SERVING LAKE NORMAN
NOVEMBER 2023
Weekend Getaway Trips to honor veterans
Remembering Sherry A life’s legacy
Choplin’s Restaurant Great food, great deeds
Special Section:
Private Schools
Education • Community Inspiration • Entertainment Forever Young Fri., Feb. 16 | 8pm • Sat., Feb. 17 | 2pm & 8pm Forever Young follows one unforgettable group of friends as they discover the greatest hits of all time! Set in a music-filled suburban basement, this unbelievable heartfelt true story is guaranteed to take you back to the first time you pushed play, tuned in, and set the needle down.
Easter Weekend…
fun family-friendly event
Dinosaur World LIVE! Fri., March 29 | 7pm • Sat., March 30 | 2:30pm Discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
Stunt Dog Experience Saturday, April 20 | 2pm & 6pm This cast of performers and stunt dogs will delight audiences of all ages, with high energy excitement from beginning to end. During the Stunt Dog Experience, you will witness some of the most incredible dog stunts and behaviors ever performed. The experience has amazing dog tricks, and is the most entertaining show of its kind!
Order Tickets Today!
PRESENTED BY
Cain Center for the Arts • www.cainarts.org • 980.689.3101
D rs . m iChael C oleman anD m iChael F oran Through the Generations...
Wisdom Teeth | IV Sedation | Computer Guided Dental Implants Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation Drs. Coleman & Foran 19910 North Cove Road Cornelius / 704-892-1198 carolinaoms.com 2
LLAKE a kNORMAN e N oCURRENTS r m a N| ’ NOVEMBER s T r u 2023 sTed ChoiCe For oraL surgery siNCe 1985
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
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FROM WHERE I SIT
The magazine by and for the people who call Lake Norman home
Publisher
Creative minds far better than mine
MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com
Advertising Director
I learned something about myself while putting this month’s issue together.
I say this with some hesitation, but it’s entirely possible that I made the right decision several years ago to stick with journalism as my passing interest-turned-profession, because if I ever had it in my head to pursue my creative side with anything but words, it is now painfully obvious to me that I would have been an abject – and absolutely immediate – failure.
Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com
Advertising Sales Executives
I’ll set the table for you ...
Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com
Putting together our “Dwellings” design piece about decorating your home’s entry and dining space for the fall, it all became crystal clear to me why I do what I do, and designer Stephanie Hathaway does what she does. I learned that I kind of like rules – creative writing does give one a good bit of leeway but there are also guardrails. You know, subject-verb agreement, conjugation, capitalization, punctuation, the dreaded AP style to follow (or sometimes flout).
Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com
But Hathaway, and gifted interior decorators and designers like her, appear to be shackled by no such rule book. I mean, who in their right mind would take a traditional fall color palette of rich golds, oranges and greens and mix in some whimsical hints of cheery French blue or dollops of deep navy? She did, that’s who. Without fear of repercussions. And the results were spectacular. Just take a peek starting on Page 31 at how she incorporated it all for a friend’s Mooresville home to create a warm, welcoming entry that transitions to an absolutely elegant dining table for her Thanksgiving meal guests. And the creativity this month doesn’t stop there. We have featured several folks who have found a variety of creative ways to give of themselves using their inherent talents and tapping into their seemingly endless empathy and all too precious resources. Whether it’s nurturing a love for music, for sometimes helpless or harmed wildlife, for those struggling with illness, for a more beautiful community or for those who need a little help putting food on their table, we’ll introduce you to some faces and places where that creativity is alive and thriving. It may even create in you a desire to somehow get involved.
Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com
Event Coordinator Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com
Social Media Specialist Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com
The Lake Norman area is loaded with caring, motivated, and yes, very creative people, and we’ve featured but a fraction of them. Think you might want a place at that table? Please, bring your ideas, bring your energy and grab a chair. There’s definitely room – and there’s always a need – for everyone.
— LH
Lori Helms Editor Lori@LNCurrents.com
Design & Production idesign2, inc
Contributing Writers
This just in ... #giveaway Follow us on social media to get in on some great new giveaways we will feature. At least three local businesses will offer prizes each month (at least a $25 value). Make sure you “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to get in on the fun, fortune and maybe a little bit of fame.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Beck y Aijala Trevor Burton Kathy Dicken Mickey Dunaway Allison Futterman Vanessa Infanzon Karel Bond Lucander Blair Miller Tony Ricciardelli Abigail Smathers
Contributing Photographers Jon Beyerle Lisa Crates
www.facebook.com/LNCurrents www.twitter.com/LNCurrents
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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Contents
About the Cover: Designing elegant touches for your Thanksgiving table (Page 31). Photography by Lisa Crates
CHANNEL MARKERS Movers, shakers and more at the lake
LIMITLESS
18
Best of the Lake Spotlight
20
News around the Lake
45
Growing Lasting Friendships
22
Bet You Didn’t Know
48
Moment in Time
52
Limitless Learning
A section for LKN residents 55+
Lake Norman Antique Mall
Ways to give, ways to remember
Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center
22
FEATURES 24
Sherry Pollex – In Memoriam
28
Navigators
46
IN THIS ISSUE
Leaving a Legacy
Conducting the cause for young musicians
Weekend Getaway
Nearby war memorials and monuments
36
Community Helpers
38
Community Helpers
41
Special Advertising Section
44
Young Leaders
Find them with Adopt-a-Grandfriend
Remembering the ‘Warwives’
‘Can I leave everything to the dog?’
Giving back to our seniors
Keeping Denver beautiful
Private Schools
62
East Lincoln High’s Daniel Overbay
DINE + WINE Eating, drinking, cooking and fun
31 DWELLINGS How we live at the lake
31
Something Bold, Something Blue Dabbling with color in your fall decor
25
58
Tasty Bits
59
Wine Time
60
On Tap
62
Nibbles + Bites
Lake Norman CURRENTS is a monthly publication available through direct-mail home delivery to the most affluent Lake Norman residents. It also is available at area Harris Teeter supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses. 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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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Mushroom & White Bean Orzo
Say it with me – ‘Vee-on-nyay’
Your Wine Stop in Denver
Choplin’s Restaurant in Cornelius
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.
Endless Comfort Dining After Market Sale November 10-12
ISH M A
OAK & CHERRY
Solid Hardwood Custom Furniture Designs at Outlet Prices. 2220 Hwy 70 SE | Hickory | North Carolina 28602 Hickory Furniture Mart | Level 2 | 828.261.4776 | amishoakandcherry.com www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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Windows and doors that reflect your lifestyle
1141 Hawthorne Ln. Charlotte, NC 28205 | 704.344.1875 | Mike@WindowAndDoorPros.Com
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WindowAndDoorPros.com
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Leyda Martinez Denver
Lauren Yount Maiden
Dennis Long Statesville
Michael Holdenrid, VP Mount Holly
Mike Griffin, CEO Mooresville
With 14 locations… we have you covered!
Mooresville, Denver, Lincolnton, Statesville,
Leon Brown, III
Statesville
Shana Vielie Statesville
Melissa Armstrong Mooresville
Maiden, Shelby, Mount Holly, Hickory, Winston Salem, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Pilot Mountain, and Mount Airy
Rich Schrader Mount Holly
Kortney Houston Mooresville
Carrie Starnes Hickory
Paul Renegar Statesville
Barbi Dellinger Lincolnton
Tonya Shook Hickory
Logan Canipe Lincolnton
PARTNER CARRIERS
AUTO | BUSINESS | FARM | HOME | LIFE | RETIREMENT
888-230-0030 | www.leavitt.com/elite/ www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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protecting our LKN community includes
»
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE
• What is Medicare? Medicare is made up of two parts; Part A, which covers inpatient needs and Part B, which covers outpatient needs like office visits, medical testing, and procedures. Part A and Part B are commonly known as “Original Medicare” • Can I delay Medicare? Maybe! Those over 65 who continue working or are enrolled in employer health insurance have the option to delay coverage. If you have “credible coverage”, you can delay enrollment in Part B. Get with your employer to see if your plan is considered credible, if not, you could pay a penalty. • Can I get more coverage? Yes! There are two main paths you can take. One, a Medicare Supplement AKA “Medigap” plan that works along with your Original Medicare and a separate Prescription Drug plan. Or two, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that contracts with Original Medicare and provides Part A and Part B coverages, most include prescription drug coverage – many offer more benefits like dental, vision, and hearing! • Am I stuck with my choice? No! You can make changes to most plans during the Open Enrollment period, October 15 – December 7 every year.
(704) 875-3060 foglegroup.com *We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
FOX INTERNAL MEDICINE
DR. JESSICA FOX, DO
LAKE NORMAN FAMILY MEDICINE
DR. BILAL KHAN, DO
Scan for more of a guide through Medicare basics
Pam Powers, Benefits Consultant, and Jenny Habel, Benefits Consultant Assistant, will sit down with every client to assess their needs, budget, and eligibility.
MOORESVILLE PRIMARY CARE
DR. JENNIFER SCHARBIUS, MD
MOORESVILLE PRIMARY CARE
DR. EMILY KINGSLEY, MD
Physician Owned
LAKE NORMAN INTERNAL MEDICINE
DR. SWATHI TALLA, MD
PERSONALIZED CARE
PATIENT-FOCUSED
CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
LOCALLY MANAGED
Call to schedule an appointment 833-PHC-4YOU 833-742-4968
WWW.PIEDMONTHEALTHCARE.COM 16
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
PRIMARY CARE PROVIDERS
IN MOORESVILLE
Accepting New Patients
Autumn forecast
warm and cozy with these petite pop necklaces.
Historic Downtown Mooresville 112 S Main St. juelerye.com | 704.728.9880 FB & Insta: @juelerye
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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BEST OF THE LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS AWARD WINNER Editor’s Note: Each month we will feature one of the Best of the Lake Norman CURRENTS Award Winners and share a little more behind-the-scenes info with our readers!
Lake Norman Antique Mall There’s a little something for everyone - and every budget - at the Lake Norman Antique Mall.
by Lori Helms photographs courtesy Lake Norman Antique Mall
Whether it’s high-end antiques you’re looking for, or maybe that perfect shabby chic accent piece for your bedroom, or really, pretty much anything in between, you’re guaranteed to fulfill your home décor desires at Lake Norman Antique Mall in Mooresville. It’s that wealth of offerings and options that rightly earned them our 2023 Best of the Lake Norman CURRENTS award for “Best Home Décor.” The mall has been around for 12 years as of this fall, say co-owners and husband and wife team Ozzy Ojito and Beck Moose. Between their combined backgrounds in entrepreneurship, design and fashion, they have amassed an eclectic offering for the discerning eye. If you can’t find anything among the 150 vendors spread across 27,000 square feet of shopping utopia, well, you’re really not trying. Moose was originally a customer of the mall (owned by Ojito before she met him) and loved the fact that in addition to antiques she could find vintage, retro or repurposed pieces at every price point. 18
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Ojito’s passion for antiques and the couple’s love of Mooresville’s history and small business community have truly paired up to create a local shopping mecca like no other. In fact, Ojito says they still have three of their original vendors from the mall’s opening in 2011, and their booth rental rates remain the lowest in the region. But what really sets the Lake Norman Antique Mall apart, says Moose, is the way customers are treated from the minute they walk in empty-handed until the moment they leave with their treasures. The mall is not only known for its incredibly diverse offerings – its unparalleled customer service is also no secret. “You will not find a better team than the one there, period,” Moose says. “They are just good people.” Lake Norman Antique Mall is at 467 E. Plaza Drive in Mooresville. To learn more, follow them on Facebook or call 704.799.8767.
holiday looks - FASHION
holiday trends When picking the perfect party season outfit, one has to consider not only dress codes, but the type of event itself. Work event? Neighborhood or family party? Gift exchange? Discerning how to dress for an upcoming party isn’t something we take lightly. Our Holiday 2023 edit includes standout party pieces that will guarantee your spot on the best dressed list. Bonus, they can be worn as separates paired with wardrobe staples, such as denim (my personal favorite) or your go-to LBD. Don’t be afraid to think out of the box and shine this holiday season!
STAUD
Embrace the elegant two piece trend with a satin set or make a grand entrance in a stunning statement dress. This navy Saint Art satin ensemble pairs seamlessly with Staud’s faux fur moment that makes an unforgettable party statement. If tonal is not your vibe, marry the tops to denim or the bottoms to a cozy winter white sweater to illustrate the laid back casual meets elegance trend. Each piece can be tailored to meet your needs and maximize your holiday attire for wardrobe opportunities beyond this holiday season. If a dress is on your list, The LBD is not just a staple, it’s a formula. Find the perfect balance between polished and eye-catching with this Staud LBD, rapidly becoming one of our best selling designers. Looking for more color? Represent the satin jewel tone trend in our Simkhai favorite. This dress stabilizes the need for a peek-a-boo moment without over challenging your comfort zone. STAUD
With daily arrivals from exclusive designers such as Staud, Saint Art, Jonathan Simkhai, Frame, Mother Denim and more, visit me and my team at MINE by sandy (exit 30 off I-77) to make 2023 a holiday to remember!
SAINT ART
mix + match SIMKHAI
605 Jetton St., Suite A Davidson, NC 28036 704-896-7779 Smaller Shop at 106-B S. Main St. Insta: @minebysandy minebysandy.shop | Shop Online 24 / 7 www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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CHANNEL MARKERS - news around the lake
Designed
to help compiled by Lori Helms
The winning vignette from last year’s ‘Furnished’ fundraiser.
Designing for ‘Good’
A Mecklenburg County-based nonprofit working to support struggling families in need of furnishings for their homes will hold its popular “Furnished” fundraiser early this month. The event is a friendly interior design competition and online auction in support of Furnish For Good, an organization that accepts donated new and gently used home furnishings and accessories and creates packages for qualified clients to furnish an entire home for as little as $250. Ten interior designers, including Mooresville resident Donna Werner of DW Design, will compete to determine who designed the best room vignette. Each $20 donation counts as one vote toward your favorite vignette, the pieces from which will be available for bidding during the event’s online auction. Vignettes will be revealed, and bidding will begin on Thursday, Nov. 2, running through Sunday, Nov. 5. The winning designer and auction winners will be announced on Monday, Nov. 6. Previous “Furnished” events have raised more than $200,000. Cast your vote, submit an auction bid and learn more about the competing designers at www.furnishforgood.org.
Breakfast for a cause
The charitable arm of the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce will host another “Thanksgiving Breakfast” to benefit a vital program for area children and families. First held in 2022, the Lake Norman Chamber Foundation breakfast raised more than $25,000 last year for the Lake Norman YMCA Preschool and Afterschool programs. The non-profit organization has again selected the YMCA’s programs as beneficiaries of its 2023 event. The fundraiser breakfast will be held Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., at The Peninsula Club (19101 Peninsula Club Drive, Cornelius). Individual tickets are $125, with a variety of sponsorship opportunities available as well. Founded in 2008, the Lake Norman Chamber Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose purpose is to “support the community of Lake Norman through activities and organizations whose purposes are beneficial to those who work and live in our 20
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
community.” Officials with the Chamber say their vision for the breakfast is for it to be a “Goodfellow’s-style” event “to express our gratitude for being in the most business-friendly environment in one of the most blessed locations in the most blessed nation on earth. We want to take time to give thanks for blessings of the Almighty and for all of the people on whose shoulders we stand.” Learn more by calling the Chamber at 704.892.1922.
Make time for our veterans
The North Mecklenburg Exchange Club will host a complimentary breakfast for veterans - either as a drive-through or sit down meal - on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Veterans’ Monument at Cornelius Town Hall (21445 Catawba Avenue). To register, visit www.northmeckexchangeclub.com and click on “Register Now” or contact Beth at 704.661.3953. Registration closes on Saturday, Nov. 4. The annual tradition of honoring veterans continues in Mooresville, as it again partners this year with Welcome Home Veterans Living Military Museum and Richard’s Coffee Shop for several events. It all starts on Tuesday, Nov. 7, with a flag processional and ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. outside of the museum and coffee shop (165 N. Main Street), culminating at Town Hall (413 N. Main Street). The museum will also host a blood drive on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are encouraged and can be made by visiting www. OneBlood.org/Donate-Now and searching for the event. On Saturday, Nov. 11, there will be a series of commemorations in honor of Veterans Day. The public is invited to pay their respects to local veterans during a ceremony at Glenwood Memorial Park (273 Glenwood Drive), beginning at 11 a.m. That morning will also feature the “One Nation Under God” luncheon behind Richard’s Coffee Shop, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The meal is free for both veterans and residents. The day will conclude with the annual Veterans Parade, beginning at 1 p.m., outside of Town Hall. The parade will proceed along Main Street and end at McLelland Avenue. Main Street will be closed to traffic before and during the parade. For information about participating in the parade, call Jim Kiger at 704.340.0281 or visit www. MooresvilleVeteransCelebration.com.
INNOVATIVE COLD THERAPY COME VISIT OUR LAKE NORMAN LOCATION TO EXPERIENCE ALL THE BENEFITS OF COLD! Athletic Performance & Recovery Pain Management Wellness & Skin Health
Learn more at iceboxtherapy.com/lake-norman-nc
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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CHANNEL MARKERS - bet you didn’t know
e f i l d Wil
Saving Our
A local haven for injured and orphaned animals by Karel Bond Lucander photographs courtesy Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center
ive Director Center Execut Conser vation ial charges. life ec ild sp W r a he lin Caro l and one of Morgan Rafae
If you find an abandoned baby bunny or an injured racoon by the side of the road, reach out to the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center (CWCC). They give sick, wounded and orphaned animals the help they need and deserve – and the best chance of survival. Located on 105 protected acres in the Denver/Iron Station area, CWCC has the resources these rescued animals need to thrive. Yet, before they are rehabilitated and released back into the wild, they may require special treatments, courses of antibiotics or even surgery. The animal hospital here allows licensed rehabilitators and a veterinarian to address their needs immediately – when minutes count. “There are people doing similar amazing things across the state and the country, but we are unique with on-site medical procedures and an X-ray machine,” says Morgan Rafael, CWCC executive director and cofounder. “You never know what’s going to come in,” she says about the high volume and diverse variety of wildlife they take in. Recently, an adult beaver had to get two toes amputated. “We didn’t know if she would be able to walk or swim, but she was able to do everything she had to do,” says Rafael. “Yet, it’s a case-bycase scenario: Does the animal want to fight? Does it have the will? We do everything we possibly can to save them.” 22
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
CWCC Rescue, Rehab & Release at a Glance
Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center helps: Amphibians, bats, beavers, chipmunks, foxes, groundhogs, mink, opossums, otters, rabbits, racoons, skunks, snakes, squirrels, turtles and more. Hotline: 980-389-1133 Different species they treat: 30 They’ve helped: 8,000+ wildlife throughout N.C. Calls for help (annually): 6,000+ Wildlife they treat (annually): 2,000+ Employees: 5 Veterinarian (part time, contracted): Dr. Laura Lathan Hotline and transport volunteers: 27
Rehabilitation time and techniques also vary, depending on the species. Often, animals hit by cars end up in their center. “A lot of times we can save them,” she says. “If you see one hit by a car, call for help. We get a lot of babies that way because they will be clinging to their mom, who was hit. I can’t imagine how those babies feel but we can honor her by saving them and letting them live a wild and happy life.” Rafael moved to Charlotte in 2017 from New York City. She had studied veterinarian technology and interned at two zoos and a zoological conservation center. She also rehabilitated wildlife in Africa. When she and husband, Adir, relocated to Charlotte, she realized there was as much need here as in Africa. So, she reached out to fellow local rehabber Ruby Davis, and in 2018, they founded the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center. Looking ahead, to help even more wildlife, CWCC would like to be able to purchase large tracts of land, including 15 acres across the street. To save as many animals as possible, Rafael says she would also like to help people “love and connect with their backyard wildlife.” CWCC runs solely on private donations, and they are grateful for any help. For details or to donate, visit www.carolinaconservation.org.
Providing More Than Beautiful Smiles
Welborne, White & Schmidt E X C E L L E N C E
I N
D E N T I S T R Y
9700 Caldwell Commons Circle | Cornelius, NC 28031 Tel: 704-896-7955 | Website: www.wwsdental.com
New modern facility to better serve our customers will be open early 2024
Visit Randy Marion Cadillac for all your service, parts and accessory needs
220 W. Plaza Drive | I-77, Exit 36, Hwy. 150 Open 7:30 am - 8:00 pm Weekdays 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sat.
704-235-6502 Cadillac Direct • RANDYMARIONCADILLAC.COM www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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SPECIAL – in memoriam
Leaving a Legacy
Sherri Pollex (right) and a ‘Catwalk for a Cause’ model strike a pose.
Sherry Pollex and her ‘Catwalk for a Cause’ by Blair Miller photographs courtesy Pollex Family
Are you happy? It is a simple question, yet sometimes finding the answer doesn’t always come so quick and easy. Maybe it should. According to friends, that was the question that Sherry Pollex wanted people to ask her, instead of, “how are you feeling?” Sherry got that question often and was tired of it. She wanted people to know she was happy. In 2014, at the age of 35, Sherry was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. If you ever met Sherry, you quickly learned she was not one to shy away from something that was difficult. Nor was she willing to accept defeat. Cancer did not define her. Her battle to fight it did. Sherry was a champion for countless kids suffering from cruel cancers. She was the blood, sweat and tears behind the annual Catwalk for a Cause, a charity that involves kids with cancer who glam up and model on the fashion runway in their moment to shine. That moment has been shining brighter and brighter each year since 2010 and has raised more than $4.5 million to go toward cancer initiatives. Sherry was the face of Catwalk along with her long-time partner and NASCAR driver Martin Truex, Jr. Sherry fought for those kids and made them feel special. Her own fight with cancer motivated her and others to do more and fight harder. Those who knew Sherry best saw her determination daily, including close friends like Krissie Newman. “Sherry’s heart was those Catwalk kids and fighting alongside them,” says Newman. “She knew this was her journey and she was going to use this to help as many women and children as possible.” 24
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Sherry’s own battle rocked the NASCAR world and beyond when she passed away on Sept. 17 from ovarian cancer. Sherry’s mother, Sharon Sue Pearson, says her daughter was in pain but never complained. “I’m going to miss her so much; her smile, her strength, her ability to get through every day without blame,” Pearson says. “It was never ‘why me,’ but ‘why not me.’” Sherry’s mom now questions how she will live without her. She is not alone. Sherry’s impact on this world is vast and deep. Everyone who ever met Sherry always saw her bright blond hair and big grin. Behind it all, you also felt her desire to fight for those just like her and her Catwalk kids. At her Celebration of Life in Mooresville in the days after her passing, the word “legacy” was supreme. She is still fighting for other women with ovarian cancer. “There is no early detection or screening test for ovarian cancer and Sherry went to Congress to advocate for one,” says Newman. “She was the definition of a fighter and fought for her life every single day.” She is also still fighting for those kids. “I pray her legacy is that she met this horrible disease head on, never wavered, never stopped fighting for not only herself but for other people of all ages,” Pearson says. As for the simple question, “are you happy?” It’s not so hard to answer. Sherry Pollex certainly made the world happier for the rest of us.
s n o i t i d a r T n Souther
TRENDS + STYLE
Embrace casual elegance this Christmas [6]
[4]
[3]
[8]
[1]
[4]
[7]
[5]
All of these items can be purchased at:
[2]
178 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 704.957.5014
1. Flying Reindeer - $259 2. Tufted Occasional Chair - $1209 3. Father Christmas Portrait - $89
4. Pine Greenery - $17 and up 5. Tabletop Trees - $89 and up 6. Faux Fur Stocking - $49
7. Graham Lamp - $298 8. Luxury Ribbon - $29 and up
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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EPIC GIFTS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES.
STEAKS • CHOPS • SEAFOOD epicchophouse.com @EPIC CHOPHOUSE
Order your quiche or French toast casserole for the holidays!
Epic Currents Nov Gift Card Ad 3.5x4.5 2023 PRESS.indd 1
@EPIC_CHOPHOUSE
Start your day 9/29/23 2:50 PM off right with a satisfying breakfast or a relaxing cocktail.
170 N. Main St. | Mooresville 980-444-2092 134 Mooresville Commons Way Suite H | Mooresville 704-696-8436
www.famoustoastery.com
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
INSPIRED INTERIORS • CLASSIC DESIGN
FUTURE FASHION DESIGNERS ACADEMY Inspiring the Fashion Designers of Tomorrow
Sewing Lessons Lessons •• Fashion Sewing Fashion Design Design Fashion Sketching Fashion Classes for Kids & Adults Sewing Classes Summer/Holiday & Holiday Camps Camps **NEW**
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Modern Sophistication 178 N. Main Street Historic Downtown Mooresville Full Service Men’s Fine Clothing Boutique Clothing Choices from Italian & French Designers Italian Shoe Lines Available Iredell County’s Tuxedo Rental Headquarters
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NAVIGATORS
’ g n i t o‘C nduc Himself Well
Youth orchestras director works to raise interest, funds by Becky Aijala photographs courtesy Cornelius Youth Orchestras
“We need help! I was just telling my staff we need to say that phrase more often,” says a young, energetic Eric Boruff, with a big grin and smiling eyes. Boruff, Executive Director and Conductor of the Cornelius Youth Orchestras (CYO), explains that the nonprofit has exploded in the last couple of years. Re-opening with just 25 students after a year off during the pandemic, CYO went from 62 students last season to more than 130 now, and the administrative team – all currently unpaid positions – have their hands full, to say the least.
Cornelius Youth Orchestras Executive Director and Conductor Eric Boruff guides his young musicians through a recent performance.
That, of course, is fabulous news, considering CYO’s two-part vision statement: to provide orchestral music education to community youth, and then to give them lots of opportunities to perform it. To that end, there will be 17 performances this season compared to only four during the 2021-2022 stretch. “Come to a concert,” Boruff says to any would-be helpers. “That’s the first thing.” Back in 2016, having just relocated from the San Francisco Bay area to be near family in North Carolina, Boruff was brought in to CYO as a violin section coach (he now has a thriving violin studio), but soon started co-conducting, as well. So when the previous director and conductor had to leave due to family necessity, Boruff was asked to take over. Having had music lessons “since kindergarten,” he’d actually stepped up once before, conducting his own high school orchestra, after the school music teacher didn’t work out. But this was different. “When I said yes, I had no idea what I was saying yes to – I thought it meant just showing up for rehearsals, and conducting the orchestra,” he says, and laughs.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
It turned out, initial investments since CYO’s start in 2006 had dwindled, and the tuition being collected was barely enough to make it through the season – even foregoing his own paycheck. In this new role, his first task had nothing to do with music, but rather creating financial stability so that the organization could survive. “We had to pivot,” he says and, staying within their means and using what resources they had, he added one new program to the orchestra offering that year. That strategy got them through a difficult time, but continues to serve the organization well. In the past couple of years, CYO has added the Philharmonic (orchestra for the beginning students), brass and woodwind ensembles, and group instruction – all taught by area professionals of the highest quality, including college professors and members of the Charlotte Symphony. “Every single one is an all-star, and we have a whole team of them,” Boruff says. The students – travelling from as far away as Statesville and Charlotte – come together once or more per week to practice at Bailey Middle School, in space rented from the Town of Cornelius Parks & Recreation Department. “It’s a long drive,” says Brooklyn, a cellist in eighth grade, “but my school orchestra is a lot smaller and at CYO, we have a ton of performances throughout the season, and we play all sorts of different pieces.”
“We need help!”
From left, Daniel Pecoraro on trumpet, Brody Pressley on trombone, and Andrew Simmons and Ben Bruining on euphonium.
Rhianna, who’s played violin for seven years, likes the friendliness. “You get to interact with people – and Eric is so much fun,” she says. Dan, who’s played piano for 12 years and violin for five, appreciates the level of challenge but also says, “I really enjoy being able to hang out with this great community and just play a fun bit of music.” Meanwhile, Boruff hopes to send these kids back to their school bands as “good ambassadors, raising up the entire area’s music education scene.” But also, he really wants to get the administrative team paid. Visit www.corneliusyouthorchestras.com for information about concert dates, volunteering your time, making a sustaining or lump sum donation, or scholarships; and follow CYO on Facebook. CYO is accepting donated musical instruments.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Dwellings How We Live at the Lake
Photography by Lisa Crates
Unexpected colors bring elegance to a Thanksgiving celebration.
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DWELLINGS
A Break with Tradition
Interior designer Stephanie Hathaway encourages you to build on what you have when decorating. This homeowner’s love of French blue as well as her elegant tableware served as the foundation for Hathaway’s ultimate design.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Dabble in different colors this fall by Lori Helms | photography by Lisa Crates
Not that she’s ever met a decorating challenge she couldn’t face down, interior designer Stephanie Hathaway did have a client recently who needed a little convincing about a particular color choice for her home’s front porch and dining room fall décor project. “I’ve never used orange before with my blue,” Hathaway was told by her client, Terri, regarding her very tastefully decorated Mooresville home. It’s an oasis of calming ivories, whites and shades of French blue – with not a hint of the color blue’s opposition on the color wheel to be found. Truth be told, it was really no challenge at all for Hathaway, an experienced interior designer and owner of Southern Notions home décor and gift shop in Mooresville. And truth be told, Terri is not just her client. She’s a friend and fan of the shop who helps Hathaway at Southern Notions a few days a month, so she knew she was in good hands. “I found a pillow that she liked for a jumping-off point,” Hathaway says, referring to a throw pillow with a wide stripe each of taupe, French blue and orange, making the rest of the decisions easy. The homeowner’s ivory wicker furniture with pale blue cushions received splashes of orange using pillows and blankets, with Hathaway topping it all off in more traditional touches of yellow mums, gourd topiaries, pumpkins, flameless candles, teardrop swags on the front doors and a light blue and pale orange patterned rug to anchor it all. It’s a very welcoming, whimsical and warm touch – even with all those blues – to the home’s porch. Step through the front doors, however, and the tableau shifts to something entirely different. www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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Non-traditional fall colors like navy blue, and non-traditional patterns, like the braid on this ceramic pumpkin, are eyecatching on this table’s centerpiece.
The dining room is a veritable feast for the eyes. The long table for 10 sits beneath a shimmering crystal chandelier and is awash in elegance. Running the length of the table is a variety of florals and decorative pieces, including a gilded turkey and pheasants, with gold pears and pumpkins made of velvet, ceramic and mercury glass in a palette of white, gold, deep green and even navy blue. Touches of dark red are courtesy of the velvet table runner and large peony blossoms. “Because her house is predominantly blues, whites and ivories, we wanted to bring that into the dining room table,” Hathaway says. “Orange and traditional fall colors would be a little too stark in here. We also wanted to tie in with the dinnerware, but we wanted to kind of step outside of tradition and bring in some unique colors. They are still very deep, rich tones, but the white and the gold add the elegance to it.” Hathaway says it took her about two hours for the decorating, and she offers some words of wisdom to keep your Thanksgivingthemed decorating and meal from becoming overwhelming: Keep your distance: Remember to leave 18-24” of space between the top of your centerpiece and the bottom of your light fixture. Décor at the center of the table should not be so high that it prohibits cross-table conversation.
Whites and blues can be just as welcoming as fall’s golds and greens.
Safety in numbers: We typically entertain more guests at one time during the holidays than we normally would, so consider reaching out to a party rental company to make sure you have enough place settings, glassware and cutlery for larger groups. And always have one or two extra place settings on hand in case you have “surprise” additional guests (like the occasional “plus-one” no one knew was coming). Take a chance: Step out of your comfort zone and try using non-traditional colors for the holiday, much like the navy and garnet tones Hathaway used for Terri’s home. She recommends you use items you have, and just build on them with color. Have a plan: How you set your table is dependent upon your menu, so plan the menu well in advance. If you’re going to have a particular appetizer, soup or a specific type of wine, make sure you have the appropriate setting pieces to accommodate your menu. Never fear, help is here: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Anyone at Southern Notions can help you think through your space,” says Hathaway. “Come in with a picture of your room, and we’ll help you on the spot to think about creative ways to use your spaces.” Stephanie Hathaway is the owner of Southern Notions at 178 N. Main Street in Mooresville. Follow the shop on Facebook or call 704.957.5014 to learn more about her services and her schedule of decorating classes.
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COMMUNITY HELPERS
ADVOCATING for Our Elders Seasons of Giving LKN enriches senior lives by Tony Ricciardelli photography courtesy Seasons of Giving LKN
Rolling into the holidays, we are inclined to take stock of our blessings: family, shelter, food on the table. It’s the time of year when we take a humble step back and celebrate our holidays for their inherent meaning and intent, opening our hearts and donating our time and resources to assist those in need and, in doing so, we experience the joy of giving. Giving, however, needn’t be limited to only the holiday months, at least not for Jaime Lane. She believes in helping others, and her efforts continue year-round. Lane is President and Founder of Seasons of Giving LKN, a nonprofit established in 2022 supporting underserved seniors in the area. Its mission is to “provide care, comfort, and companionship to seniors in need living independently.” The nonprofit offers weekly meals, necessities, activities, socialization and companionship. Lane’s efforts arose in testimony to her grandparents whom she cared for prior to their passing. “I want to keep the memory of my grandparents alive; this is therapy making my heart smile,” says Lane. “My children and I learned so much about hardships that seniors face and the challenges that arise with growing older: loneliness, health and dietary needs, and financial constraints. That’s why I feel compelled to engage our community to get involved and advocate for policies and programs that improve the quality of life for seniors.” To honor her grandparent’s memory, Lane — a community relations manager for Lake Norman Economic Development — began with a “Grinch Parade” in 2019. The parade lit up the streets of the Northstone community in Huntersville, featuring Lane (the Grinch), along with her children, and a group of neighbors dressed as ‘Whovillers’ parading throughout the neighborhood. Proceeds provided 75 meals at Longhorn Steakhouse, Nothing Bundt Cakes, cards and well-wishes for White Hill Apartments senior residents. Encouraged by the outcome, Lane enhanced the next Grinch parade, which was led by the Charlotte Motor Speedway Pace car and included decorated golf carts and cars as onlookers filled the streets. The parade’s success donated blankets, fed 350 seniors, and moved Lane to think “big” for the 2022 fundraiser – a magical, Whoville 36
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
Grinch cakes, cake pops and cookies were a sweet part of last year’s fundraising auction.
Every year for the last four years, children volunteering with Seasons of Giving LKN serenade Ms. Patsy at her Huntersville apartment and present her with a Christmas meal, sweets and homemade gifts.
gathering to be known as the “Whobalation” at Northstone. “Within two weeks of establishing the non-profit, we secured a venue, sponsors, auction donations, decorations and volunteers, and sold all 300 tickets,” says Lane. “The event was magical and flawless. More importantly, we had the opportunity to bring together communities and kids of all ages, to help from start to finish and truly see what giving is all about.” As a result, 750 meals were provided to seniors living in Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. They also received hats and scarves made by seniors of Grace Covenant, and cards and ornaments made by children. This year’s second annual Whobalation at Northstone fundraiser will be held at the Northstone Club on Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 5 to 9 p.m. While Lane’s nonprofit collaborates with Angels and Sparrows Community Table and Resource Center and Hearts and Hands Food Pantry, it does more than feed seniors. Seasons of Giving LKN is partnering with Metrolina Greenhouses to build White Hill residents a new patio, and to provide rocking chairs, lighting and handicapped area amenities. Volunteers spend time with residents playing board games, working with arts and crafts, listening to music, celebrating special occasions, improving reading and writing skills, and using technology. “Being passionate about the seniors means recognizing their worth, supporting their dignity and cherishing their legacy” says Lane. “Although these seniors cannot afford the luxury of assisted living communities, they do deserve the same rights of socialization, activities and community.” White Hill resident Wardell Alexander has a new outlook on life because of Seasons of Giving. The nonprofit provided him with a new scooter, outfitted with orange safety vest, reflectors, headlight and flag. He now lives an improved life. “I am now able to get out and socialize and interact with my neighbors,” Alexander says. “I am amazed at the tireless work all the volunteers put into making life better for the seniors of White Hill Apartments. Their love for the seniors is truly felt every time they come.”
White Hill apartments resident Connie Moultry enjoys spending time with the younger Seasons of Giving volunteers. For more information about Seasons of Giving LKN including information on volunteering, donating, sponsorships and tickets to the second Annual Whobalation, visit www.seasonsofgivinglkn.com or on Facebook @seasonsofgivinglkn.com.
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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COMMUNITY HELPERS
Keeping Denver Beautiful
Left, Patty Korn works to keep Denver beautiful. Above, a before and after look at just one of the medians receiving Korn’s attention.
Meet ‘Waste Warrior’ Patty Korn by Allison Futterman photography courtesy Patty Korn
Helping others has been a cornerstone of Denver resident Patty Korn’s life – and she’s done so in various ways. She served our country for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, helping to negotiate contracts for supplies, services and weapons systems. Years later, she served her family by moving both her parents in with her to take care of them in their final years. She’s currently a caregiver to several elderly clients, providing help and companionship. And since 2010, she’s been serving her local community with her road and median cleanup efforts. The N.C. Department of Transportation provides some street cleaning, but since Denver is an unincorporated area, it’s limited – with a concentration on primary roads. Korn focuses on other roads, including N.C. Highway 16 Business and N.C. Highway 73. “I’m out there probably three or four days a week, for several hours,” says Korn. Armed with protective gloves, a high visibility yellow shirt and pants, and a gripping tool for picking up trash, Korn is unshakably dedicated to making an impact on the area. “It’s not pleasant work,” she says. She picks up everything from cigarettes to dirty diapers to bottles filled with urine. It’s also dangerous. Cars come perilously close, regardless of how bright her gear is. “I’d paint my face yellow if I thought it would make me more visible,” says Korn. Well-meaning people honk when they see her out there, but she says it can be quite startling. It’s fulfilling but frustrating work. Unfortunately, the progress Korn makes has proven difficult to maintain. Drivers continue to litter. “I always hope that people will notice that someone cares enough to clean up,” she says, “and maybe they’ll think about holding on to 38
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
their garbage instead of throwing it out on to the road.” Aside from drivers adding to the garbage, trucks headed to the convenience sites don’t always secure their loads, resulting in fallen debris. And garbage trucks also inadvertently blow some trash onto the street. A former president of Keep Lincoln County Beautiful (KLCB), Korn continues to serve as a very active volunteer with the organization. She led the effort for KLCB to become an affiliate of “Keep America Beautiful,” which came to fruition in February 2019. She’s also the chairperson of the Denver Beautification Committee, a separate group. “I’ve never lived anywhere that people littered this much,” Korn says. She wishes people in the area would respect the land and community more. However, she’s not giving up on her quest to keep Denver’s roads and medians looking as clean as possible, and she would be grateful for any cooperation from other citizens. If you’d like to help keep Denver’s streets clean, you can contact Patty Korn at pattykornpjk@aol.com or 704.451.7313. Donations to Keep Lincoln County Beautiful Visit www.klcbnc.org or mail a check to: Keep Lincoln County Beautiful 353 Generals Boulevard Lincolnton, NC 28092 Donations to the Denver Beautification Committee Make a check payable to: East Lincoln Betterment Association P.O. Box 922 Denver, NC 28037 Please write “Beautification” on the check’s memo line.
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SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION
— PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Ambassador Christian School
Designed with the Student Experience in Mind
A
t Ambassador Christian School, the vision is simple: to launch ambassadors for Christ into all spheres of influence. The school’s aspiration is to restore the high school experience through innovative programs and student-focused culture with an emphasis on hope, truth, virtue, and purpose. The aim at Ambassador is to provide families with an educational alternative that blends the faith-based culture of small Christian schools with the amenities and extracurriculars of large public schools so that they no longer have to choose between the two. Ambassador’s focus on student culture will create an environment geared to engage every student. If the school setting is inviting, the school
day is spontaneous, fun and creative, and if the school curriculum supports critical thinking and debate, students will be more likely to buy in and therefore more likely to succeed. The school has been designed with the student experience in mind. High school can and should be an oasis in the chaotic world of teens. Strong academics will include 18 Advanced Placement classes (five in year one), a student leadership Prefect program, community service programs and a Senior Capstone project. The facility includes a 2,100-seat auditorium for its performing arts program, there is an NBAsized gym and two athletic fields ready for a variety of fall, winter and spring sports including football in 2024.
Future expansions will add more athletic spaces and an industrial arts center. The Workmanship Center will introduce students to the lucrative, successful and highly marketable careers within the skilled trades. There is increasing momentum to consider entrepreneurial endeavors after high school and for students who are wired to be the builders and makers of society, Ambassador will provide attractive coursework to develop those gifts. All students will be required to take either a fine arts or industrial arts elective, and students who choose to pursue a concentration in the Workmanship Center will complete an entrepreneurship class and an apprenticeship in addition to the coursework required for a work-ready certificate.
With plans to open in August 2024, the school will begin with approximately 250 students in grades 9 and 10, and at full capacity will offer grades 9-12 for more than 800 students. The student-to-teacher ratio will be 12:1. Tuition will be $22,750 and will include arts and athletics participation fees, books, and formal aptitude testing. Admissions are now open for the 2024-2025 school year, and the full application checklist can be found on the school’s website at www. ambassadorchristian.net. Financial aid applications will open Jan. 1, 2024. 11901 Sam Furr Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ambassadorchristian.net
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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PRIVATE SCHOOLS — SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION
Davidson Day School
Focus on Mission and Values is the Highest Priority
D
avidson Day School’s mission is to foster academic excellence through collaboration, creativity and character development, and we are dedicated to our core values: • Meaningful connections. Our faculty, staff and coaches build genuine relationships with students in their care, seeking to understand how they think, feel and learn. • A secure, supportive learning environment. We prioritize physical, emotional and intellectual safety in every academic and social environment. • Enriching experiences. We cultivate curious, well-rounded students. Our academic and extracurricular programs help
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students discover and explore their interests. • Integrity. We have high standards for honorable and respectful behavior. We expect our community members to be compassionate and contribute to the well-being of others. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and laser-focus on its mission and values, Davidson Day ensures an exceptional student experience for children from two years old through grade 12. When students enroll at Davidson Day, they join a community that values a wellrounded approach to learning and invests resources into cultivating a supportive and challenging experience for each student. Beyond preparing
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
our students for college and careers, a Davidson Day education inspires, supports and empowers our students to succeed by teaching real-world skills, connecting them to our global world and guiding them to discover and pursue strengths and talents. We are proud to offer AFAR, the only pre-collegiate archaeological field school in the world. Davidson Day middle and upper school students have taken part in full-scale archaeological research projects over the summer; in Belize since 2009, in Spain since 2014, in Greece since 2017 and in Portugal in 2018. Our admission process includes an application, a virtual interview, a current transcript, teacher
recommendations and an admission assessment. Families are also encouraged to attend an on-campus information session or arrange a personal tour. Tuition ranges from $13,150 for the Early Preschool (toddler) program to $23,580 for students in the Upper School. 750 Jetton Street, Davidson, NC 28036 704.237.5229 davidsonday.org Facebook@ www.Facebook. com/DavidsonDaySchool Instagram@DavidsonDaySchool Twitter@DavidsonDay
SPECIAL ADVERTSING SECTION
— PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Woodlawn School
Intentionally Integrated and Purposeful Learning
T
he natural love of learning is at the heart of Woodlawn School. The goal of its curriculum is to produce independent, lifelong learners who are responsible, contributing members of a diverse global society. Woodlawn believes in providing students with a rigorous and challenging academic experience that goes beyond textbooks. Through experiential learning, responsive classrooms, and local community partnerships, Woodlawn students develop social and emotional intelligence, team building skills, leadership abilities,
and a sense of stewardship towards their community. Its comprehensive approach prepares students for life’s challenges while fostering personal growth and helping them become responsible global citizens. From the time a Woodlawn student enters the early childhood program (pre-k) to the day they graduate, they are immersed in the school’s learn-by-doing approach to education. It is the only school in the Lake Norman area dedicated to hands-on, integrated and project-based learning, complemented by its sprawling 61-acre campus
where students can take part in outdoor learning with the practice of sustainability, caring for the organic garden, or finding the perfect spot under a tree to study. The school has an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and a student body of 225. All upper school classes are taught at the Honors level and include an array of Advanced Placement classes as well. Extracurricular activities offered include middle and upper school athletics, theatre productions, as well as clubs, electives and activities that provide students the opportunity to pursue their passions.
The application process begins with a tour of the campus, followed by an invitation to complete an online application and for the student to spend a day side-by-side with students at their current grade level. Time is also taken during the prospective student’s visit to assess their academic strengths. Tuition rates are $16,850 for the Early Childhood Program; $20,825 for grades K-8; and $22,560 for grades 9-12. 135 Woodlawn School Loop Mooresville, NC 28115 704.895.8653 www.woodlawnschool.org
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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MCINTOSH LAW FIRM’S YOUNG LEADERS
‘Genuine to the Core’
East Lincoln’s Daniel Overbay defines altruism by Tony Ricciardelli photograph courtesy East Lincoln High School
Silent heroes are among us — unsung leaders going about their lives as inconspicuously as one can, performing honorable deeds, unwavering in their efforts to make this world a better place for all. They are often people we admire and gravitate toward. There are no billboards or social registers identifying these individuals, but we know who they are. One such person is East Lincoln High School junior Daniel Overbay, a steadfast altruist, committed to giving his time and energy to others in need. “Daniel is one of the most humble, grounded students I’ve ever met,” says school counselor Michelle Keefer. “He’s genuine to the core.” With lots of family support, Overbay is a young man wearing many hats. Looking forward to earning his Eagle Scout badge this fall, his qualifying project is to complete an outdoor worship area at his church — an area for youth to gather and a safe place for the community. Volunteering in more than one service group, Overbay finds himself immersed in undertakings that improve the quality of life for others. Working with United Methodist Friends, Overbay participates in home repair projects for people in need, such as building wheelchair ramps and replacing worn roofs. “I started working with this group when I was five years old,” says Overbay. “I began by picking up trash at the work sites and took on more challenging roles as I grew older. I feel a great responsibility to give back to the community; I’d be a different person if I didn’t.” During summer months, Overbay volunteers with the Carolina Cross Collection, a non-profit organization connecting church to commu-
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nities by scheduling week-long camp experiences for students and adults to provide home repairs through firsthand participation. “We work most of the day,” says Overbay, “and sometimes we sleep on cots in school classrooms. It’s a personally fulfilling camp that makes a difference by helping people.” Overbay’s understanding of how ecology affects all life motivates him to preserve natural resources, as well. Last month, Overbay volunteered with Catawba Riverkeeper, an organization that “preserves, protects, and restores the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River basin for all through education, advocacy, and engagement.” Overbay spent a full day on a boat removing trash and revitalizing the river. Thinking about pursuing an engineering degree at North Carolina State University, Overbay is enrolled in Honor and AP classes at East Lincoln, while he is dually enrolled at Gaston College. His favorite classes are American history and math. He’s a member of his high school’s Key Club — a service-based group that raises funds for local causes. For example, one Key Club fundraiser organized a Cornhole for Cancer tournament, with proceeds donated to cancer research. Overbay is a member of the East Lincoln High swim team, competing in the 100-meter freestyle and 4 x 100-meter relay. He also belongs to the Mecklenburg Swimming Association, a club competing against other area swimming clubs. After scholastics and athletics, time with friends and computer gaming somehow also find their place in Overbay’s calendar. Moving beyond the terms of his provisional driver’s license, which will allow him to drive after 9 p.m., is something he’s eagerly awaiting.
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Community & Friendships
Adopt-a-Grandfriend nurtures new connections
Gatherings of “grandfriends” throughout the last few years show the level of connection and comradery developed between the program participants.
by Abigail Smathers | photography courtesy Davidson College
It’s all too often that we miss connections – that we pass by those who might enrich our lives, simply because they’re different from us. Especially in today’s world, where the generational divide is wider than ever, we lose out on countless precious memories nearly every day without even realizing it. But thanks to a local civic outreach initiative, many people have been taking those opportunities back. Adopt-a-Grandfriend, a long-running program at Davidson College, pairs student volunteers with nearby senior citizens to nurture the community and create lasting friendships. “It’s kind of funny,” says Franlisa Krupa, one of the program’s overseers. “People don’t think they’ll have anything in common. What’s even funnier is that it’s usually the seniors that are wary – we have more students than elderly applicants every year.” According to Krupa, this mentality tends to vanish once the participants meet face-to-face. “They’re suddenly both really human,” she says. “They realize that their interests and hobbies have nothing to do with their age. For example, they both like reading, or they both have a garden, or they both have cats,” says Krupa. “In fact, I had one especially timid pair that began meeting up to get their cats together.” Many seniors are former students who have come back 30, 40, or 50 years later to rejoin the community that they were once so ingrained
in. It’s common for the seniors to adopt one student and end up with multiple “grandchildren.” “It’s a really unique opportunity, and in a way, it’s kind of like a door for them to reenter the community,” says Krupa. “They make a connection that really fills a void – on both sides – and then they start gravitating toward that feeling. It starts off with one student, but then we see them adopt the roommate, the teammate, the boyfriend, etc., until they have a full-blown family.” In its more than 20 years, the program has seen many of these friendships transcend their initial expectations. Many seniors stick with their adopted students well after graduation and go on to attend special events like weddings and baby showers. “It’s truly special, this community,” says Krupa. “[Lake Norman] people are just so inclusive. It’s so beautiful to see people push themselves out of their comfort zone and watch the magic unfold as time goes by.” Krupa encourages more Lake Norman residents to put aside their reservations and consider applying for the program. “This is a chance at human connection that you’ll never regret taking,” she says. Join the Adopt-a-Grandfriend program by contacting Davidson Department of Parks and Recreation at dpr@townofdavidson.org or 704.892.3349.
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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LIMITLESS - weekend getaway Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Jacksonville, NC. Courtesy Visit Jacksonville.
g n i t a r b e Cel
Carolinas’ Veterans
Let’s honor them by learning about military history
Kings Mountain Military Park in Blacksburg, SC. CourtesyOlde English District Tourism Commission.
United States Colored Troops Park in Wilmington, NC. Courtesy Keith Isaacs.
Veterans Day can be a time to honor the men and women who have defended the United States and reflect on our country’s history. The Carolinas are filled with historic sites with war reenactments and living history presentations helping visitors discover what ideals were behind the conflicts, who made major contributions to war strategy and the types of conditions under which the military fought. Within an hour of Lake Norman, Fort Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville features guided tours of the reconstruction of the original 1756 fort. On Nov. 11, “Military Timeline,” a program covering more than 400 years of wars including the Revolutionary War, Civil War and World Wars will be told through living history displays and weapons firing demonstrations (learn more at www.fortdobbs.org). In Brevard, explore the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas. The collections cover the history of America’s modern wars — World War I and later — through the veterans’ stories. Visit www.theveteransmuseum.org to learn more about the collections. 46
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by Vanessa Infanzon
Battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55) in Wilmington, NC.
If you plan to venture a little farther for a weekend getaway, here are a few ideas:
York County, SC
Follow the hilly 1.5-mile, self-guided Battlefield Trail at Kings Mountain National Military Park, a 3,945-acre park in Blacksburg, South Carolina. Monuments and wayside exhibits along the trail highlight battle activity during the Revolutionary War. “Battle for Kings Mountain,” a 26-minute film, and the museum in the Visitors Center provide a deeper look into the fight Thomas Jefferson referred to as, “The turn of the tide of success.” www.nps.gov/kimo/ The Town of Fort Mill’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony, at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the Veterans Memorial, incorporates the Presentation of Colors from Catawba Ridge High School JROTC, a recognition of Fort Mill American Legion Post 43 and a performance of the National Anthem by veteran Donald Cooke. www.fortmillsc. gov/350/Veterans-Day-Ceremony
“Boundless” bronze statuary in Wilmington, NC. Courtesy Alan Cradick.
Jacksonville, NC
Need affordable M that’s in step with y
Laser Light Show Veterans Tribute in Jacksonville, NC. CourtesyVisitJacksonvilleNC.com.
With United States Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, the options to honor veterans and learn about military operations and history are numerous. The Veterans Tribute NC events open with the Red, White, and Salute; a festival with music, food trucks, a laser light show and other family-friendly activities. Salty Turtle Beer Co., a veteran-owned brewery, is setting up a beer garden for the event. The Onslow Veterans Pow Wow on Nov. 4 and 5 is open to all veterans from all branches of the military as well as the public. Lejeune Memorial Gardens is a 27-acre park with paved walkways to seven gardens including the 9/11 Memorial Beam, Beirut Memorial, Montford Point Marine Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Hop on Jacksonville’s International Food Trail to support veteran-owned restaurants such as Aji Ichiban - Taste of Okinawa, La Cocina Del Coqui Restaurant and The Milk Road. www.visitjacksonvillenc.com
Onslow Veterans Pow Wow in Jacksonville, NC. Courtesy Jocelyn Painter.
Wilmington, NC
In 2020, Wilmington became the nation’s first American World War II Heritage City, a National Park Service designation. Available free at the visitor information centers or online (wilmingtonnc.gov/ WWII), the City of Wilmington’s WWII Heritage Guide outlines local sites such as the Wilmington Railroad Museum, Cape Fear Museum of History and Science and Battleship USS North Carolina. A Veterans Day dance, parade and Battleship tours are planned for the weekend of Nov. 10 and 11. www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/ events
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In 2021, Cameron Art Museum (CAM) added “Boundless,” a lifesize bronze statue of 13 men who served in the United States Colored Troops (USCT), a representation of the more than 1,800 Black men who fought on the grounds. The statue stands at USCT Park, adjacent to the museum. CAM Community Day with free museum and event admission is Nov. 11. USCT reenactors will be on the grounds for living history events. www.cameronartmuseum.org
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www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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LIMITLESS – A Moment in Time
WARWIVES
Veterans Day’s Forgotten by Mickey Dunaway
As this column hits magazine stands, it will do so a few days before the nationwide November day celebrated by school children and organizations with flags and salutes for the veterans wearing the uniforms they wore on active duty. This is as it should be. However, this column is not about that group. I will tell you about another group that also deserves to be recognized on Veterans Day. I will introduce you to five members of my family who scraped and scrapped to survive in impoverished southern Alabama – a group of 48
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women who stayed home while their husbands served overseas in World War II. They are my family’s “Warwives.” They were four young aunts and my mother: Aunt Gal was the oldest, followed by Aunt Oma Lee. My mother, Annah Catherine, was next, followed by Aunt Mildred and the youngest of the group, Aunt Hazel. The men and women knew a great war was coming. All the men
were of draft age, and they acted. My mother, Annah, and father, Glen, eloped and were married on June 28, 1941, in Lucedale, Mississippi, because unlike Alabama, Mississippi had no waiting period. My mother was 19 and my father was 23. Almost a year later, the day Aunt Hazel graduated from high school, she and Uncle Roy also eloped to Lucedale with my mother and Daddy as witnesses before the town’s justice of the peace. This need to act proactively was imminent when uncertainty was absolute. As a result, this group of Warwives gave birth to children just before or while their husbands were at war. The first was born in 1938, followed by 1941, 1942, 1943, and 1944. My Aunt Hazel is the last living member of that group of Warwives.
She is 97. I spent two hours with her last summer, hoping she could fill in the gaps in my knowledge of how these five women with babies survived the war. She repeatedly amazed me with her memory as she told me how these women were connected by family and marriage throughout the war. Two of the War Babies remain—Bill, who is now 81, and Liz, who is 80. A third died this summer at 83. Several cousins and I are baby boomers, but we are no spring chicks ourselves. If you have family members the age of Bill and Liz or baby boomers such as me, find out how you might recognize and celebrate your family’s Warwives. I hope that as you celebrate Veterans Day 2023, you will also include the wives/mothers – who went to war back home – as like heroes on this day, and beyond.
Epilogue From pre-first grade through junior high school, I grew up in a shotgun house at the end of a short no-name sandy dirt road in Wilmer, Alabama. The fine sand of that road was a deposit of the Gulf of Mexico that once covered all of Alabama — receding and leaving a fine layer perfect for bare feet. We lived beneath giant oaks (at least to me), shading the house’s tin roof and providing the ideal setting for the many family reunions that would come later and be held beneath those spreading limbs. This is the same road where the Warwives were often provided sustenance, a place for rest and to receive assurance as they struggled with new babies and to keep up their faith and prayers for their loved ones at war. By the time I lived on the sandy dirt road, only a few houses remained. But the spirit of kinship endured. Today, I am convinced that the alluvial sand of that road was infused with a spirit – by those five Warwives and their families who helped raise their war babies – and was what brought our extended family back year after year. Those family reunions did not openly celebrate our mothers, aunts and wives as war heroes. Or did they? A woman is like a teabag. You can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. —Eleanor Roosevelt
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LIMITLESS - learning
‘Tis the Season of Giving ... Can Your Will Say ‘Bah-Humbug!’?
Y
ou think your spouse and kids should be on the naughty list and not in your will, but can you really leave them nothing? The basic answer is, you can disinherit your adult kids but not your spouse. The space of this article does not allow a complete explanation of the factors and considerations related to disinheritance; your estate planning attorney can provide guidance based on your particular circumstances. Once your kids turn 18, you have no legal obligation of support to them. You don’t even need to leave them a lump of coal. Your estate planning attorney will discuss with you the potential legal challenges to make sure your document is drafted properly. Minor and dependent children may be entitled to a share of your estate based on any financial support they would have received were you living and other factors. Mr. and Mrs. Grinch, as spouses, can draft wills that leave everything to their favorite dog, but without additional legal steps (such as a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement), the survivor of them has a right to the “elective share” of the deceased spouse’s estate and could challenge the will to get it. In North Carolina, that share is based on the length of the marriage: if less than five years, the spouse is entitled to 15%; if at least five years but less than 10,
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the spouse is entitled to 25%; if at least 10 years but less than 15, the spouse is entitled to 33%; if at least 15 years, the spouse is entitled to 50%. If the elective share is not satisfied by other assets, such as joint accounts with right of survivorship or transfer on death designations, the surviving spouse can force the dog to give up some or all of the probate estate assets. Bah-Humbug? See your estate planning attorney to make sure your rights to give a lump of coal, or nothing at all, are properly considered.
Leah Trowbridge is an Estate Planning Attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C. Contact her at 704.892.1699 or visit www.McIntoshLawFirm.com.
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Dine + Wine Eating, drinking, cooking and fun
Photography by Lisa Crates
One of many delicious entrees at Choplin’s Restaurant in Cornelius.
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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DINE + WINE - tasty bits
One-Pot
r e d n o W
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lb. mixed mushrooms, stems removed and roughly chopped 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 large shallots, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tsp. kosher salt 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock ¼ cup dry white wine 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves, coarsely chopped 1 (14 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 1/4 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. When oil shimmers, add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes (resist the urge to stir, as this allows mushrooms to brown). Reduce heat to medium high, stir and continue cooking for 3 minutes more as mushrooms further caramelize.
by Kathy Dicken photography by Kathy Dicken
Hearty Mushroom and White Bean Orzo On cool fall evenings, there’s nothing better than a comforting bowl of pasta for dinner. But instead of serving your family the ordinary bowl of spaghetti, you should try this simple, one-pot Mushroom and White Bean Orzo. It elevates the ordinary bowl of pasta to something special.
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the butter, garlic, shallots and fresh thyme leaves. Allow to cook for about 3 more minutes. Next, stir the mixture for about 30 seconds while adding the white wine, while scraping the tasty bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the orzo and the 2 cups of broth. Bring to a simmer over medium low heat and cover the skillet. Cook for 10-11 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is tender.
Sauteed mushrooms, shallots and spinach combine with orzo pasta and hearty cannellini beans to make a lovely entree or side dish. The mushrooms add meatiness, and the beans add a creamy note without adding dairy. Simple but elegant, this skillet recipe is perfect for any vegetarian guests you might have coming to dinner over the holidays or anytime. This recipe makes a complete meal on its own, or it makes the perfect complement to most any grilled or roasted meat. Add a side salad and some crusty bread, and you have the perfect autumnal meal. Servings: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes
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Add chopped spinach. Continue to cook, while stirring, until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir in the beans, then cover the pan for another couple minutes to warm the beans through. Serve warm, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of The Tasty Bits food blog. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.
Note: We used a combination of mushrooms for this recipe, including baby Bellas, cremini and wild mushroom blend.
wine time - DINE + WINE
Libation Salvation
Happy moments in the northern Rhône tasting wines with local winemakers.
Tough-to-pronounce wines are worth the struggle by Trevor Burton photography by Trevor Burton
Here’s my theory: grapes that are difficult for many Americans to pronounce properly are often bypassed and shunned; not ordered, not purchased. No one wants to be corrected by a wine server or a wine merchant for a wrong pronunciation. Given the reality of market demand, wines like this are priced below where they should be, which means potentially great wines are available at a great price. White wines such as Gewürztraminer come to mind and, of course, Viognier — pronounced “Vee-on-nyay.” Wines from the Viognier grape are simply superb, I chanced upon one just the other evening. They are the kind of wine that I long to hang out with. First, they check one of my favorite wine boxes. They’re complex, offering layer after layer of different flavors. You can taste notes of apricot, peach blossom, vanilla, nut and even honeysuckle. They have a lovely combination of perfumed, floral aromas which help give wines a rounded, smooth finish.
Value all around—a “Rhône Ranger” and an off-the-beaten-track region.
3.8 hectares (9.4 acres). A nifty little fact to keep in your back pocket if you ever run into a wine “know-it-all.” The grape has made a successful migration across the Atlantic to the United States and to South America. The wine I came across those few evenings ago came from the northern section of the Sonoma region of California. The wine made it a memorable evening. By law in the United States, wines must have at least 75% of the grape that appears on the label. So, the wine I sipped on could have been a blend with some other grapes, but Viognier shone powerfully through. By contrast, wines in France must be, by French law, 100% Viognier. Either way, this grape is so powerful that it defines the characteristic of the wine. And that’s the pleasure of these wines.
Second, it’s that finish that captures me. It is smooth and, to use a wine descriptor, unctuous. This quality makes it a perfect pairing for slightly spicy foods. The natural sweetness of Viognier makes for a great pairing for Asian cuisine, fragrant Thai dishes or sweet and spicy curries with mango chutney. These are, generally, difficult dishes to pair with wine.
When I’m looking for a domestic Viognier producer, the first thing I seek out is a winery that specializes in grapes from the Rhône region of France. There’s a group of them called the “Rhône Rangers.” They must pass a rigorous test to be part of the group. The second thing I seek out is value, such as a winery that is out of the mainstream regions. A good recent example was a winery from California’s Sierra Foothills region. The result was a grape that creates a wine with value, a “Rhône Ranger” and an off-the-beaten-track region — value all around.
Viognier’s home is in the northern region of the Rhône Valley in France. I’ve spent many happy moments in the northern Rhône, tasting their wines with local winemakers. It is the basis of the famous white wine of the region, Condrieu. An aside — it is also the basis of one of the smallest AOPs (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) in all of France, Chateau Grillet. This designated wine region comprises just
Going back to my theory, these wines are great values. Because many Americans bypass them, they have to be attractively priced. And that’s the whole point of this article. These are superb wines, and they have a pricing challenge. Goody for us, great wines at great prices. Go exploring Viognier (remember Vee-on-nyay). Your wallet will be most pleased, and your taste buds will be grateful, too. www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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DINE + WINE – on tap
Wild About Shop Your Wine Stop in Denver
Wine?
by Karel Bond Lucander photography courtesy Your Wine Stop The tasting room awaits you at Your Wine Stop in Denver.
If you’re looking for a deep inventory of well-balanced, smooth wines, welcome to your new favorite shopping destination: Your Wine Stop in Denver. Wine lovers, this is your place to find rich, refined varieties of that vine-ripened spirit that keeps you in the glow. Yet, there’s something else that sets Your Wine Stop apart. This full-service wine shop has a unique state-of-the-art “wine station” that holds 44 different temperature-controlled and vacuum-sealed wines, allowing you to taste test more lively fermented grapes. “I want people to walk out the door with the confidence of knowing they’re buying what they like,” says Ed Pomeroy, owner and former long-time Lowe’s corporate executive. Pomeroy is passionate and knowledgeable about your favorite beverage, which gives Your Wine Stop another edge. Open since October 2021, Your Wine Stop carries 500-some bottles of reds and whites from around the world. The price of a bottle ranges from $8 to $850, with most priced $15 to $30. “It’s hard to get certain allocated wines that you would find in fancy restaurants in Charlotte,” Pomeroy says. “I’ve begged vendors for some of these high-end wines, so for people that love high-end wines, we have a great selection.” Your Wine Stop also has a full selection of sparkling Champagnes and wines from France, Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain. He notes their shop’s value is competitive. “Go check us against Total Wine or any other companies and I think you’ll find our prices are good,” including the price for one of their best-sellers — Txakolina, from the Basque area of Spain. 60
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“It’s a really cool wine; festive but not sparkling,” he says. Pomeroy’s favorites are high-end Napa Cabernets and Spanish wines. One popular bottle they sell is perfect for the wine-loving golfer in your life (think holiday gifts) — Pinea ’17. “The international golfer, Sergio Garcia (Fernandez), loves wine, and had a special wine made for his wedding. Most of Pinea’s wines are $150 and up a bottle, but we sell this one for $58. Sergio won the Masters in Augusta, and the label is a parchment and Masters green.” Pomeroy describes the vibe of Your Wine Stop as “classy without being pretentious. You feel like you’re in a winery.” Although Your Wine Stop doesn’t serve food, you’re welcome to bring your own charcuterie board, pizza or other dish to accompany the wine you’re tasting. “We have cool music playing, and they can eat their snacks and hang out.” Customers also stop in for a glass of wine before heading to a restaurant. “We’re a pre-dinner destination because I’ll give you a beautiful quality glass of red wine for $8 to $10.” Pomeroy’s adult son, Edward, and daughter, Kelsey, help manage this full-service shop. His wife, Marcia, supports the team however she can. They also welcome help from their new full-time employee, Kent, “who’s doing a great job,” and loyal part-time employee, Shelly. Stop in to meet the gang and get your wine fix today. Make a point to “stop” in at 7916 Natalie Commons Drive in Denver. Learn more by visiting www.yourwinestop.com or follow them on Facebook.
DINE + WINE - nibbles and bites
Choplin’s
Restaurant
Where cooking and philanthropy combine in a delicious recipe by Abigail Smathers photography by Lisa Crates
Choplin’s has long been a culinary staple of the Lake Norman area. The eatery’s high-quality ingredients, delectable dishes and charming ambiance are no secret to locals, and in fact, it’s one of the most popular restaurants in the area. However, there’s more to Choplin’s than meets the eye.
Gracious, grateful and giving, Wes and Faith Choplin invite you to join them in their recently renovated restaurant.
In 2010, amidst the housing market crash, Wes and Faith Choplin opened their first restaurant: Choplin’s, a low-country kitchen. The eatery debuted to lukewarm reception, but after an overhaul of the concept, menu and procurement practices, Choplin’s became the fine-dining establishment that we know and love today. Despite massive changes to the restaurant’s exterior, however, its foundation remained the same. It was to be a “purposeful business,” a mission that has never once wavered. “Wes has always had a love for two things – cooking and philanthropy,” Faith says. “He was always so curious in the kitchen and so giving within his community. By the time he was eight, he already knew what he wanted to be doing.” As a young boy, Wes used to raid the family pantry and cook meals for the elderly women in his neighborhood. Down the street with a little wagon he went, delivering hot dinners with a smile. As time went on (and after his father locked the pantry door), Wes’ interest in cooking only grew, as did his desire to help those around him. After a brief stint in nursing school, he transferred to the Culinary Institute of America, where the idea to open a restaurant first came to him.
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doing good ourselves but providing an opportunity for other people to do good as well. It spreads.” Outreach efforts have opened the doors for a number of local programs. Choplin’s now provides meals upon request from community projects such as the Ada Jenkins Center. “It’s beautiful not only that people are willing to help out, but that they feel comfortable enough to reach out,” says Faith. “There’s a heartbeat behind this place, and that’s the people,” says Wes. “All of them. Us, the staff, the customers, the beneficiaries and the whole community have made Choplin’s a beacon. We want nothing more than to just keep on cooking and keep on helping people.”
PERFECT for the Holidays!
Wes Choplin doing what he does - and loves - best.
Meanwhile, Faith was practicing hotel and restaurant management, completely unaware of where her career would lead her.
Kilwins Huntersville - Birkdale Village 16926 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. • 704-237-4869
Years later, Faith and Wes married. Shortly after, Choplin’s was born. With his experience volunteering for the Watchman of the Streets Ministry, Wes sought to expand his philanthropic efforts as the restaurant grew, giving back to the community the fortune and warmth it had given to him and Faith. He joined forces with the ministry to prepare personal items, snacks and a gourmet meal for the local homeless population in what was named the Luke:14 Banquet. The experience sparked a mission that would become the basis for Choplin’s: to be a home for the community. “I wanted it to be a place that people could always turn to,” says Wes. “The driving force behind everything that we do here is doing good for others. Whether it’s a special memory, a hot meal, or just a few kind words, this place exists solely to make people smile.” During the pandemic, Choplin’s continued to act as a platform for good, providing thousands of hot meals for children while schools remained closed. As patrons caught on, the initiative blossomed, becoming a community-wide effort. “It was incredible to see how eager people were to help,” says Faith. “They saw the boxes and asked how they could contribute, offering to donate and volunteer even though we had never publicized our plan or asked anyone to help.” “It was a teaching moment for us. We’re not fans of putting our names on the deeds we do, but the fact of the matter is that people look up to us,” Wes says. “It’s important that we set an example by turning to the community for support. That way we’re not only www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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Living Well Your local resource for health and wellness services near you Audiology
PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose & Throat Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD Susie Riggs, AuD Del L. Hawk, Au.D 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Cardiology
PHC – Heart & Vascular Jips Zachariah, MD Naveed Rajper, MD
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Dermatology
Family Medicine
PHC – Nabors Family Medicine Emily Nabors, MD
142 Professional Park Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-696-2083
PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine Timothy A. Barker, MD Heather C. Kompanik, MD Bruce L. Seaton, DO Amanda H. Bailey, DO Kyle Babinski, DO Sherard Spangler, PA 357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328
PHC – Mooresville Dermatology Center Naomi Simon, MD Sarah Carlock, MD Kristin Prochaska, PA-C Gina Noble, PA-C Heather Hollandsworth, FNP Susan Stevens, RN, BSN
PHC – Sailview Family Medicine Tiana Losinski, MD
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827
150 Fairview Road, Suite 210 Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-235-0300
PHC – Wolfe Dermatology Steven F. Wolfe, MD Molly Small, PA-C
PHC - Troutman Family Medicine Amrish C. Patel, MD Janeal Bowers, FNP Kimberly Whiton, FNP Kelly Buchholz, FNP
114 Gateway Blvd., Unit D Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-2085
Riva Dermatology “Imagine your skin at its Best!”
General Dermatology for the Family, Botox, Fillers, Laser/IPL & more
Kerry Shafran, MD, FAAD Lindsay Jayson, MPAS, PA-C Erin Dice, MPAS, PA-C Ashley Noone, MPAP, PA-C Nikki Leahy, MSBS, PA-C Mari Klos, CMA, LME
704-896-8837 Cornelius, Mooresville, Denver www.Rivaderm.com
Ears, Nose and Throat
PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose, & Throat Keith Meetze, MD Thomas Warren, MD Herb Wettreich, MD Fred New, Jr., ANP 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Endocrinology PHC- Endocrinology Elaine Sunderlin, MD
170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
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206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite J Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-4801
PHC – Fairview Family Medicine Golnar Lashgari, MD Jennifer Scharbius, MD
154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903
Gastroenterology PHC – Gastroenterology Brandon Marion, MD April Lockman, NP
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center Vivek Trivedi, MD Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC- Gastroenterology Laila Menon, MD Gabrielle Miller, NP
170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
Internal Medicine
PHC – Fox Internal Medicine Jessica Fox, DO Jacqueline Swope, FNP
435 East Statesville Avenue Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704-663-5056
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | NOVEMBER 2023
PHC – Internal Medicine & Weight Management Manish G. Patel, MD Julie Abney, PA Andrea Brock, PA-C
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
PHC – Lake Norman Internal Medicine John C. Gatlin, MD LuAnne V. Gatlin, MD 548 Williamson Road, Suite 6 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-5520
Mental Health Services PHC-Mastor Mental Health Jason E. Mastor, MD Kristin C. Brown, PA-C Megan I. Flott, PA-C Diana J. Remenar, PA-C
206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite F Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-6500
Neurology
PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine Dharmen S. Shah, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD Roderick Elias, MD
124 Professional Park Dr, Ste A Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-3077
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Douglas Jeffery, MD Roderick Elias, MD
9735 Kincey Avenue, Ste 203 Huntersville, NC 28078 • 704-766-9050
Obstetrics/Gynecology PHC – Lake Norman OB/GYN James Al-Hussaini, MD Laura Arigo, MD Katie Collins, DO Grant Miller, MD James Wilson, MD Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD NailaRashida Frye, MD Coral Bruss, ANP-C
131 Medical Park Road, Suite 102 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-1282
Oncology
Southern Oncology Specialists William Mitchell, MD Poras Patel, MD
46 Medical Park Rd, Suite 212 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-659-7850
Orthopaedic Surgery
PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint Scott Brandon, MD Brett L. Feldman, MD Alex Seldomridge III, MD Kim Lefreniere, PA-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Orthopedic Surgery – Spine PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint Alex Seldomridge, III, MD
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1838
Pain Managment
PHC – Pain & Spine Center Harsh Govil, MD, MPH James Murphy, MD April Hatfield, FNP-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
PULMONOLOGY PHC –Pulmonology Enrique Ordaz MD Jose Perez MD Ahmed Elnaggar, MD Vishal Patel, MD
170 Medical Park Road, Suite 201, Mooresville NC 28117 • 704-838-8240
Rheumatology
PHC – Rheumatology Sean M. Fahey, MD Dijana Christianson, DO
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
CLOSED! Beautiful Golf Course Home in The Peninsula Closed For
$1,650,000
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
A wonderful blend of classic elegance as well as modern comfort with superior craftsmanship throughout the interior which boasts deep crown molding & exquisite millwork. This large 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home on .81 acres with oversized 3 car garage home includes a main floor living with 2-story great room with gas log fireplace & built-ins & great view to the grand outdoor entertainment area with salt water gunite pool. Grand primary suite on main floor with extra large ensuite bath to include his/her vanities, whirlpool tub, walk in tiled shower & his/her walk-in closets.
Christy Walker & Associates KW | Keller Williams Realty
704.439.5300 Christy@ChristyWalker.com www.ChristyWalker.com
www.LNCurrents.com | NOVEMBER 2023
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