Lake Norman Currents Magazine

SERVING LAKE NORMAN

COLOSSAL COOKIES

LKN

health influencers

HUCK’S CYCLES roll into town

FEBRUARY 2021

Good for you

chocolate

Special Feature

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

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Lake NormaN’s TrusTed ChoiCe For oraL surgery siNCe 1985

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FROM WHERE I SIT

The magazine by and for the people who call Lake Norman home

Publisher MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com

Love Thy Neighbor There are many different ways to show love. While we all know Feb. 14 is a boon for the chocolate and greeting card industry, I had another revelation come to me as I’ve worked on putting together this issue.

Advertising Director Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives

It’s been almost a year since a global pandemic affected almost every aspect of our lives, from our job security, our health and wellness, our children’s education, to our eating and shopping habits, travel plans, etc. The list goes on and on. But through it all, we’ve had to keep moving, to continue to put one foot in front of the other even though we’ve had no idea what the next weeks or months will bring us.

Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com

Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com

The kindness and compassion in our community continues to amaze me and make me proud to call LKN home. For every story of anyone struggling, there is a story of a person (or group of people) trying to figure out a solution. This issue is full of those types of stories.

A restaurant owner has committed to leading the charge in providing hot lunches for children with food insecurity as they attend school remotely, even while navigating his business through pandemic protocols for serving customers. A town has honored the memory of longtime community advocate, public servant and educator by naming a street after her in Cornelius. Another entrepreneur devotes his time to offering jobs to those transitioning to civilian life out of the military. Nurses and doctors at a health clinic volunteer their services at little to no cost in order to treat patients who fall below the federal poverty level.

Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com

Event Coordinator Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com

Social Media Specialist

These are just the stories shared in this issue. They don’t even paint a full picture of the good that is out there. I’ll be honest. There are days when I struggle. There are days when I feel like I’m writing the same things in my gratitude journal over and over, wondering what else I can do differently to be more like the people on these pages.

Sure, Valentine’s Day can be a fun holiday, but as I mentioned at the start of this letter, there are many different ways to show love. You can support a local restaurant by booking a dinner reservation, or ordering takeout, or buying a special gift for a loved one at a favorite small business. Or go a step further and donate to a food pantry or volunteer service hours at a place that speaks to you. Be creative in the ways that you show love to those around you. You won’t be too hard pressed to find a way if you look hard enough. Every bit helps.

Editor Renee@LNCurrents.com

Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com

Design & Production idesign2, inc

Contributing Writers Trevor Burton Sara Coleman Jill Dahan Grace Kennedy Bek Mitchell-Kidd Martin Rose Mike Savicki Allie Spencer Lara Tumer

Contributing Photographers Jon Beyerle Jamie Cowles Lisa Crates

www.facebook.com/LNCurrents www.twitter.com/LNCurrents 8

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E X C L U S I V E LY AT

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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Contents

About the Cover: Take advantage of the health benefits found in dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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54 CHANNEL MARKERS

LAKE SPACES How we live at the lake

Movers, shakers and more at the lake

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Wes Choplin serves up more than food

HealthReach Community Clinic in Mooresville

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Barvecue offers plant- based product inspired by southern flavors

53 Dwellings

Artful use of white key to kitchen and living space renovation

18 For the Long Run

FEATURES

22

We’re Just Crazy About

Necklaces from Be the Good

In Every Issue

30 Thoughts from

the Man Cave

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24

Huck Cycles adds fuel to life’s adventures

44 Navigators

Shop + Tell The business of boutiques and decadent pies

26

Bet You Didn’t Know

Nannie Potts Lane

honors late Cornelius resident

Social media influencers

make a career out of sharing

IN THIS ISSUE 28 Your Best Life

32 For Your Health

SPECIAL SECTION

Woodlawn School brings

learning festival to community

Furry friends looking for their forever homes

Profiles in Medicine

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33

Trusted care from the best professonals

How to get fitness at your fingertips

Huntersville, NC 28078 484.769.7445 | www.LNCurrents.com 10

Exploring

The Hidden Bin

68 On Tap

Make a brewery visit good for your health

72 In The Kitchen

Flourless Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake

74 Nibbles + Bites

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

10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave, Unit A

Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

80 Renee Wants

to Know

DINE + WINE

Lauren Dungan has a lifesaving message

64 Wine Time

48 Game On

76 A Pet for You

Consider chocolate a healthy indulgence

The entire contents of this publication are protected under copyright.

Unauthorized use of any editorial or advertising content in any form is strictly prohibited. Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine is wholly owned by Oasis Magazines, Inc.

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Red’s Scratch Made

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

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

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

Nourishment for Lake Norman Wes Choplin focuses on providing more than food

by Sara Coleman Photography courtesy of Wes Choplin

With the help of community donations, Choplin has been preparing hot lunches for children in need since August.

It’s often said food is nourishment for our body and feeding others is nourishment for our souls. No one understands this better than Wes Choplin, owner of Choplin’s Steak and Seafood. The wellknown restaurant feeds residents chef-inspired plates on a daily basis. But beyond the restaurant walls, Choplin is on a mission to ensure no child or family in our area goes to bed hungry at night.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, the focus shifted from filling tables nightly to providing for the community. By the time COVID-19 became a full-fledged crisis, the availability of food was becoming questionable. Choplin started receiving calls from residents asking if they could order food from his vendors since food staples, such as chicken and beef, were getting harder to come by at the grocery store. He immediately connected his vendors with local residents, and it was a win-win for both individuals stocking their freezers and vendors trying to unload food.

But then the lack of food availability intensified. Once schools went full remote in the spring and no hope of re-opening in the fall, it was no longer adults asking for chicken. Choplin found out children needed food and hot lunches. Something more had to be done.

In August, the restauranteur got to work and started preparing hot lunches for kids daily. At first it was for only a few, but then the demand grew. At its peak, Choplin’s was providing more than 100 hot lunches per day.

The need hasn’t stopped. With school re-openings still in flux, the demand remains. Choplin’s is able to provide these hot meals because of the hard work of numerous volunteers who help him plate the food and deliver the meals. Choplin states “It’s our mission. We will keep doing it and trying to reach as many in the area as we can.”

This isn’t the only example of the community pulling together to take care of those who need a hand. Choplin’s also has a donation box in the restaurant lobby for items to donate to the homeless here in Charlotte. You can donate sleeping bags, tents, chairs— and Choplin regularly partners with programs to get the items distributed.

He will humbly tell you “I don’t want to even have a business or a restaurant if I can’t give something back.” And more bodies are getting nourished because of this dedication.

Interested in volunteering to help provide meals? Contact Choplin’s Steak and Seafood at 704.892.4800 and provide your name and number to be added to the volunteer list.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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CHANNEL MARKERS - for the long run

Left: Members of HealthReach Community Clinic’s Board of Directors and medical and adminstrative staff.

Below: Mooresville Mayor Miles Atkins, who serves on the clinic’s Board of Directors, and Executive Director Dr. Sabrina Niggel.

Reaching Out for Health

by Grace Kennedy Photography by Jamie Cowles

Iredell County’s only free medical clinic serves thousands of patients each year One in seven working adults in Iredell County lacks health insurance. That means they must pay out of pocket for routine health care, avoid it altogether, or go to the emergency room.

Fortunately, there is another option.

Operating for more than 17 years, HealthReach Community Clinic is the only free medical clinic in Iredell County. The clinic provides primary care and mental health services, pharmacy, lab services, nursing consultations, social work visits, health screenings and more, all at no cost to uninsured Iredell County residents who fall below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level.

“People who are out of work or struggling with low-paying jobs should not have to choose between food and medicine, or between keeping the lights on and keeping a doctor’s appointment,” says HealthReach Community Clinic Executive Director Sabrina Jones Niggel, Ph.D. Operating a free medical clinic requires an immense amount of generosity and volunteerism from the community. As a nonprofit, HealthReach must raise funds each year to cover all expenses, including supplies, medications, equipment, and facility costs.

“We operate with an extremely lean budget, relying primarily on volunteers to provide services and relying on community and corporate partners to donate supplies and equipment,” says Dr. Niggel.

That caring community includes the “Super Seven,” a group of 18

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

volunteer nurses who received the 2020 Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service. Cheryl Bernhardt, Claudia Moody, Molly Meusburger, Sharon Hemric, Sophia Pine, Frankie Sue Coleman and Jennifer Al-Hussaini were instrumental in the more than 4,000 medical appointments provided in 2019. This was the second consecutive year HealthReach volunteers received the award, which recognizes the top 20-25 volunteers in the state each year. Bill and Mary Hurt received the award in 2019.

HealthReach partners with organizations of all sizes to provide quality patient care. “Our services would not be possible without the partnership of Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Iredell Health System and so many other clinical, faith, civic, and community partners who are committed to serving our neighbors in need,” says Dr. Niggel.

The clinic is always looking for specialty care providers like dentists, oral surgeons, endocrinologists and dermatologists to provide referred patients with free or low-cost care. COVID-19 restrictions have limited the clinic’s in-person volunteering, but they always appreciate help spreading awareness of services, as well as fundraising and supply drives. Contact Dr. Niggel at SabrinaN@healthreachclinic.org or 704.663.1992, ext. 5 to learn more about how you can help keep our community healthy.

HealthReach Community Clinic 400 East Statesville Ave – Suite 300, Mooresville 704.663.1992 www.healthreachclinic.org

CHANNEL MARKERS

Barvecue 10308 Bailey Road, #427, Cornelius 704.268.9296 www.barvecue.com

Barvecue That’s Good for You

From left to right: Lee Cooper, Founder and CEO, Jeni Cooper, Co-Founder and Marketing+Community Outreach, Zack Werner, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer.

Cornelius business creates plant-based product inspired by southern flavors

by Lara Tumer | photography by Jon Beyerle

With plant-based diets on the rise, many are looking for unique ways to enjoy their favorite eats without sacrificing the variety and flavor associated with eating meat. Longtime vegetarian, Lee Cooper, saw an opportunity when he found himself without any suitable vegetarian/vegan options for one of his favorite eats, a barbecue sandwich, and moved forward with the creation of his company—Barvecue.

While Cooper had the name and idea for his vegetarian barbeque product, the actual development came through a few happy coincidences. In 2016 Cooper met Zack Werner, a food scientist who was attending culinary school and also happened to be vegetarian. With Cooper’s idea and Werner’s unique skillet, Barvecue came to fruition.

Those looking to purchase Barvecue can either head to their headquarters in Cornelius, purchase directly online, or use their product locator to find local retailers who currently carry product. The four items currently available include the original pulled BVQ, gluten-free chopped BVQ, and naked BVQ—available in both pulled and chopped. All products sell and ship frozen and are made using true wood smoke rather than artificial smoke flavors. The protein base is a mix of whole soy bean, wheat protein, and sweet potato with a clean and short full ingredient list.

After settling into their 4,000-square-foot start-up facility, the goal was to develop product and get into local markets. They “gained headway quickly and regional accounts became national accounts.” 2020 marked a big step for the company, recently securing $2 million in capital and allowing them to scale up and put their eye on the food service industry and grocery/retail. A larger production facility is in the plans for late summer and Cooper expects that Barvecue will be available in a number of major retail grocery stores by the end of 2021.

When asked about his vegetarian diet, Cooper explains that “it’s always been a mix of the environment, animal welfare, wellness, and ethics for me.” Surprisingly, a large percent of sales are to omnivores—people who are looking to incorporate more plantbased meals into their diet but are not technically vegetarian or vegan. The superior taste of Barvecue makes the difference almost undetectable and easy for those to make the swap. It’s obvious that Cooper, who refers to food “as such a personal thing” has found a special niche in the plant-based industry.

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CHANNEL MARKERS - we’re just crazy about

Necklaces from Be the Good Proceeds from these necklaces help support the global nonprofit organization Dress for Success.

Gift yourself or someone you love with bling this month for Valentine’s Day, and support a worthwhile cause while doing so! Prices for these necklaces (perfect for layering) are $53 each.

For each piece sold, a portion of the proceeds are donated to Dress for Success, a global nonprofit organization that provides professional attire for lowincome women, to help support their job-search and interview process.

Find these necklaces and other Be the Good products at Nina’s Boutique, 16916 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville, ninasboutique.net .

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Providing More Than Beautiful Smiles

Welborne, White & Schmidt JRK – 12 OPEN HOUSE Saturday, January 11 | 1:00 p.m.

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E X C E L L E N C E

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D E N T I S T R Y

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www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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CHANNEL MARKERS - shop & tell

Photo by Renee Roberson

Below left: Glam couture at PJ ABODE Luxe Boutique in Jetton Village Shoppes. Right: Graphic tees and hat from Nina’s Boutique in Birkdale Village.

Eco-conscious fashion, boho rock and roll vibes and mouth-watering pie

Photo by Lisa Crates

Retail Therapy Compiled by Renee Roberson

PJ ABODE Luxe Boutique

After 30 years of climbing the corporate ladder to serving as a Chief Communications Officer, Denise Heringslake transferred her skills to open PJ ABODE Luxe Boutique in Cornelius, a new to like-new sustainable fashion business that covers the 3 Pillars of Sustainability: Economic, Environmental and Social. The platform not only allows PJ ABODE to offer what Heringslake calls “Designer Fashion without the Price Tag,” it offers a favorable impact to the inherent greenhouse effect and carbon footprint fashion has on our environment. The boutique works with proprietary vendors, who work directly with some of the largest brands, retailers and fashion houses in the world, to purchase clothing that would have otherwise been incinerated or disposed of in a landfill. By doing thus, they offer customers an upscale resale shopping experience — boasting a collection of timeless, classic designer women’s apparel — all at up to 75 percent and more off MSRP. The Social Sustainability Pillar incorporates community engagement and giving back, as the business platform duals as a charity platform for Breast Cancer Awareness, fundraising, and sponsorship for charities. They team up with special charities to donate a portion of sales, gift certificates, and/or goods and services. PJ ABODE Luxe Boutique, Jetton Village Shoppes, 19826-E North Cove Road, Cornelius, www.pjabodeluxeboutique.com

Nina’s Boutique

After working in the jewelry industry for several years, Elizabeth Laven began to evolve her business to include fashion apparel and accessories. Laven opened the original Nina’s (named after her daughter, Caterina) in Nashville in 2012 and now has a sec24

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ond location in Birkdale Village. She describes the boutique’s style as “boho with rock and roll mixed in” (check out their extensive collection of band t-shirts) and they do their best to offer apparel that three different generations can enjoy, from pre-teen and up.

They support other local artisans as well. Expect personalized service when you walk in and a generally fun shopping experience. Nina’s Boutique, 16916 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Huntersville, www.ninasboutique.net.

Buttermilk Sky Pie

If you happened to stroll through Birkdale Village during the holidays, you may have picked up a pie from the pop-up shop in front of Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop. Gabby Sillyman and her sister Savannah are bringing this franchise to Huntersville with a storefront opening early this month. Expect daily flavors of southern-inspired pies (even gluten-free options), such as Granny’s Apple, Chewy Chocolate Chip, Key Lime, Peanut Butter Cream, and much more. Pies are available in 9-inch, 4-inch, 2-inch, pie stacks, and there are also thumbprint cookies and a pie a la mode in a jar. Buttermilk Sky Pie, 16836 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Unit 64, Huntersville, www.facebook.com/ ButtermilkSkyPieHuntersville

Luna’s Lifestyle

Christine Rinkert of Luna’s at the Lake is now located downstairs at Home Heart & Soul and offers curated apparel, one-of-a-kind offerings, closet refresh services, wardrobe styling, travel and lifestyle expertise, fitness inspiration and bi-coastal pop-ups. Luna’s Lifestyle, Luna’s Lifestyle, 20901 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, 704.677.2335.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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Nannie Potts Lane

by Renee Roberson

Cornelius road honors town’s first female and African American mayor If you’ve driven down the new road that connects U.S. 21 with Smith Circle as a way to avoid congestion on Catawba Avenue, you might be wondering about the name on the street sign for Nannie Potts Lane. Or, if you are a longtime resident, the name may just bring a smile to your face.

Potts was a longtime area resident who grew up on a farm in Davidson. She attended college at Barba Scotia College in Concord. While a student, she found her voice as a community organizer and political activist, going to sit-ins at lunch counters and the Belk department store, according to an article published

by WFAE 90.7.

American mayor from 1982-83. She declined to run for mayor after her term ended but was elected as a commissioner.

The mother of three lived with her husband Mickey in Smithville, and neighbors knew always they could count on her for support and advice. Her obituary noted that along with her friend Vertie Torrence, Potts led many summer programs for children at the Smithville Community Center.

After college, Potts returned to the community to begin a career in education, teaching social sciences for more than 30 years at her alma mater, Torrence Lytle High School, and then moving on to South Iredell High School, where she retired in 1993.

Potts passed away at the age of 80 on Nov. 9, 2018. Husband Mickey still owns Potts Barber Shop in Cornelius. Educating children was so important to Potts that she spearheaded a scholarship committee at Torrence Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, and family asked for donations to the fund in lieu of flowers after her death.

In addition to her passion for teaching children, Potts was a caring member of her community and ran for the Cornelius Town Commission in 1980. When the mayor of Cornelius resigned after a dispute with the board, Potts, who was serving as Mayor Pro Tem at the time, became the town’s first female and African

At the dedication for Nannie Potts Lane held last August, Cornelius town commissioner Thurman Ross spoke in Potts’ memory and mentioned she was his mentor, and the person anyone in their community went to for advice on getting involved in public office.

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www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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YOUR BEST LIFE

by Sara Coleman CURRENTS file photo courtesy of Jamie Cowles

A Healthy Indulgence

Antioxidants, brain function boosts and more from chocolate

Healthy eating that includes chocolate? Yes, please! Nutritionists have long touted the health benefits of chocolate, and with Valentine’s Day here, what better time to indulge in something both delicious and beneficial?

According to the website Healthline, chocolate—and specifically dark chocolate—is full of nutrients and antioxidants ready to improve our overall health. Dark chocolate contains both soluble fiber and is loaded with minerals such as manganese, copper, magnesium, iron and others. These nutrients are essential to a proper diet.

But the benefits do not stop with fiber and minerals. Turns out, chocolate contains more antioxidants than most foods, even more than fruits such as blueberries or acai berries. These antioxidants are used by our body to fight off free radicals within, which can lead to harmful side effects such as infections.

There is additional evidence pointing to chocolate as an aid for lowering blood pressure and improving risk factors for heart disease.

Cocoa powder has been shown to increase HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and lower LDL levels (the “bad” cholesterol) for those struggling with their cholesterol numbers. Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce insulin resistance, further aiding in protection against heart disease and diabetes.

If this isn’t enough to convince you, the stimulants in chocolate, specifically caffeine and theobromine, continue to show evidence of 28

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improving brain function. The chocolate aids in blood flow, which in turn, provides improved cognitive function.

If you’re concerned about caffeine in chocolate, the caffeine intake is a fraction of what you find in a small cup of coffee.

But not all chocolate is created equal. Look for dark chocolate made of 70 percent or higher cocoa. The higher the cocoa content, the less sugar it contains. If you’re acclimating your taste buds to dark chocolate, it may take time to get used to the flavor difference compared to the sugary, milk chocolate versions.

You can enjoy the benefits of dark chocolate more than one way, which is especially helpful if you’re getting used to the bitter flavor. A square or two a day is all you need, or you can try a homemade hot chocolate (without added sugar). You can also add cacao nibs to your smoothies or breakfast bowls too.

You’ll find healthier chocolate in a wide variety of places around town, from Harris Teeter and Publix to Fresh Market and Whole Foods. Or check out a local shop like Davidson Chocolate Co. for a truly special dark chocolate treat.

Sources: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefitsdark-chocolate#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/antioxidants-explained#what-they-are

Check our website for our Sweetheart February deals!

20619 Torrence Chapel Road, Suite 121 Studio 120 Cornelius, NC 28036 980-785-4490 LakesideWellnessSolutions.com

You can’t buy love, but you can buy local.

20901 Catawba Ave. Cornelius, NC 28031 704-728-9880 Tuesday-Saturday 10-5 www.juelerye.com

CURRENTLY Haute

2020 is hind-sight... unmask with a beautiful new you!

Fashion, Friendship & Fitness Inspiration

Located inside Home Heart and Soul 20901 Catawba Avenue Cornelius, NC 28031 704-677-2335 Insta: shop_lunaslifestyle_

Visit these boutiques and gift shops to find just what you’re looking for!

Any day is a perfect day to dress beautiful & shine!

Beautiful Seasonal Selections Available Mention this ad and receive 25% off one item!

Jetton Village Shoppe 19826-E North Cove Rd Cornelius, NC 28031 980-689-2455 Monday & Tuesday by Appointment Only Wednesday-Friday 11-7 Saturday 11-5 Sunday CLOSED www.pjabodeluxeboutique.com

Rusty Heart, Oil/Resin on Wood

148 No. Main St. Historic Downtown Mooresville 704-662-7154 www.fcfgframing.com

119 N. Main St. Suite 102 Historic Downtown Mooresville 704-664-1424 Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm Sat. & Sun. By appointment only Call for seasonal changes www.thebackroommensclothier.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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THOUGHTS FROM THE MAN CAVE

Free Huck Cycles has shipped more than 300 bikes since opening last year.

Wheelin’

Huck Cycles adds fuel to life’s adventures

by Mike Savicki | photography by Jon Beyerle

To a young boy, there is almost nothing more exciting than venturing off into the unknown. Following an overgrown trail into the deep woods. Running and blazing a path through a seemingly endless field of tall grass. Cycling down an all but empty and desolate back street. Finding that perfect fishing spot. Or maybe, perhaps, escaping it all and floating down a lazy river on a lashed together wooden raft like a certain Huckleberry Finn. Feeding that sense of adventure, they say, makes a man out of a boy.

But why should those adventures end when we grow? Where is it written that adults can’t do those same things that brought us joy when we were young? Is there a rule that says business casual, business travel, and business meetings should trump that Kerouakian desire to get off the grid? Can we be a rebel while also being responsible?

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Brett McCoy first realized his sense of adventure growing up on a farm in the country. He read about Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer and filled his days with thoughts of disappearing on a raft to find hidden treasures. At age 6, when he got his first bike, he disappeared into the woods, headed around the corner, and pedaled into his own unknown just like his boyhood heroes.

Inspired by childhood adventures

And that feeling has stayed with him now as an adult, too, fueling him through five years in Army airborne infantry at Ft. Campbell, Ky., with time in the Middle East, starting a family, then beginning a civilian business career. And then, because his wife frowned on the idea of his purchasing a motorcycle, it is what drove him into his Davidson garage to build a battery assisted, more powerful, grown-

up version of that childhood bike, to share images of his creation on Instagram, then to open Huck Cycles in Cornelius because everyone who saw the pictures—literally everyone—wanted a bike like that of his (or her) own, too.

upwards to 50 mph and, maybe, just maybe, there’s a hidden “Super Silly Sport” mode that might just help you break 60. And on the day of my visit, the idea of a fingerprint recognition ignition system coincidentally became a reality. That’s sweet!

In a small, nondescript shop set off Bailey Road, proof that McCoy’s mission of having fun, reliving those childhood and teenage years, and filling one’s bucket of adventure is coming alive with every vintage looking e-bike, electric moped, and, soon, electric motorcycle, he and his growing team of ten build round-the-clock. The original idea when Huck opened in early 2020 was to build about 10 a year, but in the first ten months he has shipped more than 300.

At last count, Huck cycles are rolling in 60 cities across 27 states.

There’s one spreading aloha vibes in Hawaii, one on the military base in South Korea, four heading into Canada, and product expanding into Europe from London. His youngest rider is 18 and his oldest is pushing 80. And so far, on “Build a Bike Saturdays,” McCoy has personally welcomed and worked alongside future owners from Texas, Florida, Michigan, and New York City.

Made in the USA

If you think the Huck gang is building nothing more than a soupedup beach cruiser, think again. The Stinger, Rhino, Fury, and Rebel are all fully customized to the needs (and desires) of the individual rider. Think shocks and springs, pedals and chains, tires and wheel, seats, tank covers, headlights, battery power packs, even eye-catching LED front and rear turn flashers. Custom sewn leather seat options include the “Big Sur,” “Sir Humpsalot,” and “Baby Got Back.” Three power modes take you from a comfortable 10-15 mph

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It is important to McCoy to keep his operations based locally, everything done in the USA. His frames are fabricated in Shelby, leather seating from High Point, and tanks from Charlotte. He relies heavily on talent from Mooresville’s UTI/NASCAR Tech, and is quick to entrust those transitioning out of the military with a civilian job.

He believes in hands-on industry and is looking for electricians and tradesmen. Once the pandemic passes, McCoy wants to partner with local high schools and colleges to teach students about everything from circuit wiring to mechanical engineering. Huck Cycles is the only veteran-owned and operated company in the USA, his team the only builders on the East Coast.

We can learn a lot about life by getting out, whether on two wheels or even a raft. There is a world to experience and enjoy if we are just bold enough to fuel and follow our sense of adventure. What’s within us is greater than what’s in our way.

“It’s about that vibe, that feeling, and just having fun,” McCoy tells me. “It’s about discovering the feeling that comes with the unexpected and finding joy in being just a bit of a rebel and an adventurer.

Just like Huckleberry Finn, right?”

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704-502-2413 BaldHeadIslandBeachRentals.Com www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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FOR YOUR HEALTH

Heart Attacks Can Happen to Anyone Cornelius mom has a lifesaving message

by Martin Rose photography courtesy of Tara Marie Photography

Cornelius mom Lauren Dungan is on a mission: Make younger adults aware that heart attack warning signs apply to them also, not just older people, so they will seek help at any sign of symptoms.

Dungan’s motivation comes from her own near-death experience just days after giving birth to her second child, Hunter.

“It was three years ago but I remember the day vividly,” Dungan says. “I was posting a picture of Hunter on Instagram five days after giving birth when out of nowhere came intense chest pressure.

At the time I did not call it chest pain. In a million years I did not think that is what it could be at my age and health.”

Listening to what your body tells you “I waited but the pain did not get better and I started getting nervous,” Dungan, who was 33 at the time, recalls. “At the time we were living next to Novant Health Huntersville hospital. I hesitated about five minutes with pain, but it was so severe my husband drove me next door to the hospital.”

On arrival, doctors performed an EKG test. Concerned about what they saw, Dungan was rushed by ambulance to Charlotte’s Novant Health Presbyterian. On arrival, doctors determined that Dungan had suffered a SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection) heart attack. “They said my coronary artery was 80 percent blocked and required emergency bypass surgery,” Dungan says. “Doctors told my husband if they did not operate immediately then I would not make it.

“I remember saying goodbye to my husband as I was taken into surgery,” Dungan says. “It was very emotional. It felt like something out of a movie. They told me something so dire. I knew I really needed to tell my husband how much I loved him.”

Waking up to heart failure

Dungan’s surgery lasted six hours. When she awoke, Dungan was in heart failure (a chronic condition where the weakened heart can’t supply enough blood). “I wondered, what if I am not here for my children? The uncertainty was most difficult,” she says. “Not knowing my future. Would I lead a normal life? For how long?”

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Lauren Dungan with husband Evan and Madison (5) and Hunter (3).

Although SCAD causes a small percentage of heart attacks overall, it’s responsible for 40 percent of heart attacks in women under the age of 50. SCAD differs from typical heart attacks in that most patients are healthy young women with no conventional heart disease risk. It is often linked to the stress of pregnancy and childbirth.

SCAD occurs when a tear forms in a blood vessel in the heart, slowing or blocking blood flow and causing a heart attack or sudden death.

Over time Dungan improved and wanted answers. “I wanted to know everything I can to educate myself and others,” she says.

Dungan enrolled in a national SCAD research study at the Mayo Clinic. “That made me feel like I was doing something and finding some answers.”

Educating others

She created the North Carolina SCAD survivor’s group on Facebook, which has grown to 96 members. “Many of us underwent the same things,” Dungan said. “We share a bond. It’s therapeutic to share our stories.” She is also very active and a frequent speaker for the Charlotte American Heart Association chapter.

She continues to gain strength and become more active. “I’m off heart medication. I run and work out a lot.” Dungan credits her specialist, Dr. AlMahameed Amjad, for her successful recovery.

“He recognized my SCAD heart attack immediately and knew how to treat it.”

Her advice to young men and women? “Don’t discount your symptoms,” Dungan says.” If you’re having abnormal feelings, just go to the hospital. Don’t delay. The worst they can say is, ‘It’s heartburn, go home.’ Timing is everything. I got myself to the hospital quickly. That is why I am doing so well today.”

Dungan’s children are now 3 and 5. She works in compliance at Wells Fargo.

If you experience chest pain or think you might be having a heart attack, call 911.

Profiles in Medicine

Are you in need of a medical expert? The Lake Norman area is filled with world-class doctors and medical specialists of all types. The following pages will introduce you to some of the area’s top-notch professionals. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Dr. Ryan S. Whalen and the Whalen Dentistry team Whalen Dentistry opened its doors 12 years ago with the slogan and mantra, “Experience the Difference.” Ryan Whalen, DDS, explains how visiting the doctor/dentist used to be his least favorite thing, due to appointment time constraints, confusing pricing, and often uninviting environments. He and his team of two office administrators, three dental hygienists, two dental assistants and one furry “dental” dog prioritize their attention on each and every patient and their individual needs. They want their patients to feel at home and like they are visiting family when they come into the office.

Whalen Dentistry is a general dental practice that provides top-level preventative, cosmetic and restorative dental services to individuals and families in the Lake Norman community. They want their office to feel different than the typical dentist’s office of the past.

To provide convenience to patients, Whalen Dentistry schedules appointments as early as 7 a.m. and as late as 5:30 p.m. They provide tailored financial arrangement options, greet every patient by name (and Beamer’s wagging tail), and go the extra mile to explain dental insurance and coverage because it can often be confusing if you don’t work in the medical field. Patients can expect to relax while watching their favorite show during an appointment, as each room has its own TV, and Dr. Whalen will ensure each patient leaves the

office only with a thorough understanding of any treatment options.

“We only hire the best talent with the brightest and warmest smiles so that our patients feel comforted knowing they’re in the best hands,” says Dr. Whalen, who attended Virginia Tech for his undergraduate degree and West Virginia University School of Dentistry. “And we have always been focused on state-of-the-art equipment and procedures—making appointments quick and painless, offering same day crowns with CEREC technology, becoming an expert in Invisalign, and so much more. We live for doing whatever we can to make our patients’ lives easy.”

Whalen Dentistry also loves supporting the Lake Norman community. As a small business themselves, Dr. Whalen says that supporting local is extremely important to him. They have sponsored local organizations such as Cornelius recreational basketball, Cain Center for the Arts, and Lake Norman Giants football and cheer. The Whalen Dentistry team looks forward to participating in more local events and festivities when COVID restrictions ease.

Whalen Dentistry is and always has been committed to the health and safety of patients. They have implemented additional safety protocols in light of COVID-19, including multi-level screenings, temperature checks, and curbside check-in.

21025 Catawba Ave., Ste. 102 Cornelius

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

704.655.2292 www.WhalenDentistry.com

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Naomi Simon, MD Dr. Naomi Simon learned early on in her life that skin health can be a manifestation of internal health, as her mother was a nutritionist and Dr. Simon battled severe acne in her teens. As part of her dermatology training and residency, she also did rotations in plastic surgery, allergy/ immunology, rheumatology and pathology, all of which helped to deepen her knowledge of skin diseases and how they are related to the body as a whole.

Dr. Simon is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons.

She founded Mooresville Dermatology Center (MDC) in 2010, as part of the larger multi-specialty group of Piedmont Healthcare. Her vision when she started the practice was to offer a full array of both medical and cosmetic dermatological services to help patients maintain healthy and beautiful skin. The center focuses on prevention and treatment of skin cancer, abnormal moles and UV-damaged skin as well as treating benign growths such as warts. The practice also treats a variety of skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and rashes.

One of the things that sets MDC apart from others in the field of dermatology is that they strongly believe in treating the whole patient by offering cosmetic treatments to compliment medical therapies. For instance, with acne and rosacea, patients can request

128 Medical Park Drive, suite 201 Mooresville NC 28117

lasers, microneedling or chemical peels to reduce scars and uneven pigmentation. To assist with this philosophy, MDC recently opened a new cosmetic center, Eterna Aesthetics, with plans to expand into a new space in spring 2021. Eterna Aesthetics offers exceptional skincare options and onsite cosmetic services, all performed by a physician, nurses and a certified aesthetician.

The staff at MDC has been diligent about keeping patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting a touchless check-in process, having patients wait in their cars until their appointment times, having staff wearing masks and face shields to help protect patients and participating in regular temperature checks.

Dr. Simon and her family moved to their home in Davidson from Michigan in 2011, love being part of the LKN community and plan to stay here forever. She and MDC staff are consistently involved with the community by providing free skin cancer screenings at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, participating in run/walks for “Miles Against Melanoma,� and donating food and school supplies to Loaves and Fishes and Mooresville Soup Kitchen, among others. She’s also an advocate for educating the public on checking your skin regularly for any changing lesions and always wearing sunscreen.

Visit eternaaesthetics.com to learn more about the latest trends in skin care and aesthetics.

704.235.1827 www.mooresvilledermcenter.com www.eternaaesthetics.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE

North Carolina Neurology and Sleep is a comprehensive general neurology and sleep practice. We are an independent clinic that prides itself on an individual approach.

Dr. Giallanza “Dr. G” was born and raised outside of Buffalo, NY. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Buffalo. He moved to North Carolina in 2003 where he did his neurology and sleep training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Giallanza established the practice in 2010.

Allie Sobin is our nurse practitioner and joined the practice in 2019. She has quickly become an integral part of our practice. Allie is a native of South Carolina and obtained her degrees at the University of South Carolina at Columbia and Clemson University.

Some of our services include: neurologic and sleep consultations; in lab and home sleep testing; electroencephalograms (EEGs); nerve conduction testing and electromyograms (EMGs); minor ambulatory procedures.

Dr. Giallanza “Dr. G”, Allie Sobin and Pepper & Lucy

704-464-1509 www.ncneuro.com

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

In 2019 NC Neurology and Sleep added two certified therapy dogs to our growing practice (Pepper- an Italian Greyhound and Lucy- an Aussie Labradoodle).

403 Gilead Road, Suite B Huntersville, NC 28078

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

The Team of Doctors at Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology At Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology, you’ll find outstanding

Additionally, we have one of the largest GI research centers in the

physicians with comprehensive training from some of the most

Carolinas and offer multiple infusion centers.

notably respected medical institutions in the country. Board-certified in gastroenterology, our physicians have more than 45 years of experience in the Charlotte region.

Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology’s reputation for providing the highest quality, most compassionate care is unsurpassed in the

We offer special expertise in advanced biliary endoscopy and

region, as we focus on each patient’s unique needs and concerns

liver disease, as well as the latest advancements in treatment,

and work hard to make our physicians and staff accessible and

including capsule endoscopy and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT).

responsive to our patients.

Locations in Mooresville, Huntersville, Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill and Ballantyne

704.377.4009 www.charlottegastro.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Michael Foran, DMD

Michael Coleman, DDS | Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery

Founded in 1985, Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery focuses on dental alveolar surgery, such as tooth extraction and dental implant placement, as well as bone grafting, pathology and dental infection services, and in-office anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Michael Coleman and Dr. Michael Foran stay abreast of the latest in technique and technology, which has proven to be paramount to the practice’s success.

setting, such as trauma and facial fractures, as well as orthognathic surgery.

“Our practice is mainly an office-based oral surgery practice. We specialize in surgical procedures consisting of extraction of wisdom teeth and other non-restorable teeth, bone grafting, placement of dental implants, biopsies and management of pathology and surgical intervention of oral and facial infections,” explains Dr. Foran, an Army veteran.“We have extensive training and experience in inoffice sedation to provide comfort to our patients.”

“We are not a large corporate practice. We tailor our care to the individual, in a low-volume and caring environment,” adds Dr. Coleman, who is highly trained in all aspects of oral surgery and implant dentistry. “Our support staff is second to none, and we are always available to our patients, even after the office closes.”

Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery is one of the first practices in the area to implement CT-guided implant procedures. Dr. Foran says CTguided surgery allows bone grafting and dental implant placement to be more precise. “It has become much more common in my practice, and it helps me serve our patients better,” he explains, adding that the practice also has privileges at the local Novant hospitals for more complicated procedures that require a hospital

704.892.1198 www.carolinaoms.com

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Regardless of the complexity of the procedure, the goal of Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery is to always provide the most up-to-date oral and maxillofacial surgical care in a warm, professional and caring environment, personalized to meet an individual patient’s dental needs.

These board certified physicians treat each patient as they would want their wives and children to be treated, with respect, courtesy and compassion. “Our ultimate goal is to provide patients with a thorough diagnosis, the most state-of-the art oral surgery and dental implant treatment, modern facilities and equipment in a professional yet personal, caring, and, perhaps most important, safe environment,” explains Dr. Foran. “We all pay close attention to the concerns of our patients for the best possible treatment and outcome.”

19910 N. Cove Road Cornelius, NC 28031

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Meet our extensive team of doctors who provide you with advanced eye care. | Graystone Eye Graystone was originally established as Harris, Foster and Lefler, PA in 1969 by Dr. William Harris, Dr. Thomas Foster and Dr. Hampton Lefler. In1973, a new office was constructed near Catawba Hospital, which they shared with ENT physicians, subsequently becoming known as Graystone Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat. In 1977, the practice became Graystone Ophthalmology Associates with the joining of Dr. Randal Williams; and, in 1993 Graystone inherited their Lenoir office with the acquisition of Lenoir Eye Care Clinic.

During that 16-year span, the founding physicians of Graystone also opened the original Lincolnton office. Years later in 2000, the current CEO, Sheree Watson, joined the group and helped transform the practice into a highly-functioning organization. In 2008, the physicians of Graystone determined it was in the best interest of their patients to merge their two Hickory offices and ambulatory surgery center into one combined location. The current Hickory campus was established as the central headquarters, a full-service eye care practice, and a fully accredited surgery center.

From 2009 to 2012 the Lenoir office was fully renovated, the new Lincolnton building was completed, and at the invitation of Dr. William Atkins, Graystone entered the High Country with the acquisition of Watauga Eye in Boone. 2016 brought the construction Hickory (Graystone Eye & Surgery Center, Graystone iLASIK, & Graystone Aesthetic Center) 2424 Century Place SE, Hickory, NC 28602

Lincolnton (Graystone Eye) 2311 E. Main Street, Hwy 150, Lincolnton, NC 28092

Lenoir (Graystone Eye) 2060 Hickory Boulevard, SW (Hwy 321S), Lenoir, NC 28645

of the new Boone building, as the physicians of Graystone merged their Boone and Linville offices. 2019 was another big milestone year with Graystone’s 50th Anniversary, and their continued investment in the community with the expansion of the Hickory location. Their 40,000-square-foot addition houses a brand-new Vision Correction suite, full-service Cosmetic and Aesthetic Center, and adds additional operating rooms to the existing Surgery Center space. By keeping up with the latest in science and technology, the practice continues to focus on comprehensive eye care, cataracts, glaucoma, refractive procedures (iLASIK), corneal disorders, retinal disorders, pediatric vision disorders, oculo-facial plastics (functional and aesthetic services) and optical services. The team at Graystone Eye (twelve board certified ophthalmologists and one board eligible ophthalmologist) offers the latest in laser surgery and advanced technology lenses. Graystone is a fully accredited retinal research facility and is proud to offer new treatment options for patients.

The practice takes pride in its rich history throughout the region and continues to evolve to offer the best in advanced eye care. The mission is and has always been to preserve the gift of sight and enhance lives — one patient at a time.

Boone (Graystone Eye) 2640 Hwy 105, Suite 102, Boone, NC 28607

888.626.2020 www.graystone-eye.com www.graystonelasik.com www.eyesfacebody.com www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Dr. Brett Feldman of Piedmont Bone and Joint As a young boy, Dr. Brett Feldman’s strong interest in biology and how living systems worked, coupled with a football injury, ultimately led the doctor to orthopaedic surgery. “I was a multi-sport athlete in high school, and after an injury while playing football, I was treated by an orthopaedic surgeon,” recalls Dr. Feldman of Piedmont Bone and Joint. “He and his partners were all former college athletes and were the team physicians for a local professional sports team. They really loved their work, and I felt like I would love it too.”

After practicing as an orthopaedic surgeon for nearly 20 years in Florida, Dr. Feldman and his family moved to the Lake Norman area in 2016.

Dr. Feldman treats patients with all types of bone, joint, muscle and tendon problems, with a focus on injuries and conditions of the feet, ankles, knees and hips. “I treat men and women and boys and girls from childhood through adulthood. I treat conditions ranging from simple — toe deformity, heel pain, arthritis — to complex — severe bone and joint injury, complex deformity, revision foot and ankle surgery,” he explains.

As the practice has grown, Dr. Feldman has added Kyle Lipscomb PA-C to the team, noting that having a compassionate and welltrained physician assistant on site allows treatment and care for more patients. “I am always on site when he has patients in the office, and we manage all patients together as a team,” says Dr. Feldman.

Dr. Feldman also stays on top of the cutting-edge technology that can be offered in the field of orthpaedic surgery, such as anterior muscle sparing hip replacement. The doctor has been successfully performing this surgery for more than 12 years and was the first to offer it at Iredell Memorial Hospital. New materials and implants have also been introduced for the correction and stabilization of deformities and injuries of the foot and ankle, making those operations simpler, less painful and with shorter recovery times.

Dr. Feldman is also in the process of developing a robotic joint replacement program at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

As the only orthopaedic surgeon with fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery who practices full time in Iredell County, Dr. Feldman has built a career by focusing on each individual patient and taking time to understand their problems and formulate specialized treatment plans. “From early in my training, throughout my career, I have learned that you cannot apply one standardized approach to all patients,” says Dr. Feldman. “It requires both a thorough understanding of the science, and the humanity of each patient, in order to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. The exact same condition, that on paper seems to be of the same severity, can affect different people in different ways, and patients’ goals and expectations are not all the same.”

633 Broookdale Drive, Suite 300, Statesville 704.873.3250 359 Williamson Road, Mooresville 704.235.1838 40

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

www.piedmonthealthcare

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Mari Klos, CMA, LE • Nikki Leahy, PA-C • Kerry Shafran, MD, FAAD • Lindsay Jayson, PA-C • Erin Dice, PA-C • Ashley Noone, PA-C Riva Dermatology is a medical group comprised of six providers—Dr. Kerry Shafran, Erin Dice, PA-C, Lindsay Jayson, PA-C, Nikki Leahy, PA-C, Ashley Noone, PA-C and Mari Klos, CMA, Medical LE. They are a private practice and not affiliated with any of the large local hospital groups.

Their mission statement always puts the patient first while providing for the best skincare possible in the region.

The practice treats patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly and has a strong focus on skin health, especially cancer prevention and treatment. At the same time, Riva enjoys an excellent reputation for cosmetic services, which include Botox, fillers, lasers, microneedling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and many more.

Riva Dermatology prides itself on practicing medicine the way it used to be practiced in all medical offices. They are guided by the rule that the patient comes first. All their efforts are directed at providing the highest quality skin care, with the fewest office visits possible, and all at the best prices.

In addition to general and surgical dermatology, Dr. Shafran provides a number of specialized services including skin cancer surgery, mole removal, age spot removal and scar revision. He has more than 20 years’ experience in cosmetic treatments and is an expert in the use of BOTOX®, Xeomin, Juvéderm, Restylane, Teoxane, laser therapies and more.

17039 Kenton Drive, Suite 100, Cornelius

Practitioners at Riva use a 10X Dermascope, which allows them to greatly enlarge and look into the depth of suspicious moles to determine if they may require biopsy. This tool helps detect many early melanomas and also helps avoid unnecessary biopsies, saving patients both time and money.

The practice is also constantly tweaking protocols for BOTOX®, fillers, microneedling, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser therapies as these fields are constantly pushing into new territories.

They have begun using the filler Teoxane that was only available in Europe until recently. It has the advantage of greater elasticity in the skin so it’s perfect for use in facial areas that move frequently, such as around the mouth, and the treatment is comparable in price to other filler products.

Riva Dermatology has made the necessary changes to address the ongoing threat of COVID-19 in the community. This includes thorough sanitizing of exam rooms between patient visits, the option of virtual visits, social distancing and plexiglass guards at check-in and check-out areas and patients waiting in their cars for their appointments in order to reduce exposure to others in the reception area.

The practice also participates in community causes such as Angles & Sparrows, Toys for Tots, the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, and several other organizations and causes.

704.896.8837 www.Rivaderm.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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PROFILES IN MEDICINE

(Left to Right): Andrew Healy, MD, Peter Bailey, MD, Christopher Holland, MD, PhD, Sam Chewning, Jr., MD, Frederick Finger, III, MD, Byron Branch, MD, John Lesher, MD; (Missing Daniel Leas, MD) | Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates is home to a nationally recognized group of pioneering neurosurgeons who’ve made a profound impact in the lives of patients for over 80 years. The brain and spine expertise of these specialists is unrivaled, as is their commitment to innovate, educate, and heal adults and children.

Advanced specialty care provided by Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates includes state-of-the-art intra-operative imaging, spinal navigation, and robotics for highly accurate and reproducible spinal surgery related to the treatment of disc herniation, spinal stenosis, disc degeneration, spinal tumors, spondylolisthesis, and scoliosis.

Many of these complex procedures and techniques were not previously available in this area. The practice doctors are renowned for their neurosurgical expertise and development of new surgical techniques.

With multiple offices in the Lake Norman and Charlotte region, our team of brain and spine specialists includes fellowshiptrained neurosurgeons Byron Branch, MD, Andrew Healy, MD, and Christopher Holland, MD, PhD, as well as spine Orthopaedic surgeons Sam Chewning, Jr., MD, and Daniel Leas, MD, and Frederick Finger, III, MD. This team has specialized training in complex spinal procedures and spinal reconstruction, including the treatment of spinal tumors using advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques. These doctors also offer minimally

invasive spine surgery and artificial disc replacement to treat degenerative disc disease and care for children and adolescents with scoliosis.

While these neurosurgeons are leaders in their field, Carolina NeuroSurgery & Spine Associates is committed to conservative medical care. Board-certified physiatrists Peter Bailey, MD, and John Lesher, MD, provide patients with comprehensive nonoperative spine and musculoskeletal care, including diagnostic testing, spinal injections, radiofrequency ablations, and imageguided injections with platelet rich plasma (PRP) for patients who are appropriate candidates. The practice also offers in-office physical therapy and imaging at multiple locations. Their experienced physical therapy team is specifically trained to treat spine disorders and injuries, while on-site MRI and X-ray help to quickly detect the source of a patient’s problem, without patients needing to travel to a separate imaging facility.

Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates has changed the lives of patients who could not previously find lasting relief from back pain and were told they were not candidates for spine surgery.

From minimally invasive procedures with mere one-inch incisions to complex spinal surgery, the team of doctors at Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates continues to pioneer spine care and make a difference for patients every day.

704-831-4100 CarolinaNeurosurgery.com

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Huntersville 9735 Kincey Ave., Ste. 300 Huntersville, NC 28078

Concord 110 Lake Concord Rd., NE Concord, NC 28025

Mooresville 143 Joe Knox Ave., Ste. 200, Mooresville, NC 28117

Charlotte 225 Baldwin Ave. Charlotte, NC 28204

PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Iredell Mooresville In 1954, the people of Iredell County created a community hospital with the mission of focusing on the health and wellness needs of the people they served. Today, Iredell Health System continues to remain true to that vision, and with the prolific growth in the Mooresville/South Iredell area, the decision to expand in order to have more services available through Iredell Mooresville was a natural one.

IHS recognizes that healthcare will continue to evolve, and their job will be to determine the community’s needs with respect to the future of healthcare and provide those services for them. IHS believes keeping healthcare local is important. Funds brought in through Iredell Health System are always put right back into the community for the benefit of the people who live and work here.

Iredell Health System broke ground on a Mooresville expansion, Iredell Mooresville, on January 10, 2020.The 17.2-acre property, located near the corner of Bluefield Road and Highway 150, will have multiple buildings serving various purposes, eventually totaling 200,000 square feet.

The vision of Iredell Health System is to guide neighbors to optimal health. They recognize that means something different to everyone and strive to meet people where they are on their healthcare journey. Staff demonstrates core values of respect, integrity, collaboration and compassion in all they do, and patients will experience that firsthand at the Iredell Mooresville campus. IHS believes in working together with patients to find the best solutions to their healthcare needs and encourage individuals to play an active role in healthcare decisions.

The first phase of the project is a 68,000 square foot building that will be home to a 24-hour urgent care center — the only 24-hour healthcare facility in the area outside of a hospital emergency room — and an ambulatory surgery center, the first of its kind in Mooresville. It will also include a state-ofthe-art diagnostic imaging center with CT, ultrasound, 3D mammography and x-ray. The new space will also house Iredell Occupational Medicine, Iredell Rehab at Mooresville, and other physician practices. Construction on the first phase is now well underway and is estimated to be completed by June 2021.

653 Bluefield Road, Mooresville, NC

“Our patients are telling us they prefer not to travel to us to get the care they need and deserve. We’ve been listening,” says John Green, President & CEO of Iredell Health System. “This campus will allow us to continue to expand on our services already offered in the Mooresville area, while adding new and other innovative service lines as well.”

iredellatmooresville.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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NAVIGATORS

Making a Career out of

Sharing Local bloggers on how they built their healthy-living brands

by Allie Spencer

Julie Fagan, husband Ryan and sons Chase, 5, Ryder, 2, and Rhett, 4 months.

Photo Credit: Tripp Photography

Brittany Dixon with husband David and daughters Hailey, 9, and Kaitlyn, 6.

Photography by Amanda Overmyer

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Brittany

Julie

What started as a hobby for both Brittany Dixon and Julie Fagan roughly 10 years ago has morphed into careers for both, thousands of followers, “influencer” status, and brand partnerships. We spoke to them about their journeys, how they create inspirational content, and living in the Lake Norman area.

Brittany Dixon

Mom of two and certified Health Coach & Fitness Instructor “A Healthy Slice of Life” blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest How did you get started as a blogger/ influencer and how did you build your following?

I began my site in 2010 when I was working as a health coach. I often got questions about what healthy habits looked like for me, so I started a blog to document it.

Back then it was mostly a daily diary of food and exercise, but it has evolved over the past decade to a family lifestyle site touching on all things related to healthy eating, family, homeschool, and travel.

on Instagram stories, as it’s one of my favorite ways to connect with my online friends!

I’m often surprised at what resonates and what doesn’t. Many long-time readers resonate most with stream of consciousness posts when I’m just talking about what’s happening in life or how I’m feeling about things. A lot of blog visitors come in from social media sites to read about particular topics. Some of my most popular being posts about meal planning, homeschool, feeding kids, and family trips.

What trends do you anticipate in health and wellness in the year ahead?

How do you create your content and how often do you try to post on your channels? What content resonates most with your readers?

I believe we will continue to see an increased focus on the importance of personalization in health and wellness. Most people are seeing that health is not one size fits all and what works for me won’t necessarily work for you; it takes personal trial and error.

I get content ideas from my life and often accept topic requests from readers. I post a minimum of once a week on my site, and daily on Instagram. I’m usually very active

I also am hopeful that the necessary attention will be given to holistic health factors that are often traditionally overlooked, like stress levels, sleep quality, everyday toxins,

hormone imbalances, and the importance of the gut microbiome.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the area for your own health and wellness?

I love staying active, and while my husband and I have set up a makeshift home gym during this unusual year, I’m grateful to have access to so many parks to get my family outside and moving. Cornelius Road Park is a favorite of ours, as is Lake Norman State Park.

My body appreciates when I make time for chiropractic care, hot yoga, and the occasional massage therapy appointment.

I also look forward to experiencing some of the newer health trends like dry salt therapy.

Julie Fagan

Mom of three and certified Personal Trainer “Peanut Butter Fingers” blog, Instagram, Facebook, twitter, Pinterest How did you get started as a blogger/ influencer and how did you build your following? www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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NAVIGATORS

I began blogging in 2009 before social media (other than Facebook) was really a thing! I love writing and created my blog as an outlet to write about the things that interest me, with a primary focus on my life through food, recipes and fitness. Over the years it has morphed into an online journal of sorts. I frequently share motherhood/lifestyle content as well, which I absolutely love since becoming a mom definitely shifted a lot of things in my life.

How do you create your content and how often do you try to post on your channels? What content resonates most with your readers?

I used to blog daily but ever since having three kids, I’ve dialed it back to three blog posts per week. I still primarily consider myself a blogger versus a social media influencer, though I

absolutely maintain my social media accounts as well, as that seems to be a necessary part of the gig these days, especially when it comes to brand partnerships.

It always interests me to see what my readers enjoy. Without a doubt my top content is anything pertaining to family and motherhood. My recipes also are quite popular and seem to pick up traction over time as more people make and share them.

How do you decide what brands/ companies to partner with, and what sort of partnerships have you formed along the way?

I receive a lot of brand pitches but only accept a limited number based on the partnerships that feel true to me and those I think would resonate well with

my readers. If it’s a brand or product I already use and love, that’s ideal and a great fit. My favorite partnerships are long-term partnerships as they allow me to really immerse myself in the brand/ product, like the partnership I’ve had with ALDI through the years. I also love creating recipes as part of brand collaborations so any partnership that allows me to have fun and experiment in the kitchen is always a win.

What’s your favorite thing to do in the area for your own health and wellness?

In the summer we fully embrace lake life in our family. We love swimming in Lake Norman and soaking up the sun. We’re also big-time hikers and in the spring and fall, you can’t beat Lake Norman State Park for awesome hiking trails that don’t feel like they’re crazy far away.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Sleep is an essential part of life.

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www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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GAME ON

Full STEAM Ahead Learning festival continues in 2021 thanks to Woodlawn School community

by Grace Kennedy | photography courtesy of Woodlawn School

The event now known as STEAMfest began in 2016 as an enrichment opportunity for families at Woodlawn School, an independent K-12 school in Mooresville. It was so popular, the organizers decided last year to open the event to the public. More than 400 people showed up to the on-campus event held in late January, blowing the organizers away and inspiring them to start planning for STEAMfest 2021.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Planning had just gotten underway when COVID-19 changed everything. STEAMfest organizers were determined to figure out a way to continue offering hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) activities to the community.

“During the summer our core team said, ‘We don’t want to lose the momentum we built,’” says Lee Blakely, father of a Woodlawn

Left: Last year’s in-person STEAMfest event at Woodlawn School drew more than 400 attendees.

ninth grader and a member of the STEAMfest leadership team. Blakely and his fellow volunteers also realized many students were doing remote learning at home with little to no hands-on arts or science activities. “We felt this was an opportunity not only to carry on our original mission but also to offer a resource that could help bring some joy to our community,” says Blakely.

Woodlawn Head of School Paul Zanowski echoes the importance of bringing joy to the community in a challenging time. “STEAMfest ‘21’s innovative approach is a wonderful

This year’s virtual event is open to youth of all ages and runs through Feb. 20.

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GAME ON

example of dedicated parents, teachers and volunteers refusing to allow COVID to inhibit joyful learning,” says Zanowski. “The STEAMfest team brings to life what it means to be creative, adaptable, innovative and enterprising. No matter what, we want children to experience the joy of learning; they need that now more than ever. No matter where they are, we want children to have happy, constructive, hands-on opportunities to learn by doing.”

would not have been possible last year.

How STEAMfest works

The Woodlawn way

STEAMfest 2021 is a free virtual learning festival which began in Jan. 30 and runs through Feb. 20. Once they have registered, children in kindergarten through 12th grade can browse hundreds of activities and events, choose those that interest them, and show off their creations with the community.

The projects, experiments, crafts, livestream events and adventures are available for the three-week duration of STEAMfest, and Blakely says the library will continue to be available to participants after Feb. 20, with plans to add new content and make the virtual platform part of a hybrid in-person and virtual 2022 STEAMfest.

In 2021 more than 50 “Creators” contributed STEAMfest activities including Ziploc chemistry, reptile encounters and robotics challenges. The same type of community collaboration is expected for this year’s event, with colleges, businesses, clubs, libraries, museums and individuals joining the team as content sponsors.

STEAMfest 2021 is being organized by three Woodlawn parents: Lee Blakely, Shannon Blakely who helms the STEAMfest website, and Leena Patel who covers social media. Lee Blakely says this event could not have happened without the support of Woodlawn School administration, faculty, students, and parents as well as the many past and current volunteers and sponsors who have given their time and energy to the event.

“STEAMfest was created for the community by the students, families and staff of Woodlawn School as a demonstration of ‘The Woodlawn Way,’” says Blakely. It’s a creative, dynamic, adaptable and joyful approach to teaching and learning that the school and its families are thrilled to share with the Lake Norman community.

While a virtual event was not the organizers’ first choice, they see it as an opportunity to enhance and expand their offerings to creators from outside the Lake Norman area. STEAMfest 2021 features a virtual tour and Q&A session at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama along with other opportunities that just

To learn more and register for STEAMfest visit steamfest.woodlawnschool.org, follow @WSTEAMfest on social media, or email steamfest@woodlawnschool.org.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Light

Tide of

DWELLINGS

by Bek Mitchell-Kidd photography by Tiffany Ringwald Photography

Artful use of white key to this living and kitchen renovation With three young children a dog and a cat, one Cornelius family was looking for a more open concept for their two most high-traffic areas: the kitchen and great room.

Ally Whalen, principal and lead designer of Ally Whalen Design, worked with Tony Pescho, founder and owner of Sterling Construction, to produce a renovation featuring a transitional, coastal style.

Everything feels fresh; there are a lot of natural elements, with mixed tones and textures from woven bar stools, a beaded chandelier over the breakfast nook, and hints of blue throughout the space.

A Neutral Blend

The great room walls are painted with Benjamin Moore’s “Sea pearl.” To produce a cohesive look the trim and built-ins pull in the kitchen’s “Snowbound” by SherwinWilliams. The result is light and bright, a winsome victory given that two windows were removed.

“In order to accommodate the new layout, it was necessary to remove some windows.

But as you can see, there is still an abundance of natural light flooding the space.

By lightening everything up and opening it up, we actually increased the overall brightness,” says Whalen. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DWELLINGS

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

Flooring + Rugs

There’s always a way. Unhappy with the darkness of the Brazilian cherry in the current flooring, Whalen had the floors bleached six times to get a color that complements the lakeside feel.

“It was a lengthy process, but we saved the clients thousands of dollars by repurposing their current floors,” she says.

Whalen also used rugs to tie together the now open-concept space saying, “When possible, I try to incorporate all of the pieces of furniture onto the rug.

At a minimum you should not have smaller than an 8 x 10’ rug in a living area.”

Before the Light The home originally had plenty of windows to provide natural light, but staining the floor to a lighter shade, plus incorporating white furniture, walls, and different pops of color with accessories completely transformed the space.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DWELLINGS

Performance Pieces

Parents take note: according to Whalen there is hope and it is possible to own a white couch that stays white. Like the Rowe Furniture sofa she used in the great room that can withstand a red-wine spill, she says today’s performance fabrics make light-colored fabrics family friendly.

And what if you’re ready for a little green? Whalen feels faux is still a little no-go. “I have yet to find tall faux plants that look real,” she says. “I personally prefer real, but when you are doing bookshelves and there is limited light, it’s best to go faux.”

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Perfectly-placed pendants

The height of the clients (both over six feet tall) presented a fun design challenge. Whalen sourced kitchen island pendants that were low profile—so the owners can see what they are doing, but are not looking directly into large chunky light fixtures.

Order Up

Like having your own drive-thru coffee shop in the kitchen; the newly created coffee hutch allows for much needed caffeine, conveniently located at the entry of the kitchen near the garage access and drop zone.

“Initially we were going to try to incorporate the clients’ coffee needs into the bar area, but I suggested doing a separate hutch style piece that houses the built-in coffeemaker so it was part of the overall design of the kitchen,” says Whalen. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DWELLINGS

Kitchen Mixer

“When I decided to do the coffee hutch in white oak, it was important to carry that element throughout the space by continuing the same wood on the range hood and the open shelving,” says Whalen.

Glass doors on some of the kitchen cabinets save the space from feeling closed off. White cabinets in the Sherwin-Williams color “Snowbound” and the island’s quartzite countertop with walls in Sherwin-Williams “Silver Strand” offer depth in a sea of white.

Whalen says, “I am big into mixing materials, I think it brings interest to a space and allows the eye to flow around the room.”

A recipe of what dreams are made of: a pot filler is anchored to a marble backsplash and sits above a 60” Wolf range, which was a must-have for the client.

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Dine Out &

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Dine + Wine Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

One of the decadent cookies from Red’s Scratch Made in Mooresville.

Hidden treasures at The Hidden Bin p. 64 Stay active at breweries this winter p. 68 Flourless Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake p. 72

Photography by Jamie Cowles

Red’s Scratch Made p. 74

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DINE+WINE - wine time

The Wine

Whisperer

Pair wines from The Hidden Bin with a meal at Table 31

by Trevor Burton | photography by Trevor Burton

To me, walking into The Hidden Bin wine shop and tasting bar is an experience of great comfort. I’ve known the manager, Graddie Lane, for many years. He has a long and impressive culinary resumé; I’ve tasted many of his kitchen creations. But it’s his approach to wine that makes The Hidden Bin so uniquely attractive—his nickname is “The Wine Whisperer.”

The world of wine is so vast—simply exploring it is such a joy.

The thing that Lane and I share is discovering wines that are true values; superb wines that are “under the radar” and don’t command an exorbitant price—vinous nuggets. The Hidden Bin has a fair share of “top-shelf” wines and a fair share of customers for them. But Lane makes sure that there’s also a fair share of vinous nuggets and he is always there to whisper in their ear and advise customers as they go prospecting.

A great example would be the Pinot Noir grape. Lane told me that he has a surprisingly high demand for Pinot Noir wines. I attribute that solely to him. He is a great fan of wines from the northwest of the United States. I am, too. Over millions of years, this area has gone through huge geological turmoil. It’s a story that is too long for this article but, over the years, let’s just say that this wasn’t good place to be a wooly mammoth. And all of this shows through in wines from the area.

Given the wooly mammoth stuff, 50 years is but a blink of the 64

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

eye. But it was around 50 years ago that Oregon became an undisputed center of excellence for Pinot Nor wines. And Lane became an aficionado. So much so that he was recently selected to go to an Oregon “retreat” on just these wines. I use the religious word, retreat, because if you get him talking about it for any length of time, he speaks of it as an almost spiritual experience. There is no doubt in my mind that his guidance is the reason why Pinot Noir plays such large role with The Hidden Bin customers.

There’s another reason to like The Hidden Bin. Just across the breezeway is the entrance to the wine shop’s sister establishment, the restaurant, Table 31. Most times I’m at a restaurant I tend to read the wine list first in order to select one and then go on to the menu to find a dish to pair with it. In the case of The Hidden Bin, one has the opportunity to consult with The Wine Whisperer for wine guidance, select a bottle from a vast choice, take it across the breezeway for dinner and pay just a very reasonable corkage fee. That surely makes economic sense but from a wine point of view it’s an absolute home run.

A great price deal to have a bottle of wine with dinner and a great place to explore and taste wine. The Hidden Bin is a wine shop and tasting bar that you should seek out. It could be the best and tastiest game of hide and go seek that you’ve ever played. Sip well and sip often.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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CUSTOM

holiday cakes and cupcakes

Visit www.yappyhourbakery.com to find the treat truck and follow us on social media to find our next stop @yappyhourbakery

Stay Connected Subscribe to our sneak peek e-newsletter.

Click “be the first” at www.LNCurrents.com

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DINE+WINE | on tap

Kombucha

and Fitness Classes Make a visit to a brewery good for your health

by Lara Tumer photography courtesy of Facebook/Lost Worlds Brewing

Many of Lake Norman’s popular breweries are providing much more than delicious craft beer. Weekly fitness classes (among other events), are not only bringing the local community together but allow participants to continue to tackle those New Year’s goals of health and wellness while still enjoying their favorite local brews.

A nominal fee is required by some breweries to attend, but often includes complimentary or discount pints of the season’s draft beer to be enjoyed at the completion of the class—a great reward for a sweat well done. Running, yoga, biking, HIIT, and even select dance classes are being offered in the coming weeks and months, and updated schedules can be found most often through the breweries’ social media pages.

Aside from in-house brews, kombucha is becoming a common offering at breweries, often available in both hard and non-alcoholic varieties for those who are looking to enjoy something other than beer. Made by adding specific strains of bacteria, yeast and sugar to tea, kombucha provides a source of probiotics essential to gut health. It also contains many of the same benefits of green tea, such as being high in antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and boosting metabolism —so anyone should feel good about putting this special beverage in their body.

Swing by one of the following breweries for the perfect cocktail of endorphins and entertainment.

Lake Norman Brewery offers a run club on Wednesday evenings 68

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

at 6 p.m. with two moderate routes. Afterwards, enjoy one of their many customizable hard kombuchas or seltzers with a large variety of flavor add-ins.

Lost Worlds Brewing hosts a Saturday yoga class each week at 10:30 a.m. for $10. A complimentary pint of beer Is included and food trucks open on site at noon for the perfect post-workout lunch.

Eleven Lakes Brewery is great for those who prefer an evening sweat, with a night yoga class each Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. The $10 entry fee includes a pint of beer.

Royal Bliss Brewing rotates yoga teachers each Saturday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The $10 class takes place outside on the lawn or heated patio and includes any craft beverage—beer, cider, seltzer, wine, or kombucha.

Drive a little further into Charlotte for a wider variety of offerings as well as a taste of komucha at Lenny Boy Brewing Co., the area’s favorite organic fermented drink. Kombucha bottles of the flagship flavors can be found at many breweries and retailers, and small batch seasonal kombucha is always available on-tap in their taproom. The site workforyourbeer.com provides a great master calendar of Charlotte’s boozy fitness events.

Editor’s Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to double check operating hours and events with local establishments before visiting.

Leave your mark on Lake Norman history

Purchase your personalized brick today Cain Center for the Arts is building a regional arts and community center for all of Lake Norman. With your help, this center can open in 2022 and will bring opportunities for all of the communities in the Lake Norman Region to come together and enjoy live music, plays, art, dance, festivals, conferences, and more. You can secure your piece of history by purchasing a personalized brick that will be permanently placed in the plaza or lobby.

Visit www.cainarts.org/bricks or call 980.689.3101

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Audiology

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PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine Timothy A. Barker, MD Heather C. Kompanik, MD Bruce L. Seaton, DO Amanda H. Bailey, DO Sherard Spangler, PA Daniel King, PA-C 357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328

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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

Family Medicine Iredell Family Medicine Jodi Stutts, MD Lori Sumner, PA Kristie Smith, MSN, FNP Howard Suls, MD

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

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

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 Amanda Honeychuck, NP Lauren Brannon, NP 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 –Northlake Digestive Care Carl A. Foulks, Jr., 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

Internal Medicine 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

Oncology

Southern Oncology Specialists William Mitchell, MD Poras Patel, MD

46 Medical Park Rd, Suite 212 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-659-7850

Orthopaedic Surgery Iredell Orthopaedic Center Jason Batley, MD

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

Stout Internal Medicine & Wellness Dr. Sam Stout Andrea Colvin, NP

PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint Scott Brandon, MD Brett L. Feldman, MD Alex Seldomridge III, MD Kim Lefreniere, PA-C

444 Williamson Road, Suite B Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-9310

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

Neurology

Orthopedic Surgery – Spine

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

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

PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine Dharmen S. Shah, MD

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

NeuroSurgery- Spine Iredell NeuroSpine Peter Miller, MD, Ph.D.

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

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 Coral Bruss, ANP-C

131 Medical Park Road, Suite 102 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-1282

Occupational Medicine Iredell Occupational Medicine Joe Wolyniak, DO

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

PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint Alex Seldomridge, III, MD

Physiatry –Interventional Spine Care PHC –Govil Spine & Pain Care Harsh Govil, MD, MPH April Hatfield, FNP-C

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

Primary Care

Iredell Primary Care for Women Eva Imperial, MD, FAAFP

114 Gateway Blvd, Suite B Mooresville, NC 28117 • 980-435-0406

PULMONOLOGY PHC –Pulmonology Enrique Ordaz MD Jose Perez MD Ahmed Elnaggar, MD

125 Days Inn Drive, 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

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www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DINE+WINE | in the kitchen

GOOD &

d o o G

FOR YOU

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE & PEANUT BUTTER CAKE Jump into February in style and whip up this deep dark luscious chocolate cake dressed with a creamy almond or peanut butter frosting. It’s flour free and full of antioxidants bound to blow away the fiercest of winter bugs. This creation will not only lighten moods and boost bodies with its rich dark chocolate and cacao, but it’s also low glycemic by using coconut sugar, all the while tantalizing your taste buds.

Cake Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter 8 oz (70-72 %) dark chocolate (Equal Exchange or Hu are very good brands) 6 large responsibly laid eggs, room temperature 2/3 cup coconut sugar (ground very fine in a blender) 1 1/2 tsp vanilla vanilla paste or extract 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder (Navitas is a good brand) Nut Buttercream Ingredients: I cup creamy organic peanut or almond butter with no sugar or oils added 1 cup unsalted butter Pinch of sea salt 2 teaspoons vanilla paste or extract 1 1/2 cups organic powdered sugar Justin’s mini dark chocolate peanut or almond butter cups (optional) Buttercream Instructions: Beat together the nut butter, butter, salt, and vanilla Continue beating until fluffy while adding in the powdered sugar.

Cake Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Melt the butter and chocolate on the stove top on low heat.

Meanwhile beat together the eggs and sugar for about four minutes at high speed until pale and doubled in volume and then add the vanilla. Sift in the cocoa and mix until combined. Add in the melted chocolate mixture and beat until combined. Divide into prepared cake pans and bake for about 13-15 minutes or until knife comes out with some crumbs attached but is no longer wet. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes then remove from pans onto pieces of parchment paper.

y by Glenn Photograph

Roberson

Assembly: Lay one layer of cake on a serving platter and frost with a layer of buttercream. Top with the other cake layer and then frost the top and sides with the rest of the buttercream. Arrange halved mini nut Butter Cups around the top of the cake if desired. Makes One 8-inch cake.

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Jill Dahan lives in Cornelius and is the author of Starting Fresh! Recipes for Life. You can learn more about her at www.jilldahan.com. To learn more about her nonprofit, Sunninghill Jill Kids, visit www.sunninghilljillkids.org.

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www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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DINE+WINE - nibbles + bites

One Smart

Robin Goodrich opened Red’s Scratch Made in December 2019.

Cookie

by Karel Bond Lucander photography by Jamie Cowles

Red’s Scratch Made in Mooresville finds a winning formula Redhead Robin Goodrich has loved baking cookies for as long as she can remember. Her mom’s chocolate chip cookies were highly sought after and together they would make them as gifts for friends.

different recipes in one day and made 100 batches. I came up with my own recipe, but I’ll never think it’s perfect enough!”

“When I was younger, I would bake all the time with my mom,” says Goodrich. “Then as an adult I stopped for a while. One day I had a wild hair to find the perfect chocolate chip cookie. I tried 10

Goodrich opened Red’s Scratch Made on Dec. 11, 2019 and now bakes thousands of cookies during a good four-day week (her shop is open Wednesday through Saturday). She also fulfilled her

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Apparently, cookie monsters beg to differ.

The store, located in downtown Mooresville, is open Wednesday through Saturday.

first large corporate holiday order this past December. A large shipping company contracted with her to produce 450 dozen cookies to distribute to their clients throughout the country.

“The decision makers were brainstorming about client gifts and one of them works in Charlotte,” says Goodrich. “He happened to stop by and try my cookies.

The group asked him to get more cookies for his family; if they liked them, he should order. He called me the next day and placed the order.”

Bake shop grows organically This humble, upbeat former hair stylist and Mooresville native began Red’s Scratch Made organically. She would bake cookies and post pictures of them on Facebook and Instagram. Before long, people were reaching out to order her cookies.

And then in October 2018, her boyfriend’s sister invited Goodrich to host a cookie booth at Southern Charm at the Farm at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. Goodrich rented a commercial kitchen and made 300 cookies. They sold out early and when she returned in 2019, she brought 700 cookies, which sold out in one hour.

She got the message that she might have something here worth pursuing.

Science behind cookie making Goodrich says since opening her bake shop, she has learned that no two kitch-

ens make the same recipe identically. The humidity in a kitchen and environmental changes outside can affect the outcome.

This dictates tweaks in ingredient ratios, such as using more or less flour or baking soda. She now has a meter on the wall to track fluctuations.

“The scientific part of me really enjoys experiments; that’s how I got started,” she says. “But it can also be frustrating, especially when we’re really busy.”

The importance of a team She has also had to learn to delegate and let go of some of her perfectionist tendencies.

“It’s hard to run and grow the business, so having a good team of people I can count on is important,” she says. “I’ve also had to let go of the idea that every single cookie is going to look exactly the same.”

Still, to keep them consistent, each classic cookie weighs 4.5 ounces, and every specialty cookie weighs 6 ounces.

“All we care about is making delicious cookies,” she says. “I’ll never think they’re good enough but when people tell me they are the best cookies they’ve ever had, that makes me happy!”

Your New

Favorite Cookies!

Along with in-demand chocolate chip, Red’s offers some flavors you won’t find anywhere else.

Goodrich has weekly specials and her menu changes seasonally, but you’ll always find versions of snickerdoodle and chocolate peanut butter. She makes her own hot fudge and caramel for specialty mix-ins.

Her personal favorite is the salted brown butter chocolate chunk, and she says everyone should try her fluffernutter cookie.

For Valentine’s Day, she’ll feature a special strawberry cookie with hot fudge piped into the center. You can sweeten someone’s heart holiday with this one!

Red’s Scratch Made 548 N. Main Street, Mooresville 980.444.2665 www.redscookies.com www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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A Pet For You

info@piedmontanimalrescue.com 704.360.4262 228 E. Waterlynn Road, Mooresville www.piedmontanimalrescue.com

These animals are looking for their forever homes . . .

Peanut

Peanut is a male domestic shorthair kitten. Peanut is a 12-week-old kitten that is looking for his forever home. He came to the rescue with his four other siblings. He is very playful and active and loves his toys. Peanut will let you hold him like a baby. He had a rough start being born out in the cold, bit has rebounded nicely since he was taken in and given human affection and love.

The adoption fee is $150 which includes age-appropriate vaccinations (FVRCP), Dewormer, spay/ neuter, microchip, combo test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you.

Zeus

Zeus is a 4-year-old 25-pound chihuahua terrier mix. He has finally gotten past all the issues from his past life and is ready to start another. He is a very loving boy who loves to sit on a lap and be rubbed, yet loves and needs a fenced yard for him to get all his energy out and run. His favorite thing is chasing and chewing on tennis balls. Zeus would be best as an only dog or maybe with one other. We are not sure how he is around cats or children. This boy is perfect for an active couple or single who can keep up with his energy! The adoption fee is $250 which includes age-appropriate vaccinations (DA2PP and Bordetella), Dewormer, spay/neuter, microchip, heartworm test as well as the registration of their microchip information to you.

R E H C P A

Providing tax, bookkeeping and payroll services to the Lake Norman area since 2006

Raymond Halstead

Andrew McMillan

704 - 662 - 8249 | www.rehcpas.com 223 Williamson Road, Ste. 104 76

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

|

Mooresville, NC 28117

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• Do my pension options protect my spouse if I die prematurely?

• Do they adjust to future inflation?

• Are there methods to help me potentially increase my pension payout?

• Have I reviewed my potential health care benefits to coordinate with Medicare?

• Have I researched the organization providing my pension to understand it’s financial health?

(3) Use advanced planning strategies to create an income stream to cover any income gaps: For most retirees, this step is the single most important in the planning process. Ensuring your plan creates steady, predictable income for as long as you live is critically important, and coordinating your income plan with your investment and tax plan can have a huge impact on the success of your retirement. Consider the following: • Am I protected from sequence-of-return risk if the market experiences volatility?

• How changes to interest rates may impact my income in the future?

• Have I reviewed my portfolio to understand how, and how much income will be generated from my investments?

• Do any of my investments offer a guarantee lifetime stream of income?

• Do I have a plan to replace income if I outlive my spouse, or vice versa?

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2021

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RENEE WANTS TO KNOW

Fitness at Your Fingertips What are some fun workout/ food tracking apps to try?

by Renee Roberson

It usually starts in January, the reevaluations of our physical health, eating habits, and if you’re me, the dreaded annual physical. Thanks to advancements of technology, we now have smart watches and smart phones all designed to make sure we are drinking enough water, taking enough steps and eating the right types of food. With so many people doing more home-based or virtual workouts now, I thought it would be helpful to take a look at some of the most popular fitness apps.

Personally, I have a pretty simple approach to using these apps. I wear an Apple watch with the built-in fitness tracker, setting goals for how many minutes I want to exercise per day and how many calories I want to burn. I pair the watch with an app owned by Under Armour called MyFitnessPal, where I track the number of calories I eat each day based on if I’m losing or maintaining weight. MyFitnessPal can tell from Apple how much exercise I’ve completed in one day and adds calories back to my daily goal accordingly. I use the free version, but you can upgrade your subscription to open up more benefits.

I did an informal poll on social media to find out what some of my friends like to use, and I got responses from a lot of people who use apps for both calorie counting and fitness and strength training. Unless noted, these apps are all free with the option of in-app purchases.

Lose It! Is a popular one for calorie counting, meal planning, recipes and helping you recognize what patterns could be hindering your progress.

One friend mentioned using the 5 x 5 app, which helps people create a strength training program using compound movements such as deadlifts and bench press. Another person likes Walk at Home, which offers a collection of workouts designed to fit your fitness goal, from cardio, strength, HIIT or stretch. A friend who is a cyclist mentioned TrainingPeaks, and this app can be used for those who want to train for a triathlon, cycling or running. Strava can help with those same goals, too.

Someone else mentioned Openfit as an alternative to a gym membership, so I checked that one out. It allows you to stream live classes with certified personal trainers, and you can choose from more than 250 running, barre, HIIT, yoga, weightlifting, Pilates, and more. It can also help you with a personalized nutrition program. Monthly subscriptions start at $14.99 per month.

The bottom line is, there are ways to make getting in shape more fun.

And if you’re not the type of person who wants to be connected to your gadgets 24/7, there are programs you can stream on your television for in-home workouts during the chilly winter months. I’ve been known to stream the POPSUGAR Fitness Channel on YouTube, because there’s never a shortage of workouts to pick from there!

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www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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