Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine February 2022

SERVING LAKE NORMAN

FEBRUARY 2022

Cozy comfort

food

The Best of

The Bradford Market

Special Advertising Feature: Profiles in Medicine

Lincoln

Lessons Celebrating

LOVE

2

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

3

4

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

5

y p p Ha ! y a D s ' e n i t n e l Va

Enjoy the day with your special person!

Protect Your Family and Assets With a Comprehensive Plan Of Insurance Coverage Thank You for Trusting Us to Protect You and Your Loved Ones Every Day of the Year

Mike Griffin, CEO 107 Kilson Dr. #107, Mooresville 28117 (704) 664-9111

139 East Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677 (704) 871-8002

Leon Brown, III

Alex Mullen 2740 E Hwy 27, Lincolnton NC 28092 (704) 735-6974

Dennis Long 139 East Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677 (704) 871-8002

Leyda Martinez 7505 NC-73 F, Denver, NC 28037 (704) 768-2002

Dennis Cowardin 107 Kilson Dr. #107, Mooresville 28117 (704) 664-9111

AUTO | BUSINESS | FARM | HOME | LIFE | RETIREMENT Products underwritten byLAKE Nationwide Mutual CURRENTS Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Life insurance is issued by Nationwide Life Insurance Company or Nationwide Life and Annuity 6 NORMAN | FEBRUARY 2022 Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide, Nationwide Is On Your Side, and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2018 Nationwide CPC-0435AO (09/17) 7248517

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

7

FROM WHERE I SIT The magazine by and for the people who call Lake Norman home

Publisher MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com

A Recipe for Love I have fond memories of food playing a strong role throughout my childhood—providing comfort, bringing me together with family, cheering me up when I was down, serving as the background for celebratory events. My mom was a fan of those hearty dishes like broccoli cheese casserole, homemade macaroni and cheese, Salisbury Steak, and mashed potatoes. My grandmother loved nothing better than whipping up a batch of homemade tortillas, tamales, or a big pot of refried beans.

Advertising Director Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives

Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com

After I got married, I dabbled in cooking here and there, but it wasn’t until I became a mom that my interest in finding and perfecting recipes developed.

When my kids were little, I found myself with more time at home and began experimenting. Once I started trying to make healthier choices for myself and exercising regularly, I channeled that into focusing on healthier meals for our family.

Even though we’re a busy household with two working parents and two active (and hungry!) teenagers, I try to focus on meal planning and making sure we eat at home at least four to five nights a week when possible. My husband has mostly taken over the grocery shopping, which I love. I’m the person in the house who insists we have fruits and/or vegetables with each meal, and not just a plate loaded with meat and pasta or potatoes. Over the years, I’ve collected cookbooks from some of my favorite authors in the health and wellness space, such as Hungry Girl, Skinnytaste, and Lisa Leake from 100 Days of Real Food.

Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com

Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com

Event Coordinator Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com

Social Media Specialist

Some of our family’s favorite memories include gathering around the island in our kitchen or sitting down for a simple dinner at our kitchen table after a long and busy day. We’ve been doing that since our kids were in their highchairs and booster seats, and now they’re both driving.

There are many ways to express love. For me, it’s that first cup of coffee my husband brings me in the morning, baking a batch of chocolate chip cookies or brownies from scratch when I know my family has had a hard week, or making a big pot of soup full of all the veggies or black beans with a dollop of Greek yogurt. I guess you can say food has become my love language. I hope it’s something my kids will remember and carry on even when they leave our home.

Editor Renee@LNCurrents.com

Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com

Design & Production idesign2, inc

Contributing Writers Trevor Burton Grace Kennedy Bek Mitchell-Kidd Karel Bond Lucander Tony Ricciardelli Mike Savicki Abigail Smathers Lara Tumer

Contributing Photographers Jon Beyerle Jamie Cowles Lisa Crates

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

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

E XC L U S I V E L Y AT

10

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

11

Contents 40

About the Cover: Prioritize your health this year by adding more vegetables into your meals wherever possible.

26

25

LAKE SPACES How we live at the lake

CHANNEL MARKERS

49

Movers, shakers and more at the lake

17

Reimagined jewelry at Fink’s Jewelers

18

For the Long Run A new journey for The Bradford Market

20

A community drive providing essentials to women

22

Live Like a Native Black History Month events

23

We’re Just Crazy About Spread Love Read Books Sweatshirt Hoodies at MSB

24

News Around the Lake

FEATURES In Every Issue

28

Thoughts from the Man Cave

A history lesson with CSD teacher Anthony Yodice

40

44

68

70

72

Navigators

“Golden Unicorn” and CEO Katie Hotze

Game On

Shawn Moye creates product to target sports development

Renee Wants to Know

What are some of the best cozy coffee shops?

A Pet For You

North Meck Animal Rescue

IN THIS ISSUE 26

Your Best Life

31

Special Advertising Section

Celebrate Galentine’s Day

We would like to issue the following corrections for our January 2022 issue: In The LNHBA Best of the Lake Design Competition Winners’ section, the winners of Best Project Design/Waterfront Home-$1M+ and Best Project Design/Existing Home-$276K-$500K were a team entry from Pippin Home Designs and PTI Design.

The Designer of the Year Award for Kingswood Custom Homes should not have been included in the list of winners.

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.

Huntersville, NC 28078 484.769.7445 | www.LNCurrents.com 12

DINE + WINE Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

Health and Wellness

We apologize for these errors.

10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave, Unit A

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 2022

A picture perfect kitchen renovation in Mooresville

64

60

Wine Time

62

On Tap

64

In The Kitchen

66

Nibbles + Bites

On the Circuit

A month of things to do on the lake

Dwellings

Viognier at Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery

Flying V at King Canary Brewing

Coconut Curry Ramen Noodle Bowls

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Huntersville

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 2022

13

14

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

15

RANDY MARION ACCESSORIES

WWW.RANDYMARIONRMX.COM

G N I V A S E V O L L L I W U O Y ON ACCESSORIES!

$50.00 OFF SPRAY IN BED LINERS

OFFERING ADAM’S CAR CARE PRODUCTS

UP TO 50% OFF ALL OAKLEY BRANDED PRODUCTS 10% OFF TRAIL FX TOOLBOXES

Please visit us online at

10% OFF AMSOIL PRODUCTS 10% OFF WEATHER TECH FLOOR LINERS

www.RandyMarionRMX.com

10% OFF DV8 JEEP BUMPERS

NEW OEM TAKE OFF WHEEL AND TIRE PACKAGES STARTING AT $799.99

West P

laza D

r

t Rd

704- 235-6800 209 WEST PLAZA DR. Mooresville NC 28117 M-F 8:00am-8:00pm Sat 8:00am-4:00pm

Talbe r

UP TO 50% OFF ON ALL IN STOCK ARE TRUCK BED TOPPERS

All Specials Expire February 28th, 2022

10% OFF AFTERMARKET COLD AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS

www.facebook.com/RandyMarionRMX

Across from Randy Marion Chevrolet

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

For the Love of

Stories

Fink’s Jewelers offers custom design service for existing jewelry

by Renee Roberson | photography courtesy of Fink’s Jewelers

The beauty of jewelry is that it connects people, helps tell the stories of friendships, family, and romantic relationships, and that it can evolve over time while still maintaining its original meaning.

In addition to selling new jewelry by designers such as Rolex, David Yerman, and TAG Heuer, Fink’s Jewelers, located in Huntersville at Birkdale Village, also offers custom design services to clients seeking to reimagine estate jewelry or update specific pieces, such as an existing engagement ring or wedding band for a fresh new look.

Christopher DiPietro, Store Manager for Fink’s Jewelers, Birkdale Village says with more people staying at home during the pandemic, they’ve had time to go through their jewelry collections and begin thinking about ways to reimagine heirloom pieces.

For example, store associates have assisted clients in using stones from their grandparents’ wedding rings and placing them into new settings. They had one client who was getting engaged and wanted to use stones from both sets of her parents’ rings in her own ring. Fink’s Jewelers can also take stones from rings and use them in pendants for necklaces, and vice versa.

Through Fink’s Design Studio, store associates can assist clients through the process from start to finish, using a computer-aided design (also known as CAD) process. Many clients find designs on social media and use those as a starting off point for a new piece of jewelry. “There are really no limitations to what we can do,” says DiPietro.

Full turnaround on custom pieces takes about a month, depending on what is involved.

“We’re always excited to be a part of that custom design process,” he says. “The stones or pieces of jewelry have so much sentimental value. That’s really special to see. When the clients pick up these custom pieces and they have newfound beauty to them and a new sentiment. “ Nathan Fink originally started the company in 1930 in Roanoke, Va., and Fink’s Jewelers, with locations in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, is now operated by third and fourth generations of the founding family. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

17

CHANNEL MARKERS - for the long run

The Bradford Market A New Journey for the Old General Store

Emily and Mike Harvey.

by Abigail Smathers | photography by Jon Beryle

From 1912 to 2021, the Bradford Store served as a bridge between local agriculturalists and consumers, offering the Bradford Farm’s very own produce, as well as a variety of other regional products. The store worked its way into the hearts of many Huntersville locals during its lifetime; two such fans of the historic vendor were Emily Harvey and her husband Mike, who was a long-time friend of the store’s founding family, the Bradfords.

Just last year, in an impromptu trip to the Bradford Store, Mike and Emily were shocked to learn that the business was due to close its doors the following day. Unable to stomach the thought of losing an adored childhood hangout, Mike rang the owners with a proposition—he and Emily would take over the property to keep the Bradford legacy alive.

18

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

The Bradford Market focuses on offering regional products such as specialty meats and cheeses, fresh dairy, produce, honey and jams.

It was serendipity, or maybe fate, they believe, as the couple comes from a background in ecommerce and marketing in favor of a new venture.

“It just snowballed,” Emily explains. “I love retail. I love meeting new people. I love the community that’s in this place. I wanted a space that was warm and inviting, where people can come and feel the camaraderie. and this was it.”

As the lease was being finalized and renovations were underway, the couple were steadfast in their goal to preserve as much of the market’s original charm as possible, while imbuing it with a few new values.

“The old architecture, the energy, the smells, the wood floors… the ambiance just gives you such a good feeling, and it’s one that’s so unique to Huntersville. It reminds me of Andy Griffith,” Emily laughs as she describes the structure’s allure. “But we also wanted to focus on regional products and health products that are hard to find. Stuff that’s high quality, it’s fresh, and you know exactly where it came from and what’s in it.”

After partnering with more than 90 local farmers, artisans, and other local vendors, the newly-named Bradford Market opened its doors in October of 2021 to high praise and great success.

Its shelves are stocked with specialty meats and cheeses, honey and jams, fresh dairy and produce, gourmet snacks, and a large selection of products that cater to special dietary habits such as gluten-free, organic, etc. The Bradford Market also carries household goods and handmade gifts crafted by regional artisans, all of which are sourced with sustainability, charity, locality, and health in mind.

In the coming months, the Harveys are focused on promoting the market as a family gathering space that encourages the residents of Huntersville and beyond to create meaningful experiences.

Bradford Market’s peaceful outdoor scenery, picnic tables and chairs, and the whimsical ringing of the wind chimes provide the perfect backdrop for a beautiful memory.

“We want to inspire people to know the value of their purchases, take advantage of what nature has to offer you, and do all of that together.”

This coming spring, The Bradford Market plans to introduce a host of new attractions including offering gardening and nursery items such as plants, seeds, and soil, gardening workshops, live music performances, and outdoor group yoga classes to kick off the store’s reopening.

The Bradford Market 15915 Davidson-Concord Road, Huntersville Thebradfordmarket.com www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

19

CHANNEL MARKERS

Mooresville resident Kendra Intihar.

Well Equipped with Dignity How one woman tapped into our community’s generosity to meet a critical need

by Grace Kennedy | photography by Jamie Cowles

When Kendra Intihar learned that there were women in our community who had to choose between having a meal or having basic hygiene products, she was motivated to do something about it.

deserves the dignity that comes with having access to these products, not because of anything they’ve achieved or accomplished, but simply because they are human beings with inherent worth.”

“We care about the women in this community, and we know that having access to menstrual products is not a luxury,” says Intihar, who lives in Mooresville with her husband and three children.

“These products prevent infection and illness, they provide freedom to work and play comfortably, and they enable women and girls to ascribe appropriate value to their bodies and their health.”

Intihar, who works full-time as the assistant general manager and director of community outreach at WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio, runs the supply drive February 1-28 each year. The initiative, now called Well Equipped Period, “continues to grow because the Lake Norman community continues to react with extravagant generosity to help our neighbors,” says Intihar.

The woman who was embarrassed to say the word “tampon” out loud when her initiative began in 2017 has grown the mission into the biggest supply drive of its kind in the region, partnering with ten local shelters, pantries, resource centers and schools to ensure supplies go to those who need them most.

WDAV 89.9 Classical Public Radio, Dance Davidson, St. Therese Catholic Church, and Top of the Lake Rotary are among the businesses that have contributed generously to Well Equipped Period. Closer to home, Intihar has immense gratitude for her husband Eric, “optometrist by day, grease monkey by night, and tampon sorter extraordinaire every February,” and her daughter Sadie, who is now at the helm of the project’s social media and is “advocating, sorting, packing, and delivering these products like the star she is.” Intihar’s sons, ages eight and two, will no doubt join the family effort soon.

“I have become a vocal proponent of naming needs when we see them,” says Intihar. “Once you name the need, you take away its stigmatization, and it becomes this tangible thing that you can suddenly see yourself helping to fulfill. Every single human being

How to Help

• To make a financial donation, contact Kendra Intihar at wellequippedperiod@gmail.com or via message at the Facebook page (@wellequippedperiod).

• Donate supplies (pads, tampons, new bras, new underwear, menstrual cups, panty liners, shower wipes, unscented personal wipes, deodorant) check @wellequippedperiod on Facebook for locations • Donate via Venmo to @well-equipped-period • Host a mini-drive or become a drop off location (contact wellequippedperiod@gmail.com) • Scan code for Well Equipped Period Amazon Wish List 20

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Relieve Pain, Leave Stress Behind, Conquer Your Day. Inquire about gift certificates for Valentine’s Day

Get a great massage and find serenity today.

Deep tissue, Swedish, Neuromuscular, Sports & More 704-465-5527 | www.serenitynowcornelius.com 18147 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius NC 28031

Protecting LKN Home Buyers

»

RENTING YOUR HOME BACK

In the current market it is becoming more common to rent a newly purchased home back to the sellers for a short (or sometimes long) period of time.

Does my Homeowner’s Policy cover this? The short answer is NO. A Homeowner’s policy is meant for owner occupied dwellings only. If you rent the home out for any length of time it is no longer owner occupied and any claim may be denied.

What type of policy do I need? To be properly covered you will need a Dwelling Fire Policy. This type of policy is meant for properties that are rented and not owner occupied.

What could possibly happen? In addition to the normal claims that could occur to a home (storm damage, appliance leaks, fire, etc) you also open yourself up to losses incurred by landlords such as vandalism, theft, and other damages caused by renters. Without having the proper policy in place ANY claim can be denied by the insurance company.

Renting back your new home purchase is something our agency DOES NOT recommend. However, we understand that it may be unavoidable in order to get your dream home. Scan the QR code to access a checklist of helpful tips to make sure you are covered.

Kaitlynn Tatum Personal Lines Manager

(704) 875-3060 foglegroup.com

With 7 years of experience in the insurance field Kaitlynn is able to get creative with your coverage options. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

21

CHANNEL MARKERS - live like a native

Achievements &

n o i t a r o Expl

Check out these local events in honor of Black History Month compiled by Renee Roberson

Social Justice Book Club (Feb. 17) Check out the book “Make Good the Promises: Reclaiming Reconstruction and Its Legacies,” edited by Kinshasha Conwill and Paul Gardullo, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture and join the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library for an online discussion. The program takes place on Zoom. Register by 10 a.m. the day of the event. Free.

6:30 p.m. https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/ Black History Month Scavenger Hunt (Through Feb. 28) Celebrate Black History Month with a library scavenger hunt throughout the month of February. Pick up your scavenger hunt anytime during the month and complete by Feb. 28. Children participating may return completed sheets to the Youth Desk for a prize. Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main Street, Mooresville, www.mooresvillenc.gov/225/Library Town of Cornelius Black History Month Celebration (Feb. 26) This year’s program will feature an opening prayer, the “Smithville History Tour” video produced by the Smithville CommUNITY Coalition, a musical performance by the Stroller Singers of Torrence Chapel AME Zion, discussion with a local artist, and a presentation of the HEARTS Park Vision. Following the program, those in attendance are invited to walk across the street to Potts Barber Shop, where a plaque will be unveiled for the shop’s designation as a historic landmark. Free. 1-3 p.m. Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Ave., Cornelius, www.cornelius.org 22

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Bright Star Touring Theatre (March 5) In honor of both Black History and Women’s History Month, attend a production of “Black History Heroes, Soldiers & Spies” performed by Bright Star Touring Theatre. In this play, audiences will have the opportunity to experience, celebrate, and learn about some amazing people throughout Black History. Audiences will head westward to see the work of Buffalo Soldiers and Col. Charles Young, join the Tuskegee Airmen as they take flight to help win a battle in WWII, and meet Mary Elizabeth Bower, a spy who worked with the Union during the Civil War. Free. 10 a.m. 304 South Main Street, Mooresville, www.mooresvillenc.gov/225/Library Paul Stephen Benjamin: Black Form (Through March 26) Paul Stephen Benjamin’s multi-media exhibition, “Black Form,” continues the artist’s exploration of the color black or the sound of black as a conceptual entry point into conversations about identity, race, and masculinity. His paintings, large-scale blacklight sculptures, and video installations draw inspiration from history, popular culture, and daily, personal meditations. This exhibit includes Benjamin’s largest vinyl text installation to-date, “Black Haiku,” along with blacklight and shattered glass installations, more than 100 works on paper, and a large-scale video installation, “Sonata in Absolute Black: All the Black Keys.” Visit website for gallery hours. Free. Van Every/Smith Galleries, Davidson College, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, www.davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org

we’re just crazy about - CHANNEL MARKERS

Spread Love Read Books

Sweatshirt Hoodies at Main Street Books What’s better in the winter than a cozy hoodie?

How about one that also supports a love of books, reading, and a local independent bookstore? Main Street Books in Davidson collaborated with Lily Clark Designs and is selling Bella + Canvas sweatshirt hoodies in blush and navy. They are available in adult sizes S, M, L, XL, and XXL, and youth sizes S, M, L. Purchase them in the store or online.

Adult sizes are $45 and youth sizes are $38.

Main Street Books, 126 South Main Street, Davidson 704.892.6841 www.mainstreetbooksdavidson.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

23

CHANNEL MARKERS

Top from L to R: Don Bowman, Jayden Crowell, and Carolyn Bowman.

NEWS

Bottom: Alton’s Kitchen Cocktails will relaunch as Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse.

Around the Lake compiled by Renee Roberson

UrgentVet opens in Huntersville UrgentVet, the first dedicated urgent care clinic for pets, has opened at 102 Statesville Road in Huntersville in the Huntersville Square Shopping Center. The new clinic is UrgentVet’s 13th nationally, joining the existing clinics in Belmont and Fort Mill, S.C. Founded in 2015, UrgentVet also has a clinic in Chapel Hill, and nine locations in Florida. UrgentVet fills the widening care gap that exists between traditional daytime veterinary practices and specialized 24-hour emergency hospitals, providing affordable after-hours relief on weeknights, weekends, and holidays year round. UrgentVet clinics routinely treat vomiting, diarrhea, lacerations, wounds, and skin and ear problems among other presenting complaints.

On average, an UrgentVet bill is about 40 percent less than what a pet parent might pay for comparable services at a veterinary ER, no appointments are necessary, and pet parents who check in online can request that the clinic send a text message when it’s time to come in.

The clinic itself is 2,764 square feet with a total of six exam rooms, two for large dogs, three for small dogs and one exclusively for cats—in addition to a separate comfort room. Learn more at UrgentVet.com.

Woodlawn School announces first recipient of new scholarship Woodlawn School, an independent PreK-12 school noted for project-based learning and academic excellence, has named Jayden Crowell as its first recipient of the Mayre Jorges Bowman Scholarship, which is awarded to one 9th grade student applicant each year.

Mr. Don Bowman created the Mayre Jorges Bowman Scholarship to honor the life, values, and love of learning held by his late wife, Mrs. Mayre Jorges Bowman. Mrs. Bowman’s life embodied the values and ideals expressed in Woodlawn’s mission; she was known for her compassion, tolerance, and respect for others. She was a lifelong learner 24

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

who cultivated in her children those habits of mind—intellectual curiosity, diligence, and the search for truth—that are essential elements of independent lifelong learning.

“Jayden Crowell is a fantastic student who represents everything Woodlawn stands for, understands the meaning of hard work, the importance of learning, and the impact of kindness,” says Elizabeth Obando, Upper School History teacher and member of the faculty selection committee.

Alton’s Kitchen and Cocktails to relaunch as Peninsula Prime Cambridge Hospitality Group has purchased Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails in Cornelius and plans to relaunch in March of this year as Peninsula Prime Seafood & Steakhouse, the group’s interpretation of a modern southern steakhouse. An estimated $300,000 renovation will include new furniture, lighting, acoustics, and sound system.

Along with this new relaunch, CHG partner Rad Bennett oversees the daily operations at the group’s four concepts, Jack’s Corner Tap, Kat’s Seafood Kitchen, and Tropicana Sports Bar, all located in Cornelius.

Original Alton’s owners Al Updike and wife Heather Clark opened the concept in 2010 and continue to own and operate Table 31 in Mooresville.

The restaurant is currently hiring front and back-of-the-house positions, and offers competitive wages, insurance benefits to qualified candidates, and dining discounts for team members.

To learn more, visit cambridgehospitalitygroup.com.

Versatile Blush PAIR PINK WITH WARM & NEUTRAL TONES FOR A SOPHISTICATED DECOR UPDATE

TRENDS + STYLE

an unexpected accent choice [4]

[5]

[7]

[8]

[3]

[6] [1]

All of these items can be purchased at:

178 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 704.957.5014

[2]

1. Lux Candle - $29

3. Real Touch Tulip Bundle - $27

5. Starburst Mirror - $855

7. Abella Wall Decor - $297

2. Filigree Ceramics - $89

4. Rouge 60x60 Framed Art - $1247

6. Elva Lamp - $422

8. Gold Leaf Upholstered Bench - $744

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

25

Photography courtesy of Birkdale Village

YOUR BEST LIFE

For the Love of

Friends

Celebrate Galentine’s Day with these fun ideas

by Bek Mitchell-Kidd

Galentine’s Day is traditionally held the day prior to Valentine’s Day and is considered a chance to celebrate the gal pals in your life. We’ve mapped out some perfect ways to spend the day around the lake.

ARTS + CRAFTS

Whether you can eyeball the yarn grams in a skein or are just happy to attempt creating something new, these two options make sure you’ll have some great memories with the ones you love.

Valentine’s Floral Arrangements (Feb. 10) Grab your gal pals for a Galentine’s Day floral design session and build a custom arrangement in an elevated step-by-step interactive floral design online workshop with Shean Strong. $29.

7-8:30 p.m. www.skillpop.com.

Girls Night Out! Wood Workshop (Feb. 10) Celebrate love with a DIY class; choose from signs, trays, boxes, frames and more, and customize your project with designer paints and stain colors. Price varies depending on project. 6:309:30 p.m. AR Workshop Davidson, 120-A South Village Lane, Davidson, www.arworkshop.com/davidson/ Dye Your Own Yarn (Feb. 19) All the ingredients of a good time: Experiment and learn different techniques, and head home with a new skill and 400 grams of yarn. $80 per person. 9 a.m.-noon. Hearts on Fiber, 208 South Village Lane, Davidson, www.heartsonfiber.com

SHOPPING

Galentine’s Day at Birkdale Village (Feb. 10) Grab the girl gang for a stroll through Birkdale and enjoy special promotions and treats along the way. Free admission. 5-8 p.m.

Birkdale Village, Birkdale Commons Pkwy. and Sam Furr Road, www.birkdalevillage.com 26

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

FOOD + WINE

Brunch With a View Few things beat a great brunch with the girls on the water – try Hello, Sailor, Port City Club or Toucan’s Lakefront and celebrate with lovely water views.

Valentines Cheeseboard Creation (Feb. 10) Is cheese the great love of your life? Then sign-up with your friends for the tips and tricks of styling the perfect cheese board. Learn the art of placement, cutting, board size, pairings and, of course, the classic salami river. $24. 7-8:15 p.m. www.skillpop.com.

Wine Tasting Like a Pro (Feb. 14) Raise a happy hour glass to your galentines and learn about the basics of wine tasting and pairing, and how to identify your personal wine palate. $24. 7-8:15 p.m. www.skillpop.com.

OUTDOORS + SPORTS

Wakeboarding on the Lake (See website for available dates) Book a private group lesson/ session with your ladies for wakeboarding, wake surfing, or boat driving. All equipment is provided though if you own your own your encouraged to bring them. $175 per hour (not per person)—lessons booked in one-hour increments. IcyWakes Surf Shop, 20601 Torrence Chapel Road, Cornelius, www.icywakessurfshop.com/ Invasive Plant Removal (Feb. 12) Love the woods? Then this is your chance to assemble the friends to hike and help protect the nature preserve by removing invasive plant species during your guided experience. Free. 1-4 p.m.

Quest, 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.thisisquest.org

Brighten Up!

TRENDS + STYLE

[6]

EXPERIMENT WITH COLOR TO ADD EXCITEMENT TO YOUR WORLD

[3]

[2]

[4]

[5]

[8]

[1] [9]

All of these items can be purchased at: [7]

Historic Downtown Mooresville 148 N. Main | fcfgframing.com juelerye.com

1. Purple Ginkgo Pitcher,

by Sandy Eaton $80

3. “Bambino”, Oil On Paper, 5. Scarlet Lamp Handblown $910

by Elizabeth Tilt $60

2. “Here It Comes”, Oil,

by Anne Harkness $800

4. “Passion” Ltd. Print,

by Catherine Mainous, various sizes available

6. Beneath The Stars Ring - Pink Tournaline & Diamonds $3200

7. Pink Opal & Druzy Bracelet $108 8. Red Velvet Twisty Cup $38 9. Pink Opal Bracelet $98

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

27

THOUGHTS FROM THE MAN CAVE

Bringing History to Life by Killing Lincoln CSD teacher engages students with one-man show

by Mike Savicki photos courtesy of Afterburner Communications

When high school history teacher Anthony Yodice wears a black suit to school, it can only mean one thing—today is the day he is going to kill Lincoln. Not literally, of course— it’s common knowledge that our nation’s sixteenth president, who was born Feb. 15,1809, was assassinated by the famous actor, John Wilkes Booth, while watching a play in Ford’s Theater on April 15, 1865—but figuratively, in a one man stage performance that resonates with students. It’s not a stretch to say the unofficial “Yodice Killing Lincoln Day” has gained a cult following at the Community School of Davidson.

“So, from the start, I’ve never been a theater kid and I’m not the type to do things like dress in period attire and follow any sort of stage etiquette,” Yodice, who has been teaching for more than 25 years, shares. “This whole thing, from what I wear and all the 28

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

props I use to what I say and share, has grown organically as I learn more and try to make the experience more enjoyable for the students.”

It was actually a student’s observation that first sparked his interest in the subject many years ago. While on a middle school field trip to Washington, D.C., a student noticed a plaque mounted outside a Chinatown restaurant and mentioned it to Yodice. The plaque commemorated the former location of the Mary Surratt Boarding House, the location where John Wilkes Booth and his conspirators were known to have plotted the assassination.

“It hit me in that, unknowingly, we had gone to where Lincoln was shot, where he died, and where they plotted his assassination all in the same day,” Yodice states. “So I started reading

more about what happened, and I got completely sucked in. The whole thing, the main characters, the side stories, the amazing coincidences. If it wasn’t all true, you’d never think it would have happened.”

When he began sharing with students what he had learned, Yodice noticed something extra special. They gave him their full attention. They listened to his every word and story. They asked questions. They interacted. Students who were not in any of his classes asked if they could come and watch anyway. Previous year’s students begged to come back again. The performance got too big for his classroom, so he moved it to a larger black box theater.

Playing multiple characters, sometimes inviting audience members to join him on stage, Yodice both teaches and performs. He uses visuals to frame the period in history and introduce the players. He speaks as characters in both the first and third person. He sets the scene in both Ford’s Theater and Petersen House. Then he re-enacts everything from Booth’s theater and viewing box arrival and assassination to the aftermath. He bursts through doors, wields (replica toy) weapons, screams out the words of Booth,

grieves on one knee next to a dying president, and undertakes a search mission for the culprit.

As for scheduling the event, since Yodice teaches both Advanced Placement U.S History and U.S. History I, and each course follows a different syllabus, he takes the stage twice each year, once during the fall and once in the spring. Sometimes his performances necessitate multiple days. He’d love to consolidate and fine tune it into one longer session each semester but that might mean taking out a degree of spontaneity and following more of a set script. For now, he’s just happy it is growing, adding new details and tweaking the flow as he continues to research.

“This whole thing is a lot of fun, and it is energizing. There are other things I do where I get moments of undivided attention here and there, but this is the one time I know I’ve got them,” he says. “For forty-five minutes I’ve got them hanging on my every word and for a teacher that is a great feeling. Even the kids who may not like my class, or history isn’t their thing, they take something away from it, too, and all of that, together, is what matters.”

Who knew killing a president could bring history to life?

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

29

Profiles in Medicine Whether you’re searching for a specialist such as a cardiologist or oral surgeon, or a family physician or eye care center to assist each member of your household in maintaining optimal health, learn more about the Lake Norman area’s premier medical professionals on the following pages.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

31

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Dr. Kyle J. Babinski, who joined Lake Norman Family Medicine in September of 2021, enjoys the variety of medical managements found in family medicine. By providing a broad scope of services, he has the opportunity to be very resourceful, a problem solver, and knows that no two days will ever be alike.

Dr. Babinski studied at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and moved to the Lake Norman area to take advantage of the moderate temperatures, lake life, proximity to mountain hikes, golf courses, and to seek out new adventures. He is board certified with the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians, along with being a member of the American Osteopathic Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians.

Kyle J. Babinski, DO | Lake Norman Family Medicine Other staff: Amanda Bailey, DO | Timothy A. Barker, MD Heather C. Kompanik, MD | Bruce L. Seaton, DO Sherard Spangler, PA-C

We’re in it for life 32

Lake Norman Family Medicine specializes in family medicine, including routine chronic family medical care of all ages; acute medical conditions such as colds, flu, joint pain/sprains; physicals, gynecologic services; sports medicine/joint therapy,

DOT physicals, outpatient lab and x-ray services and more.

“My approach to care with patients is one that is a partnership. I take the time to educate patients on their medical conditions and have a conversation about goals of care, allowing the patient to make an informed decision about the course of treatment,” says Dr. Babinski. “By doing so, the patient understands their own condition to the point where they have the ability to educate others and take control of their own health outside of the clinic setting.”

Lake Norman Family Medicine strives to be a practice that provides rapid evolution and innovation. They have rapidly adapted and made meaningful changes in order to serve patients’ needs throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They also offer Virtual Video Visits so that established patients can “see” physicians without having to leave their homes.

“I value seeing patients several times a year and hope to build lasting relationships,” Dr. Babinski adds.

LOOKING FOR A www.piedmonthealthcare.com/location/ 357 Williamson Road, phc-lake-norman-family-medicine Mooresville PRIMARY 704.664.7328 CARE

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

PROVIDER?

WE CAN HELP!

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Cardiology as well as the in advanced cardiovascular imaging modalities including Echocardiography, Vascular Ultrasound and Nuclear Cardiology. He has also published numerous medical research articles in leading peer-reviewed cardiovascular journals.

In addition to implementing the most up-to-date technologies to prevent and treat complex cardiovascular diseases, PHC Cardiology now offers additional procedures. With his arrival, Dr. Rajper has created a Chronic Limb Ischemia (CLI) team to prevent the loss of limbs due to underlying poor circulation. This team of wound care specialists, podiatrists, and vascular specialists will provide the highest level of compassionate care to durably heal leg wounds, prevent leg amputation, and preserve quality of life.

2017 Medicare data showed that nearly 70 percent of patients who underwent leg amputation did not first undergo procedures to open the arteries and potentially save the limb prior. “We can and need to change this,” says Dr. Rajper. “Our CLI team will implement the most state-of-the-art technologies in a multidisciplinary, team approach to help people understand their disease and avoid the devastating effects of amputation on their quality and quantity of life.”

Naveed Rajper, M.D. | PHC Cardiology Other staff: Ray I Goergeson, M.D. | Jips J. Zachariah, M.D., F.A.C.C.D Kera Mondez, FNP | Landry Schofield, FNP-C Celeste Stevens, FNP | Sherard Spangler, PA-C Dr. Naveed Rajper believes the goal of every visit to PHC Cardiology should be to identify those windows of opportunity to prevent heart attack, stroke, or loss of limb, and to ultimately help achieve a better quality of life for his patients.

“I treat all patients with a kind and comprehensive approach,” says Dr. Rajper. “I believe in achieving these goals by redefining the traditional role of a ‘Cardiologist’ as a heart doctor to one that is an in-depth Cardiovascular Specialist focused in the prevention and treatment of diseases that affect the entire body, head to toe.”

Dr. Rajper, who joined PHC Cardiology in August 2021, completed his post-graduate medical training in New York, initially in Internal Medicine at Stony Brook University and later in Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at the prestigious Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

He has achieved six American board certifications including in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Disease, and Interventional

704.873.7850 www.piedmonthealthcare.com/ provider/rajper-naveed-md

Dr. Rajper is a passionate proponent of using leading edge and minimally invasive techniques to perform procedures. “It is important to always consider approaching blockages in heart and leg arteries through tiny holes in the wrist and in the feet. This minimizes procedural risk while maximizing success and comfort to the patient.” He elaborates, “In an emergency, fixing heart arteries through the wrist rather than the groin is associated with significantly less risk to the patient and even a prolongation of life.

This is a profound innovation in how we perform procedures.” Yet across the US in 2021 according to the National Cardiovascular Data Registries, wrist artery access was used in only 53 percent of heart stent procedures. Dr. Rajper also believes in utilizing advanced intravascular imaging in a majority of his vascular procedures. “By running small cameras through the insides of arteries and veins, we can understand how to optimally treat blockages to yield the best immediate and long-term results for the patient.”

Dr. Rajper is excited to bring new energy along with innovative medicine to the community. He believes he grew immensely as a physician in his previous experiences in New York and is thrilled to serve Iredell County.

633 Brookdale Drive, Suite 100, Statesville 359 Williamson Road, Mooresville

We’re in it for life www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

33

LOOK PRIM

WE

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Family Care Center of Mooresville | Nadia Nasser, MD | Judith Prairie, MD Throughout her medical career, Judith Prairie, MD (last name formerly Albert), who practices at Family Care Center of Mooresville along with Nadia Nasser, MD, has always made the commitment to treat her patients just as she would want her own family members to be treated.

“We like to say we put the FAMILY in Family Care Center of Mooresville,” she says. “We have created a culture where patients come first, and we do our best to fulfill each patient’s needs. You will notice from our front desk to our back office and everything we do in between that we are all fully committed to patient care.” Dr. Nasser adds that the practice is welcoming to all patients, offering transparency and effective communication.

her residency at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University.

Family Care Center of Mooresville is a full-spectrum primary care and internal medicine office. The practice, which includes Rashanda Ray, Practice Manager, and Regina Caldwell and Morgan Sherill, both MOAs, sees patients from a few days after birth, children, and all adults. Along with patient care and minor in-office procedures, the practitioners can handle a wide array of gynecological conditions, joint injections, and incisions and drainages.

“We are their advocates, communicators, and are empathetic to their concerns,” Dr. Nasser adds.

The practice, which opened in August 2021, is conveniently located within Iredell Health’s new Mooresville facility, so they have easy access to physical therapy, cardiology, and if a patient’s condition warrants immediate attention, they can be sent right downstairs to Iredell Urgent Care.

Currently, patients are seeking more efficient ways to communicate with their physicians. Dr. Prairie says telehealth is one of the practice’s favorite tools to fill this need. “Often times with busy work schedules and even transportation issues, I’m able to access my patients from wherever they are. It has helped me keep a closer eye on both my patients’ acute and chronic medical illnesses.”

Dr. Prairie received her medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine Portsmouth, Dominica and completed her residency at a family practice in Verona, New Jersey. Dr. Nasser received her medical degree from American University of Antigua and completed

While patient care is the main focus, Family Care Center of Mooresville believes in being a strong resource for the Lake Norman area and often participates in community events and educational speaking opportunities.

704.360.6480 www.fccofmooresville.com

34

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

653 Bluefield Road, Suite F, Mooresville, NC

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology Lake Norman Healthcare Team At Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology, you’ll find outstanding

will remove any signs of polyps the first time, and not after gaining

physicians with comprehensive training from some of the most

often a false-positive or negative result from a stool-based test.

notably respected medical institutions in the country. Board-certified

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

in gastroenterology, our physicians have more than 45 years of

Carolinas and offer multiple infusion centers. Other services include

experience in the Charlotte region.

Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Breath Testing, and more.

Physicians are available to treat a variety of conditions, such as

The practice is committed to providing its patients with every

Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, Gastroesophageal Reflux Condition

resource available, including research studies, for the treatment of

(GERD), Ulcerative Colitis, Gallstones, Barrett’s Esophogus

gastrointestinal and liver disease. For over two decades, we have

and more through innovative treatments and procedures and

participated in numerous national research studies, including Phase

compassionate care.

II, III, and IV trials.

Charlotte Gastro provides colon cancer screenings, which are

Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology’s reputation for providing

recommended at the age of 45, and covered by insurance at the

the highest quality, most compassionate care is unsurpassed in the

age of 50 depending on the patient. Colonoscopies are still the

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

‘gold standard’ of colon cancer screening compared with other

and work hard to make our physicians and staff accessible and

stool-based options because our board-certified gastroenterologists

responsive to our patients.

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

704.377.4009 www.charlottegastro.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

35

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION 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

888.626.2020 www.graystone-eye.com www.graystonelasik.com www.eyesfacebody.com 36

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

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 (thirteen board certified ophthalmologists) 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.

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

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

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION 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.

“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 in-office sedation to provide comfort to our patients.”

Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery is one of the first practices in the area to implement CT-guided implant procedures. Dr. Foran says CT-guided 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

704.892.1198 www.carolinaoms.com

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

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

“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.”

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

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

37

SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION PROFILES IN MEDICINE

Discover the power of a personal relationship with your primary care physician. At WellcomeMD, we call our model “Concierge 2.0,” as in: the next generation of concierge medicine for Lake Norman/Mooresville.

Our doctors are proficient in all areas of primary care, as well as functional, integrative and holistic medicine, and anti-aging/ regenerative medicine.

WellcomeMD Rajal Patel, MD John Woodward, MD Amber Gabriel, Health Coach

The path to long-term well-being is deeply personal. For example, your genetics profile holds valuable information about your best approach to optimal diet, fitness and disease prevention. WellcomeMD’s Dr. Rajal Patel uses the most advanced lab tests and focuses on lifestyle, stressors, and environmental exposures to avoid, treat or reverse health issues. She has expertise in gut and hormone health, and in treating patients with chronic ailments. Our Dr. John Woodward’s nearly two decades of

150 Fairview Road Ste. 325, Mooresville

experience merges emergency medicine -- of special value during this turbulent era for health -- and concierge care.

Their goal is preventative care, with a personalized wellness plan for members.

WellcomeMD physicians see half the number of patients that most concierge physicians do...which means that we always have time for you.

We offer same-day appointments, superb 90-minute annual physical exams, a “waitless” waiting room, no-rush appointments with our physicians and a health and fitness coach. Members have 24-hour, seven-day access to our physicians, including their cell phone number.

Do you need a new healthcare advocate?

Please give us a call at (704) 859-0462 for a tour of our membership medical practice and to get acquainted with Dr. Patel in a free consultation.

8035 Providence Road Ste. 315 Charlotte

704.859.0462 wellcomemd.com

Here Comes the Bride! (and CURRENTS’ Annual Bridal Section) Advertise your business in this special section and tell Lake Norman brides how you can help them make their special day even more memorable. This is an annual feature so take advantage of reaching this desirable target audience now as they plan their upcoming wedding!

Reserve your ad space today.

Advertising Deadline: February 7 Publication Date: March 2 For more information, contact your sales executive or Sharon Simpson at 704-677-9159 Sharon@LNCurrents.com 38

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Horses are the agent of

Providing More Than Beautiful Smiles

Collaborate with freely moving horses to deepen your awareness and discover personalized insights with successful outcomes.

Willow Equine offers an innovated ground-based approach to: Counseling | Team Building Leadership Coaching | Business Development

When our stories change, we change!

ASK ABOUT OUR VETERANS PROGRAM 704.237.0644 | info@Willow-Equine.com www.willow-equine.com

Welborne, White & Schmidt E X C E L L E N C E

I N

D E N T I S T R Y

9700 Caldwell Commons Circle | Cornelius, NC 28031 Tel: 704-896-7955 | Website: www.wwsdental.com

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

39

NAVIGATORS

Left: Lake Norman area resident Katie Hotze used her MBA and experience working in digital marketing to create a meal-planning software for small to mid-sized grocery stores.

Right: Hotze worked with UNC Charlotte’s Ventureprise program to fully develop resources necessary for her company Grocery Shopii.

40

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Ingredients The Right

Katie Hotze creates meal planning software for grocery stores

by Karel Bond Lucander photography by Lisa Crates

An avid meal planner, Katie Hotze would rip recipes out of “Rachael Ray” magazine, write an ingredient list, shop, and cook after work. She had that process perfected until her family grew (with two kids, Maggie, now 11, and Brett, now 7). With less flexibility and pressed for time, she stopped meal planning.

To remedy that, Hotze—who has an MBA and 20 years as a digital marketing executive—began working on a meal-planning software.

She remembers the “aha moment” for Grocery Shopii.

“I was driving out of the Peninsula when it clicked,” she says. “I drove to Starbucks and spent four hours drawing squares, pulling screenshots of recipes, and my next step was selling it to friends.” www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

41

NAVIGATORS

???? ?????? ?????????????????

Top: Hotze recently appeared on the Amazon TV show “Unicorn Hunters” to pitch her company to a panel of seven celebrity investors.

Bottom: Hotze at the Davidson Cotton Mill, headquarters for Grocery Shopii.

A few months later, Hotze was laid off from her corporate job.

With a homemade prototype and some capital from her severance pay and investors, she spent the next two years developing and incubating her software.

Now Hotze, who lives in Davidson and has her business headquartered in the Davidson Cotton Mill, employs 16 people, including combat veterans, a military spouse and Davidson College students or recent grads.

Working with UNC Charlotte’s Ventureprise

Designed for small grocers

With the help of UNC Charlotte’s Ventureprise, Grocery Shopii evolved and was ready to launch in 2019.

“Ventureprise gave me resources and reshaped what we were doing,” the CEO and company founder says. She received valuable input to improve Grocery Shopii and even met her future Chief Technology Officer, Mike Johnson, there.

42

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Grocery Shopii is a meal-planning and shoppable recipe software designed for small to mid-sized grocery stores, which don’t usually have the resources to create such software. Grocery Shopii offers their customers a similar or better online shopping tool than the industry giants.

“Our clients get so excited to take this tech to their customers,” Hotze says. “It allows the small grocers be really competitive.”

Grocery Shopii is now live in many stores throughout the coun-

Invest in this “Golden Unicorn”

In July 2021, the head of global retail for Microsoft called Katie Hotze with an opportunity to appear on the new Amazon TV show “Unicorn Hunters.” The show features high-potential startups seeking investors. A panel of seven celebrities assess the startup. After Katie’s pitch, all seven invested, including Apple’s co-founder Steve Wozniak, which made Grocery Shopii a “Golden Unicorn.”

“It was a magical day,” she says. “Bright lights, people staring at me, my voice echoing. I had to memorize a pitch for four minutes with no slides—and no reminders for the next piece of the pitch. I was so nervous,” she says, adding, “but to have Steve Wozniak compliment my skills was very emotional and will stay with me forever.”

She has raised $1.5 million and aspires to raise $15 million.

To invest, visit groceryshopii.com.

try. Hotze says it will be arriving in our area later this year—so stay tuned.

You’ll find Grocery Shoppi by visiting your grocer’s website and clicking on the recipe or meal-planning tab. Grocery Shopii hunts for personalized, Pinterestworthy recipes—with options to edit for 17 dietary concerns. It then fills your cart with recipe ingredients, you check out and your dinners are planned in five minutes or less.

Innovations to come

Soon, Grocery Shopii will track groceries you may already have at home, helping you to avoid unnecessary purchases.

Additional innovations from Hotze and her team will make online grocery shopping even easier and boost the revenue of independent grocers. And while Grocery Shopii helps the little stores take on the mammoth chains, Hotze will continue to refine what she set out to do: Make meal planning fun and fill your cart quickly. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

43

Davidson resident Shawn Moye recently appeared on USA Network’s “America’s Big Deal” to pitch his invention, the E-Sports Trainer.

Photo courtesy of USA Network

GAME ON

Davidson Entrepreneur Develops Sports Training Tool 44

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

E-Sports Trainer helps athletes improve their skills Photography by Lisa Crates

by Tony Ricciardelli

Photo courtesy of USA Network

Moye was inspired to create The E-Sports Trainer after watching his son work to improve his basketball game through practice and sports camps.

Shawn Moye is an athlete and a sports fan. When his son Elijah showed an interest in basketball at the age of six or seven, Moye began taking his son to the local playground, so the young boy could gain an understanding of the game, enjoy the physical aspect of the sport, and develop the skills needed to be effective on the court.

“I watched the neighborhood kids playing hoops on their own, without anyone showing them the proper way to take a shot or to give them pointers. You can shoot one thousand jump shots or foul shots, but, if you’re shooting incorrectly, what’s the point?”

Moye watched the boys on the court and realized that some parents just don’t have the time or knowledge of the game to coach their children, or they can’t afford to send their children to basketball camp. “It was a sacrifice, but I spent thousands of dollars to send my son to sports camps with no way of telling if my money was well spent or if my son was headed in the right direction.” says Moye. “The in-depth coaching mostly went to the kids who excelled and, even then, it wasn’t enough.”

Moye was stuck on the idea that, in addition to traditional coaching, there had to be a way to enhance athletic skills. But www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

45

GAME ON

The E-Sports Trainer measures performance in real time, and offers three levels of training: Novice, Intermediate, and Expert.

how? “I shared my thoughts with my brother and, in looking back to our youth,” says Moye, “we agreed that proper training would have improved our abilities on the turf and on the court.

That’s when I came up with the idea for E-Sports Trainer.”

Building the perfect product Moyes’ dream began fifteen years ago. Not having the funds to hire a patent lawyer at that time, Moye educated himself at the local library, learning the patent process and its legalities. He secured a provisional patent for his idea, which guaranteed his product one year of legal protection. He hired a toy designer who blue-printed the first version of E-Sports, and then a manufacturer to build the product, which included computer chips providing voice-activated affirmation and corrective instruction.

The E-Sports Trainer measures performance in real time. When you shoot the basketball correctly, the device offers words of encouragement; conversely, if a shot is delivered improperly, the device produces an alarm and corrective advice. The E-Sports Trainer uses a display screen that tracks the number of correct throws. According to Moye, “It’s all about muscle memory. Sports camps are great, but they offer only temporary learning. It takes about 10,000 hours of repetitive motion to develop muscle memory.”

The E-Sports Trainer, now in its third version, offers three levels of training: novice, intermediate, and expert. Each preset level has its own specifications and parameters, which determines 46

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

motion. Not only does the sports performance tool include the option to practice in three sports: Basketball, Baseball, and Golf; it also speaks several different languages—English, Mandarin, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Russian. The unit is placed inside a lightweight sleeve worn on either the right or left arm, and the device comes with a charger as well.

Valuable feedback Moye believes his E-Sport Trainer is a viable performance improvement tool for both amateur and professional sports. The product is impressive enough to have garnered Moye an invitation to appear on the television program “America’s Big Deal,” where entrepreneurs pitch their products and ideas before a panel of judges, while competing for the opportunity to partner with a retail sponsor. Although E-Sports Trainer didn’t get the offer, Moye emphasizes “the exposure and feedback were ‘life changing.’”

Moye plans to add other sports options to future versions of E-Sports Trainer, for example, boxing. He is eager to move forward, expanding product features and improving his E-Sports Trainer. “This has been a dream fulfilled for me,” says Moye. “I’ve shown my children that with a positive, optimistic, attitude, anything can be accomplished.”

To learn more, visit www.e-sportstrainer.com.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

47

Stop by.

Be Inspired.

Art | Jewelry | Gifts | Home 21136 Catawba Ave Cornelius, NC 28031 (704)-997-5500

Visit us online! @inspiredatlkn inspiredatlkn.com

Cabinetry for every room. Designed on your budget!

Outdoor kitchens Custom cabinets Semi-Custom cabinets Bath vanities

704-663-0077 388 E. Plaza Dr. Mooresville, NC 28115 VineAndBranchWoodworks.com

48

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Lake Spaces

Photography by Tiffany Ringwald Photography

How We Live at the Lake

The backsplash tile is from Artistic Tile. The mosaic is Thassos Marble with mother of pearl inlay, with custom-cut Thassos Marble subway tiles to fill in the remaining backsplash in the kitchen. The hood was painted with a plaster technique to create dimension and interest.

p. 50 A Mooresville lake home’s kitchen is expanded to bring in light and a bright but elegant design. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

49

DWELLINGS

Getting Crafty A Mooresville kitchen receives a sparkling update

BEFORE 50

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

The original floorplan of the kitchen had windows on the side of the home that would not work with a new larger kitchen design. New windows were designed for either side of the range that would maintain views of the lake. A 15” under counter wine fridge is placed just behind the dining area for easy access. Anderson designed a large appliance garage next to the Jenn Air counter depth refrigerator, with custom dishware storage below to create a finished furniture piece. The sink and dishwasher were moved to the island and planned adjacent to the wastebasket roll-out for convenience.

compiled by Renee Roberson photography by Tiffany Ringwald Photography

Many would agree that kitchen and dining spaces can be the heart of a home. It’s where we greet the day, share meals, gather, and spend time catching up with our friends and family. For this Mooresville lakefront home’s kitchen remodel, Craft & Trade Renovations LLC worked to open up what was once a small kitchen tucked away the back of the home.

“The main objectives were to remove as much of the walls as possible in the home, raise the living room, and create a kitchen that was traditional but appropriate for a home on the lake—clean and modern enough with some details to make it interesting and special,” says Laura Anderson, president of Craft & Trade. She notes the kitchen and living area took about four months, as there was a lot of structural engineering, framing, electric, and plumbing that had to be completed before installing the kitchen.

This project won “Best Remodel/ Kitchen in the $101K and up category in the 2021 Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s Best of the Lake Design Competition.

“Seeing the room open up after the walls came down was pretty amazing and exciting,” says Anderson, who collaborates with husband Trey Douglas to provide quality craftsmanship and innovation to all their projects.

“We also love the details in the kitchen—from the cabinets to the beautiful walnut accents and wall sconces.” www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

51

DWELLINGS

Cabinets were designed to the ceiling with crown molding to match the existing in the home. Base corner cabinets feature large pull outs for easy storage.

52

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

The lighting plan of the kitchen was completely redesigned and finished with Chrome Orb pendants with crystal accents and wall sconces from Restoration Hardware.

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

53

DWELLINGS

“Because the island was so large and we didn’t want a seam in the quartz, we stepped the end cabinet down and topped it with a custom walnut countertop with a cove cut edge,” says Anderson. “We added custom walnut shelves at each corner of the kitchen to balance the look.” The island is painted in “Called Distance” from Sherwin Williams.

54

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

We make your dreams a reality

YOUR PREMIER CHOICE FOR A TURNKEY FULL RENOVATIONS COMPANY Assistance with Design and Material options Granite and Quartz Countertops Tile Installations, Framing, Drywall Repairs and Full House Painting New Roofs and Roof Repairs Concrete Slabs We Work with Your Insurance Companies Serving the Lake Norman area

ReNu CONTRACTING LLC

704-239-2319

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

55

Dine Out &

Wine Down Special Valentine’s Dinner Menu

Our regular menu is also available

509 E Statesville Ave, Mooresville NC 28115 704-746-0014 @ Sugar and Spice LKN

Come help us celebrate our 17th Anniversary!

704.799.1110

[\

Gourmet New York Style brick-oven pizzas and calzones | made from the best ingredients

[\ Celebrate Valentine’s Weekend With Us, Feb 11 & 12! (closed Feb 13 &14)

275 N Main St, Troutman, NC 28166 (704) 528-1204 www.pellegrinostrattoria.com

Serving the LKN community for 15 years Award winning wings, pizza and pasta in a warm, family pub atmosphere We deliver our own food!

Mon through Thurs 4pm to 10pm | Fri, Sat , Sunday 11am to 10pm

704-439-4444 | Prosciuttos.com

Lake Norman’s Finest Restaurants, Pubs and Wine Bars

The Gift of Wine for Your

! e n i t n e l a V

corkscrewwinepub.com

704.987.0011 | Birkdale Village | 16916 Birkdale Commons Pkwy

JuSt wAnna be

Loved Bayou Valentine's Day Special FREE Heart Shaped Beignet for the Ladies!

Mardi Gras TUESDAY, MAR. 1

All Customers get FREE Cup of Gumbo!

Download our APP or Go to DoorDash.com for pick up or delivery Chicken Dishes EVERYONE will love

Gumbo … Shrimp & Grits … Jambalaya … Voodoo Pasta Northcross Shopping Center Across from Target

9709-A Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville | 980.689.2924 | thelostcajun.com

Place Your Super Bowl Order!

Call: 704-663-3831

www.lancasterbbq.com

Will you be our

Valentines?

Join us on Valentine’s Day for our lovely 4-course menu, $85/person, or on the weekend for our special Sweetheart features! Love ya, mean it!

STEAKS | PASTA | SEAFOOD

Show some love with an Epic Gift Card.

RESTAURANT & BAR OPEN NIGHTLY 104 S. MAIN STREET, MOORESVILLE, NC 28115 | HISTORIC DOWNTOWN | 704-230-1720 1365 BROADCLOTH ST, SUITE 101, FT. MILL, SC 29715 | KINGSLEY TOWN CENTER | 803-548-3742 www.epicchophouse.com

! e v o L e m o S w Sho

at Randy Marion Subaru

COME VISIT OUR NEW FACILITY

301 W. Plaza Dr. | Mooresville 28117 Mon -Fri. 7:30am - 8:00pm | Sat 8:00am - 8:00pm

58

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Service Appointments: 704-663-4994 randymarionsubaru.com

Dine + Wine Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

Photography courtesy of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Lobster Spinach Queso at Firebirds in Huntersville

p. 60 Viognier in the vineyard p. 62 Pilsner at King Canary Brewing p. 64 Coconut Curry Ramen Noodle Bowls p. 66 Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

59

DINE+WINE - wine time

Great Wines Start in the Vineyard Viognier is becoming a resident grape of North Carolina

by Trevor Burton | photography by Trevor Burton

Viognier hails, mainly, from France’s famous Côte Rôtie region but we’re seeing more and more of it in our own backyard. This is a good thing. I’ve spent quite a lot of happy times with glasses of Viognier (VEE-ohn-yay) in various locations all around the world. Viognier is famous as the only grape in what is, arguably, the Côte Rôtie’s (Roasted Slope) most distinctive white wine, Condrieu. In fact, I’ve visited the grape on its “home turf” in the Côte Rôtie. Very neat and very tasty.

An aside, some wine trivia. Château-Grillet is a Condrieu producer in Côte Rôtie. It is unusual among France’s wine appellations. It is one of the smallest producers in terms of geographical area and it’s one of very few to be claimed by only a single producer and for a single grape variety, Viognier.

I’m a big Viognier fan and it’s great that we’re getting quite a reputation for our wines in North Carolina. And I have to point out that our Carolina winemakers are not trying to produce Côte Rôtie lookalikes. They’re producing Viognier wines that are a true representative of where they are grown—the climate and soil of North Carolina.

I don’t think there’s a better example of this than the approach taken at Jones von Drehle Vineyards and Winery in Thurmond, in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area.

This winery relies on the premise that great wines start in the vineyard. There is meticulous attention lavished on the grapevines. Apart from the gorgeous view from the vineyard, the first thing that hits you as you navigate the vineyard’s long driveway is 30 acres of neatly planted vines. It looks like they’ve been planted with laser precision.

It turns out, as I learned from co-owner, Chuck Jones, that’s exactly the way the vines were planted.

Nerdy wine stuff warning! When planting a grapevine, you plant a specific version of a grape variety, you plant a specific clone of the grape. In many vineyards all grape varietals are planted together, 60

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

different clones mixed in with one another. Not so here. Jones has a detailed map showing which clone is planted where. At harvest, individual clones are picked together and fermented separately. After the grapes go through the processes that create wine, a determination is made as to where each clone ends up. The winemaking team makes a decision about which clones go into wines labelled with the grape and which wines are better for blending. With excruciating attention to detail, Jones and his team make sure their wines are a perfect expression of the soil and climate that produced them. Jones Von Drehle’s Viognier is a result of all that.

A couple of features attract me to Viognier. The wines are nuanced and subtle but are amazingly complex. There’s a lot of stuff going on.

Sip on a glass and you’ll usually be presented with rich, fruity flavors of mango, peach, lime, tangerine, and honeysuckle. This is a wine to have a deep conversation with. The other thing I like is that it is a rich and lush wine. Perfect for food with a little zing to it. You would think that, with this type of food, a strong powerful red wine would be the choice. But the wine and food effectively and unpleasantly fight each other. Viognier, on the other hand, plays nicely; I like that.

Viognier is establishing itself in North Carolina. It’s going to be fun and interesting to compare our homegrown wines with other wines from all around the world. I anticipate that our wines will more than hold their own. As I’ve often said, “So many wines and so little time.”

But I’ll keep at it.

Your Lake Norman Dentists for 38 Years

Now Open!

The longevity of our practice is a testament to the dedication of our dermatology team. Charlotte Dermatology was established in 1939 as one of the first dermatology practices in the region.

NEW LOCATION!

Dr. Simpson is a board-certified dermatologist and specializes in cosmetic services, such as Botox, fillers, Sclerotherapy.

We are now seeing patients in our new Cornelius location!

To schedule an appointment please call today.

704-364-6110 Located in Jetton Park 19485 Old Jetton Road, Suite 201, Cornelius, NC 28031

General & Family Dentistry Same Day Crowns | Cosmetic Dentistry Gold Plus Provider for Invisalign NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

(704) 875- 1621 • SmileArchitects.com 131 Marguerite Lane, Huntersville, NC

A FULL SERVICE WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY • • • •

Front Load Garbage & Recycling Service Compactors Residential Waste & Recycling Service 15 & 30 Yard Roll Off Dumpsters

Call To Start Service Today! 704-222-2639 www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

61

DINE+WINE - on tap

Perfecting the

Pilsner Flying V at King Canary Brewing Compiled from staff reports

The origins of Pilsner beer features a colorful backstory. In 1838, Pizen, Czech Republic, formerly known as Bohemia, was the home of some very unhappy beer consumers. They dumped barrels of beer into the streets, expressing their displeasure with the standard of beer.

From there, a Bavarian brewer named Josef Groll experimented with new techniques and paler malts, resulting in the first Pilsner ever made in October of 1842. Groll used Pizen’s soft water and local Saaz hops to create a clear, golden beer.

Where Else Can You Find King Canary Beer?

Cool Fish, 21726 Catawba Ave., Cornelius Longhorn Steakhouse #5620, 398 Talbert Road, Mooresville Tim’s Table, 133 North Main Street, Mooresville Dive Bar, 158 North Main Street, Mooresville

62

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

At Mooresville’s King Canary Brewing, “Flying V”, which contains abv 7%, pays homage to the popular Pilsner. It is primarily brewed with German Pilsner malt, making it an ode to the original with a King Canary hop twist. A brewer was inspired to brew this particular blend after a visit to Colorado and exploration of all the craft breweries in the Denver area. Using a few bags of pale malt in place of the traditional light crystal malt added a touch of sweetness and body to balance the well-known bitterness of the west coast IPA. The name “Flying V” is a throwback to the classic family film “The Mighty Ducks.”

King Canary Brewing, 562 Williamson Road, Mooresville www.kingcanarybrewing.com/

EvEr y Dthe ay is Where a GooD Da y

OLD is the new NEW AT THE DEPOT!

Call us at 704-721-7199 to schedule your personalized tour today.

JrK – Grade 12 | cannonschool.org

Ellie’s Ellie’sDiner DinerNOW on OPEN site

Come visit the largest antique mall in the South 88,000Square Square Feet Feet •• Over Over 725 Booths 88,000 625 Booths Comfortably air air conditioned conditioned Comfortably

325 McGill Ave. NW Concord, NC 28026 704-787-9351 www.depotgibsonmill.com Mon-Sat 10-7• Sunday 1-6 www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

63

Oodles

DINE+WINE | in the kitchen

of Noodles Coconut Curry Ramen Noodle Bowls There’s really nothing better than a big bowl of noodles. This one is packed with flavor without being overly spicy. It’s lightened up, making it easy to indulge without an ounce of guilt. Red curry paste and coconut milk are the star ingredients, while a squeeze of lime juice and some fresh green onion give it some texture and zest. Slurp up!

Ingredients: • 1 tablespoon canola oil • ½ sweet onion, sliced • ½ tablespoon freshly grated ginger • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 4 cups chicken stock • 14 oz. can light coconut milk • 3 tablespoons red curry paste • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 lb. chicken breasts • 1 cup bok choy, roughly chopped • 2 Ramen packets • Green onions (optional garnish) • Lime juice (optional garnish) Instructions: 1. In a large pot over medium heat, add oil, onion, ginger, and garlic.

2. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add chicken stock, coconut milk, curry paste, tomato paste, and salt and stir to combine.

4. Add chicken breasts and bring liquid to a simmer.

Cook on low to medium heat for 20 minutes.

5. Remove chicken from liquid and shred it.

6. Add chicken back to the pot along with the ramen noodles and bok choy. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes, allowing noodles to soften.

7. Serve the ramen with a handful of chopped green onions, an additional handful of bok choy, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Lara Tumer lives in Cornelius with her toddler twins, husband, and two Labradors. In addition to cooking and recipe development, she loves traveling, running, event planning, and a nice glass of red wine.

64

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

RANDYMARIONCADILLAC.COM Visit Randy Marion Cadillac for all your service, parts and accessory needs

220 W. Plaza Drive I-77, Exit 36, Hwy. 150

Open 7:30 am - 8:00 pm Weekdays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat.

Offering unsurpassed Concierge Service and Roadside Assistance

Simply the best... for your pet!

Simplythe thebest... best...for foryour yourpet! pet!

Simply

• Advanced Medicine & Surgery • Advanced Medicine & Surgery •••Advanced Medicine &&Surgery Laser • Wellness Plans Advanced Medicine Surgery • Laser • Wellness Plans •••Laser Wellness Online Laser••Pharmacy WellnessPlans Plans •Online Online Pharmacy Pharmacy •••Online Pharmacy Boarding • Grooming • Boarding •Grooming Grooming • Boarding ••Boarding • •Grooming Vaccines/Dental Care ••Vaccines/Dental Care Vaccines/Dental Care •••Vaccines/Dental Care Exotic Pet Medicine/Boarding Exotic Pet Medicine/Boarding • Exotic Pet Medicine/Boarding • Exotic Pet Medicine/Boarding

Convenient location Convenient location Adjacent to Petco & Target Convenient location Adjacent to Petco & Target 10110 Northcross Ct, Adjacent to Petco &Center Target 10110 Northcross Center Suite 100Center Ct,Ct, 10110 Northcross Suite 100 Huntersville, NC 28078 Suite 100 Huntersville, NC 28078Katherine Crocco DVM Huntersville, NC 28078 Alisha Fennell DVM Alycen Adams DVM

Alycen Adams DVM Alisha Fennell DVM 704-439-0600 Alycen Adams DVM Alisha Fennell DVMLocation 704-439-0600 Convenient Adjacent to Petco & Target Alycen Adams DVM Alisha Fennell DVM 704-439-0600 www.CarolinasVetCare.com 10110 Northcross Center Ct, | Suite 100 | Huntersville, NC 28078 www.CarolinasVetCare.com www.CarolinasVetCare.com ••••••••••••

704-439-0600 | www.CarolinasVetCare.com

704-235-6502 Cadillac Direct • RANDYMARION.COM

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

65

DINE+WINE | nibbles + bites

A Wood-Fired Grill and Hotspot for Diners Firebirds Restaurant heats up crowd at Birkdale Village

by Tony Ricciardelli | photography courtesy of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill The Seared Ahi Tuna shareable.

The recently opened Firebirds Wood Fired Grill at Birkdale Landing in Huntersville enjoys a robust clientele. Firebirds’ manager Crystal Keatts manages a staff of about one hundred employees who strive to ensure a positive customer experience seven days per week. The company’s executive chef, who oversees the company’s test kitchen located in Charlotte, creates the menu for all fifty-four restaurants. According to Keatts, Firebirds’ favorites include the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib, Wood-Grilled Salmon, Cajun Ribeye, Baby Back Ribs, and the Striped Sea Bass topped with large shrimp in a Key Lime butter sauce. Desserts include Crème Bruleé Cheesecake, Carrot Cake, and Chocolate Brownie with warm salted caramel sauce.

A unique flavor Firebirds cooks its entrees on a wood-fired grill, which is what makes them so delectable. As read on Firebirds’ website, “The fuel for the fire includes a combination of hardwoods, but mostly oak. The wood is similar in density and, thus, produces a temperature of about seven hundred degrees.” Firebirds CEO Steve 66

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

Kislow explains, “Grilling over the open flame gives our cooking a unique character, and our proprietary blend of seasonings, spices and sauces makes each dish flavorful from beginning to end.”

Keatts agrees that Firebird’s cuisine is unique and commendable among its customers. “Even with the holidays bringing an influx of diners, which challenged our staff and our operation, subsequent customer reviews have been overly positive.”

Gather by the fire The restaurant also boasts the FIREBAR®, its vibrant and atmospheric setting, where patrons can have a drink, unwind, socialize.

The restaurant’s website describes the bar as a “waterfall display of bottles, backlit and tiered to create a cascade of color that transports you from the everyday.” The bar’s signature drink, the “Double Black Diamond,” consists of Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka and pineapples. The bar offers non-alcoholic drinks as well, and for those feeling the need to nibble, made-to-order bar fare, known as “Bar Bites,” are available, including Grilled Tenderloin Medallions, Fired Up Shrimp, Tuna Tacos, Crispy Cauliflower.

Top: Wood Grilled Salmon.

Bottom: Executive Chef Rashaune Davis.

“Our bar serves handcrafted cocktails,” says Keatts. “We offer a variety of notable wines, classic cocktails, beer, and house spirits, and the quality of our bar food and beverages are consistent. Our FIREBAR® is a favorite gathering spot every night.”

Double Black Diamond Martini

Is spite of the restaurant’s brief Huntersville presence, Keatts, is pleased with the restaurant’s success. “Although we’ve only been in here for a brief time, we’ve exceeded our initial projections and we’re doing quite well, and so is the company.

Firebirds will open four more locations in 2022.”

What you will need:

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is open Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Instructions: Cut pineapples and place in a closable container and fill with vodka.

Let the infusion set at room temperature for 21 days (three weeks).

After this time, strain and reserve the infused liquid. (Discard all fruit used in the infusion process after squeezing.)

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill 16641 Birkdale Commons Pkwy., Huntersville 980.399.6999 www.firebirdsrestaurants.com

1-2 Super sweet pineapples Citrus vodka Fine mesh strainer Colander

The martini is served as 3 oz chilled, up in a martini glass garnished with a fresh slice of pineapple. www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

67

ON THE CIRCUIT

February Fun! Compiled by Bek Mitchell-Kidd Left: The Fairy House Festival will take place at Latta Plantation on Feb. 12.

Right: The Davidson College Men’s Basketball team.

OUTDOORS

Get OUT Hike (Feb. 12) Join a LGBTQ+ friendly hike; a great opportunity to meet some new friends and enjoy time in the outdoors.

Feel free to bring a chair for the end of hike campfire. Free. 10 a.m.

Meet at the old Latta Plantation Nature Center, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville.

Backyard Bird Count (Feb. 18-21) The Mooresville Public Library will be participating with the National Audubon Society’s ‘Great Backyard Bird Count’ (GBBC). Stop by the library In February to receive a DIY bird seed kit, bird log and library/GBBC instructions for participants.

Mooresville Public Library, 304 S. Main Street, Mooresville.

Fairy House Festival (Feb. 26) Fairy Houses are whimsical habitats built by children, families, gardeners, and nature lovers! This is a festival that everyone can enjoy and building fairy houses while connecting with nature. reconnects people with nature. Fairy, gnome, and other appropriate costumes are encouraged but not required. Food vendors will be onsite. Advance purchase of tickets is required. $5/per person for ages 5 and older, free for children age 4 and under with paid adult.

Latta Nature Preserve, 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville.

CONCERTS

Davidson College Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert (Feb. 18) J. Estes Millner Professor of Music William D. Lawing and Artist Associate Cynthia Lawing present a performance of Shostakovich’s Concerto No.1 for Piano, Trumpet, and Strings. Over the past 40+ years, Dr. Lawing has passionately contributed his talents as a teacher, ensemble director, and mentor. In reluctant, but joyful, anticipation of his retirement, the DCSO is excited to highlight his gifts as a performer. Free; but tickets required. 7:30 p.m. Knobloch Campus Center, Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

The Lake Norman Big Band (Feb. 22) The band performs the third Monday of every month. $25 cover charge includes a buffet dinner.

7 p.m. New Victory Lanes, 125 Morlake Drive, Mooresville, www. thelakenormanbigband.org.

Music @ St. Alban’s (Feb. 20) The Brass Quintet features current members of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Program to be announced at a later date. 3 p.m. $20, general admission; $15, seniors; $10, students; children under 12 free.

301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson, www.musicatstalbansdavidson.org.

68

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

SPORTS

Davidson College Men’s Basketball The Wildcats take on Fordham (Feb. 26, 3:30 p.m..), John Belk Arena, 200 Baker Drive, Davidson.

Ticket prices vary. Find the full schedule at www.davidsonwildcats. com.

Davidson College Women’s Basketball Cheer on the team against vs UMASS (Feb. 20, 1 p.m.), George Washington (Feb. 23, 7 p.m.)

John Belk Arena, 200 Baker Drive, Davidson. Ticket prices vary. Find the full schedule at www.davidsonwildcats.com.

THEATER

Jack and the Spaceship Beanstalk (Feb. 19) When Jack reluctantly exchanges his pet goat, Luna, for a bag of stardust, he has no idea the adventure that awaits. 3 p.m. Adults, $18, Seniors, $16, Students, $14.

The Green Room Community Theatre, 10 S. Main Ave., Newton, www. thegreenroomtheatre.org.

PROOF By David Auburn (Feb. 24-March 13) On the eve of her twenty-fifth birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister Claire; and the attentions of Hal, one of her father’s former students who hopes to find valuable work in one of the many notebooks her father left behind.

Recommended for ages 12 and up. Thurs., Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun. at 2 p.m. Adults, $20, Seniors, $18, Students, $15. Davidson Community Players, Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, www. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

ART

Heart Party (Feb. 12) Enjoy Valentine’s Day card-making, crafts and refreshments. Free. 10 a.m.-noon. Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www.cainarts.org.

2022 Davidson College Graduating Seniors Exhibits: Sarah Jackson, On View: Feb. 2-6 and Reception: Fri., Feb 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.; Marquia Humphries, On View: Feb. 9-13 Pearce Hyatt, On View: Feb. 16-20 and Reception: Fri., Feb. 18, 4-5 p.m.

Blanch Seniff, On View: Feb. 23-27 and Reception: Friday, Feb. 25, 4-5pm.

Van Every/Smith Galleries, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson.

Check website to confirm winter hours: www.davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org

Living Well Your local resource for health and wellness services near you Acupuncture Best Acupuncture Deleon Best LAc Tom Cohen LAc Raven Seltzer LAc

8213 Village Harbor Drive Cornelius NC 28031 • 704 655 8298 bestacupuncture.com

Audiology

PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose & Throat Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD Susie Riggs, AuD Del L. Hawk, Au.D 140 Gateway Blvd.

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638

Cardiology

PHC – Cardiology Jips Zachariah, MD

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

Dermatology

PHC – Mooresville Dermatology Center Naomi Simon, MD Michael Redmond, MD Kristin Prochaska, PA-C Gina Noble, PA-C Justin Loucks, PA-C Susan Stevens, RN, BSN Michelle Caamano, RN, BSN Laetitia Cloete, Licensed Aesthetician 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827

PHC – Wolfe Dermatology Steven F. Wolfe, MD Molly Small, PA-C

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

Riva Dermatology

“Imagine your skin at its Best!”

General Dermatology for the Family, Botox, Fillers, Laser/IPL & more

Kerry Shafran, MD, FAAD Lindsay Jayson, MPAS, PA-C Erin Dice, MPAS, PA-C Ashley Noone, MPAP, PA-C Nikki Leahy, MSBS, PA-C Mari Klos, CMA, LME

704-896-8837 Cornelius, Mooresville, Denver www.Rivaderm.com

Ears, Nose and Throat

Family Medicine

PHC – Nabors Family Medicine Emily Nabors, MD

142 Professional Park Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-696-2083

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

PHC – Sailview Family Medicine Tiana Losinski, MD

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

PHC – Full Circle Family Medicine James W. McNabb, MD Jacqueline Swope, FNP 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 Kimberly Whiton, FNP 154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903

Gastroenterology

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

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

Mooresville, NC 28117 Appointment Line: 704-377-0246 www.charlottegastro.com Locations also in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Matthews, and Ballantyne

PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose, & Throat Keith Meetze, MD Thomas Warren, MD Herb Wettreich, MD Fred New, Jr., ANP

PHC –Northlake Digestive Care Carl A. Foulks, Jr., MD April Lockman, NP

Endocrinology

PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center Vivek Trivedi, MD Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C

140 Gateway Blvd.

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638

PHC- Endocrinology Elaine Sunderlin, MD

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

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

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

PHC- Gastroenterology Laila Menon, MD

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

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

Neurology

PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine Dharmen S. Shah, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100

PHC – Lake Norman Neurology Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD Roderick Elias, MD

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

PHC – Lake Norman Neurology Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD Roderick Elias, MD

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

Obstetrics/Gynecology PHC – Lake Norman OB/GYN James Al-Hussaini, MD Laura Arigo, MD Katie Collins, DO Grant Miller, MD James Wilson, MD Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD Coral Bruss, ANP-C Pam Monroe, WHNP-BC

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

Oncology

Southern Oncology Specialists William Mitchell, MD Poras Patel, MD

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

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

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

Orthopedic Surgery – Spine

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo on top courtesy of Defined Coffee in Mooresville/Facebook.

RENEE WANTS TO KNOW

A work of art at Defined Coffee.

Stop & Sip

by Renee Roberson photography by Renee Roberson

I’m not going to lie—I love a good coffee shop. I’ve visited my fair share of them over the years while searching out a good place to write, meet with friends, spend time with my kids, or have staff meetings and meet with other writers.

While it may be convenient to hit one of the big coffee chains occasionally, I much prefer supporting independent businesses whenever possible. Some of my favorite spots include Summit Coffee’s Basecamp in Davidson, especially when it’s warm out, because I can sit outside on the patio and people watch or conduct interviews in a casual setting. Good Drip Coffee just a few doors down also draws me in with their cozy seating nooks providing more privacy and a calming atmosphere. I’ve also frequented Waterbean Coffee over the years, in both Huntersville and Davidson, because I love their vibe.

Richard’s Coffee Shop/Welcome Home Veterans is also a mainstay in downtown Mooresville because I love getting to meet all the amazing people there and taking in all the memorabilia curated by our local veterans. After hearing about Defined Coffee at Lake Forest Church in Huntersville, I met up with a friend at their new location in the Mooresville Mill and was wowed by their gorgeous space and even more stunning coffee concoctions. I had a Lavender Vanilla Latte while I was there and also heard the Orange Mocha and Honey Cinnamon Lattes come highly recommended.

Bubble Tea at The Daily Grind.

But I’ll admit I was blown away when I posted a message on the “Lake Norman Eats” Facebook page asking what other people’s favorite coffee shops and beverages were. The verdict? I’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to exploring good places to get a hot or iced beverage, and you’d better believe I’m going to get right to work!

Here are a few places I saw mentioned as good places to check out. I’m sure I’ll hear about many more once this issue goes to print!

70

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

A roundup LKN’s most popular coffee shops Amo Café in Mooresville (suggested drink: Cardamom Latte) Bakery 28 in Cornelius (suggested drink: iced coffee) The Bean Market at Barkley Market in Cornelius (suggested drinks: try the seasonal selections) Clutch Coffee in Mooresville (suggested drinks: The “Campfire,” Iced Caramel Macchiato) The Daily Grind in Mooresville (suggested drinks: any of the lattes or bubble tea) Good Drip (suggested drink: any of their drip coffee) Lake Mountain Coffee in Statesville (suggested drink: Chai Latte with Cinnamon) Main Street Craft Coffee in Huntersville (suggested drinks: Salty Dog, or Salted Caramel Latte and the Elderberry Latte) Performance Coffeehouse in Mooresville (suggested drink: Hot Caramel Steamer) Public Grounds Coffee in Cornelius (suggested drinks: any of the lattes) Summit Coffee (suggested drink: Winter Spice Cold Foam) Third Eye Coffee (visit this coffee truck and try a cold brew or latte) Waterbean Coffee in Cornelius and Huntersville (suggested drink: Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk) Your Coffee Place (a new spot in Troutman) 77 Grounds in Davidson (suggested drinks: Maple Brown Sugar Latte with Oat Milk)

A PET FOR YOU

northmeckanimalrescue.org/contact/ Mailing address: P.O. Box 9102 Charlotte, N.C. 28299

A nonprofit, no kill animal rescue in Charlotte NC. Helping to end pet abandonment, abuse and neglect. If you are interested in adopting one of these pets, submit an adoption application on the website. Once your application is reviewed, a member of the organization will contact you with instructions on how to proceed/have a meet and greet.

Wagner Wagner is a Shar-Pei mix who has a typical “cat-like” temperament of the breed. He loves his people and is very loyal but cuddle time is on his own terms. He would much prefer to lie next to you and play with his toy. He is very independent. He can be wary of strangers until he is introduced properly. Wagner enjoys playing with other dogs but does not like to share. He should be the only dog in his home. He is just under a year old and weighs 50 pounds.

The adoption fee is $225 which includes is puppy shots, microchip and neuter when old enough.

Dugan Dugan is a delightful young beagle and hound mix who enjoys the company of other dogs and loves cuddle time with his humans. He is such a sweet boy and is looking to start the new year off right with a forever family. Dugan weighs 25 pounds and is just around a year old.

The adoption fee is $225 which includes all vaccinations, microchip, and neuter.

Peanut Peanut is a spunky 12-week old boxer mix that was found by a good Samaritan.

She has been checked out by the vet and had a good exam and report. She has had her first set of vaccinations and been wormed. She is very playful and full of puppy energy. She currently weighs 10 pounds. She does have naturally docked tail.

The adoption fee is $250 and includes: spay/neuter, parvo/distemper series of shots, rabies (if dog is old enough), Bordetella, heartworm preventative while here, worming, and microchip.

Carly Carly is 16 weeks old who is social and playful. Puppies are a project, and they require lots of time, love, and care. Her mom is a hound dog and dad is a blue heeler.

The adoption fee is $250 which includes series of puppy shots, microchip and spay when old enough.

Toby Toby is confident, fun and loves a good game. He’s the perfect pal for someone with an active lifestyle. Toby is good with dogs and kids. He’s currently learning basic manners with his foster. Toby is a chihuahua mix just under 2 years old and weighs 20 pounds.

The adoption fee is $225 and includes spay/neuter, distemper/ parvo vaccines, rabies and microchip.

72

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022

SERVING REAL ESTATE NEEDS SINCE 1985

CHRISTY WALKER 704.439.5300 CHRISTYWALKER.COM CHRISTY@CHRISTYWALKER.COM

DO YOU VALUE INTEGRITY, HARDWORK AND RESULTS? CALL CHRISTY TODAY!

www.LNCurrents.com | FEBRUARY 2022

73

74

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | FEBRUARY 2022