We Treasure Our Family, Our Kids and Our Pets
The summer flew by and now it’s time to settle in for a change of season. As we move forward, we carry cherished memories from the summer, especially the time spent with our family, kids and pets. We love and celebrate them and our marketing partners who we consider family too.
In this issue we feature our love for pets like the 2 dogs on the Cover with Kristi Rose, Creative and Marketing Director with Charlotte’s Finest Properties and our favorite veterinarian Dr. Erin Koballa and her team at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital.
Where and how we live is at the top of the list of concerns for most families.
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Melinda Willms
Publisher
Melinda Willms, Edie Marshall
Editors
Melissa Latin Creative Director
Edie Marshall, Melinda Willms, Effie Russell, Moira Quinn and Charlotte Center City Partners, Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, Kristen Strause, Reggie McAfee, Barbara McKay, Norwegian Cruise Lines Writers
Charlotte City Partners and Grant Baldwin Photography, Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital, Carolina Dream House, Cross Country For Kids, Barbara McKay and Mark Hanson, Paul Williams, III, Kristi Rose Photographers
Picante Creative
Design & Production
Rachel Moore
Ad Designs and Social Media
Barbara McKay
Advisor
Realtor Kristen Strause with Brandon Lawn Real Estate has an ideal luxury home listed in Firethorne that will make the entire family very comfortable and happy.
Not far behind the love we have for our own families are the relationships with our team members and marketing partners who are just like family to us. We are family in so many ways, and we love sharing the good times about them. One of this magazine’s advisors, Barbara McKay, was fortunate to experience a dynamic Italian trip with her family over the summer. She loves sharing all her tips for family happiness and one of her favorites is a great fresh peach pie recipe that she shares with us in the pages ahead.
We value our kids and appreciate all those who help them. We are pleased to share with you a story about Cross Country for Youth, a 501(c)(3) working with kids to help make them healthy through sports. We’re excited about all the bright futures ahead for the kids in our communities and encourage you to give where you can and what you can to make a difference in a child’s life.
Even though summer vacations have come and gone, it’s not too early to plan for your next family get-away. We suggest you and your family consider planning a cruise for your next trip during the upcoming holidays or for next spring or summer. In the meantime, enjoy your family time together whenever you can at home. It’s the simplest of things that can bring so much joy and pleasure to you with your family, kids and pets.
Enjoy all these wonderful days with those you love South Charlotte!
Melinda
Melinda Willms
Services Offered:
• Preventative/wellness care
• General and advanced surgery
• Ultrasonography
• Breeding assistance/services
• Sick visits
• Walk-ins welcome!
Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm • Saturdays 8am - 12pm
Dr. Erin Koballa, DVM
Our 2025 South Charlotte Living Favorites Celebration
C & W Steakhouse in Ballantyne hosted our Favorites Event this year to recognize businesses and professionals who were voted ‘Favorites’ in various categories by our print readers, digital viewers and social media followers. Award winners were selected in categories including healthcare, real estate, home designs and services, personal care, dining and more for their contributions in our diverse, thriving Charlotte communities with positivity and vitality and for simply providing the Best to our citizens. Thanks to all our readers, viewers and followers who participated in the voting, and we look forward to celebrating our Favorite winners again in 2026.
> Visit us at southcharlottelivingmag.com
Visitors and Guests Celebrated the Opening of McColl Park at the Square
The striking new public space on the corner of Trade and Tryon streets recognizes the contributions made to our city by Mr. Hugh McColl, former CEO of Bank of America and it opened close to his 90th birthday. Two events were held to celebrate the opening of the park during the summer.
The park identified as a $14 million project includes a towering 56-foot art installation described as a ‘Nest’ symbolizing the coming together of Charlotte citizens from all areas of our community. The art and park design were created by Walter Hood, a native of Charlotte’s Hidden Valley, who is now a landscape architect and art designer in CA. Local landscape architects Bolton and Menk also worked with Hood on the project.
The park, which is open to the public, has water that flows through a mirror-like pool below, while fresh gardens with flowers and plants circle the main installation in the park’s space.
Dr. Erin
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital Has a Passion for Pets
and
Team Provide the Best Care
Koballa
Her
Writers: Effie Russell and Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital Photography: Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital
r. Erin Koballa and her team at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital are passionate about their pet patients. They are committed to pets and their parents. The veterinary care they provide and the compassion the practice is founded on, comes straight from the heart. You can tell as soon as you walk in the door. The office overflows with love and care for their pet patients!
Everyone at the practice understands that pets are family, so they all treat them like they are their fur babies and kids too. As an independently owned practice, team members offer the very best in high-quality medical care with genuine respect for patients and their families. The office also often accepts walk-ins, understanding that you may need
services right away and things happen. If they can’t help you right away, then they will direct you to where you can get the emergency help you need.
The team and Dr. Koballa take a family-based approach when caring for pets. They know that parents know their fur babies better than anyone else. While pets can’t speak our language, Dr. Koballa and her team listen closely to their parents. Through thoughtful conversations, they gain the insight needed to care for each pet with understanding, love, and compassion. With a compassionate, authentic approach to medicine, the hospital works to ensure parents feel empowered by the decisions they make for their pets.
Dr. Koballa is a NC native and received her undergraduate degree from Duke University where she majored in psychology with a focus on biology and neuroscience. She went on to receive her veterinary degree from NC State. She opened her own veterinary practice at Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital in late fall 2022. Her professional interests include soft tissue and minimally
invasive surgery, ultrasonography, challenging medical cases, reproductive medicine, and providing excellent, compassionate end-of-life care. She is driven by an enthusiasm for lifelong learning, a desire to approach decisionmaking with a team-based familyforward mentality, and a passion for providing above-and-beyond veterinary care. This vision is embedded in the roots of Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital.
The practice as a whole has a team of very talented Veterinary Assistants, Technicians, Doctors and Administrative team members to safely take care of all pets’ needs. The practice is growing, accepting new patients/clients and planning to possibly add another veterinarian in 2026. The office also often accepts walk-ins, understanding that you may need services right away and things happen. If they can’t help you right away, then they will direct you to where you can get the emergency help you need.
Dr. Erin and her team believe that every pet deserves access to quality veterinary care, no matter what the
circumstances. That’s why they’ve partnered with third-party financing and payment plan providers such as CareCredit, Scratchpay, VetBilling and Varidi, offering flexible payment options to ensure pets get the care they need when they need it. Additionally, they collaborate with the Veterinary Care Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping underserved pets receive lifesaving medical attention. Every donation received goes directly toward veterinary care to provide treatments, relief, and hope to pets and the families who love them. You can send donations directly to the practice if you’d like to help.
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital to Host 2nd Annual Paws and Claus Holiday Event
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital will host its 2nd Annual Paws and Claus Holiday event on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at its facility, located at 13331 York Center Road, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28273.
This festive community event will bring together pets, families, and neighbors to celebrate the holiday season. Guests can enjoy pet photos with Santa from 12pm-2pm, holiday treats, and a vendor market featuring local businesses and pet-friendly products. The event is open to the public, and all are encouraged to bring their pets along to join in the fun.
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital will partner with the Purple Leash Project, a national initiative created by Purina and Red Rover. The program helps domestic violence survivors remain with their pets by funding and supporting pet-friendly shelters across the country. Donations to the Purple Leash Project will be accepted
during the event. All proceeds will go directly toward expanding safe housing for survivors and their pets.
The hospital invites the Charlotte community to celebrate the holiday season, shop from local vendors, support a meaningful cause, and make lasting memories with their pets at the 2nd Annual Paws and Claus Holiday Event.
> Visit charlottecompanion.com to learn more about the practice or call 980.276.1205 to make an appointment for your fur baby.
A Luxurious Home with a Country ClubLifestyle
and Lots of Space for the Entire
Family
Writers: Effie Russell, Melinda Willms and Kristen Strause
Living in a space you love is essential and even if it is luxurious, it must accommodate everyone in the family. It is important to have the space, so all the family’s needs are met. The property we are featuring is located at 1009 Seminole Drive, Waxhaw, in the beautiful neighborhood of Firethorne, and it checks all the boxes. It is a fabulous home that exudes luxury and sophistication to appeal to your strongest senses of style and need to entertain; yet it has all the practical amenities needed for your family.
Photography: Carolina Dream House
Real Estate Broker Kristen Strause is the listing agent for the sale of this property. With more than 25 years’ experience, she knows how to satisfy her clients, both buyers and sellers. Kristen has developed a keen ability to provide exceptional service and communication to clients. She presents this property to attract the discerning buyer who values quality, appreciates an extraordinary lifestyle and who desires plenty of space to fulfill the needs and consideration for everyone in the household. This property displays luxury at its finest with all the details to entertain, and space to fulfill the basic needs of everyone for daily living.
The rooms are large and stately with high ceilings, newly refinished hardwood floors accentuated by new interior paint. The chef’s kitchen features a new built-in Jenn-Air refrigerator/freezer, an island and walk-in pantry. The sunny breakfast area opens to a spacious fireside great room with coffered ceiling that is perfect for gathering with the family and your friends. As you peer outside, you’re invited to the screened porch which invites continued conversations and refreshments while enjoying the beautiful backyard view.
The formal dining room has a butler’s pantry nearby. There is a first-floor office with beautiful bookcases to embrace your books and
novelties, and the beautiful windows will stimulate executive thoughts while you’re working from home.
The first floor features a bedroom and full bath plus two conveniently located half baths for guests and family. The practical mud room is conveniently located near the garage entrance.
As you move up the beautiful wood stairs to the second floor, the primary suite beckons you into your private space. It features a sitting area, fireplace, private bath with jetted tub, a large shower and large walk-in closet with an island. There are three additional bedrooms on the second floor with two baths, a bonus room and laundry room. Do not miss the third-floor walkup storage area to house all your seasonal décor.
Moving downstairs to the walkout basement, you will find a cozy second living quarters, space for entertainment, a bedroom, full bath, half bath, kitchen/bar area, theater, recreation area and exercise space with an accessible second laundry. There is more than ample storage space and even a versatile walkin vault/safe room for your most prized and valuable possessions. The lower level offers flexibility based upon your housing needs. It is ideal to entertain friends and experience family fun on the downstairs terrace, then enjoy the heated saltwater pool, spa and the
lavishly landscaped private backyard with a welcoming fireplace.
The large circular driveway leads you to a spacious side driveway and side entry into the home’s three-car garage with space for everyone’s car.
This exceptional home combines luxury, plenty of square footage, amenities and toprated Marvin schools for a truly exceptional lifestyle. Enjoy membership to Country Club of the Carolinas at Firethorne to make connections through golf, tennis, member only swimming pools, member only fine and casual dining, golf shop, fitness center, lively bars, events and more. Everything you need is here without ever leaving the neighborhood!
Firethorne is also accessible to shopping, dining and entertainment in Ballantyne, Blakeney, Waverly, Rea Farms, Indian Land and other nearby communities. If you need to pick up the pace and visit Uptown or if travel is on your agenda and you need to head to the airport, then I-485 can easily lead you to both.
Kristen would be excited to show you this home and work with you and/or your sales agent to make it your new residence. She grew up in the Charlotte area and with her market knowledge in NC and SC, she has the advantage to connect anyone to the right property to buy and help them identify the right time to sell. Kristen graciously exceeds all expectations when working with affluent buyers and sellers. She is a broker at the Brandon Lawn Real Estate firm.
> Get to know Kristen and let her help you make a great decision about your next home purchase or sale. Reach out to her at 704.661.9379 or at kristenstrause@ blrealestate.com and read her team page at blrealestate.com.
Brenda Lieberman, NP, Dr. Mala Freeman-Kwaku, Dr. Deborah Warren
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Building Healthy Lives, One Step at a Time
Cross Country for Youth
Writers: Edie Marshall, Effie Russell and Reggie McAfee
Photography: Cross Country for Youth
The mission of Cross Country for Youth (CCFY) is to impact the lives of children by equipping them with skills to run cross country and to live healthy lives with character. CCFY is a unique fitness program that introduces young people to cross-country training, character-building, nutrition concepts, and social-emotional learning to develop the whole person.
By fulfilling its mission of building healthy lives with character, the organization addresses two of the most important components of a child’s development at the most vulnerable stage in their lives—great health and strong character. Fitness and cross-country serve as a path to give kids direction, discipline, and a positive sense of purpose.
Charlotte resident and Executive Director/Founder of the 501(c)(3) organization, Reggie McAfee, is a UNC Chapel Hill graduate and former four time – All-American in track and field. McAfee made history on April 21, 1973, when he became the first African American to run a sub-fourminute mile, finishing in 3:59.3 at the Big 3 Meet in Raleigh, North Carolina. He went on to break the four-minute barrier five times, cementing his legacy as
Reggie McAfee
a pioneer in American track and field. After a successful athletic and professional career, including years as an executive with Xerox Corporation, McAfee turned his passion toward giving back to youth. He founded CCFY to help children develop not only athletic skills but also the tools to prepare them for future opportunities and to grow into responsible, impactful citizens.
CCFY serves boys and girls ages 8–14 in grades 3–8. Because it is a nonprofit corporation, the organization provides scholarships funded by sponsorships, contributions, and gifts to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate. The 10-week program includes classroom lessons with 30-minute sessions on character, nutrition, and social/ emotional development; Cross Country Training with 60 minutes of structured running workouts designed to build fitness, resilience, and positive attitudes toward health and physical activity; and comprehensive support with training led by qualified cross-country coaches, CPR and first-aid certified staff, insurance coverage, competitions, refreshments, program t-shirts, and awards. Through this holistic approach, students don’t just develop an athletic foundation, they gain the
character, confidence, and resilience to succeed in every area of life. Each fall season culminates in inspiring competitions that allow students to showcase their growth, celebrate their accomplishments, and strengthen bonds with their peers, families, and community.
Now celebrating its 19th year, Cross Country for Youth continues to empower the next generation, carrying forward McAfee’s vision of helping young people live healthier, stronger, and more character-driven lives that will impact their schools, families, and communities for years to come.
Mark your calendars! On December 6th, Cross Country for Youth will host its Inaugural 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run. This exciting community event will be held at McAlpine Greenway Park and is open to the public. Bring your family, friends, and running shoes for a day of fun, fitness, and celebration!
> Learn more about Cross Country for Youth and consider supporting the organization and Charlotte area youth at crosscountryforyouth.org
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Plan Your Next
Family Get-Away
Sailing Is a Great Way to Bring Everyone Together
Writers: Effie Russell and Edie Marshall
Photography: Provided
If you didn’t get enough family fun during the summer, then relax and make plans now for your next family vacation during the upcoming holiday season or for next year’s spring break. Plan a trip for the whole family including your extended family members, especially the parents/ grandparents, even the aunts, uncles and cousins. Make it a family affair! We’ve discovered that there’s a relatively easy way to travel with your family on a cruise. By way of cruise ships, you can visit multiple destinations while enjoying
the comfort and convenience of the same staterooms throughout your entire vacation. Whether you’re exploring with fully planned shore excursions or discovering what’s on board there are wide ranges of activities for all ages, award-winning entertainment and complimentary family programming. There is something for everyone. One of our favorite cruise lines is Norwegian and Travel Weekly agrees. Norwegian now even has its own private island for you to visit as part of your itinerary. Great
Debbie Ann Powellstock.adobe.com
Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas isn’t just an island in the Bahamas, it’s an escape to the great life and the great life isn’t just about cruising to your very own private island, it’s about unlocking a state of mind in a beautiful place. It’s a cool drink in your hand at the 28,000 square foot pool, the roar of jet skis and a gentle breeze through your cabana. It’s shouting at the top of your lungs as you and your kids race down the larger-than-life tower of water slides. And it’s gazing onto white sand beaches all afternoon. Here, you have the freedom to do what you want, when you want. That’s The Great Life, and it will get even GREATER on the incredible, new Great Stirrup Cay once the island is fully developed and complete. We love it!
We’ve enjoyed some of the best features while cruising with Norwegian. One to celebrate is the incredible value while traveling with kids. There are free kids’ clubs, free dining and kids sail for free on some trips. There are also free airfare benefits offered for second guests, unlimited open bars and much more. There are so many opportunities to give your family the valuable time they deserve, appreciate the experiences and create treasured memories. Enjoy short trips to the Caribbean or expand your horizons and sail further away to other islands.
Some cruise lines like Norwegian offer special accommodations for families, offer multiple bedroom suites
and discounts for booking multiple cabins. Concierge services are also available for planning pre-arranged meals, parties, babysitting services, shore excursions and more.
There is something on board for every age group or interest including a Guppies Program for very young kids, a Splash Academy and Entourage for older kids. Also, if you need to get away from the kids, parents and in-laws for a date night or quiet time then there are adult bars with vibrant nightlife, adult spas and other adult-only spaces for you to enjoy alone or with your spouse or partner.
> Learn more about Norwegian Cruise Lines at ncl.com. Plan now and enjoy!
A Delicious Late Summer/Early Fall
Dessert
Barbara’s No-Bake Fresh Peach Pie for Your Family
Writers: Barbara McKay, Melinda Willms and Effie Russell
Photography: Mark Hanson, Barbara McKay and Provided
Barbara McKay always has just the right answer on everything for the family. She has a perfect late summer/early fall dessert to share with you and your family. Her family loves it!
It’s the end of the summer and as the peach season comes to a close, Barbara recommends that we capture the last sweetness of summer by enjoying a fresh peach pie! Her thoughtful no-bake fresh peach pie doesn’t even require us to turn the oven on and add more heat in the kitchen. It’s light and very refreshing to enjoy after a meal or just as a snack.
Barbara, an advisor to the magazine, continues to impress with her high energy level and always gives us the best recipes for entertaining or for just dining with the family. That’s why her lifestyle book is still flying off the shelves and tables at book signings and why WBTV still asks her to come back and guest host their midday show occasionally. If you haven’t already picked up a copy of her book, you’ll want to purchase a copy of Coming Home: Recipes and Reflections from a Life in the Spotlight from Amazon or from her website barbaramckay.com. It’s also perfect for sharing as a gift for any occasion.
In addition to preparing dishes from her book that you can share with your family and friends, you’ll be inspired while reading about Barbara’s wonderful life of travel and her 29year career at WBTV while raising her children. Her kids are even more important in her life today. They are all grown up with children of their own and Barbara enjoys traveling with the whole family. This year Barbara traveled with her kids and grandkids throughout Italy.
Barbara visits her kids frequently in Atlanta and whenever she’s with them during this season they always ask for her peach pie. Her recipe is below. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 Prepared Graham Cracker Crust
• 6-8 Fresh peaches peeled and sliced
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1/4 cup Cornstarch
• 1 cup Water
• 1 Tablespoon Corn Syrup
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla
• 1/2 small package Peach Jello
• Sweetened whipped cream
INSTRUCTIONS
• Prepare a deep-dish graham cracker crust according to the directions on the box of graham crumbs.
• Cover the crust in peeled and layer, sliced peaches. The number of peaches will depend on their size.
• In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, water, corn syrup and vanilla. Bring to a boil and lower heat to a simmer, stirring constantly, simmer until thickened. This takes only a few minutes so watch carefully. Stir in the half package of Jello until dissolved. Pour the mixture over the peaches and refrigerate until firm.
• Arrange peaches on top and with sweetened whipped cream.
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Spending Quality Family Time Having Simple Fun
Writers: Edie Marshall
Photography: Provided
Now that summer is ending and the days are getting shorter, it’s time to create new routines mostly wrapped around back to school, work or kids’ events. However, there is plenty of time to spend with your family having fun, especially on weekends and on days when the weather may not be good for outdoor activities.
We suggest you make the best use of your family time by sharing, caring and having fun with your kids and extended family by reading and educating kids on math, finances and current events. Spend time baking, cooking, playing games, creating arts and crafts and dancing with your kids and the family indoors. On good weather days, enjoy gardening outdoors and plan a picnic when the weather is nice.
Remember, memories outlive most of the material things we give to our family members, so cherish every day as a gift with them.
At Zinicola, the table is a celebration, a coming together of time and place bolstered by exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We want you to feel at home. We want our food to inspire. We want you to know that a refined experience doesn’t have to feel cold. Instead, we aim to feed the soul and we invite you to our table. Above all else, we welcome you to sample our authentic Italian cuisine & wine selection today!
Art Galleries:
Providence Art Gallery
Auto - New, Used, and Service:
Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte
Country Clubs:
The Club at Longview
Education:
Barbara McKay, Speaker and Author
Carmel Christian School
Entertainment:
Israel Devaux, Pianist
Charlotte Ballet
Financial Services:
Wealth Enhancement Group
Gina LaRosa, Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgages
Fitness & Wellness:
Perspire Sauna
New Day Wellness Center
Home Furnishings and Interior Design:
Nouvelle Furnishings
Stage It, Staging, Interior Designs and Renovations
Home Services:
A Diamond In The Rough Cleaning
Window Source of the Carolinas
Electric Solutions
Hotels:
Hyatt Centric SouthPark
Philanthropy:
Allegro Foundation
Alzheimer's Association
Cross Country For Youth
Isabella Santos
Physicians & Medical:
Arboretum Dentistry
Arboretum Gynecology
FYZICAL Pineville
Dr. Kristin Black, New Day Wellness Center
Professional Services:
Zeaba Computer Solutions
Paul Williams III, Photography
Real Estate:
Anise Monroe, Alliance Realty
Jackie Smith, Charlotte’s Finest
Properties, RE/MAX Executive
Michelle Zawacki, BHHS Carolinas Realty
Robin Nitsche, Premier Sotheby’s
International Realty
Marsela Green, BHHS Carolinas Realty
Kristen Strause, Brandon Lawn Real Estate
Restaurants:
C&W Steakhouse Ballantyne
Sunflour Baking Company
Zinicola Italian Restaurant
Giovanna Italian Restaurant
Amelie’s - French Bakery and Cafe
MIZU Wood-Fired Grill Restaurant
Enzo’s Italian Market
Salons and Spas:
BJ Cherry Hair Designs
Le Petit Spa
Shopping:
DSRVNG
Paul Simon
Veterinarians and Pet Care:
Charlotte Companion Animal Hospital
