn’t to be as her condition had already impeded her clarity as well as her ability to focus. The opportunity was forever lost.

How many times have you thought “I wish I had asked Dad that before he passed” or “Aunt Harriet would have known that piece of the puzzle, but it didn’t occur to me to ask

her”? It is rarely nosiness that prompts our curiosity. Most of us have a genuine interest in knowing our loved ones more fully and from their perspective. In doing so, we also satisfy an innate desire to better understand ourselves and our history.

It’s not surprising that older people derive a number of benefits from telling their stories.1 These include: • • •

Preserving their sense of identity Improving their memory and cognition Reducing their emotional isolation and loneliness • Developing a deeper connection with loved ones The research also points to the priceless sharing of values, life experience and wisdom that these stories offer the listener – you and me.

SPARK A STORY What are we waiting for? If Uncle Arthur tends to sit quietly by himself at your family gatherings or instead bombards you with questions about your active, busy life, you may want to consider how to draw him out by tapping into his stories. And, here’s the thing, you don’t need to ask about his whole life story. Most people would feel overwhelmed and respond with “Gosh, where do I start?”

Or “Oh, you don’t want to hear all of that!” So, be creative, consider what you know about “Uncle Arthur” and spark a story by asking: • How did you and Aunt Margie meet?

• How did you know that she was the one?

• What’s one lesson your parents taught you?

• Who were your favorite relatives growing up?

• What was your neighborhood like growing up?

• Who was the biggest influence on you as a kid?

• What’s the most mischievous thing you did as a kid?

• How did you decide on a career in...? OR What was it like being a homemaker back then?

• What’s your favorite holiday memory?

• What are your favorite holiday foods?

• What is one thing you wish you knew how to cook?

• What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?

• If you could have dinner with one person, past or present, who would it be?

• What’s one thing you really admire about young people today?

• What’s one thing you’d like to understand about young people today?

• What is the most amazing piece of technology to you?

• What have you been doing for fun lately?

By now, you get the idea. I promise you’ll be amazed by how much better you will know and understand your loved one – and maybe even yourself. As you pursue conversations like these, be sure to: •

Express genuine interest in them and their stories. Use this moment as an opportunity to slow down, and to be in the moment, fully engaged.

• Ask open questions and follow up “why” questions to keep the conversation going.

Oh, and don’t be surprised if “Uncle Arthur” seeks you out at the next family gathering!

1. “Activities, seeing loved ones, telling stories are the best anti-depressants for older adults.” Dartmouth Health

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SEPTEMBER 2026 | 75

Mediterranean Made Simple

THE STORY BEHIND MY MEDITERRANEAN LIFE CUSTOMIZABLE BINDER

By SUMMER FAIR CARTER

W

hen my family embraced the Mediterranean way of eating, I started searching for the perfect cookbook. I wanted recipes that were simple, flavorful, and made with wholesome ingredients we could feel good about serving our family. After looking through countless cookbooks, I realized something was missing.

I wanted a cookbook that truly fit the way we cook and live. I wanted every recipe to include a photo because we eat with our eyes first. Seeing the finished dish inspires confidence and makes trying a new recipe less intimidating. I also wanted something practical.

Traditional cookbooks are beautiful, but once they’re printed, they’re permanent. There’s little room to make notes, remove recipes that aren’t family favorites, or add new ones.

That’s when the idea for my Mediterranean Life Cookbook Binder was born.

Instead of creating a traditional bound cookbook, I designed a binder that grows with your kitchen. Every recipe is printed on matching templates, making it easy to organize, personalize, and update over time.

Love a recipe, keep it. Want to replace one that wasn’t a family favorite, simply swap it out.

Discover a new Mediterranean-inspired meal you love, add it right to your binder. It truly becomes your cookbook.

As I continued creating recipes and organizing our family favorites, I made a few binders as gifts for close friends. Those friends shared them with others, and before long, I started receiving requests to make more. What began as a solution for my own kitchen slowly turned into something much bigger.

Today, I’m grateful to say we’ve sold more than 1,000 Mediterranean Life binders. Knowing that families across the country are using them to prepare wholesome meals and spend more time around the dinner table has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

People often ask where all the recipes come from. Over the years, I’ve collected nearly 3,000 recipes in physical binders and online. Every recipe starts with inspiration, whether it’s something I discovered, tasted, or wanted to recreate. I replace highly processed ingredients with cleaner alternatives, incorporate Mediterraneanfriendly ingredients, and make adjustments until it reflects the way my family eats. By

76 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

the time a recipe makes it into the binder, it has been tested, refined, and transformed into a healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.

One of the things I love most about the binder is that it continues to grow. We recently developed a 25-recipe expansion packet for existing binder owners. Instead of purchasing a whole new cookbook, customers can simply add new recipes to their collection.

That flexibility is exactly what I envisioned from the beginning.

That same philosophy extends into every class I teach. Whether you attend a Mediterranean cooking class or Mediterranean lifestyle class, every recipe handout is printed on the same matching template used throughout the binder. Participants can simply add new recipes to their binders, creating one organized collection instead of stacks of loose recipe pages.

Looking ahead, we’re also working on publishing a traditional Mediterranean cookbook that will be available on Amazon. I’m excited to continue sharing recipes that help families prepare wholesome, delicious meals using real ingredients and the principles of the Mediterranean lifestyle.

The Mediterranean Life Cookbook Binder started with one simple question: “Why can’t a cookbook work the way I want it to?” That question sparked an idea that has now found its way into more than 1,000 kitchens.

CONNECT WITH SUMMER’S FARE For more Mediterranean-inspired recipes, classes, and information about the Mediterranean Life Cookbook Binder: Website: www.summersfare.com Email: hello@summersfare.com Facebook: Summer’s Fare Instagram: @summers_fare Mediterranean Life Cookbook Binders are available at Lake Norman Olive & Vine in Denver, NC. If you are not local, please reach out for shipping options.

MUSHROOM & GOAT CHEESE FRITTATA • • • • • • • • • •

INGREDIENTS: 3 TBSP extra virgin olive oil 8 oz mushrooms, sliced 1 medium red bell pepper, diced 3 cups fresh spinach or kale 3 cloves of garlic, minced 8 large eggs 1/2 tsp salt, divided 1/4 tsp pepper 1/3 cup skim milk 2 oz goat cheese

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Heat a 12” cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 2 TBSP EVOO. Cook mushrooms and bell pepper until softened.

3. Add remaining 1 TSBP EVOO, spinach, garlic and 1/4 tsp salt.

Cook until spinach is wilted, then remove from heat.

4. In a mixing bowl, mix eggs, milk, 1/4 tsp salt & pepper until combined.

5. Add pinches of goat cheese over spinach, then pour egg mixture on top. Tilt the pan if necessary to cover all the spinach and goat cheese.

6. Bake uncovered for 14-16 minutes.

Once done, the edges will begin to brown and pull away from the sides.

NOTES: Great for breakfast or breakfast for dinner. Serve with salad or some whole-grain bread. Substitute any fresh veggies you have on hand for this.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | 77

SEPTEMBER 1-30

25 YEARS LATER: COMMEMORATING 9.11.2001 A WALKING ART EXHIBIT In partnership with Mooresville Arts, the Town of Mooresville, the Mooresville Downtown Commission, Richard’s Coffee Shop and the Exchange Club of Mooresville, this walking art exhibit commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Time: All Day Location: Downtown Mooresville

SEPTEMBER 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

MUSIC BINGO WEDNESDAYS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Enjoy an evening of music, games, prizes, great food and plenty of fun every Wednesday. Gather your friends and test your music knowledge!

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change. Please check event websites and social media pages for updates as the dates draw near.

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen, 20220 Chartown Drive, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 4

ROCK THE PARK: BIG 80S TRIBUTE BAND Head to Liberty Park for an energetic night of live music featuring the Big 80s Tribute Band. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this free outdoor concert in Downtown Mooresville.

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Liberty Park, 255 E. Iredell Avenue, Mooresville

SEPTEMBER 5

FESTIVAL OF FOOD TRUCKS Enjoy gourmet fare from more than 15 food trucks, live music from local bands and a social district in Downtown Mooresville.

Time: 5:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Downtown Mooresville

SEPTEMBER 6, 13, 20 & 27

JAZZ BRUNCH SUNDAYS Enjoy delicious brunch favorites while listening to live jazz. The perfect way to relax and unwind with great food and music.

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: The Serve Pickleball + Kitchen, 20220 Chartown Drive, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 11

TUBA SKINNY Experience the sounds of New Orleans with Tuba Skinny, a traditional jazz, ragtime and blues street band known for its 1920s and 1930s American roots sound.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 12

Tony Griffin

DAVIDSON FALL ART FESTIVAL Spend the day enjoying art, local creativity and the charm of Downtown Davidson at this annual fall arts celebration.

Time: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Downtown Davidson

HEAVEN

о

EARTH a curation of purpose, place and meaning

SEPTEMBER 12

CONCERTS ON THE GREEN Enjoy an evening of live music at Davidson’s traditional outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy music under the stars.

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Davidson Town Green, 119 S. Main Street, Davidson Anne Harkness

SEPTEMBER 18

DOWNTOWN MOORESVILLE GALLERY CRAWL Enjoy an evening exploring Downtown Mooresville’s galleries during this special Gallery Crawl featuring extended hours, artist demonstrations and more.

An exhibit of fine art from a group of North Carolina artists, on display at Mooresville Arts

Through September 24

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Mooresville Arts, 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville

SEPTEMBER 19

BANDS, BREWS & BBQ FESTIVAL Enjoy an evening of barbecue, live music, family activities and craft brews at one of Mooresville’s favorite annual festivals. The Family Fun Zone features rides, games and activities for all ages.

Time: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Location: Liberty Park, 255 E. Iredell Avenue, Mooresville Nicholas Burton Bragg

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103 W. Center Ave Downtown Mooresville

mooresvillearts.org SEPTEMBER 2026 | 79

SEPTEMBER 19

FALL IN-HOUSE BOAT SHOW Explore new and remaining boat inventory, fall incentives and end-of-season pricing during MarineMax Lake Norman’s Fall In-House Boat Show.

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: MarineMax Lake Norman, 9209 Westmoreland Road, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 21

Bring Energy to Your Next Event

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LAKE NORMAN BIG BAND Enjoy an evening of live big band music at Wobbly Butt Brewery at New Victory Lanes. Dinner is available beginning at 6:00 p.m., with music starting at 7:00 p.m.

Time: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Wobbly Butt Brewery at New Victory Lanes, Mooresville

SEPTEMBER 23

CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG: THE MUSICAL Join Clifford and his friends for a musical comedy adventure celebrating friendship, love and the special bond between people and their pets.

Time: 12:00 p.m.

Location: Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 24

SPEAKEASY & BOURBON TASTING Step into the glamour and mystery of the Roaring Twenties at Cain Center’s Speakeasy & Bourbon Tasting. Enjoy an open bar, chef-curated food stations, live jazz, slam poetry, a vintage-inspired photo station and more. An optional guided premium bourbon tasting is also available.

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Location: Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 25

SALISBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

✔ Flexible Packages ✔ Self-Serve or

Full-Service Options

✔ Professional Setup ✔ Custom Branding Available

Contact Us: 704.530.0698 ingridrussell.myportfolio.com ingridrussellphotography@gmail.com 80 | LKN-MAGAZINE.COM

Enjoy an evening of symphonic music as the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra presents a carefully curated selection of classical pieces showcasing the orchestra’s rich sound and dynamic interpretations.

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 26

RUN FOR GREEN Take part in the Davidson Lands Conservancy’s 21st Annual Run for Green, featuring a half marathon, 10K and 5K through the town of Davidson and surrounding greenways.

Time: 7:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Location: Davidson Town Green, 119 S. Main Street, Davidson

SEPTEMBER 26

TAWBA WALK ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL Celebrate local art, music, food and culture during this popular Old Town Cornelius festival featuring artists and makers, live music, food trucks, kids’ activities and more.

Time: 2:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Downtown Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 26

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY Join communities across the country in celebrating America’s public lands with a special event at Lake Norman State Park.

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Lake Norman State Park

SEPTEMBER 27

ALL AMERICAN DOG SHOW Bring your four-legged friends to Robbins Park for an afternoon of pet-related vendors, concessions and fun contests including Best Dressed, Best “Puppy Dog” Eyes and Best of Show. Free to attend.

Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Location: Robbins Park, 17738 W. Catawba Avenue, Cornelius

SEPTEMBER 27

SHE TRIS SPRINT TRIATHLON Women and girls of all ages can participate in this fun, energetic multisport event featuring sprint triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon and youth events.

Time: 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics, 11725 Verhoeff Drive, Huntersville

SEPTEMBER 29 - NOVEMBER 12

ARTOBERFEST JUDGED SHOW Visit the gallery to experience the 44th Annual Artoberfest Judged Show & Competition featuring works by talented regional artists.

Time: All Day Location: Mooresville Arts, 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville

YOUR SPACE DESERVES A SIGNATURE FEATURE. Kell Glass enhances luxury homes and corporate interiors through color, light, and form. From intricate hand-crafted sculptures to striking wall installations, every project is a close collaboration with homeowners, designers, and local businesses to craft bespoke glass artistry tailored to your environment.

LET'S BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE. View sculptures and projects at KellGlassArt.com or connect directly to discuss your custom project.

ELIJAH KELL,

Owner/Artist, Kell Glass LLC 704-208-7547 elijah@kellglassart.com Instagram: @kellglassart KellGlassArt.com

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Pieces available at Juelerye Artisan Gallery & Gifts SEPTEMBER 2026 | 81

FEARS, FLIGHTS AND LANDINGS: A SUMMER REFLECTION

By JEAN MARIE JOHNSON

A

s a pair of house finches eagerly set up housekeeping in a new hanging fern, my dear man delivered his customary, gentle reminder: “You know that you have a history of interfering with mother nature.” As his words trailed off, I muttered “guilty as charged.”

It was true, especially since that “harmless” black snake consumed an entire brood in the exact same spot the previous year. No wonder I was on high alert!

This season, when that first tiny egg appeared in that fresh fern, I kicked into gear, peering in each morning while angling precipitously on my tippy toes. “Now there are three!” I rushed in to announce. Then four, then five. The brood was now complete.

I cooed to them, sequestered as they were in their shells and told them “it will be alright.” But, I knew from experience that it could be otherwise. Nature, the order of things. Sometimes it isn’t pretty, and “fair” doesn’t enter into the equation. Snakes get hungry, too, I reasoned. That rational reminder didn’t stop me from standing guard as often as possible over “my” five little eggs.

When a few days passed with no sign of the predator, I became keenly aware of my sense of gratitude. As I gently “rocked” the fern, I prayed that these five would safely hatch and have a go at this experience of being alive.

It was a rainy, slightly cool evening when I spotted the first born chick. Soon two, then three, now four and five furry little things as delicate in appearance as the fleeting dandelion. My prayer that they would come forth into this beautiful, uncertain world had been answered! Heedless of my dear man’s words, I leaned in again, now blew my warm breath in their direction and continued my prayerful vigilance. In my mind, we were building trust. Whenever their mom or dad saw me nearby, they would squawk, but seemed to settle down as they became accustomed to my persistent, harmless presence. And yet, I was once again guilty of interference.

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In due time, these little dandelion-like beings morphed into recognizable house finches, their emerging wings, their “superpower,” now undeniable. And then, one bright Sunday morning, I realized that the five were at last strong enough and ready enough to embrace what they were born to do – take flight. The question of readiness was on me; with mixed emotions, I knew that my empty nest syndrome was about to begin.

As I went inside to attend to the everyday, little did I know that the timeless miracle was unfolding outside. When I returned to peer into the nest, all but one of my little birds had trusted their instinct and taken flight. Their lone remaining sibling fretted about the well worn nest, caught between the known and the unknown, the safety of staying put and the fear of taking flight. I moved in close to this little one and whispered “You can do it.

You can. You can do it.” Only God can testify to the truth of this. Trusting that, I will tell you that a few moments thereafter, the lone bird hopped to the nest’s edge, looked out at the great unknown and, like a toddler taking its first steps, flapped its wings and took off.

That little bird, the last one, trusted those new wings and made it about five yards to a scraggly old bush – then clumsily landed.

I’ll not forget that few-seconds’ journey anytime soon. Fear, flights and landings.

Something we humans can relate to. It’s a familiar story; a miracle that never gets old.

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