CURRENTS May 2022

SERVING LAKE NORMAN

MAY 2022

Cars & Music Sharing

stories Special Advertising Section:

FACES of Lake Norman

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This is what life is supposed to feel like. When you aren’t held back.

When you have a health partner that doesn’t just treat part of you, they care for all of you. Offering the best care, for a more full life.

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www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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FROM WHERE I SIT

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

Publisher

What’s Your Story?

It wasn’t until the past few years that I recognized the importance of writing down our stories and family history. Even though I’m a writer, and have journaled off and on for years, it didn’t occur to me how important it was to have an idea of our family trees and spend time having real conversations with the older members of our family. My maternal grandparents are still alive, and for that I’m grateful. But they are in their 80s now, living in Texas with multiple health issues, and my grandfather’s memory is fading fast. I know that he proudly retired from the U.S. Army, but I regret that I never learned more about his service in the Korean and Vietnam wars. I’m embarrassed when my mother mentions one of her aunts or uncles and I can’t remember who they are (in my defense, I haven’t seen any of them since before I was in kindergarten). A few years ago, my daughter had to complete a family tree for a school assignment, and I had a hard time giving her all the names she needed to get started. Fortunately, a cousin of mine had done some extensive research on the paternal side of my family and logged information into a genealogy website, or we would have come up empty handed.

In this issue, there are several examples of our readers doing their best to preserve memories that are precious to them. A Mooresville priest has written a book reflecting on what he calls an unexpected calling after achieving his degree in engineering and working in the field. A Davidson resident shares his story of how he grew up in a family who loved collecting and working on automobiles, and how important the restoration of an uncle’s 1969 Mercedes 280 SL is to him.

I think that sometimes we are hesitant to begin asking questions or working to preserve memories because it can be hard to process. I know that’s been true in my case. But hearing the stories, both good and bad, is important and essential. A local veteran has spent the past two years conducting research so he could accurately share the stories of 20 men who lost their lives in the Vietnam War in book form. He admits that was a tough emotional journey, but he wanted to help preserve the legacy of his classmates from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

A local theatre company realized the need for telling stories of the many different people in the Lake Norman area, leading to the commissioning of a play that shares the history behind the African American community in Davidson. These stories are important for our collective history, and the memories can sometimes be painful.

Our histories will not always contain happy memories, but they should be portrayed accurately nonetheless, because there’s always room to grow from the mistakes of our past. Don’t wait too long to share your own stories with others.

Editor Renee@LNCurrents.com

MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Director Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives

Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com

Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com

Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com

Event Coordinator Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com

Social Media Specialist Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com

Design & Production idesign2, inc

Contributing Writers Trevor Burton Allison Futterman Karel Bond Lucander Bek Mitchell-Kidd Jennifer Mitchell 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

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E XC LU S I V E LY AT

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Contents

About the Cover: Residents of Lake Norman love their classic cars.

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LAKE SPACES How we live at the lake

CHANNEL MARKERS

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Movers, shakers and more at the lake

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FEATURES Thoughts from the Man Cave

Honoring 20 fallen soldiers from The Vietnam War

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Navigators

New play honors African American community in Davidson

IN THIS ISSUE 26

Young Leaders

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Music Feature

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Denver native rocks the bass with heavy metal band

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A Garden for Kennedy

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For the Long Run – The Huntersville American Legion Auxilar

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Cars in LKN

We’re Just Crazy About – Girl Supply in Birkdale Village

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Special Advertising Section:

In Every Issue

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Father Mark Lawlor shares stories from his spiritual journey

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On the Circuit

A month of things to do on the lake

Renee Wants to Know

Mooresville mom and baker opens new food truck

Pine Lake Prep’s robotics team

Community Singers of Lake Norman

Legacies and charitable causes in the name of cars.

A Pet for You

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

10225 Hickorywood Hill Ave, Unit A Huntersville, NC 28078 484.769.7445 | www.LNCurrents.com 12

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A fresh new kitchen design in Mooresville

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DINE + WINE Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

FACES of Lake Norman

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Dwellings

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.

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Wine Time

78

On Tap

80

In The Kitchen

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Nibbles + Bites

Deciphering wine lists

Music and cars at breweries

Honey Basalmic Flank Steak

The Waterman Fish Bar

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.

Craftsmanship at its Finest

ISH M A

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

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

An Unexpected Calling Leads to a Rich Spiritual Journey St Therese Catholic Church priest pens book

by Karel Lucander | by Photography by Lisa Crates

Last year as Father Mark S. Lawlor was approaching 60 and celebrating 25 years as a priest, he finished writing a book that’s been in the works for years. With help from Saint Benedict Press, this pastor of St. Therese Catholic Church in Mooresville’s “Lessons and Stories from the Journey: Reflections from the Life of a Joyful Priest” is complete. “I decided it was time to bring the project to some conclusion before the Lord brings me to a conclusion,” he says.

Before becoming a priest, Father Mark graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and worked for five years as a nuclear engineer on submarine overhauls for the Department of the Navy at the Charleston Naval Shipyard in South Carolina. But that path took a dramatic turn when he got the call for a different life.

“I consider myself an unlikely candidate for priesthood and yet the Lord called me and here I am,” he says. “I believe that it shows that the Lord has a sense of humor.”

In his more than two decades of service, Father Mark has celebrated Masses in basilicas, hotels, fields, prisons and on ocean cruise ships.

He has worshiped in holy places, including at the Chapel of Tepeyac in Mexico, the Grotto of Lourdes in France, the altar and tomb of Pope St. John Paul II in St. Peter’s, and at the tomb of our Lord in Jerusalem. As a priest, he has visited mansions, trailers, coal mines,

and prayed in the cave on the island of Patmos, where disciple St. John received the vision for the Book of Revelation. He has baptized thousands, and officiated hundreds of weddings and funerals. He has prayed with people in mountains, jungles, on beaches and from the top of church towers down to subterranean catacombs. He has been everywhere for the Lord.

His book provides insights about those experiences as well as encounters with people who helped him grow along the journey, including his family. He dedicates his book to his deceased mother, sister and grandmother. “My mother would write articles for the Salisbury Post. My sister, Leslie, had Down syndrome and was a great Christian. My mother wrote an article about her and that became a book chapter. My grandmother’s strong faith inspired us.”

Story themes include joy, hope, sadness and mystery – along with his trust in Divine Providence and sanctifying grace. Father Mark hopes his book might help others reflect on their own faith journey. “In the end we have nothing to fear if we believe what St. Paul wrote to the Christian community of Rome: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’ [Romans 8:31]. I truly believe that God is for us.”

You can find “Lessons and Stories from the Journey: Reflections from the Life of a Joyful Priest” at Amazon.com.

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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CHANNEL MARKERS

All About that

Bass Denver native finds musical success with bandmates

From left to right: Diego Vargas, Abby K, and Zach Gulledge

by Abigail Smathers Photography courtesy of Mario Vargas

Denver-born Abby K is heating up the southeastern music scene with her new single, “99o”. The 19-year-old bassist/vocalist and her bandmates, Diego Vargas (Guitar) and Zach Gulledge (Drums), released the song alongside a Kickstarter campaign that would help the group compile some of their 60 plus unreleased songs into a debut studio album.

The single, Abby says, was inspired by her emotional struggles during the Coronavirus pandemic. “I was stuck at home and really struggling,” Abby says. “The song is kind of like a 4-minute long panic attack that takes you through the rising tension, and then you reach the boiling point, 99 degrees.” 99o turns up the heat for AbbyK, showcasing the lineup’s talent with a heavier, more raw and aggressive take on their usual melodic hard rock sound. In addition to the group’s musical talent, this newest release showcases their unique ability to draw inspiration from real-world events and create meaningful and emotionally striking works of art.

After showcasing the piece during a 2021 tour with legendary guitarist Nita Strauss, Abby and her friends were inspired to take their work to the next level, turning to their community for support.

“I do everything in my bedroom by myself,” Abby, who is now based out of Nashville, says. “I struggled for a long time with ask18

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

ing for money, but I just had to remember that most people have a label to pay for it. But I’m passionate. This isn’t just a job, it’s something that [we] take seriously and that [we] love, and don’t want to do anything else. It just makes sense to do this debut album.”

She picked up the bass at age 13 after being influenced by Gene Simmons at a KISS Concert. Months into her musical journey, she was 1 of 3 bassists in the United States selected to attend GRAMMY Camp in Los Angeles, Calif.

As of March 30, the project has reached its funding goal, and the band is gearing up for their studio sessions. “I’m excited,” Abby says. “There are a lot of songs we haven’t shared yet.” Thanks to the positive reception, praise, and support from fans and fellow musicians across the region, the group plans to record in June and release their album by October. One song in particular, Abby says, is sure to be a real head-banger. “There’s this one song, ‘Sweet Revenge’…we wrote it a couple of months ago. It was a song that just came super naturally to us, and we knew exactly what we wanted to do with it. That’s always a good sign.”

You can find the band on Instagram and Twitter at @abbykrocks,or at abbykrocks.com to keep up with their latest and greatest releases, shows, and behind-the-scenes content.

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

Welcome Jackson Principi to Fogle Insurance!

Fogle Insurance Group is excited to announce that Jackson Principi is joining us as the newest Commercial Lines Agent. Jackson is a fully licensed agent who will be dedicated to existing client relationships and focus on providing tailored insurance solutions to business owners in the Lake Norman Area.

Jackson brings new emerging talent to the industry, joining the family agency alongside his Grandfather, Mom, Uncle and Cousin. As a third-generation family member, he will be responsible for carrying on the family’s legacy. His prior experience includes roles at Alva as a Consultant in London UK and at Centene Corp as a Sales Rep. At Fogle, he will specialize in building relationships with local business and advise them on the best insurance program to meet their needs. You will see Jackson around Lake Norman at upcoming Chamber events and looks forward to meeting you.

Jackson holds a degree from Elon University with a concentration in Finance and Economics. Jackson is actively involved in the alumni organizations at St Mark Catholic School and Charlotte Catholic High School.

In his spare time, he is an avid golfer, passionate Charlotte FC supporter, and values time with his family, friends, and contributing back to the community.

For any Insurance related questions, contact Jackson below: C: (704) 619- 4163 | E: Jackson@foglegroup.com | L: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacksonprincipi/

Jackson Principi

(704) 875-3060 foglegroup.com

What do you look forward to the most at Fogle?

“I’m excited to join the family agency and help grow the firm. Charlotte presents an amazing opportunity with the abundance of new business’, individuals and families relocating to the area. I look forward to being a part of this great community.” www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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CHANNEL MARKERS

Love Shines Through Photo by Allison Hinm an Photography

River Run Supports Kennedy’s Garden During Month of May

Kennedy with her brother Cole.

Kennedy Lambeth loved riding on a pony named Willie at Shining Hope Farm.

by Jennifer Mitchell | photography courtesy of Crystal Lambeth

Those who had the pleasure of knowing young, sweet Kennedy Lambeth describe her as a fighter, a force of nature and a bright light who overcame many obstacles during her short life. For the month of May, her community, River Run in Davidson, will be collecting donations to support Kennedy’s Garden at Shining Hope Farm in Charlotte. Kennedy’s birthday is May 25, so the month holds special significance.

Due to complications at birth, her mother Crystal Lambeth explains Kennedy suffered from brain bleeds and significant brain damage that led to long-term health complications including seizures. While doctors were not sure how long she would live, she fought through many medical situations and at the age of two, learned to ride a pony at Shining Hope Farm in Charlotte, where a special garden, now bearing her name, honors her life.

“Shining Hope Farm gave us hope,” explains Lambeth. “There was something special that happened when Kennedy would ride her favorite pony named Willie. They had this bond that is indescribable, and it was like Willie knew how much Kennedy needed him to help her grow strong.”

Kennedy Lambeth passed away in her mother’s arms in January 2017 in the recliner at their home where she had read her stories 20

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

and rocked her to sleep. Kennedy was only 3 years old. “I thank God every day because he gave us more time for me to kiss her, to hug her, to smell her and to hold her. I knew when it was time to let her be an angel and to be free from pain.”

Kennedy’s Garden at Shining Hope Farm began with donations from her family. It is a large space located next to the barn where her favorite pony lives with others. Kennedy’s family envisions the space becoming a special secret garden that many of us remember as children, with stone animals and sensory boards to help with fine and gross motor skills. A place that children of all ages will enjoy and adults, too.

“There are no words to describe how much I miss her smile, her little scoot and to hear her only word ‘Momma’,” says Lambeth. But being able to honor the farm, precious Kennedy and to create such a special tribute in her honor means the world to her family.

Donations of any kind for the garden can be dropped off during the month of May at Slice Café located at the River Run Tennis Center. Donations can also be mailed to Shining Hope Farm at 3701 Kidd Lane, Charlotte, N.C., 28216 with “Kennedy’s Garden” noted. Slice Café also has paper flowers that can be picked up, detailing special requests including shovels, rakes, gloves, and a sensory table for Kennedy’s Garden.

I t's lIke Where the steppI ng ba ck OLD the I n tIisme new NEW AT THE DEPOT

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CHANNEL MARKERS - for the long run

Making a difference Left: ALA Unit 321 President Toni Reale. Right: Parents receive Blue Star Banners to hang in their windows, signifying they have a son or daughter actively serving in the Armed Forces.

Huntersville American Legion Auxiliary supports service members and their families

by Tony Ricciardelli | photography courtesy of Huntersville American Legion Auxiliary

Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary was originally an organization of women patriots working alongside the American Legion to support and improve the lives of military service members following WWI. The organization now operates independently as its own global entity boasting two million global members. Formerly the largest women’s patriotic philanthropic organization, the membership now includes men and women standing for the armed forces, veterans, their families, and the community. Since 1947, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 321 (ALA) in Huntersville has assisted its military brethren through its many projects and programs. The Unit includes Senior members (adults), and Junior members (those under eighteen years of age).

According to Huntersville resident, Toni Reale, ALA Department of North Carolina Division 3 President, “Each year, we offer programs dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. We’ve hosted dinners for the Veterans, both at the Post 321 and at the Salisbury VA Hospital, sent care packages to active-duty troops, and collected funds for robotic pets and stuffed animals for veterans suffering from PTSD and dementia. The more money we raise, the more assistance we can provide to veterans. We do our best to fulfill the wish lists we receive from the four Veteran Hospitals around the state.

We usually schedule one activity per month to raise funds to meet this goal.”

Two notable programs the Auxiliary sponsor are its college scholarships program, and The Tarheel Girl’s State Project (TGSP)-the longest continuously running Girls State program 22

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in the country. The TGSP is a one-week immersion program held at Catawba College, where rising-high school seniors are selected to experience a first-hand opportunity to gain experience about Federal and North Carolina government and its intricacies, and practice the skills required of future women leaders. “We believe in responsible citizenry, says Reale, “The girls spend time with elected officials, government experts, and expert speakers.”

Of the several scholarships offered by the Auxiliary, The Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship (students K-12), and The Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior Members (college-bound prospects), award scholarships in the amount of $2,500 and $5,000.

“Our scholarship programs address the costs and challenges associated with education, including broad support for teachers and students, says Reale. “These scholarships have made a difference in the lives of our veteran families.”

The next fundraiser for the American Legion Local 321 is “The Heroes 5K Run – Family Fun Walk” scheduled for Sat., May 22.

All proceeds benefit PTSD and Recreational programs at W.G (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center, Salisbury, NC. The Unit will also distribute Poppies, the Flower of Remembrance, starting in May. All poppy proceeds are used to benefit veterans.

For more information on American Legion Auxiliary Unit 321, go to www.facebook.com/ALAHuntersvilleNC, or contact Toni Reale at 516.606.1466.

e r u t a N f o h t Warm

TRENDS + STYLE

CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH GREENS AND GOLDS [2]

[6]

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All of these items can be purchased at:

178 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 704.957.5014

[4]

1. Pillows $59 and up

4. Reinhardt Chair $2073

2. ‘Peaceful’ Canvas $477

5. Antique Gold Clock $49

7. Candle Stand Set/2 $147

3. Catalina Bar Cart $1479

6. Pendant Light $942

8. Potted Orchid $275 www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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CHANNEL MARKERS - we’re just crazy about

y l p p u S l Gir

in Birkdale Village

Top: Find curated looks from brands such as Listicle, Vestique, Beck on Broad, and more.

Below: The store has several stations inside perfect for photo ops.

The Charlotte-based Cactus Club offers cacti for sale in the store.

We can’t get enough of the new Girl Supply store with 10,000 square feet of curated and colorful shopping. Billed as “an experiential retail celebration hosted by the team at Girl Tribe Co.,” you won’t know which female-owned business to support first, and best of all, you don’t have to choose. You can support them all—from cacti from The Cactus Club, clothing from Beck on Broad, Listicle, Vestique, Paige Turner, bath salts, cowboy boots, Spanx leggings, and much more. Shopping for yourself? Check. Shopping for your kids? Check. Picking up a gift for a bride or teacher? Check.

Get your craft on in the back corner of the store, try on some new looks, sip on WineWater, and be sure to take plenty of photos. It’s encouraged, with specially-lit backdrops, sofas, and balloons from Confetti Castle.

Girl Supply, Birkdale Village, 8805 Townley Road, Huntersville

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

TRENDS + STYLE

Surround yourself with beauty MAKE YOUR SPACE UNIQUELY YOURS WITH ORIGINAL ART

[8]

[2]

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[6]

[4]

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All of these items can be purchased at:

Historic Downtown Mooresville 148 N. Main | fcfgframing.com

1. Les Piscines $3000 Oil on paper

by Elizabeth Tilt

3. Carolina Wren Home $110 Pottery by Judy Riley

2. Poppy Dish $60 Pottery by Judy Riley

4. Medicine Crow, Ltd Ed $125, By Judy Larson

5. Wooden Carvings $35

by Michael Privotte

7. Up the River $1200 Oil by Gail Black

6. Orange Glee $1600 Oil by Anne Harkness

8. The Surge $2000 Print on Metal by Joyce Vukela-Mayer

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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p U g n i l e v Le

MCINTOSH LAW FIRM’S YOUNG LEADERS

Pine Lake Prep Robotics Team SPORK

by Allison Futterman photography courtesy of Pine Lake Prep

Pine Lake Prep’s robotics Team “SPORK” stands for “Students Providing Outreach and Robotic Kinship.” And they most definitely live up to their name. The team competes in an international high school robotics competition known as the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC).

Coral Riley, a computer science teacher at Pine Lake Prep is the team’s coach. Although Riley is an integral part of the team, she focuses on student leadership, teamwork, and accomplishments of the students. “My job is to make sure they have a support system, but our team is totally student driven,” Riley says. “They design and fabricate all the robot parts, they build it electronically and mechanically, and they program it.”

They also manage all aspects of the team—including finances and social media. They serve as mentors to or the lower school’s team, 26

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

which competes in the FIRST Lego League (FLL) challenge. “Just like I’m the coach for the FRC team, they’re like the coaches for the FLL,” says Riley.

Team SPORK wouldn’t be able to compete so successfully without the assistance of 14 invaluable mentors who help with engineering and operations.

Participation on the team has opened doors and created opportunities for alumni members, including internships at Tesla and NASA. And approximately 90 percent go on to careers in STEM. Current team captain Amanda Foess has been accepted to Stanford University. She credits her experience with Team Spork, along with her other STEM and computer science studies at Pine Lake Prep for opening “a variety of opportunities including a leadership and cyber security internship the summer between my

[

]

Team “SPORK” stands for “Students Providing Outreach and Robotic Kinship”

Sruthi A. and Sarah T. show off a competition robot at the Mooresville Back to School Bash.

In mid-April, the team was one of 10 teams from North Carolina to compete in the First Championship Robotics Competition in Houston, Texas.

junior and senior year, and the ability to continue my education at Stanford University during the next four years.”

Each season, a new robot is issued, comprised of certain criteria about what the robot must be able to do. But there aren’t any parameters on how the team accomplishes the goal. Riley explains that this “forces the team to be very creative with solutions.” Robots are built at a full production shop on campus.

They compete at several competitions each season, and in the first competition of 2022, Team Spork won the “Gracious Professionalism Award,” for their respect and encouragement of other teams.

Pine School Prep requires their upper school students to do 40 ser-

vice hours each year. Team SPORK takes this commitment seriously, and use their service hours to share their STEM knowledge and encourage others. Some outreach work they’ve done includes collaborating with and participating in the Mooresville Back 2 School Bash.

The team put their skills and equipment to good use during Covid 19—using their 3D printers to make face shields which they donated to their local fire department, Novant Health, and The Neighborhood C.A.R.E. Center.

Team Spork raises between $40,000 and $60,000 each year for their operating expenses, through various endeavors. A dedicated partner has been the Motorola Solutions Foundation—and they’re extremely appreciative of the support. “We’re constantly seeking community partners and sponsors,” says Riley.

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

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29

THOUGHTS FROM THE MAN CAVE

Twenty Our Fallen

Lt. Col. John C. Hedley, USA (Ret.) with his latest book.

John Hedley and his books honor those who served, including classmates who made the ultimate sacrifice

by Mike Savicki | photography by Jamie Cowles

Lt. Col. John C. Hedley, USA (Ret.) doesn’t claim to be a writer.

Never has. As the story goes, when Hedley was a cadet writing letters home to his parents in the 1960s, his father would take a red pen and mark every grammar, spelling, and punctuation error he found then turn around and send the letters right back to his son, usually with the closing salutation, “aren’t they teaching you anything at West Point?”

Have you ever had a calling? Have you ever felt drawn to do something so remarkable that it keeps you awake at night? Something for others? Something that will live on and on, serving as a legacy—a memorial—so that stories and images, records, and reflections, will never be forgotten? Something difficult and daring? Something bold?

Fast forward nearly half a century—his cadet days far behind—and Denver’s John Hedley has written not one, but two books related to his time in Vietnam. When great people, no matter their backgrounds or training, feel a calling to do something extraordinary, especially something that celebrates and memorializes others while dredging up horrific and life-altering personal traumas, well, they buckle down and do it.

For John Hedley to write his two books, 2017’s “Saddle Up, The Story of a Red Scarf,” and the soon-to-be-published, “From the Shadows, A Tribute to the 1968 West Point Graduates Who Gave Their Lives in Vietnam,” he had to go back and revisit a war he has been spending decades trying to put behind him. His first book took about eight years to finish, including a six-month period when it was too much—he stepped away from it entirely— and were it not for the motivation of a milestone reunion gathering, his second book could have easily taken as long (or longer) to finish. Or it may not have happened at all. The memories of Vietnam are that strong.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

“It’s tough to write about guys you served with, to write about death,” Lt. Col. Hedley tells me as we sit alone in Richard’s Coffee Shop and Living Military Museum. “I didn’t want to do this (second) one because I didn’t want to go down another emotional trail. I didn’t want to revisit what was dredged up when I wrote the first one.”

Vietnam was not always front and center to Hedley. On the first day of July 1964, when a younger John Hedley joined approximately 990 young men of the 1000 who initially accepted appointments reported to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, most Americans couldn’t find Vietnam on a map, nor had they even heard the name mentioned.

“But it quickly became evident that when we graduated it was most likely we’d go over,” Hedley shares. “Those who graduated knew we were going to get shot at. Those of us who went in early knew we’d be in some intense combat.”

How intense? 1968 was the worst year for American casualties—15,000 were killed. In 1969, when his graduating class began arriving, 11,000 more were lost. In the midst of it all, John Hedley arrived in Vietnam on his 24th birthday. And in his year on the ground, Hedley led multiple commands—rifle commander, platoon leader, recon platoon leader, and company commander—and when he returned to the United States, he had earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star with “V” Valor, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

“I was privileged to command some outstanding young soldiers when I was there,” he recalls. “But none of it, and nothing I did, was for me.

We were all in Vietnam because that is what our country asked.”

Even now, the toll of the Vietnam War is still being tabulated.

Thousands died. Many more were seriously or gravely injured. A

number remain Missing in Action (MIA). And from Hedley’s ‘68 West Point graduating class, twenty died, the majority while serving in forward, advanced, combat positions. All those who fought in Vietnam and returned saw an angry country, politically and socially divided, torn and living in confusion and unrest. Protests overshadowed any idea of welcome home ceremonies.

serving, and continues to do as a veteran, is selfless.

“Why I wrote my first book was to set the record straight,” Hedley tells me. “I felt called to write, for my family, for my next of kin, and for those who needed a voice.”

“My message with this book is that I want people to understand that dedication is something greater than themselves,” he says. “I want people to understand what these men went through to prepare to give their lives.

In 2018, as his ‘68 class gathered for its 50th reunion, Hedley was inspired to begin writing his second book. It tells the story of each of the Class of ‘68’s twenty who gave their lives in Vietnam. Collectively they are remembered as “Our Fallen Twenty.” Individually they are heroes through and through.

“And I want people to understand that there are people who are dedicated to things bigger than themselves, who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to serve this country. I just want people to know there are some fine folks out there,” he adds.

Writing “From the Shadows” took as much coordination as it did care, concern, and fortitude. He put out a request seeking information on each of his fallen classmates. Replies came from every corner of the country. Sorting through tens of thousands of emails, letters, images, documents, anecdotes, etc., took two years. The final product is best described as powerful.

Thank you, Lt. Col. John Hedley for your time in uniform, for serving, for sacrificing, for remembering, and for writing. Thank you for your love and continued leadership. And to all those who served or who are currently serving, to those who give, who gave, who sacrifice and who sacrificed, we thank you, too. Yes, John, there are some fine folks out there.

Lt. Col. Hedley tells me he hopes this effort will establish a lasting legacy for those members of the class of 1968 lost in Vietnam and ensure they will never be forgotten. He wants their names and stories to teach and inspire. His message, like everything he did while

You can find “From the Shadows: A Tribute to the 1968 West Point Graduates Who Gave Their Lives in Vietnam” at Amazon.com beginning on May 10. His latest book and “Saddle Up, The Story of a Red Scarf” is at Welcome Home Veterans/Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville.

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NAVIGATORS

A POWERFUL PERSPECTIVE 32

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Playwright pens story of Davidson’s African American Community

by Renee Roberson

Students and professors at Davidson College have written and collected stories about the important contributions of African Americans to both the campus and the town over the years. It’s a rich history, but not all the memories and stories are pleasant.

Many of us are familiar with the story of how Black barber Ralph Johnson was condemned by white students at Davidson College in the mid 1960s for only cutting the hair of white men. He knew he would lose his business if he changed his practices, and when he did acquiesce, he lost the support of many of his white customers and was forced to close his shop anyway.

In regard to the African American community that remains in the town, they’ve kept many of their experiences and hurt held close, within their own families, hesitant to discuss specific incidents with others. The first African student admitted to Davidson College in 1962, a young man from the Congo named Benoit Nzengu, received hate mail after an article The Charlotte Observer ran about his enrollment, as did the university president. While many African American families created businesses in Davidson, after arriving to the area as slaves, they were not allowed to enter a majority of the stores and restaurants.

A story of integration

In 2016, The Davidson College Archives and Special Collections blog shared a post titled “It Hasn’t Been Exactly Easy”: Early Student Reflections on Integration at Davidson. The post shared the story of Benoit Nzengu, but it also discussed his friendship with Davidson resident James Howard, who was a college employee. Nzengu would visit with Howard at his home in Davidson, and Howard once told him this, “The separation between our two communities is these railroad tracks; you cross it to go to work, cross it again to go back to your house, and that’s it.”

In 2020, after George Floyd died at the hands of law enforcement officers in Minneapolis, Minn., Davidson Community Players realized it was time to take a “long hard look at our past, present, and most importantly, our future,” says Sylvia Schnople, Artistic Director of DCP. They met with Charlotte playwright Nichole M. Palmer to ask if she’d consider interviewing members of Davidson’s African American community and weaving their stories into a play the theatre could present. www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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NAVIGATORS

“After listening to all the stories, I realized as an African American community, the past, present, and future blend together,” says Palmer. “That’s how we exist. Being able to understand your past is pretty much how we’ve been socialized.”

“We, as an organization, realized that to truly be a ‘community’ theatre, we needed to reach all our community which meant finding new ways to do so,” says Schnople. “The project had two main purposes from the beginning, 1) To tell the stories of our Black community and 2) To offer opportunities to area Artists of Color both onstage and backstage.”

DCP had worked with Palmer in their youth program and knew her ability to guide students in the creation of interesting characters and stories. “I wanted a playwright who had the ability and desire to go out into our community to truly listen and hear the many stories that have been untold for so long. Nichole, being from outside the region, brought a fresh eye to the stories held within our community while also addressing the many issues that face the Black community in America today.”

Palmer said when she first began putting feelers out to people in the community she could interview, she heard only from Davidson College professors and students of color. She worried she wouldn’t be able to make her deadline because she didn’t have enough material to begin a draft of the play.

Gaining the trust

After about a year, Palmer met with Davidson resident Ruby Houston, who recently retired from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools after a 36-year-career, Reverend Dora DuBose, and Harold Rice, CEO of Ada Jenkins Center. The women wanted her to meet with the elders in the community. Palmer realized there was a lot of fear and distrust among community members, as there had been other artists before who had come in, studied the history of Davidson’s African American community, and then left. Palmer gathered phone numbers of family members who had moved out of the area to places like New York, Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama to get a more wholistic viewpoint.

“After listening to all the stories, I realized as an African American community, the past, present, and future blend together,” says Palmer. “That’s how we exist. Being able to understand your past is pretty much how we’ve been socialized.”

Crafting a work of art

Palmer had taken a class through the Kennedy Center for playwrights in the summer of 2021, and she says this opened her up to writing techniques she hadn’t previously explored. As a fan of science fiction and Afro Futurism, she’s also inspired by the work of Octavia Butler. She began weaving together a script that would include a Court of Consciousness, Present Day in Davidson, and flashbacks to include silhouettes, vignettes and letters from the past. She shared her first draft with Nan-Lyn Nelson, a Charlottearea playwright and veteran Broadway actor originally from New York, for feedback. At the time, Nelson had no idea Palmer was 34

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

envisioning her as the director for the play. At first hesitant, she finally agreed.

“My strong suit is as an actor and a playwright,” says Nelson. “I felt like this script was speaking to me in a way I could flip the hat to direct it and visualize it. I direct the way that I write, which is intuitively. When you have such good material, it makes it a lot easier.

I did ask hard questions. I wanted her to push the envelope more, because of the subject matter. You can hear and feel it without feeling like a finger is being pointed at you. It is the story of America, one of thousands of stories. These are stories that need to be told. When they’re told well, that’s theatre, and that’s art.”

After four drafts of revisions, DCP presented a reading of “Prophesy to the Bones” to the community last fall. The play centers around a New Yorker named Deborah Ingram who returns to Davidson after inheriting a home from a family member.

During her visit, she learns the story of her past and must choose whether she will embrace her ties to the area or sell the home and return to her adopted state and her husband. Palmer took careful notes, knowing she had to go deeper before the final product of the play was finished.

“Draft five meant characters had to be thrown out,” says Palmer.

“New scenes were built. Letters turned into vignettes.” She infused some dreamscapes that are very poetic into the play.

“Deborah was too put together,” she says. “Nan was teaching me how thematically, everything needs to connect, even in the slightest ways.”

A powerful direction

“In directing it, I’m really emphasizing that we don’t approach it in your typical theatrical way,” says Nelson. “We approach it with deep respect and understanding and the history. We really make that be the foundation for what comes out of your mouth.

Even for Deborah’s character, she is living in the present, but she’s connected to all those people from the past.”

The reading brought about powerful emotions from the performers and the audience members.

“After the staged reading in November, we received many comments from the community about the conversations people were having as they left the theatre,” says Schnople. “Our hope is that the community conversations continue, new opportunities for artists of color are created and all voices are heard, which will only make our community a more welcoming place for current and future residents.”

“Prophesy to the Bones: And Other Stories Black Folx Whisper” will run May 26-29 at Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

Left to right: Nichole Palmer and Nan-Lyn Nelson

About Prophesy to the Bones: And Other Stories Black Folx Whisper The work, commissioned by Davidson Community Players and written by Nichole M. Palmer, explores the history of the African American community in Davidson as seen through the eyes of successful college professor and former Davidson resident, Deborah Ingram, who returns to the town to confront the realities of her past as she navigates the path toward her future. Veteran Broadway actor, playwright and educator, Left to right: Nichole Palmer and Nan-Lyn Nelson will serve as the director for the production. Visit www. davidsoncommunityplayers.com to learn more.

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35

MUSICAL MEETUP

A Charismatic

Member Linda Martinson is also a classic car collector. From left to right: Linda Holden, Frannie Hemingway-Large, Rosemary Graidage, Martinson, and Donna Black.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Chorus

The Community Singers of Lake Norman plan spring fundraiser

by Renee Roberson | photography courtesy of The Community Singers of Lake Norman

The Community Singers of Lake Norman formed in April 2017 and now has 50 plus members.

In April 2017, a group of about 8-10 singers who had sung together in a previous local choir got together to chat about what it would take to start up a new venture. They still enjoyed singing and wanted to find a way to continue performing for the surrounding community.

They soon learned their small group could get things done, and quickly. By the end of that first month paperwork had been filed for a 501 c 3, and the Community Singers of Lake Norman was formed.

Before they even had a budget to pay anyone, Charles Morrow agreed to serve as the Musical Director, with Marla Young as accompanist. Bethel Presbyterian Church offered to let the group rehearse at their location in Cornelius. While things were slowly falling into

place for the group, they weren’t expecting the more than 70 people that showed up to their first interest meeting. Marie Heiss, President of Community Singers of Lake Norman, jokes they didn’t even have enough music that first night.

The group ended up with almost 64 people for their first year of performances, and on average have about 54 steady singers who participate. The ages of singers range from 20 to 80 years (with one middle schooler).

But then, the pandemic happened, and the group was at a loss at first on how to move forward. “By this time, we had become a family,” says Kitty Soesbee, Vice President. www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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MUSICAL MEETUP

Performing at this past year’s Christmas concert.

Maintaining connection Morrow quickly pivoted and set up rehearsals and meetings through different types of applications. They would learn songs through Vimeo and then rehearse on Zoom, says Heiss. During Christmas 2020 they spaced themselves out in the sanctuary of Broad Street United Methodist Church and sang a 30-minute program which they put on their website and Facebook page.

By then, the members of the chorus looked forward to their Zoom meetings and keeping up with one another while still staying safe and healthy. They tapped members to offer classes in vocal technique, theory, and even the ukulele, which members could participate in for a small fee.

“The classes paid off because they improved our musicianship,” says Heiss, a retired theatre educator who also jokes the Community Singers of Lake Norman serves as “the cheapest therapy I could find.” Soesbee used her family’s farm as the location for socially-distant gatherings where the members of the chorus could get together and socialize.

The group’s website states: Whether singers consider themselves novices or seasoned singers, all are welcome to join the chorus and share in the exploration of many different styles of music and community engagement.

Singers are asked to pay $75 per person to cover expenses 38

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

such as sheet music and stipends for the Musical Director and Accompanist. The fall season includes seasonal concerts that are free of charge to the community and a themed concert mid-season with a donation or nominal fee. The spring season culminates in a major production with a special events concert mid-season.

The chorus also sings at community events, retirement communities and nursing homes, hospices, hospitals, schools, and churches.

A Night at the Movies The Community Singers of Lake Norman is now back to meeting and rehearsing in person and maintaining that family connection.

For their upcoming spring show the group has planned a family-friendly evening titled “A Night at the Movies,” and will include numbers from shows such as “Mary Poppins,” “Into the Woods,” “Sweeney Todd,” and more, plus a guest performance from the Mooresville High School Chorus at the Joe V. Knox Auditorium at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in downtown Mooresville. Purchase tickets for a Sunday matinee on May 15 at 3:30 p.m. or May 16 at 7:30 p.m. Prices range from $10 for students to $12 for adults.

To learn more about Community Singers of Lake Norman, or purchase tickets for “A Night at the Movies,” www.lakenormansings.com.

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www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

41

CARS FEATURE

Cruising

with Neighbors

A 1929 Model A Roadster, owned by Jeff Smith.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Bernie with his Model A Hotrod at Trilogy Lake Norman.

Lake Norman resident raises money, promotes fellowship

by Tony Ricciardelli Photography courtesy of Bernie/LKN

Lake Norman resident Bernie (last name withheld upon request) is a man who appreciates vintage cars, bicycles, tools, and memorabilia. He enjoys socializing and thrives in hosting large gatherings.

He finds joy in overcoming the logistical challenges he brings upon himself in the quest of self-fulfillment and making others happy. In 2020, during the COVID pandemic, he and a few friends wanted to provide their neighborhood with an opportunity to escape the indoors, and safely socialize beyond the two-dimensional sessions on a computer screen. That’s when they began organizing “Food Truck Fridays.” The events, which proved to be a welcome relief for the housebound, showcased local bands, and food trucks offering a variety of cuisine, beverages, and treats. “’Food Truck Fridays’ was a huge success,” says Bernie. “My neighbors enjoyed getting out of their homes and making new friends, but I had other ideas in mind: I wanted to change it up and share my passion for vintage cars, so in 2021, I invited some antique auto owners I knew to display their cars, while enjoying a cup of coffee; I called it ‘Coffee, Donuts, and Classics.’”

An early appreciation for automobiles An Azure Blue 1964 Chevy Bel Air owned by Paul Moreira.

Bernie, a longtime car enthusiast, who owns an old Model A Hotrod, began his appreciation for vintage automobiles as a young boy, when his father bought a rusty old F1 pickup. “I loved that truck,” says Bernie. “It was an awesome piece of history.”

At 15, Bernie worked part-time doing maintenance and detailing on semi-trucks, and on weekends would detail cars on the side. Now, he specializes in automotive marketing for a local agency; Bernie knows car people. “I was determined to make this event a success, to share my appreciation for history, nostalgia and automotive restoration with the public.” www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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CARS FEATURE

The event raised $1,000 for The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina

Eric and Sandy Haus took first place overall with their rare Dusty Pink 1967 Ford Mustang.

This original black Model T Ford Touring is owned by Eric Dana.

Community outreach

The first “Coffee, Donuts, and Classics” took place on a neighborhood street, and featured a dozen cars, with a coffee and donut truck. The event was simplistic but well received, but Bernie wanted more. This past March, he moved the “Coffee, Donuts, and Classics” to the neighborhood clubhouse, where there were spaces for participants, restrooms, and a playground for the kids. Bernie promoted the event as a charity fundraiser for The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, an organization that advocates for families and serves to find its children permanent placement within loving families. “CHS is an organization that my wife and I graciously support, says Bernie. “We currently foster a child through that agency.”

A sold-out event

The recent “Coffee, Donuts, and Classics” featured quality antique automobiles from 1923 to 1985, with all spaces sold out from pre-registrations. Vehicles included original and restored 44

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Model Ts and Model A Fords, including Bernie’s. There were also beautifully restored street rods, muscle cars and 4x4’s. The event also accommodated six cars from the Oldsmobile Club of America. Bernie notes, “We had eighteen sponsors providing signage, goodie bags, and door prizes for every car owner, we had old fashioned donuts, and fresh brewed coffee, plus oldies music playing as an appropriate background. It was a family event, and I even let the kids be the judges, offering people’s and children’s choice awards given to participant favorites. In addition, we had a table where children and even adults enjoyed using crayons to color various classic car images. There was a little something for everyone of all ages.”

The event raised $1,000 for The Children’s Home Society of North Carolina and has motivated Bernie to want to host another “Coffee, Donuts, and Classics” charity fundraiser this fall. In the meantime, the nostalgia-driven car enthusiast is searching for a red 1963 Ford Falcon Convertible for his family to enjoy together.

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

45

CARS FEATURE

Keeping it in the

y l i m Fa

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

A love of automobiles inspired a classic restoration

by Michael Salemi photography by Jon Beyerle

Angelo Sokol, my uncle, was the kind of owner Mercedes-Benz envisioned for their new SL in 1963. An electrical engineer, he appreciated finely built products. An early adopter of technology, it was no surprise he bought a 1964 230 SL, as he once built his own Hi-Fi equipment, his own color television, and even installed an early radiotelephone in the trunk of his SL. Angelo pursued photography with precision German cameras. His designed and built RADAR systems and installed them in places as close as Idlewild Airport (now JFK International), and as distant as Kwajalein Atoll.

When not working, experimenting, or building something, he was a champion sailboat racer. The SL was right at home taking him to the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club and did so for five years. Along the way, the automotive world gave the car the moniker “Pagoda” due to the shape of its hardtop roof.

One dreary evening in April 1969, the phone rang at my childhood home in Syosset, New York. My Aunt Jean was calling, and she quickly asked for her brother, my father. “…Come quickly, I need you.” There was a distraught urgency in her voice, and with that, my father took off for the short drive to Huntington.

Angelo had been in a horrific car crash in his 230 SL this rainy night, and my father was called to help. Specific details are lost to history, but I do know Angelo was critically injured and incapacitated for months. When he was well enough, he searched for a replacement car, though not yet able to drive. The search found a ninemonth-old 280 SL in the unlikeliest of places; that would be Drexel Motors, a Simca dealer in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Angelo made a deal by phone and mailed them his deposit. On Nov. 8, 1969, Jean and Angelo flew to Philadelphia to pick up the 280 SL. I have often been reminded that Angelo was not able to drive at this point, and Jean drove this car the 160 miles home to Huntington. www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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CARS FEATURE

Vote!

WE NEED YOUR

It’s time for you to vote for your favorites in our 2022 Best of Lake Norman contest!

What restaurant has the best pizza, steak, burgers, etc?

Where is your favorite date night spot?

Who is your favorite attorney, dentist, landscaper?

All these categories and much more!

GO TO:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/BOTL2022 And vote for your favorites!

CONTEST ENDS JUNE 30 Winners will be announced in our August issue.

Only one vote per I.P. address Employees of Currents Magazine and any of its affiliates do not qualify to vote.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

This would be the last of my uncle’s “kiddie cars,” a nickname given to his small roadsters which began with a 1959 Karmann Ghia, followed by the 1964 230 SL and finally this 1969 280 SL. My childless uncle was quite close with his many nephews and niece, and all of us were quite accustomed to then gargantuan American cars. To us, the little roadsters were kid-size, like toys…and we dubbed them “kiddie cars.”

Angelo drove this 280 SL hard, year-round, for ten merciless years in the unforgiving, brutal world of New York. By 1979, the car was tired and worn, relegated to occasional use only.

Sometime in 1985 it returned home to its garage for the final time. Reading 117,000 miles, the weary car was a candidate for restoration or the crusher. A cloth was put over it, the registration lapsed, and time marched on with the car mostly forgotten. Angelo took ill in 1993 and passed away in 1998. The car had sat for 13 years, essentially untouched.

I always loved that car, thus after Angelo’s passing, I saw a glimmer of hope and a family heirloom destined for restoration where others saw a faded relic. I did some intensive research, and landed upon a restoration shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan to help me. In May 1999 the car was shipped to Precious Metal Restoration. The owner was gracious enough to allow me to take an active role in the project, a perfect working relationship. While the car was restored, I chose to leave the hard top untouched—I was getting impatient!

In early January 2002, after more than 1,000 hours of direct labor, an enormous number of parts, and more sublet work than I care to remember, I drove the car home to the Detroit area. It was quite a sight, this newly restored, Signal Red car with unrestored hard top. My challenges of the Pagoda restoration came with some experience and forethought. In the 1970s, my father bought a wrecked MG Midget, which was only the first in a line of British cars including a hot, modified 1966 Mini Cooper S. Many of the cars needed a lot of work, and we did the work ourselves. My father is an excellent teacher and resourceful shade-tree mechanic. Still active, Dad will celebrate his 100th birthday this coming June.

About the time we decided to move from Michigan to North Carolina, I finally had the hard top restored. The complete car was delivered to its new home here in Davidson last July.

Though the restoration is now 20 years old, it has held up exceedingly well. My Uncle Angelo would be proud to see the car today. The little Pagoda has been to many events in the eastern half of the country, always driving and never trailered.

From Chicago to Columbus, Charlottesville, Cincinnati and even Canada, I’ve made many long journeys to meet with other owners of the model. It’s won many awards.

On a trip to Davidson some years ago, we fell in love with the area and moved here in 2020. After working in printing and publishing and advertising sales for many years, today I’m a licensed home inspector. My wife is retired from Ford Motor Company, and our daughter is just starting her career in financial services. We all love Davidson and the entire Lake Norman area!

Vote For Us BEST Breakfast! www.surveymonkey.com /r/BOTL2022

BEST OF THE LAKE

BEST OF THE LAKE

Vote for Us for Best of Lake Norman CURRENTS Awards: Best Home Décor Best Gift Shop & Best Art Gallery www.surveymonkey.com /r/BOTL2022

Enjoy fresh food, friendly faces and where every server is your server.

Join us 7 days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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*2021 Cost vs. Value ReportTM Remodeling http://remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2021/

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704.327.5900

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Lake Spaces

Photography by Serena Apostal

How We Live at the Lake

p. 52 Gorgeous finishes complete a Mooresville kitchen renovation. www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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DWELLINGS

Additional storage was created when Michelle McKoy removed the old desk and added a custom-built armoire pantry by RB Kitchens and Bath. It significantly increases storage space with a minimal footprint. “Their pantry was really small,” she says. “But rather than build a larger pantry, we decided to remove the unused and outdated desk and replace it with a functional and gorgeous armoire that is now their pantry. It’s my favorite part of this renovation. It is a huge focal point and the dark color with the brushed-gold oversized handles really turned out fabulous.”

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h s e Fr Cooking Up A

Design

Michelle McKoy helps create a new kitchen minus the intimidation

by Bek Mitchell Kidd | photography by Serena Apostal

Interior designer Michelle McKoy of Michelle McKoy Designs transformed her clients’ kitchen with both a minimum of construction and fuss. Located in Mooresville, the renovation took approximately three months. The vibe skews transitional with modern touches and a few small, smart, and impactful moves that gives the space a timeless feel.

“I think a lot of people worry about renovating their kitchen because it can be one of the most expensive rooms to do,” says McKoy. “Appliances and cabinets alone can really crank up the cost. I also think people have a tendency to overthink a lot of it and don’t know the right questions to ask or in some cases, the right people to get to help them with the process . . . That is why when you are going to do a renovation, especially when it is an expensive one, I would always suggest you use someone who is experienced and has great people around them that can help make the job seamless.” www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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DWELLINGS

The cabinetry also features some glass doors. McKoy says, “Even though they are pretty and everyone seems to be doing them, they aren’t for every client.

Glass is for displaying. My tips for keeping things visible looking good is to put a collection together, such as the white pottery we used in this kitchen.”

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The wet bar was reconfigured so a wine cooler could be incorporated into the existing cabinetry. “The wet bar located between the kitchen and dining area wasn’t functioning the way the clients needed it to,” says McKoy. “So rather than putting a wine cooler in their island, I suggested that we put it in the wet bar; we reconfigured the cabinetry and were able to install without moving any plumbing.”

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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DWELLINGS

It was very important to the homeowners to get the wet bar backsplash right – as it is one of the first things you see when you enter the home, but as luck would have it presented to be one of the only challenges during the renovation.

“We couldn’t get the original tile we wanted for the backsplash,” says McKoy. “It was out ‘indefinitely.’ My clients really loved the tile so instead of changing the pattern we decided to do it in a different color and the results are beautiful.” The tile is a mosaic fan club white ombre with stainless gloss glass, and it has metal in it which creates visual interest and is at home with the variety of hardware used throughout the space.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

The family wanted to keep the appliances and cabinetry. They were all in great condition and with new undercabinet lights and fresh paint opened the door to an entirely new-to-them scene.

McKoy used Sherwin Williams “Snowbound” and “Black Fox” for a classic blend of black and white, professionally painted by EMI Master Finishers. The countertops and kitchen backsplash are white Carrara quartz from Instyle Charlotte, Inc., and partner perfectly with the white and glass of the cabinets. There’s seating for two with Ballard Designs counter stools and just off to the right of the kitchen is an area that can seat several more people.

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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DWELLINGS

The kitchen faucet is black with a gold handle made by Moen, and the hand-hammered farmhouse sink is from Thompson Traders.

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

We make your dreams a reality

YOUR PREMIER KITCHEN AND BATHROOM RENOVATION 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 and Driveways Patios and Decking We Work with Your Insurance Companies Serving the Lake Norman area

ReNu CONTRACTING LLC

704-239-2319

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

These business leaders are making an impact in the community in more ways than one. From real estate, commercial build and design, oral surgery, personal care, automotive sales, family law, banking, and employment services, you’ll want to learn more about these FACES of Lake Norman.

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

Ivester Jackson Distinctive Properties

Liz Miller Senior Broker/NC Realtor® Originally from La Jolla, Calif., Luxury Real Estate Specialist Liz Miller began working in real estate right out of college. She started out in residential resale, then eventually transitioned into new home sales for a large developer. Joining Ivester Jackson in 2019 provided Miller with the tools she needed to become successful in a career she really loves.

She knows that waterfront property can come with a lot of challenges and without the proper due diligence, a client’s property can quickly go from dream home to a poor financial investment. “I truly care about my clients and the home they choose,” she says. “My mission is to add value to my clients’ lives.

When we finish a transaction together, I want them to feel like I did my best to protect their investment.”

Miller is also a firm believer in giving back to the community by supporting schools, churches, youth sports programs, and local animal shelters.

LizMiller@ IvesterJackson.com 704.962.0018 62

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

synergyone

Jill A. Mack Majority Owner/CEO & CFO In 2008, after 20 years as CFO and Secretary of RdM Architecture PA, Jill A. Mack started construction company synergyone to provide single sourced design led design-build services and project delivery for the healthcare industry.

Over the years, synergyone has expanded these services beyond healthcare, including schools, churches, commercial, retail, and office projects.

Along with RdM Architecture, synergyone works with a selected group of subcontractors, vendors, and consultants to maximize the value of a client’s dollar.

They collaborate to work efficiently and develop a scope and schedule that delivers a project sooner than later versus historic methods of delivering projects from concept to completion.

The mission of the company is “Design-build for a Green World. Collaborate. Create.

Construct. To provide a unique cost effective approach to our projects’ design, construction, and overall project delivery.” synergyone also engages members of the local community, by employing as many area subcontractors and vendors as possible, as well as supporting nonprofit agencies.

P.O. Box 1240 (mailing) 208 S. Village Lane, Suite C Davidson, N.C. www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman Daly Mills Family Law

Miranda Mills, Managing Partner Judith Daly, Of Counsel Danielle Feller, Senior Associate Attorney Meg Stacy, Senior Associate Attorney Judith Daly founded Daly Family Law 15 years ago and Miranda Mills joined forces with her in 2019 to form Daly Mills Family Law. They started as a small office in Statesville with a mission to help clients protect the things that are most important to them and now offer services at two locations. “I’m proud to say we have held true to that mission,” says Mills. “Over the years, family law evolved because the roles of family have evolved . . . Although our business has grown to help people proactively plan for all stages of life, our core values remain the same.

We help you protect what is important to you.”

Daly Mills Family Law offers services to individuals dealing with separation and divorce, child custody issues, alimony disputes, and equitable distribution.

They also offer services related to estate planning and elder law/Medicaid planning, drafting wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney, estate administration and guardianship services.

Two locations: 111 W. Broad Street, Statesville 131 Plantation Ridge Drive, Suite 400 704.878.2365 DalyMills.com DalyMillsEstatePlanning.com 64

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery

Dr. Michael Coleman and Dr. Michael Foran Dr. Michael Coleman and Dr. Michael Foran of Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery offer a wide range of maxillofacial surgery procedures with a concentration on officebased anesthesia, tooth and wisdom tooth extractions, grafting and implant placement, biopsy and pathology management, and correction of jaw deformities and facial trauma.

“Our surgical services can relieve pain and infections, correct pathology and deformities, and help restore dental health and esthetics, while improving the quality of life for our patients,” explains Dr. Coleman. Computer imaging and design has made the practice even more precise in terms of surgical planning everything from major jaw and facial surgeries to implant placement.

State-of-the-art technology combined with excellent patient care sets Carolina Oral & Facial Surgery apart.

“We enjoy interacting with patients on a daily basis,” says Dr. Foran. “From the greeting at the front desk through discharge, we make patients feel comfortable throughout their entire experience.” www.CarolinaOMS.com 704.892.1198 www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

Express Employment Professionals

Jamie Ottinger/Franchise Owner, Megan Ager/Account Manager, and Tessa Plancarte/Staffing Specialist Since 2009, Jamie Ottinger has been serving Iredell and the surrounding counties by offering workforce solutions for companies who are either building their staff headcount or need help to correct hiring issues.

“The commission to providing a resource for creating a livelihood for those families and persons in need, keeps us determined to help as many folks as possible,” says Ottinger.

Ottinger started out in the Hickory, N.C. Express office as a temp. She became a Franchise Owner with the Mooresville office in 2009. Because she opened in the height of the 2008 recession, it was a challenge to build their client base when everyone was cutting their costs and limiting hiring needs. However, Express Employment Professionals has continued to see a 20 percent increase in business year after year.

Express Employment Professionals also supports veterans through the Lowe’s YMCA Field of Flags event each year, as well as holding food and Christmas drives to support community members in need.

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105 Singleton Road., Unit 104, Mooresville | 704.662.6685 ExpressPros.com/MooresvilleNC | Facebook.com/Express.Mooresville

Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

HomeTrust Bank April Patterson Business Center Leader/ Cornelius Location

Founded in 1926 in Western North Carolina, HomeTrust Bank has expanded into four states and is focused on providing a personalized banking experience for their clients. The Cornelius location opened its doors on April 11, 2022.

April Patterson got into banking twenty years ago with a passion for coaching and developing teams to provide financial solutions to families in the Lake Norman community. “Through the years, seeing the difference you can make in people’s lives providing best fit solutions tailored to the needs of your customers, makes being a banker one of the most rewarding careers,” she says.

Patterson serves as Treasurer and Team Mom for North Lincoln Knights Lacrosse, where her twin sons play.

She partners with the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce whenever possible. “Staying active in the community and aware of issues we are facing and partnering with others to support our market area and thrive together is a privilege,” says Patterson.

17065 Nat Bynum Lane, Cornelius 704.971.7046 Htb.com Lobby Hours: Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

Savvy Salon and Day Spa Esthetician Lindsey Hibbard

“I can’t remember a time when my passions weren’t guiding me toward a career in esthetics,” says Lindsey Hibbard. “From a young age my gorgeous grandma would include me in her skincare rituals allowing me to help choose her “potions” and watch her apply her creams and cleansers carefully.

When my teen years arrived, I learned firsthand how the way you feel in your skin effects everything about how you experience life. Over the years my greatest impact between my clients and I has been the trust and continued care. I thrive off deep connection and helping not just in the treatment room but hopefully beyond.”

A Lake Norman-area favorite since 1995, owner Pat Helmandollar is grateful for the PPP loan from the government during the pandemic that allowed the business to remain open to clients. Savvy’s mission statement is to “ensure first quality service in a professional atmosphere, guaranteed through caring, constant learning, change and teamwork.” savvysalonanddayspa.com 68

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman

Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Jack and Robin Salzman Jack and Robin Salzman arrived in Lake Norman in 2003, after purchasing Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Cornelius, N.C. and growing it into a nationally award-winning dealership. They have since acquired a second dealership in Gastonia, opened a commercial vehicle/customization center, and are breaking ground on a new facility for the Lake Norman store. As their success has grown, despite economic downturns and a pandemic, the Salzmans have continuously supported hundreds of local charitable organizations annually.

Recently, the dealership sponsored the build of a tiny house for a homeless veteran and the construction of a cottage used as transitional housing for homeless women and kids. Robin Salzman helped drive the most successful fundraiser for Make-a-Wish Central & Western NC to date, and recently joined the board of Humane Society of Charlotte.

The Salzmans are clearly 100 percent committed to helping the local community that has made them so successful!

LakeNormanChrysler.com www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman Katie Stankiewicz

Founder & CEO of Willow Equine / Founder & Executive Director of Soul to Soles Connection Katie Stankiewicz has always had a passion for horses and a deep desire to see people succeed. She understands the desire for authentic relationships in life, which horses naturally offer.

Katie founded Willow Equine, in 2012, which offers non-riding, ground-based mental health counseling, customized team building/leadership events and workshops, with free moving horses.

Soul to Soles Connection, a 501(c)3 organization, is dedicated to reducing the impact of trauma on America’s active-duty military, Veterans, and their families. “We provide FREE ground-based mental health services, with horses, at our private 40-acre farm in Mooresville, NC. Both organizations are driven to “Stomp the Stigma” around mental health through awareness, advocacy, and personalized services,” says Stankiewicz. www.willow-equine.com www.s2sconnection.org

Craft and Trade

Laura Anderson and Trey Douglas, owners and husband and wife team

Laura Anderson joined forces with Trey Douglas, who has 30 years of experience in construction, in 2018 to form Craft and Trade after they moved here from New York. They are an award-winning designbuild remodeling contractor specializing in kitchens, baths, additions, basements, and whole house renovations.

“We are a conscientious remodeling company,” says Anderson. “Everything we do is with extreme care and precision so that what is built, lasts. When a home is brought back to life, it raises property values and continues to make the Lake Norman area a desirable place to live.”

Craft and Trade Renovations LLC www.craftandtradenc.com Info@craftandtradenc.com FB @craftandtraderenovations Insta @craftandtradenc 70

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Special Advertising Section

FACES OF Lake Norman Randy Marion Chevrolet Buick Cadillac

Randy Marion Jr., Vice President of Randy Marion Automotive, General Manager of Randy Marion Chevrolet Buick Cadillac Randy Marion Jr. has been working in the family business since it opened in 1990, when his very first job was keeping the car lots clean and free of trash and debris.

Since then, the business has grown exponentially.

Randy Marion Automotive is the #1 Volume GM Dealer in the Southeast and the #1 Volume Ford Dealer in North and South Carolina.

They currently employ more than 600 employees. This includes a 24-hour service department and 6 world class technicians. The business has grown to seven franchise dealerships and several supporting companies.

Randy Jr. enjoys working with his Dad, Randy Marion, who serves as President of Randy Marion Automotive, and his sister Jennifer Marion Mills, VP of Advertising.

His children are a part of the business too. Daughters Vanessa and Victoria work in advertising and son Randy, III sells cars while on summer break from school.

The family continuously strives to make a lasting impact in our community by supporting organizations like Mooresville Christian Mission, Dove House, United Way, Iredell Heart Association, Mooresville and Iredell Schools and many others.

220 West Plaza Drive Mooresville NC 28117 www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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

Family Medicine

PHC – Nabors Family Medicine Emily Nabors, MD

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

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

PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine Timothy A. Barker, MD Heather C. Kompanik, MD Bruce L. Seaton, DO Audiology Amanda H. Bailey, DO PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose & Throat Sherard Spangler, PA Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD Kyle Babinski, DO Susie Riggs, AuD 357 Williamson Road Del L. Hawk, Au.D Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328 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 Sarah Carlock, MD - Summer 2022 Kristin Prochaska, PA-C Gina Noble, PA-C Heather Hollandsworth, FNP Susan Stevens, RN, BSN Michelle Caamano, RN, BSN Laetitia Cloete, Licensed Aesthetician 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827

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

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

Riva Dermatology “Imagine your skin at its Best!”

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

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

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

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- Gastroenterology Laila Menon, MD

Oncology

Internal Medicine

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

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

PHC – Internal Medicine & Weight Management Manish G. Patel, MD Julie Abney, PA Andrea Brock, PA-C

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

PHC – Lake Norman Internal Medicine John C. Gatlin, MD LuAnne V. Gatlin, MD 548 Williamson Road, Suite 6 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-5520

Mental Health Services

Soul to Soles Connection Free Counseling Services for Military, Veterans & their Families Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704.237.0644 www.s2sConnection.org

Southern Oncology Specialists William Mitchell, MD Poras Patel, MD

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

Willow Equine Counseling Services with Horses

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

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

Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704.237.0644 www.Willow-Equine.com

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

PHC - Troutman Family Medicine Amrish C. Patel, MD Amanda Honeychuck, NP Kimberly Whiton, FNP

Neurology

PULMONOLOGY

PHC – Fairview Family Medicine Golnar Lashgari, MD Jennifer Scharbius, MD

154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903

Gastroenterology

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

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

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

PHC –Northlake Digestive Care PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose, & Throat Carl A. Foulks, Jr., MD April Lockman, NP Keith Meetze, MD 359 Williamson Road Thomas Warren, MD Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021 Herb Wettreich, MD Fred New, Jr., ANP PHC –Comprehensive Digestive 140 Gateway Blvd.

Care Center Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638 Vivek Trivedi, MD Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C Endocrinology 359 Williamson Road PHC- Endocrinology Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021 Elaine Sunderlin, MD

Ears, Nose and Throat

170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville,72 NC 28117 • 704-664-9506 LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

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

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

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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Dine Out &

Wine Down

Lake Norman’s Finest Restaurants, Pubs and Wine Bars

weekEND Crawfish boils!

BEST OF THE LAKE

Scan for DoOR Dash pick up or delivery

Vote for us for Best of Lake Norman Awards: Best Seafood www.surveymonkey.com/r/BOTL2022

Check Facebook or call to confirm boil days & times!

Gumbo … Shrimp & Grits … Jambalaya … Voodoo Pasta

9709-A Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville | 980.689.2924 | thelostcajun.com Vote For Us: Best Bar-b-que www.surveymonkey.com/r/ BOTL2022

[\

GOURMET NEW YORK STYLE

BRICK-OVEN PIZZAS AND CALZONES MADE FROM THE BEST INGREDIENTS

www.lancasterbbq.com

Join us for Mother’s Day!

[\

Call: 704-663-5807

Serving the LKN community for 17 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 BEST OF THE LAKE

Vote for Us for Best of Lake Norman CURRENTS Awards: Best Italian and Best Pizza:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/BOTL2022

Off I-77 @ exit 33 • 117 Trade Court (Mooresville) 704.799.1110 • www.jeffreyslkn.com

11:00am – 3:00pm

Vote For Us: Best Fine Dining, Best Salad, Best Wine Selection www.surveymonkey. com/r/BOTL2022

704-439-4444

Prosciuttos.com

Dine + Wine Eating, drinking, cooking and fun

Photography by Lisa Crates

North Carolina coast oysters at The Waterman Fish Bar.

p. 76 Deciphering wine lists p. 78 Brews, music, and tunes p. 80 Grilled flank steak p. 82 The Waterman Fish Bar www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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e p a r G

DINE+WINE - wine time

Expectations Things to watch out for when you’re perusing a wine list

by Trevor Burton | photography by Trevor Burton

Confusion can abound when an Italian town and an Italian grape have the same name. For example, there’s a town in Tuscany called Montepulciano and there’s a very famous wine from the town and the region around the town. The wine is, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

The “nobile” part of the name comes from the wine’s fine reputation by upper class individuals over the centuries. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is mostly made up of wine from the Sangiovese grape.

More precisely, it’s based on the Prugnolo Gentile grape which is a local name for the grape in the region of Montepulciano.

Abruzzo is a region of Italy that’s a little south of Tuscany. Here, the main grape in the region’s wine is Montepulciano. Wines from the two regions are distinctively different. Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a subtle, medium bodied wine. Its primary flavors are of fruit.

Wines from Abruzzo are much more rustic. Their primary flavors are more like herbs and pepper.

Okay, enough of the wine nerd stuff. The reason I’m bringing this to your attention is because of what you may run into on a restaurant’s wine list. Many times, you’ll see a wine that’s listed simply as a Montepulciano, a wine that’s from Abruzzo but Abruzzo is not mentioned. It’s possible to confuse this wine with its Tuscan cousin. And, as I’ve said, the wines are completely different.

Not that one wine is better than the other; that’s where your palate and preference come into play. But if you’re picking a wine to pair with a dish you’ve ordered with an expectation that a Montepulciano is a wine from Tuscany, it could lead to a culinary disappointment. On another plane, a wine from Abruzzo tends to be much less expensive than its Tuscan cousin. You may think you’re getting a real bargain.

You’re not.

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A second wine list thing to beware of is when two wines have similar names You may tend to avoid one because of what the other brings to mind. The example I’m thinking of is Zinfandel.

On many wines-by-the-glass lists you may come across a “White Zinfandel.” This is a rosé style of wine that is quite sweet. It’s, mostly, a mass produced wine that’s, essentially, manufactured.

Winemakers manipulate the sweetness by stopping fermentation before yeast has a chance to convert all the fruit sugars into alcohol. Over the years, White Zinfandel has, by reputation, become the go-to mixer for cheap spritzers and sangria.

So, the reputation of White Zinfandel may have besmirched all Zinfandel wines. “Real” Zinfandels are red wines, not rosés. They are among my favorite wines. I sip on a lot of them at home and if I spot one on a wine list, there’s a good chance that a glass or a bottle of it finds its way to our table. Zinfandels range from oomphy to subtle.

I’ve shared some of my favorite Zinfandels with wine lovers from all over the world and their response is uniform. They, sniff they take a sip and swish the wine around in their mouths and immediately their eyes get wide with pleasured surprise. And then they swallow and say, “Aaaah. This wine has all the attributes of Zinfandel that I like but it has a fundamental delicacy and nuance that are matched by only the best Pinot Noirs.”

So, there’s ample room for confusion when reading a wine list.

There’s room for unpleasant surprises and for missed opportunities.

Normally, I’d advise reading between the lines or reading the small print but that really doesn’t apply to wine lists. The only thing to do is, ask questions of your server and practice, practice, practice. So, go for it.

The Cutting Edge

BEST OF THE LAKE

Vote for Us for Best of Lake Norman CURRENTS Awards: Best Fine Dining, Best Steak, Best Burger, Best Salad, Best Wine Selection, Best Date Night & Cocktail, Best Event Venue www.surveymonkey.com/r/BOTL2022

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

Saturday May 21, 2022 11 am-5 pm Elkin Municipal Park 399 Hwy 268 West Elkin, NC For more info: 336-526-1111 www.yvwf.com

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SCAN TO BUY TICKETS EVENTBRITE*: Advance Tickets: $22 Day Of Tickets: $30 VIP: $100 (includes shorter lines, VIP Parking, Festival T-Shirt and access to the VIP Hospitality Tent where you can enjoy Yadkin Valley cooking). *Must be 21 and have ID in order to purchase a ticket

SAVOR wine from over 20 Yadkin Valley Wineries & Vineyards, enjoy great music all day, great food and WONDERFUL memories.

Music: 11:00-1:00PM DJ Ronny Lane / 1:00-5:00PM The Castaways Parking: $5.00 per car (proceeds benefiting the Elkin Rescue Squad).

Shuttles: from local hotels @ $10.00 each passenger for all day.

General Admission (age 16 and over - does not include wine): $5 Our Mission is to bring together wineries/vineyards from around the Yadkin Valley in order to promote and celebrate the wines of the region.

19th Annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival on May 21, 2022 in Elkin, NC www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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DINE+WINE - on tap

Crank it Up The NC Brewers and Music Festival returns May 6-7

Breweries cater to music and car lovers compiled by Renee Roberson

Music Bingo at Lost Worlds Brewing

Looking for a way to unwind this spring? Check the breweries calendars for events featuring good beer, snazzy cars, and musical fun.

May 1 MAKERS MARKET Support local vendors the first Sunday of each month while you enjoy beverages, food trucks, and rotating live music. » 1-5 p.m.

D9 Brewing Company 11138-C Treynorth Drive, Cornelius

May 1 and June 11 SMALL BUSINESS POP-UP SHOPS Visit with local artisans and entrepreneurs while enjoying selections from the taproom. » Noon-5 p.m.

Eleven Lakes Brewing 10228 Bailey Road, Suite 201, Cornelius

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 MUSIC BINGO MONDAYS Gather your friends for an evening of 80s, 90s, one-hit wonders, tv themes, and more. » 6:30 p.m.

Primal Brewery 16432 Old Statesville Road, Huntersville

May 5, 12, 19, 26

May 7 STREET CAR SATURDAY Presented by Street Cars 101 Magazine, bring the family out to check out the hottest cars in the area, along with live music and a food truck. » 2-5 p.m.

D9 Brewing Company, 11138-C Treynorth Drive, Cornelius

May 19 3RD THURSDAY NEIGHBOR MEET NEIGHBOR Each month the drafthouse shines a spotlight on community causes in an event that welcomes friends, family, and pets. Stop by for live music, food, and beer. » 6-9 p.m.

Cornelius Drafthouse, 19818-C North Cove Road, Cornelius

MUSIC BINGO » 7 p.m.

Eleven Lakes Brewing, 10228 Bailey Road, Suite 201, Cornelius

Plus, check out a live line-up at Lost Worlds Brewing . . .

Performances begin at 6 p.m.

May 6-7

May 7

NC BREWERS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL After two years, The North Carolina Brewers and Music Festival returns with all your favorite breweries, an exciting music lineup and the opportunity to camp on the historic property. Throw in numerous vendors, delicious food, and an atmosphere that can’t be beat. See website for full schedule of events.

Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville www.ncbrewsmusic.com/ 78

LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | MAY 2022

Taplow music duo (original songs and cover tunes)

May 20 Eddie LIVE (original songs and cover tunes on piano and guitar)

May 21 The Vel-Crows live (classic rock and bluegrass jamband)

Drug-Alcohol Coalition of Iredell is committed to the reduction of alcohol and substance misuse, overdose, and overdose deaths for youth and adults in Iredell County Contact DACI for a free medication lock box or for more information about addiction and recovery resources in Iredell County

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DINE+WINE | in the kitchen

g n i ll i r G s u o i r o l G Honey Balsamic Flank Steak

With the weather heating up, it’s time to turn on the grills for some summertime staples. This steak is a crowd pleaser, and since it’s pretty hands off, it makes for a great main dish when entertaining. Serve up this flavorful steak with your favorite roasted potatoes, a big green salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 1 pound flank steak 2 small or one large zucchini Instructions: 1. Add olive oil, balsamic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, honey, and rosemary to a bowl and whisk to combine.

2. Add steak and marinate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.

3. Heat grill to medium high.

4. Cut zucchini into ½-inch disks and drizzle with olive oil.

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.

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5. Grill steak for 5-6 minutes for the first side and then 4-5 minutes for the second side. Let the steak rest before slicing against the grain 6. Cook the zucchini directly on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side (or in a grill pan for the full length of the steak cooking time, tossing occasionally).

Thanks for shopping local!

Luxury & Performance at the Lake!

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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.

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thescrewcrew.com 16916 Birkdale Commons Pkwy: 704.987.0011 1365 Broadcloth St., Ft. Mill: 803.547.0202

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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DINE+WINE | nibbles & bites Fresh catch options include Citrus Salmon, Shrimp Skewers, Maine Sea Scallops, and a Daily Catch.

A New Catch

in Cornelius

Check Out The Waterman Fish Bar

by Lara Tumer | photography by Lisa Crates

When The Waterman Fish Bar opened several years ago in South End, the intention was to create a brand that had the opportunity to grow. After seeing the success of the first location, owners looked to find an area with natural momentum in the restaurant scene. The town of Cornelius was an easy target. With neighboring restaurants like 131 Main and BoatYard LKN, owners of Waterman felt like they could also create a neighborhood hot spot in this part of Cornelius.

Welcome to the neighborhood

After choosing the second location (previously Cowboy’s), the design challenge was to give this restaurant the same feel as the South End location. The original location in South Charlotte has a large rooftop bar, and since recreating that in the new space would be impossible, the same indoor outdoor aesthetic was achieved with a sizeable patio. It’s open, airy, and approachable.

The 360-degree bar creates an energetic vibe, and the fresh air can be enjoyed from all angles with a wraparound patio. Seating is first come, first serve, but you can reserve a spot when you’re 82

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on your way through Resy. Parking is plentiful in the adjacent lot.

“Waterman aspires to be a neighborhood go to whether you’re a seafood eater or not,” says Paul Manly, one of the restaurant’s owners along with Andrew Chapman, Dennis Thompson, and Frank Scibelli. Serving up lunch, brunch, and dinner, Waterman offers a cohesive seafood focused menu. The most popular item on the menu is North Carolina coast oysters, which are offered on special weekdays from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. for just $1.50 each. While the restaurant is currently closed Monday and Tuesdays, the hope is to be operational seven days a week in the near future. Lunch patrons can enjoy daily specials each day for a discounted price as well as lunch sized portions of some of the restaurant’s most popular mains.

From land to sea

Aside from North Carolina oysters, the Classic Lobster Roll (which can be ordered Maine style with mayo or Connecticut style with butter), the menu’s fried fish items, and seafood entrees

are all worth checking out. Indulge on Whole Lobster Mac and Cheese or the southern classic— Chicken and Waffles.

For non-seafood items, the hot chicken sandwich and burgers (there are three on the menu) have proven to be crowd pleasers.

Anyone looking for a local catch will want to check out the fresh fish feature, all based on North Carolina coastal fish.

“The menu has been worked on and fine-tuned in South End for the past several years,” says Manly, so bringing the same menu to this area was an easy decision. They’ll continue to make edits based on what’s well-received in the Lake Norman community.

Cheers!

The bar-forward concept provides patrons with a full menu of fun and creative cocktails, with a nod to boat drinks. The Deckhand features Lunazul Tequila, Liquor 43, grapefruit, agave, jalapeño for the perfect combination of sweet and heat. Head over on especially hot days for frozen cocktails, served up from a slushy machine. Those who are feeling adventurous will not want to miss the opportunity to throw back and oyster shooter, complete with Deep Eddy Vodka, clamato juice, horseradish, and of course an oyster. There’s also a comprehensive beer and wine list to satisfy all tastes.

The Waterman Fish Bar 9615 Bailey Road, Cornelius 704.237.3247 | www.watermanclt.com/lkn Current hours of operation: Weds., Thurs., Sun., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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ON THE CIRCUIT

????

Participate in the Lake Norman Bike Expo and Rides on May 14.

Food, Fun & Festivals

Above: Picture book author Tameka Fryer Brown visits Main Street Books on May 6.

Below: Festival of Food Trucks in downtown Mooresville.

Compiled by Bek Mitchell-Kidd

Art + Culture

Floyd Cooper Day: Storytime with Tameka Fryer Brown (May 6) Floyd Cooper Day is a newly established literary holiday dedicated to collectively reading books by the late Floyd Cooper, the pioneering author-illustrator who portrayed authentic African-American experiences. Tameka Fryer Brown is an award-winning picture book author. Free. 11 a.m. Summit Coffee Co., outdoor stage, 128 South Main Street, Davidson. www.mainstreetbooks.com.

Pinkalicious the Musical (Through May 8) Based on the popular book

by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents.

Tickets $12. Davidson Community Players, 307 Armour Street Theatre, Davidson, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org Irwin Law Group & Friends Art Show (Through June 11) Featuring work from local and regional artists across a selection of mediums.

Artwork is displayed in the Cornelius Art Center gallery. Free. Mon.Thurs. from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-noon. 19725 Oak St., Cornelius. www.cainarts.org

Outdoors

Lake Norman Bike Expo and Rides (May 14) Events vary, including a community bike ride led by the Cornelius Police Department, bike demos from local shops, educational opportunities regarding bike safety and maintenance, and more. Free. 9 a.m. – noon. Bailey Road Recreation Center, Bailey Middle School, 11900 Bailey Road, Cornelius.

Hops Fest (May 21) Local breweries, live music, food, fun and views of the lake benefiting the local chapter of Girls on the Run. Free admission. 2 – 9 p.m. LangTree Lake Norman, 401 Langtree Road, Mooresville.

Kayak Tour (May 21) The best place to be in the spring is out the water! Paddle around Mountain Island Lake to seek out blooming lilies 84

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and nesting osprey. All equipment provided. Single kayak starts at $20, tandem starts $25. Registration required. 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Latta Nature Preserve, 6345 Sample Road, Huntersville. www.mecknc.gov

For a Good Cause

Pints For Parker (May 7) This Blood Drive and Plant Sale will benefit the Pounding for Parker Foundation. In honor of LKN’s smallest fighters, stop by to either donate a pint of blood, enjoy a Lost Worlds’ pint or buy a flower for mom. All proceeds go toward improving the lives of pediatric cancer survivors. Free admission. Noon - 5pm. Lost Worlds Brewing, 19700-D, One Norman Blvd., Cornelius.

Family Festival of Food Trucks (May 7) Enjoy live music and gourmet fare from numerous food trucks parked throughout downtown Mooresville on Main Street. Free. 5-8:30 p.m. Main Street, Mooresville. www. downtownmorresville.com Paws to Read (May 10) Young readers can gain confidence while having fun reading to a visiting pup. Registration required. Best for ages 5 – 11 years. Free. 4 p.m. Davidson Library, 119 South Main Street, Davidson www.cmlibrary.org/branch/davidson Pet Adoption (May 21) Greater Charlotte SPCA and Catering to Cats and Dogs will have their fur friends up for adoption/application with special appearance by Dog Supplies Warehouse, Happy Dogs Training, and Carolinas Vet Care Clinic to help with all your pet needs. Free. 6-9 p.m. Primal Brewery, 16432 Old Statesville Rd Huntersville. www. primalbrewery.com Huntersville Memorial Day Ceremony (May 31) Mark your calendars for this in-person ceremony. Free. 11 a.m. Veterans Park, 201 Huntersville-Concord Road, Huntersville.

A PET FOR YOU

Piedmont Animal Rescue

Make plans to attend The Rescue Roundup at the end of this month

by Renee Roberson

K-9s in Flight will perform frisbee dog entertainment at the event on May 28.

The goal of the nonprofit Piedmont Animal Rescue (PAR) is to raise awareness of pet adoption and animal rescue, as well as save and rehome local animals in our area. Volunteers and staff know that to accomplish this goal, animal rescues should support one another as well as county shelters.

Continuing this mission, Piedmont Animal Rescue has planned their first annual Rescue Roundup for May 28. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Iredell County Fairgrounds in Troutman. PAR Events Coordinator Donald Gullett said that to his knowledge, this is the first animal rescue awareness event of this size in our area, and it is funded entirely by donations. The family-friendly event will feature rescue animals from other rescues and county shelters from across North Carolina, more than 250 vendors, raffles, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and more. Rescues are invited to the event free of charge. The group K-9s in Flight will perform professional frisbee dog entertainment.

The Rescue Roundup is presented by Aloft Hotels and LKNFest.

The Aloft in Mooresville has been sponsoring dogs that guests 86

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can visit with on the hotel grounds since December, and the effort has succeeded in adopting out 30 dogs so far, says Gullett. They modeled their program after the one at Aloft Hotel in Asheville.

Attendees will be asked to pay $5 per car to park, with proceeds from the parking going to help support the Lake Norman High School Marching Band. The cost to attend The Rescue Roundup is $2 per person for admission.

For more information, visit PiedmontAnimalRescue.com.

2021 Win

ner, Brook

lyn

m a g a z i n e

Is proud to present our 10th Annual CANINE COVER COMPETITION! CURRENTS Magazine wants to see your fun-loving, tail-wagging, camera-craving canine adorning our Facebook page and on the cover of our annual Pet Issue coming in July.

Here’s how to enter your Furry Friend in our annual

Facebook Canine Cover Competition: 1. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LNCurrents 2. Message us on Facebook with a photo of your Camera-lovin’ Canine along with a brief description of how you and your primpy pup first met and why he/she should adorn the cover of CURRENTS’ July 2022 Pet issue!

3. Contact your friends and have them “like” your post on our page!

r

ner, Ryde

2020 Win

2019 Winner, Ra mon

Presenting Sponsor:

1 The pup with the most votes will appear on the cover of our July 2022 Pet issue!

The top three contestants will be featured inside the issue with a brief synopsis of their story!

2 Meet Sierra! She had just had a little of puppies when we found her- tired and confused. Love at first sight- we brought her home that day.

ENTRY DEADLINE:

All entry photos must be submitted along with the dog’s name and name of pet-parent no later than 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 18. Feel free to include a brief story of why your precious pup should appear on our cover.*

VOTING DEADLINE:

All votes; aka “likes” must be in by 9pm, Friday, June 10. *all contestants must reside in the Lake Norman area; Cornelius, Davidson, Denver, Mooresville, Huntersville, Troutman, Statesville.

3

She is the cutest!!! I hope he wins!

Winner will be contacted for their photo shoot to appear on our July cover!! (one vote per person please)

www.facebook.com/LNCurrents • LNCurrents.com

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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RENEE WANTS TO KNOW

Becoming a Mom Boss Baker Mooresville resident opens dessert food truck

by Renee Roberson Photo courtesy of Crystal DeNigro

L to R: Nicole and Crystal DeNigro

It’s no secret that we are obsessed with food trucks in the area — who wouldn’t be?

They are mobile, fun, and always a joy to see when visiting a brewery, festival, street fair, or neighborhood gathering. They offer us the chance to curate the perfect meal while out and about. When I saw on social media that a new food truck called Mom Boss Baker was going to be making the rounds, I reached out to the owner to learn more about her inspiration to dive into the food truck business, her background, and vision.

What I learned is that Crystal DeNigro is one busy mom boss baker.

She lives in Mooresville, has two sons, ages 1 and 3, and that’s enough to keep anyone busy. But she’s also been running her own custom cake business, I Hardt Sugar, for the past ten years.

“I’ve been baking since I was a kid with my mother,” DeNigro says.

“That’s where I got my passion.” Originally from South Florida, she moved to the Charlotte area and attended The Art Institute of Charlotte to study her craft. A few years ago, she began envisioning opening a food truck. “There aren’t really any dessert food trucks around here, and I wanted to be different and try something out of the box,” she says.

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DeNigro spent about six to eight months exploring good trailer/ truck options that she could operate a business from, she says.

She didn’t want a used one, and she also knew she didn’t need one with a full kitchen because she wasn’t planning on cooking in it. She found a good match in Douglas, Ga. and drove down to pick it up. DeNigro, along with her sister Nicole DeNigro, plans to serve dessert cake cones, dessert tacos, cupcakes, cannoli, and create-your-own-cake bowls out of the seafoam-green truck When she posted an announcement in the Lake Norman Eats Facebook group in March, she was overwhelmed with messages and is now already booked through July. She also credits her 15 years in the area and tapped into her network at the farmers’ markets, breweries, and vineyards.

DeNigro will continue creating cakes through I Hardt Sugar but will schedule one food truck event per weekend while she gets used to balancing her responsibilities as a baker, boss, and mom. Keep an eye out for this new truck as you venture out for spring!

Check Crystal out on Facebook at Crystal Mom-Boss Baker and Instagram at mom_boss-baker

IT’S OFFICIAL!

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KWSE resources and reach are unparalleled as a division within Keller Williams Realty. Welcome to the new leader in the real estate industry where we utilize collaboration to manifest disruption to the status quo.

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She will add value to her KWSE clients through access to hyperlocal resources as an entrenched influencer within her community.

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CHRISTY WALKER AND ASSOCIATES

www.LNCurrents.com | MAY 2022

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