A road — and family pet — well-traveled
As you could likely tell from our cover, we’re having a little fun with some pet-focused content this month. We found a coffee shop where not only can you spend a little time relaxing with a cup of your favorite brew, but you can also enjoy the company of several friendly felines – many of them who are looking for their fur-ever home. We’ll also introduce you to a new combination veterinary hospital and pet resort, offering a full complement of medical care, boarding, grooming and daycare options.
In Iredell County, we learned about one organization’s outreach to seniors in our area who are receiving assistance in the care and feeding of their pets through a network of volunteers and donors. And make sure you catch up with our “Limitless” columnist Mickey Dunaway and Part Two of his series about the dogs who have filled his family home with love and laughter across the years. It’s a beautiful homage to the joy pets can bring into our lives.
But what stirred up some pretty wild memories for me is our feature on pet care tips for the summer. Dr. Nicole Sheehan with Whole Pet Veterinary Hospitals in Davidson provides some great advice when it comes to keeping your pet safe not only in the heat, but in the event you choose to travel with them. Her tips about hitting the road with cats got me thinking about my cat Constanza, whose 20-year life journey began in a dumpster on the Italian island of Sardinia and ended in the lap of luxury with quite possibly more stamps in her kitty passport than the most well-healed traveler.
While on active duty in the U.S. Navy, my then-fiancé was stationed on Sardinia and agreed to take in a recently rescued kitten whose mom and siblings were found in terrible circumstances. From that day forward, Constanza and her less-than-sparkling personality (she had a reputation with every single vet who treated her) accompanied us to every duty station for the next 10 years until my husband retired, settling into a much more stable life when we arrived in Huntersville in 2002. She got that last passport stamp when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2009, but not before she enjoyed several odysseys.
She had three transatlantic flights, lived in two foreign countries and on both coasts of the U.S., stayed in countless hotel rooms from Europe to southern California and even spent about seven days soaking in the sun on the dashboard of our car on a meandering cross-country trip from the east coast to San Diego (I know, not the safest place for her, but remember what I said about her personality – it kept her calm and quiet).
Dr. Sheehan is right – traveling with pets can be stressful. But as crazy-making as a few of those trips with Constanza were, they are still some of our family’s favorite memories. I hope you can make a few of those for you and yours this summer.
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Arts & Soul
compiled by Lori Helms
Calling All Artists
With a dash of groovy
just for kicks
The Town of Davidson and the Davidson Public Art Commission are seeking proposals from qualified artists or artist teams to design, fabricate and install a site-specific public art piece for a seating area outside of the Davidson Town Hall and Community Center. This project aims to enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of the space with an artistic seating and canopy structure that provides shade and an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors. This call is open to professional artists and artist teams with experience in public art projects. Local and regional artists are encouraged to apply. The project site is located at 251 South Street, Davidson.
For project details, application submission requirements and more, visit the town’s website at www.townofdavidson.org or contact Kim Fleming at kfleming@townofdavidson.org. The submission deadline for proposals is Monday, June 2. A project selection will be made and artists notified by Monday, Sept. 1.
Just Catting Around
Soothe Your Soul
Meet one-on-one with experts, receive free consultations, sample services and shop for unique and healthy finds at the largest health and wellness expo in Lake Norman on Saturday, May 10, at Soul Wellness Holistic Center of Lake Norman in Mooresville. Founded by Kristen Phillips in 2021, the center has become a resource for those seeking answer to unexplained symptoms and syndromes that conventional medicine has been unable to answer.
This collaborative coworking center is home to more than 30 Complementary and Alternative Medical (CAM) practitioners including integrative providers, holistic practitioners, mental health professionals, bodywork therapists and energy healers.
The center is at 500 S. Main Street in downtown Mooresville, and this admission-free event will be held there from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about the center’s providers, events, classes and more at www.soulwellness.net.
And speaking of art in Davidson, here’s something new if you’re a cat fancier. There is now a public art installation in town by artist Jodi Hollnagel-Juban (the artist behind the 11-foot bronze sculpture of the Wildcat at Davidson College). It’s called “Cats About Town” and features nine six-inch high bronze sculptures of cats doing what they do best – be it relaxing, playing, climbing or sleeping. The official dedication of this permanent installation was held during last month’s Art on the Green, and the cats have been placed in various locations around downtown Davidson. Learn more about the artist and Cats About Town at www.townofdavidson.org/CatsAboutTown.
Honey, Grab the Beads and Tie-Dye!
Fire up the VW bus and get your mellow on at the annual Dallas Lavender Lane Farm Hippie Daze festival coming up on May 17 and 18. It’s about a 30-minute drive due west from Huntersville, at 937 Old Willis School Road in Dallas, where there will be more than 100 vendors including food, face painting, temporary tattoos, fairy hair, all types of tie-dyes, clothes and more.
Several bands are booked for both days, in addition to other entertainment such as a large playground and bounce house, jugglers, stilt walkers, a petting zoo and costume contest. Bring blankets and chairs and plan to stay the day. For more information, contact Dallas Lavender Lane Farm at 704.813.2149 or visit www.dallaslavenderlane.com.
Drop in and kick back at the Dallas Lavender Lane Farm Hippie Daze festival this month.
“Lake Norman’s Best”
Fifteen years ago, CURRENTS created Lake Norman’s first and only Best of Lake Norman contest. A year later, other publications followed suit and many of our local businesses got lost in the confusion of having too many “Best of” contests! To cut down on that confusion, CURRENTS changed the name of our contest to Lake Norman’s Best Awards and we’re asking you, our readers, to nominate and vote for your favorite business in a variety of categories. We’ve also decided to start our contest early this year and give you plenty of time to get your nominations in!
1. Go to our website www.LNcurrents.com or scan our QR code to vote for your favorites from our list of categories. 2. Nominees are listed on the website and voting starts on April 1 concluding on May 15. 3. The top five nominees in each category will be announced in our June issue. 4. Each winner will be showcased in a very special edition of CURRENTS’ August issue called Lake Norman’s Best!
Cats Coffee with a Side of
New café is the cat’s meow
by Bek Mitchell-Kidd | photography by Lisa Crates
The wife and husband team of Leslie and Daniel Lindsey are the proud owners of The Purrfect Pour Cat Café in Lincolnton.
“I’ve always loved being part of a community,” Leslie says. “I have lived in the Charlotte area for most of my life, so opening a business in Lincolnton that brings people (and cats) together near my hometown has been a dream come true.”
The team recently celebrated their first anniversary and is settling into finding the perfect balance between cat and café. Leslie describes the vibe as calm, cozy and a little bit magical.
“We’ve worked hard to create a space that feels like a warm hug—for both our human guests and our feline residents,” she says. “Soft lighting, comfy seating, gentle music and lots of nooks and perches for the cats all come together to make it feel like a little sanctuary in the middle of a busy day.”
Cat adoptions are at the heart of the business. In partnership with Lincoln County Animal Services, the café has found forever homes for 366 cats. Customers are encouraged to make a reservation to spend time with the cats in the lounge (but it’s not required), and there is also a membership-based program for frequent visitors.
“Every adoption is a huge win, not just for the cat but for the person who takes them home, too,” Leslie says. “We’re looking at ways to streamline the process, build more partnerships and expand our reach
so even more people know about the amazing cats we have here waiting for their forever homes.” Separated from the cat lounge, the café offers coffee, wine, craft beer, baked goods and more.
“For people, it’s a place to slow down—whether you’re sipping a latte, working on your laptop or bonding with a cat curled up next to you,” she says. “For the cats, we’ve created a peaceful, enrichment-filled environment where they can relax, play or seek out affection on their terms.”
The café experienced a few growing pains during its first year, but overall, things have gone as Leslie and Daniel hoped. They’re still figuring out some things regarding events (think private/birthday parties, etc.) and community engagement opportunities.
“Even the challenges have helped us grow stronger and more connected to our mission,” she says. “I expected to spend long days making coffee and cleaning litter boxes, but what I didn’t expect was just how deeply the community would embrace us. That’s been one of the best surprises: seeing regulars form connections with our cats and watching adopters come back to share updates and photos. Overall, it’s been a beautiful, unpredictable ride — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Clockwise from top: Cafe owner Leslie Lindsey; the cafe’s lounge area; and a cat doing what cat’s do bestfinding a weird place to perch.
of Fusion The Evolution
Birkdale’s eeZ has changed with the times
by Allie Spencer | photography courtesy Remy Thurston
A long-time culinary gem in Birkdale Village, eeZ has been serving up fresh sushi and vibrant Asian-inspired cuisine to the Lake Norman community for more than 20 years. What started as a franchised grill concept has blossomed into one of the most beloved independent restaurants in the area — all thanks to owner Alan Springate’s innovative thinking, community focus and unwavering commitment to quality.
Originally launched as Zyng, a fast-casual grill concept, the early days of the restaurant revealed that local guests wanted more. Springate pivoted quickly, transforming the space into an independent scratch kitchen with fresh ingredients highlighting traditional Asian dishes — and eeZ was born. The name eeZ, Zee spelled backwards, “just popped,” says Springate. “I immediately knew that was the name I wanted to go with and felt it fit the brand that was to come.”
Since then, eeZ has evolved from “fusion and sushi” to simply “eeZ,” after undergoing a major remodel in 2022. The renovation brought an expanded kitchen, a designated to-go entrance and a centrally located sushi bar — now the star of the dining room. It was all part of keeping pace with the ever-changing Birkdale scene and rising guest expectations.
“As Birkdale was reinventing itself, we felt it was time we did the same,” says Springate. But the heart of eeZ’s success is its commitment to product quality. Head Chef Song Nguyen, who has been a part of the eeZ team since the early days, is dedicated to sourcing and utilizing only the freshest seafood for his menu
creations. Starting as a sushi cook, Nguyen rose through the ranks to become Head Sushi Chef and now Head Chef. His culinary artistry shines through in signature dishes like the Crispy Rice with Tuna and the Tropical Storm Roll.
eeZ’s continued success in a volatile industry hasn’t come without its challenges. Director of Culture & Communications, Jennifer Brantley, says that the pandemic pushed the team to focus inward.
“The pandemic taught us that culture, health and safety within the unit is just as important as the guest experience,” she says. “We also learned how to maintain quality no matter the odds during some wild times with sourcing, etc. It was an almost surreal time, but also a period of internal growth.”
The restaurant continues to grow and evolve with its recent addition of a multi-course, chef-driven Omakase experience served at the sushi bar or in their private dining room. A nine-course “chef’s choice” dinner offered on Thursday and Friday nights, guests embark on a culinary journey led by Nguyen. In addition to the food offerings, eeZ focuses on growing its bar program, giving guests yet another reason to stop by. Indeed, on any given night, eeZ is full of guests that keep coming back for the food, drinks and that neighborhood feeling.
“We are very thankful for the relationships built along the way as we have gotten to know our guests and neighbors — the reciprocity we feel day to day has been admirable to say the least,” says Brantley.
Left, eeZ’s sushi bar holds a prominent spot in the restaurant to showcase its popular offerings. Below, the All Eyes On You Roll featuring salmon and seared scallop.
JewelryTreasureto
Lou Schwartz
baubles made from vintage coins
In many cultures, coin jewelry is believed to bring good luck, protection and financial abundance. It blends history with personal meaning and timeless elegance. These intricately designed treasures tell a story. In Lake Norman, Lou Schwartz is a masterful artisan who makes such coin jewelry. Schwartz uses vintage Mercury dimes, Buffalo nickels, Indian Head pennies and other coins from throughout the world — some uncirculated — in his stunning jewelry. His interest in coinage began as a young boy.
“My father loved coins, and he used to have jars and jugs filled with silver coins, mostly old American coins,” he says. His favorite coin is the Mercury dime. “It was minted in 1916 and designed by Adolph Weinman with three important statements. It ran from 1916 to 1945 with 90% silver content. It’s exciting to hold one in your hand, realizing it was used during the Great Depression, World War I and World War II. One side depicts Lady Liberty with a winged cap, which represents freedom of thought and freedom of movement. On the reverse side, an olive branch symbolizes peace.”
Schwartz is also partial to the Walking Liberty half dollar, and he has two 1862 Indian Head pennies. “Think about all those years and the stories behind where those coins went. Who held them? Where did they travel?” he says.
Schwartz creates necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings with coins. No two are exactly alike. He also crafts custom pieces upon request. “Sometimes a customer will give me a coin to work with that was given to them by their grandfather,” he says. Recently, the wife of
a NASCAR driver commissioned him to create four pieces. Often, custom pieces feature a birth or special date. For pieces that are not custom, his bracelets start at $25 (some include crystal birthstone gems), and his necklaces generally cost $50 to $70. His necklaces are in standard 16- and 18-inch lengths and occasionally 20-inch. Bracelets are 7.5 inches. He uses materials that are “quality nickel-free, non-tarnish stainless steel, sterling silver and gold plated. Many chains are from Italy.”
Originally from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Schwartz spent much of his career with Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation. In 2000, he transferred to the company’s Jonesville, North Carolina, office. Now semi-retired, he and his wife, Leslie, live in Cornelius, with his workshop in their home. Being heavily involved with the fashion industry for decades, including five years spent in Florence, Italy, his impeccable taste influences the beautiful jewelry he creates.
His coin jewelry has been featured in art shows at The Bradford Market in Huntersville, on the Davidson Green and in the Davidson Fall Arts Festival. For the past six years, he has been invited to an art show at the Charleston, South Carolina, Convention Center. Locally, you’ll find his pieces at Inspired at Lake Norman in Cornelius and KF Studios Handmade Marketplace in Davidson. He has the largest selection available at KF Studios.
To inquire about custom pieces, contact KF Studios at kfstudioshandmade@gmail.com or reach out to Schwartz directly at llschwartz9@gmail.com.
by Karel Bond Lucander photography by Lisa Crates
Left, the artist Lou Schwartz with one of his handmade creations. Above, an Indian Head penny bracelet.
Duke Health Acquires Lake Norman Regional Medical Center
provided by Stephanie Lopez, Duke Health Media Relations Manager
Duke Health has finalized its $284 million acquisition of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and related businesses in Mooresville, assuming operations on April 1. The hospital has been renamed Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital.
Duke’s acquisition of the 123-bed, acute-care hospital from subsidiaries of Community Health Systems, Inc., represents a significant expansion of Duke Health clinical services outside the greater Triangle area.
“This is an exciting day for Duke Health and the Lake Norman team,” said Craig Albanese, chief executive officer of Duke University Health System. “We have a bright future ahead and look forward to bringing the excellence and innovation of Duke Health to enhance the care offered at Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital and clinics.” Employees and providers have been extended employment offers with Duke, enabling a seamless transition for patients to have continued access to the providers, clinics and facilities they know and trust. Duke is also providing interim leadership as the search for a new hospital president gets underway.
“We are so excited to be turning the page on the care provided at Lake Norman,” said Randy Marion, chair of the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. “The Mooresville community and Iredell County will greatly benefit from Duke Health’s
vision for the future and commitment to delivering high quality, patient-centered care.”
Over the next several months, the hospital’s electronic medical records will be integrated into the Duke system, providing patients further access to the full spectrum of Duke Health’s top-ranked specialty care.
Duke Health is a leading academic health system in North Carolina with a vision to improve health outcomes across the region by advancing clinical care, expanding the impact of groundbreaking discoveries, educating and training the next generation of providers and partnering with communities.
Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital includes 24-hour emergency care, labor and delivery services, cardiology, surgical and orthopedic care, and outpatient imaging center. The Duke team aims to support and enhance all the hospital’s services in its commitment to keeping high-quality care local.
“Duke Health leadership brings decades of experience in every aspect of health care,” Albanese said. “From clinical quality and safety to operational excellence and strategic planning – we have a legacy of delivering the best care to the communities we serve. We look forward to building a new foundation of excellence in Lake Norman.”
The team at Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital in Mooresville stands ready to provide services to even the youngest of our community.
Furry Summer Fun
Warm weather tips to care for your pet
compiled by Lori Helms
At the end of this month, we will hit the unofficial beginning of summer with the Memorial Day holiday. That’s usually when our thoughts turn to spending more time with family, more time outdoors in the rapidly warming weather, even time away for an epic road trip (maybe like the one we recommend in this month’s “Weekend Getaway”).
Regardless how you spend it, if you’re a pet owner, it’s important to keep in mind that as the weather warms up or your plans call for a little time on the road, the needs of your pet are a critical consideration.
We reached out to Nicole Sheehan, DVM, at Whole Pet Veterinary Hospitals in Davidson, to get her advice about what to keep top of mind during the coming warm weather months to keep your pet – whether indoor or outdoor – happy and healthy. Here are some pointers she offers:
Keep Cool and Play On
“The most important thing to think about is the heat, and that animals do not sweat to cool off like we do,” she says. “They cool by panting, but sometimes they just can’t pant enough to cool them-
selves off, especially if they are prone to any breathing issues. I’ve seen dogs get heat stroke while playing in the lake, because we know the lake can be quite warm in the heat of summer. So, it’s wise to routinely make your pet take a break in the air conditioning to help them cool off.”
Take a Hike
Dr. Sheehan advises to bring water for your dog on hikes and long walks, and remember that pavement can be very hot on their paws –especially on black top and black paved paths. “If your bare feet are too hot on the pavement, then your pet’s paws could be damaged on it as well,” she says. For indoor pets, seasonal allergies can still be an issue, so remember how much pollen makes its way into our homes through screened windows and on the bottoms of our shoes.
Hit the Road
“For travel, I always recommend people give it a trial run first,” she says. A 30-minute car ride with your pet can help identify any possible issues for a longer trip, helping to reduce stress for you and your pet and to stay safe on your ventures. She says you can also try a calming treat or supplement, or your vet could prescribe something stronger if needed (give these a trial run, as well). If you plan to fly
with your pet, remember to buy them a ticket and contact the airline to see what documents or proof of vaccinations you need to bring with you.
Cats and Cars
Dr. Sheehan says some cats are perfectly fine in a large cat carrier, while hers do best out of the carrier on the floor of the back seat. For safety, she uses harnesses and leashes — this makes them less active and allows her to open the door without them bolting from the car. While some folks are known to travel with a litter box, she says her cats have been fine for up to four hours without a potty break.
Boarding vs. In-Home Care
Dr. Sheehan says we have many great boarding options in our area when the trip just won’t accommodate traveling with your pet, but in-home pet sitting can also be a good choice for some animals. “If your animal loves being social, they may be lonely with pet sitting and may prefer a boarding option,” she says, “especially if they have the opportunity to play with people or other animals. For pets who are anxious, older or have health problems that might be triggered with stress or too much activity, some animals prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home.”
Part Animal Hospital, Part Resort
by Bek Mitchell-Kidd
photographs courtesy Dry Pond Animal Hospital
Dr. Andrew Pierce tends to a patient at Denver’s new Dry Pond Animal Hospital and Pet Resort.
Lake Norman locals Shannon Pierce and her husband, Dr. Andrew Pierce, purchased Denver Canine Club, a kennel facility, and transformed it into an all-encompassing pet destination, Dry Pond Animal Hospital and Pet Resort. As the founders of Denver Animal Emergency, the husband-and-wife team were looking for a deeper connection.
“After so many years working in an emergency animal hospital, my husband and I wanted to reach the other side of veterinary medicine; puppy visits, kitten appointments and following a patient throughout their years,” Shannon says. The name “Dry Pond” was inspired by local friends. “We were throwing around possibilities and knew we wanted it to be community related,” she says. “What better way to represent our community than the original name for the area?”
The renovated facility is what the couple envisioned: A one-stop shop for all things pet-related, providing not only high-level veterinary medicine and surgery but also boarding, daycare and grooming.
“We wanted a family feel right from the moment you walk in the door, and our motto is: Elevate your pet care experience,” Shannon says.
Shannon and Andrew both grew up in Concord, N.C., then moved to Raleigh for Andrew to attend the College of Veterinary Medicine – NC State University. Shannon was a teacher for 10 years before taking on the practice manager role at Denver Animal Emergency.
“We love this community and raising our children in Denver,” she says. “We have five children and three dogs on top of owning and managing Dry Pond, and we still both work as practice manager and medical director at Denver Animal Emergency. We are extremely
busy at all times, but we love it. This community is so important to us, and we love giving back where we can.”
The Dry Pond team knows each pet by name and treats them as part of the “pack,” which is a part of the family’s philosophy.
“We look for hardworking employees who are also kind and open to feedback,” says Shannon. “Drive is important, but hiring people who truly care is key.” Opening a hospital is never easy, but Shannon and Andrew are thrilled with the response from the community.
“Many of our boarding and daycare clients have loved having a veterinarian on staff to assess their pet if needed,” she says. “Our team truly wants the best for our animal hospital and takes so much pride in Dry Pond.”
The team has experienced a large influx of new clients over the past few months and is navigating the rapid growth. Shannon reports that they are also seeing an uptick in appointments, given it is allergy season — adding that dogs have allergies, too. She also reminds us to keep an eye on our four-legged friends as temperatures rise.
“Heat stroke is a serious condition that can happen to any dog,” she says. “Be aware of the temps and how long your pet has been out; watch for behaviors such as seeking shade or drinking a lot. If their temp is greater than 105, it can save their life if you soak them in cool water (and then get them to the closest vet).”
Dry Pond Animal Hospital and Pet Resort is at 7897 Natalie Commons Drive in Denver. Contact them at vetcare@drypondanimal.com for the animal hospital, info@drypondanimal.com for pet resort details, call 704.966.1795 or visit www.drypondanimal.com.
In addition to quality veterinary care, your pet can also enjoy some play time with pals.
Summer
Alert!
Adventures x8 in the OBX
by
The beaches at the Outer Banks make up for the almost six-hour drive from the Lake Norman region. Add adventure in small towns and excursions to adjacent islands and you have a week or two of a vacation planned for the sun worshipers and the adrenaline seekers in your group. Four welcome centers, spread throughout the destination, make it easy to collect brochures and ask questions about ferry schedules, what activities are available and the best places to eat seafood at the water’s edge. These eight ideas will get you headed in the right direction:
Stay at The Pearl Hotel in Manteo
Staff welcome guests into a newly built property with 16 double-occupancy rooms with names such as The Ivory Pearl and The Poet’s Sanctuary. Each ensuite is designed in a different style, highlighting beautiful artwork and luxury bedding. Two family suites include a full kitchen, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and dining area. One suite is pet friendly. Guests have access to a rooftop green space with views of the town – enjoy a glass of wine under twinkling lights. Restaurants and shops are within minutes walking distance of The Pearl.
Tool around Manteo on Roanoke Island
Walk through the town on your own or sign up for an evening stroll through Manteo Historic Walking Tour and learn history and local lore from Manteo’s retired police chief. Learn about England’s first settlement through an interactive experience at Roanoke Island Festival Park. Board the Elizabeth II, a replica of the 16th century ship; walk through an Algonquin village and visit the museum with hands-on exhibits. Tour the Pea Island Cookhouse Museum to learn what Captain Richard Etheridge did as the first African American Keeper of a United States Life Saving Service Station (be sure to check the museum’s seasonal hours). Refuel at The Lost Colony Tavern, around the corner from The Pearl Hotel, for English dishes such as cottage pie, fish and chips, and Welsh lamb burgers.
Fly a kite at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head
As the tallest natural sand dune system on the eastern United States, it is a site to behold. Jockey’s Ridge celebrates 50 years with a fourday festival starting on June 5. Kite flying, live music, and educational and recreational activities will mark the occasion. Any time you visit, hike one of the park’s nature trails, fly a kite or hang glide
Vanessa Infanzon
photos courtesy The Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Hang gliding in Nags Head at Jockey’s Ridge State Park.
through Kitty Hawk Kites. By early fall, the park will have extended its accessible boardwalk and added covered benches and a gazebo. Guests will be able to view hang gliders from this boardwalk.
Hike up Bodie Island Light House
From April through October, visitors with a ticket may climb the 214 steps to the top of the light house, built in 1872. An accessible boardwalk leads visitors through the marsh and to an elevated viewing area. Bodie (pronounced like body) Island Dike Trail, a short gravel path beginning at the end of the parking lot, offers views of Roanoke Sound.
Kayak through Stoke Dispensary in Kitty Hawk
This kayak and surf school offers a variety of adventures for people of all skill levels. See birds, turtles and other wildlife on the Maritime Forest Kayak Tour, a two-hour guided excursion on the Jean Guite Creek. Join a group in Duck or Kitty Hawk for 90-minute (30 minutes on land and 60 minutes in the water) surf school lessons.
Wander around the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
From discovery stations and nature trails to the touch tank and pollinator garden, the campus is full of educational and interactive activities for people of all ages.
Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills
If you ever wondered why “First in Flight” is printed on North Carolina license plates, this museum and park will explain the importance of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s achievements. At 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., a ranger or volunteer leads a tour or talk (depending on the weather). They explain why the brothers chose North Carolina’s Outer Banks, what the area was like in the early 1900s and what influence the Wright brothers’ parents had on their interest in flying.
Tour Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo
On more than 10 acres of lush property, guests can meander on moss-covered trails to find Queen Elizabeth I and Virginia Dare statues. View the butterfly garden, camellia collection and the 500-year-old live oak, next to the hydrangea path. The greenhouse sells flowering plants, bushes and herbs throughout the year.
Above, the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.
Left, a pedestrian bridge in Manteo. Below, the Bodie Island Light House.
Above, natural sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Right, try the seafood at Lost Colony Tavern in Manteo.
Dwellings
How We Live at the Lake
Warm & Casual
Inviting tones and wood touches personalize a new home
by Lori Helms | photography by Laura Sumrak Photography
Touches of wood in the coffered ceiling adds depth and warmth.
A newly constructed home is often the chance to start fresh. Sometimes it means a change of place, a different sized space or an altogether different pace, or sometimes it’s all those things at once. What’s comforting amongst that newness and change is the presence of a familiar face — especially when it’s a trusted interior designer.
Cheryl Luckett, owner and principal designer of Dwell by Cheryl Interiors in Huntersville, can attest to the importance of that client-designer relationship. Late last year, she saw a long-time client
finally move into their newly built home in Davidson following a two-year journey – a journey made a bit easier thanks to the trust placed in her by her client.
“We have worked multiple times with them,” Luckett says of her interior design work that dates back to about 2018 at the client’s previous Davidson home, in which she designed several of the home’s spaces over time. They reached out to Luckett late in 2022 to say they were selling that home and building a new one, adding, “We
The home’s inviting, high-ceiling foyer, with art selected by the designer.
don’t want to make a mistake, come help.”
And help, she did. Luckett was by their side beginning with the initial general selections they needed to make using the builder’s design center until the final, more personalized paint colors, floor finishes, countertops, backsplashes, lighting, furnishings and fabrics were chosen.
“Clients who have had a designer before really want them to weigh in on some of those more permanent decisions at the design center,”
she says, “especially knowing that we are going to be coming in after they move in to decorate.”
Thanks to her long-standing work with them, Luckett says her clients were rather hands-off when it came to many of the design choices. She says the only guidance she received was that they wanted their new home to feel a little warmer than the last, so Luckett went with warmer, more inviting tones such as oranges and golds, yet still weaving in some touches of calming blues and greens. The look was achieved by adding wood tones in the entry, beams at the top of the staircase and wood accents in the living room’s coffered ceiling.
Luckett says her clients like to entertain and will often host their large, extended family. That was the impetus for adding a curved wet bar nestled in the living room area between the kitchen and the formal dining room. It boasts a temperature-controlled, glass doored room for wine storage and a beverage cooler, as well as “performance velvet”-covered barstools by Hickory-based Designmaster Furniture
Left, the formal dining room with a full-wall mural; below, the powder room’s metal art feature.
Right, the eat-in kitchen’s dining nook; far right, casual yet refined seating at the kitchen island.
Tucked away in a secluded neighborhood, but close to Police Station and Mooresville Golf Course. This ranch townhome offers privacy and convenience to area amenities.
external maintenance included means more free time!
– making those potential red wine spill disasters an easy clean-up.
Performance fabric – made of chemical-free, washable and bleach cleanable material at Revolution Performance Fabric in Kings Mountain – was also used on all the living space furnishings. Luckett says it’s a great option for a home that will be used for entertaining.
The casual, inviting vibe continues in the eatin kitchen, where Luckett opted for Corian countertops, a polished porcelain tile backsplash and Crystorama light fixtures (lights that she selected after vetoing the light package offered through the builder’s design center). And not to be left out, even the home’s powder room benefitted from Luckett’s designing eye – with whimsical wallpaper and an eye-catching metal art element on one wall.
“For entertainers, this is a frequent stop for most of your guests,” she says. “We usually try to make your powder room impactful – saying something about your home and your style. It’s a place to have some fun.”
It’s fair to say, “mission accomplished.”
Selecting a modern farmhouse aesthetic, Luckett’s clients wanted a place for entertaining their large family - where this curved bar area definitely comes in handy.
Fight Like a Girl
LKN athlete and scholar is the ‘real deal’
by Tonya R. Woods
There is nothing ordinary about Gabriella “Gabby” Gibson. While most 15-year-olds are asleep at 5 a.m., this young martial artist starts her day with a gym workout or a two-mile run. So, when she tells you she’s the “real deal,” pay attention.
“This is what I want to do, and I’ve been doing it since I was four,” she says.
Already, Gibson is accomplished in wrestling, Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai. As a freshman at Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, she made the varsity wrestling team. Gibson started wrestling in seventh grade at Woodland Heights Middle School. Being the only girl on the wrestling team, she finished the season with a 14-1 record.
Despite wrestling being a traditionally male-dominated sport, it’s girls like Gibson who are changing that perception in a major way.
“I want to show girls that we don’t have to just do delicate sports,” she says. “You can go around the globe and find hundreds, maybe even thousands of girls who want to do this; that tells you we’re in it for a reason.”
But it’s not just her athleticism that makes Gibson stand out. She maintains a 4.2 GPA, trains and competes in places like Las Vegas, Miami and Turks and Caicos, and she even teaches Jiu Jitsu to younger students. Competing with Gracie Lake Norman Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Gibson’s focus
has led to regional and state competitions. Her other affiliations include Lake Norman Muay Thai and Lake Norman Wrestling. By participating in combat sports, she’s been able to learn attributes that will benefit her in life.
“Wrestling makes me stronger,” she says. “We fall in life but have to find ways to cope. When things are challenging, I don’t break down.”
Gibson’s mother, Jennyrose “JR” Gibson, says Jui Jitsu and Muay Thai have given her daughter a great emotional and mental foundation. When it was time to get her daughter involved in extracurricular activities, she wanted to invest in a sport that would not only ensure her daughter could defend herself, but would be something she could pull from for the rest of her life.
“Gabriella has a sense of grounding herself,” says JR. “She can really assess a situation and remain calm, confident.”
So far, Gibson has had a very impressive start to her career. She is making a name for herself by being a fierce competitor, shocking spectators and inspiring girls who have combat sports in their sights. Her enthusiasm and discipline are just the characteristics she’ll need to reach her goals of competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and opening her own school. She is showing all who care to pay attention that girls have the power to compete at anything, on any level.
photographs courtesy Jennyrose GIbson
You Can Be
Victorious
single-family homes - with more under construction - are part of the path to rebuilding lives through Hope House Foundation.
Women in need find hope in Huntersville
by Tonya R. Woods
ou’ve seen her. She works at your doctor’s office or takes your order at your favorite restaurant. While she provides service with a smile, you would never know she is experiencing homelessness.
At Hope House Foundation, women rebuilding their lives after major setbacks have the security of a home until they find one of their own.
“I tell the residents you can be a victim, or you can be victorious,” says Debbie O’Handley, Executive Director of Hope House Foundation. She says hope is for everybody and Hope House residents “need to know what their hope is, then chase it and believe in it.” O’Handley makes it clear that the women of Hope House must have a personal goal to leave Hope House and live a full and productive life.
Hope House consists of one home in Huntersville that houses multiple families. In addition, there are three single-family homes called Faith, Joy and Grace. With expansion ongoing, two additional homes (Courage and Journey) are being built in Davidson. Hope House welcomed its first family shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. To be selected to live in the main home, potential residents undergo a screening process. If selected, they can stay, along with their children, for six to nine months. The single-family homes are available for former residents to rent for a maximum of two years as they continue to rebuild their lives.
In 2014, O’Handley desired a change for her own life. Coincidently, she started writing a book about hope. So, when she discovered that women at Hope House were transforming their lives too, she felt volunteering there was kismet. Today, she
loves seeing residents gain their independence and secure a home for themselves and their children.
O’Handley believes Hope House should feel and look like a home, not a shelter. While there, residents create community by sharing household chores and sometimes babysitting for one another. The ladies can join in behavioral group sessions, yoga, gardening and spend time in the “she shed” behind the main house to meditate or just take time to catch their breath.
The foundation partners with organizations like Commonwealth Charlotte, the Charlotte Area Fund, Charlotte Family Housing, Furnish for Good and Christian Brothers Automative. These alliances help Hope House prepare its residents with essential donations, job training, financial literacy and even car repairs. Over the years, Hope House has operated on a 100% success model.
Life happens. Battling the uncertainties of domestic abuse, job loss or homelessness can make “getting back on your feet” seem like an impossible task. Hope House helps women restore their lives with support, encouragement, preparation, and most importantly, hope.
Learn more about Hope House Foundation at www.hopehousefoundation.org.
photography courtesy Hope House Foundation
Opening doors of HOPE one family at a time.
FACES OF Lake Norman
These business leaders are making an impact in the community in more ways than one. From real estate to waste management to employment services and everything in between, you’ll want to learn more about these FACES of Lake Norman.
FACES OF Lake Norman
Giovanna, Nicholas & Christopher Antonacci
Crown Waste & Recycling Systems LLC
“Some would say it sounds intimidating, but I love it!” says Giovanna Antonacci, owner of Crown Waste & Recycling Systems, about being a female business owner in a male-dominated industry.
It’s a journey for Giovanna that started in the summer of 2020, when the company’s North Carolina division started operations. But it has its roots in Queens, New York, where it was established by her grandparents in 1958 and then assumed by her father in 2004. Giovanna, and her siblings Nicholas and Christopher Antonacci, are now the third generation to run the show.
“We got into the Charlotte market at a perfect time. We couldn’t be more blessed at the way this company has been succeeding thus far,” she says.
Crown Waste & Recycling offers commercial and residential roll off dumpsters, residential trash and recycling removal, and commercial front load trash and recycling services. But above all, Giovanna is proud of the personalized services she offers. She provides services tailored to her customer’s needs – including next-day service guaranteed, and in some instances, even same-day service. That level of customer service has helped them to expand recently into the Greenville/ Spartanburg, South Carolina market, as well as land the trash services at UNC Charlotte.
“Recycling is important to everyone these days,” Giovanna says. Crown Waste offers certain customers “waste audits” to help them understand exactly what is in their waste and what can be recycled, and they’ve added another recycling day of service to their routes. “We’re educating all customers on the importance of making that commitment to their community. Residents and restaurants are encouraged to have separate recycling services at least twice a week.”
704.222.2639
www.crownwasteandrecycling.com P.O. Box 1032
Huntersville, NC 28078
FACES OF Lake Norman
Christy Walker KW | Keller Williams Realty
At Christy Walker & Associates, we prioritize client relationships built on trust, expertise and integrity. Our experienced team offers comprehensive real estate services, from property searches to expert guidance. As Lake Norman residents and members of Keller Williams Luxury division, we provide top-tier service and results.
Despite a challenging year in real estate, our team has achieved outstanding results, particularly in the luxury market. We maintained a strong position in gross commission income, ranking among the top in both the Lake Norman market and the Carolinas region. We were also honored with several prestigious community awards, including the Top 50 Women in Real Estate
As economic trends and policy changes continually impact real estate, we keep our clients informed on those trends while also sharing the latest in staging and design. Most importantly, we provide guidance through every step of the process — from pre-approval to post-closing — and stay a trusted resource by connecting clients with reliable vendors long after the sale.
Our team is deeply committed to our community, as well. We sponsor two youth swim programs, support the Cornelius Police Department and have sponsored “National Night Out” for the past three years. Beyond sponsorships, we actively participate in local fundraising efforts and are passionate about empowering women through financial education initiatives.
Our commitment to delivering exceptional results through personalized service and a client-first approach is what sets us apart in this market. We take pride in being a trusted resource in shifting markets, providing expert guidance and transparency at every step.
704.439.5300
Christy@ChristyWalker.com www.ChristyWalker.com
Lake Norman
Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery
Dr. Michael Coleman and Dr. Michael Foran
Dr. Michael Coleman and Dr. Michael Foran of Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery offer a wide range of maxillofacial surgery procedures with a concentration on officebased anesthesia, tooth and wisdom tooth extractions, grafting and implant placement, biopsy and pathology management, and correction of jaw deformities and facial trauma.
“Our surgical services can relieve pain and infections, correct pathology and deformities, and help restore dental health and esthetics, while improving the quality of life for our patients,” explains Dr. Coleman. Computer imaging and design has made the practice even more precise in terms of surgical planning everything from major jaw and facial surgeries to implant placement.
State-of-the-art technology combined with excellent patient care sets Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery apart.
“We enjoy interacting with patients on a daily basis,” says Dr. Foran. “From the greeting at the front desk through discharge, we make patients feel comfortable throughout their entire experience.”
www.CarolinaOMS.com
704.892.1198
FACES OF Lake Norman
Jamie Ottinger, Owner
Megan Ager, Branch Manager
Express Employment Professionals
Having a team to advise and care for your career journey can really change one’s life. With a combined 38 years of recruiting and staffing experience, the team at Express Employment Professionals is truly the area’s premier staffing provider. And they never charge a fee to place the job seeker! Owner Jamie Ottinger, with Branch Manager Megan Ager, have both grown the business since opening in 2009. And she and her team know how important communication and commitment is, which is why their Client-Company base is always growing.
“Through our distinctive competence in matching the right employee with the right company, we strive to help as many people as possible with successful workforce placement.”
“Not to mention,” says Ottinger, “the ability to serve our community with hope through partnerships with the United Way of Iredell Co., The Able & Ready Exchange Club and PHAROS Parenting of Iredell Co.,” where Jamie serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors.
And it’s not just that initial placement that Ottinger and her team consider a success. It’s what gets paid forward by building long-term partnerships through their staffing services.
“There is nothing more satisfying than seeing an Associate who we placed as a machine operator in 2018 walk through our doors with an update that their career journey has taken them to a Production Manager position who is giving us an order for contract associates for his employer,” says Ottinger.
www.expresspros.com/ MooresvilleNC
704.662.6685
FACES OF Lake Norman
Meet the Team Behind Renew Specialty Group
Dr. Coral Kirscher, DNP, FNP-C
Whitney Lloyd, FNP
Stacey Ryle, Medical & Patient Coordinator
Jesten Myers, Office Manager
At Renew Specialty Group, care goes far beyond the exam room. This dynamic team blends cutting-edge medical expertise with a deeply personal approach, helping patients feel and look their best — inside and out.
Led by Dr. Coral, DNP, FNP-C, Renew is a wellness destination focused on total-body health. Dr. Coral specializes in medical weight loss, anti-aging treatments and advanced hormone therapies. She’s joined by Whitney, FNP, a passionate provider dedicated to helping patients reach their health goals through evidence-based care and individualized treatment plans. Together, they lead with compassion, skill and a commitment to longterm transformation.
Behind the scenes, Stacey — Renew’s warm and welcoming Medical and Patient Coordinator — ensures every patient feels supported from the first consultation to ongoing visits. Jesten, Office Manager, keeps the practice running smoothly, always focused on creating a seamless and elevated experience.
Renew offers a wide range of services, including weight health management, peptide therapy, natural aesthetics, under eye exosomes, BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy), women’s and men’s health, male enhancement, hair restoration, body contouring, pelvic floor therapy, regenerative medicine, pain management, Class 4 laser therapy, IV therapy and more. Every treatment is carefully selected and personalized to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Whether you’re seeking sustainable weight loss, hormone optimization or aesthetic rejuvenation, Renew Specialty Group offers a trusted team and proven results, right here in Lake Norman.
18805 W Catawba Ave. #100 Cornelius, NC 28031 (704) 612-0011 appointments@renew-hw.com www.renewhealthwellnessnc.com
FACES OF Lake Norman
Transitioning from a nursing career into real estate, Lauren McCurry brings her instinctive caring, focused nature to her new role as a broker/Realtor with luxury brand The Agency Charlotte.
“I’m a Lake Norman native,” McCurry says, “and I bring compassion, communication and a client-first mindset to every real estate journey. ... Our new age approach to real estate blends personalized service with powerful marketing to offer a luxury experience at every price level.”
McCurry says staying ahead of trends — like the rising demand for new construction, smart home features and creative financing strategies — is key to providing exceptional service in today’s market. She’s ready to guide clients with confidence, clarity and care.
In addition to traditional client support, The Agency Charlotte also partners with Giveback Homes to help build homes for deserving families across the globe.
Instagram: @laurenmccurry.realtor 704.315.4201 lauren.mccurry@theagencyre.com
LIFE INSURANCE
When asked who should get life insurance – the answer is simple: if you love someone and want to help take care of them, you should consider life insurance. The purpose of life insurance is to benefit and protect your family and their assets/livelihood.
TERM LIFE
• One of the most common and most affordable forms of life insurance
• Set number of years of coverage, once the period is up, the policy will terminate, or coverage/premium will change
PERMANENT LIFE
• Although there are many kinds of permanent insurance (Whole Life, Universal Life, Final Expense) they are all designed to last your whole life – does not term after a set number of years or at a certain age.
• Some permanent options accumulate cash value that you can use to help fund the policy in the future or that you can withdraw from the policy.
AVERAGE MONTHLY COSTS FOR A 35-YEAR-OLD NON-SMOKER WITH $250,000 IN COVERAGE
20 Year Term Life
Male: $25/month
Female: $20/month
Whole Life
Male: $150/month
Female: $140/month
Shawn Fogle Principi Vice President
Lauren McCurry | The Agency Charlotte
FACES OF Lake Norman
Robert Vaughan Dentistry
Robert D. Vaughan DDS, PA
After 25 years in Huntersville serving the Lake Norman community’s dental health needs, the overall treatment goal at Robert Vaughan Dentistry remains the same.
“Our mission is to treat our patients with the same courtesy that we provide one another in the work environment,” Dr. Vaughan says. “Our efforts are concerted in providing sophisticated, accommodating services in a comfortable and courteous environment.”
His practice offers family dentistry with a focus on cosmetics and Invisalign, delivered by his highly educated staff in a modern, friendly office. Other services include crowns and bridges, tooth-colored fillings, teeth whitening, prosthodontic services and occlusal guards for TMJ Dysfunction.
“We try to cultivate a sense of community while providing excellent comprehensive dentistry,” he says. “We love what we do, and it shows in our results and the happiness of our patients. We are a low stress, happy office — even our decor is cheerful. We put the patients’ comfort and experience first.”
16600 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Suite A
Huntersville
704.655.8008
www.vaughandds.com
Limitless
For the area’s 55+ adults who place no limits on living their best lives!
Dogs are an important part of a family’s story - even making exercise a bit more tolerable!
Furry Friends Feeding
Local agency expands its services
by Allison Futterman
The Iredell Council on Aging (COA) has been serving the community for more than 50 years. It is an invaluable resource to many, meeting a variety of needs for adults ages 60 and older. Operating two senior centers, one in Mooresville and one in Statesville, it offers health and wellness programs, educational and fitness classes, activities and social events. COA’s other services include home delivered meals, hot meals at five congregate sites throughout Iredell County, transportation assistance, personal care assistance and tax services. It also offers caregiver support.
Now it’s added a new program that focuses on seniors with pets. In January, it launched the “Meals for Paws” program. Serving older adults who participate in their senior nutrition program (either home delivery or congregate site attendees), COA provides a bag of dog or cat food once a month.
“The goal is to help offset the need for pet food,” says Executive Director Jennifer Barraclough. “It’s meant to help alleviate a burden, not provide enough food for a month.” Supporting mental health is a focus of COA, understanding how important pets are to the well-be-
| photography courtesy Iredell Council on Aging
ing of its clients. The agency does not want the people it serves to have to make a hard decision about possibly not being able to have enough food for their pet.
The evolution of the program was a natural process. Volunteers who were doing home delivery of meals realized how many recipients had pets, and would often keep dog treats with them for drop-offs. They also started bringing pet food on their own.
“Feedback from our volunteers led us to recognize this need, and we understood this was an opportunity for us to do something,” says Barraclough.
Currently, Meals for Paws serves 51 people and 65 pets. The organization would like to expand the program to other clients but would need an increase in donations to do so. COA is always in need of volunteers as well as donations. It also welcomes donations of the following items for their Meals for Paws program: pet food for all life stages, supplies such as bowls/leashes/collars, grooming products such as shampoo and brushes, safe and durable pet toys, and nutritious pet treats.
Learn more about how to participate in or provide donations to Meals for Paws at www.iredellcoa.org/ or www.iredellcoa.org/make-a-donation/.
Above left and below right, Meals for Paws volunteers bag up pet supplies and deliver to their clients, like this happy local senior and his sweet pup.
Chloe’s Story
If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die, I want to go where they went.
- Will Rogers
by Mickey Dunaway | photography by Mickey Dunaway
Last month, I wrote about Coal, an extraordinary Black Lab and one of the dogs in my marriage of 50-plus years that left such an impression on our family — to the point that we talk about him almost every day since he died in 2007.
Before we downsized and moved to Bailey’s Glen in Cornelius, we lost two other family dogs, and the rental house we moved to while our smaller house was being built was lonely. We missed an essential cog in our family — a Canis Lupus Familiaris.
After we talked it over at some length, we decided we needed another bird dog in our life, but smaller and less hairy than our Labs and Golden. Labs are hair grenades, and a Goldens’ silky fine hair is like filaments that float everywhere with the air conditioner’s breeze until it becomes an accepted condiment on the dinner table.
Luckily, I knew three good friends who had a history with Brittanys. With the advice of these friends, we settled on finding a Brittany.
We soon found a five-month-old male Brittany pup. His AKC moniker was “Soli Deo’s Athos The Aristocrat” — the last in his litter. With the approval of the grandkids, we agreed to call him Boomer. What a perfect name for our new bird dog who invents games to get us to play with him. Boomer is remarkable for his ways of communicating his desires to us. If you do not get up and answer his request, he will stand before you and give you the Brittany “evil eye” until you cannot stand the pressure anymore! He loves to steal my shoes in the morning and will stand around the corner, just out of sight, and wait minutes until you come to chase him for the shoe.
Boomer’s influence on us will always be immense — loving, active,
curious, communicative, handsome with copper and white splotches, a runner if a door is cracked who knows his way back home.
And then a female Brittany entered our lives.
On the Saturday before Labor Day in 2020, I received a call from Dawn, the wife of the husband-and-wife owners of Soli Deo Kennels. We had become friends over stories I had written for Facebook about Boomer’s exploits and how he filled our dogless home with love and humor. Her husband’s critical illness had been hard on their family, and they could not continue Soli Deo Kennels. She called and asked if we would take on another Brittany, Chloe. We already knew about Chloe. You see, Boomer was part of her last litter. We, of course, said “yes.” What an opportunity to rejoin a canine mother and her son. Chloe was nine when she came to live out her life with us.
Gentle Chloe, the gentlest of Brittanys, was a field and ring champion. We dubbed her Little Missy, Little Diva, and Miss Chloe. Where Boomer is playful, Chloe demonstrated charm over playfulness. Chloe would snuggle her head under my chin in thanks for another walk. Chloe sashayed anywhere she walked, as the Southern Belle that she was.
Sadly, we lost our adopted Chloe in late February from dementia. She would have been 15 in June. In our 20 years in North Carolina, whenever we lost a four-legged family companion, I wrote a story about them for Facebook. This one is Chloe’s story.
Rest, sweet angel. You have earned every minute of eternity. In your last few months, it was painful to see dementia take you away from us so quickly that we only caught glimpses of your nobility and dignity. As your dementia caused you to pace your days away, we saw less and less of our Little Missy in your eyes. Knowing that you now are at peace, free of the accursed dementia, brings peace to us but not to Boomer. He misses you the most in sad and subtle ways.
Chloe gently influenced her second family for the five years she graced our home with her royal presence. THE BIG QUESTION: Is the inevitable pain worth adopting an older dog? Damn right, it is. Chloe will be with us for the rest of our lives in our memories, in her last paw print and in her ashes in a wooden urn in the cabinet among our other special Canis Lupus Familiaris family members.
Chloe’s son, Boomer.
Memory Care Now Open
What is Elder Law?
As we age, navigating the complexities of legal, financial and healthcare systems can become increasingly challenging. Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice that focuses on issues affecting older adults and their families. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including estate planning, long-term care, guardianship and elder abuse.
• Estate Planning involves preparing for the management and distribution of an individual’s assets after their death. This can include the creation of wills, trusts and powers of attorney.
• Long-Term Care Planning involves making arrangements for care, whether it be in-home care, assisted living or nursing home care.
• Guardianship and Conservatorship are necessary when an older adult becomes unable to make decisions for themselves due to cognitive decline or other health issues.
• Elder Abuse and Exploitation are significant concerns, with elder law attorneys playing a vital role in protecting older adults from abuse and exploitation.
• Medicaid and Medicare Planning helps navigate the complexities of these programs, providing healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and those aged 65 and older.
• Special Needs Planning ensures that individuals with
disabilities receive the care and support they need without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits.
• Veterans’ Benefits can include healthcare, disability compensation and pension benefits, with elder law attorneys assisting veterans and their families in navigating the V.A. system.
Elder law is a multifaceted field that addresses the unique legal, financial and healthcare needs of older adults. The goal is to provide seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions and protect their rights.
Louise M. Paglen is an Elder Law Attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C. Contact her at 704.892.1699 or at www. mcintoshlawfirm.com/ attorneys/louise-m-paglen/.
Audiology
Living Well
Your local resource for health and wellness services near you
PHC – Lake Norman Ears, Nose & Throat
Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD
Susie Riggs, AuD
Caroline Millsaps, AuD
140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Cardiology
PHC – Heart & Vascular
Jips Zachariah, MD
Naveed Rajper, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Dermatology
PHC – Mooresville Dermatology
Center
Naomi Simon, MD
Kristin Prochaska, PA-C
Gina Noble, PA-C
Julia Parsons, PA-C
Susan Stevens, RN, BSN 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827
PHC- Lake Norman Dermatology
Joel Sugarman, MD FAAD
Allison Hanley, PA-C
Melissa Moser, PA-C
Betsy Benton, PA-C
140 Leaning Oak Drive, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117
704-658-9730
PHC – Wolfe Dermatology
Steven F. Wolfe, MD
Molly Small, PA-C 114 Gateway Blvd., Unit D Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-2085
Riva Dermatology
“Imagine your skin at its Best!”
General Dermatology for the Family, Botox, Fillers, Laser/IPL & more
Kerry Shafran, MD, FAAD
Lindsay Jayson, MPAS, PA-C
Erin Dice, MPAS, PA-C
Ashley Noone, MPAP, PA-C
Nikki Leahy, MSBS, PA-C
Mari Klos, CMA, LME 704-896-8837
Cornelius, Mooresville, Denver www.Rivaderm.com
Ears, Nose and Throat
PHC – Lake Norman Ears, Nose, & Throat
Keith Meetze, MD
Thomas Warren, MD
Herb Wettreich, MD
Fred New, Jr., ANP 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Endocrinology
PHC- Endocrinology
Elaine Sunderlin, MD
Emylee Brown, PA-C
170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
Family Medicine
PHC – Nabors Family Medicine
Emily Nabors, MD 142 Professional Park Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-696-2083
PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine
Timothy A. Barker, MD
Bruce L. Seaton, DO
Amanda H. Bailey, DO
Kyle Babinski, DO
Bilal Khan, DO
Sherard Spangler, PA
357 Williamson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328
PHC – Sailview Family Medicine
Tiana Losinski, MD
Alexander Watson, DNP
206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite J Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-4801
PHC – Fairview Family Medicine
Golnar Lashgari, MD
Erica Vollano, FNP-BC
146 Medical Park Road, Suite 210 Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-235-0300
PHC - Troutman Family Medicine
Amrish C. Patel, MD
Janeal Bowers, FNP
Kimberly Whiton, FNP
Jeanne Pierce, PA-C
154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903
Gastroenterology
PHC – Gastroenterology
Brandon Marion, MD
Aerielle Sibert, PA-C
359 Williamson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC –Comprehensive Digestive
Care Center
Vivek Trivedi, MD
Venu Gangireddy, MD
Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC- Gastroenterology
Laila Menon, MD
Gabrielle Miller, PA-C
170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
Internal Medicine
PHC – Fox Internal Medicine
Jessica Fox, DO
Stephanie Michel, PA-C
435 East Statesville Avenue
Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704-663-5056
PHC – Internal Medicine & Weight Management
Manish G. Patel, MD
Julie Abney, PA
Andrea Brock, PA-C
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
PHC – Lake Norman Internal Medicine
John C. Gatlin, MD
Swathi Talla, MD
548 Williamson Road, Suite 6 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-5520
Mental Health Services
PHC-Mastor Mental Health
Jason E. Mastor, MD
Kristin C. Brown, PA-C
Megan I. Flott, PA-C
Diana J. Remenar, PA-C
206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite F Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-6500
Neurology
PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine
Dharmen S. Shah, MD
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology
Andrew J. Braunstein, DO
Ryan Conrad, MD
Craig D. DuBois, MD
Roderick Elias, MD
124 Professional Park Dr, Ste A Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-3077
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology
Andrew J. Braunstein, DO
Ryan Conrad, MD
Craig D. DuBois, MD
Roderick Elias, MD
9735 Kincey Avenue, Ste 203 Huntersville, NC 28078 • 704-766-9050
Obstetrics/Gynecology
PHC – Lake Norman OB/GYN
James Al-Hussaini, MD
Laura Arigo, MD
Grant Miller, MD
James Wilson, MD
Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD
NailaRashida Frye, MD
Krisandra Edwards, FNP-C
Alyssa Clay, DNP, FNP-C
131 Medical Park Road, Suite 102 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-1282
Oncology
Southern Oncology Specialists
William Mitchell, MD
Poras Patel, MD
46 Medical Park Rd, Suite 212 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-659-7850
Orthopaedic Surgery
PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint
Brett L. Feldman, MD
Alex Seldomridge III, MD
Travis Eason, MD
Julie Glener, MD
Kim Lefreniere, PA-C
359 Williamson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Orthopedic Surgery – Spine
PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint
Alex Seldomridge, III, MD
359 Williamson Road
Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1838
Pain Managment
PHC – Pain & Spine Center
Harsh Govil, MD, MPH
Nathan Barkley, FNP-C
Samuel Sackenheim, NP-C
April Hatfield, FNP-C
Gracie Kern, PA-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Physical Medicine & Rehab
PHC - Spine & Sports Medicine
John Lesher, MD, MPH
170 Medical Park Road, Suite 302 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
PULMONOLOGY
PHC –Pulmonology
Enrique Ordaz MD
Jose Perez MD
Ahmed Elnaggar, MD
Vishal Patel, MD
170 Medical Park Road, Suite 201, Mooresville NC 28117 • 704-838-8240
Rheumatology
PHC – Rheumatology
Sean M. Fahey, MD
Dijana Christianson, DO
Janice Clayton, FNP-C
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
From the owner of Barrel & Fork, comes a brand-new seafood concept with a purposeful lean towards the romance of the 70’s in Savannah with a coastal ethos of seasonality, vibe, and true southern hospitality. With Northeastern attention to seafood, sustainability, and a robust raw bar, we invite you to a thoughtfully presented menu that is delicate yet approachable. The space has an unapologetic energy, for some a little noisy for others completely infectious. An evening out should be driven by the entire experience; with worldclass hospitality, a culinary approach to cocktails, and a savory menu that promotes humble ingredients with a sophisticated touch. Cheers!
At a time when vintage seems cliché and yet modern is over-poured, Barrel & Fork embraces the past as we fight for the future.
We invite our guests to indulge in the whimsical times when bourbon and wine on a Tuesday meant a good start to the weekend. We have built a home where the food stops short of being pretentious and out of touch, and is exactly what you were looking for.
Dine + Wine
Eating, drinking, cooking and fun
The pastries at Cocotte Artisan French Bakery & Gourmet Market are a feast for the eyes and taste buds.
Torrontés
Argentina’s famous ‘attitude’ grape
by
Torrontés: What-You-See-Is–What–You-Don’t-Get
Pardon me as I ramble on. When I think of Argentina’s white wine it takes me back to my early days in computer graphics. Believe it or not, there’s a link between Argentinean wine and old computer graphics. Back in the day, WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) was important. The equivalence of what you saw on a computer screen to what was printed out was important.
The reason that I dwell on ancient computer graphics is because it is the exact opposite to a glass of Torrontés wine. With a glass of Torrontés, you’re dealing with WYSIWYDG — What You See Is What You Don’t Get. Looking at a glass of Torrontés wine you think you’re in for a crisp, clean glass of wine. Instead, you get a sip of wine that has a bunch of body and an attitude. It’s as if the wine is saying, “I’m interesting and you might as well enjoy me.”
Torrontés is a white wine that originated (I like to think it did) in Argentina. No surprise, there’s a weak link — very weak — with European grapes. Spain has its own Torrontés grape, grown in the northwest in the Galicia region. It was long thought that the grape was simply brought to Argentina with Galician immigrants. But DNA studies (yes, people do that) have debunked that theory. Torrontés remains, proudly, Argentinian.
There’s another benefit to the wine. Torrontés solves that problem of what wine to pair with spicy food. It’s an ideal wine to match with
Asian and Indian cuisine. That’s due to its make-up, to its body. In contrast to its appearance, it has sweet floral aromas of rose petals and flavors of white peach and lemon zest. The wine has a sweet perfume but is usually made in a dry style. Definitely up to the pairing.
As a general rule, the higher the altitude it’s grown at, the better the wine is. The best Torrontés wines come from the high elevation vineyards in Salta, Argentina — high in the Andes Mountain chain. The Torrontés grape thrives in Argentina’s famously high-altitude vineyards, and particularly in the Cafayate region of Salta. This region, on the edge of the Andes, boasts some of the highest vineyards in the world. It reaches up to around 10,000 feet above sea level. Here, dry, desert-like conditions and a significant day and night temperature difference help bring out the best qualities of the Torrontés grape.
South America is famous for its transplanted French grapes. I’m thinking of Malbec, Tannat, Carménère and others – grapes that played a bit part in the Old Country but have, literally, blossomed in their new home. Torrontés is different. First, it’s obviously a white wine rather than a red wine. Second, it’s interesting. It has that WYSIWYDG —What You See Is What You Don’t Get — quality.
Try it, it might intrigue you. It’s different than other South American wines. It’s indigenous to the continent, it likes high altitudes and, best of all, it’s really tasty.
Trevor Burton photograph courtesy Trevor Burton
The Perfect Summer One-Pan Meal
by Kathy Dicken
photography by Kathy Dicken
Sheet Pan Low Country Shrimp Boil
I believe I have found the perfect summer one-pan meal! This recipe takes the classic Low Country Shrimp Boil and makes it super simple. That’s right — just ONE PAN. No newspapers, no bags and no mess to clean up.
This dish is quick, easy, so delicious and can be prepared in just 40 minutes. And this recipe only requires seven ingredients — three of which you probably already have in your kitchen!
Here are a couple of tips to make this recipe even easier:
Parboil the potatoes and corn ahead of time. You can parboil these ingredients up to 1-2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll be ready to use.
Use peeled and deveined frozen shrimp. Simply thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can run them under cold water for about five minutes until fully thawed. After thawed, make sure to pat them dry thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will help them brown nicely.
Enjoy your hassle-free, flavorful Low Country Shrimp Boil!
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb. baby Dutch yellow potatoes
2 ears of corn, each cut crosswise into 4 pieces
4 Tbsps. unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. Old Bay seasoning + ½ tsp. additional
1 lb. jumbo shrimp (16-20), peeled and deveined
1 (12 oz.) package of beef smoked sausage, thinly sliced
For garnish (optional):
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large sheet pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook potatoes until just tender and parboiled, about 10 minutes. Add corn and cook 5 minutes more. Drain well.
Meanwhile, combine melted butter, garlic and Old Bay seasoning in a small bowl. Next, place parboiled potatoes and corn in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Add shrimp and sausage to the baking sheet, then drizzle with the butter mixture and gently toss to combine. Before cooking, sprinkle with an additional ½ teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning to ensure everything has ample seasoning.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are opaque. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, and garnish with parsley, if desired.
Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of The Tasty Bits food blog. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.
The selections at Cocotte seem nearly endless, and make it near impossible to choose just one.
Authentic French bakery and gourmet market in Cornelius
J’Adore Cocotte!
by Karel Bond Lucander | photography courtesy Cocotte Bakery
Imagine it’s springtime in Paris and you’re dining in a small cafe. That’s how you’ll feel at Cocotte Artisan French Bakery & Gourmet Market in Cornelius as you sip a steamy latte and indulge in a buttery croissant. Its très bon sweets include eclairs, macarons, ParisBrest, cakes, tartelettes and more. For delicious savory bites, there are the Saint-Germain, Croque Monsieur and Parisian sandwiches as well as quiche and salads. The coffee bar has seasonal signature lattes, espresso and special teas. This intercontinental breakfast and lunch experience is brought to you by French natives who really know what they’re doing. Husband-and-wife proprietors Alexandre Darbousset
and Angela Yeo were born and raised in southern France and Paris, respectively.
Describing Cocotte as “not a restaurant with a limited menu but a bakery with an extended menu,” co-owner Yeo says, “We use Paris ham, French brie, gruyere and prosciutto from Italy, European butter and we do the spreads ourselves. The French mother-of-sauce is bechamel, and we make that in house as well.” Everything is made from scratch, including pastry shells, pastry cream and whipped cream. And everything is baked fresh daily on equipment from France. The
“We use Paris ham, French brie, gruyere and prosciutto from Italy, European butter and we do the spreads ourselves.”
specials at Cocotte feature its bread and croissants, which Yeo says, “Taste like France but even better! Like in a French bakery, the bread and croissant are the heart of our work.”
After moving from France in 2016 to Savannah, Georgia, Darbousset and Yeo opened Le Café Gourmet, which provided many local restaurants and coffee shops with breads and pastries, including Kessler and Hilton hotels. They sold that business two years ago after their second child was born. After researching and visiting Lake Norman, they relocated here in May 2023 with sons Marcus, 11, and Ethan, 3.
“We couldn’t be happier; we feel like this is home,” Yeo says. With professional backgrounds that belie the traditional culinary route, Yeo graduated in communications and marketing and Darbousset was a civil engineer.
“We completely switched careers, but we always loved cooking,” she says. “He is curious and returned to France to learn more about our staple: bread. He continues his research and is also passionate about pastries.” Darbousset is chef and head baker while CEO Yeo keeps everything running. Among their 15 employees, there’s talented baker Clare and superb pastry chefs Logan and Jessica.
Along with an excellent team, she attributes quality ingredients to
their exceptional creations. They use only Grands Moulins de Paris flour imported from France for their breads, croissants and pastries. They believe in and rely upon this product to the extent that they have become U.S. distributors (Lou Mercat Distribution). And they work with area companies whenever possible, including a local vendor for Italian olive oil. On The Nines restaurant in Mooresville serves their baguettes, and Kunu Coffee Co. and Defined Coffee (which Cocotte serves) offer their patisseries.
“Cocotte in French is a hen (their logo), a Dutch oven and also kind of a cute name to call a friend,” Yeo says. At this friendly oasis, you’ll also find gourmet food items, hand-painted cards by Yeo, and charming little gifts that “give you a slice of France,” including a “Paris” purse and handmade earrings with iconic French foods. Each Sunday at 1 p.m., everyone’s invited to their “French Rendez-Vous,” and soon they’ll have a Monday morning story time.
Want to impress your mom with the full French treatment for Mother’s Day? Cocotte will have a special Mother’s Day menu and is partnering with Peony and Gold florist to put together a beautiful bouquet. But why wait? Stop in, say “bonjour” and celebrate today.
Left, bakery owner Angela Yeo (photo courtesy Nicole De Los Rios); above, a special Mother’s Day bouquet with flowers from Peony and Gold Florist & Flower Delivery in Cornelius.
Cocotte Artisan French Bakery & Gourmet Market is at 9623 Bailey Road in Cornelius. Visit www.cocottebakery.com; Instagram and Facebook @cocottebakery.nc; or call 704.237.4872.
Pellegrino’s Trattoria
by Lori Helms |
When it comes to being living examples of that “in it to win it” spirit, no need to look any further than the dynamic duo behind the success that is Pellegrino’s Trattoria in Troutman. Giovanni and Salvatore Pellegrino have been making menu magic for their customers for years and are once again proud recipients of our Lake Norman’s Best Readers Choice Award for Best Italian Restaurant.
“Me and my brother, we are working partners,” says Giovanni, “so we are in it from the beginning to the end. We oversee everything, we concentrate on making sure that the quality is exactly the way we want it to be.”
That devotion to customer satisfaction in everything they do is clearly a winning recipe. Over the years, Giovanni says his customers have learned to trust his culinary instincts and often won’t even look at the menu. They know that if they order whatever is that day’s special, it will absolutely hit the spot.
“They know and they trust my creations,” he says, adding that it’s his drive and his passion to continually come up with something new to dazzle his customers’ tastebuds.
“I’m always looking for new ideas, new recipes,” he says. “My mind is constantly in overdrive looking for new recipes, looking for the stamp of how to put Troutman on the map. I’m looking for that next ‘wow’.” He challenges himself to create recipes that infuse a particular ingredient – perhaps something typical in Asian cuisine – with an old Italian recipe. He calls it the “Chef Gio Twist.”
Keeping things all in the family has come to include the next generation in Salvatore’s son, Sal. While Salvatore is an exceptional cook in his own right, Giovanni says the father-son duo spend most of their time in the front of the restaurant creating incredible pizzas and becoming familiar with every person who comes in the door. The brothers have passed on the critical lesson of extreme customer satisfaction to young Sal, and he’s making them proud.
“He knows every customer,” Giovanni says. “That’s very important to me.”
photographs courtesy Pellegrino’s Trattoria
