Lake Norman Currents 0112

Currents Stylish scarves for winter A storybook home in Davidson

the

feel good issue

The 2011 LNHBA Best of the Lake winners Tim Caldwell’s story of triumph

vol. 3 number

January 2012

1

www.LnCurrents.com

Mid-Atlantic Boat Show join us at the

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Benefits of Membership Include: • Casual Waterfront Dining Room with year round Social & Dining Events and additional activities including the Wine Society, Kids Night Out and Summer Camp • Wet slips, fully stocked Ship’s Store, Fuel Dock & pump-out facilities.

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January 26-29, 2012 Join us in the quaint mountain village of Blowing Rock, North Carolina for the 14th Annual Blowing Rock Winterfest!

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L AKE N ORMAN’S M OST D ISTINCTIVE H OMES Peninsula Waterfront Tuscan Villa Extraordinary waterfront hilltop Tuscan Villa w/breathtaking sunset/sunrise views .Stone & limestone exterior w/tile roof. Wide plank distressed HW floors, 4 fireplaces, Wine Cellar, salt water pool & spa. Veranda off master suite, flagstone loggias,3 car garage w/porte-cochere. Trek pier w/covered boatslip, lift. Agent: Lori Ivester Jackson 704-996-5686 $ 2,595,000

Lake Norman Waterfront Estate One of the premier settings on Lake Norman. Stunningly appointed Tuscan style villa with unobstructed breathtaking views, dramatic 400 foot entry drive, to spectacularly landscaped estate home. Impeccably maintained with marble, Mexican hand carved limestone, mahogany, and Brazilian teak throughout, this home. Wide open views of Lake Norman and beautiful Lake Norman State Park from all rooms. MLS# 2009868 Agent: Reed Jackson 704-713-3623 $ 2,549,900

Peninsula Waterfront

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Beautiful waterfront setting on one of The Peninsula’s best streets just blocks from the clubhouse. Appealing floor plan with just the right amount of space. Views from all the key rooms, open floor plan, marble tiled master bath. Great billiard room for entertaining. Two studies for home office set ups. Attractive landscaping, and appealing architectural façade. MLS2047098 Agent: Lori Jackson 704-996-5686

Extraordinary old world masterpiece by Dienst, marketed with show quality furnishings included. Just turn the key and begin to enjoy this exquisitely appointed custom home with extraordinary attention to detail. Large main level master suite features private paneled library, secluded interior courtyard. MLS# 978647 Agents: Reed Jackson 704-713-3623 & Doris Nash 704-201-3786

Waterfront Estate home w/spa, pool & pool house w/outdoor frpl.

2nd mstr suite on lower level. Cozy family room w/coffered ceilings, large open lower level perfect for entertaining, w/kitchen. Coffered ceilings great room, granite, stainless appliances. Upper level terrace.

Additional SQFT: Pool house with living area and full bath.MLS# 2054890 Agent: Reed Jackson 704-13-3623

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Haven Hill in Davidson

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Private horse farm in Davidson with multiple pastures and creeks.

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One of the most uniquely beautiful properties in the area. MLS#2049841 Agent: Reed Jackson 704-713-3623

Great Waterfront. Open floor plan, Large Kitchen with huge island.

Outdoor living area includes heated pool/hot tub. MLS#998774 Agents Reed Jackson 704-713-3623 & Doris Nash 704-201-3786

Upgraded 3 Bedroom, 2 ½ bath townhome with 2 car detached garage. Great room w/gas log fireplace.

Lake Access and Community Boat Ramp! MLS#2036873 Agent: Emily Duke 704-907-1252

$ 1,149,900

$ 229,000

Lots of upgrades in this wellmaintained charming Charleston style home. 3 Bedrooms/2.5 Baths.

Located in waterfront community.

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Contents |

10 The Main Channel 14 Porthole 19 16 Captain’s Chair What’s hip at Lake Norman

Cookies for a Cause and Chips for a Cause

Rhonda Hollingsworth utilizes lots of resources to organize Cornelius PARC events

19 Rip Currents — Style Take on January’s low temperatures with a sassy scarf

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20 Tom’s Jobs 22 Rip Currents — People 24 Smooth Sailing 26 Youth Matters 22 30 Special Section Tom learns the science involved with making pizza

Tim Caldwell turns tragedy into triumph

Lori K. Tate goes to boot camp

26

Guitarist Steven Ray is proof that practice makes perfect

The Lake Norman Homebuilders Association’s 2011 Best of the Lake Design winners

42 The Galley with

Lynn and Glenn

La Patisserie offers flavors from all over the world

46 Around the Track Mike Wallace teaches the family business to a new generation

54

48 Grapevine

Sangiovese — Two-thousand years of history locked in a bottle

52 Game On

The senior instructors at Acrofitness teach exercise at new heights

54 Home Port Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Davidson’s Wilmesher family resides in a storybook showcase

61 Currently

The Lake Norman YMCA’s inaugural Polar Bear Plunge makes a chilly splash

64 One More Thing Angels of ’97 keeps memories alive while helping local students

6

52

42 20

At the Helm |

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

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

2010 Gold MarCom Award Winner for Best Magazine 2009 APEX Award Winner for Publication Excellence

Subscriptions are available for $19 per year.

Send us your name, address, phone number and a check made payable to Lake Norman CURRENTS at the address below and we’ll start your subscription with the next available issue.

photo by Glenn Roberson

Lori K. Tate

Enjoy the Small Victories

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.

Give yourself a break

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

I’m doing it again. Every January I get these big ideas about how organized I’m going to be during the upcoming year. I dream about color-coded closets, alphabetized spice racks, immediately filed receipts and labeled bins. In the midst of this fantasy I’ll purchase at least two organizing products that will most likely sit in the bottom of my unorganized closet.

If I polled my friends, I’m sure I’d discover that I’m not the only one who does this. Big or small, hope is something we all bring to a new year. This might be the year you get married, have a baby or get that big promotion. It could be the year you swear off drinking soft drinks, chewing gum or making daily trips to Starbucks. Whatever your goal, there’s something powerful about discarding an old calendar and hanging a new one that leads us to believe that we can make a fresh start.

An eternal optimist, I’m not giving up on my dream of having an organized home, but I am going to be more realistic about it this year. The fact is I have two 23-month olds who take great pleasure in pulling out every single toy they own on a daily basis.

They also adore raiding our Tupperware cabinet just to see if there are any new items that need inspection. And recently they learned the art of throwing food. Who knew blueberries were so aerodynamic?

8

Obviously, the odds are stacked against me, but here’s where my new philosophy kicks in. By accepting the fact that my house is never going to be perfect, I can rejoice in the small victories.

If I manage to keep the kitchen counters clutter free, I’m going to pat myself on the back. If I can organize the playroom, that’ll make me smile. If I clean out my chest of drawers, that’ll make me feel good, too. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about — feeling good.

Often in life we focus too much on the big goals that we don’t give ourselves credit for accomplishing the smaller ones. Maybe if we celebrated life’s tiny triumphs, we would enjoy ourselves more.

So this year as you think about your New Year’s resolutions, give yourself a break. Instead of giving up sweets completely, give them up on Mondays and Wednesdays. Instead of vowing to work out every morning, work out every other morning. By giving yourself credit for taking small steps, you might find you’re on your way to great things.

As for me, I’m starting with my chest of drawers. Happy New Year!

Lori K. Tate Editor Lori@LNCurrents.com Sharon Simpson Publisher Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Carole Lambert Advertising Sales Executive Carole@LNCurrents.com

Cindy Gleason Advertising Sales Executive Cindy@LNCurrents.com

Jennifer Patnode Advertising Sales Executive Jennifer@LNCurrents.com

Kim Morton Advertising Sales Executive Kim@LNCurrents.com

Trisha Robinson Advertising Sales Executive Trisha@LNCurrents.com SPARK Publications Publication Design & Production info@SPARKpublications.com www.SPARKpublications.com Ad Production - Stacie Mounts About the Cover: The photo of the playroom in the Wilmesher family’s Davidson home is courtesy of Karl Plattner, the builder of the home.

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.

Lake Norman CURRENTS P.O. Box 1676, Cornelius, NC 28031 704-749-8788 • www.LNCurrents.com 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 Venture Magazines, LLC.

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Expressing Himself Brad Doane adds color to instruments through Guitart

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Brad Doane of Mooresville paints all kinds of stringed instruments, including electric guitars and mandolins. Right now he’s working on his first violin.

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Brad Doane has played guitar for more than 30 years, but it wasn’t until four years ago that he discovered a whole new way to express himself through the instrument.

“I’ve always had guitars laying around that I wasn’t using,” explains Doane, who co-owns Four Seasons, a patio and recreation store in Mooresville. “One day a friend said, ‘Why don’t you just hang one of those guitars on the wall?’ ” The New England native thought the plain guitars looked a tad boring, so he decided to jazz them up a bit.

“I took a paintbrush and made a few designs, and the whole thing just kind of took off,” he says.

Soon he came up with a name for his artistic venture — Guitart by Palakapeia. Palakapeia is his first name in Hawaiian. “I’m not Hawaiian. A friend told me about the translation. I didn’t want to sign Brad or Bradford on the guitars,” Doane explains.

Regardless of the signature, folks are drawn to his work, as each guitar has a personality of its own. One might take inspiration from the Southwest, while another expresses the whimsy of The Beatles’ colorful phase.

Doane simply paints what he feels.

Some projects take a week to complete, while others have taken three months. “It just depends on how intricate the design is and how much extra time I have,” says Doane, who paints in a studio in his Mooresville home and also does custom designs. “It’s one of those hobbies that when you have time you put a little more time into it.”

Doane paints all kinds of stringed instruments, including electric guitars and mandolins. Right now he’s working on his first violin.

“Being in the retail world it can get stressful, so this is just a way to relax me and calm me down,” he says. “I just think a guitar or any type of stringed instrument is beautiful to begin with, and then if I can take it to the next level and make it even better, it’s awesome.”

— Lori K. Tate, photography by Candy Howard The Scoop You can see Guitart by Palakapeia at Four Seasons, 631 Brawley School Road, Mooresville or The Wine Dive, 807 Williamson Road, #110, Mooresville. For more information, call 603.998.3260. www.LNCurrents.com

Six Fun Things to do in January

Just Make It

Don’t let the cold weather get you down Get Artsy

Get Musical

Van Every/Smith Galleries, Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Art Center On January 18, Recent Gifts and Acquisitions opens. The exhibit features a major piece by Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz. The opening will also showcase Works on Paper by Sean Scully, and mark the release of Davidson Collects: 100 Writers Respond to Art. This 280-page full-color book describes the history of Davidson’s visual art program and includes 100 essays by Davidson students about works in the permanent collection. Project organizers Professor Van Hilliard and Gallery Director Brad Thomas will speak about the project at 7:30 p.m. Weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. Davidson College, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, 704.894.2519, www.davidson.edu/art/galleries.

Davidson College Artist Series (January 30) Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Jazz Orchestra perform. These musicians present not merely a jazz recital, but a high-energy stage show described by Davis as “The Rat Pack meets The Dean Martin Variety Show with a touch of Prairie Home Companion.” 8 p.m. $20. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, 704.894.2135, www.davidson.edu/tickets.

Get Chilly Polar Bear Plunge (January 14) Take a quick swim in Lake Cornelius followed by food and entertainment. Proceeds go to the YMCA’s Community Support Campaign, which provides funds for several different programs at the YMCA such as summer camp, Y Readers and the Adaptive Water Skiing Program. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $20 a person; register at member services. Lake Norman YMCA, www.ymcacharlotte.org.

Get Game

www.LNCurrents.com

First Footin’ (January 1) Rural Hill hosts its first annual First Footin’ event on New Year’s Day. This hike and celebration of Hogmanay, or Scottish New Year, also includes a five-mile race. After the hike and the race, you can enjoy a presentation of “Stone Soup” at 12:30 p.m., followed by a luncheon and fellowship. 11 a.m. Free, run is $30. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, www.ruralhill.net/FirstFootinFive.asp.

Ingredients 2 stalks of celery (rinsed and ends cut off, sliced thinly) 2 to 3 sprigs of fresh sage (cut in strips) 2 to 3 cloves of garlic (peeled and chopped) 4 to 6 anchovy filets in oil (chopped fine) 1/4 extra virgin olive oil 1 cup brown dry lentils 3 cups vegetable or meat stock 1 can (14 ounces) peeled tomatoes (chopped) 2 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano (Campania uses only Pecorino Romano), but you may substitute Parmesan cheese Instructions Heat one tablespoon of oil. Stir in garlic, anchovies, sage and celery and sauté briefly.

Pour in lentils and stir well. Pour in stock and bring to a low boil. Chop tomatoes and add to pot along with the juice.

Season soup with pepper. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 40 minutes until the lentils are done; stirring occasionally. Keep it at a low simmer.

Add salt to taste. Serve and top with fresh grated cheese.

Get Theatrical Sleeping Beauty (January 27-29) The Davidson College Department of Theatre and Davidson Community Players’ Connie Company perform this classic fairy tale.

Friday 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. $7. The Barber Theatre of the Cunningham Theatre Center, Davidson College, 704.892.7953, www. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Davidson College Men’s Basketball It’s time for some hoops with the Wildcats.

Georgia Southern (Jan 7, 3 p.m.), Western Carolina (Jan 12, 7 p.m.), College of Charleston (Jan 19, 7 p.m.), The Citadel (Jan 21, 7 p.m.). Davidson College, www.davidsonwildcats.com.

Get Physical

Zuppa di Lenticchie from Campania Café & Trattoria in Davidson

Main Channel |

Food, Friends and Creativity The Weather Creek Writers’ Series offers monthly workshops with a retreat feel For aspiring and experienced writers, conferences focusing on the many aspects of the craft can be found year round and in just about every state. But in today’s fast-paced society, taking the time to travel to a three- or four-day conference might sound like a luxury most writers simply can’t afford.

In response to a growing need, writer and editor Ann Wicker, along with sisters Susan and Cindy Campbell, had the idea to offer a writers’ series at a local farm because so many writers today often lack the time and resources to attend lengthy workshops and conferences. The house where the workshops take place in rural Iredell County is a rustic and gorgeous cabin built from logs salvaged from Susan and Cindy’s mother’s home in Mt. Ulla.

The Weathers Creek Writers’ Series will offer 10 writing workshops in 2012, in addition to a few workshops focused on art. The workshops

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

12

cost $75 and run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost includes lunch, which consists of fresh seasonal foods from the farm.

The series provides an intimate workshop setting for experienced freelancers, published authors and other writers in various stages of their careers. Space for the workshop is limited to 14 students. The following Saturday workshops are planned for the beginning months of 2012: January 21 – Social Media: The Web Ahead for Writers Ian Huckabee helps writers discover new ways to use the web and social media to build an audience and an online engagement with readers, other writers, publishers, bookstores and reviewers.

February 18 – The Absent Witness: The Art of Reconstructing Reality In Nonfiction Award-winning journalist and author Ron

Stodghill explores the techniques and tools for writing emotionally layered narrative nonfiction by reassembling scenes, moments and characters that have slipped away into the past.

March 10 – Writing Memoir In this workshop with Jessica Handler, writers can develop their memoirs so that it resonates not only with the author, but also with readers everywhere. Open to writers of all levels.

April 14 – Cooking Up Family History Award-winning writer and cookbook author Debbie Moose shows participants how to preserve family recipes and history through making a family cookbook.

– Renee Roberson The Scoop For more information about The Weathers Creek Writers’ Series, call 704.662.0187 or visit www.weatherscreek.net.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Cookies for a Cause and Chips for a Cause

Cookies for a Cause and Chips for a Cause, founded by husband and wife, Elise A. Redmond and Doug Redmond, respectively, took place on December 9 at The Peninsula Club in Cornelius.

Cookies for a Cause transformed the quaint, southern tradition of the holiday cookie exchange into an outrageous diva-style cookie bash. The more than 160 ladies in attendance managed to step out in fetching designer attire, shake it on the dance floor, dine on exquisite cuisine and swap a few (1,000) cookies.

More than 160 gentlemen attended the inaugural Chips for a Cause Gentlemen’s Poker Night. The all-male fundraiser featured cigar smoking, poker playing and a jewelry auction. Later than evening the men and women joined together for an After-Hours Party.

The events raised $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.

Cookies for a Cause events are held in honor and memory of Kristi P. Crates who passed away at the age of 35 on October 29, 2007 from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

From left, Elise Redmond, Allison Labovitz, Stefanie Timmerman, Natalie Pasquarella, Lori Ciuca and Ridgely Chapman.

More than 1,000 cookies were exchanged.

From left, Doug, Gracie and Elise Redmond. Doug and Elise founded the events.

A silent auction was part of the fun.

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

More than 160 gentlemen attended the inaugural Chips for a Cause Gentlemen’s Poker Night.

14

The men of Club Cookie.

Elise Redmond led the festivities for the evening.

Gracie Redmond collected 130 coats during the event for Channel 9’s Steve’s Coats for Kids Program.

The event raised $25,000 for the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte.

An After-Hours Party was enjoyed by all.

www.LNCurrents.com

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Downtown Shops. Boutiques. Outlets.

15

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Captains Chair |

I

by Renee Roberson photography by Glenn Roberson

n 2003, Davidson resident Rhonda Hollingsworth answered an ad for a part-time recreation assistant position with The Town of Cornelius.

During the planning of the town’s centennial celebration in 2004, the position turned full time, and she has worked as the Town of Cornelius PARC’s special events coordinator ever since.

Any event planner worth their salt knows it takes a variety of tools and resources to get the job done. But ask Hollingsworth to describe the day-to-day duties of her position and you might be surprised to find out that Twitter actually plays a large part in making sure the events she helps plan run smoothly.

Tell us a little about your position as Special Events Coordinator?

What are some of the projects you are responsible for?

I do all the special events. I also oversee the marketing for the PARC (Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture) department.

Working with the community for me is

Plugged Into Planning

Rhonda Hollingsworth utilizes lots of resources to organize Cornelius PARC events

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

In 2003, Davidson resident Rhonda Hollingsworth answered an ad for a part-time recreation assistant position with The Town of Cornelius. During the planning of the town’s centennial celebration in 2004, the position turned full time, and she has worked as the Town of Cornelius PARC’s special events coordinator ever since.

16

www.LNCurrents.com

the best part. We usually have one big thing going on every month, sometimes two. Each event usually backs up several months, from the conception of it, planning, coordinating the vendors and scheduling the staff. I’m usually planning for Christmas in July.

Our events are really a team effort. We have a great part-time staff that enables us to get a lot done. We have community partners and volunteers that we work with.

What are some of the special events with PARC that are planned for 2012?

We are definitely about recreation. We work together on a lot of things. We’re hopefully going to be planning a 5K. In January we start a lot of our new recreation classes at the beginning of the year. I try to incorporate active activities, so you’re active, involved and engaged. We’re also taking a bigger look at concessions at our events.

We’re trying to get a little healthier and be mindful of the choices we’re offering.

Do you have any funny stories to share about events in years past, such as an event not turning out as planned or having more of a turnout than expected?

I think for us, the weather for outdoor events is the one factor that we cannot control.

I’ve been standing under a tent in a torrential downpour, and five minutes later, it’s bright and sunny. With Twitter, I hook into all the meteorologists for all the weather regarding the events. You can track what the weather is doing, and it really does help. It keeps you dialed in. It’s a great tool we can use.

The dog show is always funny with all the kids and animals. It’s one of my favorite events of the year. The dogs sometimes get stage fright.

What does an average day on the job look like for you?

It can vary. It depends on where we are in

planning. We work together in the department. We have meetings to determine schedules and contacting facilities. I get out and network with some of my peers in the other towns. The work is seasonal. The week before an event is fast and furious. We’re getting materials out there, going on-site. The day of the event you get in early and get started.

When you’re not planning events for PARC, what are some of your favorite recreational things to do in the area?

I do try to get out when I don’t have an event going on and attend others. I like to work out outside, particularly at Bailey Road Park.

My husband is a big fisherman so sometimes I’ll tag along with him to Lake Norman State Park. I’m learning how to golf. LNC

To read more about Rhonda Hollingsworth, visit www.lncurrents.com.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Rip Currents –Style |

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Heartthrob

Tom’s Jobs |

by Tom Cotter photography by Glenn Roberson

N

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

o matter what your age, religion, sex or political affiliation, there are really only two basic truths in life: Basic Truth #1 — Pizza is the perfect food.

I have been in love with pizza my whole life.

As a kid I remember my mom dropping me off at the local slot car track on Saturday. She would give me an extra .50 for lunch at the nearby pizza place. How times have changed — a slice and a soda for .50.

Pizza is easy to eat, with no utensils required.

Pizza is delicious, and from what I understand, like macaroni and cheese, pizza now qualifies as a vegetable, at least when served as school lunch.

So it was a dream come true for me when I was invited by owner Craig Caminiti to become a pizza maker at Brooklyn Brothers Pizza in Denver last month. I would be the guy flipping the dough, ladling on the tomato sauce and spreading just the right amount of Mozzarella cheese.

Actually what I found out is that making great pizza is a lot more scientific than I had imagined.

Caminiti, 43, has been a pizza maker since he was a teenager. Having grown up on Long Island, he worked his way through restaurants as he honed his skills. Even a four-year degree in accounting from Hofstra University didn’t shake his desire to be in the restaurant business.

Today, Caminiti, along with his brother, Tom says the first couple of pizzas he made at Brooklyn Brothers Pizza in Keith, and a couple of other managing part- Denver were “experiments.” Eventually he made some that looked pretty good. ners, own six New York-style pizza restaurants.

Caminiti opened Brooklyn South in Cornelius, with his wife, Lucy, in 1996. Next, he and Keith opened Brooklyn Boys in Mooresville, then Brooklyn Brothers in Denver a couple of years ago. His other restaurants are located in south Charlotte.

Pizza lovers travel long distances, especially on Friday and Saturday

Pizza! Pizza!

Tom learns the science involved with making pizza

20

www.LNCurrents.com

www.LNCurrents.com

produce a proper pizza pie, suitable for sale to customers that afternoon in Denver.

With his degree in accounting and a high quality, popular product to sell, Caminiti is in a good position to build a pizza empire. In fact, he said he plans to open a new wood-stove pizza restaurant concept at the new shopping complex being built off I-77 at Exit 31. But Caminiti finished my question about his business’ future with a surprising statement.

“I never want my business to get so big that

I personally can’t make pizza,” he said.

“I just love making pizza, and would rather do this than sit behind a desk.”

Fahgettaboudit!

Oh, yeah, we forgot about life’s second basic truth…

Basic Truth #2 — Just Reread Basic Truth #1.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

evenings, to eat his delicious offerings.

My day as a pizza maker started in the pizza dough department. Mix 50 pounds of flour with water, sugar, salt and yeast, and dump it into the mixer. When thoroughly mixed, the wad of dough gets plopped onto a table where it must be cut into pieces weighing exactly 23 ounces, no more and no less. This is for a standard pie — a thick Sicilian pie takes more than twice as much dough.

Caminiti explained to me that it is important to delicately handle the dough through all phases of the pizza-making process.

“Dough has glutens that bind the crust together,” he said. “If you treat the dough too roughly, the gluten bond breaks, and the crust won’t have the right ‘bite’ when a customer puts it in their mouth.”

All Caminiti’s restaurants use the same cheese from Wisconsin and the same tomato sauce from a family farm in California.

After making the dough, I was assigned to work at the pizzamaking counter. Caminiti showed me how to pat out the dough into a small disc, gradually making it bigger and bigger until it was big enough to fit in a pizza pan. Again, I was told not to “man-handle” the dough, for fear that I might break those critical gluten bonds.

Easier said than done.

Flipping the dough from hand-to-hand gently widened the dough, but then I needed to stretch it with my fists to more than twice the size, all without ripping the dough because it was too thin. Not easy.

Let’s just say that my first couple of pizzas were “experiments.” Eventually, though, I made a couple of pizzas that looked pretty good.

Popping pizzas into the oven is also a trick of the trade. You must apply just the right amount of flour to the wooden pizza “peel.”

“Too much flour, and the customer gets a mouth full of flour,” said Caminiti. “Too little and the pizza won’t slide into the oven.”

Seven minutes in the oven, and bada-bing, bada-boom, you have ready-to-eat pizza.

Finally, with enough practice, I was able to

Rip Currents –People |

T

by Mike Savicki photography by Amber Simerly

im Caldwell’s story begins like so many we hear told on the nightly news or read about in the local paper. In an instant, life can change. In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken from us.

Two days after his 12th birthday, while riding home late at night as a passenger in his father’s car, tragedy struck.

The pair was involved in an accident.

Caldwell’s father, Sam, didn’t survive the crash. Caldwell walked away with a slight concession and bruises. It was two days before Christmas.

Easing the pain

It’s About

The pain of the loss and Caldwell’s struggles to grow up without a father became too much for him. By the time he enrolled at Appalachian State University, the Cornelius native had turned to alcohol to numb the pain. His escape grew into an addiction. Caldwell says it became easier for him to exist in an altered state devoid of grief than to live with the pain and reality of his loss.

“Faith has a way of appearing when

The Attitude Tim Caldwell turns tragedy into triumph

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

After sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2002, Tim Caldwell of Cornelius has done more with his life than he could have ever imagined.

22

you least expect it,” Caldwell says. “It exists in all of us, but sometimes we just don’t know it is there.”

Caldwell’s faith appeared when he was at his lowest. Early one morning, while sitting on a friend’s couch after being awake all night, he looked down and saw his hands shaking uncontrollably.

He wondered who he had become, and he thought about his father. At that moment, Caldwell made the decision to get

www.LNCurrents.com

his life in order and sought help.

In late December 2002, two and a half years after he became sober, tragedy struck again.

Driving home alone from the Christmas holiday, Caldwell fainted behind the wheel. His car flew off an overpass and crashed on the highway below. This time Caldwell didn’t walk away. When he was awakened by a police officer, Caldwell learned he had sustained a spinal cord injury and was paralyzed.

“I had put myself and my family through the ringer for years and when this happened,” he says, “things were just starting to go pretty well.

But waking for the second time was like reliving a bad dream.”

Learning to live It’s now nine years later, and Caldwell says the skills he first learned in recovery have given him the tools he needs to live completely after the second accident. He knows he is lucky to be alive and says he has done more with his life since becoming paralyzed than he could have ever imagined. At age 34, he’s just scratching the surface.

Words like motivational and inspirational

Caldwell is a world-class wheelchair basketball player and one of the nation’s few wheelchair bodybuilders.

take on new meaning when you look at Caldwell.

He is strong, confident and collected. In 2010, he earned both his MBA and MSMR from the University of Texas at Arlington. He then returned home to be with his family and friends. On top of it all, Caldwell is a world-class wheelchair basketball player and one of the nation’s few wheelchair bodybuilders.

“My accident woke me up to the fact that life is short and if you want to do something with yourself, the time to do it is now,” Caldwell says.

“If you sit back, wait and hope for something

good that you think might come along then you might find yourself waiting a long time. And if you are asking yourself the question why, then you are asking the wrong question. What you should ask is what are you going to do about it.

Life is all about attitude.” LNC Freelance writer Mike Savicki has lived and worked in the Lake Norman area for 15 years, frequently covering the racing scene.

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23

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

in 2012

Smooth Sailing |

From left, Jeff Heal (Coach Rock) and Lori K. Tate after a session of boot camp.

by Lori K. Tate photography by Sarah McGraw

I Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

turn 40 this year — August to be exact.

Instead of fretting about the crow’s feet that have taken up residence around my eyes and buying a bunch of black balloons, I’ve decided to meet this monumental event head on by making sure I’m in the best shape possible.

I’ve been working out religiously since college, but I had come to a point where I needed more of a challenge and I didn’t know how to give myself one. Then while minding my own business a press release popped into my e-mail announcing Cornelius PARC’s Boot Camp.

Intrigued, I called Ryan Wertz, athletic supervisor for PARC, to ask if this was a good workout. “Oh yeah, you’ll get a good workout,” he said knowingly. With his “blessing,” I signed up as soon as I hung up the phone.

24

One Happy Camper Editor Lori K. Tate enlists in boot camp in an effort to combat 40 Hut, two, three, four The six-week camp meets at the track at Bailey Middle School on Saturday mornings. It begins at 7:30 a.m. and lasts for an hour. I arrived a few minutes early for my first session to find a group of super-fit men doing hard-core calisthenics in the middle of the field.

“What in the world have I gotten myself into?” I thought as a lady walked up beside me and informed me that they weren’t in our group.

Whew!

Our group turned out to be a small bunch of women of various ages. We all had different goals. One was trying to lose baby weight, others were just out of shape, while others simply wanted to tone up. Whatever the motivation, Jeff Heal, also known as Coach Rock, was ready and willing to help in a non-intimidating way.

As the owner of Fitness Together in Davidson, Coach Rock works as a personal trainer/ fitness coach. He ran track in college, where he majored in exercise physiology, and was also a www.LNCurrents.com

seven-foot high jumper. At 38, he says he’s in the best shape of his life. With a resume like that, I figured I was in good hands, plus the way he walked and talked reminded me of Vince Vaughn, one of my favorite comedic actors. I was good to go.

During the first session we did jumping jacks, sit-ups and a funny move called the karaoke, which I’m sure made me look like a Muppet running sideways. We also did push-ups (unfortunately, they weren’t the kind featuring orange sherbet). Trying to be cool, I began doing them on my feet. Coach Rock immediately told me to bend my knees instead so I would have a better range of motion. Good tip, as I was sore (in a good way) the next day, and my range of motion improved.

At the end of the workout, he asked us all what we ate prior. One girl had eaten a brownie, while another (a boot camp veteran) had made a protein shake. I was proud of myself for making it to the track by 7:30 a.m. How the heck was I supposed to have it together enough to operate a blender beforehand? I didn’t eat anything before my workout. Coach Rock immediately

told me that that was a bad idea. He said my body needed fuel to get through these superawesome workouts.

We talked more about nutrition, and then he hit me with the news that cereal is one of the worst things you can eat for breakfast. In an instant, my world was shattered, as I’ve been known to drive across town at 9 p.m. at night to get a box of Frosted Mini-Wheats. If I was really serious about this getting in super shape business, I was going to have to end my love affair with carbs and sugar. “Please say it isn’t so,” I thought.

The next day I started eating eggs and cheese for breakfast.

Building Confidence Each session seemed to be more challenging, and they were always different. Most of the time Coach Rock wrote our exercises on a dry erase board so we could see the different ways we would be challenged. One day, he simply read a list off of his iPhone. Turns out there’s an app for kicking my rear end.

“I typically think about what I’m going to

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do with everybody the night before,” explains Coach Rock. “I’ll think about some of the challenges that we had from the week before that need to be worked on and just put together a workout that is fun and challenging.”

By the end of the six weeks, my muscle tone was better, I was making strides in my nutrition program and I felt more confident about everything ­— including push-ups.

“A lot of people out there, they just don’t believe in themselves, and they just need somebody to show them that they’re capable,” says Coach Rock. “I’m really good at finding what motivates people… Once I find that thing that pushes that person, I use that to my advantage to get them to believe in themselves.”

It worked for this camper, as I’m enlisting in the next session. Take that, 40! LNC The Scoop The next six-week session of Boot Camp with Jeff Heal (Coach Rock) starts on Saturday, January 14. The cost is $40 for Cornelius residents and $48 for non-residents. It is held at the track at Bailey Middle School in Cornelius.

For more information, visit www.cornelius.org.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Youth Matters |

Strumming into the Future Guitarist Steven Ray is proof

by Scott Graf photography by Candy Howard

that practice makes perfect

H

e smiles as he thinks back on it: It was Steven Ray’s first year of school. His kindergarten teacher asked his class to draw a picture of what they wanted to be when they grew up. Steven drew a picture of himself as a guitar player. Twelve years later, Steven Ray is just that.

Steven played his first guitar — a toy with big buttons that played notes when he pushed them — at the age of 4. He was able to read music by the time he was 7. At 11, he was playing a weekly live show. He made an album of jazz standards at 14. And today, the 17-year-old wants to start a bluegrass band.

“I’ll never stop playing music,” Steven says.

Musical multi-tasking

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Steven Ray was able to read music by the time he was 7. By age 11, he was playing a weekly live show. At 14 he made an album of jazz standards.

26

Steven developed an appreciation for the guitar early in life because his father, James, is a guitarist. But the genres of music they play are quite different.

“He plays classic rock, and I play mostly jazz,” Steven explains. “That’s my forte. He always said if you can play jazz, you can play anything because it’s so intense.”

When he knew his son was interested in learning the hobby, James didn’t mess around. He bought computer software and a mini-guitar that would interact with one another to gauge Steven’s ability and challenge him accordingly.

Continued on page 28

www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Helping you live life outdoors

Youth Matters |

Continued from page 26

“Every three weeks I’d make it harder,” James says. “He had a little work station in his room. It held the guitar, and he’d just scoot up to it. And every day he’d go in there for 45 minutes or an hour, and he’d do 100 pages with four notes per page.”

James soon bought Steven four books full of jazz music. Steven was 8 and learning songs at a pace of three a day.

“He would come home, turn on SpongeBob SquarePants, and he’d sit there with the sound off,” James says. “He’d play these jazz songs and laugh at the cartoons. He was multi-tasking.”

A hefty hobby Today, Steven’s resume includes a string of live shows at the food court of the Charlotte airport, evening gigs at local fine dining restaurants, a church band, his high school band and a local jazz initiative. He’s also a member of the Lake Norman Big Band. Steven estimates he plays in front of a live audience between two and three times a week.

The Rays say they own about 20 different

Steven’s favorite instrument is the Gibson 135 guitar.

stringed instruments. That includes your typical acoustic and electric guitars, as well as lesser-known pieces such as a bantar and a dobro.

Steven’s favorite? That would be the Gibson 135 guitar.

“It’s multidimensional,” Steven says. “You can play it for rock, you can play it for jazz, you can play it for blues.”

And who does the guitarist listen to when he’s not playing music? Depends on what kind of mood he’s in. Steven loves guitarist Joe Pass when he wants jazz. If he’s in a bluegrass mood,

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Helping families remember

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

someone they love is our goal at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Services. For five generations our family has worked with other local families to create a meaningful experience, offering funeral options tailored to their needs. We are proud to be a part of the Lake Norman community and proud to carry on the tradition of excellence started by the Raymer family in 1989.

Thank you for allowing our family to guide and comfort you through the loss of a loved one.

it’s Tony Rice. He’s also a fan of singer-songwriters Jason Mraz and John Mayer.

Steven is a senior at Cox Mill High School in Concord and ranks in the top 15 in his class. He plans on studying engineering at North Carolina State University or UNC Charlotte. Steven says he would love to make music his career, but thinks it’ll be more realistic to pursue it as a hobby. He envisions a future in which he spends his days working as a chemical or civil engineer and playing music in his spare time.

And as he’s shown since kindergarten, Steven is pretty good at making his plans a reality. LNC The Scoop

Want to see Steven live? You can catch him and other members of The Lake Norman Big Band the fourth Monday of each month (7-9 p.m.) at Finish Line Restaurant and Lounge at George Pappas’ Victory Lane bowling alley in Mooresville.

Scott Graf is a Corneliusbased broadcaster and freelance writer. A native of Iowa, he has lived in the Lake Norman area since 2006.

DINOSAURS January 28 — September 2, 2012

John & Claudia Kepner with son Jonathan

Walk among the dinosaurs in an immersive prehistoric setting offering a glimpse of late Permian, late Jurassic and late Cretaceous periods. Exhibit features roaring robotic dinosaurs, including King of the Dinosaurs Tyrannosaurus rex — along with Triceratops, Pachycephalosaurus, Dimetrodon, Stegosaurus and a mother Apatosaurus protecting her newly hatched babies.

Visit the exhibit’s paleo-research camp, dig for fossils and more. Check www.CatawbaScience.org for weekly Dino Demos, special events and exhibit-related programs.

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Catawba Science Center • 243 3rd Ave. NE • Hickory (828) 322-8169 • www.CatawbaScience.org www.LNCurrents.com

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Best Of The Lake Awards

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association

Honoring the Best of the Best

It is time once again to salute the winners of The Best of the Lake design competition, an annual contest sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association, the area's preeminent professional association dedicated to the enrichment of the Lake Norman Community and its housing industry. The renowned competition affords designers, builders and trade craftsmen with the opportunity to showcase their extensive creative talents.

Queen City partnered with Electrolux to sponsor this year’s event. Having Queen City as a hometown favorite and Electrolux whose U.S. headquarters is based in Charlotte, partnering for this esteemed showcase seemed the perfect fit. Together they hosted the event celebrating the builders, designers and craftsmen who entered new custom homes, whole house renovations, kitchen and bath renovations, outdoor living spaces, and interior design projects for consideration by the judges.

As in years past, entries were kept anonymous, ensuring that all of the professional and well-qualified judges were unaware of which entrants provided which entries, Judging is based on a set criteria formed around design originality, construction accomplishments and challenges, and solutions to those challenges.

The winners of this year's competition serve as an inspiration to the greater community at large, reminding us of the positive impact of the association and of its constant embrace of integrity. This special section is devoted to the winners and serves to briefly extol the merits of each, highlighting the timeless and innovative features that set these projects apart.

■ BEST IN SHOW Karl Plattner of PLATTNER CUSTOM BUILDERS from the category…

CUSTOM NEW HOME $701K TO $1 MILLION

This impressive home brought the client's vision to life. The builder even visited a local tour of homes with the client to get a feel for what she wanted. When you drive up you will see the home illuminated with gas lanterns. Inside you’ll be greeted by a stunning staircase with a Juliet balcony. The finishes are spectacular; the kitchen island has a walnut countertop, the floors are handscraped walnut and the walls are imported Italian plaster. There are unique features around every corner to delight this family.

2012 ■ Custom New Homes $1M - $2M Christie Hand with TITAN CUSTOM BUILDER

This timeless home is elegant and comfortable. Lake views were maximized with a large picture window in the family room and feature Nantucket-style windows across the back of the home.

The floors are rustic wide-plank barn wood hardwood. The open kitchen offers a large island and a gray glass backsplash. The colors throughout this home were inspired by the beach — giving it a warm, inviting feel. Most of all it is a welcoming home and encourages the owners to come in, put their feet up and stay awhile.

$701k - $1M Karl Plattner with PLATTNER CUSTOM BUILDERS

The judges commented that this home is, “Very impressive! Great job!”

$501k - $700k Karl Plattner with PLATTNER CUSTOM BUILDERS

This beautiful custom home was crafted with top-quality materials, is family friendly with an open floorplan, screened-in porch with fireplace, finished basement and has plenty of storage. It has classic craftsman details with a contemporary touch. Custom made mahogany double front doors, heavy trim work, bead board, coffered ceiling, recessed panel molding, extra large baseboards and crown moldings set this home apart. Add to that Kitchen Aid appliances, high-end branded black windows and an upgraded sound system. These homeowners love their personalized touches!

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

■ Spec New Homes $701k - $1M Steve and Kandy Schreiner with SCHREINER CUSTOM HOMES

An Old World style architectural plan was custom designed for the speculative home to be built according to the high-end, family oriented gated community. Careful consideration was given in the choice of compatible brick and rustic mix of cultured stone on the exterior, especially the portico and wing wall details. Vaulted ceilings, expansive windows, stone fireplace and custom cabinetry are some of the special features in this Old World-style home. This home boasts a mixture of practicality and luxury. Its entertaining and sleeping areas provide plenty of space for people of all ages.

30

www.LNCurrents.com

Let us orchestrate your dream.

For the perfect products for your kitchen or bath, stop by a Ferguson showroom.It’s where you’ll find the largest range of quality brands, a symphony of ideas, and trained consultants to help orchestrate your dream. With showrooms from coast to coast, come see why Ferguson is recommended by professional contractors and designers everywhere.

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Best Of The Lake Awards

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association

$350k - $500k Jim Feldman with LAKEMIST HOMES

This home is an Energy Star-rated, Craftsman-style home with an open floorplan, spacious kitchen, formal rooms and home office. While keeping costs in mind, the home was designed to include upscale details including a mudroom, butler's pantry and Aegean wood front door.

All of the countertops are granite. Ample trim details, rounded wall corners and smooth ceilings render a softness and comfort throughout. It has a low maintenance exterior, and an interior with decorator coordinated plumbing fixtures and lighting. Custom dramatic details can be found throughout.

■ Whole House Renovations More than $500k Ray Kelly with KELLY CUSTOM BUILDERS

This home transformation was a classic case of taking a strong foundation and making it a spectacular reflection of the homeowner's dreams. While keeping the utilities available, and the cat in check, the builder improved the efficiency and added custom features. The exterior was kept low maintenance while maintaining a quality custom feel. The interior finishes echoed a lakeside cottage feel, and the garage was engineered to accommodate a car lift requiring a 10' ceiling. From cedar beams to distressed pine flooring this home became a showcase that fit the clients' and the property perfectly.

$276k - $500k Roger Layman with ROGER LAYMAN ARCHITECTURE

The architect was asked to create an open, inviting home with better flow for entertaining and space for the kids. Exterior elevations were also redesigned to keep the charm of the 1940s. They opened the floor plan, devised better flow for everyday and entertaining circumstances. They moved the children's bedrooms upstairs and even added curb appeal. The home now boasts new amenities, yet still fits in with the neighborhood.

2012

$176k - $275k Nicole Goolsby with RION HOMES

From the ashes of a tragic fire, the opportunity presented itself to rebuild and correct structural problems in this mid-century home. This contractor salvaged as much original wood floors and doors as possible, then recreated the home with energy efficiency and greater functionality.

By re-imagining the layout and space plan for this entertaining kitchen, this builder made the space work better, while keeping the style clean and simple, staying true to the home's roots. This beautiful 70-year-old home is now modernized and ready for the homeowners to enjoy in brand new ways.

■ Home Additions $176k - $275k The TEAM of Traci Johnson with PTI Design and L.C. Dellinger Building Company

A newly placed, ample kitchen with breakfast area, new appliances, new cabinetry and gourmet touches set this plan into action. The master bath was increased in size. The luxurious finishes and concealed coffee bar were only surpassed by the vanity with a view of the equestrian property.

Add the new master shower with all of the touches, and the homeowner may not make it back to the kitchen. This team met the client’s needs using quality materials while keeping existing areas intact.

$76k - $175k Roger Layman with ROGER LAYMAN ARCHITECTURE Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

This project was successfully completed in keeping with the charm of the 1930s Tudor style house. Staying true to the European Romantic theme of the house they had some calculated fun with the rooflines, This allowed them to maintain daylight in the stairwell and add interesting spaces for the children. The young family now enjoys a new kitchen, den and bedrooms. And it was all completed in time for them to enjoy the summer with their new baby.

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$51 - $100K Lisa Carlay with INTERNATIONAL KITCHEN & BATH

A new open floorplan was created in this home by removing a wall that separated the kitchen and dining room. Custom cabinetry, wood flooring, a stone backsplash and granite countertops give this project visual impact. The designer added size to the island, stainless hardware and unique lighting to add texture and functionality. Modern appliances including a microwave drawer and gas range helped update the space even further. The clients received the clean lines and state-of-the-art kitchen they requested.

$26K - $50K The TEAM of Lisa Carlay with INTERNATIONAL KITCHEN & BATH and Rodney Graham with JOHN MARSHALL CUSTOM HOMES These clients needed a quick turn-around on this project as they remained in the house during renovation. The contractor was challenged by needing open space for an island while avoiding support beams. Keeping the details simple, the lines clean and the walkways large helped draw the eye down from the low eight-foot ceiling. Adding recyclable storage help ensure clutter did not take away from the clean design. Contemporary materials and finishes created a transformation from ‘60s drab to 21st century fabulous.

Best Of The Lake Awards

This contractor took a dated, pine-paneled kitchen with an oversized peninsula and transformed it with high-end custom materials. The large fireplace and brick hearth in the den was removed and replaced with a new custom built-in wall unit for needed storage. New custom-made painted cabinets were installed along with high end built-in appliances to complement the existing high end finishes in the home. Existing pine paneling and wainscoting were painted a clean, bright cream to make the space brighter and warmer. The kitchen went from cramped and dark to spacious and illuminating.

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association

■ Kitchen Renovations $101K - $150K Amber Martin with ANDREW ROBY

2012

Affordable Custom Homes Winner

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Now Building in the Farms

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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31k - $50k Myrna Caudle with KITCHEN VISION

A dated master bath was transformed utilizing all of the space available and separating areas into "His" and "Hers" spaces. Cherry cabinetry, tile accents and granite countertops were pulled together to create a truly luxurious feel. A tub was eliminated to make way for a large walk-in shower without a curb. This attention to "aging in place" design details made the bathroom great not only today but long into the future for this family. They now love the bathroom so much they feel cramped in hotel bathrooms.

■ Basement Renovations More than $150k Tom Stevenson Building Company

This contractor was challenged with converting an unfinished lower level into an active adult entertainment area with spare bedrooms. The space plan design created conversation areas within a family room, a billiard room, a media room, kitchen and sleeping rooms. Taking into account sound issues for the home theater they decided to use sound absorbing wall covering and an acoustical ceiling. In the kitchen, glass cabinet doors, a copper sink, a custom cast stone hood, chandeliers and accent lighting balance the room with elegance. Dramatic materials were shipped here to give this space its European-luxury flair.

Best Of The Lake Awards

A tired master suite was reconfigured by this contractor to create a luxurious master pool bath with a large custom closet, large shower with seat and multiple showerheads. Glass block window provides plenty of light. Custom cabinets and lighting give it a spa ambiance. The exterior changes of windows and doors resulted in a seamless installation. Upgraded materials, fixtures and lighting created the environment for relaxation.

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association

■ Bathroom Renovations More than $50k Amber Martin with ANDREW ROBY

2012

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www.rionhomes.com 37

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Renovations, Additions and Custom Homes

Best Of The Lake Awards

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association

■ Interior Design- Residential $26k - $50k Starr Miller with STARR MILLER INTERIOR DESIGN

This tired traditional home came to life with contemporary clean lines, blocks of color and new furniture layered with solid textural and geometric patterned fabrics. Scaling down the overly “decorated” space allowed the clients to see the beautiful bones of their rooms and offered them a calm oasis reflecting their lake view. Fabulous lighting, updated paint, commissioned artwork and Tibetan rugs completed the transformation.

$5k - $15k Joan Inglis with CAROLINA SPACES

This beautiful project was once a shell of a home salvaged from foreclosure. The designer assisted with relocating walls, doorways and closets. Furnishings were selected and installed in the completed home while it went on public tour for charity.

■ Interior Design- Commercial More than $50k Traci Johnson with PTI DESIGN

This designer met the goal of designing displays and merchandising layouts to entice business patrons to explore an expansive space. At the same time, she created a unique, inviting atmosphere with style. She incorporated flexibility into the design for future growth. Otherwise necessary items were transformed into centerpiece focal points. Branding was reflected in the fixtures and color choices. All areas took into account the comfort and ease of the client's customers with special touches throughout.

2012

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$51k - $100k Heather Brockelbank with METRO GREENSCAPE

The covered porch and wading pool were the main focus of this project. The pool was constructed in such a way to make it appear to be a natural pond with a grotto and waterfall.

Mossy boulders along the edges of the pool made it feel more like a pond. The waterfall adds tranquil soothing sounds. From the earth-toned porch, the homeowner can now enjoy watching her horses in the pasture.

Less than 50k Debra Xedus with THE GRILL DOCTOR

The challenge was to give the client all of the amenities they wanted, while staying within a limited amount of space. The clients wanted good flow and a clean look. They met all of those needs by recessing the fireplace into the sloped hill and building a custom island that incorporated a grill and refrigerator with a circular bar-height sitting area. The Grill Doctor was excited that their clients gave them the opportunity to turn their back yard into an award winner.

Best Of The Lake Awards

The contractor overcame many hurdles including hiding pipes and installing a retractable door system. All obstacles were overcome to transform the space into an Old World stone grotto and waterfall with a seamless flow of interior and exterior space. With a spectacular custom copper bar, hand-crafted cabinets, dressed up fireplace, interior stone wall and wine cellar, this space is the perfect getaway.

Sponsored by the Lake Norman Home Builders Association

■ Outdoor Living More than $100k Ashley West with TOM STEVENSON BUILDING COMPANY

2012

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clients

s of their obviou Vision because n he itc K e os We ch ses in this type previous succes expertise, and project was t. Our bathroom ec oj pr y ke rn cant of tu ed really signifi cause it involv with challenging be or Myrna w ked ut of the room. yo la e th in ge chan an, including pment of the pl lo ve de e th on us patiently hardware, and try, materials, ne bi ca of n io ct sele e project. implementing th of b jo c ifi rr te then did a onal, and Myrna rs were professi to ac tr on bc su The oblems or the inevitable pr to d on sp re to was quick vation. We are e during a reno is ar at th ns tio ques sults. sed with our re ne extremely plea — Bill and Elai

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www.kitchenvision.biz 41

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Trust us with your largest investment — your home.

Thankful for award winning

The Galley with Lynn and Glenn |

by Lynn Roberson photography Glenn Roberson

Fare

International La Patisserie offers flavors from all over the world

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

The Mediterranean Crepe features zucchini squash, black olives, red and green peppers, and red onions. It's topped with feta cheese, pesto dressing and sour cream.

42

www.LNCurrents.com

D

iners at La Patisserie’s two Mooresville café-bakery locations may find themselves thinking of exotic locales as they sample the international fare seasoned by culinary influences from South America, Europe and the Mediterranean.

“We want to give people food that we have been exposed to,” says Paola Mendoza, who joins with her father, Manuel; mother, Elsa; and sister, Natalia in the operation of the café, bakery and catering locations on North Main Street and Brawley School Road. The family draws from its Colombian heritage, fused with Cuban, French, Mediterranean and other influences.

New year, new selections For 2012, La Patisserie has introduced new bistro style selections. “We wanted to add dishes that go well with wine, since we offer wine and beer at our Brawley School location,” Paola says. “We have a lot of people who want to venture out a bit more.

People enjoyed the atmosphere, so we

wanted to create something to complement that at night.”

The new menu items include mini empanadas, which are puff pastry pockets with beef, chicken or spinach, and feta cheese; a salmon platter; and classic French onion soup as an addition to the already large selection of soups. Other dishes include a Brie cheese fondue with Italian bread for dipping and stuffed portabella mushrooms with goat cheese. Popular menu items at both loca-

tions include crepes, sandwiches, salads and empanadas.

“My family has always loved the Mediterranean type of food,” Paola says. “We wanted to create a light menu. We make everything fresh from scratch. So, we have people who have found that it’s healthy to come and get side dishes that are a bit different. For Thanksgiving, we had people who tried not to be as traditional, and they had our sides and their turkey.”

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Hwy. 73

The Galley with Lynn and Glenn |

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The Garbanzo Bean Salad is a mixture of garbanzo beans, cranberries and finely chopped red and green peppers. Olive oil, red wine vinegar and dill give it an extra kick.

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While entrees and side dishes draw many patrons, others come for the bakery items, which are displayed in glass cases for all to see.

Elsa attended The French Culinary Institute in New York and is the mastermind behind the creations. In addition to individual portions, the bakeries sell cakes, breads and other baked goods.

glenn roberson photography Oak Street Mill, Cornelius

facebook.com/glennrobersonphotography

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

The voting is over. Who is

Lake Norman’s Next Top Model?

Watch for the announcement on Jan. 10!

44

www.LNCurrents.com

The Scoop

La Patisserie 631 Brawley School Road, Suite 406 627 North Main Street Mooresville 704.799.1631 Hours — Brawley School Road: Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Hours — North Main Street Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Sun closed

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12/2/11 8:30:49 AM

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

www.LNCurrents.com

a lot, and we research a lot. We do not stay dormant.”

The family has found that each time La Patisserie grows, so does the competition.

This spurs them on to consider ways they can better meet their guests’ needs, Paola says.

“La Patisserie is kind of like a vacation,” she says. “It’s a little trip, and a happy time. We know people have things going on. We want to give them a happy place to come.” LNC

The Galley with Lynn and Glenn |

Building on a foundation La Patisserie formed its foundation on its pastries, cakes and other desserts. A decade ago, the family opened its first Mooresville location in a 900-square-foot spot on North Main Street, selling desserts, pastries and coffee. After six years, they relocated their primary location to a larger spot on North Main Street and expanded their menu.

About a year ago, they opened the Brawley School Road site and added dinner hours.

The locations offer essentially the same menu, although the Main Street spot does not offer waffles, and the Brawley School Road location also features Sunday brunch and beer and wine. Guests can order breakfast all day long. Tea parties are another fun option at both locations; for $15.95 per person, guests enjoy loose tea, mini scones, mini sandwiches and mini desserts.

Each family member plays unique roles in the business. “Mom is the main one behind the recipes,” explains Paola. “She makes sure we have new items.”

Paola is a senior cake designer and also joins her sister, who is the manager, at the front of the restaurant. Their father makes the breads and pastries. In addition to the family, the café-bakery sites employ between 15 and 20 people.

La Patisserie also caters weddings, office lunches or parties, family reunions, birthdays, and other events. It offers dozens of cake designs, from simple and elegant to gloriously grand.

Operating the restaurant keeps the family focused on a common goal, Paola says.

“It’s rewarding in the sense that we’re all hard workers,” she says. “We don’t know anything but to work, to be on time and responsible. We stick together no matter how hard it is. This business is not an easy business. You really need people to stand beside you if you want to be successful.”

The family constantly considers ways to improve. “My dad’s mind, it doesn’t stop,” she says. “We want to be on top of everything. Our friends, they take pictures when they travel to new places and new restaurants in New York or other places. We read

Around The Track |

by Mike Savicki photography courtesy of Phil Cavali/thehotlap.com

Wallace Family Values E

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

thics. That’s the first word longtime NASCAR driver Mike Wallace uses to describe what it takes to make it in the sport of racing. As a driver who has competed at NASCAR’s highest level since 1991, and a respected businessman who has been involved with sponsorships, business development and marketing for even longer, he should know.

“The biggest thing I learned through the years is the importance of being ethical about what you do,” he says. “When you are in this sport for a period of time, and you make a commitment to somebody to do something, you learn how important it is to fulfill the obligation. The ones who make it under-promise and over-deliver.”

That’s also the lesson he and his wife, Carla, married 32 years, share with their three children, Lindsay, Chrissy and Matt, who represent a new generation of Wallaces stepping into the family business. Their eldest, Lindsay, stays behind the scenes and works on the business side while Chrissy and Matt have both climbed behind the wheel and are gaining experience as drivers in the sport’s development divisions.

“The biggest thing that got me into racing was the time I spent with my dad watching him when I was growing up,” says Chrissy, 23.

“I know I’m a Wallace, and we have a name in the sport, but there’s no pressure at all on me from anyone in my family. My dad has always told me that while this is a job, it should be fun, too, and if I don’t want to race, and this isn’t fun, then there’s no one making me do it.”

She adds, “My Dad has also taught me the importance of getting involved on the business side of things. I know it’s more than driving. You have to be involved in the business, marketing and sponsorship sides if you are going to be involved in this sport.”

Matt, 16, says, “Racing is a part of who I 46

Mike Wallace teaches the family business to a new generation

Longtime NASCAR driver, Mike Wallace, and his wife, Carla, celebrate after a Camping World Truck Series win at the 2011 Coca Cola 250 powered by Fred's at Talladega. It won't be long before the next generation of Wallace drivers find their way to the winner's circle.

am, and it is what my family does. My dad has taught me to never give up and keep trying, especially if something doesn’t go right. I want to take my time, learn as much as I can about every part of the sport and see where it takes me.”

As the middle of three racing brothers, Mike was raised around the track and understands racing is the lifeblood of his family.

His older brother, Rusty, won the 1989 Sprint Cup title, and his younger brother, Kenny, is a Nationwide competitor who finished the 2011 season ranked 7th. Along with nephew, Steve, the four have more than 2,300 starts. It’s no wonder they are known as one of the sport’s most respected families.

“My family has been in the sport for so long because we believe that you have to do

two main things, you have got to treat people right and you have got to perform,” Mike says.

Taking the occasional checkered flag keeps Mike invigorated, but treating people right, appreciating the opportunity of being one of only 43 people in the world who get to race on any given weekend, and understanding the unique balance between fans, sponsors, team members and family is what he believes the sport is all about.

“If you want to stay involved in the sport, you have to always be out there selling, servicing and marketing,” he says. “That’s what I have learned, and that’s what I am trying to teach my kids. If you want to continue to race, you have to continue to have good people who believe in you on your side and you get that by being a good person yourself.” LNC www.LNCurrents.com

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47

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Grapevine |

I

by Trevor Burton

taly is such a great place when it comes to wine. It’s so diverse, as it became a unified country only 150 years ago. And that shows up in the wines. There is a large array of wines and grapes to play around with and taste. We’re talking 20 defined wine regions and more than 2,000 different grapes used to make the huge portfolio of Italian wines.

While that’s great, it also has a little bit of a downside to it. The perceived complexity of Italy’s wines can be intimidating and act as a barrier to exploring. What a pity. The goal of this article is to get you started exploring these great wines. There will be other articles on Ital-

ian wine from time to time as we go forward.

What’s up, DOC? Before getting into Sangiovese-based wines it pays to get an understanding of Italy’s wine classification system. There are two classifications that distinguish wines of exceptional quality. They are DOC and DOCG, Denominazione di Origine Controllata and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, respectively. DOC signifies a wine made in a clearly defined region and under controlled conditions. DOCG, the higher level, signifies a wine that has served its apprenticeship, at least five years as a DOC, and the wine must

To get started on Sangiovese wines, begin with a bottle of Chianti. Pretty well everyone has come across a Chianti. Maybe the image is a rough, coarse wine in a straw covered bottle. A wine that’s best suited to a pizza. Nothing could be further from what Chianti is today. Today’s Chiantis do have a slight ‘rustic’ edge to them. Great wines for a hearty dish like a good plate of pasta. But they’re rounded out with lots of cherry-plum-raspberry

Sangiovese Two thousand years of history locked in a bottle

pass an annual blind taste test for quality. There’s also a level slightly below the two big boys, IGT — Indicazione Geografica Tipica.

For wines that meet the criteria for these three classification levels, the classification is listed prominently on the label. Classifications are a good guideline that you’re getting a superior wine.

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

By Jove, Sangiovese wines are good Tuscany is perhaps the most well known of all Italian wine regions. When it comes to grapes used in its wines, Tuscany is simple. All you need to know is the Sangiovese grape. Sangiovese and its clones are the workhorses of this region. Sangiovese is pretty neat. Its name derives from ‘Sanguis Jovis’—‘the blood of Jove.’ This critter has been playing a part in Italy’s wine production from well before the times of the Romans. Just think, you could sit at a sidewalk restaurant by the Coliseum in Rome and share the wine that Roman emperors were sipping on when the arena was being constructed. How terrific is that?

The purple band on the Chianti Classico bottle designates a DOCG wine. The black rooster is the hallmark of Chianti Classico.

48

One of the best wines Trevor has ever tasted, a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

fruit combined with an underlying smokiness.

Nice.

A particular wine to seek out is a Chianti Classico. From its name, you could think that this wine is a Chianti made from superior grapes. Not so. The ‘Classico’ indicates that the wine is made in a sub-region of Chianti. Chianti Classico is a DOCG wine. It’s very easy to recognize a bottle of this wine. What you’ll notice on the bottleneck labels of Classico bottles is the image of a black rooster surrounded by a red ring as well as the words, ‘Chianti Classico.’

Send in the clones Move a little south of the Chianti region and you come to the two stars of Sangiovese wines.

These wines are made from clones of the Sangiovese grape. So they’re more cousins to Chianti than siblings.

Let’s start in the town of Montalcino. Here, Sangiovese’s clone goes by the name Brunello.

And what wonderful wine it makes. Brunellos have been compared to the best wines of Burgundy due to their elegant finesse and complex www.LNCurrents.com

character. The hallmark of Brunello is great concentration, longevity and suppleness. There is another element; these wines have a definite sense of place. There’s a distinct earthiness that comes through in the wine regardless of the winemaker.

It’s like you’re tasting Montalcino itself.

At its best, there is a sweetness of fruit in Brunello along with firm but smooth tannins.

The wine has aromas that suggest roasted chestnuts and plum jam. There are spicy and floral components. And there’s that unmistakable earthy component that one associates with undergrowth and tobacco. Add to that a little anise and roasted coffee, and you’ve got a great wine. It’s as if someone combined the best elements of Burgundy and Bordeaux and folded them into a single wine.

All of this translates into price. Brunellos are not inexpensive. However, there’s a way to get close without bruising your wallet. Brunello has strict rules that cover grape sourcing and aging. These rules do not apply, however, to the category of wines called Rosso di Montalcino, in which there is no mandatory wood aging period. While the fruit may be from less favor-

ably exposed and younger Sangiovese vines, ter on a great occasion. This was one of them. the Rosso serves as a delicious and moderately My wife, Mary Ellen, and I were on a quick priced, scaled-down version of Brunello. A nice visit to the town of Lucca. As lunchtime wound way to get started. around we searched for a little, off-the-beatenNot far from Montalcino is the town of track restaurant. Finding one, we ordered the Montepulciano. Yet another star. Here the San- pasta special of the day, a seafood salad and a giovese grape carries the moniker, Prugnolo half bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Gentile. This grape produces the wine, Vino The food was exquisite, the location perfect and Nobile di Montepulciano. An aside — this the wine tasted likte nectar from the gods. One wine illustrates Italy’s complexities. The wine is half bottle turned into a second, and we sat and made from the Sangiovese grape. No surprise sipped and rejoiced. Unbeatable. there because it hails from Tuscany. However, So, is Italian wine complex? A little, but as in other regions of Italy, a grape by the name of you get into it, a whole world of wonderful Montepulciano is used to make the wines. So, wine opens up. Exploring wines is so much you have a grape called Montepulciano and a fun, and the best part is that you get to taste region called Montepulciano. Whew! them along the way. Italy is a treasure trove of Where did the ‘Nobile’ stuff come from? sipping opportunities. Get started and you’ll Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has been writ- never finish. Enjoy! LNC ten about since the 16th century. Pope Paul III drank it and raved about its excellent qualities Trevor Burton of Mooresville is certified by the International and, in the 18th century, it was already referred Sommelier Guild, he is founder to as ‘noble’ or at least fit for the nobles to drink. of SST Wine Experiences and, along A personal note. One of the best wines I ever with his wife, Mary Ellen, conducts tasted was a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.Big?Daddy’s I’ve wine education and tasting tours to wine regions throughout the world. always noticed that wines sometimes taste bet-

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Game On |

I

by Mike Savicki photography by Glenn Roberson

f Marie Severance had her way, every child under the age of 18 would be healthy and fit. There would be no childhood obesity, 2-year-olds would tumble, 4-year-olds would flip, 14 year-olds would fly and diverse groups of kids would spend their after-school time being active and playing together.

That’s why Severance brought her unique fitness program called Acrofitness to North Carolina 15 years ago, and that’s why she has worked to develop a passionate and dedicated collection of senior instructors who ooze

energy and possess gravity defying aerial abilities.

A new generation It’s no stretch to say that Severance and her team are making leaps and bounds in creating a new generation of active, happy and healthy children.

“Acro is a sport for everybody, and every body, and that’s what makes it so unique,” says Lacy Lambert, 26, a senior instructor who has worked with Severance since she was 12. “We

Gains by Leaps and Bounds The senior instructors of Acrofitness teach exercise at new heights

pride ourselves in bringing fitness to children in a fun way, and we do it in a non-competitive program that is so different from structured team sports and just about everything else out there. Kids can be themselves here. We take different tools, atmospheres and personalities and put them all together into something that is fun and rewarding.”

Severance says the program is a unique blend of tumbling, dance, cheering and running with added elements of strength and flexibility. There’s a bit of free running and parkour, too, plus a variety of functional skills. Her instructors first teach age and ability appropriate programs to students in a studio environment and then encourage additional practice and performance with family and friends.

Classes are typically choreographed to music, and the high energy that permeates each studio is contagious.

Heather Runyon, 29, was Marie Severance’s first North Carolina student and thrives on the energy of Acro. As a choreographer and multi-talented high flyer, she develops and leads many of Acro’s high energy dance classes and public performances.

“I have been a dancer most of my life and was accustomed to doing the traditional ballet, jazz

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

From left, Jordan Coste, Lacy Lambert, Heather Runyon and Jennifer Flynn are senior instructors at Acrofitness in Mooresville. The program offers a unique blend of tumbling, dance, cheering and running with added elements of strength and flexibility.

52

www.LNCurrents.com

and tap,” Runyon explains. “From the first time I landed my first skill, I knew this was very different. I was intrigued by the fitness skills that come with Acro because they have some flair with them, and I love the gains I have made through the years.

Now I love teaching them to kids who make me remember when I started.”

Runyon says she thinks she’s on the back end of a generation that believes in working hard, so she’s trying to teach kids that being active is a lifetime thing that should start when they are young.

“What I have seen is that because kids are more used to sitting in front of something, they are missing that get up and go that I had when I was younger,” she says. “They tend to want to watch instead of doing. I believe there is a little kid in all of us and being able to have fun when you don’t have to worry about impressing anyone can light up your eyes.”

“Not everyone can play every sport and be good at it,” says Jennifer Flynn, 27, a senior instructor who has been involved with Acrofitness since she was 2 years old. “Here is a place where challenging the kids to change their lifestyle is our main goal. We often get kids who say they are the last one picked, and we also get those who are gifted. No matter who it is, to get through to just one kid is inspirational to me.”

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whether a student participates in other sports or wants to learn the skills to stay active and healthy for a lifetime. We just want to give you that healthy feeling and the active energy that you can take with you wherever you might go.” LNC Freelance writer Mike Savicki has lived and worked in the Lake Norman area for 15 years, frequently covering the racing scene.

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53

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Beyond benefits The instructors agree that the benefits of the program extend beyond physical health and wellness. Acrofitness also offers a haven for students who simply might be looking to meet new friends, build self-confidence or develop a stronger sense of purpose.

“I came here on my own and knew next to nobody,” says senior instructor, Jordan Coste, 18.

“I did cheerleading all through high school, and the aspect of adding fitness and tumbling to it appealed to me. I also came here at a time when my brother was diagnosed with leukemia, and my parents were going through a divorce. Everyone here was so understanding and made me feel welcomed. I felt I could come here no matter what.”

As an instructor who prefers teaching the youngest Acrofitness students, Coste says, “The little kids are the toughest to work with because they are still growing quickly and learning so much. I’m the oldest of five, and I found that I like teaching

the younger students because they remind me of my younger brothers and sisters. ” Severance is proud that her teams of junior and senior instructors, as well as her staff, share with every child and family member the message that fitness can be a no-pressure, fun activity that has carryover value.

“In schools and so many sports teams, there are pressures to be the best. Kids carry so much on their plates that they often get lost and confused,” says Severance. “Here, everyone is all the same

Home Port |

by Lee McCracken photography courtesy of Karl Plattner

A Winner in the WoodS Davidson’s Wilmesher family resides in a storybook showcase

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

T

he house that took Best in Show in the 2011 Lake Norman Home Builder’s Best of the Lake Design Competition doesn’t sit on miles of shoreline or boast mansion-like features. In fact, the custom-built house the judges fancied to take the top prize is nestled among the pines and oaks of Davidson.

Built by Karl Plattner, the English Tudorstyle house is a dream come true for Ashley

54

Wilmesher, who envisioned life with husband Matthew and three young daughters, ages 2, 4 and 6, in a cozy woodland cottage … with all the amenities, of course. Architect and designer Trisha Chambers deserves credit, too, and Wilmesher takes pride in doing her own decorating.

“I love the whole thing,” answers Wilmesher, when asked about her favorite room. “Working

with Karl was phenomenal. I had set ideas, and I didn’t settle. Karl would push back, but he was willing to work with us throughout the entire process. He was hands on every step of the way.”

Just 39 years old, the builder, who’s been on his own for eight years, is gaining quite a following. In 2010, Plattner won first place in Custom New Home Design (a $1-$2 million category) and first place in Whole House Renovation (a www.LNCurrents.com

more than $500,000 category) in the Lake Norman competition.

Fanciful and functional The 5,800-square-foot home features a walkout basement, although it was not built on a sloping lot that lends easily to a lower level. But, accommodations were made on the side of the house, and the basement guest suite and recreation room open to a private stone courtyard, complete with a fountain. An iron Juliet balcony overlooks the space from the living room.

“We really wanted a basement,” says Wilmesher, noting the family lived in Birkdale,

The Wilmesher house in Davidson won Best in Show in the 2011 Lake Norman Home Builder’s Best of the Lake Design Competition.

with two preschool-age daughters and a baby, when they decided they needed more space. “We also wanted to be in Davidson for the schools.”

Other must-haves were a mudroom, a playroom and a first-floor master suite with a fireplace. Plattner delivered all that and more. The unattached garage behind the house includes space for a finished apartment, and most of the year, the outdoor patio beckons the family and their friends for cookouts and roasting marshmallows in the stone fireplace.

Wood, stone and iron elements make the house both a cozy retreat and an ideally functional home for a busy family.

The dark, wide-plank hardwood floors are hand-scraped for a rustic look.

Comfortable elegance runs rampant throughout the home.

Incorporating a whimsical element was crucial for the family's three young daughters. www.LNCurrents.com

55

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

The coffered ceiling (featuring soffit paneling) with exposed beams in the kitchen/family room gives the large area more dimension.

Home Port |

the mudroom, the laundry room accepts the Wilmesher girls’ dirty clothes thrown into the shoot from the second floor.

Princesses’ palace Plattner’s extraordinary talent is showcased in this five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home’s cubbies and hideouts. “We finished the attic space off each of the girls’ rooms for playing and storing toys,” says Plattner, noting the oldest daughter’s room features a sleepover cubby for a Most of the year, the outdoor patio beckons the family and their friends for cookouts and roasting marshmallows in the stone fireplace.

Wood, stone and iron elements make the house both a cozy retreat and an ideally functional home for a busy family. The dark, wideplank hardwood floors are hand-scraped for a rustic look. The barrel ceiling in the foyer, arched doorways and rounded corners throughout the house add a certain storybook cottage appeal.

The coffered ceiling (featuring soffit paneling) with exposed beams in the kitchen/family room gives the large area more dimension.

The kitchen has a 12-foot-long island, double

Continued on page 58

hammered-copper sink, faux-finished copper hood fan over the stove and a real brick backsplash. A stone wall accents the hall to the walkin pantry, and both a transom above the pantry door and a groin-vault ceiling with a light rail add character.

The mudroom (a.k.a. Family Central) is ideal with built-in school backpack hooks, coat racks, shoe drawers and shelves with bins for each daughter. A computer station/work desk keeps mail and papers ultra organized. Behind

The chairs in the dining room echo the doorway arches.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

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Home Port |

Continued from page 56

friend, complete with outlets for a computer and music when she becomes a teenager.

Wilmesher says her daughters’ friends flock to their house to engage in make-believe. “We kept it kid-like and whimsical but also sophisticated,” she adds. A playroom on the second floor gets lots of light from three large gothic windows, and a tucked-away corner stage and dress-up closet keep everyone busy for hours.

Centered Around exCellenCe

Above: A first-floor master suite was a must for the family.

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And, there’s even a small play space tucked inconspicuously under the basement stairs on the lower level, which is painted identical to the front of the house. Talk about the best house for hiden-seek in the neighborhood.

“There’s hardly any wasted space in this house,” says Plattner. The basement also features a guest suite and a game/rec room with a bar. A wine cellar and wine-tasting room are being used as art rooms for the girls … at least for now.

Plattner says it was a pleasure helping the family realize their dream home, noting Wilmesher put her heart into the project and made deliberate decisions based on their lifestyle and needs.

“It’s purposeful and playful,” says Wilmesher.

“I can’t think of a single thing I’d change.” LNC Lee McCracken is a Charlottearea freelance editor and writer who lives in Stanley and grew up spending summers on Cayuga Lake in upstate New York. Since moving to the Charlotte area in 1994, she has written about business, education, health care and real estate for various publications. www.LNCurrents.com

A New House For A New Year!

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2046361 To be built custom home with over 4,500 square feet of living space. Beautiful floor plan with 2 fireplaces & basement! $849,900

824827 Over 3500 sq/ft for a great price with this home on a half acre in Davidson. Each BD has its own BA. $659,000

2020304 Custom home to be built with master suite on main. Serene views as property backs up to common area. $699,900

2053778 Priced $200,000 below tax value! Gated driveway. In ground pool. Great location, Motivated Seller. $675,000

2036076 Gorgeous year round waterview home. Huge porch for entertaining. Vaulted ceilings.

Deeded boatslip. $575,000

2051474 Main channel point lot with view of mountains. Beautiful sandy beach. Large rooms & open plan. $550,000

982877 Big views! Beautiful brick custom WF home with 3-car GAR. Many upgrades. Pier & floating dock. $525,000

2023450 To be built custom home on a huge 1.5+ acre lot with a beautiful view. Master down & 3 BDs up plan. $485,000

2019827 Freshly painted adorable older brick ranch on a culdesac WF lot. Prime lot and location. $469,000

2006808 Wonderful year round deep water lot with beautiful view.

Very nice 3BD/2BA home. No subdivision. $460,000

2050831 Huge .97 acre lot. Great vacation home. Ready to move into. Pier with diving board & boat ramp. No HOA. $409,000

2011875 Old Davidson neighborhood. Open plan with beautiful sunroom that overlooks town park. 3-car GAR. $399,000

2051245 Island-like home & landscaping gives a Bahamianfeel to this private waterfront property. Master on main. $399,000

2014401 Unique open floorplan in McConnell with master on main.

Spacious rooms & hardwood floors. $395,000

2052011 Beautiful home in Lake Davidson community.

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Currently A month of things to do in the Lake Norman area

I

Take the

The Lake Norman YMCA’s inaugural Polar Bear Plunge makes a chilly splash

by Lori K. Tate

On Saturday, January 14, the Lake Norman YMCA holds its inaugural Polar Bear Plunge, which involves a short swim in Lake Cornelius. www.LNCurrents.com

The Scoop The Polar Bear Plunge takes place on Saturday, January 14 at the Lake Norman YMCA in Cornelius from 11 a.m.-1 p.m; $20 a person; register at member services. For more information, visit www.ymcacharlotte.org.

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Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Plunge

t’s so easy to feel lethargic during January. The holidays are over, the skies are gray and most of all — it’s cold outside. If you need something to get you going again, the Lake Norman YMCA’s Polar Bear Plunge might be just the thing.

On Saturday, January 14, the Lake Norman YMCA holds its inaugural Polar Bear Plunge, which involves a short swim in Lake Cornelius. “It’s just a great way to get the community out and let people know that we do have a waterfront. A lot of people don’t realize that.

Its kind of that hidden gem,” explains Amy Bolch, aquatics coordinator for the Lake Norman YMCA. During the Polar Bear Plunge, participants and spectators can enjoy a bonfire, roasted marshmallows with hot chocolate and music. Lunch and long-sleeved T-shirts will be provided to participants. All proceeds will go the YMCA’s Community Support Campaign, which provides funds for several different programs at the YMCA such as summer camp, Y Readers and the Adaptive Water Skiing Program.

Bolch says the staff at the YMCA talked about doing an event like this for about two years. “It’s nice to see it happen for 2012,” says Bolch. “Hopefully we’ll be able to do it in January every year and build it up from there.” LNC

Calendar |

A month of things to do in the Lake Norman area CHILDREN Sleeping Beauty (January 27-29) The Davidson College Department of Theatre and Davidson Community Players’ Connie Company perform this classic fairy tale.

Friday 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. $7. The Barber Theatre of the Cunningham Theatre Center, Davidson College, 704.892.7953, www. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

CONCERTS Cornelius Concert Series (January 8) Pianist Yoon-Sun Song performs. 7 p.m. Free will offerings. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Sanctuary, Cornelius.

Organ at Davidson (January 17) Davidson College invites the public to an organ concert

by Susan Bates, organist and music associate at Centenary United Methodist Church. A reception will follow the concert. 7:30 p.m.

Donations accepted. Davidson College Presbyterian Church sanctuary, 704.896.1416.

EVENTS First Footin’ (January 1) Rural Hill hosts its first annual First Footin’ event on New Year’s Day. This hike and celebration of Hogmanay, or Scottish New Year, also includes a five-mile race. After the hike and the race, you can enjoy a presentation of “Stone Soup” at 12:30 p.m., followed by a luncheon and fellowship.

11 a.m. Free, run is $30. Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, www.ruralhill.net/ FirstFootinFive.asp.

Civil War Homefront and Winter Quarters (January 7-8) Visit the soldiers and see how they survived the harsh winters during the war years. Get a glimpse of Latta Plantation’s new Winter Quarters cabin and enjoy talks and demonstrations throughout the day.

Also enjoy a cooking demonstration in the plantation kitchen and hear about how families fought the war on the homefront.

Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 1-4 p.m. Free with regular site admission. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.lattaplantation.org.

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

Opera Workshop (January 20-21) Enjoy student productions of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Host commentator Leland Park will lead the audience through the production, which is directed by Artist Associate Jacque Culpepper. 7:30 p.m. Free. Tyler-Tallman Hall of Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, 704.894.2848, www.davidson.edu.

Polar Bear Plunge (January 14) Take a quick swim in Lake Cornelius followed by food and entertainment. Proceeds go to the YMCA’s Community Support Campaign, which provides funds for several different programs at the YMCA such as summer camp, Y Readers and the Adaptive Water Skiing Program.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. $20 a person; register at member services. Lake Norman YMCA, www. ymcacharlotte.org.

Cello Concert by Anna Wittstruck (January 29) Cellist Anna Wittstruck is completing a Ph.D. in musicology at Stanford University.

She has performed as a soloist with the Charlotte and Hendersonville Symphonies, and recently appeared as a soloist with the Stanford Philharmonia. An Asheville native, she has also played several seasons as the youngest contracted member of the Asheville Symphony. 3 p.m. $12 general admission; $8 for faculty, staff and seniors; and $5 for youth 18 and under. Tyler Tallman Hall, Sloan Music Center, Davidson College, 704.894.2848, www.davidson.edu.

Hope at the Point Gala (January 28) This black-tie optional event features a live and silent auction. The theme for this year’s event is A Taste of New Orleans and All That Jazz. Proceeds benefit the Mooresville/Lake Norman Christian Mission, the Mooresville Soup Kitchen, the Healthreach Clinic and the Purple Heart Homes organizations. Reception 6 p.m., dinner 7:30 p.m. $250 per person, an eight-person table can be purchased at a 10 percent discount. Tickets can be purchased by calling Bernie Ford at 704.662.8073 or Joe Tilton at 704.799.0841. Charles Mack Citizen Center, Mooresville, www.hope-point.org.

Davidson College Artist Series (January 30) Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Jazz Orchestra perform. These musicians present not merely a jazz recital, but a highenergy stage show described by Davis as “The Rat Pack meets The Dean Martin Variety Show with a touch of Prairie Home Companion.”

8 p.m. $20. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, 704.894.2135, www. davidson.edu/tickets.

62

GALLERIES Andre Christine Gallery Abstracts, Still Life and Scenes will be on display until January 14, 2012. Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun noon-4 p.m.

148 Ervin Road, Mooresville, 704.775.9516, andrechristinegallery.com.

Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

19818 North Cove Road, Suite E3, Jetton Village, Cornelius, 704.892.5312, www. christafautgallery.com.

Cornelius Arts Center Teaching Talents Exhibit shows the multimedia works of the center’s instructors. Through January 13.

Opening reception December 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-Noon. 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www. corneliusartscenter.com.

Depot Art Gallery Various exhibitions. 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville.

Four Corners Framing and Gallery Various exhibitions. Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 112 S. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.662.7154, wwwfcfgframing.com.

Lake Country Gallery Various exhibitions.

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Exit 36 – Mooresville, between Belk and Kohl’s, 704.664.5022, www.lakecountrygallery.net.

“Cotton” Ketchie’s Landmark Galleries Various exhibitions. The work of watercolorist ‘Cotton’ Ketchie. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 212 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.4122, www.landmark-galleries.com.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Various exhibitions. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 463 S. Main Street, Davidson, 704.895.1213, www.merrilljennings.com.

Mooresville Artist Guild Various exhibitions.

103 West Center Avenue, Mooresville, www. magart.org.

Tropical Connections Various exhibitions.

Tue- Fri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment. 230 N. Main Street, Mooresville. 704.664.0236.

Van Every/Smith Galleries, Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Art Center On January 18, Recent Gifts and Acquisitions opens. The exhibit features a major piece by Polish sculptor Magdalena Abakanowicz. The opening will also showcase Works on Paper by Sean Scully, and mark the release of Davidson Collects: 100 Writers Respond to Art. This 280page full-color book describes the history of Davidson’s visual art program and includes 100 essays by Davidson students about works in the permanent collection. Project organizers Professor Van Hilliard and Gallery Director Brad Thomas will speak about the project at 7:30 p.m. Weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday noon-4 p.m. Davidson College, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, 704.894.2519, www. davidson.edu/art/galleries.

Christa Faut Gallery Various exhibitions. www.LNCurrents.com

MONTHLY EVENTS Carolina Raptor Center Live bird presentations, flight shows, behind-thescenes tours and more take place at Carolina Raptor Center throughout the month. Visit carolinaraptorcenter.org for more details.

The Artisan Market Craft Crawl (First Friday Night) Formerly known as the Mooresville Craft Crawl, this market features baked goods, clothing, embroidery, jewelry, paintings, pottery, quilts and woodcarvings with an edge. 5-9 p.m. Free. Mooresville Town Square across from Lowe’s Foods. www. theartisanmarket.net.

Blue Planet Water Environmental Center Tour (First Tuesday, Third Thursday) Learn about water and wastewater through a hands-on tour. Fun for all ages. Tours are available the first Tuesday and the third Thursday of the month on a first-come, first-served basis. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Admission TBA. Call 704.621.0854 or e-mail Bplanet@ ci.charlotte.nc.us to schedule a tour.

Davidson Farmer’s Market (Bi-weekly through March) Farmers sell a bounty of seasonal vegetables; pasteurized meats and cheeses; and freshly baked breads, cakes and pies. 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Next to Town Hall between Main and Jackson streets in downtown Davidson, www. davidsonfarmesmarket.org.

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SPORTS Davidson College Men’s Basketball It’s time for some hoops with the Wildcats. Georgia Southern (Jan 7, 3 p.m.), Western Carolina (Jan 12, 7 p.m.), College of Charleston (Jan 19, 7 p.m.), The Citadel (Jan 21, 7 p.m.). Davidson College, www.davidsonwildcats.com.

Davidson College Women’s Basketball The Lady Wildcats take the court for another great season. Elon (Jan 4, 7 p.m.), Western Carolina (Jan 13, noon), Samford (Jan 21, 2 p.m.), Chattanooga (Jan 23, 7 p.m.), Furman (Jan 30, 7 p.m.). Davidson College, www. davidsonwildcats.com.

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Lake Norman Yacht Club Bring in the new year with The 26th Annual Ice Bucket Invitational Lake Norman Championship for J-boats, Ensigns, MC Scows, San Juans, Ultimate 20, Highlanders and Flying Scots.

(Jan. 1, events begin at 9 a.m.). www. lakenormanyachtclub.com.

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One More Thing |

The Angels of ‘97 Memorial Scholarship Organization celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The group was developed to honor five students from North Mecklenburg High School who died before they reached their 1997 graduation.

by Scott Graf photography by Sarah McGraw

Paying it

Forward Angels of ’97 keeps memories alive while helping local students

W

Lake Norman Currents | January 2012

hen Sherry Harkey and a group of others started Angels of ‘97, they had no idea it would grow into what it is today.

“Never,” she says. “We did it one time, and it was like ‘Wow!’ So the next year we thought, ‘I wonder if we can do this again?’ And each time it kept getting a little bigger. And now we have to keep going because it’s such a big deal.”

The Angels of ‘97 Memorial Scholarship Organization celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. The group was developed to honor five students from North Mecklenburg High School who died before they reached their 1997 graduation. Harkey lost her daughter Mandi Meador in a 1995 car accident.

“The one thing that you’re afraid of when you lose a child is that people will forget who they are,” Harkey explains. “And people don’t want to talk about them to you because it’s awkward. So therefore no one ever says anything. This allows us to talk about our kids, show pictures and talk with other parents 64

who are going through the same things.”

The organization’s first fundraiser was a modest spaghetti supper. It raised about $5,000.

Since then, Angels of ‘97 has raised around $450,000. The spaghetti supper (along with an auction) remains an annual event. The group has also added a golf tournament fundraiser. Harkey says the organization usually generates between $25,000 and $30,000 each year.

That money has been returned to the community in the form of scholarships. Seniors at North Mecklenburg, Hopewell and Hough high schools are eligible. Recipients are picked based on their service to the community, work ethic and grades.

Harkey says the kindness of the Lake Norman area has allowed the Angels group to not only survive, but thrive.

“The community has really put us on the map,” she says. “We have some incredible vendors and sponsors. And our volunteers are incredible. The love and support we get from them helps us carry on.” LNC

A candlelight memorial service was held December 2 at Hopewell Presbyterian Church for the Angels of '97.

The Scoop Angels of ‘97 will host its next spaghetti supper and auction on March 17 at North Mecklenburg High School. For more information, visit www.angelsof97.com. www.LNCurrents.com

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