Lake Norman Currents February 2017

L A K E

N O R M A N

Why seniors love Lake Norman Tyler Hickey’s race to the Olympics Work it while you work out

Love

+ Health The two go hand in hand

VOL. 10 NUMBER FEBRUARY 2017

2

WWW.LNCURRENTS.COM

AT THIS MOMENT

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Contents February 2017 vol. 10 No. 2

22 Make a Mess Tyler Helfrich uses her

creativity to see the world

24 Navigators Dr. Byron Branch follows his family’s tradition

26 Thoughts from

Channel Markers Movers, shakers and more at the lake

About the Cover:

Photograph of Steven Randall at Kadi by Magen Marie Photography.

15 Stacey Simm’s podcasting passion

16 Kimball Lawrence is in the treasure business

the Man Cave

The love of working out

62 On the Circuit What’s happening at Lake Norman this month

64 Lori’s Larks Lori K. Tate explores Fisher Farm Park

FEBRUARY 2017

6

Dine + Wine

Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

58 Wine Time

Block & Grinder explores new wines

28 Trends + Style Workout winners

59 On Tap

Cooking with beer

60 Nibbles + Bites

40

Cornelius’ Salon Café

61 In the Kitchen

with Jill Dahan

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Lake Spaces

How we live at the lake

40 Dwellings

32 Game On

Tyler Hickey gains speed for the Olympics

Jeff and Denise Carter downsized in style

28 48 Senior Living

Why Lake Norman attracts retirees

10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave, Unit A, Huntersville, NC 28078 704.749.8788 | www.LNCurrents.com

2014 Gold MarCom Award Winner for Design Excellence 2013 Platinum Award Winner for Magazine Special Edition 2013 Lake Norman Chamber Business of the Year 2010 Gold MarCom Award Winner for Best Magazine 2009 APEX Award Winner for Publication Excellence

Lake Norman CURRENTS is a monthly publication available through direct-mail home delivery to the most affluent Lake Norman residents. It also is available at area Harris Teeter supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses.

Subscriptions are available for $30 per year.

Send us your name, address, phone number and a check made payable to Lake Norman CURRENTS at the address below and we’ll start your subscription with the next available issue.

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from Where I Sit The magazine by and for the people who call Lake Norman home

Publisher

Working It Out

MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com

HOW MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH EXERCISE BEGAN

Advertising Director

by Lori K. Tate

FEBRUARY 2017

8 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Whether it was at school, youth group or just playing in the neighborhood, I was always picked last for the team.

Growing up, people would ask if I played basketball because I was tall, but as soon as I attempted to dribble, they realized I had never set foot on a court. In middle school I went to tennis camp, but by the time I reached high school, my love of theatre squashed any love I had for my backhand.

Things changed in college, as my fear of the “freshman 15” threw me into aerobics classes and power walking (remember, this was the early ’90s.) By the time I graduated, I was running and soon ran my first 5K. Ever since then I’ve been working out, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Of course my workouts have changed over time. I’m now into functional training, where I do pull-ups, thrusters and burpees until I want to cry. I love it! But what’s more interesting is the change in my motivation.

In the beginning, I just wanted to be thin. But now, my workouts serve as my meditation. If I’m stressed or worried about something, I work it out during my workouts. My husband will tell you that I’m in a much better mood on the days that I exercise compared to the days that I don’t.

Photo by Glenn Roberson

I WAS NEVER PICKED FIRST.

As for being thin, sure, I want to be fit, but it’s no longer about being skinny. It’s about being strong and remaining strong for my children. Exercising is one of the best ways I can invest in the future of my family, not to mention it sets a good example for my kids, who love to do burpees.

My mom did the same for me, as she has worn out at least three stationary bicycles, and at 79, she’s working on a fourth.

Some of my fondest memories from childhood involve all of the neighborhood ladies exercising to Jane Fonda together in our basement. Mom played Fonda’s album on my dad’s stereo as they all sweated into their headbands (remember, this was the early ’80s.) Seeing that as a child made an impact on me and showed me how important it was to

prioritize exercise.

I know that time is scarce, and I also know how easy it is to rationalize not working out.

And then there’s the intimidation of going to a gym and doing awkward movements, often in front of people you don’t know and who might be in better shape. I get it, but I promise if you break through those fears and obstacles, you will find yourself in a better place.

I once heard an instructor at the Lake Norman Y say that she never regretted doing a workout, but she had sure regretted not doing one. That has stuck with me over the years and still pops into my head when I think about sleeping in instead of going for a run. (Truth be told, sometimes sleeping in wins out, but most of the time I hit the pavement.)

Regardless, here’s my wish for you. As you read through this month’s issue focused on love and health, think about how you can incorporate more exercise into your life. If you already work out, I’ll see you at the gym, but if you’re on the exercise fence, let this be the push that gets you started. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes, and the best part is that the more you do it, the more you’ll want to do it.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Editor Lori K. Tate Lori@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives

Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com

Cindy Gleason Cindy@LNCurrents.com

Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com

Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com

Social Media Specialist Michele Chastain mac21268@yahoo.com

Publication Design & Production idesign2, inc Mission Statement: Lake Norman

CURRENTS magazine will embody the character, the voice and the spirit of its readers, its leaders and its advertisers. It will connect the people of Lake Norman through inspiring, entertaining and informative content, photography and design; all of which capture the elements of a well-lived life on and around the community known as Lake Norman. www.facebook.com/LNCurrents www.twitter.com/LNCurrents

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channelMarkers Movers, Shakers, Style, Shopping, Trends, Happenings and More at Lake Norman

Inspiration and Connection Stacey Simms finds her passion in podcasting Davidson resident Stacey Simms launched Diabetes Connections, a podcast that features interviews with prominent diabetes advocates.

15 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

You can find Diabetes Connections, which has 80,000 downloads and is still growing, at http://www. diabetes-connections.com or on any podcast platform such as iTunes or Google Play Music.

“I wanted a real radio show about Type 1,” says Simms. “I felt there was a need for more of an interview-type format. I based the model off the NPR podcast, Fresh Air.” This past summer, Diabetes Connections, which Simms produces on a weekly basis, made it into the Top Ten Health Podcasts at the 11th Annual Podcast Awards.

Listeners nominate the podcasts, which are then judged by a panel of industry professionals. Simms said after receiving the award she really felt like the podcast was “on the right track.”

“It truly is the most rewarding work I have ever done,” she says. “This is the first time where I feel like what I say matters in a concrete way. The audience is so passionate and hungry for this information.”

Simms also started Diabetes Podcast Week last year and plans to repeat it in 2017 starting February 1. She recruited more than a dozen podcasters to help benefit the Spare a Rose, Save a Child campaign, which provides diabetes supplies, medication and education that children in developing countries need to stay alive.

— Renee Roberson, photography by Martificial Photography

FEBRUARY 2017

Former local radio and TV host Stacey Simms has been an advocate for Type 1 diabetes since her son, Benny, received his diagnosis at age 2 in 2006. These days, she’s channeling that passion into a diabetes podcast called Diabetes Connections, which features interviews with prominent diabetes advocates (such as recent guest actor Victor Garber, who discovered he had Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12), authors and speakers in the diabetes community, as well as updates and advances in medical technology.

The show is sponsored by Animas Corporation (part of the Johnson & Johnson Diabetes Care Companies) and Dexcom, Inc. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. It strikes both children and adults, and the onset is not related to diet or lifestyle.

Simms, a Davidson resident, set to work on learning everything she needed to know to begin production on a podcast after leaving her full-time position with 1110 WBT. She released her first segment during the summer of 2015.

channelMarkers

For the Long Run

Treasures on the Lake is a Jewel Like None Other

FEBRUARY 2017

16 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Kimball Lawrence, owner of Treasures on the Lake in Cornelius, travels the world looking for one-of-a-kind treasures.

Diamonds might be a girl’s best friend, but Kimball Lawrence has a close relationship with diamonds and gems of all kinds. For 32 years, he’s been selling precious and semi-precious gemstones at Treasures on the Lake. The Cornelius jewelry boutique is not your average mall or retail jewelry store, as Treasures on the Lake’s niche is antique, estate and custom-made jewelry.

From rings, bracelets and earrings to necklaces and pendants, customers find a unique selection of jewelry because Lawrence travels the world in search of one-of-a-kind treasures to bring to Lake Norman.

“I’ve traveled for the last five years twice a year to Thailand and then to Singapore to have pieces

made,” he explains.

He also attends estate sales and buys gems from other dealers in New York City, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Jewelry pieces range from high-end, six-carat emeralds and 13-carat rubies to Lafonn jewelry, a fine lab-grown stone.

Many clients come to Treasures on the Lake looking for one-of-a-kind pieces. In addition to the custom-made pieces sold in-house, Lawrence also works with clients to custom design their own pieces. Customers often bring in a photo or idea of what they would like, and Lawrence prices what it would cost to create the design.

During his three decades in the jewelry industry, Lawrence has witnessed and survived changes,

including the rise of online jewelry stores and fluctuations in gold prices. He has also adjusted as industry trends shift.

“When I first started out in the business, it was all yellow gold.

When I set up my store, it was yellow gold and a little white gold,” he recalls. “Then it was all white gold for a few years. Now yellow is coming back.”

Lawrence’s entrance into the jewelry business was pure happenstance. He ran a convenience store in Trinity, North Carolina, and sometimes customers would not have enough money to pay for gas. He’d give them gas and hold onto a piece of jewelry as insurance that the customer would return and pay the money owed for gas.

“Most would come back, but those who didn’t I’d sell the watch or ring,” he says.

After he sold the convenience store, Lawrence got into wholesale, buying gold, rings and bracelets and selling it at home parties or traveling to various locations to set up shop. He later went into business with a friend before striking out on his own with Treasures on the Lake.

“We offer big price differences,” says Lawrence. “I like to say we have the mild to the wild.”

— Holly Becker, photography by Brant Waldeck

Treasures on the Lake 19900 W. Catawba Avenue Cornelius www.treasures-on-the-lake.com

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Shop + Tell A workshop, weddings and fashion galore

FEBRUARY 2017

18 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Tekhni and also offers classes in infant Vineyard Vines, YETI and more. massage, breastfeeding, babywearing, Patriot Jack’s Outfitters, Northcross family fitness and more.

Shopping Center, Huntersville, “Additionally, it was important to me that www.patriotjacks.com. parents have a place where they can feel comfortable just coming to hang out, so

we designed the store to be parent friendly

with a gated area for toddlers, as well as

Salice Boutique comfortable places to sit and feed a baby,” says McDonald, adding that the store also hosts groups to help parents find their parenting tribe. Dinos & Daisies — A Birth & Beyond Boutique, 162 B Broad Bellarose Boutique has opened in Street, Mooresville, look for Dinos & Cornelius’ Antiquity shopping center.

Daisies on Facebook.

The boutique carries a variety of on-trend

ladies clothing in addition to a wide variety Fab’rik has opened a location in of accessories. Bellarose Boutique, Birkdale Village. Look for a variety of onAntiquity, 21714 Catawba Avenue, trend coats, dresses, intimates, jeans and Suite A1, Cornelius, look for Bellarose sweaters, plus the boutique’s Asher line.

Boutique on Facebook.

The store also carries shoes (think booties to sandals) and accessories. Birkdale S Stateville’s Salice Boutique has opened Locally owned and operated Coco Village, 16835 Birkdale Commons a second location in Mooresville. The Couture made its debut in Jetton Village Parkway, Suite C and D, Huntersville, quaint store is filled with designs by Jude this past fall. The ladies boutique carries www.fabrikstyle.com.

Connally, Gretchen Scott and Karlie, designs by Ark & Co. and Joseph Ribkoff,

as well as jewelry by local designer Lori as well as shoes by Bruno Magli and The husband and wife team of Erin Schneider. Denim by Miss Me and Dear Sheridan Mia. You’ll also find jewelry by “Paige” and Jonathan “Elliott” Padgett John can also be found in the mix. Salice Susan Shaw. The boutique takes pride in have opened Paige and Elliott, A Bridal Boutique, 146 Mooresville Commons offering new inventory weekly and one-ofBoutique in Huntersville. Brides-to-be Way, Mooresville; 101 W. Broad Street, kind designs, so you won’t see your twin can expect to see the latest designs from Statesville, look for Salice Boutique on at the next gala. Coco Couture, Jetton Jim Hjelm, La Sposa, Austin Scarlett, Facebook.

Village, 19818 N. Cove Road, Suite B, Kenneth Winston, Kenneth Winston

Cornelius, www.thecococouture.com.

Femme, Martina Liana, Martina Liana Simplicity Interiors, a new shop by Separates, Moonlight Collection, Ally Whalen Design, has opened in Cat McDonald, a mom of four, including Moonlight Couture, Moonlight Tango, Old Town Cornelius. The shop features three special needs kids, has opened Val Stefani, White One and more. the interior designer’s custom tailored Dinos & Daisies — A Birth & Beyond Erin is an award-winning wedding slipcovered furniture line, tables, home Boutique in Downtown Mooresville. planner, while Jonathan has a decor, lighting and linen bedding. All of “Navigating parenthood, whether for the financial background in the insurance the upholstered furniture lines are made first time or the fourth, is challenging, industry. Paige and Elliott, A Bridal in North Carolina. Simplicity Interiors, and parents need as much support Boutique, 16610 Old Statesville 21234 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, and encouragement as possible,” says Road, Suite B, Huntersville, www.allywhalen.com.

McDonald. “I wanted to create a place www.paigeandelliott.com.

that offered not only excellent options in Kathy Spencer has opened Three products like baby carriers, nursing and Outdoor enthusiasts will love Patriot Dog Bakery in Jetton Village. The shop teething supplies, cloth diapers, natural Jack’s Outfitters at Northcross carries all natural (made with humancare products, as well as toys and products Shopping Center in Huntersville. With grade ingredients) dog treats that are made for mamas, but support, education and its first location in King’s Mountain, onsite, in addition to dog food by Fromm, encouragement as well.”

Patriot Jack’s offers designs and products Origin, Zignature and more. Three Dog The boutique carries brands such as

by Costa, North Face, OluKai, Southern Bakery also carries frozen raw food and ErgoBaby, Lillebaby, TulaBaby and Marsh, Southern Tide, True Grit, freeze-dried raw food from Primal.

Photography courtesy of Salice Boutique

Beth and Paul Drinkwater have opened AR Workshop in Davidson.

The 1,200-square-foot workshop offers a workspace where customers can choose from a variety of projects, including wood plank signs, framed wood signs, canvas pillows and more. AR Workshop hosts private parties for adults and children, and you’re welcome to bring food and beverages. AR Workshop, 120-A South Village Lane, Davidson, www.arworkshop.com.

Photography courtesy of Well Kept

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In addition, all the chews are made in the United States, with the exception of Whimzee, which is made in Holland.

Rubber toys from Planet Dog and West Paw are also made in the United States.

“I thought a store like this would do well here, says Spencer, who lives in Huntersville. Three Dog Bakery, Jetton Village, 19825 N. Cove Road, Cornelius, www.threedogbakerylkn.com.

For those into working out or those who simply like the athleisure look, Davidson’s Well Kept is for you.

Lauren Wilson, who previously worked at Lipp Boutique in Birkdale Village, opened the highend workout wear boutique in the fall.

Here, you’ll find designs by ALO, HPE, Koral, Michi, Terez and more, in addition to accessories, bags and Capri Blue candles.

Wilson came up with the idea for the store after visiting New York City. “There were a lot of brands up there that people weren’t carrying here,” explains Wilson, adding that most of the store’s clothing is made in the United States.

Well Kept, 624 Jetton Street, Suite 135, Davidson, www.shopwellkept.com.

19 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Get back in motion

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make a Mess

Participating in Beauty Tyler Helfrich uses her creativity to see

by Rosie Molinary photography by Lisa Crates The words wouldn’t come.

FEBRUARY 2017

22 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

After receiving a degree in English with a focus on poetry from Davidson College and serving as the director of the Artworks 945 program at the Urban Ministry Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to end homelessness in Charlotte, for three years, Tyler Helfrich decided to leave the intense experience to open a space for her own creativity.

“I thought that I would be writing poetry. I ended up painting instead,” Helfrich recalls of that 2012 transition.

“I feel like I got into painting because I needed a safe place to fail. It was part of healing.”

Now, while her professional endeavors include being both an artist and interior designer through Tyler Helfrich Art and Design and owning Davidson’s Summit Coffee with her husband, Brian, Helfrich finds that her creativity most profoundly informs how she lives her everyday life.

“Creativity helps me be more whole as I approach parenting or relationships, to have more understanding, and to not generalize. One thing that is essential in creativity is being present,” she explains. “A lot of times in our world right now, we are answerable on every level, all the time. Having the opportunity to do just one thing and be all there is a really good practice. Life is so scattered. To just do one thing feels kind of sacred.”

Though Helfrich took a

Behind the Davidson artist and interior designer Tyler Helfrich says creativity informs how she sees her everyday life.

few art and design classes throughout her life, she is mostly self-trained. When she arrives at her studio each day, she takes the first hour to reply to email, create invoices and complete other administrative work. Later, she moves to her creative work. For her process, Helfrich typically has an abstract painting and a representational painting — her coffee farmer paintings can be seen at Summit Coffee and she’s also known for her cow paintings.

“The way that I use art is learning how to see. The first way it helps me to see is seeing the exterior world — its dynamic and nuance. Then it helps me to see the interior world, and it helps me to have clarity,” she says. “I hit a wall often in the middle of a painting. The benefit of having multiple jobs is that I can go

work on something else. Some days you just don’t have it, so I recognize that as an experience and let it be. Concretely, it means go do something else, and mentally it means trusting it.”

Helfrich also insists that creativity is not just something that certain people have. Not only is everyone creative, but everyone has a responsibility for their creativity because it makes a difference in our world.

“People are tempted to say that I am a creative person or not, and that’s just not true.

People are prone to think that creativity is art or dance.

Creativity means problem solving and beauty gathering,” she says. “That is essential for the human experience, for not generalizing, because your heart needs beauty. We each have an opportunity to participate in that.”

Process When you were 10 years old, what was your favorite way to be creative? Building forts.

What’s a good way to be more creative every day?

Bake without a recipe.

What creative resource has been most helpful to you? The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.

What is something that will enhance someone’s life in an unusual way if they do it? Make something without caring about what the outcome is. Whether it is collage or painting, put it together in a way that speaks to you.

What has creativity taught you? It is teaching me to see, to challenge what I think I see and to spend time realizing what I actually see.

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Navigators

ake Norman-area resident Byron Branch, one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the country, has squeezed an awful lot of living into his 35 years. Surprisingly, neurosurgery wasn’t his first, or even second career choice. But after several twists and turns, Branch, whose father and grandfather were both neurosurgeons, is now with Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates, which has offices in Huntersville and Concord.

True calling

FEBRUARY 2017

24 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

A Family Tradition

by Sam Boykin photography by Lisa Crates

Third-generation neurosurgeon Byron Branch helps make a difference in the Lake Norman area

“I’ve done a lot of odds and ends,” he says.

Way before he got into medicine, Branch, while still a high schooler in Winston-Salem, landed a job with Richard Childress Racing. He worked as an assistant for Danny “Chocolate” Myers, a beloved NASCAR personality who was the gas man for Childress and Dale Earnhardt Sr. Even after he went off to Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, Branch returned home every summer and worked for Childress Racing.

Over the course of about six years he worked everywhere from the parts department to the body shop to the engine shop.

“I also got to go to a lot of races during the summer,” Branch recalls. “It was a great experience.”

While he was still working summers for Childress, Branch started working part-time for the fire department in Clemmons, North Carolina. He enjoyed the excitement of racing to put out fires, but he was drawn to the medical side of the job and got involved with the department’s first responders and Emergency Medical Services. He also worked part time for Davie County EMS. Not surprisingly, as Branch was trying to find the career path that was right for him, his father and grandfather urged him to pursue neurosurgery, but he resisted. “They would make these half-joking comments about how it was in my genes and eventually I’d come around,” says Branch, “but I really thought I was going to be a fireman and a paramedic.”

But the more Branch worked with the fire department, the more that he realized that medicine was his true calling. “That’s what really made me decide to pursue a career in the medical field,” he says.

An eye-opening experience After Pepperdine University, Branch went to Texas A &M University for graduate school, where he also played on the volleyball team, and then finally to Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Branch says that while in medical school he struggled to decide which discipline

convinced him that he was on the right path was going on medical mission trips to places such as Guatemala, Guyana and Honduras, while he was in medical school. “Growing up in North Carolina suburbia you take for granted a lot of things,” he says. “Going on these trips makes you appreciate how fortunate we are in this country.”

Of all his trips, Branch says one of the most impactful was when he traveled to Nigeria with his father and grandfather and worked beside them performing life-saving surgeries. Branch describes the Nigerian hospital as something like a “run-down youth camp,” consisting of a cluster of cinder block buildings with concrete floors and no air conditioning.

All the beds were positioned in rows and draped with mosquito netting. There was no café or vending machines, so families would cook and prepare food in a nearby

courtyard and serve it to their loved ones in the hospital.

The surgeries — everything from amputations to C-sections — took place in a small cinder block room with two beds, separated by a movable curtain.

The only light was from a bulb on a metal stand connected to a car battery. Because there was no modern equipment, someone had to sit next to the patient and handpump anesthesia gas during the entire surgical procedure. “It was a very eye-opening experience,” Branch remembers.

Carrying on Another memorable experience Branch had while in medical school was meeting his wife. In 2009, the weekend after Branch graduated, the two got married, went on their honeymoon, and then packed all their belongings and moved to Texas, where Branch did his residency in neurosurgery at the University of Texas Health

Science Center at San Antonio.

While in San Antonio, he also completed a fellowship in spinal surgery.

Branch practiced medicine in Texas for about seven years until he accepted a job offer from Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine. He and his family — which includes the couple’s three young kids—settled in Davidson last year. With what little free time Branch has, he enjoys coastal and surf fishing along the Outer Banks, and he and his family are also very active in their church.

While Branch’s grandfather passed away several years ago, his father is still a practicing neurosurgeon in WinstonSalem. Looking back at the circuitous route he took to get where he is today, Branch says he’s happy he had those different experiences, but he’s also proud to be carrying on a family tradition that affords him the opportunity to help others.

“I feel truly blessed,” he says.

FEBRUARY 2017

to practice. Initially, he was drawn to exciting, high profile positions like an emergency room doctor or trauma surgeon.

But he wasn’t convinced that he would find that type of work rewarding 20 or 30 years down the road.

Then, “out of an obligation to my lineage,” he rotated through neurosurgery near the end of medical school, and got to apply what he learned in the classroom to real life hospital cases.

“I ended up loving it,” he says. “It was exciting and fun, and I got the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.

Neurosurgery is a mix of many different areas of the body — spine, brain, nerves, organs.

And it’s not like you see a patient once in the emergency room or operating room. You get to establish long-lasting relationships with a lot of your patients, which was really important to me.”

Another experience that

25 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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thoughts from the Man Cave

For the Love of Fitness You might love working out, but do you feel the love that comes with it?

by Mike Savicki photography by Magen Marie Photography

FEBRUARY 2017

26 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Katie Dixon of Kadi in Cornelius inspires students to find confidence through fitness.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, and because this issue is also dedicated to love and health, I’d like to share with you a love story that just happens to take place at a gym.

I’ll tell you at the onset that this is not a tale told in the traditional gym-based romance genre. It is not a love story that follows the script — boy goes to gym, meets girl while resting between sets in the free weight area, falls in love, gets matching barbwire armband tattoo, then lives happily ever after.

This story is a bit more modern, yet contains some truly Shakespearean elements — self-doubt, resistance and struggle while on a path to transformation, euphoria and ultimately a heightened sense of self-awareness and joy. And

there is loss, too, meaning loss of inches off a waistline and loss of unwanted and unnecessary weight.

I’m sorry to say nobody dies. Although, if you think about it, our main character burying his out-of-shape body and going through an inner transformation should count for something. So I’m fine saying this story contains death.

To get some help better understanding how emotions and feelings play into fitness, I sat down with Katie Dixon, the founder and ambassador of Kadi in Cornelius.

“I could talk about this all day,” she told me when I suggested we chat about that uniquely different,

transformational feeling that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone, sweating through a workout or two, then finding love in the results. “I love how people find love in the experience, in the struggle that often comes with not feeling good enough at first, in doing whatever it takes to come back for that second or third class, and then in the transformation.”

As our story begins, the main character makes his way to the gym. Any gym. Or box, studio, ring, track, garage, fitness man cave or even wellness center.

Fear and doubt cloud the skies above. It’s chilly.

“When we carry a resistance with us, a belief within ourselves that we cannot do

something, that resistance actually limits us,” Dixon says.

“Fears become excuses, and something in our minds blocks whatever progress we might be making. We see it as a reason to quit or leave. We judge others and feel like we are being judged. There is no love.”

Our story then progresses to a chapter about confidence.

The skies above are transforming. The clouds and our character’s feelings of insecurities are fading. Let’s say winter has turned into spring just to be illustrative.

“When you let go, and feel free and uninhibited, that resistance is stripped away,” Dixon tells me, as her energy and passion for the subject light the room. “You tell yourself the

Dixon loves the transformation exercise provides.

this sense of worry that to be too strong is to show off. It may even be perceived as arrogant.

But joy comes through in girls, too. At the end of a class, or any group workout especially, when everyone is tired, you see joy through shared accomplishment.”

Dixon then brings it full circle, saying, “What is remarkably exciting for me to see is when people let go of their fears and inhibitions, they just let their body move. They recognize that they are on a shared path with others, they are working with — not against — others, and the changes happen, the love flows.”

So love and a great body — because I’m still stuck on that — is a byproduct of fitness and while sometimes it takes being a part of a group to experience it, love is singular and personal.

I think I get it now.

“Think about this,” Dixon adds, “live a life of adventure,

find those things that you’ll remember, let go and you might be surprised things aren’t as difficult as you originally thought and your day will be extraordinary.”

What a great conclusion.

By the way, if you haven’t deduced it yet, the main character of this story is you.

The love you feel that might be missing in fitness is already there; you just have to dig down a bit to find it.

Oh, if you’d like to imagine yourself in this story with a barbwire armband tattoo, well, that’s just fine. Meeting the girl is solely on you.

Looking for a twist on fitness, nutrition and inspiration? Join Katie Dixon of Kadi, Clean Juice, Lululemon Birkdale and Brüks Bars on Saturday, February 25, 2017 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a combination of fitness classes, inspirational speakers, and a look at nutrition and wellness. For more information, visit the events page at www.kadifit.com.

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FEBRUARY 2017

next time it will be easier and pledge to do one thing better than last time. Then, over time as you build consistency, there is that transformation — that love — because you start to see the changes physically while also starting to build confidence, and you start to enjoy it.”

I then asked Dixon if the end product of getting in shape and finding love through fitness is a great body, because great bodies are pretty much all I see around me when I’m struggling

through a workout anywhere and at any time. Her response surprised me.

“That’s not it at all, a fit body is a byproduct of the experience,” she explains. “All of us feel that the better we feel under our skin and in our body, we have that feeling of confidence, youthfulness and joy radiating.”

I told her, as a guy, I don’t get the meaning of the word joy.

“Guys feel joy, but they don’t always say it,” she replies. “Guys are so much more competitive.

Every time you put them together in a group you see it. Guys don’t really worry as much, they just go. So maybe joy — their love of fitness — comes from handling things, tackling things in a masculine, strong way. But even in competition there is joy.”

So are women different?

Do they feel and share on a different level?

Dixon explains, “Girls have

Trends + Style

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by Lori K. Tate photography by Lisa Crates

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[8] “Do All Things With Love” tank » $48, Well Kept, 624 Jetton Street, Suite 135, Davidson, www.shopwellkept.com.

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29 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

[6] Lake hats » $18 each, The Jewel Box, Birkdale Village, 16915 Birkdale Parkway, Suite C, Huntersville, www.jewelboxonline.com.

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Advertising feature that keeps you up on “current” fashion and gifts.

Boutiques what’s currently

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30 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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Stemming from a love of art and the unusual, our shop is an eclectic blend of gifts, home décor, and art mainly of the tropics. We also offer custom framing from owner Joyce and husband Chip. Surprise your Valentine with this “Fishy” Wall Clock ($60) or the hand carved Indonesian Alligator ($95). This is just a peek of our many gift ideas! Come shop with us and find that perfect, unique piece!

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230 N. Main St., Mooresville, NC 279 Williamson Rd., Ste. F Mooresville, NC 28117 704-663-2880 www.facebook.com/LavendarBoutique Twitter.com/lavendarbtq Instagram.com/lavendarboutique/ Mon-Fri :10-6 Sat :10-5 Sun: 12-5pm

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32 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Tyler Hickey gains speed for USA Bobsled

by Mike Savicki photography by Tyler Hickey

Fast Tra

Tyler Hickey, a Davidson College graduate, has his eyes on piloting a sled for the USA Bobsled Team at the 2020 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing.

The seeds of speed

33 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

cks

To understand why the recent Davidson College graduate with a mathematics degree, published research and wide receiver hands was heading into the fifth of 15 turns as the brakeman on his first two-man run instead of sitting in an analytical think tank or earning an advanced degree, it makes sense to start this story on the snow-covered hills near his childhood home in Illinois. It was there, Hickey says, that he first got a taste for the excitement of movement, and it was there where the seeds of speed were planted.

“Truth be told,” Hickey says, “I grew up sledding and, not grasping the magnitude and complexities of it, joked with high school friends that I could surely do it. So I always had it in the back of my mind that after I graduated I could give it a try but really didn’t think much of it.

“Bobsled wasn’t first on my list,” he continues. “My desire was always to wear USA on my chest and have my name on the back, and I wanted to do it by being a

FEBRUARY 2017

he photo of raw and red cuts, scrapes and third degree burns to his shoulders and back was not the first image novice bobsledder Tyler Hickey planned to share on social media only days after arriving in Park City, Utah to train and race. But because things don’t always go as planned, the image, along with the caption, “This is what happens when you crash at 70 mph and get pinned down to the ice by a 500-pound bobsled,” became his unofficial welcome-to-the-sport memento.

It garnered more emoji reactions than likes while graphically showing friends and followers his career path has a dangerous side. Even Olympians and longtime veterans of the sport agreed it was the worst set of burns they had ever seen.

Navy pilot. I really wanted to serve, so much so that even a few years ago I made calls to a Charlotte Navy recruiter asking if congenital cataracts might be a limiting factor.

When I heard his reply, that little voice that kept telling me to try bobsled got louder. I’d still be wearing the stars and stripes on my chest and still be representing my country, I told myself. It was something I still knew I could do.”

Fast and furious

FEBRUARY 2017

34 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Foregoing his senior year as a Wildcat wide receiver, Hickey instead chose to focus his training on preparing for a post-graduation USA Bobsled and Skeleton columbine tryout, which he had circled on his calendar. His football training easily transitioned to bobsled specific sessions at Champions Sports Performance in Cornelius, where he also worked as a strength and conditioning trainer. And to keep his football mind sharp, Hickey spent the year completing sport specific analytical research with Dr. Timothy Chartier at Davidson College.

Two months after graduating, Hickey’s life shifted to fast and furious.

From a July columbine of 400 invited athletes, he was one of 16 selected to attend a rookie camp in August at the Lake Placid Olympic Training Center. And following that camp, when the list was whittled down to eight, Hickey’s name remained.

Merely weeks after the Winter Park Olympic Bobsled track opened, Hickey joined Team USA athletes to begin making training runs on the newly frozen track in preparation for the upcoming season.

Then, the crash. On his first run, Hickey’s sled entered turn five late, never recovered, exited late high up the 15-foot wall then flipped, pinning both he and his teammate underneath while skidding nearly a half mile upside down before coming to rest in the uphill finishing area.

The friction made quick work of his training suit and burn vest.

“Unfortunately it was kind of an old burn vest, so it went right through,” he recalls.

“While there was enough friction to burn me up, there wasn’t enough to slow the sled down.”

Surgery followed where Hickey received full and partial skin grafts.

Becoming a pilot In what might seem like an ironic, yet fortunate twist of fate, shortly before his crash, Hickey was approached by Team USA coaches and asked if he might consider becoming a pilot instead of a brakeman.

“Understanding the mathematics and physics of the sled, being in charge of my own ‘pit crews,’ making sure the runners are down, things are aligned, learning the steering and the courses, then getting behind the rings,” he says, “what an absolute honor.”

On New Year’s Day 2017, Hickey left his Illinois home fully recuperated and rehabilitated to return to Lake Placid for three months of intense training and racing to finish out the season. (He will return to the Lake Norman area in May for off-season training and to work at the Charlotte tech firm Tresata.)

After one competition as a brakeman, he will make the full-time transition to pilot, the most complex and physically and mentally demanding position in the sport.

And it is as pilot where he will ultimately bring his mathematical mind and wide receiver hands into the sport,

too, learning and mastering the minute physics and performance parameters of preparing, then piloting the sled against top international competition. In those contests, races are determined by tenths and hundredths of a second.

His ultimate goal is to pilot a sled for Team USA in the 2020 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.

The Price of

Training It is a commonly known fact that most aspiring USA Olympic athletes incur a huge financial burden simply to become competitive in their chosen sport. When not training or racing, Tyler Hickey spends the majority of his time developing relationships and building a friend and sponsor family to support his Olympic dream.

Supporters can follow Tyler Hickey on social media and connect with him via his 2017 Go Fund Me page.

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35 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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lake Spaces How we live at the lake

FEBRUARY 2017

37 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Denise and Jeff Carter’s stylish home in Stanley, p. 40 Three couples share why they love retirement living at Lake Norman, p. 48

Denise and Jeff Carter enjoy their relaxing oasis on the west side of the lake.

Photography by Ken Noblezada

dwellings

A COZY

FIT

FEBRUARY 2017

40 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Denise and Jeff Carter downsized in style with Starr Miller’s help

Denise Carter’s craft room perfectly organizes everything she needs, as it offers a comforting space for creativity.

FEBRUARY 2017

41 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

by Lori K. Tate photography by Dustin Peck

very home has a season. Some houses are perfect for couples just starting out, while others work well for families with children. The key is recognizing when your home doesn’t work for you anymore and doing something about it. That’s exactly what Denise and Jeff Carter of Stanley did, and the result is a cozy home that offers all they could ever want at this stage in their lives.

Photography by Ken Noblezada

FEBRUARY 2017

to 30 [kids] there every weekend,” remembers Jeff, who is a native of Charlotte.

Once their children were out on their own, the house felt huge.

“There would be weeks that we wouldn’t even go downstairs,” remembers Denise.

“It was not a house built for two people, and it’s hard to keep Jeff and Denise Carter are happy with how they up a house that big,” chose to downsize. adds Jeff.

Hence the Making the decision decision to downsize.

Luckily For 15 years, Denise and Jeff for the Carters, they had the lived in an 8,500-square-foot inside track on a smaller home (11,000 square feet under roof) they loved.

Their friends had lakeside home in Cornelius. built a home in Stanley but But back then, their two had plans to eventually move children were living with to Raleigh to be closer to their them, and on weekends their grandchild. When Denise and friends would hang out at the Jeff visited their friends in their house. “There were usually 15

new home, they both loved it at first sight.

Soon Denise called her friend and told her that they were interested in the house. Long story short, everything worked out, and the Carters moved into the 4,200-square-foot home a year and a half ago.

Their friends now happily live in Raleigh.

Making it their own Though they loved the size and the open floor plan of the home, they needed to make it their own. For that, they turned to Starr Miller, president and principal designer at Starr Miller Interior Design, Inc. in Cornelius. Miller worked with the couple on their former residence, and Denise and Miller are also friends through the North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club.

The main design focus was lightening the space, which was accomplished by painting

the interior of the home in a palette of light, soothing colors such as Antique White, Sea Salt, Comfort Gray, Grape Mist, Lemon Chiffon, Repose Gray and Stucco — all from Sherwin Williams.

The master suite exhibits this perfectly, as it offers a calm oasis with its custom bedding and headboard. The rug takes on a more contemporary tone but is muted to keep it in check. The crystal lamps that flank the bed were Denise’s grandmother’s. “We painted the gold bases cream and changed the shades to something a little more casual so it wasn’t as formal,” explains Miller. “It was a way to preserve them but not be so stuffy.”

Denise, who grew up in Cornelius, painted two paintings of the lake to provide the lake view that they had Continued on page 44

42 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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dwellings Continued from page 42

enjoyed for so many years.

To continue the peaceful feeling, the bedroom opens up to the pool, where a waterfall flows and plush landscaping envelopes the space. The pool can also be accessed from the kitchen/living room area.

“The most important thing for me is that the grill and the pool were on the same level with the kitchen because at the other house, my outdoor kitchen and pool were down a level,” says Jeff.

A place for everything

FEBRUARY 2017

44

Upstairs the smart use of space continues with a guest suite for their daughter’s family, including a nursery for their grandson, Lucas. Their son also has a guest room upstairs, but the main attraction is Denise’s craft room.

“This was a major man cave,”

says Miller of the space, which now touts light gray walls and a soft pink (White Dogwood) ceiling. “It was a Rubik’s Cube to get all of her things in there.

She needed a desk for working, a desk for sewing. She needed a desk for painting and stamping.

She needed to be able to sit and talk to friends.”

Dianna Lomangino, who works with Miller, worked up various designs before finding one that worked perfectly.

A high craft table sits in the middle of the space fronted by a gray sleeper couch from Stickley Furniture. A hammered metal ottoman from World Market offers storage space and can easily be moved, while craft chest of drawers designed by Martha Stewart allow Denise to organize all of her craft supplies. In addition, a desk sits on each side of the room — one is where she works on her computer, and the other one is her sewing area.

The open dining room features a palette of soft colors that calm the senses.

The focal point of the room is a beach picture painted in bright shades of pink by Denise.

Blackout shades were installed in case the room needs to accommodate guests. “My craft room is more functional here than it was at the other house because everything has it’s own place,” explains Denise.

“Storage was major for me, and this house has a lot of storage for Christmas,

Halloween, Thanksgiving, everything I entertain for. With Starr’s help, she helped me bring in storage,” says Denise, adding that a custom ottoman in the living room houses lots of blankets and toys.

“Denise makes decisions fast and knows what she wants,” adds Miller. “I love the way things go together in this house.”

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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Senior Living

The Time of

by Lori K. Tate photography by Allison Hinman and Brant Waldeck

Shirley & Larry Ramsey

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Photography by Brant Waldeck

FEBRUARY 2017

48

Photography by Brant Waldeck

Photography by Allison Hinman

Their Lives

Betty & Joe Scrivo

Linda & Dan Sowry

Seniors are flocking to the Lake Norman area, so we met with some of them to find out what makes this a hot spot for retirement

riving around the Lake Norman area, it’s obvious that more and more people are moving here each year. And one of the biggest demographics moving into the area is senior citizens. According to 2015 data from the United States Census Bureau, 10.3 percent of Mecklenburg County’s population is 65 or older. That’s up from 8.8 percent in 2010.

Many seniors follow their children here, while some are lured by the weather and the area’s top-ranked healthcare systems.

Others just want to make a fresh start and downsize into an active adult community. Regardless of the reason, seniors are putting all the gold they can into their golden years these days.

We met with three local senior couples to find out more.

Photography courtesy of Coleen Wright

Photography by Allison Hinman

Coleen Wright

Thinking of Downsizing?

Coleen Wright of Keller Williams Lake Norman offers seven tips 1. Start early. A year or longer is not too early to begin the process. Give your family plenty of time as well.

Photography by Allison Hinman

3. Set a timetable. Stick to it. Have hard dates, like clean out attic by X date. This will give adult children or college students some sense of urgency and give you small wins along the way.

Shirley and Larry Ramsey | Trilogy, Denver Shirley and Larry Ramsey made the decision while sitting on the beach. They both knew it was time to downsize and move into the next chapter of their lives. With that revelation, they bought a “for sale by owner” sign and put their Mooresville lakeside home on the market.

For 18 years, their 3,600-square-foot home was wonderful for entertaining family, but over time they both lost their parents and siblings. “Our family dwindled down to Wendy [Burkhouse] and our grandkids,” explains Shirley. “Wendy is our only child. It just got to the place where it was just a lot of upkeep, especially the yard.”

The Ramseys had recently visited friends in Sun City Carolina Lakes, an active adult community south of Charlotte, and loved it. “We were like, ‘This is it. This is the way we want to retire,’ ” remembers Shirley. “We want something active and people our own age to have a good time with.”

When they found out about Trilogy in Denver,

they knew the 55+ community was where they needed to be. A year ago they moved into their new home there, just 30 minutes from their grandchildren in Mooresville.

Though the clubhouse is still under construction, Trilogy provides activities like line dancing lessons and cooking classes for its residents. In addition to those activities, the Ramseys enjoy walking around the neighborhood, participating in the Lake Norman Shag Club and traveling. A recent excursion involved flying to Los Angeles and renting a van with a tour guide. “We traveled 2,000 miles with our group of friends,” recalls Shirley. “We went all over California. It was wonderful.”

Both Larry and Shirley agree that their main hobby is their grandchildren and their activities.

“We go to all of their games,” says Shirley. “If we’re in town, we go. We love doing all of that with them.”

5. Talk to your financial planner early. If you don’t have one, hire the advice of one. Many times people feel like they want to pay cash, or use all of their proceeds toward their new home when in fact most financial planners suggest reinvesting your cash/proceeds and borrowing money while rates are still low.

6. The number one thing I hear over and over is, “Where is my ‘blank’ going to fit in this new house?” and the answer usually is, “It isn’t.” Downsizing is a new and exciting chapter and one that deserves a clean slate or as close to one as possible. It is also important to work with an agent who specializes in downsizing. Ask for references if it makes you more comfortable. Agents offer support, guidance and connections that will make the transition smooth — and even enjoyable.

49 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

4. Be realistic about the “value” of your items. Storage can end up costing more than replacing your things with new ones. If you go the storage route, set a hard timeline on how long you leave it there.

FEBRUARY 2017

Photography by Allison Hinman

2. Know and discuss how you plan to eliminate and distribute you things.

Photography by Brant Waldeck

Photography by Brant Waldeck

Senior Living

Betty and Joe Scrivo | The Glens at Birkdale, Huntersville

FEBRUARY 2017

50 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Betty and Joe Scrivo moved to Huntersville from Florida a year and a half ago upon the recommendation of their daughter and son, as their daughter lives in Mooresville. “I said to Joe, ‘When they were growing up they never gave us any problems, so why should we give them problems?’ ” recalls Betty, 79. (Joe is 83.)

That said, the couple moved to a 1,100-square-foot duplex at The Glens at Birkdale from their home in Ocala, Florida.

Originally from upstate New York, they had moved to Florida 12 years ago, but they both say that this has been the best move they’ve made.

“It’s [the Lake Norman area] close to everything. We’re five minutes from the doctor. The library is right across the street, which I love. We have a wonderful little library here, too,” says Betty, who helps her

neighbor shelve books there.

Both of them work out three times a week at Anytime Fitness, and Joe, a licensed commercial pilot for small planes, recently rekindled his love of flying at the Concord Regional Airport. “When he came home [ from the airport] he was so happy, smile on his face, and I said, ‘You better do that more often,’ ” recalls Betty. Joe plans to go back once the weather breaks.

As for other activities, they enjoy playing cards, going sight seeing and being members of St. Mark Catholic Church.

“It’s so nice to see babies and children.

Where we lived, we were in a 55 and older community and the whole southwest of Ocala was 55 and older, and we never saw young people,” explains Betty. “It’s such a joy to hear the babies in church and see the little children coming.”

Betty and Joe have found people in the Lake Norman area to be extremely friendly and welcoming. Soon after they moved here, Betty ended up at Novant Huntersville with pancreatitis. They were happy to find not only capable healthcare providers in the area, but also compassionate ones.

Now that she’s healed, the Scrivos are busy doing the things that they love. “I think it’s important to keep busy and active. I think that living in a community like this, there’s always an activity going on during the day,” says Betty. “It’s important to socialize with people. …I have friends back home that don’t get out. They watch TV all day.”

Continued on page 52

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I’d like to thank the broker team of Joe and Julie, for making this a smooth and enjoyable process.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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Linda and Dan Sowry | Bailey’s Glen, Cornelius

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

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Senior Living

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Moving to Bailey’s Glen in Cornelius changed Linda and Dan Sowry’s lives.

“We would still be working if we hadn’t of moved here,” says Linda, who is 64.

Dan is three years older. “This is like the third quarter of our life where we get to enjoy being active. It really is. Actually, we both retired because we felt like we were missing something.”

They aren’t missing anything now, as their calendar is booked with fun activities, including going on a Caribbean cruise this month with 60 of their neighbors. “You go up to the pool in the summertime, it’s like resort living, but it’s definitely not like a retirement community. It’s an active adult community,” explains Linda. “I think that’s why people move here.”

Dan and Linda lived in a 2,300-squarefoot house three miles away in Huntersville for 18 years before making the move to Bailey’s Glen. When their only child got married, they decided they didn’t need a big house anymore. They bought the seventh house in Bailey’s

Glen, and that was six years ago.

Since then they’ve made a ton of friends and learned to simply enjoy life. They both play pickleball, and the men have a group called the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) who go out for breakfast on Friday mornings. A group of ladies from the neighborhood recently went into Charlotte to see the Nutcracker during the holidays.

“There’s so much activity going on,” says Linda, adding that Friday night is “pub night” at the clubhouse. “We’ve done line dancing because they have line dancing classes. We’ve done zumba.

We took shag lessons. We took ballroom dancing years ago. They have so many classes.”

And of course they enjoy spending time with their daughter and her family, who live a mere 20 minutes away in Denver. “When we retired we didn’t want to be looking at each other sitting at home,” says Linda. “We wanted to be able to do things with people our own age and just enjoy this time in our life.”

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Lake Norman’s Finest Restaurants, Pubs and Wine Bars Now Hiring

Morrison Plantation Shops (Near Harris Teeter)

704.660.5577 | www.BluStarGrill.com 120-A Market Place Ave. Mooresville, NC Morrison Plantation Shops (Near Harris Teeter)

704.660.5577 | www.BluStarGrill.com

CookHouse Southern Dining 20936 Torrence Chapel Road Cornelius, NC 28031 (Exit 28 – Shops on the Green Plaza)

704-895-2250

Monday-Saturday 5:30am-9pm Sunday 7am-2:30pm Breakfast Served All Day!

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year we typically see them. Some Christmas trees are sprayed prior

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197 Medical Park Rd., Ste. 201

704-664-3624

FEBRUARY 2017

20525 N. Main St. Cornelius, NC 28031

MOORESVILLE

55 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

LNC 1216 Book.indb 53

12/7/16 3:07 PM

Living Well Your local resource for health and wellness services near you Audiology Piedmont HealthCare Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD Susie Riggs, AuD

140 Gateway Blvd.

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638

Cardiology Piedmont HealthCare Gary K. DeWeese, MD, FACC

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829

Dermatology PHC – Mooresville Dermatology Center Naomi Simon, MD Scott Paviol, MD Kristin Prochaska, PA-C Lauren Wilson, PA-C 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827

FEBRUARY 2017

PHC – Wolfe Dermatology Steven F. Wolfe, MD Jennifer Bender, PA-C

114 Gateway Blvd., Unit D Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-2085

Riva Aesthetic Dermatology

General Dermatology, Coolsculpting, 56 all Fillers, Laser/IPL Botox, LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Kerry M. Shafran, MD, FAAD Lindsay Jayson, MPAS, PA-C Keri Squittieri, MMS, PA-C Mari Klos, CMA, LE 704-896-8837 Cornelius www.Rivaderm.com

Ears, Nose and Throat Piedmont HealthCare Keith Meetze, MD Thomas Warren, MD Herb Wettreich, MD Fred New, Jr., ANP

140 Gateway Blvd.

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638

Family Medicine Piedmont HealthCare Timothy A. Barker, MD Edward S. Campbell, MD Heather C. Kompanik, MD Bruce L. Seaton, DO Veronica Bradley, PA Sherard Spangler, PA

357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328

Piedmont HealthCare Tiana Losinski,MD

206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite J Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-4801

Piedmont HealthCare James W. McNabb, MD

435 East Statesville Avenue Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704-663-5056

Piedmont HealthCare Alisa C. Nance, MD Lana Simmons, FNP-C

150 Fairview Road, Suite 210 Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-235-0300

Iredell Family Medicine Emily Nabors, MD FAAFP Jodi Stutts, MD

544 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-5190

Pellegrino Family Medicine Yvette-Marie Pellegrino, MD, FAAFP Lori Sumner, PA-C 544 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-360-9299

Gastroenterology Charlotte Gastroenterology and Hepatology John H. Moore, III, MD Steven A. Josephson, MD Scott A. Brotze, MD Michael W. Ryan, MD

Piedmont HealthCare Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD

124 Professional Park Dr, Ste A Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-3077

Piedmont HealthCare Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD

9735 Kincey Avenue, Ste 203 Huntersville, NC 28078 • 704-766-9050

Obstetrics/Gynecology Piedmont HealthCare James Al-Hussaini, MD Laura Arigo, MD Katie Collins, DO Grant Miller, MD James Wilson, MD Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD Lauren Crosslin, CNM Melissa Poole, CNM Erica Ehland,CNM

Lake Norman Offices 13808 Professional Center Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078 131 Medical Park Road, Suite 102 150 Fairview Rd., Ste. 120 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-1282 Mooresville, NC 28117 Appointment line 704-377-0246 Occupational Medicine www.charlottegastro.com Locations also in Charlotte, Ballantyne, SouthIredell Occupational Medicine Park & Matthews

Piedmont HealthCare Carl A. Foulks, Jr., MD Amy Larreur, ANP-C

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021

Piedmont HealthCare Vivek Trivedi, MD Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021

Internal Medicine Piedmont HealthCare Manish G. Patel, MD Julie Abney, PA Andrea Brock, PA-C

128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001

Piedmont HealthCare John C. Gatlin, MD LuAnne V. Gatlin, MD Andora Lippard, FNP-C

548 Williamson Road, Suite 6 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-5520

Stout Internal Medicine & Wellness Dr. Sam Stout 444 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-9310

Joe Wolyniak, DO

128 E. Plaza Dr., Unit 3 Mooresville, NC 28115 • 980-444-2630

Piedmont HealthCare Frederick U. Vorwald, MD

125 Days Inn Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-9111

Orthopaedic Surgery Piedmont HealthCare Scott Brandon, MD Byron E. Dunaway, MD Brett L. Feldman, MD Alex Seldomridge III, MD Kim Lefreniere, PA-C Sherry Dawn Repass, FNP-BC

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829

Iredell Orthopaedic Center Jason Batley, MD

544 Brawley School Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-0956

Orthopedic Surgery – Spine Piedmont HealthCare Alex Seldomridge, III, MD

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1838

Neurology

Physiatry –Interventional Spine Care

Piedmont HealthCare Dharmen S. Shah, MD

Iredell NeuroSpine Dr. Peter Miller, Ph.D

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100

544 Brawley School Road 28117 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-954-8277 Petermillermd.com

Piedmont HealthCare Harsh Govil, MD, MPH Thienkim Walters, PA-C April Hatfield, FNP-C

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829

Piedmont HealthCare Jacqueline Zinn, MD

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1838

PULMONOLOGY Piedmont HealthCare Enrique Ordaz MD Jose Perez MD Ahmed Elnaggar, MD

125 Days Inn Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-838-8240

Rheumatology Piedmont HealthCare Sean M. Fahey, MD Dijana Christianson, DO

128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001

Urgent Care Piedmont HealthCare Express Care Frederick U. Vorwald, MD 125 Days Inn Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-9111

Dine + Wine Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

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57 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Made-from-scratch baked goods are a staple at the newly opened Salon Café in Cornelius.

Block & Grinder makes exploring new wines easy, p. 58 Cooking with beer, p. 59 Cornelius’ Salon Café offers worldly tastes, p. 60 Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, p. 61

Photography

by Ben Sherrill

Dine + Wine

Wine Time

Greater Than the Block & Grinder makes Sum of Its Parts exploring new wines simple

by Trevor Burton

The theme of Block & Grinder is farm to table — ingredients

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58 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

sourced from local producers, ingredients that have their own, unique character that flows through into the dishes on the menu. Wine is considered in the same fashion.

Sam Bilski, the general manager and self-confessed wine geek, gets most of his wines from small volume producers. Some he knows personally, others he has researched thoroughly. So, like the dishes on offer, wines that accompany them have their own unique characteristics.

Intentionally, Bilski shies away from wines that are high volume, consistent commodities because he wants his guests to get something special.

Here are a couple of examples. A while ago, along with a group of friends, my wife and I sat down to a special, six course tasting menu prepared

by Chef Ethan Moyer. We left the wine choices up to Bilski.

An early course was asparagus, quail egg, brown butter and benne seeds — there’s a lot of hard work that goes into writing this column.

Bilski’s wine choice was a Grüner Veltliner from Austria. Grüner Veltliner is a simple wine that’s one of our favorites. But here’s where it got interesting, this particular wine was from a single vineyard and at the highest quality level designated by Austrian law.

Going back to my original point, Bilski wants his guests to get something special — and

“Wine guide” Ben Higdon (left) with General Manager Sam Bilski, holding a glass of Tocai Friulano.

this was spectacular. `Another example occurred when I interviewed Bilski for this article. He poured each of us a glass of wine. It was a wine he offers by the glass. This baby was a Tocai Friulano from the Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Say what! This is a grape from the northeastern part of Italy that has a story that’s way too long to go into here. To find a domestic wine made from it is unusual, to say the least. To find it by the glass is amazing.

Sipping the wine was a treat, but it got better, as Bilski has created an interesting pricing strategy. All of his glasses of wine are offered at the same price. There are the usual suspects like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, but this little nugget is also there. Pricing wines that way makes it really easy to go exploring — as in,

“Let’s try the Tocai Friulano. It’s the same price as the others, and it might be interesting.” I like that.

All this might sound like you need a PhD in wine just to peruse the wine list. Not so, for two reasons. First, there are plenty of easily recognizable wines on Bilski’s list. And most of them have a story of their own to tell. For instance, one of his Cabernet Sauvignons is from a vineyard that Bilski knows well. It’s a vineyard that, as well as producing its own wines, sells grapes to some of the more famous (even cult) vineyards in Napa Valley. Block & Grinder’s wine sells for just a fraction of the more famous label. Great value, same quality wine at a much lower price. I’m constantly in search of wines like that.

The second reason for not

having to have earned a PhD in wine is the way Block & Grinder trains its serving staff.

My wife and I got to experience that firsthand at the tasting menu event that I talked about earlier. Our server that evening was Ben Higdon. His knowledge and enthusiasm added to our experience, as he was more of a guide than a server. So, no expertise required, just bring your taste buds.

A list of wines that has an individual tale to tell. Add them all up and you’ve got an impressive document. By the way, if you’d like to try a tasting menu, get a group together and give Bilski a call. It’s something that they enjoy doing. lock & Grinder B 130 Landings Drive Mooresville www.blockandgrinder.com

On Tap

We Bring Your Dreams to Life.

COOKING WITH BEER “When I think of cooking with beer, the first word that comes to mind is hearty,” says Chris Phillips, co-owner and chef at Harp & Crown in Cornelius. “I think of stews, braising, taking your time, low and slow, and getting it right.

And I think of comfort foods with a twist, especially in winter.”

While there is no science behind cooking with beer, there are, according to Chris, a few menu items that lend themselves to a little Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s or beer of your choosing.

by Mike Savicki

Guinness is great for braising.

Photography by Mike Savicki

THINK COMFORT FOOD WITH A TWIST

For the best taste, Chris suggests making Guinness about 75 percent of your braising liquid then adding a little molasses to take the edge off and add some sweetness. As far as experimenting with other dishes in the kitchen, why not add a little beer to pretzel cheese, braise some onions and mushrooms as a topping to a burger, or even use some Guinness-braised beef as the centerpiece to pot pie with pearl onions, thyme and potatoes?

If you are thinking of giving your cooking a new twist by adding a little beer, both Chris and his wife, Christina, have some advice.

“My advice, which is also my approach, is to keep it simple,” says Chris. “Pick something that isn’t intimidating and don’t worry about sticking too close to a recipe, especially a complicated one. Put a bit more beer in if that’s your fancy, and have a couple swigs yourself, too.

“And no matter what you choose to prepare,” he adds, “do it with honesty and integrity. Don’t rush, don’t cut corners and don’t be critical of yourself. If you take the time to focus on what you are doing, don’t take shortcuts and don’t rush through it, then what you’ll have at the end will be something you are proud of preparing and serving.”

“You’ve got to put the love in there, too,” adds Christina.“I have known two chefs to make the same thing using the same recipe, and I always know the one that was made with love.”

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HUNTERSVILLE 16235 Northcross Dr • Huntersville, NC 28078 704.892.6466 • www.hugheshuntersville.com

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Guinness-braised beef brisket “Whatever it is that you are braising, I suggest using a lot of Guinness,” Chris suggests. “Have you ever read the menu and said, ‘Wow, that sounds great,’ but then what you eat doesn’t taste like what you thought it might? That happens a lot to me, and I don’t want that to happen with the customers who read our menu, so I tend to be liberal with the Guinness.”

FEBRUARY 2017

Traditional fish and chips “The thing with using beer in a batter, especially in fish and chips, is it will affect the flavor some, sure, but what it affects most is the color,” explains Chris. “And we taste with our eyes as much as our mouth, so if you use Smithwick’s (an Irish ale), for example, the batter comes out very dark, whereas if you use Harp, or any other lager for that matter, it gives you more the golden hue that’s pleasing to the eye.”

Dine + Wine

Nibbles & Bites

Cups and Comfort Food

Salon Café

STATS

by Holly Becker Photography by Ben Sherrill

Cuisine

Cornelius’ Salon Café offers worldly tastes STEP INTO SALON CAFÉ ON HWY 115 IN CORNELIUS, and

FEBRUARY 2017

60 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

you’ll find the atmosphere as warm and cozy as the coffee and tea on its menu. The bistrostyle tables and chairs, inviting sofa and rocking chairs on the porch provide a perfect setting for reminiscing with friends over a cup of coffee or soaking in some alone time with a book or magazine.

Owner Jeannie Williams was intentional about creating an inviting gathering spot.

“Life is all about people and relationships. We live in a fastpaced world, where we often don’t take time for each other,” she explains. “We built this building for ministry, to have people come to a place where they can gather with family and friends. I want to know people’s names when they walk in.”

An eclectic mix The name, Salon Café, says it all. The front half of the house is a café, and the back of the house is a full-service hair salon and nail spa. Williams bought the salon a year ago and remodeled the front to house the café. She also constructed a covered porch.

Williams has been in the

salon industry for more than 20 years, managing five salons for the Regis Corporation and her own salon in Myrtle Beach.

Though a novice at running a coffee shop and bakery, Williams has done her homework during the last year, including visiting and consulting with another coffee/hair salon in Tennessee.

Craig Blaney, who formerly worked with Summit Coffee in Davidson and now runs Sky Mountain Coffee at Lowe’s Corporate Center in Mooresville, also helped Williams learn the ropes.

Salon Café’s beverages include an array of coffee and tea, and specialty drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and hot chocolate.

Drinks can be made with dairy milk, as well as almond, soy and coconut milk. The menu features Sky Mountain Coffee and Monin brand syrups, which contain pure cane sugar.

A tribute to heritage

In addition to drinks, there are a variety of made-fromscratch baked goods available.

One of Salon Café’s bestsellers is Williams’ famous carrot cake. “I’ve been told I have the best carrot cake ever,” says Williams, beaming a big smile.

She does much of the baking herself, but also partners with an Amish bakery in Pennsylvania and Made-from-scratch baked goods await at Queen City Bakery in Salon Café.

Charlotte.

Café style drinks, baked goods, sandwiches, soups

Price Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Jeannie and Alan Williams

William’s passion for baking developed in childhood. “I spent summers baking as a teen with my Aunt Lorraine, who owned a bakery on the Rangeley Lakes in Maine,” she recalls.

Breakfast sandwiches and bagels are available in the morning. Lunchtime features fresh chicken salad and tuna on croissants and seasonal soups and chili.

The menu is a tribute to Williams’ heritage. The Amish sugar cookies, whoopee pies and Pennsylvania-Dutch chili reflect her childhood spent in York County, Pennsylvania.

On Saturdays, she serves homemade crepes, a nod to her mother’s French roots.

Jeannie’s husband, Alan, is a native of Adelaide, Australia.

Some of his favorites from the Land Down Under are also featured on the menu, including Australian meat pies and limingtons, a delectable sponge cake rolled in dark chocolate and coconut.

Williams is excited about starting something new with Salon Café. “I love life,” she says.

“It’s an adventure…a journey.”

Attire Casual

Atmosphere Date night Group friendly Family friendly Going solo Business lunch Wi-Fi

PRICE KEY 15 and under

$

25 and under

$

50 and under

$

75 and under

$

This includes an entree and a non-alcoholic beverage.

Salon Café 20822 N. Main Street, Cornelius Café Hours: Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Closed Sundays Salon Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Closed Sundays

Photography courtesy of Jill Dahan

DARK CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE February is National Chocolate Lovers Month, and the darker the chocolate, the more chocked it is with bodyhugging iron, potassium, fiber, antioxidants and flavonoids. These are not only heart beneficial but are a real boost mentally, too.

This sensuously moist cake relies on creamy dark chocolate, protein-rich eggs, grass-fed fresh butter and a touch of coconut sugar to give a heart-quickening chocolate intensity and a tender melt-in-your-mouth taste. It’s a decadent dessert you can feel good about without having to choose between delicious and healthy.

I love this cake, as there is only a smattering of ingredients needed, and the recipe works so easily. It’s quick to whip up, and the taste is sublime. So if February gives you lemons, throw them back and ask for chocolate so you can whip up this cake in a jiffy.

7 ounces dark chocolate (70 percent or above — Theo or Equal Exchange brands are yummy.)

5 tablespoons coconut sugar (I like Big Tree brand.)

Jill Dahan

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean powder, optional (available at Whole Foods in the spices) 4 large responsibly laid eggs 9 tablespoons unsalted butter (Kerrygold is wonderful.)

Butter for greasing the pan’s sides and bottom, and organic powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Melt the butter in a saucepan on low until melted and then turn the heat off and mix in the chocolate until fully incorporated. Add in the sugar and vanilla and combine thoroughly. Cool 10 minutes. Meanwhile, separate the egg yolks from the whites and carefully place the whites in a separate clean bowl wiped with vinegar to remove any residual grease that would prevent the whites from beating fully. Mix the yolks into the cooled chocolate mixture and set aside.

Beat the egg whites on high with an electric mixer about three to four minutes until the mixture is white and looks like whipped cream. Fold 1/4 of the whites into the chocolate mixture gently and do not over mix. Pour the chocolate mixture into the whites, and fold together gently just until combined. Pour into a greased ovenproof seven- or eight-inch removable bottom pan and bake at 350 F for about 11 to 13 minutes until just set and a knife in the center brings out a few crumbs. Remove sides and dust with powdered sugar. Cut into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature with ice cream if desired. Makes eight slices.

FEBRUARY 2017

ill Dahan lives in Cornelius and is the author of Starting J Fresh! Recipes for Life. You can learn more about her at www.jilldahan.com.

Ingredients

Photography by Glenn Roberson

In the Kitchen with Jill Dahan

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at the Lake

a month of things to do at the Lake Date Night CHILDREN

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Through February 5) Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, on their journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts’ desires. Follow this band of misfits down the yellow brick road as they encounter all the famous characters from the pen of L. Frank Baum: the Munchkins, Glinda the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch of the West, and the great and powerful Oz himself! Produced

by Davidson Community Players’ Connie Company. Time and prices TBA. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

CONCERTS

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Side-BySide Concert (February 16) After 10 years, the Davidson College Symphony Orchestra is delighted to perform side by side once again with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, right here on Davidson’s campus. The repertoire will include uplifting and powerful audience favorites.

Conducted by Christopher Warren-Green, music director of the Charlotte Symphony.

7:30 p.m. $13.99. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Bach & Beyond: Joseph Meyer, Violin (February 12) Artist Associate in Violin and Associate Concertmaster of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Joseph Meyer will perform a recital including works from Bach, Bartók and Ysaye.

3 p.m. Free. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Joy of Singing (February 18) Davidson College has gathered the choral talent from local public and private high schools to perform their separate mini-concerts. More than 200 singers will grace the stage of Davidson’s Duke Family Performance Hall. The singers will join the Davidson College Choirs to close the evening with a grand finale.

4 p.m. $4.66. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Duo “2” (February 12) The Alexander Community Concert Serioes presents Duo “2”

Music at St. Albans (February 19) Renowned Russian-born pianist Margarita Nuller brings

Photography courtesy of Davidson Community Players

FEBRUARY 2017

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Erica Cice & David Gilliland, Piano (February 5) Renowned oboist Erica Cice collaborates with accomplished pianist David Gilliland to offer a rare treat.

Since 2011, Erica has been the adjunct oboe professor at Davidson and is on faculty at the Performing Arts Institute summer music program in Kingston, Pennsylvania. 3 p.m. Free. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

— Peter Bloom, flutist, and Mary Jane Rupert, pianist.

This duo has been heralded as “the very best players playing at the height of their powers.” Savor their beautiful phrasing, consummate duet passages, and superb technical flair. 3 p.m. Reception to meet the musicians, with refreshments, follows the concert. Adults $15, seniors and students $10, children under 12 free. The Episcopal Church of St. Peter by-theLake, 8433 Fairfield Forest Road, Denver, 704.489.6249, spbtlkate@yahoo.com.

Davidson Community Players’ present A Streetcar Named Desire February 23-March 12.

Girls’ Night Out an exciting recital program of classics, including works by Beethoven, Schumann and Prokofiev. 3 p.m. $15, students and young adults under 25 $10, seniors (62+)$10, children under 12 free. Music at St. Alban’s, St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson, www.musicatstalbansdavidson.org.

Lake Norman Big Band (February 20) The Lake Norman Big Band plays every third Monday night at The Finish Line Restaurant in Mooresville. The show features favorite hits from the big band era and more. 7-9 p.m. $20 cover (includes buffet dinner). Call 704.664.2695 for reservations. The Finish Line Restaurant at George Pappas Victory Lanes, 125 Morlake Drive, Mooresville, www. thelakenormanbigband.org.

Big Ron Hunter (February 21) Ron is called the world’s happiest Bluesman. His performance will give a glimpse into the dynamic sound of the Piedmont blues, a greatly neglected movement of the blues in the twentieth century. 7:30 p.m. $13.99. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Liz Longley, Singer/Songwriter (February 25) Liz Longley confides with you as though you’re sitting on the sofa with her in a talk that’s intimate and vulnerable. And now, the Berklee College of Music graduate and award-winning songwriter is set to share her confessional songs with listeners on her sophomore album coming out on Sugar Hill Records this August. 8 p.m. $15.85. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Shakespeare in Song: Broadus Hamilton with Cynthia Lawing & Randy Ingram (February 28) Tenor Broadus Hamilton will perform a selection of Shakespeare’s sonnets and songs, accompanied by the music department’s Cynthia Lawing. English Professor Randy Ingram will offer remarks about the contexts of the pieces, from the manuscripts of Shakespeare’s time to the Valentines of 2017. 7:30 p.m. Free. Tyler-Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Family Fun EVENTS

Paddle to the Past — The Battle of Cowan’s Ford (February 1) Historic Latta Plantation along with the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve hosts a unique historic and natural science opportunity.

Enjoy a guided tour of a 5-mile stretch of the Catawba River, by kayak or canoe. On February 1st, 1781 Lord Cornwallis and approximately 5,000 British soldiers crossed the Catawba River at Cowan’s Ford on the north side of Mecklenburg County. Major General William Lee Davidson, with about 500 militiamen, were on the opposite bank to give a thunderous welcome. What is known as the Battle of Cowan’s Ford erupted. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $40 per person, all ages welcome — children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.lattaplantation.org.

Heart Party (February 11) Join Cornelius Arts Center for its annual HeART pARTy. Enjoy Valentine’s Day card making, arts & crafts and refreshments at this free, family friendly event.

9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.

Black History Month Celebration (February 18) The Cornelius PARC Department, along with the Smithville Community Coalition, celebrates Black History Month with performances, children’s activities, memorabilia, and more. 1-4 p.m. Free. Cornelius Town Hall, www.cornelius.org.

Rotary Global Swimarathon (February 25) Be part of the world’s biggest one-day swimming event. The funds raised for this project will benefit Rotary’s signature project End Polio Now. Swim 125 yards (five lanes) and donate $5 to end polio. Swimmers of all abilities are welcome. 2-5 p.m. To register swimmers visit us at http:// www.lakenormanrotary.org/ rotary-global-swimarathon.php.

Huntersville Aquatics Center.

FILM

Ethan Uslan (February 5) Ethan Uslan, world-renowned jazz and ragtime pianist, returns to The Warehouse. He performs silent film accommpaniment and solo piano pieces through Warehouse Cin-

Me Time ema. 2:30 p.m. $19, 2:30 p.m.

Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius, 704.996.7724, www.warehousepac.com Warehouse Cinema (February 10-12) Microbe and Gasoline is a French comedy/drama.

Microbe, a shy, aspiring artist, has trouble making friends at school until he meets Gasoline, a like-minded outcast. Together they hatch a plan to build a car and spend their summer on an epic road trip across France.

This charming adventure from Michel Gondry (Mood Indigo, Be Kind Rewind) has been called his “most satisfying movie since Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” reminding us how friendships can help us reach our true potential. Fri-Sat 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sun 2:30 p.m.

Doors open 30 minutes before showing. $10 admission, $7 students, plus tax. Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius, 704.996.7724, www.warehousepac.com.

GALLERIES

Brick Row Art Gallery Various exhibitions. Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or by appointment.

21325 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, look for Brick Row Art Gallery on Facebook.

Cornelius Arts Center Various exhibitions. Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-noon.

19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.

“Cotton” Ketchie’s Landmark Galleries Various exhibitions.

The work of watercolorist ‘Cotton’ Ketchie. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 212 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.4122, www.landmark-galleries.com.

Depot Art Gallery Various exhibits. 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville, www.magart.org.

Foster’s Frame and Art Gallery Various exhibitions.

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10a.m.-4p.m. 403 N. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, 704.948.1750.

Four Corners Framing and Gallery Various exhibitions.

Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 112 S. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.662.7154, www.fcfgframing.com.

Lake Country Gallery Various

The Artisan Market Craft Crawl (First Saturday) Formerly known as the Mooresville Craft Crawl, this market features baked goods, clothing, embroidery, jewelry, paintings, Big Ron Hunter performs the blues at pottery, quilts Davidson College on February 21. and woodcarvings with an exhibitions. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 edge. 5-9 p.m. p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exit Free. Mooresville Town 36 – Mooresville, between Square across from Lowe’s Belk and Kohl’s, 704.664.5022, Foods. https://www.facebook. www.lakecountrygallery.net. com/artisanmarketnc.

Sanctuary of Davidson Various exhibitions. 108 S. Main Street, Davidson, www. sanctuaryofdavidson.com.

Tropical Connections Various exhibitions. Tue- Fri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. 230 N. Main Street, Mooresville, www.tropicalconnectionslakenorman.com.

Carolina Raptor Center Live bird presentations, flight shows, behind-the-scenes tours and more take place at Carolina Raptor Center throughout the month.

Davidson Farmer’s Market (February 4 and 18) 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Next to Town Hall between Main

SPORTS

Davidson College Men’s Basketball Every season seems to get better and better.

Could Davidson College go back to the big dance this year? Rhode Island (February 3, 7 p.m.), George Mason (February 8, 7 p.m.), George Washington (February 15, 7 p.m.), Dayton (February 24, 9 p.m.), St. Bonaventure (February 28, 7 p.m.). John M. Belk Arena, Davidson College, www.davidsonwildcats.com.

Davidson College Women’s Basketball The Lady Wildcats take to the court for another great season. Dayton (February 1, 7 p.m.), Rhode Island (February 11, 2 p.m.), Fordham (February 14, 7 p.m.). John M. Belk Arena, Davidson College, www.davidsonwildcats.com.

THEATRE

Sylvia (Through February 4) A modern romantic comedy about a marriage and a dog.

Empty nesters Greg and Kate are living the good life when Greg falls for Sylvia, a happygo-lucky lab/poodle in search of a home. Unfortunately, Kate does not want Sylvia to be in her home. It’s canine vs. human, and may the best species win. Thu-Sat 8 p.m.; Sunday, January 29 2 p.m. $20, seniors/students $15.

Warehouse PAC, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius, www.warehousepac.com.

Acting Classes for kids to adults!

• Acting for the Camera • Improv • Musical Theatre • Modeling • Singing AOS instructors are all Working Actors in TV and Film.

Come Try a Class for FREE!

19900 S. Main Street, Suite 2 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 246-7118 • actingoutstudio.com Middletown (February 22-26) Middletown is a deeply moving and quirky contemporary play exploring the universe of a small American town. As a friendship develops between longtime resident John and new arrival Mary, the lives of the inhabitants of Middletown intersect in strange and poignant ways in a journey that takes them from the local library to outer space and points between. Contains strong language and mature themes. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Wed-Sat 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. $12.

The Barber Theatre, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

A Streetcar Named Desire (February 23-March 12) This award-winning masterpiece follows troubled former schoolteacher Blanche DuBois as she leaves small-town Mississippi and moves in with her sister, Stella Kowalski and her husband, Stanley, in New Orleans. Blanche’s flirtatious Southern-belle presence causes problems for Stella and Stanley, who already have a volatile relationship. Williams’s portrait of sex, class and secrets is regarded as one of the finest plays of the 20th

century. Thu-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 2 p.m. $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $12 for students (in advance). Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Aquila Theatre in William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing (March 1) Mistaken identity, espionage, and deceptions take center stage in Shakespeare’s famous comedy. This classic farce is a tale of matchmaking and romantic mischief.

When the soldier Claudio returns from war to his fiancé Hero, the two conspire to set up the sharp-witted and belligerent Benedict and Beatrice.

Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s last comedies and is considered one of his crowning masterpieces.

For their 25th Anniversary season, Aquila Theatre tackles this classic romantic comedy with their signature physicality and remarkable dramatization.

This performance is part of The C. Shaw and Nancy K. Smith Artist Series. 8 p.m. $10-$22. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

SINCE 2011

MUSIC ON MAIN EVENT PLACE

F E A T U R

FEBRUARY 18 6:30 PM

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Daniel D.

THE PREMIER

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UTE THE TOWN CHICAGO TRIB OF MOOR ESVILLE P MUSIC ON RESENTS MAIN IND T H E BAND IN THE OOR CON CERT SER I E S CHARLOTTE AREA

For more information, please contact the Mooresville Recreation Department. www.MooresvilleRecreation.org www.facebook.com/MooresvilleRecreation

Office Hours 8:30AM – 5:00PM 704-663-7026

RARY VIOLINIST

3.18.17 6:30 IN TH E EVENING CHARLES M ACK CITIZ EN CENTER MAIN STRE ET, MOORE SVILLE For Tickets , Contact 7 04.663.70 MusicOnMa 26 in.TicketLe ap.com/Da nielD

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63 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

MONTHLY EVENTS

2nd Friday Street Festival (Every second Friday) This event features many of the area’s most talented and innovative artists and craftsmen while showcasing a fabulous lineup of entertainment including local bands, performance groups, live art demonstrations and much more. Area businesses will be out to impress, offering special sales and incentives to event guests, who can also enjoy a variety of food and drinks from local breweries and food. 6-10 p.m. Free.

19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www.oldtowncornelius.com.

Richard’s Coffee Shop & Veterans Museum (Every Saturday) Enjoy a community music jam every Saturday.

9 a.m.- noon. Free. Richards Coffee Shop & Veterans Museum, 165 N. Main Street, Mooresville, www. downtownmooresville.com.

FEBRUARY 2017

The Van Every/Smith Galleries Baik Art Residency features three Indonesian-based artists creating artwork during a month-long residency (Through March 3). Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat-Sun noon-4 p.m.

Davidson College, The Van Every/Smith Galleries, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, www. davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org.

Lunch in the Lot (every Friday) Feast from a food truck in Old Town Cornelius at Oak Street Mill. Tables and chairs are set up at Kadi Fit so you can enjoy your lunch with friends. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Look for Old Town Cornelius on Facebook.

and Jackson streets in downtown Davidson, www. davidsonfarmersmarket.org.

RESVILLE WN OF MOO

BY THE TO PRESENTED

Photography courtesy of Davidson College

Visit carolinaraptorcenter.org for more details.

Lori's Larks

Wide-Open Spaces

by Lori K. Tate Photography by John G. Tate

The Tate family explores Fisher Farm Park

Editor Lori K. Tate and her twins, Graydon and Margot, explore nature at Davidson’s Fisher Farm Park.

FEBRUARY 2017

64 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS

THE OTHER DAY MY FAMILY NEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. We had been

cooped up for days thanks to a stomach virus and cold weather. Finally, we were all well, and nature threw us a warm day. We didn’t hesitate to take off.

We wanted to venture to the mountains for a hike, but we didn’t have time for that kind of trip, so we opted to spend the afternoon at Fisher Farm Park in Davidson.

As someone who has lived in the area for almost 14 years and who is married to a native, I’m ashamed to say that neither one of us had been to this park before. My husband, John, had never heard of it, but I had, so off we went with our 6-year-old twins, Graydon and Margot, in tow.

Located on Shearer Road, Fisher Farm Park’s 200 acres sit on the outskirts of Davidson, nestled in some of the area’s more hilly terrain. The park can also be accessed from the north from the West Branch Greenway. Though only about 25 minutes from our home in Cornelius, we immediately felt off the grid when

we pulled into the parking lot.

We were greeted by a vast field surrounded by trees laced with trails for biking, running and walking. In fact, there are four miles of mountain bike trails from a beginner’s to an advanced level. There was also an old barn shed on the premises, as well a rusty pick-up, which delighted my son.

Once the kids checked out the pick-up, they immediately ran through the open field. (If you know anything about children, it’s that they love to run through wideopen spaces.) As they flew down the hill to explore what was ahead, John and I casually walked on the path going the same direction.

Soon we came upon a group of young people doing an artistic photo shoot with a clothesline and various garments. Minutes before we had seen a family all gussied up for a professional photo shoot, as the park offers a lovely rustic setting.

Eventually our path led to a creek, which thrilled my son, as we brought his all-terrain remote control truck. He carefully put it on the ground and proceeded to drive

it in and out of the creek — successfully.

(My apologies to any fish or tadpoles that were frightened by the ordeal.)

From there we continued to explore, as we passed folks taking their dogs (big and small) on leisurely strolls, in addition to a couple of serious runners. You could tell these folks were regulars and enjoyed being away from it all while they exercised.

After walking alongside the creek, we ventured into another field, and our children began racing with each other until they were both out of breath. As we made our way back to our minivan, the sun began to set, and all four of us stopped to take it in.

Suddenly the sky was filled with every shade of orange imaginable, and I felt like I was a million miles away from home and all of the responsibilities that go with it. I took a deep breath of fresh air and continued walking through the field, vowing to return as soon as I got the chance.

Fisher Farm Park 21215 Shearer Road Davidson www.townofdavidson.org

FEBRUARY 24-26 & MARCH 3-5 THE PARK EXPO • CHARLOTTE, NC

800 BRIAR CREEK ROAD Friday: 10am to 7pm / Saturday: 10am to 7pm / Sunday: 10am to 5pm Adults $12 at the Door / Under 15 FREE Advance Online: $10 Discount Tickets at Harris Teeter: $8.50 with your VIC card

Meet Frank Fritz from TV’s American Pickers February 24th and 25th

SouthernSpringHomeandGardenShow.com 704-376-6594 • A Southern Shows Inc. Production