Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, led by Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz, is the only practice in the greater Charlotte area to use a two-surgeon approach. This unique, teamoriented model ensures collaborative care at every step—from your initial consultation to your surgical procedure. The doctors specialize in surgical treatments like facelift, necklift, and rhinoplasty, delivering beautiful and natural results.
In addition to surgery, we offer a full suite of non-surgical options. Our skilled injectors, Morgan Nelson, NP and Cassie Smith, RN, provide personalized and natural results with injectables and fillers. For the foundation of a youthful look, our licensed medical esthetician, Allie Harris, offers a full range of skincare and laser treatments.
Social Pet Hotel & Daycare
Locally, family owned and operated since 2014 with three Charlotte-area locations: Pineville, Monroe Road, and Northlake. We are built on a mission to provide a healthier, safer, and more enriched alternative to traditional dog daycare and lodging.
At Social Pet daycare we balance enrichment combining structured play with mental challenges, and restorative rest. We offer small, intentional playgroups with meaningful interactions that rotate between play sessions, skill practice, sensory activities, one-on-one engagement, and rest, thus creating a healthier overall experience.
Our focus is not just play, but helping dogs live balanced, fulfilled lives — mind and body.
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Corporate gifting options available
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Gratitude in the Grief
This past summer was one of the most challenging times of my life. Never in a million years did I imagine losing my dad in my early forties. He had just spent Memorial Day weekend with us— baking cookies in the kitchen with our cooking enthusiast son, cheering on our daughter as she graduated from lower school, and splashing in the pool with our 3-year-old. There were so many memories left to make.
I was just leaving a photo shoot in Foxcroft when I noticed several missed calls from family members. My dad—we lovingly called Poppy—had been found unconscious on his boat. He passed away unexpectedly, doing what he loved, in a place he loved, fishing on the water.
This November, our Thankful issue includes a poignant essay by my friend, local author and Myers Park resident, Leslie Hooton. In it, she reflects on the profound gift of final memories with loved ones and the quiet gratitude that can be experienced in the face of loss. This one hit me deeply, and I hope it will encourage you if you are in a season of grief.
Also in this issue, SouthPark resident Lynn Pitts offers tips on bringing people together over festive holiday-inspired tablescapes, and we feel the fireplacein-every-room fall vibrations in a tour of Felipe Fisher’s Salisbury country home. Spend a day in the life with local business owner Jess Sidhom and learn about the power of healing from retired pediatrician Mary Martha Felkner. More than ever, we need opportunities for community and connection.
We are incredibly thankful for our Queen City Lifestyle readers and partners.
Enjoy this season with the ones you love most.
LIZ BROWN, PUBLISHER @QUEENCITYMAG
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Liz Brown | liz.brown@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Carroll Walton | carroll.walton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Jennifer Fenner | jennifer.fenner@citylifestyle.com
Frank Balthasar, Sarah Helen Fitschen, Dustin and Susie Peck, Carissa Rogers
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Whether reconfiguring existing spaces, adding new rooms, or changing floor plans, our design and build process elevates your remodeling experience while transforming your house into a place you lovingly call home.
city scene
2025 Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Gala | 1: Dr. Gaurav Bharti and Sarah Edwards Bharti 2: Violinist Gil Shaham and Music Director Kwame Ryan 3: President and CEO David Fisk and Richard Osborn 4: Music Director Kwamé Ryan and Pat Phillips 5: Nina and James Jackson 6: Dr. Jon and Christy Hunt, Ulrike Miles, Ann Tarwater 7: Ron Turner Diaz, Grace Nystrum, Matthew Roden
CATCHLIGHT
CATCHLIGHT
city scene CONTINUED
Catwalk for Causes presented by Cook Out raises more than $450,000 for Charlotte charities | Speedway Children’s Charities partnered with the Kyle Larson Foundation, Samantha & Kyle Busch’s Bundle of Joy Fund and Greg Olsen’s HEARTest Yard for a night of fun, fashion and fundraising to support local children and families in need | 8: Former Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen on the catwalk 9: Former Carolina Panther Greg Olsen and wife Kara Olsen on the catwalk 10: Emcees Erin Evernham and Shannon Spake 11: John Hunter Nemechek poses with a Catwalk for Causes guest 12: NASCAR driver Kyle Larson and wife Kaitlyn walk the catwalk with special guest 13: Erin Evernham showing off one of the many Catwalk for Causes auction items 14: Ten Tenths Motor Club hosted Catwalk for Causes
Photography courtesy of Charlotte Motor Speedway
Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte continues a legacy of excellence in dermatology!
We welcome Dr. Euphemia Mu, a board-certified, fellowship-trained Mohs Surgeon, and Dr. Natalie Vincent, a board-certified dermatologist, to our incredible team! Dr. Mu has extensive experience in minimally-invasive, tissue-sparing surgical removal of skin cancers with Mohs surgery and facial reconstructions. Dr. Vincent specializes in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, and brings a patient-centered approach to skincare!
Southern Christmas Show
Since 1967, the Southern Christmas Show has become a holiday tradition for people throughout the region. One of the best-attended consumer shows in the nation, it attracts more than 100,000 guests eager to start holiday shopping. It includes a Dickens-style village with more than 30 shops, holiday designer rooms, freshly-cut and decorated Christmas trees, miniature scenes, model railroads and Santa. November 13-23 at The Park Expo and Conference Center. Starts at 10 a.m. daily.
Euphemia Mu, MD
Serena Weidner NP-C
Natalie Vincent, MD
Heather Caley-Dyer Licensed Aesthetician
Jennifer Nguyen, MD
Laura Smith, PA
Novant Health
Thanksgiving Eve Parade
This is the 79th anniversary of the Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade. The event, which started in 1947, was moved to Thanksgiving Eve in 2021. What began as a local parade is now a regional celebration, broadcast into one million homes, with performances, floats, marching bands and more. Bring chairs and sit along Tryon Street from 9th Street to Brooklyn Village. November 26 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Charlotte Turkey Trot
Rated one of the 20 Best Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots in America, the CPI Security Charlotte Turkey Trot is a 36-year tradition. Choose from an 8K Run, a 5K Run/ Walk, a 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, and a Tot Trot. Starting and finishing at SouthPark, North Carolina’s largest road race (11,000 runners) is a homecoming for extended families and friends. November 27 at 8 a.m., SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd.
Photography by Collin Mairena
Photography by Charlotte Center City Partners
Charlotte Youth Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Charlotte Youth Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the CPCC Dale F. Halton Theater, December 5-7. This magical holiday tradition features professional dancers and more than 130 youth performers from the Charlotte area. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s classic score with fresh choreography by renowned artistic directors Gay Porter and Bridget Porter-Young. A family-friendly favorite, this dazzling production will delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this timeless holiday event! Tickets available at CharlotteYouthBallet.org.
Photography by Olly Yung
Queen City Lifestyle Home and Design Event
Design community gathers for elegant evening at BOA Vista Charlotte to connect, share, and inspire
This September, Queen City Lifestyle brought together Charlotte’s leading home and design tastemakers for an evening of connection. Guests gathered to celebrate our Style issue and toast Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, who was featured on the cover for her new textile collection in collaboration with Spoonflower.
The soirée unfolded at BOA Vista Charlotte, South End’s newest design destination. The striking showroom pairs Brazilian craftsmanship with European sophistication, showcasing bespoke kitchens, walk-in wardrobes and custom cabinetry that marry form and function with effortless style. Surrounded by immersive vignettes and fine finishes, guests experienced the art of elevated living firsthand.
Autumnal florals by Laura Tenzer of Blomst added a warm, seasonal touch, completing a night that celebrated both local creativity and global design influences that shape Charlotte’s most refined spaces.
ARTICLE BY QUEEN CITY
LIFESTYLE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
CARISSA ROGERS
Top Left: Florals by Laura Tenzer of Blomst
Top Right: Liz Brown, Publisher of Queen City Lifestyle and Marie Cloud, owner of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio
Bottom: Diego Fernando and Beatriz Chiluisa, Director of BOA Vista Charlotte
(From left to right) Sharlene Batista of Ethic LLC, Priscilla Baez of MPB Design Co, Beatriz Chiluisa of BOA Vista Charlotte, Hadley Quisenberry and Kathleen Fox of Perch Collective, Kylie McKenzie of Ethic LLC, and Heather Ison, Photographer
Paul and Cathy Kowalski of Paul Kowalski Builders
Krisha Chachra, contributing writer and Carroll Walton, editor of Queen City Lifestyle
Heather Ison and Amanda Anderson
Lindsay Lucenti and Rebekah Alpert
Cheryl Luckett, Brooke Adler, Kathleen Fox and Hadley Quisenberry
Last Call: Final limited-run bottles of doc porter’s Bourbon, Rye & Malt Whiskey— available now at select ABC Stores & Great Wagon Road Distilling in NoDa. learn our story
LUXURY ENGRAVED STATIONERY FROM ARZBERGER STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
Tangible Gratitude
ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS
In a digital world, the printed word still has the most lasting impact. Never is that more palpable than during the holiday season at Charlotte’s own Arzberger Stationers.
From now until late December, nearly one thousand custom orders will make their way through Arzberger’s 17,000-square-foot facility in South End, where engraving machines have been pressing lettering-etched copper plates for more than 100 years. Arzberger, which features traditional services like engraving and embossing, as well as the more contemporary offset printing, employs a handful of people who have worked for the company for more than 40 and even 50 years.
“I get asked this all the time, ‘Emails have got to be killing your business,’” owner Luther Dudley says. “I say, ‘No, it’s actually not. Our stationery business is growing.’ In the era of digital communication, the power of the written word is far greater than it’s ever been. It just has a bigger impact.”
Dudley was raised in Arlington, Va., by a mother who insisted their family sit down the day after Christmas and write thank-you notes. He believes it’s those same principles that have made Arzberger, which he bought in 1997, stand the test of time.
“The business we’re really in is tangible gratitude,” says Dudley. “If somebody loses a parent, you’re going to write them a note to express your gratitude for your
In the era of digital communication, the power of the written word is far greater than it’s ever been.
friendship. A wedding invitation expresses ‘We’re so happy. Thank you for being our friend. We want you to come and celebrate.’ That’s why it endures. The art is beautiful, but there’s something about holding something in your hands where somebody says thank you.”
Studies have shown, Dudley says, that a person’s eye goes straight to a handwritten letter in a pile of inserts and automated bills almost instantly. But are statistics even necessary? People see it for themselves.
“There’s something driving that, and we’re in the middle of it,” Dudley says.
When Dudley first moved to Charlotte in 1979 to practice law for Kennedy Covington, Lobdell & Hickman, there was a crisp, neat business card from Arzberger waiting on his desk.
He appreciated that kind of quality and told George Arzberger so. The two met after Dudley had left law and gone into commercial real estate.
“It must be fun making something beautiful like that,” Dudley remembers saying.
Arzberger’s response? “Maybe we should talk.”
By the time their conversation turned serious, Dudley had bought a smaller printing company in Raleigh called Parker Engraving, which did primarily commercial printing for universities and state government. Dudley bought Arzberger at the same time he was moving Parker Engraving to Charlotte and merged the two at Arzberger’s then-4th Street location.
Arzberger, which opened in 1953, had focused on high design and artistry for the discerning individual client. At the time, it was producing 100,000 orders of letterhead for attorneys, physicians and accountants all over town.
In the early 2000s, when email had Dudley rethinking his business model, another specialty printing company, W.A. Buening & Co., approached him.
Buening, which was founded in 1922, had the spacious facility on Dunavant Street in South End with better electrical capacity and a loading dock. It also had a network of national representatives selling engraved stationery through retail stores nationwide.
Merging with Buening in 2004 allowed Arzberger to shift sales toward social products. Now, nearly 85 percent of their business is holiday cards, wedding and event invitations, and personal stationery.
“We pivoted pretty hard,” Dudley says. “The Buening acquisition in 2004 was a big part of that because that dealer network was 100% social. It was a conscious decision and turned out to be the right decision. In a relatively small industry, it gave us some scale.”
Dudley says there are about 50 engraving companies similar in size to Arzberger around the country, but only a handful offer an extensive list of boutique services like letterpress, blind embossing, die cutting, foil stamping and more. Arzberger customers can order holiday cards with printed photographs attached to custom-milled paper. A bride can get wedding invitations embossed to imitate flowers from her veil or an artist’s rendering of their wedding venue on the liner of the envelope.
Given the scope of their work and such luxury design, Arzberger’s client list is exclusive. It includes prominent bankers, athletes, politicians and business owners not only in Charlotte but around the country. While Arzberger prefers to keep most of those names private, it doesn’t mind sharing a piece of its storied history that includes Jackie Onassis Kennedy and Gregory Peck among its former clients.
“We’re like vinyl records,” says Muriel DeLaPaz, design director for Arzberger. “People think, ‘Oh my gosh, records are going out.’ They’re not. They’re still around, and they’ve made a huge comeback.”
Muriel DeLaPaz
A tradition in the making.
The Major Experience: Quiet Luxury. Timeless Service. Your Story.
At J. Major’s Bridal Boutique, finding your wedding dress is a treasured moment in a story generations have shared. Since 1984, our boutique has been where Charlotte’s brides, their mothers, sisters, and best friends come to celebrate. Each gown chosen, each joyful tear, each heartfelt “this is the one” adds to a legacy woven into the very fabric of this city. Step into J. Major’s and discover a place where expert styling meets heartfelt tradition. Where your once-in-alifetime dress is just the beginning of a memory you’ll never forget. Wedding Dresses Charlotte Brides
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The design inspiration for the lounge was the oil painting above the mantle of an English hunting scene, purchased by Tom at an auction. Felipe chose an equestrian plaid wallpaper by Mind the Gap for the ceiling, then color-drenched the walls and trim in a warm, earthy green to create a rich backdrop for their furniture and accessory collections.
The Fishers’ Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Sofia and Stella, greet guests in the entry hall, where a vintage rug from Felipe’s former condominium accents the original heart-of-pine wood plank floors. Felipe found the antique brass and onyx candelabra in Palm Beach many years ago. Through the front door, the sidewalk is lined with 100-year-old boxwoods.
SENTIMENTAL STYLE in SALISBURY
A Charlotte couple refreshes a historic home, creating a welcoming weekend retreat for hosting family and friends
ARTICLE BY CATHERINE RUTH KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUSTIN AND SUSIE PECK
CCheerwine and Food Lion are two significant claims to fame for the small town of Salisbury, N.C., just a 45-minute drive northeast of Charlotte. But it’s also known for its commitment to historic preservation. Many historic homes and landmarks are showcased every year during the Historic Salisbury Foundation’s annual OctoberTour. It was during this tour that Felipe and Tom Fisher first set foot in the John Knox House, an Italianate Victorianstyle home built in 1871.
“I immediately fell in love with the house,” says Felipe. “Little did I know at the time, it would eventually be ours.”
The Fishers, who live full-time in an Eastover condominium in the heart of Charlotte, both relished the idea of owning a peaceful weekend retreat to escape the city’s demands. They had just finished touring a mountain house when they received a phone call from a realtor friend in Salisbury, who told them the John Knox house was about to hit the market.
“Tom was skeptical that I would agree to buying it, but the architecture and the beautiful energy of the home completely reeled me in,” Felipe says.
Tom Fisher is a native of Salisbury and still has many family members and friends there. As the Fishers considered their options, they realized the Salisbury home checked the most boxes for their second-home goals. They closed on the house in May 2024.
“Tom loves architecture, and I am passionate about interior design,” says Felipe. “This was the perfect way to merge our interests and also have the opportunity to see family more often.”
Felipe was born in Colombia but immigrated to Charlotte with his parents and brother in 2000. He pursued a career as a professional dancer, which took him to New York, Los Angeles and London, and later inspired him to co-found the popular and successful annual fundraiser, Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte. Four years ago, Felipe started an interior design business. He has tapped into those skills as he and Tom have lovingly updated the interior of their Salisbury home.
“We inherited a lot of furniture from Tom’s grandparents and incorporated it into each room,” says Felipe. “We both love traditional furnishings and antiques, but mostly we appreciate the sentimental value. We wanted to use meaningful pieces.”
Tom and Felipe Fisher stand on the porch of their home, the John Knox house, built in 1871 and situated on a prominent street in Salisbury’s West Square Historic District
In the morning room, a cow painting that Tom bought at a Salisbury estate sale hangs above a Baker sideboard, another Fisher family heirloom. A pair of Jonathan Adler floor lamps adds a modern flair to the vignette.
Tom and Felipe relax with their Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in their living room, a favorite gathering place for coffee, cocktails, charcuterie, or card games. The vintage settees belonged to Tom’s grandparents, while the authentic cowhide rug came from Felipe’s native country, Colombia.
In the dining room, the custom-made table, which was in Tom’s grandparents’ breakfast room, features a built-in lazy Susan. The oil painting, also from Tom’s grandparents, reflects the English garden theme of the Cole & Son wallpaper, Idyll.
The previous owners did an extensive renovation in 2002, restoring the house to its original grandeur. They had kept it in good condition since then, so there was no need for structural updates. Felipe and Tom focused on making cosmetic refreshes such as paint, wallpaper and light fixtures throughout the house.
Inspired by the English gardens surrounding their home, Felipe selected a lush landscape mural wallpaper by Cole & Son to wrap the walls of the dining room. An antique chandelier from Tom’s grandparents illuminates the space where the Fishers frequently gather guests around their heirloom dining table, which was also passed down from Tom’s grandparents. Felipe paired the table with klismos chairs from his old condo, masterfully mixing the old with the new.
“I really like the juxtaposition of the antique table with the modern chairs,” Felipe says. “It is one of many examples in the house of our love of tradition, blending with our modern lifestyle.”
Felipe continues the thoughtful layers and eclectic mix throughout the home, reupholstering vintage settees from Tom’s grandparents in the living room and lacquering a pair of antique barley twist tables in the lounge to inject a fresh finish on traditional furniture. Almost every piece has a special story behind it, and the effect is a warm, welcoming abode saturated in sentimentality and style.
“It is a privilege to be a good steward of this historic home,” says Felipe. “We are enjoying creating new memories and traditions here with our family and friends.”
Felipe created a soft, serene oasis in the primary bedroom, layering neutral fabrics in a variety of patterns and textures to envelop the space. The four-poster bed and nightstands are by Woodbridge Furniture. The wingback chairs belonged to Tom’s grandparents.
The Art of Living Without Pain
We understand how exhausting it is to live with daily aches; -The tension you wake up with. -The stiffness that holds you back. -The pain that steals your joy.
This season of giving, give yourself freedom; Freedom to move Freedom to live Freedom to feel like YOU again
Primary Spine Institute: where healing begins, and life returns 6842 Carnegie Blvd. Suite 203, Charlotte NC 28211 704 910 4943 | www primaryspineinstitute com | @primaryspineinstitute
ARTICLE BY ALLIE PAPAJOHN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK BALTHASAR
IF YOU EAT ONE THING
From 2009 until 2022, Soul Gastrolounge operated on a prominent corner of Plaza Midwood, offering small plates, sushi and craft cocktails to a passionate fanbase. When it closed due to rising rent costs, the team promised a reopening, and on August 25, the new Soul opened its doors near NoDa. Longtime patrons and first-time guests alike have flocked to the new location, soaking in their favorite bites and sips while enjoying tunes from rotating DJs. The menu remains largely unchanged, but baklava ice cream, a dessert from Soul’s former sister concept, Kiki, has become one of their two sweet offerings—and one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
THE INSPIRATION
“Our baklava ice cream is an example of how we like to play with flavors,” says Andy Kastanas, Soul Gastrolounge’s
managing partner. “We start with a classic Greek dessert that everyone knows and loves, then substitute the traditional phyllo with the more delicate, shredded wheat pastry, kataifi, for maximum crunch. It has the expected flavor profile of baklava but is remixed for a fresh, indulgent taste.”
THE COMPONENTS
The aforementioned kataifi is “woven” into a beautiful nest, creating the base of this treat. It’s filled with homemade cinnamon ice cream churned with chunks of baklava, then topped with chopped pistachios and honey pistachio syrup. The varying textures, from the cold, silky ice cream to the crunchiness of the pastry nest and nuts, create a well-balanced dessert with sweet and salty notes. You’ll be fighting your tablemates for the last bite, so go on and order two for good measure.
A TWIST ON THE BELOVED GREEK DESSERT AT SOUL GASTROLOUNGE
Baklava ice cream at Soul Gastrolounge
Nov 26 - Dec 6
THE GIFT OF THE LAST TIME
HONORING LOVED ONES WITH GRATITUDE BY CHERISHING FINAL MOMENTS
ARTICLE BY LESLIE HOOTON
“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart And see that, in truth, you are weeping for That which has been your delight.”
—Kahlil Gibran.
Do you remember your… “Last time?”
Most of us are not lucky enough to remember the last moments we shared with loved ones. I think if we had known what was coming, we would have paid closer attention. We would’ve focused on the easy grin they wore when they told a joke. Or the way a loved one’s eyes twinkled when they saw you walk into the room, or maybe you held hands during the most miraculous sunset.
I visited my mother the day before she died. She was in good spirits. I had no way of knowing she would slip away during the night, though I knew something was up when she didn’t eat a bite of her pie. She was never one to turn down sweets. I had brought her a Frappuccino with extra whipped cream. I had my usual latte, and we toasted. As we talked, I wondered if this might be the last of my lifelong conversations with my mother. We usually talked about books, but on this day, we weren’t talking about much other than our love of beverages. While it broke my heart, Sarge, my nickname for my mother, knew who I was, and she still made me laugh. Yes, a good last memory.
Perhaps your loved one took you out on a morning boat ride. You might have paid more attention to the horizon, how the oranges and blues transformed into pale yellow and lavender. You might have missed the pride on your loved one’s face just from being in your company. It might have been a ballgame or a great round of golf—or even a crappy round of golf. Maybe it was as mundane as watching the news together. Were you focused on tomorrow’s forecast?
Others might not recall the last time. Maybe it was sudden, and you’re left in shock. Maybe it was drawn out. Is there ever a good time to say goodbye?
The last time with my brother, Robert, was unexpected. He was running late, so we didn’t even hug each other goodbye. But the weeks leading up to that day were unexpected blessings. After his death, I was flooded with memories of the time we had just spent together. I could still hear his boisterous laugh and see him throw his head back. Despite the countless golf shirts I bought him, he always showed up in the same Auburn attire. I could always smell Robert before he walked into a room. I would roll my eyes and say, “You know, Rob, one spray goes a long way.” Those once maddening quirks are what always spring up first in my mind.
Last times don’t always come with a warning bell.
THE TABLE BY LYNN PITTS
Personalized in-home consultations to create timeless holiday tablescapes—blending your treasures with curated touches for effortless entertaining and lasting memories.
Last times don’t always come with a warning bell.
Perhaps you were just with a friend at a coffee shop, discussing the insanity of back-to-school. Then you easily switched gears to talk about your child struggling with academics. And before you parted ways, you talked about wallpaper. You always ended up talking about wallpaper.
Maybe you feel wistful because you only discussed the everyday moments of life. But isn’t the craziness of going through life together what made your friendship special? You could talk about needing new wallpaper just as easily as you could have a child struggle with math, science, or another loved one struggling with addiction. That is the beauty of shared human experiences.
We are all seeking to be known, to be seen and heard. Memories keep us connected to the people we love and the familiarity we felt while in their company. If we’re lucky, we find that this bond isn’t linear at all but circular.
Things that drive you crazy now might turn into memories you laugh about later. The memory of a loved one signing XO at the end of every text or wearing the same obnoxious sweater every holiday can produce tears, laughter, or a subtle combination of both.
As we approach the holidays, messy as they can be, it is important to remember the times you’ve had with the people you love, past and present. Hold onto these memories. Write them down; remember them like a favorite prayer.
Wear the crazy holiday sweater. (Extra credit for sound effects!) Incorporate a friend’s favorite dish. Use your mother’s good china. Take the golf bag, use the clubs and don’t worry about the ratio of birdies to bogeys.
Be present for your loved ones this holiday season. Be intentional. Forget perfection. Make all the memories. May they bring laughter, tears and maybe a moment to let your heart whisper: Thank you.
Giving Voice
Retired
Charlotte pediatrician, Dr. Mary Martha Felkner, writes about the art and practice of healing
If you were lucky enough to be “in the room” with Dr. Mary Martha Felkner during her 25 years with Eastover Pediatrics, you know. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat.
The lifelong Charlottean, now retired as a physician, has written a collection of essays entitled “In The Room,” turning her practice of journaling into a resource for physicians, parents and everyone in between.
Under her care for ear infections, strep throat and ADHD diagnoses, you learn that Dr. Felkner hasn’t just nurtured children but their parents. She is an advocate, a confidant, a teacher, and in her words, a translator.
She once got on the exam room floor and clapped her feet together to break through with a shy child, who not only opened up but kept coming back until he was a teenager.
“If there’s an adolescent who’s shut down and there needs to be a bridge, I’m giving voice to that for the parent,” Felkner says. “Sometimes it’s for the parent to the child.”
She weaves her appreciation for nature and fascination with language through stories about parenting and pet ownership, mindfulness and mental health and the limitations of science. She explains how time might be the greatest healer of all.
“There’s no magic button,” Felkner says.
The writing is relatable, whether for Queens University students, a book club, a yoga class, or a conversation on a walk with a friend.
“I didn’t want it to be about me,” Felkner says. “I wanted it to be about the reader. Hopefully through the words I know from my life, people actually reflect on their own.”
With “In the Room,” Felkner challenges readers to reflect, dwell and ponder, which is a great way to make it last.
ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON |
Dr. Mary Martha Felkner
“I’m giving voice to the practice of healing, which can be done in medicine, and it can be done within our heads.”
Throughout her journey as a physician, parent, wife, daughter, sister and more recently a patient herself, Dr. Felkner learned the power and possibility of healing. She guides the reader through experiences she has lived out at every stage, from the breakneck pace of medical residency, through the tragedy of losing a sister in young adulthood, to the challenge of becoming an empty nester.
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CARISSA ROGERS
A DAY IN THE LIFE
With Jess Sidhom, owner of children’s clothing boutique COCO LETO and investment banker
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS STYLED BY BLAIR SCHEUER
Jess wears a Solace dress layered with an Odeeh skirt, a Valentino belt, and a Givenchy bag all from The Edit Sale and finished with her own Valentino heels
7-8 A.M.
5 A.M. WORKOUT
A few times a week, I work out at 5:45 a.m. at my friend’s house. She has a group workout in her driveway. I’m not naturally a morning person, and I struggle to fit it all in, especially when we’re back to school. Getting up early and checking that off feels good. It provides superwoman energy throughout my day, helps me make better food choices and get to bed earlier.
5 A.M. 8-11 A.M.
7-8 A.M. SCHOOL DROP OFF 8-11 A.M. COFFEE AND NETWORKING
I help the kids pack up, then we’re off to school. We drive to Country Day, jamming to Spotify. This is my favorite time of day. We play our made-up game of Pass or Play, listening to a lot of Benson Boone, Morgan Wallen and Gracie Abrams. There’s also Eminem, Kygo, or Maroon 5. I love my jams too. My daughter Vivian knows all the lyrics to 80s songs, which I think is so funny.
I like to go for coffee at Salted Melon and meet up with a friend in the finance industry. I’ve been in corporate and investment banking for 20 years, advising large companies on growth strategies. Recently, I’ve been using this time to network. I decided to pivot in my career, and I’m taking time to decide what’s next, whether it’s a move to a smaller bank, working as an asset manager, or something else completely.
Jess starts her day in a Christian Dior couture dress paired with a Barbour jacket, accessorized with a Dries Van Noten belt, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton bags, and Prada heels from The Edit Sale
Jess wears a Balmain dress topped with a Yves Salomon coat and Balenciaga heels from The Edit Sale
4-5 P.M.
6-7 P.M.
4-5 P.M. KIDS ACTIVITIES AND BOARD DUTIES
My husband, Fady, picks up the kids for soccer practice at Freedom Park. I head to the Mint Museum, where I’m on the board and the finance and investment committee. I joke with Todd Herman, the Mint Museum’s CEO, that someday my brain’s right side will get the attention it deserves. I’m incredibly inspired by this work. Lately, we’ve been discussing a potential renovation of the Mint Museum Randolph, which would be cool for our city.
8-10 P.M.
6-7 P.M. FAMILY GAMES
If we eat dinner together and still have some time before bedtime, we love to play cards or a game. We don’t do TV or devices during the week. We prefer good old-fashioned competition. We love UNO, Monopoly and recently Blokus, which is really fun for families of four. Playing games teaches life lessons and helps these relationships, so they want to spend time with us and know that we’ve got their back.
8-10 P.M. CHORES OR NIGHT OUT
I listen to my podcasts when I’m loading the dishwasher. I like The Wall Street Journal for business and finance news, Retail Brew about retail and Morning Brew about parenting. Then I catch up on emails for COCO LETO, kids’ activities, or events to support causes like Madelyn’s Fund, Bee Mighty and the Cooper Royal Foundation. On weekends, Fady and I join friends for great conversation and cocktails at restaurants like Aqua e Vino.
Jess at The Mint Museum
Jess with husband Fady Sidhom
Jess sports a Chanel blouse with a Gucci jacket, skirt and shoes from The Edit Sale
MOR E T HAN
A MEAL
LYNN PITTS ELEVATES THE ART OF GATHERING, ONE TABLE AT A TIME
ARTICLE BY ELLIOTT HARRELL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARISSA ROGERS
Lynn Pitts
Lynn Pitts has such an eye for beautiful decor and a gift for setting spectacular tables that she started a business helping Charlotteans do the same.
While you can hire Pitts to build the perfect picture-worthy tablescape for your next dinner party or event, her reasons for creating her business, The Table by Lynn Pitts, run deeper.
“There’s so much more to the table than just a meal,” she says. “I wanted there to be a resurgence for young families, for old families and for the empty nesters, to realize how important the table is.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics says family dinners provide children not only nutritional benefits but improvement in both academic performance and mental health.
Pitts helps clients put together tablescapes using a mix of old and new materials, flowers and other decorative items she calls
“fluff” to create an inviting environment where people want to come together.
“I’m there to help [clients] make [tables] really pretty in a simple way,” she says.”It’s not about being perfect, just about opening your home up and using it.”
Pitts often makes two visits to her clients’ houses. The first is to assess what a client already has that she can use in a tablescape and what else she might need to acquire, and the second is to put the table together.
Some of her favorite tips for creating a stunning, layered table include mixing colored glassware alongside standard glasses, trying two vases of flower arrangements on a table instead of one, using fruit like pears or figs to add dimension, and incorporating different candle heights together.
The result will be a table that encourages people to come and stay for a while.
Florals by Nicole Arendale of The Belle Bouquet
Monogrammed linens and incorporating seasonal items like pumpkins add depth to the table
Use your silver and china, Pitts stresses, even if you decide to use modern elements as well. Plates are Spode Woodland Turkey.
Pitts is a fan of creatively using what you have around the house. She wrapped small boxes as presents to layer the table design, noting that they can be empty or contain something like little candies that children can unwrap.
Trader Joe’s is a great resource for inexpensive but beautiful-looking flowers, says Pitts. Here she mixes brown glass water goblets with traditional stemware for contrast and color.
Holiday Etiquette for Children & Adults
ARTICLE BY CARROLL WALTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH HELEN FITSCHEN
What are three things every host should do to make guests feel welcome?
Ask about dietary restrictions and preferences before a guest arrives. Offer a welcome beverage as soon as someone comes in the door. Walk your guest to the area where you plan to mingle and introduce him or her to someone else at the party. Suggest a point of common interest to encourage a connection before walking away.
What’s an age-appropriate way to teach children to say “thank you,” even if they don’t love a gift?
We all need to be honest, sincere and kind. There is a “social filter” every child needs to learn. Before saying something, children should ask themselves, “Is it true, kind and necessary?” You can be honest even if you don’t love a gift or already have the same item by simply saying “Thank you for thinking of me.” You’re reflecting on the person, not the item.
How should parents prepare children to greet relatives they don’t know well?
A handshake is a beautiful, respectful gesture. And it’s a great practice with all adults, regardless of relation.
What’s one small gesture that leaves a lasting impression during the Holidays?
Handwritten thank-you notes to a host after a gathering, remarking on the evening. Being mindful of the work it takes someone to organize an event or gathering and showing gratitude can go so far.
How can you make a thank-you note memorable in a digital age?
Don’t overthink it. A short note in your handwriting is incredibly personal and will mean more than a digital message.
ELIZABETH ANNE RUSSELL, FOUNDER OF MANNERLY AND CHARLOTTE SCHOOL OF ETIQUETTE OFFERS TIPS FOR THE SEASON
Elizabeth Anne Russell
What are fun ways to involve children in the responsibilities of hosting?
Setting the table is a must. Include them on the menu—they always have fun ideas. During a party, children can hang coats by the door or put them in a designated area. Older children can offer non-alcoholic beverages to adults. If the gathering ends before bedtime, children can walk guests to the door and thank them for coming.
How should you handle last-minute cancellations or surprise guests?
You want to have a home where others feel welcome, which sometimes means an extra friend (or two). Take cancellations with grace and make them fun: invite another family at the last minute, if needed. Share in full transparency that you now have four pounds of BBQ to share.
What’s an easy way to remember where forks, knives and glasses go?
Use “BMW” as a reminder for Bread, Meal, Water, reading left to right like a book. They can check themselves with this trick: “fork” and “left” have four letters. “Knife,” “spoon” and “right” have five letters. I keep a small diagram in my dining room to help. You might even start with a three-course meal because you can always scale down. It’s fun to teach this to your children early.
Is it OK to use paper napkins and disposable dinnerware at a holiday meal?
Absolutely! Opening your home to enjoy the company of friends and family is the greatest gift. Presence over perfection always. The table setting is a bonus. There is a season for all things. I enjoy using my fine
china all year and during the holiday rush. It is with joy that I sometimes use disposable dinnerware.
How do you handle someone’s phone at the table—especially teens?
Kindly but firmly, tell them to put it away. It’s your house, your rules. Don’t miss the time to truly connect because you’re afraid to offend someone. These are teachable moments.
How can you gently steer the conversation away from touchy topics?
Face it head-on by saying, “That is not a topic I would like to discuss right now.” Then gently steer in another friendly direction. “What did you think of the Nelly concert?”
What if someone gives you a gift when you didn’t buy one for them?
Accept it with grace and send a handwritten note right away. Do not rush into the closet to grab a halfway thought-through gift and try to reciprocate.
What should parents do if children rush during gift opening and don’t say thank you?
Address it. These are teachable moments and skills to learn. Let’s teach our kids to pause and enjoy the moment. It’s natural to rush. In our home, we have a one gift, one thank you note policy. It slows down the process big time.
What are ways to show etiquette on social media during the holidays?
Take a break. Intentionally pause to regain focus on the people who matter most. Our time is too precious.
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H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
NOVEMBER 2025
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THROUGH NOVEMBER 23RD
Oktoberfest at Carowinds 14523 Carowinds Blvd | 11:00 AM
Enjoy the Carolinas’ biggest and best amusement celebration with a taste of Germany, too. This fall festival features German-inspired craft beer, authentic German food like bratwurst and spätzle, and family-friendly carnival games.
NOVEMBER 6TH
Verse & Vino
Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St. | 6:00 PM
Verse & Vino is the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation’s signature annual fundraiser, celebrating reading, writing and the joy of libraries. This year invited New York Times best-selling authors are Nathan Harris, Rachel Hawkins, Diane Kochilas and Jason Mott, who will sign books during the cocktail hour. The foundation supports the library’s programs and services through advocacy, fundraising and building relationships.
NOVEMBER 18TH
Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC Tree Lighting Festival
800 S. Mint Street | 6:00 PM
The Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC host the 12th annual Tree Lighting Festival at Bank of America Stadium. Representatives from the two teams will illuminate a 50-foot-tall tree. The event will feature appearances by players, team mascots and a Christmas festival with family-friendly activities.
DECEMBER 5TH – 21ST
Charlotte Ballet’s
The Nutcracker Belk Theater, 130 North Tryon Street 7:30 PM
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker with Tchaikovsky’s soaring score performed live by the Charlotte Symphony and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s stunning choreography. This beloved holiday tradition captures the wonder of childhood and the beauty of dreams come to life—filling hearts with joy and lasting memories. Tickets available at CharlotteBallet.org
Blakeney
Nicole L. Bolick, MD, MPH, MS
Fall Travel Comfort Essentials
Jessica Drew started her travel agency in 2021, driven by a passion for exploring the world and a desire to craft unforgettable travel experiences for others. With affiliations through Virtuoso and Departure Lounge, Jessica offers clients access to top-tier luxury travel partners, ranging from world-class hotels and private villas to exclusive cruise lines, tour operators and private aviation. She believes travel has the power to enrich lives through meaningful and transformative experiences.
As a luxury travel advisor, Jessica can create unforgettable and stress-free travel experiences, with expert advice on travel insurance, Global Entry, TSA pre-check, customs logistics and more. Here are five things she recommends packing for stress-free travel.
