Lake Nomrna CURRENTS Magazine January 2023

Mike

Leon

Alex

Michael

Dennis

The

MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com

Making a House a Home

Here’s something that doesn’t happen every day. Sitting at my kitchen table not long ago in the middle of an afternoon meeting with my co-editor, Tony, the power went out.

Huh. That’s new. I’ve lived in Denver for more than four years now and honestly, I don’t recall ever losing power before that moment. No worries, it was still quite light outside and we finished the meeting without a hitch.

After he left, rather than sitting inside checking my power company’s app every 10 minutes for an update, I thought it would really be nice to move my “office” — laptop, omnipresent red pen, notepad and earbuds — outside onto the back porch. The weather was just gorgeous that afternoon and sitting in the fresh air, combined with the inability to clutter my brain with Internet access, would be a good head-clearing exercise.

Honestly, “back porch” doesn’t really do it justice in its current form, but it is a fair description of it when we first moved in. We live in a modest ranch that we picked as a solution to our empty nest syndrome, in a small neighborhood on a good-sized lot that backs up to a beautiful, heavily wooded area that because of topography and existing waterways will never be developed. Not long after we moved in, my husband decided that to truly enjoy our peaceful setting out back, we really needed to expand it a little bit.

My husband doesn’t ever do anything on a “little bit” scale so, when all was said and done, a tidy, covered concrete pad blew up into a two-story wooden deck extension with multiple staircases that lead down our sloped backyard to a firepit and additional stone paver areas up top for a water fountain, and sitting and grilling areas. When it’s lit at night, I’m pretty sure you can see it from space. It nearly tripled our outside living space.

I guess I’m telling you all that to tell you this: enjoying our private little backyard sanctuary was important to us and, like us, your home should be what you make of it and should always reflect what’s important to you. The Lake Norman Home Builders Association award-winning home projects in this month’s issue are a true testament to that. No matter the project or the dollar value, each homeowner prioritized not just what their budget was, but what the priority was for that budget. Maximizing entertainment space, capitalizing on stunning lake views, bringing “bling” to an outdated kitchen — they were all important to someone, and they all turned out beautifully.

It bugs me that it took a power outage to force me outside, to remember why we invested what we did in a project that really has brought us joy. Who knows, you might just find what you didn’t know you were looking for in these award-winning projects . . . enjoy!

Co-Editor

Lori Helms

Lori@LNCurrents.com

Sharon Simpson

Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Tony Ricciardelli Tony@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives

Denise Atkinson denise@oasisluxuryhomes.com

Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com

Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com

Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com

Event Coordinator

Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com

Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com

Design

&

Channel Markers

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

An archival photo of Mooresville’s once-bustling train depot.

Photography courtesy Town of Mooresville

You Don’t Look a Day Over

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Mooresville Celebrates a really big birtHday

While all of us in the Lake Norman area are celebrating the beginning of a new year, the Town of Mooresville has a special reason to commemorate 2023. The town on the lake known for its textile mill past, its “Race City” present and its future as a growing high-tech hub turns 150 years old this year and, to celebrate, a year-long slate of events are on the calendar for Mooresvillians and more to enjoy.

March 3 – Party Like It’s 1873 Festival: The Town of Mooresville was incorporated on this day in 1873, and it’s ready to celebrate in historic style. With everything from a John Moore look-alike contest to food trucks, beer vendors, music, period-themed actors and more, the “Party Like It’s 1873 Festival” will mark Mooresville’s official 150th anniversary. The celebration includes “150 Years of Mooresville: Immersive Experience” at the Charles Mack Citizen Center on Main Street, which will celebrate Mooresville’s storied history. Every few minutes, the lights will dim, and historical photos and memorabilia will come alive, spilling projections onto the walls, telling the story of the community.

Featuring music, narration and vivid animations, it’s billed as an immersive art experience like no other.

June 17, 4:30-9 p.m. – Liberty Park Reimagined: A Concert Celebration. With a surprise headliner musical act, food, drink and celebratory ribbon cutting, the much-anticipated grand re-opening of Liberty Park will be a community celebration not to be missed. Explore the new features of this signature Mooresville park and enjoy a concert experience that is sure to be the talk of the town.

July 3 – Stars and Stripes On Main: Celebrate Mooresville’s birthday and America’s birthday all in one day at this patriotic Fourth of July parade. Mooresville’s past, present and future will be on display with an imaginative line-up of colorful parade floats, historic vehicles and plenty of hometown pride. Parade will begin at 10 a.m.

Sept. 16 – Bands, Brews and BBQ: Enjoy a cool brew, live music and tasty food at the Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival in

compiled by Lori Helms | photography courtesy Town of Mooresville

Mooresville’s Main Street, long before asphalt roads came to town.

More photos and videos capturing Mooresville’s history are available at www.mooresvillenc150.com or on the Town of Mooresville Facebook page.

Downtown Mooresville. This outdoor festival will feature North Carolina craft beer, food tastings and some of the best local music from across the region.

Oct. 3, 5-9 p.m. – Mooresville Motorsports Festival: Anchored by the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame induction ceremony, this festival celebrates America’s love of speed. With race cars, current and vintage hot rods, food trucks, live music and the greatest names in auto racing history, this is an event you do not want to miss. An exclusive exhibit at the Charles Mack Citizen Center will feature historic racing photography and rare artifacts, highlighting the people in North Carolina who helped establish NASCAR as a must-see American sporting event.

Dec. 8, 5-9 p.m. – Classic Christmas in Mooresville: Create a lifetime of memories with your family while attending this annual festive celebration. Visit local artisans, sample festive cuisine, finish your last-minute shopping and catch holiday-themed performances brought to you by local talent. Victorian carolers, holiday shopping and photos with Santa are all part of this traditional Classic Christmas.

Visit www.mooresvillenc150.com for more town history, event details and how to be involved.

Community Generosity Lifts Local Non-Profit

Lydia’s Loft Exemplifies a Charitable Mission

by Tony Ricciardelli photography by Jon Beyerle

There are people in our communities who tread the noble path, quietly taking care of others without drawing attention to themselves. They willingly serve humanity, thrive on altruism and perpetuate virtuous deeds that kindle an inherent satisfaction garnered from administering selfless acts of kindness. We are surrounded by caring people and organizations.

In the Lake Norman region, there are several groups aiding those in need, including Hope House, Angels & Sparrows Community Table and Resource Center, FeedNC, Loaves and Fishes and Ada Jenkins Center to name a few. Locally, Lydia’s Loft, a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Huntersville, has been helping families and individuals since 2004.

The non-profit includes more than 30 volunteers, many of whom are members of the First Baptist Church of Huntersville; however, Lydia’s Loft welcomes individuals of all denominations and professions to join the team. At least one bilingual volunteer is on duty every shift. The organization serves as a “recycling center” for unneeded clothing items.

The facility consists of a main house used for conducting the day-to-day business, a garage and two pods for storage, all wellstocked and organized with donations. The main house offers a variety of clothing choices housed within several specifically designated rooms: children, women, shoes, coats, scarves and women’s plus sizes; men shoes, clothing and belts, and linens. Jewelry is also available. The shelves and racks are well-labeled and categorized, which makes for easy shopping.

Director Perry Smith, a retired elementary school teacher, assumed her leadership role in 2019. She emphasizes the demand for quality clothing and accessories in terms of figures and urgency. “We serve about 1,500 families per year. That adds up to approximately 5,000 individuals ranging from infants to adults,” says Smith, “and the numbers continue to grow. We’re grateful for the donations we receive.”

To obtain assistance, Lydia’s Loft requires families and individuals to obtain a signed referral letter from a church or religious organization, a student’s school counselor or a worker at a public service entity (hospital, fire department, soup kitchen). A list of referral providers is available on the Lydia’s Loft website.

The first Baptist Church located next to Lydia’s Loft provides free Saturday breakfasts from 7:30 to 10 a.m., June through August. Modeled after Angels & Sparrows Community Table & Resource Center, which provides a cost-free lunch each weekday to anyone who enters, the Saturday Breakfast Table bridges the weekend gap.

Additionally, every September the church holds an annual World Hunger Day yard sale, selling donated clothing, baked goods, non-perishable food, housewares, outerwear, toys and home and gardening tools. The event, which started in 1982, raises money to address world hunger. The September yard sale raised $27,500 which was disbursed to several food ministries and organizations including ministries in Haiti, Caterpillar Ministries, Loaves and Fishes and Community Breakfast.

“The work being done here ensures our patrons get what they need to move forward with their lives,” says Michelle George, a Lydia’s Loft volunteer for the past nine years. “For example, getting the proper clothes to wear to a job fair builds confidence prior to an interview. We are one of the most essential organizations in North Mecklenburg and South Iredell Counties.”

Lydia’s Loft also offers a Prom Closet, which opened in 2010 to minimize the costs of renting or purchasing formal wear. Here, prom-goers can choose from more than 1,000 gowns, jewelry, shoes and men’s tuxedoes. The Prom Closet is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, from March through May. Darlene O’Toole, who’s been volunteering for 18 years, finds joy in her service.

“It feeds my soul to help others,” she says. “We have a great team of volunteers and a generous community; it’s what keeps our doors open.”

With the holidays and colder weather fast approaching, Lydia’s Loft needs the following: blankets, children’s clothing (all sizes), men’s clothing (small and medium), new socks and underwear.

To learn more about Lydia’s Loft, including information on donating and volunteering, visit www.fbc-h.org/lydias/ or call 704.948.7797.

Lydia’s Loft volunteers: kind, caring people supporting our local communities

Aesthetics

Caption copy goes here.

and an Eye for Design

Knotty & Board Adds Davidson Location

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If you’ve ever set foot in Knotty & Board, you know that Davidson residents Michael Fournier and Kim Hankins have a gift for creating inspiring spaces. Their interiors store at 20700 N. Main Street in Cornelius, opened in November 2020 and is filled with décor, lighting, candles, gifts, home goods for entertaining, art and furniture. Shopping there is an experience in discovery — you may find something you never knew you needed, and it will fit perfectly in your home.

Hankins, a mortgage broker for the past 25 years, says the goal when they started Knotty & Board was to eventually own their retail space. They signed a three-year lease for their original location in Cornelius, but when the perfect property in downtown Davidson hit the market, they couldn’t resist.

The couple recently expanded the Knotty & Board brand to 265 S. Main Street in Davidson, occupying a 117-year-old home they bought in the summer of 2021.

“When we saw it, we just thought, this would be amazing to have an actual home and to display home furnishings,” says Hankins.

The historic home with a beautiful wraparound porch and 10 visible fireplaces (an 11th was discovered during renovations but is concealed by cabinetry), is located in an area of Davidson that was zoned for small businesses or residential use. Hankins says the house itself was in great shape but converting a historic home to today’s commercial code was extremely challenging.

“Reinforcing of the house was wild, and fire suppression was incredibly expensive — every single wall had to be opened and closed back up,” she says. “There were points when it felt nearly impossible, but we got it done.”

Indeed, they did, giving the beautiful old home a Knotty & Board makeover from the black & white stripes painted on the front porch floor, to the wallpapered ceiling in the dining room and the moody “art room” on the second floor — each space has a distinct look and feel.

“I am constantly like, what can I do in this room, what new décor, accent, look or aesthetic do I want to bring in, and that’s super fun since we have so many different rooms,” says Hankins, who has two business degrees but clearly possesses an eye for design.

Allie Spencer photographs provided by Knotty & Board

Kitchen decor ideas adorn the actual kitchen at Knotty & Board in Davidson.

While Hankins manages the buying, Fournier is on the floor every day, bouncing between Cornelius and Davidson. The business originally started during the COVID-19 pandemic when Fournier, a graduate of the Naval Academy with a background in sales, started refinishing wood furniture. “He wanted a retail space for the furniture, so I said we have to add décor to that. So, it’s really a business for him, and I just do all the buying and help with the design,” says Hankins. “It’s much more fun than mortgages.”

What started as a career pivot for Fournier has grown into a local business with two locations and a staff of 25 people. With the new location, they have also expanded their offerings. In addition to their in-stock furniture, they now offer custom furniture from Sherrill Furniture (manufactured in Hickory, North Carolina), a full line of wallpaper from York Wallcoverings, made-to-order rugs and design services.

For now, they plan to offer gifting items at the Cornelius location and décor in Davidson. Their overall goal remains focused on finding items at the middle price point for customers.

“I like to decorate a lot. I love to redecorate all the time at my own home,” says Hankins. “And that’s the customer we’ve looked for and found, the customers that love adding little pieces here and there and doing affordable redesigns.”

For more information about Knotty & Board visit www.knottyandboard.com.

Kelly Cruz Interiors

by Lori Helms photography provided by Kelly Cruz Interiors

It was something as simple as a questionnaire filled out by a young college student that launched a decades-long career for the winner of our “Best Interior Designer” category for 2022 — Kelly Cruz Interiors.

Cruz had enrolled at Ohio State University and, once her answers to a questionnaire that helped new students weed through the myriad degree options available to them pointed her toward the interior design program in the College of Architecture, she’s never looked back.

Now in her 26th year owning her own design firm based in Davidson, Cruz says whether she’s working on a homeowner’s single room redesign, a whole-house do-over or new construction, one business practice has become her standard: the joy of getting to truly know her client and their goals.

“I love my clients,” she says and, even in just a brief conversation with her, one can tell that is truly a genuine sentiment. “They’re all so different, and you end up learning so much about them.”

She speaks often about the need to create client partnerships, which she says happens by her paying close attention to their needs while at the same time earning their trust.

Cruz says while she has done some commercial projects, her clientele is mostly residential and her real focus is on custom furnishings. She says when it comes to a particular design style, however, you really can’t put hers in a specific category.

“I’m all over the place,” she says, laughing at herself a bit. “I like it all, and I can achieve it all.”

It’s that kind of flexibility and confidence that has made her popular not just here in the Lake Norman area, but with clients throughout the Charlotte area and as far flung from here as the beach, Boston and Florida.

Her clientele’s tastes are as varied as the places they call home, but Cruz says it’s actually quite basic when it comes to the art of pleasing them all.

“People are just people,” she says, whether you’re the wealthiest homeowner in town or anywhere else on the socio-economic spectrum. “We all have the same emotions, and there is just a whole lot you can learn about them if you simply listen.”

Learn more about Kelly Cruz Interiors by visiting www.kellycruzinteriors.com or call Cruz at 704.895.2530.

Editor’s Note: Each month we will feature one of the 2022 Best of the Lake Norman CURRENTS Award Winners and share a little more behind-the-scenes info with our readers!

New Leader of the ‘Pack’

Jack McMillan can now check mark “Eagle Scout” on his extensive list of accomplishments. A Davidson resident and member of Troop 58, McMillan recently received Scouting’s highest honor in November 2022.

McMillan had been working toward the award for a couple of years, with a significant part of that process being a community service project. He chose to build a gaga ball pit at the Fuzion Teen Center in Mooresville, which serves as a social hub where teenagers can enjoy a safe environment, develop socially and explore faith.

“Jack worked for days in the heat, digging, measuring and putting the wooden gaga ball pit together,” says Sarah Allen, Fuzion’s executive branch director. “He also had to order signs for the game, ask for donations, get supplies and more. His job is not over yet, as he is excited to introduce and demonstrate the game to the teens.”

Scouting runs in McMillan’s family and, while McMillan credits his dad with inspiring him to get involved, he knew he would join a lengthy line of family scouts.

“Many family members including my grandfather and cousins were also scouts,” he says. And the pride the family feels in the younger McMillan’s achievements is obvious.

“Jack has had to overcome some health challenges,” his father says, “and to watch him mature into the strong young man he’s become during the past eight years of Scouting is hard for me to put into

Below: Jack and his father, Scott McMillan, visiting the USS Wisconsin battleship in Norfolk, Virginia in 2018.

eagle sCout Part of a faMily sCouting legaCy

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words. He has such a positive optimistic attitude on life.”

To obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, participants must also earn a series of merit badges. McMillan has 26 of them but is most proud of his wilderness survival badge. To earn that badge, he had to spend time in the woods equipped only with a few items including a flashlight and a pocketknife.

“My group was the only one that built a sustainable waterproof leanto out of sticks, vines and leaves, where we spent the next two hours protecting ourselves from a downpour,” McMillan says.

The lessons and skills McMillan has learned continue to help him in his daily life. For example, he draws on the challenging experience — which included a bout of “pink eye” — during a ten-day trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.

“I will keep it in my memory forever,” he says, “witnessing the sunrise at an altitude of 9,000 feet helps me to remember that, even when times are tough, discomfort is okay because it’s how you grow.”

Part of the Scout oath is to “help other people at all times,” and this resonates with him.

“I try to live by this pledge every day,” says McMillan. “I especially try to help the elderly. I believe in paying it forward because, if a lot of people witness charitable deeds, they may try and do the same.”

Bek Mitchell-Kidd photography provided by McMillan Family

Left: Eagle Scout Jack McMillan on a wilderness hike.

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LKN Chamber Connects Young Professionals

Are you between the ages of 21 and 39 and want to network with other young professionals, but aren’t sure where to do that? Maybe you work remotely or recently moved to the Lake Norman area and want to make career and social connections? Then the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals (YP) could be just what you’re looking for.

“Even if you’re between jobs, as long as you want to be involved in the community and better yourself, the organization would open its arms to you,” says Bill Russell, president and CEO of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, there are nearly 50 YP members, and each month they are invited to attend a professional development event at Eleven Lakes Brewing in Cornelius and an “off-the-clock” social

at different area venues. The YP group also holds a quarterly philanthropic event, with proceeds helping local organizations including the Ada Jenkins Center, Pat’s Place and Angels & Sparrows Community Table & Resource Center.

“We recently held our putt-putt tournament at Frankie’s to benefit Pat’s Place, and it was a lot of fun, raising more than $3,000,” says Douglas Marion, long-time member of the YP group. Between events, YP members often meet to help more.

“We landscape, paint and clean up trash at Ada Jenkins on Saturdays,” Marion says. They also assist with the area Big Brothers Big Sisters of America annual summer event, Big Day at the Lake. This event gives underprivileged kids a chance to play in Lake Norman, ride boats and enjoy a picnic lunch.

by Karel Bond Lucander | photography courtesy of Douglas Marion

The Advanced Wealth Strategies (AWS) Front Office Team (from left) are Renee Simpson, Douglas Marion, Amelia Black, Rich Jakiel, Jay Neal and Cherese Spand.

For a $50 annual fee, YP members have all access to full-member Lake Norman Chamber events. These include coffee hours, networking lunches, after-hour mixers, ribbon-cuttings and grand-openings, round table meetings and an annual golf outing.

Beginning Jan.1, Marion, who has served as the finance chairperson of the chamber’s board for three years, will be appointed the new chairperson of the board. Now 36, he began his association with the Lake Norman Chamber 12 years ago at age 24. He was instrumental in helping to launch the chamber’s YP group in 2014.

“For eight years he has been involved as a young professional, but now will be overseeing the entire chamber,” Russell says. “We’re excited to have Douglas as our board chair; I think he’s going to do a fantastic job.”

Marion is president of Advanced Wealth Strategies, a financial planning and advising company in Cornelius. He says his association with the Lake Norman Chamber’s Young Professionals has been important for his own growth as a business owner. “It’s a great avenue to meet people and get involved in the area business community. There are people from all kinds of backgrounds, from those working for large corporations to those who own their own business.” He says it also fills a void in this region, where many young professionals are moving from other parts of the country.

“Many of these members have moved from somewhere else and haven’t been able to meet other young professionals,” he says.

As someone who has spent years with the Lake Norman Chamber, primarily through the Young Professionals, Marion is committed to continuing to strengthen and grow this group along with the rest of the Chamber. For more information, visit www.lakenormanchamber.org.

fruitful roots

Thirsty for more meetup venues, Douglas Marion and his wife Shannon, brother Travis, and wife Chelsea plan to open “Fruitful Roots Brewing” in Old Town Cornelius, across from the new Cain Center for the Arts in early 2024. With a decade of brewing experience, Travis has already won many awards for his craft beers. At Fruitful Roots, they will feature family-influenced recipes, like the pecan stout that’s a nod to grandma’s famous pecan tarts. Another new addition on the horizon: Douglas and Shannon are expecting their first child, a daughter, in January.

Douglas Marion - board chair

Winner: 2022 Best in Show: Pippin Home Designs

Compiled by Lori Helms

This home is a chef’s dream, designed with an entire wing dedicated to food, drink, entertainment and education. Walls of windows, a strategic floor plan and an intentional orientation provide pristine views. Tiered outdoor living takes advantage of the steep slope of the property. Healthy materials and natural daylighting make this home a haven.

Pippin Home Designs hit the mark on every design objective presented to them. To provide ample gourmet kitchen space with lots of natural light, the formal kitchen upstairs was designed with ample seating around a large island prep area featuring the chef’s coveted Lacanche range. There is also an attached walk-in pantry with additional counterspace, as well as a floor-to-ceiling bookcase with a rolling ladder for the chef’s prized cookbook collection. The lower level kitchen doubles as an entertainer’s bar with wine cooler and beer fridge just steps away from the summer kitchen and access to the pool.

To provide several outdoor living spaces and maximize views of the lake while still retaining privacy from a nearby boat launch, a semi-V-shaped footprint created a secluded cove around a pool with terraced patios and unobstructed views. This unique footprint also allowed large walls of windows on the entire lakeside of the home to provide desirable views and lots of natural light. The deep covered porches preserved these views with the shading necessary from the hot afternoon summer sun.

The slope of the property lent to a multi-leveled home with tiered outdoor living spaces. The main level captured views through and above the tree canopy while the lower level provides an alternate perspective of the natural surroundings and access to the outside from numerous spaces. The tiered back patio and pool area create a resort-like feel with layered outdoor living spaces. A grand stone staircase leads down to a terraced backyard, providing easier access to the dock and impressive elevated shoreline views.

Best of the Lake Design Competition Winners

Best Custom Waterfront Home – $3.1M+

This home was built in The Point on a premier waterfront lot with main channel views. The lot’s septic permit restricted it to four bedrooms, which means this nearly 8,000-square-foot home has comfortably large rooms as well as multiple secondary living spaces for family and guests to enjoy. This project took an interesting turn when the original client suddenly decided against relocating to the Lake Norman area, and the home was purchased by the builder and turned into a spec home.

Since the house was classic New England coastal architecture, the builder opted for classic finishes in that genre. That meant cedar shingle siding and roofing, a stone foundation, a flagstone porch and deck, fully-operable hinged louvered shutters and a lot of white trim. The interior was kept light and bright with white cabinets, moldings, panels and beams — except for the warm stained pine paneling and dark cabinets in the library. The master bath and shower floor and walls were done in calacatta gold marble, while the secondary baths were a variety of subway tile with mosaic floors.

Once this became a spec home, the builder became the client. The design guidelines were to use rich, classic finishes with a light, modern feel, as well as a somewhat neutral color palette that would accommodate homeowner-added splashes of color in furnishings and art. Uber-luxury touches like a 60” range, a pool cabana with a fireplace and a mammoth master closet were irresistible to the builder’s targeted customer.

Winner: Patrick Joseph Distinctive Homes

Best New Home Construction - $750K-$999K

Reflecting the classic yet artistic style of Plaza Midwood, this home blends ample natural light, unique geometric details, functional living areas, elegant entertaining and outdoor living spaces designed to maximize space in a small footprint. The result is a stunning modern urban residence. The neighborhood requirements included all garages to be set at the rear of the lot, minimizing the space available for outdoor living within the building envelope. The design of this urban home needed to be unique both indoor and out, with an exterior elevation with superior curb appeal while maximizing natural light in a densely populated neighborhood. The final result in this custom, upscale home is a stunning urban residence with bright, functional space. The home includes two separate outdoor areas for entertaining and everyday use — a private front enclosed patio with fireplace and rear yard with covered patio area accessed with pocketing doors from the great room.

Winner: AR Homes/Monterey Bay Charlotte

Best New Home Construction - $1M-$2M

This home is best described as “old world” architecture updated and blended with simple tile, light fixtures, and cabinetry, in a more than 6,500-square-foot home with unobstructed 270-degree lake views. The engineered hardwoods, tile and travertine, simple elegant light fixtures, and remote electronic/lighting control all allow for easy maintenance. With more than 175 feet of shoreline and panoramic lake views, the home’s septic and well systems had to be designed to handle five bedrooms and elaborate pool. The large kitchen island is rounded at the end to allow guests to talk with one another and be part of the action in the kitchen, while the master bedroom has motorized blackout window treatments that can be controlled remotely and allow full views when open and fully darken the room when closed.

Winner: Chad Goodin Signature Homes, Inc., with Labella Associates

Best Custom Waterfront Home - $750K-$999K

This modern home is great for entertaining with amazing views, and includes a fully equipped game room, a six-bed bunk room each with its own TV, a pool, separate hot tub, putting green, grill and firepit. The client wanted a modern home with clean lines and wanted the home to be open and airy without feeling cold. The use of LVP throughout the house turned out beautiful and is perfect for the pool and lake as it is water resistant. Pops of color and wood accents throughout the home keep it from being too cold or hard. The large windows allow for amazing views and the natural light that comes in brightens everything. The client wanted a very low maintenance exterior, achieved by using stucco, stone and fiber cement trim, along with a metal garage door.

Winner: Zar Custom Homes

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Best of the Lake Design Competition Winners

Best Custom Waterfront Home - $2.1M-$3M

The clients wanted this home’s exterior to have an “island vibe” (coastal, light, bright and airy), white with black windows and certain trim, mahogany exterior doors, a 42’ long pool and a spacious pool deck with a large outdoor bar and cooking area. The three-level interior was to have numerous beamed ceilings, white paneled walls, a dramatic staircase and a master closet as large as the master bedroom. Beyond the standard rooms, the clients also wanted a large scullery and pantry, his and hers home office areas, a fitness room, a gaming room for kids, lower-level pub and lots of conditioned storage space. This lot presented a challenge – a tear-down of an older home and the lot’s jagged shoreline required a seawall — but ultimately, it became 7,000-square-foot home, from the gorgeous boulder wall at the shoreline to the glass-fronted wine room to the hidden cabinet doors into both the pantry and the scullery.

Winner: Patrick Joseph Distinctive Homes

Best Existing Home Remodel - $276K-$500K

The main guideline from the homeowners was to stay in the home while construction was in progress. A three-car garage with bonus room above was added, while also enclosing the existing exterior hallway and completely remodeling the kitchen. Other changes included the exterior paint color, while adding a new roof and new windows. The homeowners also wanted to change the design of the front gable roof to make the entrance more appealing and update the color to Kendall Charcoal with Alabaster trim. Interior walls were lightened to make the kitchen more open and to take advantage of the lake views. The final result was a dream kitchen and drop zone for the wife, a dream garage for the husband and a very useful bonus room/play area for the kids.

Winner: Holliday Homes LLC with Nicole Pierri Architecture

Best Existing Home Remodel - $501K-$1M

Most people would have considered this project a tear-down. The “bones” were good but besides that, everything else had to be updated. The existing entryway and exterior deck were dilapidated and not safe to walk on, while the interior also needed updating and a redesign to maximize the lake views. This was a complete remodel of an existing 30-year-old home. Changes included the redesign of the kitchen and added butler’s pantry, as well as a beautiful new alder wine closet, all new rear deck with Wolf composite decking and a hot tub off of the master, new windows, doors, roof and siding. The final results speak for themselves. What was once considered a tear-down is now a beautiful home, ideal for entertaining — all completed within the client’s required four-month timeframe.

Winner: Alair Homes Lake Norman

Best Kitchen Remodel - $50K-$100K

The goal of this project was to create a luxury kitchen without changing the layout and working within the existing space. The budget was to be reserved for high-end unique ideas and finishes rather than spent on overly grand layout changes and construction costs. This 15-year-old kitchen in a custom home in The Farms in Mooresville had a unique and wonderful flow to it, with existing spaces for all the desired appliances dominated by a large island that reflected the shape and walls of the kitchen space. The original cabinets were repurposed and used in place, rather than ripping everything out, which seemed like a waste of money and not an eco-friendly or economical way to approach the project given the good condition they were in. The idea for this kitchen was to have the ease of a French bistro or a chef’s kitchen, but also to exude luxury with marble everywhere. A luxurious feel was of the utmost importance. The goal was to see how far the aesthetic of the kitchen could be stretched without changing the layout. Marble and polished nickel was a must, paired with an over the top “wow” factor.

Winner: Craft and Trade Renovations LLC

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Buillders Association

Lakemist Homes is proud to open our newest community at Davidson Pond. We offer estate lots only 2 miles from downtown Davidson. Located off Presbyterian road in Mooresville. The community allows for low county taxes while offering the convenience of 1-6 acre homesites.

Piedmont Federal Savings Bank Where the Benefit is Mutual!

One hundred and twenty years ago, a small group of local North Carolina businessmen founded Piedmont Building & Loan to help individuals and families achieve the dream of home ownership and build financial assets. Fast forward to today, and Piedmont Federal is still helping local families and businesses reach their financial goals.

What is the significance of our mutuality? Our mutual structure means that we don’t have stockholders, allowing us to take a longterm perspective and make decisions that directly benefit our clients, teammates and communities. Mutuality means that our clients enjoy accounts tailored for them because our bankers aren’t on commission to sell products that our clients don’t need. It also means our loans are tailored for them as well, whether they are seeking a home with acreage or a family member loan. We do not sell our loans, so we can be flexible. We work for you. Period.

Our local team in Lake Norman has a combined total of 67 years of banking experience. Whether your business is seeking a construction loan, equipment financing, a line of credit or workplace banking for your

employees, our commercial team of Brad McMillian, Zack Dellinger and Eric Hermanson will collaborate with you to grow and support your business.

Amanda White, our Lake Norman Mortgage Loan Officer provides variety and flexibility in home loan options and terms designed for your specific budget. Whether you are looking for construction-to-permanent financing, refinancing your current home or buying your first home, Amanda will work with you to find the best loan to meet your needs. Reach out to our team anytime; we are here for you.

We appreciate the privilege of serving our local communities in North Carolina since 1903. Here’s to 120+ years more!

8600 Sam Furr Rd, Suite 260, Huntersville, NC 28078

Brad McMillian 336-423-5835

Zack Dellinger 336-423-5836

Amanda White 336-770-1116

Eric Hermanson 336-770-1127

From Left to Right: Zack Dellinger - Senior Business Banker

Eric Hermanson - Director, Business Partner Relations Brad McMillian - Senior Business Banker Amanda White - Mortgage Loan Officer

This project was a designer’s dream come true, with the privilege of working with the best clients who trusted me at every turn. They live in a log cabin, but they wanted to get rid of the country feeling, and make it into a cool, hip, industrial modern home with a city vibe. Because of my background working in the real estate world and home staging, I made sure this big-dollar project not only looked great but would give them a true return on their investment.

The homeowners had a gas stove fireplace immediately visible upon walking into the space, and a big support beam that chopped off the space. We removed the small window of their gorgeous view of the lake and replaced it with as big a window we could fit so they would have their million-dollar view. We put in a support beam and industrial floating staircase to give a city look and, of course, got rid of the beam and gas fireplace.

These homeowners wanted their house to go from “country log cabin by the lake” to an industrial modern log cabin with a New York vibe.

Before

The kitchen was very outdated and didn’t have a good flow. Working with a bona fide log cabin, the designers had to consult with several contractors to make sure they could knock down certain walls.

Blending old wood with new was a challenge, as was construction of the home, including the need to create a new staircase in the back of the home. To give it a modern vibe as well as to address all the layout issues, the designers took out a supporting beam, added a very industrial looking stair set (that actually updated not only the look, but made it to code), and gave them a super industrial vibe by tying it to the staircase, railing and support beam that looks like steel. Enlarged windows were added to enhance the amazing view and center the whole space.

Marcyne Touchton, ASP™, ASPM™

First Master ASPM™ in Carolinas Owner & Principal Stager, since 2006 Mobile: 704.998.1695 www.domainestaging.com

AR Homes®

Monterey Bay Charlotte

AR Homes® Charlotte (Monterey Bay Charlotte) has proudly built many of the finest homes in the area’s most sought-after communities. Building a home with us means access to innovative home design, expert interior design guidance and the competitive volume pricing on materials the network of AR Homes® can offer. Monterey Bay Charlotte has continuously been recognized in the Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s “Best of the Lake” awards, including three awards at the 2022 gala!

The team at Monterey Bay Charlotte brings together decades of building excellence and local industry expertise. From sales to design to construction and beyond, your custom home will be crafted and built by a team that is dedicated to bringing your dream to life.

We offer an extensive collection of award-winning plans to fit many unique needs, all crafted with thoughtful and comprehensive design details. Our designers work constantly to create new plans that adapt to the evolving needs of clients and incorporate the latest technology and innovation.

The local AR Homes® team will discuss your vision with you and recommend how to best meet your needs. Our proprietary system

is unique among homebuilders and means our clients have flexibility with the design process, with customizable plans and elevations that can serve as an actual blueprint or simple inspiration for you to use toward your unique layout. This flexibility means clients have the freedom to decide if they’d like to build the home design as-is, use one of our existing plans but customize some spaces or details, or have our team design something completely from scratch! Our proprietary Personalized Floor Plan (PFP) process allows those who build with us to bring their unique vision to our home designs. With AR Homes® PFP process and decades of experience in building, we can combine the technology and resources to provide a comprehensive and detailed quote.

As a perennial industry innovator, AR Homes® builders have the distinct advantage of best-in-class building resources, innovative design and budgeting software, as well as our unrelenting desire to meticulously craft homes we would be proud to call our own.

Dawn Wilkinson 704.960.0667

DWilkinson@ARHomes.com

Best of the Lake Design Competition Winners

Best Kitchen Remodel - $100K+

This renovated kitchen is a larger, brighter space with lots of natural light and room to gather. The island is perfect for entertaining groups, or with seating now incorporated, quiet family meals. The denim blue quartzite countertops and backsplash shine and perfectly compliment the blue cabinetry of the wet bar. The existing kitchen was outdated with mixed and matched cabinet colors, materials and very limited natural light. A tiny island with cooktop limited the ability to gather, share meals and entertain. The homeowners wanted a larger, brighter space with easier flow to and from the kitchen, breakfast room, porch and ultimately the pool. The footprint of the kitchen was expanded by 200 square feet, and top of the line appliances were installed throughout, including a built-in refrigerator and freezer that are hidden by a panel wall. This wall also conceals a stunning butler’s pantry that runs the full length of the wall and dramatically increases the kitchen’s storage, countertop and food prep space. New windows flood the kitchen with natural light and make the denim blue quartzite countertops shine. The wet bar includes a full wine refrigerator, sink and additional cabinet space. The blue cabinetry compliments the denim blue quartzite in the kitchen, and the antique mirror backsplash is another beautiful detail.

Winner: Andrew Roby

Best New Home Project Design - $750K-$999K

In keeping with the modern prairie style, this home features a low-pitch roof with broad overhanging eaves. The main living area has many unique design features to capture the eye, including windows from floor to header heights to maximize the view. The ceiling features a unique beam design that adds to the scale of the room, while the floating concrete fireplace serves as a distinctive focal point. One of the builder’s favorite features of this house is a hidden butler pantry built right into the kitchen cabinetry. The house features a spacious main floor, with a large kitchen that opens to the combined living and dining area, all of which is surrounded by outdoor living that extends the home’s livable space. The main floor also includes a wine room, office, exercise room, mudroom and master bed and bath. Upstairs features a guest bedroom, a game room loft with bar and a cigar porch perfect for entertaining. This is an open floor plan with plenty of space for entertaining.

Winner: Kenneth Bealer Homes, Inc.

Best New Home Project Design - $1M-$2M

Clients building for the first time wanted a custom home to reflect a blend of modern and traditional design. The results are a home featuring a stunning and bold elevation, ample outdoor living space and bright interior with color and material contrasts all while providing the functional work, entertaining and living spaces required. Both homeowners needed space to work from home, as well as space for friends and family to gather. They also have an aging parent who lives with them part-time and needed space of their own and a first-floor design with an eye for future accessibility needs. The exterior elevation was designed for bold black and white elements that create a unique home with stunning curb appeal. Inside, the home is clean, bright and welcoming with high vaulted ceilings and a soaring foyer. To offset the airy feel from the large windows and white walls in the open main floor, the strong dark bar, kitchen island, dining room wall detail and ceiling beams anchor the space. The homeowners each have a slightly different taste, with one preferring contemporary and one more traditional elements. The design needed to seamlessly blend both styles in an elegant and stunning way.

Winner: AR Homes/Monterey Bay Charlotte

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Buillders Association

Best of the Lake Design Competition Winners

Best New Home Project Design - $2M+

This client wanted a large home with an upscale but casual feel, with multiple outdoor and entertaining areas, while also including several spaces for grown children, family visiting for extended periods and frequent guests. It includes a number of suites, a full apartment, rec room, outdoor areas and more. Ceiling and wall details, bold colors and rustic materials combine to create a unique and inviting home. This custom home includes the owner’s suite and guest suite on the main floor, and three large bedrooms with ensuites upstairs as well as the rec room with large wet bar and balcony. A full apartment with kitchenette and laundry is ideal for a grown child or possibly a future in-law. The main floor is ideal for entertaining or daily use with a gourmet kitchen, pantry/prep space, massive utility room with double washer and dryer and pet area, dual offices and tranquil screened outdoor living and dining. There is also an oversized three-car garage, pool/spa and a rocking chair front porch. Both clients work from home and needed dual office space and additional functional space for entertaining. The homeowners wanted the home to feel as warm and inviting as possible and insisted the builder not include any formal spaces.

Winner: AR Homes/Monterey Bay Charlotte

Best Remodel/Existing Home Project Design - $76K-$165K

These homeowners wanted their house to go from “country log cabin by the lake” to an industrial modern log cabin with a New York vibe. The kitchen was very outdated and didn’t have a good flow. Working with a bona fide log cabin, the designers had to consult with several contractors to make sure they could knock down certain walls. Blending old wood with new was a challenge, as was construction of the home, including the need to create a new staircase in back of the home. To give the home a modern vibe as well as address all the layout issues, the designers took out a supporting beam, added a very industrial looking stair set (that actually updated not only the look, but made it to code), and gave them a super industrial vibe by tying it to the staircase, railing and support beam that looks like steel. Enlarged windows were added to enhance the amazing view and center the whole space.

Winner: Domaine Staging & Design

Best Remodel/Existing Home Project Design - $276K-$500K

The design objective was to re-imagine this historic property, looking to strike the balance of maintaining classic details and proportions of the 1935 Georgian Revival aesthetic while introducing a more modern floorplan and updated systems in this whole house renovation. Light, views and flow were paramount in the plan layout, with new interior finishes matching or complementing existing ones whenever possible. This home has found new life and is now the home for a young family of six. The two-story addition houses a spacious chef’s kitchen and a new primary bedroom suite, with expansive windows for views to play areas and wooded surroundings. The proportions and details of the addition nod to the existing brick structure while taking on a whimsical quality to activate the side and rear play yards. The muted color scheme blends in with the surroundings and does not overpower the existing red brick and trim detail. The front porch and entry door we restored keeping the classic front façade intact. The driveway was relocated to free up valuable side and back yard space for the enjoyment of the future homeowner. The whole house interior is renovated preserving the original details (high ceilings, period moldings, doors and knobs, original hardwood floors) while providing a modern open floor plan, including an excavated and dried in basement space, connecting spaces visually while keeping each distinct room defined. The detached carriage house has a modern live-work studio above, with details and windows to match the main house addition. Existing brick from the original house was reused whenever possible, allowing for the relocation of windows in the existing home brick façade and for the integration of the new addition with the existing home, thus maintaining the unique exterior brick design and color.

Winner: Holliday Homes LLC with Nicole Pierri

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Buillders Association

Best of the Lake Design Competition Winners

Best Outdoor Living Project - $101K-$300K

Unobstructed panoramic site lines pull the homeowner outside by framing panoramic lake views with enlarged fire features. Rustic old world style architecture is complemented with warm stone color and a trickle effect infinity edge pool for relaxing ambience. The shape of the infinity edge pool frames the lake by following the contours of the shoreline. Incorporated automation for the pool makes for easy one-touch changes to the pool environment. The end results are relaxed lake living with a focus on outdoor entertaining for family and friends.

Winner: Chad Goodin Signature Homes, Inc.

Best Residential Interior Design - $25K-$50K

This existing home on Lake Norman in Cornelius was essentially a total gut job – in need of a new exterior, entrance, back patio and an update on the flow of the main living space. The entire living room fireplace facade had to be recreated, and although there were windows in the space, they were odd and didn’t provide enough light. They were replaced with a different layout, and one was even added to the other side of the fireplace. Bringing the lake view inside the home and providing a good flow was the objective, having three focal points: the lake view, the fireplace and the built-ins. New white oak flooring with clear stain was installed, and a beautiful custom woven rug was cut in the shape of the room to add warmth. Using the same color of wood stain, the bookshelf between the living room and the dining room was created. The mantle was added, and a light, shimmery 24 x 12 tile was installed vertically on the fireplace. Dueling sofas, ottoman and a skirted rocker were the main furniture pieces. The simplicity of the accessories and the dramatic art and the wood tones warm up the space and make the room feel like a retreat on the water. The stunning views of the lake and the abundance of light in the space are the best part of this renovation.

Winner: Michelle McKoy Design

Special Project

Under the direction of Kingswood Custom Homes, ITC Millwork, Koetter Woodworking and the Envision Millwork team were tasked with the ultimate design/crafting/construction/installation challenge. The video project recounts how architect Harry Schrader pushed the envelope by creating a room in a way he had never done before, challenging our teams to fabricate and install walnut crown moulding approximately four feet wide – the largest crown they believe to exist within the United States. This room took on a different timeframe than the rest of the house. As a result, it took several mock-ups, 16 weeks and countless hours, matching the grain pattern of the walnut paneling perfectly and meticulously bracing the massive crown moulding into place, hiding each seam effortlessly, even concealing a TV. This room is very much about pushing the envelope, where Schrader desired to create a style, a feeling and a personality of a space that was appropriately comfortable, feminine and warm. The crown moulding, being as large as it is, blurs the line between a distinct piece of millwork at the ceiling juncture and rather talks about this flowing of materials from ceiling to wall. The video maps the journey through Schrader’s eyes, first filming the homeowner testimonial and then moving on to the group and individual interviews. The second portion of the video was shot on location at Koetter Woodworking alongside ITC’s representative Tony Valdez and Envision Millwork President. The results of this space are breathtakingly stunning. The warm, rich chocolate walnut crown and paneling set this home apart.

Winner: ITC Millwork with Envision Millwork

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Buillders Association

Congratulations to all of the winners for 2022!

What’s Next?

It’s Never Too Late for a New Project

by Mickey Dunaway

When you read this month’s “Moment in Time,” I will have celebrated — okay, maybe celebrated is not the right word — my 76th birthday in December. I ask myself a lot these days, “What’s next?” Not in the spiritual sense, but what meaningful thing will I accomplish with the days and keystrokes the Almighty provides?

At 76, it is the realization of time being a rather critical factor. I am much closer to my winter days than my summer days. Accepting that my days are indeed numbered is a fact. Not many days of procrastination are left on my calendar, and I was so good at it, too.

How will I address this fact? What can I do with my days that will have meaning for me and perhaps others? I am not a person who loves to promote causes, never have been. My cause was my vocation. I was “a school man” for 48 years as a teacher, assistant

principal, principal, deputy superintendent for instruction, superintendent and associate professor of educational leadership. My days of teaching and leading are done, although I am honored to occasionally be asked for advice from a former student or colleague. I get to guest teach on occasion for former students.

So, I concluded that I must explore other learning paths to answer my “What’s next?” birthday question. I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions — too easy to create and even easier to disregard — so I need something with more substance. To fill that tall order, I decided to research and write our Dunaway family tree as a historical novel, accidentally becoming the Dunaway family historian. I figure those two conjoined projects should keep me busy for several Januarys to come. As succinctly as this longwinded Southerner can put it, my 76th birthday “What’s next?” question became, “How did I get here?”

I am excited about what lies behind and ahead. It will be hard work filled with lots and lots of new learning. I began my research this past August with a trip to pick the brains of my south Alabama, mostly older relatives, for two weeks. What a trip! I interviewed my last two living aunts. One was 87 and my mother’s sister, and the other was 96 and my father’s sister-in-law. The other interviewees were my last two older Dunaway cousins and my older brother. When one is 76, one is blessed to find many older relatives.

It was a remarkable excursion that my wife and I took; one that I should have taken years ago. I visited graves from southwest Alabama to southwest Georgia in search of relatives and found a bunch I know to be related and another that may be. Further research is required.

I recorded the interviews and have a stack of audio files, pictures, certificates, draft notices and letters on my desk, waiting for me to collate them, which I will do as soon as I submit this to my editor!

I encourage you to ask yourself, “What’s next?” and make the answer your New Year’s resolution. If you choose to look backward, you will find many resources, with more being added almost weekly. If you jump into your past, you are likely to feel overwhelmed. The size of the task of looking in your family’s rearview mirror can be daunting, but it is worth it — a wonderful family project with you as the leader!

“To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.” - Chinese Proverb

Special Needs Require Special Plans

Having a comprehensive estate plan is important for everyone, especially those with children or other family members who are disabled or have special needs. Most people with special needs will depend on public government benefits in their lifetime, including Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These public benefits are determined based on a person’s “means,” meaning there is a strict limit an individual can have in assets and income. When a person is receiving government benefits and has an increase in assets, the government benefits are threatened, and the individual may be disqualified from receiving the benefits.

When discussing your estate plan and leaving a special needs child or other special needs family member as a beneficiary in your will or trust, you must make sure there is specific language to allow the inheritance to go into a Special Needs Trust (SNT) for the benefit of the special needs individual. This will ensure that any government benefits the individual is receiving are not affected.

There are multiple types of SNTs (also referred to as Supplemental Needs Trusts). The three types I will be discussing in this month’s issue as well as the next two months are Testamentary Special Needs Trusts, First Party Funded Special Needs Trusts and Third Party Funded Special Needs Trusts.

A Testamentary Special Needs Trust allows a person to create a SNT within their will or trust to benefit the special needs individual while protecting the individual from accessing government benefits. The Testamentary SNT does not go into effect until the

grantor dies. The Testamentary SNT is revocable until the grantor’s death, and then it becomes irrevocable. Additionally, there is no government pay back provision and the successor beneficiaries can be any person or entity.

All SNTs must follow federal and state law. If you are thinking of leaving a beneficiary with special needs in your will or trust, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced estate planning and special needs planning attorney.

Danielle Feller is the lead estate planning attorney at Daly Mills Estate Planning. She is a native of Mooresville, an AV Preeminent Rated attorney in Estate Planning, Rising Star Super Lawyer and is published in a chapter with Wealthcounsel’s second edition of Estate Planning Strategies, Collective Wisdom, Proven Techniques. Give Feller a call today for a consultation at 704-878-2365 or visit www.DalyMillsEstatePlanning.com.

Danielle Feller

Give Danielle a call today for a consultation at 704-878-2365. You can also visit our website at www. DalyMillsEstatePlanning.com.

IRS to Cut Estate & Gift Tax Exemption by Fifty Percent

Estate planning strategies for high-net-worth families are even more crucial given the anticipated change in the estate and gift tax exemption threshold. Unless additional congressional action is taken, the threshold for taxable estates will drop from $12.92 million to $6.8 million.

The IRS has ruled that, beginning in 2026, your estate tax threshold will be the greater of the estate tax threshold then in place or the total taxable gifts you made in your lifetime. For example, if in 2023, you gave your daughter $1 million and your nephew $17,000, and you die after 2026, your estate would be taxed on the amount in excess of $5.8 million. However, if you gave your daughter $10 million instead of $1 million then if you die after 2026, your entire remaining estate would be taxable. The $10 million gift would, however, be free of estate or gift taxes. In other words, you can give away $13 million or more before 2026 completely free of estate and gift tax.

Needless to say, proper planning is necessary to make sure you are taking full advantage of the current exemption and aren’t negatively affected when it decreases. There are a number of scenarios to be considered.

A Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) pays annual income from assets donated to the trust. The remainder goes to one or more charities you designate. A CRT can help you plan for retirement, reduce your taxable estate and accomplish your philanthropic goals.

With a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT), one spouse makes a gift into the trust to benefit the other spouse, removing the gifted asset from the spouses’ combined estates, while still

retaining some access to the assets. Any post-gift appreciation in value is excluded from federal taxation for both spouses’ estates. However, federal rules permitting this trust sunset on December 31, 2025.

With a Grantor Retained Annuity Trust you may transfer appreciating assets to your heirs and minimize gift or estate taxes. A GRAT freezes the value of your estate and transfers any increased value to your loved ones.

Consider whether you may qualify for portability before the current federal estate and gift tax exclusions expire in 2026. If your spouse passed away within the past five years, you may be able to file an estate tax return and transfer their unused estate tax exclusion to yourself. So even if you do not pass away until after 2026, you may be able to add millions in tax exclusions to the benefit of your heirs.

Louise Paglen, Estate Planning Attorney

The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C. www.mcintoshlawfirm.com

www.kepnerfh.com

This Sonoma duck breast entree is one of many Southern-inspired entrees at Hunter House & Gardens

Dine + Wine

Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

Photography courtesy of Hunter House and Gardens

Winning

While Wining

The Joy of Sampling Local Ingredients and Great Wines

by Trevor Burton photography by Trevor Burton

Over the years, my wife, Mary Ellen, and I have spent a good bit of time in California’s wine country. It’s fun and satisfying getting to know winemakers and to discover their wines. To me, wine always tastes better when you’re sharing it with the person who crafted it. An added benefit to visiting wine country is searching out and trying some local restaurants. A tasty adventure. We stay away from haute cuisine if it’s available. We stick to a tried-andtrue strategy of seeking out small, bistro-like places. What we yearn for is local ingredients that have been well-looked-after in the kitchen and served in a cozy environment. Of course, local wines are a key ingredient. We found just the place in the town of Healdsburg in northern Sonoma.

Bravas is an old house converted into a tapas bistro. The nice thing about tapas dishes is that one can experience a wide choice of menu items without filling up after the first dish or two. What appealed to us was a chance to do a lot of food and wine pairings; almost all Bravas’ wines are available by the glass, making it easy to pair with a variety of foods.

Right away, we found something interesting. Mary Ellen is a big fan of wines from the Rías Baixas region in the northwestern tip of Spain — wines made from the Albariño grape. Given the Spanish influence at Bravas, it was no great surprise to find one on the wine list. What tickled us was finding a local Albariño on the list. This one was from the Russian River Valley, another favorite wine region. We made a comparison, ordering a couple of tapas dishes and a glass of each of the wines to share with each other.

For the record, the dishes we ordered were a platter of local cheeses along with a kale salad — both superb — but it was the wine where the real interest lay. The two Albariños were enjoy-

able but completely different: different regions, different wines. We won’t go into details of our tasting notes, we’ll just leave it that the experience was unique and interesting.

My wife is an avid aficionado of calamari. So, we headed in that direction. That turned out to be another surprise, a very pleasant one. We’re used to ordering calamari as an appetizer at Italian restaurants, deep fried and crispy. What turned up at Bravas was nothing like that. It was small, Monterey squid, grilled and served with salsa verde, grilled lemon and a little mint. Quite different from what we expected, and absolutely delicious. We opted for a local Zinfandel for our wine.

Our finale was a departure from the tapas theme. We shared a paella. The dish was listed on the menu as Spanish Bomba Rice with Sonoma Flavors. Bomba rice is the most common rice used in paella in Spain. As for the Sonoma flavors, there were mussels, squid and peppers. To us it was a great combination of Barcelona and Healdsburg. Very nice.

As I said, Bravas offers most wines by the glass and there was one we could not pass up. Vino de Pago is a classification for Spanish wine applied to individual vineyards or wine estates. Currently, there are just a few of them. Bravas’ wine, from the Valencia region, was offered by the glass. That’s pretty special and something we couldn’t resist pairing with our paella. A winner while wining, right up our alley.

We headed in the direction of calamari

A Twist to Traditional Pasta Sauce

Sensational Slow Cooked Ragu

There is something truly special about a slow cooked hearty Ragu sauce. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly winter evening, and the flavors that develop while it simmers away all day are positively worth the wait.

A traditional Italian Ragu sauce includes a mix of beef and pork; however, if you want to make this sauce special, use only the best ingredients. I suggest:

Beef short ribs – Since the meat is still on the bone when you cook it, it brings so much more flavor than ground beef.

Pancetta – If you are not familiar with this ingredient, pancetta is like diced bacon but with Italian spices.

San Marzano crushed tomatoes – San Marzano is a region in Italy, and the plum tomatoes grown there have less seeds and less acidity than other tomatoes. They are in the canned vegetable aisle in most grocery stores, you just have to look for them.

When you use these ingredients, you will have a sauce that is delicious today, and even better tomorrow!

Servings: 8-10

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 7-8 hours

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.

Ingredients:

4-5 lbs. bone-in beef, short ribs 4 oz. diced pancetta (or 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped 1-1/4 cups dry red wine, such as Sangiovese 1/2 cup low sodium beef broth 2 28 oz. cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes 1 6 oz. can tomato paste 1 yellow onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 ribs celery, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme, or 1 Tbsp. dried thyme 1 Tbsp. fresh chopped sage, or 1 tsp. dried sage 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional) 1 stick (8 Tbsp.) butter – divided 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese, save the rind 1 lb. dry pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta

Instructions:

Season the short ribs with salt and pepper. Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and drain off all but 1 tablespoon. Add the short ribs and sear 2 minutes on both sides. Remove the ribs and transfer to the slow cooker along with the pancetta.

To the slow cooker, add the parmesan rind, wine, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, celery, carrot, thyme, sage, red pepper flakes and 4 tablespoons butter. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Once done cooking, skim off any fat floating on the top of the sauce before removing the short ribs to a plate. Shred meat with two forks and discard the bones and the parmesan rind from the sauce. Mix the shredded meat and shredded parmesan into the sauce. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss the pasta with 4 tablespoons butter.

Add 4-5 cups of sauce to the buttered noodles and toss well before serving with additional parmesan and crusty bread. Enjoy!

Allie

by Lara Tumer

photography courtesy of Hunter House and Gardens

Hunter House & Gardens in Huntersville has flown mostly under the radar in the Lake Norman restaurant scene. The property was purchased in 2017 by Ellen Loncz and her husband as they hoped to turn the historical home into an event space. The property had already undergone a sizeable renovation in 2005, but with an eye for design, Loncz further transformed the home. She transitioned the old-school Victorian ambiance to a mix of Hollywood glam and modern classic. Gorgeous wallpaper covers many of the walls, and a mix of textures and colors are incorporated throughout the space. In addition to a gorgeous art deco bar upstairs, the couple planted 145 trees on the property, further enhancing the overall atmosphere.

Cultivating tHe rigHt Culture

Just as their zoning was approved in February 2020, the property closed for 16 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The re-opening of Hunter House has been quiet and organic. While the event space is still a large part of the business, the concept has morphed further, showcasing a restaurant that features farm-totable Southern inspired cuisine. Upon re-opening, the main goal was to find the right staff and create a collaborative environment, something that is of utmost importance to Loncz. After gaining experience in the Charleston food and beverage industry, Loncz appreciated the importance of a family-centric workspace, prioritizing work-life balance and promoting mutual respect.

This approach has attracted some of the best restaurant staff in the business, with a team that truly knows their craft. The restaurant’s executive chef Justin Morris has been a huge part of Hunter House’s success, where he’s worked to create a menu that highlights local foods from the Lake Norman region and North Carolina farms. Additionally, some ingredients are planted and grown right on the property, including organic flowers and herbs that you’ll find among many dishes and drinks.

tHe bites and beverages

Big proteins are the highlight of the menu, served alongside colorful and flavorful sides. Currently, the menu features some

indulgent and comforting mains, such as andouille sausage meatloaf and a rack of lamb. Lighter fare includes a flakey Chilean sea bass and chicken succotash. Creamy white grits are the base of the restaurant’s Cajun-inspired scallops and sausage dish — a crowd favorite. As the restaurant moves into the spring, they anticipate a weekly changing menu, swapping in seasonal ingredients.

The cocktail menu features a creative mix of classic cocktails and some fresh creations. Many servers suggest a bartender’s choice approach, where one can provide a bit of guidance and the bartender can create an off-menu drink on the spot — tailor-made for the customer.

As the restaurant gets back into the swing of larger events, they’re hosting a few of their own — most recently, a Gatsby-inspired New Year’s Eve party, high tea and a night of “Wild Game Bites & Bourbon Flights.” Look for additional happenings on the restaurant’s website and social media pages. The space currently seats 150 patrons, perfect for wedding and corporate events. Recently, the upstairs has been remodeled to accommodate smaller venues.

In the slower winter months, Hunter House is offering their space to non-profits to use for their events at a nominal cost. Interested parties can inquire on Hunter House’s website through their event inquiry tab.

Learn more about Hunter House & Gardens on Facebook or at www.hhgevents.com, or visit them at 13811 S. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville.

H Bar + Social is the place to be for exquisite cocktails and delicious food

Save room for one of executive chef Justin Morris’ delightful desserts

Living Well

Your local resource for health and wellness services near you

Audiology

PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose & Throat

Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD

Susie Riggs, AuD

Del L. Hawk, Au.D

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

Michael Redmond, MD

Sarah Carlock, MD

Kristin Prochaska, PA-C

Gina Noble, PA-C

Heather Hollandsworth, FNP

Susan Stevens, RN, BSN

Michelle Caamano, RN, BSN

Laetitia Cloete, Licensed Aesthetician 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827

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 Ear, 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

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

Heather C. Kompanik, MD

Bruce L. Seaton, DO

Amanda H. Bailey, DO Kyle Babinski, DO Sherard Spangler, PA 357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328

PHC – Sailview Family Medicine

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

PHC – Fairview Family Medicine

Golnar Lashgari, MD

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

PHC - Troutman Family Medicine

Amrish C. Patel, MD

Janeal Bowers, FNP Kimberly Whiton, FNP Kelly Buchholz, FNP 154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903

Gastroenterology

Charlotte Gastroenterology and Hepatology

John H. Moore, III, M.D. Steven A. Josephson, M.D. Scott A. Brotze, M.D. Michael W. Ryan, M.D. Devi Thangavelu, M.D. Vinaya Maddukuri, M.D. Nicholas R. Crews, M.D.

Lake Norman Offices: 13808 Professional Center Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078 115 Commerce Pointe Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117

Appointment Line: 704-377-0246 www.charlottegastro.com Locations also in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Matthews, and Ballantyne

PHC – Gastroenterology

Brandon Marion, MD April Lockman, NP 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021

PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center

Vivek Trivedi, MD

Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021

PHC- Gastroenterology

Laila Menon, MD

Gabrielle Miller, NP 170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506

Internal Medicine

PHC – Fox Internal Medicine Jessica Fox, DO Jacqueline Swope, FNP 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 LuAnne V. Gatlin, 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 Douglas Jeffery, 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 Douglas Jeffery, 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 Katie Collins, DO Grant Miller, MD James Wilson, MD Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD NailaRashida Frye, MD Coral Bruss, ANP-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 Scott Brandon, MD

Brett L. Feldman, MD

Alex Seldomridge III, 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

James Murphy, MD April Hatfield, FNP-C 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829

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

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