Lake Norman Magazine

1 stA nni ver sar y Is sue

currents Holiday decorating tips from Ashley Carol Home & Garden Pine Island Country Club has a new look Indie flick showcases familiar sites and faces

‘ Tis The Season Make the holidays

merry by shopping local

12

vol. 2 number December 2009

www.LnCurrents.com

Buy A New Honda, And We’ll Help Santa Fill The Trunk.

Get a $1,000 gift card to Northlake Mall when you buy your new Priority Honda.

Come get in on Happy Honda Days at Priority Honda and we’ll wrap up the deal on your new specially priced 2009 or 2010 Honda with a $1,000 gift card to Northlake Mall. Remember, all Priority Hondas come with Priorities For Life – your engine guaranteed for life – and more. So prance on in soon.

HUNTERSVILLE 12815 Statesville Road • Huntersville, NC 28078 priorityhonda.com • 704-875-3100 OffeR exCludeS fit aNd CaNNOt be uSed witH aNy OtHeR OffeR OR diSCOuNt. PRiORitieS fOR life aPPlieS tO New aNd uSed veHiCleS. valid aS lONg aS yOu OwN yOuR New CaR OR tRuCk. SOme ReStRiCtiONS aPPly tO PRe-OwNed veHiCleS. See dealeR fOR detailS. NOt ReSPONSible fOR tyPOgRaPHiCal eRRORS. muSt take deliveRy by 12/31/09.

Wishing you and your family the warmth, love and joy of an old-fashioned Christmas throughout the new year.

Look what Santa left us under the tree!

The McIntosh Law Firm congratulates the staff of Lake Norman CURRENTS on their One Year Anniversary and wishes them continued success as they share their dedication to the Lake Norman area through journalistic integrity and community service.

Photo courtesy of Rural Hill 1760 log cabin reconstruction and the expertise of Mary Ellen Werts.

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NEAT Martini Bar & Tapas Finally, here in Denver, is a Martini Bar full of good entertainment, great food and lots of fun!

NEAT is bringing a true excitement-filled experience to this area! NEAT features the best of music & dining to provide you with the most excellent service there is.

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Albertine Florals & Gifts

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Great Christmas Gift Baskets and Large selection of gift items for the holidays.

Hand Crafted Wines Daily tasting Private tasting parties on or off premises Catering and pairing available

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Wine and beer-making ingredients and equipment sales Private wine-making lessons available Imported and domestic wines

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206-A Joe Knox Avenue • Mooresville We’ll be welcoming patients in our new office at 206-A Joe Knox Avenue (in Morrison Plantation behind the BB&T) in December 2009. The new office offers improved parking, a convenient 1st floor entrance, modern interior design, eco-friendly building features, more high quality dental equipment/technology and our unyielding committment to dental excellence. We look forward to showing you around! For this special occasion we will give two, new patient exams for the price of one.

Call For An Appointment To Experience Palmieri Dentistry

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Contents |

10 The Main Channel What’s hip at Lake Norman

18 Porthole

43

The Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s 6th Annual Best of the Lake Design Awards

20 The Captain’s Chair Angie Blashaw shares the ins and outs of planning Christmas in Davidson

24 Strong Currents MD VIP brings old-fashioned medicine and cutting-edge health care together

48

26 Rip Currents — Art A local trio pooled their talents to create an independent film they hope will take off

20

30 R ip Currents — Style Lake-area residents show their creative and enterprising streaks with a variety of products

40 T he Galley

Denver’s Sweet Wine Vinery showcases Ken Baker’s skills as a winemaker

43 Grapevine

Pinot Noir is a grape that deserves a throne

30

48 H ome Port

The details of holiday decorating

54 On Course

Pine Island Country Club gets more than a makeover

61 C urrently

Davidson Community Players brings a holiday classic to the stage

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

64 O ne More Thing Bill Giduz captures Davidson College with his camera

6

54 26 10

Lori K. Tate

This holiday season, take time to lick a peppermint stick

W

hen I first graduated from college, I worked at a law firm. My boss was by far the most organized woman on the planet, as she made certain her desk was clear of paper at the end of every day and could write instructions about how to do anything on a Post-it, no matter how small.

During the holiday season, she would often comment about how she didn’t have time to accomplish everything that she wanted. Keep in mind she was writing a cookbook for her family, shopping for numerous presents (she was a great gift giver) and doing the rounds on the holiday party circuit.

I remember thinking how sad it was that she didn’t take the time to enjoy the season. She wasn’t drinking cocoa by the fire or singing Christmas carols, she was conquering her to-do list like it was a business proposal.

Well, we’re all a little naïve when we’re young, as years later I found myself caught in the same holiday quagmire that had enveloped my boss. Suddenly

A Note from the Publisher

Happy Anniversary

T

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

his issue of CURRENTS celebrates a milestone for our entire crew of professionals.

One year ago, we set out to create a magazine that epitomizes the character of the people who live, work and play in the Lake Norman area. The faces you see on our masthead each month are your neighbors, your customers, your volunteers and your friends. Each of these ladies, along with our exceptional creative team, our ad designers and our professional team of writers and photographers consider it an honor to bring you this magazine every month. We sincerely hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoy bringing it to you.

As we celebrate our first of many birthdays to come, I personally want to say “Thank You” to our 88

2009 APEX Award Winner for Publication Excellence photo by Maury Faggart

At The Helm |

What’s the Hurry?

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

there was no time to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas, marvel at holiday lights or even make cookies.

Instead, I’d find myself aimlessly walking around the mall in search of presents, trying to send out cards by December 25 and wrapping the aforementioned presents the night before they were to be opened. Needless to say, there was nothing merry about the situation.

That’s when I decided to slow things down and take in the season. Instead of buying presents, I started donating money to charity in family member’s names. When I write my cards, I turn on a holiday movie to keep me company, and if I do buy a present for someone, I try to buy it somewhere where they’ll wrap it for me. I now have time to make fudge for my neighbors, enjoy a holiday concert or two, and even lick a peppermint stick until there’s nothing left.

Here’s wishing you a happy holiday season filled with lots of down time.

charter advertisers who believed in us a year ago and continue to believe month after month; our new advertisers who have seen our value throughout the year and chose to join our family; community and business leaders who have provided great story and feature ideas; and our readers who not only support our advertisers but recommend our magazine to friends, call us to share a kind word, and whose friendship and support are invaluable to the growth and success of this magazine.

To everyone behind the scenes of making CURRENTS all that it has become over the past year and all that it will become in 2010, I wish you Happy Holidays and a very blessed New Year.

Sharon Simpson, Publisher

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 and Lowes supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses.

Subscriptions are available for $29 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.

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

Cindy Dorman Advertising Sales Executive CindyD@LNCurrents.com

Cindy Gleason Advertising Sales Executive Cindy@LNCurrents.com

Jennifer Hansell Advertising Sales Executive Jennifer@LNCurrents.com

Kim Morton Advertising Sales Executive Kim@LNCurrents.com SPARK Publications Publication Design & Production info@SPARKpublications.com www.SPARKpublications.com Ad Production - Sumcad Design About the Cover Glenn Roberson photographed the cover at Ashley Carol Home & Garden in Cornelius.

Mission Statement Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine will embody the character, the voice and the spirit of its readers, its leaders and its advertisers. It will connect the people of Lake Norman through inspiring, entertaining and informative content, photography and design; all of which capture the elements of a well-lived life on and around the community known as Lake Norman.

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.

Vol. 2 No. 12 December 2009

漏 D. YURMAN 2009

Northlake Mall 路 SouthPark

the

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

Dressing the Stars

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

While Colby was in Nashville, Tennessee, Deborah connected with a high-end boutique on the posh Demonbreun Street called Flavour.

“I showed her [the owner] some of my prototypes of clothes that I had previously designed, and she said, ‘Go ahead and make some and we’ll put them in the store,’ ” recalls Deborah, adding that Flavour caters to the music industry. “I took dresses there last year [October 2008] and about seven of them went to the CMA [Country Music 10

Association] Awards.”

Though the dresses weren’t worn by any stars, they were worn by prominent folks on the business side of country music. This past summer, the stylists for Kellie Pickler and Carrie Underwood discovered Deborah’s designs, which range in price from $300 to $600. Pickler ended up wearing one of Deborah’s dresses for a photo shoot in Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Deborah named her line Sherwood b. after her grandmother and her daughter and refuses to duplicate her designs. “Basically, they’re one of a kind,” she says. “I come up with a design and pick out the fabrics and the embellishments and put it together.” Looking at her dresses, you’ll find beading, feathers, fringe, lace and more combined with a variety of fabrics.

“What motivates me is continually thinking of a new design, a new way to create,” says Deborah. “I’m constantly sharing my creativity with the world, and I want the world to be a part of it.”

— LKT The Scoop For more information about Deborah Bell, visit www.deborahbelldesign.com or visit her page on Facebook, where you’ll find video footage of Kellie Pickler wearing Sherwood b.’s Orange Tie Dye Dress during her shoot with Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Kellie Pickler and her dog, Moomoo, pose for a layout in Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Pickler is wearing Deborah Bell’s Orange Tie Dye Dress.

photo by Michael Gomez

Deborah Bell thrives on creativity.

photo by Craig Reynolds

Deborah Bell began designing flowers for special events 20 years ago. During that time the Cornelius resident has added event planning and interior design to her repertoire. Her latest creative endeavor? Fashion design.

Deborah, who began sewing as a child and aced her first sewing class by making a zebra bikini instead of an A-line skirt, is not a stranger to the needle and thread. She first dipped her toe into the fashion pond when she began designing performance clothes for her daughter, Colby Bell, who is a professional singer.

Deborah Bell’s creativity hits the big time

The Main Channel |

Shop & Tell

Cupcake Crazy SweetCakes makes downtown Cornelius even sweeter

Cupcakes have been all the rage in the dessert world for more than a year, and the affinity folks have for these whimsical treats shows no signs of waning. The mother and daughter team of Brenda Lord and Heather Allen hope that the cupcake craze only grows stronger, as they opened SweetCakes, a cupcake bakery in downtown Cornelius, in late October.

Offering 12 different flavors Tuesday through Saturday, SweetCakes serves standard-size and mini-size cupcakes.

One day you might find coconut cupcakes and on another you might discover red velvet or carrot cake. That’s part of the fun. Allen says their most popular flavors are chocolate, chocolate peanut butter truffle, cookies and cream, and strawberry. “A lot of our seasonal flavors do well,” says Allen, adding that they offered a pumpkin cupcake this past fall and plan to do a peppermint cupcake over the holidays.

Lord and Allen founded SweetCakes in 2008, as they began baking from Lord’s Huntersville home and selling their treats at the Davidson Farmer’s Market. “That’s how we got started. We decided we would just try it to see how it goes,” recalls Lord. “We started building our customer base from the Farmer’s Market. We didn’t go anywhere SweetCakes specializes in cupcakes of all flavors.

else. …People would then call us for custom orders. … It’s just grown by word of mouth.”

Before they decided to open a cupcake shop, the duo flew to Dallas to visit Sprinkles Cupcakes, a cupcake bakery based in Beverly Hills. “We just went and bought lots of cupcakes,” says Allen. “I’d like to go back now that we have our own recipes.”

Allen says they use their basic recipe and then tweak it to change the flavor. “They not only have to taste right, but they have to bake up right, and some recipes don’t pass the visual test,” says Allen, whose husband, Bryan, serves as the CTO, the chief tasting officer.

“The whole family has a hand in this cupcake shop,” says Lord, whose husband, Bill, helped upfit the space and has been known to deliver cupcakes, along with their son, Matt.

SweetCakes takes orders for special events and you can always walk in and try the flavor of the day. How sweet it is.

— LKT, photos by Craig Reynolds

11

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

The Scoop SweetCakes 20017 North Main Street, Cornelius 704.895.5800 www.sweetcakeslkn.com Standard cupcakes $2.75 each; $30 a dozen Mini cupcakes $1 each; $11 a dozen

From left, the mother and daughter team of Brenda Lord and Heather Allen opened SweetCakes in Cornelius in late October.

The Main Channel |

A House and Home for Hope Hope House offers recovery and rebirth

By Mike Savicki Photographs courtesy of Hope House

A small, unassuming, brick ranch sits on a Northcross Drive road bend in Huntersville.

Hidden among trees on a four-acre site, it is easy to miss the house if you aren’t looking. That’s how the purchaser, Dr. Lee Beth Lindquist, envisioned it when she found the property in 2004.

The house, itself, would not be the focus of her dream; it would be the magic behind the doors that would make the impact she hoped.

Her dream was to provide a necessary service to the Lake Norman community that she

Above: A playground at Hope House offers a place where children of crisis can simply be children.

Left: Hope House offers a comfortable atmosphere that allows homeless women and single women with young children to become self-sufficient.

knew was missing. As co-founder of the Hope House Foundation, Lindquist envisioned helping homeless women and single mothers with young children become self-sufficient following difficult periods of crisis in their lives. Yes, even in the seemingly well-to-do lake community, she knew there was crisis.

“I felt a call to do something,” explains Lindquist. “I realized that almost everyone can be basically one step away from a crisis — I see it all the time in my practice — and without knowing what to do and where to go, a life can easily spiral downward. I saw this home as a stepping stone along the path of recovery and rebirth.”

Helping out

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

12

In early 2009, following an extensive and exhaustive renovation process that required converting the single-family residence into commercial congregational housing, Hope House received its Certificate of Occupancy. The upper level has a full-service kitchen, laundry, living room and dining room, children’s playroom, bedrooms, and bathrooms, while the lower level offers additional bedrooms and bathrooms as well as the AT&T Learning Center, a technology hub complete with PC and Apple computers to teach employment skills for self-sufficiency.

By early fall 2009, Hope House opened its doors to residents, and Lindquist’s dream became a reality.

Building partnerships and nurturing relationships is now a key priority. “A center like

Be a Currenteer Giving back to others is one of the best things we can do to make our community stronger. Each month we highlight a volunteer opportunity in the area.

this cannot survive on its own,” says Lindquist.

“Building a network and connecting with social service agencies, organizations and individuals is a focus.”

Interim Executive Director, Fran Mathay, agrees. “Lee Beth is a modest, kind woman who is very sensitive to the needs of the community and sees the network,” says Mathay. “The requirements of getting a facility like this operational were daunting, but even when things appeared difficult, Lee Beth’s passion never waivered. She put this in the community’s hands, and they are responding.”

If you happen to drive along Northcross Drive, slow down as you near one specific road bend and give some thought to the significance of changing direction. While Hope House, itself, might be easy to miss in the trees, the message of this facility cannot be overlooked. The road of life has unexpected and unanticipated twists and turns, how we pass by them makes all the difference.

The Scoop Barium Springs Ho To learn about donating, memore for Chi ldrevolunteering n

AAA Insurance — Richardson and supporting visit www.

Insur ance & Hope Assoc.House, of Moo resville, will or call be collecting new, unwrappehopehousefoundation.org d toys for Barium Springs Home for 704.992.1902.

Children through Friday, December 11 at its office at 570-D Williamson Road. Additional toy drop off locations are Active Spine Chiropractic, 528 Williamson Road; Fairfield Inn, 120 Consumer Square Drive; Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina, 688-A Bluefield Road; and Wilburn Auto Body, 264 W. Plaza Drive. For additional information or to volunteer to be a toy drop off, contact Vonda at 704.7 99.1834, vwrichardson@mailaaa.com.

LAKE NORMAN’S MOST DISTINCTIVE HOMES Cornelius Waterfrontt

Gorgeous 2008 Augusta built waterfront estate home. Beautiful open floor plan, elevator, lower level car museum and casual entertaining space. Private yet lots of waterfront. Has a great casual yet elegant feel, exceptional Augusta quality finishes throughout. MLS# 888530 Agent: Reed Jackson 704-713-3623

$ 3,149,000

Cornelius Waterfront Estate

Phenomenal point lot-700+’ waterfront, 1.8 ac, water on 3 sides-miles of SUNSET views-one of a kind property! Classic, elegant Newport style home w/lots of porches.

Cedar shake & stone exterior, heart of pine flrs. 1 bdrm, 1 bath garage apt. Lots of privacy, pier w/covered gazebo. MLS# 846289 Agent: Lori Jackson 704-996-5686

$ 2,900,000

Peninsula Waterfront Estate

Connor Quay Waterview

Estate Setting in Davidson

Stunning open lake views, 6 bedrooms/7.5 baths, outdoor living areas with pool + spa & exterior fireplace. Lower level kitchen, bar/ entertainment room, wine cellar. MLS# 837221 Agent: Lori Jackson 704-996-5686

6200+ sqft w/5 bedrooms, 6.5 bath. Gourmet kitchen, media room. Custom pool and spa. Deeded boat slip. MLS# 849755 Agent: Tracy Davis 704-241-0067

Almost 3 acres of land. 4 Bdrms, 3.5 Bths. Owner’s Suite on main w/access to 2 story screened veranda. Coffered Ceiling, arched doorways, bull nose corners. 5 minutes from village area.

MLS# 894527 Agent: Lori Jackson 704-996-5686

$ 1,395,000

$ 2,995,000

$ 1,189,000

Mooresville Waterfront

Sherrills Ford Waterfront

The Peninsula

The Peninsula

The Point

210’ Wtr Frontage. 5 BR, 4.5 BA. Mstr on Main. Kitchen w/new granite, island.

Lower Level w/kitchen, bdrm, LR w/FP & Game. Beautiful lake views!

MLS# 868284 Agent: Laura Poe 704-609-5274

Craftsman Style, 4 Bdroms, 2.5 Bths. 10’ ceilings 8’doors. TWO Screened porches & unfinished basement. Master on main.

Boatslip Included. MLS#888884 Agents: Melinda Meade-White 704-534-9208 or Judy Flowe 704-608-9261

Waterviews. Cul-de-sac lot. Beautiful private backyard w/brazilian cherry deck. Large gourmet kitchen, wet bar, sunroom, main level master bedroom.

Elevator. MLS# 896540 Agent: Lori Jackson 704-996-5686

Cape Cod style cedar shake & stone.

5 Bdrms & 3.5 Bths. New kitchen and appliances. New bathrooms.

Sunroom. Pool. Cul-de-sac lot.

MLS# 893311 Agent: Jan Sipe 704-453-4677

Fantastic custom built empty nester.

Main level w/3 bedrooms. Open kitchen & great room. Private covered terrace. 3 car garage. Fenced yard. MLS# 887191 Agents: Doris Nash 704-201-3786 or Reed Jackson 704-713-3623

$1,149,000

$729,900

$ 725,000

$ 699,000

$ 699,900

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Happy Holidays from Artworks on Main Get creative and register on line or at the Gallery for the new workshops and class for winter, 2009. Our classes are designed to follow the North Carolina Arts Education Competencies.

Eva Rizzardi’s work is on display in the Gallery until Dec. 10th. On Dec. 11th (Mooresville’s Art Walk), Karen Peppers will be our featured artist.

Visit our gallery art store for your last minute original, unique gifts!

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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Porthole | photos courtesy Clear Sky Images

The Lake Norman Home Builders Association’s 6th Annual Best of the Lake Design Awards Banquet The Lake Norman Home Builders Association held its 6th Annual Best of the Lake Design Awards Banquet Friday, November 13 at Havana Social Club. Winners in various categories of Custom, Spec and Green Build, as well as various Home Renovations, including Outdoor Living spaces, were announced during the event. Best of show in New Home Builds went to Team of ZAR Custom Homes and Jim Phelps Signature Collection with US Home Design, Steve Turley and Twisted Sister Design, Jennifer Ross taking top honors in the Home Renovations category.

Heidi Milbredt and Melissa Graham.

President of LNHBA, Chris Ebels, with wife, Sherry.

Kelley and Lisa St. Germain.

Jim and Tracie Phelps.

Margie Hilton, Brian Robinett, Brad Howard and Heidi Milbredt.

Anthony Xedus and Rose Acovski.

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Rick and Lanie Constable.

18

Betty and Paul Nelson.

John and Debra Xedus.

The Captain’s Chair |

Planning Christmas in Davidson helps Angie Blashaw get into the holiday spirit.

by Lee McCracken photo by Glenn Roberson

Meet Davidson’s

Busiest Elf

Angie Blashaw coordinates the town’s annual Christmas celebration

T

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

he endless baking, decorating, shopping and wrapping during the holidays can turn almost anyone into a Scrooge … well, anyone but Angie Blashaw.

She does it all, plus she plans Christmas in Davidson as the special events and facilities supervisor for Davidson Parks and Recreation Department. In fact, the town’s annual event is what gets Blashaw into the holiday spirit.

A resident of Mooresville, Blashaw is a native of Cornelius (her maiden name was Bailey), growing up on Bailey Road and graduating from North Mecklenburg High School.

Blashaw began working for the Davidson Parks and Recreation Department in 1993 as an administrative assistant. Within six months, she took over planning and 20

implementing programs, and over 16 years she has served as the department’s interim director twice.

Christmas in Davidson celebrates 21 years this month, so we met with Blashaw to find out how the holiday extravaganza comes together.

How many people attend? How has it grown over the years?

We estimate 25,000 people over the three nights, and they come from all over the area. In the beginning, it was from Town Hall to Davidson Village Inn, and now it goes to the cotton mill and South Main Square. … We close Main Street from Concord Road to Jackson Street. And we started with three carriages but now have seven. People

now have to make reservations for the carriage rides. Last year, we put a big tent — all lit up beautifully — on The Green, and it was full of vendors. There are a lot of entertainers on The Green, too.

About how much time goes into the planning?

portunity to showcase their talent, and I enjoy watching the people have a good time. Christmas in Davidson is when I get in the spirit of things. I cannot get ready for Christmas until after the event. I do no shopping before then. I get my tree from the lot, and I pick up a few gifts at the stores. LNC

The Scoop Christmas in Davidson Downtown Davidson Thu-Sat, December 3-5, 6-9 p.m. www.downtowndavidson.org/ christmas_in_davidson.htm Lee McCracken is a Charlotte-area free-lance editor and writer who lives in Denver and grew up spending summers on Cayuga Lake in Upstate New York. Since moving to the Charlotte area in 1994, she has written on business, education, health care and real estate for various publications.

The work begins in July. But it takes most of my time (40 hours a week) starting in September, as well as all of Margaret Martens’ hours, who is a part-time event planner for the town. She puts in 20 hours a week, if not more, to plan this event.

How many volunteers help?

We have a lot of people and organizations helping, and they’re all so important. A planning committee meets every month, starting in July. The Lake Norman Kiwanis take care of the carriages — they’re just fantastic! The Julie Jones Team made, and now sets up and staffs, our welcome center/information booth. It looks like a gingerbread house, and they store it for us all year. The Lake Norman Teen Council helps us with set-up and breakdown. We have volunteers who decorate Santa’s House in the Community Room at the library.

CVS takes free pictures of the children with Santa for us. The Davidson Historical Society members ride the trolley and tell people about landmarks in the town. And, of course, local schools help with the kiddies’ train, dress as elves for Santa’s House and volunteer with the hay wagon.

What’s involved in the planning?

What do you enjoy about the work? About the event itself?

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

There are the key elements, such as marketing, sponsorships and the participants, which include the entertainers, vendors, nonprofits, merchants and churches. The opening ceremony is an animal in itself. And, of course, there’s all the logistics for lighting, sound, tents and tables, as well as the carriages, trolley, Santa, all the ornaments, and the doggie fashion show. And, oh my goodness, there are the tons and tons of signs!

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We would like to wish the Lake Norman community a happy and safe Christmas season!

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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Strong Currents |

MDVIP Makes it Personal, Proactive

Old-fashioned medicine meets cutting-edge health care

by Lee McCracken photos by Craig Reynolds

H

is doctor makes house calls, and Doug Mayes thinks that’s worth every dollar. The retired TV news anchorman (WBTV and WSOC) has agreed to pay $1,500 a year to have his doctor’s cell phone number and get an appointment the same day he calls.

Mayes describes Dr. Rodney Redelsperger as “a listening doctor,” emphasizing, “He appreciates his patients as people, and he gets to know them.” Although Mayes is 87, he’s still active and speaks to groups throughout the area.

He says Redelsperger’s focus on preventive health care is helping him to continue to live life … and live it well.

Spending time, pre-empting problems

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Doug Mayes, a retired TV news anchorman, is feeling the best he’s felt in a long time. “I don’t think every doctor is right for this [MDVIP program], but Dr. Redelsperger is the right guy,” says the 87-year-old.

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Redelsperger is a family practice physician with a subspecialty in internal medicine. He’s been practicing in Denver for seven years, but this past spring, he signed on with MDVIP, a growing national network of physicians who are rediscovering what it means to have a relationship with their patients. Redelsperger’s practice is now limited to 600 patients. “This allows me to practice medicine the old-fashioned way,” explains Redelsperger. “Every appointment is 30 minutes, and I have the time to really talk with my patients.”

Founded in 2000 in Boca Raton, Florida, MDVIP, Inc. is a privately held firm with a network of more than 300 primary care physicians who practice proactive, preventive and personalized health care in 27 states. To date, more than 100,000 patients are served across the country.

Dr. Bernard Kaminetsky, medical director of MDVIP, says more and more doctors are becoming part of the network because they are dissatisfied; their practices are all about reacting to acute problems in patients they hardly know.

Family practice physicians typically carry a 2,500-patient load, seeing some 35 to 40 patients a day for seven to eight minutes at a time.

Dr. Rodney Redelsperger, 46, moved to the Lake Norman area in 2002 from Houston, where he was a veteran’s administration emergency room physician. He and his wife of 10 years, Jamie, have an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. Redelsperger is president of his neighborhood homeowner association, and he works with the North Lincoln High School sports medicine program. He enjoys boating and golf.

Strong Currents |

Denver Doc is CommunityOriented Family Man

MDVIP docs, he says, are able to place a greater emphasis on wellness.

“We know diagnosis is 90 percent listening,” says Kaminetsky. “They have the time to spend with their patients, so small problems don’t become big problems.” Blood pressure and diabetes are kept under control, and fewer patients are sent to the hospital.

Dr. Rodney Redelsperger

Services included Patients range in age from 12 to 95, with 75 percent age 55 and older. And although MDVIP recently was named to Worth magazine’s list of Top 10 Executive Health Programs, the majority of patients are not wealthy CEOs or retirees.

“It’s a question of how much value people put on their health,” says Kaminetsky. Redelsperger agrees. “I’m surprised by those [patients] who signed up and those who didn’t,” he says, noting he still has a few openings.

The annual fee for an MDVIP doctor, $1,500-$1,800 a year, covers a Mayo Clinic-type executive physical and includes a personalized wellness plan and a myMDVIP personal Web site. Patients also receive a wallet-size CD, which

holds their medical records (including tests and medications), which can be used in the case of an emergency or when visiting a specialist. In addition, patients who need medical care when traveling can see an MDVIP physician in that city on the same day.

Patients also can receive referrals to and coordination of care with doctors at the top academic institutions in the country, such as Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic, Baylor Clinic in Houston, Beth Israel Deaconess in Boston, Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York, Miller School of Medicine in Miami and UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Sta r rMi ller

Access to the top Cleveland Clinic heart surgeon is what saved Clem Whorleich’s life earlier this year, and he credits Redelsperger for knowing what he needed and getting him help quickly. “This is excellent service,” says Whorleich. “Dr. Redelsperger will get the right answer whatever the problem is, and that gives me peace of mind.” LNC Lee McCracken is a Charlotte-area free-lance editor and writer who lives in Denver and grew up spending summers on Cayuga Lake in Upstate New York. Since moving to Charlotte in 1994, she has written on business, education, health care and real estate for various publications.

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Rip Currents-Art |

1

By Sam Boykin Photos courtesy of JP Cashman

Lights, Camera,

Action A local trio pooled their talents to create an independent film they hope will take off

2

Cashman directs on site at The Trott House Inn in Newton.s

M

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

ooresville resident JP Cashman spent most of last summer living out his dream — directing a feature film. It’s called On The Market, and parts of it were filmed in Mooresville and nearby Newton.

Cashman, who also composed the music for the independent film, is an actor as well, and has appeared in dozens of movies, including Leatherheads, We Are Marshall and Talladega Nights.

In addition, he has many TV appearances to his credit on shows such as Desperate Housewives and My Name is Earl. But On the Market is his directorial debut, and if all goes according to plan, it will be the first of many such projects.

26

formed a production company called Southern Horizon Pictures. Like many independent films, there was no shortage of dedication and passion, but money was in short supply. So the three friends culled their resources and financed the film themselves.

Above: From left, producers Gina Travis, JP Cashman “We really didn’t know what we were getand Kerry Cashion pose with Joel Jose of Joel’s Asian Grill.

Leftt: JP Cashman of Mooresville directs with ting into,” says Cashman. “But when you do an intensity. independent film like this — especially outside of New York and L.A. — a lot of actors just want Making it happen face time to build their resume. So they’re willing The film is a romantic comedy about how to contribute to the cause.” There are 84 credited a woman handles getting back into the dating actors in the film. scene after her seemingly idyllic life is shattered The three friends wore multiple hats during when she discovers her husband cheating on her the film’s production, with both Cashion and with the nanny.

Travis serving as producers, as well as handling Cashman explains that the film came about production design and set decoration. Cashman, last November (2008) when he connected with in addition to directing and composing all the two local actresses, Kerry Cashion and Gina Tra- music, served as executive producer and sound vis, both of whom he had worked with before. mixer. They also relied on local connections, like The trio was tossing around ideas about differ- Bill Rahn of Hickory, a veteran of the video proent projects they could work on together when duction industry, who worked as cinematograCashion showed them a screenplay she had writ- pher and editor. ten called On The Market.

The three friends decided to go for it and Continued on page 28

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CorreCtive Jaw Surgery

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Following are some of the conditions that may indicate the need for corrective jaw surgery: difficulty chewing or biting food, difficulty swallowing, chronic jaw or jaw joint (TMJ) pain and headache, sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping, including snoring), difficulty pronouncing certain sounds, etc.

Rip Currents-Art |

4

Continued from page 26

Stopping traffic

Most of the filming took place last May and June, with the bulk of the scenes shot in Lewisville, just outside Winston-Salem. “We filmed a couple of days each week so we could still work our regular jobs,” says Cashman, who manages a shoe store. “And when you’re dealing with people volunteering to help, you’re at their mercy. If you get to the set one day and everyone’s not there, you make the best of it. You do what you’ve got to do.”

Several scenes were also filmed in Newton, where Travis grew up, at The Trott House Inn, a Colonial Revival style bed and breakfast along Main Street. During the shoot the filmmakers even got some help from the local authorities.

“We did a lot of outside shots, and there was a lot of traffic along Main Street which was making things difficult,” Cashman explains.

“We called the police and they actually blocked off Main Street for a good hour. In between takes they’d let traffic through.”

For the scene shot in Mooresville, Cashman

picked one of his favorite restaurants, Joel’s Asian Grill. In addition to its sushi, Joel’s is also known for its personable owner, Joel Jose, who regularly chats and jokes with the customers.

Cashman thought Joel’s would be a perfect place to film a scene where Cashion’s character “Megan” goes out on yet another awkward date.

Cashman even gave Jose a line in the movie, in which he teases the nervous pair while they’re seated at their table. The scene came off without a hitch, as did the rest of the movie.

“I’ve been on major Hollywood productions with the best in the business and they all make mistakes and run into problems,” Cashman says. “But this shoot went so smoothly.

Even the weather cooperated. We had to keep pinching ourselves and asking is this really happening?”

The movie was accepted into the New York International Independent Film Festival and was screened in late October. Cashman says Southern Horizon Films is still in operation, and that it’s working on getting the film in other festivals, including Sundance and Slamdance.

“That’s really your avenue to get your prod-

uct out there,” says Cashman. “After that, there’s all kinds of options. Somebody may want to pick it up and air it on Lifetime or Oxygen. But more than anything else, it’s a calling card for your next film.”

Cashman is currently working on another film, this one a drama, which he hopes to start shooting in Charlotte sometime next year.

“Directing a feature film for the first time was a big deal for me,” Cashman says. “I was stretched extremely thin, and there were many 16 to 20 hour days, but I loved it. I’m ready for whatever rolls down the pike next.” LNC The Scoop For more information regarding On the Market, visit www.onthemarketmovie.com.

Sam Boykin is an award-winning journalist and free-lance writer in Mooresville. He also has written for Scientific American, Entrepreneur, US Airways, Consumer’s Digest, Our State, Business North Carolina and Charlotte Business Journal. When he’s not writing Boykin is often embarrassing himself on the tennis courts or working on his 107-year-old house.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Mike Griffin Griffin Insurance Agency Mooresville/Lincolnton Statesville/Cornelius

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28

The most important thing you wear doesn’t hang in your closet.

A healthy smile can change the way you look and feel - and it can make you want to share it with those around you. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, a full-mouth restoration, or just want options on how to improve your dental health, we’ll give you something to smile about. We offer a wide range of dental services and cosmetic procedures. For more information, please contact our office or visit our website,

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Call today and schedule a free Fitness Evaluation and Personal Training Session.

Rip Currents-Style |

Make Room For

The Locals

Story and photos by Trent Pitts

Many lake-area residents have a creative and enterprising streak, making it easier than ever to find holiday gifts with a local connection. We looked around and came up with five locally created gifts for the people on your list. It’s up to you to decide if your friends and family have been naughty or nice.

For tweens and teens

Flipoutz

Flipoutz are bracelets for kids ages 9 to 14 that can be personalized with coins emblazoned with cool catchphrases and designs. The coins can be removed, traded with friends and even tracked at the Flipoutz Web site. Erin, Lachlan and Jake Johnson (ages 16, 14 and 10) of Davidson came up with the idea while on a family trip. Their parents, Emily and Robin, agreed that there could be something to it, so a patent was applied for.

The family approached Enventys, a product design and development firm in Charlotte (producers of the Everyday Edisons TV show on PBS) for some assistance but initially got an indifferent reaction.

Soon after, Louis Foreman, CEO of Enventys called and asked them to come back and speak to him personally. He proceeded to tell the Johnsons that the idea looked promising.

So, the kids came up with the creative ideas, the parents dealt with the business specifics, and

Enventys now handles the packaging and Web site design. The bracelets are available in several colors (even glow-in-the-dark), and several dozen different coins are offered with graphic designs such as the Yin-Yang symbol and others with slogans such as, “Be Real,” “Groovy Baby” and “TTYL” (text speak for talk to ya later).

The bracelets and coins can be purchased at the Flipoutz Web site and are also available at Perfect Gift in Mooresville with more locations to come. A bracelet with one coin is $6.99, a bracelet with five coins is $12.99, a pack of two coins is $3.99 and individual coins are $2.99.

For more information, visit www.flipoutz.com.

For those inclined to interior design

Davidson Watercolor

Davidson’s Alice Garbrick and Kathy Feezor teamed up one year ago to produce prints and note cards of the town’s architectural landmarks such as

From left, Kathy Feezor and Alice Garbrick design maps and note cards depicting Davidson landmarks.

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Davidson’s Emily Johnson wears a variety of Flipoutz. She, her husband, Robin, and their three children came up with the idea for these fun bracelets.

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Summit Coffee, Main Street Books, the Beaver Dam House and The Soda Shop. Their prints include a map of Davidson and eight well-known locations depicted in watercolor by Feezor. Customers may have their homes painted onto the map if desired, or they can have an image of the Davidson wildcat statue portrayed instead.

“We did it out of our love for Davidson. We wanted something that could be a keepsake of this wonderful town,” says Garbrick. Maps are $40, a custom painting of a home is $45, adding the Davidson Wildcat statue is $40 and framing is $35 to $40. Note cards are $10 for a pack of eight cards with eight different landmarks.

For more information, e-mail davidsonwatercolor@bellsouth.net or call 704.895.0705.

Garbrick and Feezor will have a booth at Christmas in Davidson in front of Main Street Books.

‘Cotton’ Ketchie holds his latest book, Little Did They Know.

For the bookworm

‘Cotton’ Ketchie’s

Little Did They Know

Continued on page 35

31

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Mooresville artist, photographer and writer ‘Cotton’ Ketchie has released his latest written work titled Little Did They Know, a novel with plenty of local color. This fast-paced thriller starts in Mooresville, makes its way to Statesville and ends up in the mountains of North Carolina.

“It is a love-story suspense novel — it is an exciting book,” says Ketchie of his story about sev-

33

Thank You

Our Rotary Club and Beneficiaries: Thank our Sponsors, Donors, Volunteers and Guests for another

Spectacular Event!

hosted by: Rotary Club of Lake Norman-Huntersville

www.lakenormanrotary.org

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eral friends who end up missing and the ensuing efforts to track them down. Ketchie is certainly well regarded as an artist, as he received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Mike Easley in 2001. However, he is no stranger to the written word either, as he has previously published two books (A Country Boy’s Education and Memories of a Country Boy) about his experience growing up in North Carolina.

Little Did They Know can be purchased at Landmark Galleries in Mooresville, and will be available at online and local booksellers in the near future. Published by Lorimer Press of Davidson, the book is $23.95.

varieties, plus Hartel has come up with a collection of hair bows for infants and toddlers as well. Her online business is called Tweedlebug Boutique.

Hartel’s designs got a boost when she sent a hat to the Duggar family of The Learning Channel’s 18 Kids and Counting show. After the latest Duggar child was born, all of the media photos the next day were of the child wearing the Tweedlebug Boutique hat. The bowed hats have also been featured on People.com and the

2010

Today show. The various nods from the media have certainly brought attention to Tweedlebug Boutique.

“Our sales went through the roof,” says Hartel. “And our Web site hits were out of control.”

For more information, visit www.tweedlebugboutique.com. The hats sell for $11.99 to $14.99, and the hair bows are $2 to $4 plus shipping.

Rip Currents-Style |

Continued from page 31

Continued on page 37

of Lake NormaN

How to top 2009? Just wait for Aquapalooza 2010!

Huntersville’s Michelle Hartel created “I Am Not A Boy” Newborn Hats for baby girls.

For the fashionable mother-to-be of a girl

ur Mark yaor for d calen or

July 31 fa 2010! oz Aquapalowon’t You t to wan it. miss

“I Am Not A Boy” Newborn Hats On July 25th Sea Ray of Lake Norman welcomed 5,000 friends to Aquapalooza 2009. With the cooperation of law enforcement, sponsors,and the weatherman, Aquapalooza was the Biggest and Best boating celebration EVER on Lake Norman!

Visit our website for details as we plan Aquapalooza 2010.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Stay-at-home mom Michelle Hartel had her eureka moment while in the hospital after giving birth to her daughter, Harper. Discouraged that the hats for newborns were the same style for boys and girls, the Huntersville resident created a hat with a bow on the front for her daughter right in her hospital room.

After getting compliments from nurses, family and friends, she decided to set up shop, naming her product the “I Am Not A Boy” Newborn Hats. The hats are available in three

Photos by Wes Stearns

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Since 1974 of Lake Norman, Inc.

Since 1974

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Tom Cotter is a certified car geek, but his latest book is about motorcycles.

Published by Motorbooks International, The Vincent in the Barn was the company’s bestselling book to retail at press time. By the way, a Vincent is a motorcycle that was made in England from the late 1920s to the mid-1950s.

“They’re like the Ferrari of motorcycles.

They were so well built,” says Cotter. “They were way ahead of their time, and their manufacturing quality was superb, far better than probably anything before or after. … I thought Vincent would be an interesting bike to use, and so far it seems to be working really well.”

For more information, visit www.motorbooks.com. The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories in Motorcycle Archeology can be purchased at Main Street Books in Davidson for $26. If you purchase it at Main Street Books, you can make arrangements for Tom Cotter to sign your copy. LNC

Rip Currents-Style |

Continued from page 35

Trent Pitts, a native North Carolinian, has been photographing and writing about the people and places of the Lake Norman area for several years.

For motorcycle fans

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37

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Certified Car Geek is the title on Tom Cotter’s business card. Though it sounds funny, it’s a true depiction of the Davidson resident’s career. Aside from doing public relations for Mercedes-Benz and collecting cars (at last count he had 25), Cotter writes books about them.

His first four titles include: Holman Moody: The Legendary Race Team, The Cobra in the Barn: Great Stories of Automotive Archeology, The Hemi in the Barn: Great Stories of Automotive Archeology and Dean Jeffries: 50 Fabulous Years in Hot Rods, Racing & Film. His latest book, The Vincent in the Barn: Great Stories of Motorcycle Archeology, goes from four wheels to two, as it focuses on exciting motorcycle hunts.

“With motorcycles, there’s a common mentality with car guys. I think I know that person,” says Cotter, who owns a 30-year-old dirt bike. “This book is an adult version of a children’s treasure hunt. When I was 14 years old, I’d think about going out and finding an old pirate’s ship or something in the woods. …Well, adults, car guys and bike guys do that same thing with two- and fourwheel vehicles. They go out and try to discover something that has been forgotten and sitting in somebody’s garage or sitting in a barn or sitting in a shed or in a basement.”

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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Wine lovers will enjoy a variety of wines at Sweet Vine Winery.

by Cathy Swiney photos by Glenn Roberson

Practice Makes Perfect Sweet Vine Winery showcases Ken Baker’s skills as a winemaker

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

K

en Baker opened Sweet Vine Winery in Denver two months ago, but the roots of his small operation were put down years ago when he was 14. He, his older brother and some friends pulled bunches of grapes off his grandparent’s vines, headed to the basement to crush them through cheesecloth and then 40

waited until the fermentation was complete.

“You couldn’t drink it,” Baker says with a laugh. “It turned into a weed killer. Vinegar is what it was.”

Better with age Just as wine gets better with age, so have

Baker’s skills. Throughout the years, the selftaught winemaker has taken the knowledge he’s gained from extensive research and trial and error to produce a wine that would never be defined as a weed killer.

Instead, the wines he made for family and friends pleased their palettes enough that they suggested he turn his hobby into a business.

Growing weary of the frequent travel his job as an accounts payable auditor required, he decided to give his pastime more focus and bring his wines to the public.

His wine, under the label of Sweet Vine Winery, made its debut in November through his store in West Pointe Shoppes.

Although he does grow some grapes, he doesn’t have acres of vines producing enough grapes with which to make his wine, so he must purchase the juice. As much as possible, he tries to buy the juice from local vineyards

Ken Baker fell in love with winemaking when he was 14 and recently opened Sweet Vine Winery in Denver.

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and uses about 10 grape varieties, including Red Catawba, Vinifera, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

“When I’m buying the juice, I’m getting the skins also,” Baker explains, adding that eventually he would like to have a vineyard. “They’ll do the crush for me and bring them [the containers] over, and I’ll start making the wine.”

Baker’s vintner lab is set up in a back room of the store. There, he balances the juices for acidity, determines the amount of sugar, begins the fermentation process, which can take anywhere between two to four weeks, then finishes with the clearing process after which the wine is bottled and corked.

“I make it in small lots so that it’s a little easier to control,” he says. “In a bigger operation, I think it [the wine] loses a little bit of character.”

small bar for a gathering.

With his weed-killer wine days behind him, Baker enjoys spending more time facing the challenge of making a good wine, particularly Amarone.

Drink Up Sweet Vine Winery 751D Highway 16 North Denver 704.966.1030 www.sweetvinewinery.com Hours: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“It’s a little more of a challenge,” he says.

“There’s a lot of room for error. You can bottle it and drink it, but as with any wine, it improves with age. Hopefully, people will buy two bottles. One to drink and one to cellar.” LNC Free-lance writer Cathy Swiney, a Huntersville resident, has spent several years covering the restaurant scene in the Lake Norman area.

41

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

The gift of wine Initially, Baker plans to offer eight wines under his label including Lake Norman Sunset Cabernet Sauvignon, Sailor’s Moon Chardonnay, Wilson’s Creek White Water Wine, Que Sera Shiraz and Blushing Bride, in addition to Merlot, Chianti and an Italian-style Pinot Grigio.

“If you’re used to a California Pinot Grigio and taste one with an Italian flare, it’s a little more bolder and crisp than a California, which is a little more mellow,” says Baker, who also makes wines using fruits such as blackberries and peaches.

Looking for a holiday gift for a wine lover?

Consider Baker’s Chocolate Raspberry Port, which will be available only for the holiday season. Or, consider buying one particular bottle of his wine that supports a good cause. He will donate $5 of every bottle he sells of his Fire Engine Red, a red table wine, to Denver-area fire departments.

With winemaking taking place in the back, the front of the store is dedicated to retail. In addition to his label, commercial wines, wineand beer-making kits and supplies, and wine accessories fill the shelves in the inviting space.

Also available are various wine jellies and wine crackers made by Baker’s girlfriend, Jennifer Young. Baker hopes to eventually offer wine tastings, as one corner of the space offers a

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Grapevine |

Pinot Noir A grape that

by Trevor Burton

deserves a throne

I

Pinot Noir from Oregon, California and Burgundy.

Burgundy, the benchmark for Pinot Noir Nowhere in the world is this more evident than in the gorgeous wines of Burgundy — with a very small exception, all red Burgundy wines are made from Pinot Noir. In Burgundy, as in all of France, wines are defined not by the grape that they’re made from but by the place where the grapes are grown. In other words, wines are defined by their terroir. And in Burgundy, there are lots of individual terroirs.

Burgundy is a great place for Pinot Noir to strut its stuff, expressing subtle differences in small, individual plots of land, each of which brings in its own unique set of characteristics to its wine.

Burgundy wines are stunning. Light bodied, they have layer upon layer of flavor.

Lots of nice earthy and gamey stuff combined with oodles of berries. What’s always the kicker for me; they end up with a floral 43

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

n my mind Pinot Noir constitutes the royalty of wine. I had my first serious encounter with it in Burgundy 20-plus years ago and have been happily haunted by it ever since. Despite my claims to its regality, Pinot Noir is sometimes called a “thin wine.” Thin wine? Yeah, sure, and Audrey Hepburn was just another slender lady.

In fact, Audrey Hepburn and Pinot Noir share some delightful similarities. Let’s start with understated and elegant. Then add a mixture of delicacy and character — lots of it. Summing it all up, it’s all about nuance, finesse and style.

The Pinot Noir grape is a thin-skinned little rascal that’s tricky to grow. But in the hands of a skilled winegrower and winemaker, it is the grape that surpasses all others in expressing its environment; its “terroir” — that untranslatable French word that means a combination of soil, climate and winemaking traditions and practices.

Grapevine |

finish of violet and lavender. And all of this is tied up in that nice, nuanced, understated package that’s the signature tune of Pinot Noir.

Words can’t do these wines justice — at least mine can’t. But once you taste a good Burgundy, experience its aroma, swish it around your mouth to get all of the tastes from it, you simply get it, as wine takes on a whole new perspective.

The best way to get started on Burgundy wines is to try a wine named for one of the many villages in the region. The ones you’re most likely to run across around the lake would be a Nuits-Saint-Georges or a Gevrey-Chambertin.

An immigrant that has set down roots Pinot Noir has also found a home in the United States, several of them, in fact. Perhaps the biggest concentration of growers is in the Willamette Valley in northwest Oregon. That’s wil-LAH-mette. Pronounce it

Pinot Noir growing on the hillsides of Anderson Valley.

glenn roberson photography LIFE AS ART

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

glennroberson.com

44

Weddings/Portraits

Catawba Ave., Cornelius

high up on a mountainside looking into the valley — high enough to look down over the vineyard as hawks flew by below us in search of their lunch. What a delicious pleasure.

So, whether from Burgundy, Oregon or California, try a Pinot Noir or two. Really try them. Take a good long sniff to pull in all the aromas. Taste by swishing wine around in your mouth to pull out all its complex beauty. Then sit back and savor it all. Who knows? You might, in the back of

your mind, hear Audrey Hepburn’s husky voice softly singing Moon River. Enjoy. LNC Trevor Burton of Mooresville, a retired technology marketing consultant, now occupies himself in the field of wine and its enjoyment.

Certified by the International Sommelier Guild, he is founder of SST Wine Experiences and, along with his wife, Mary Ellen, conducts wine education and tasting tours to wine regions throughout the world.

Grapevine |

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

correctly and you’ll please any local winemaker. That could be good for an extra glass or two at a tasting, which is always a good thing.

The climate in the Willamette Valley is gentle and relatively cool — just right for Pinot Noir. Oregon wines are close in complexity to their Burgundian cousins. They tend to be a little more robust and emphasize fruit more than earthy and woody stuff. They have some smoky and herbal tastes tucked in. They are, without a doubt, wines to sit back and spend some quality time with.

Head south down the West coast and you’ll find another area that could have been custom designed for this grape. In California, the chilly Pacific Ocean combines with certain topographies to create some outstanding wines. The combination of cool, foggy mornings and warm afternoon sun brings out Pinot Noir’s best.

The Sonoma Coast AVA (American Viticultural Area — the name that’s on the label) is producing wines, some of which have achieved cult status. They’re sold only on allocation and at prices that are astronomical. I’ve tasted a couple and I can’t, for the life of me, see how they can justify their price of hundreds of dollars a bottle. Not for me.

Two areas that abut the Sonoma Coast have conditions just as beneficial for Pinot Noir and put out wines that are, in my opinion, equally good. The Russian River Valley is a little bit inland from the Sonoma Coast. Its Pinot Noirs have everything you’d expect plus a little peppery spice. Nice. These wines are sanely priced.

You can find them for as low as 20-some dollars.

A little to the north is an area that I am particularly fond of. It’s the Anderson Valley, sloping gently down to the Pacific coastline. It’s beautiful to look at and offers absolute perfection for Pinot Noir.

Etched deeply into my memory is the time my wife, Mary Ellen, and I tasted a glass of wine with Mario Sterling, winemaker and owner of Esterlina Vineyards. We were

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

for your favorite gal!”

Home Port |

by Lori K. Tate photographs by Glenn Roberson

The Details of Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Decorating 48

We asked Mickie Jones and Lisa McKinney of Ashley Carol Home & Garden in Cornelius to give us tips on holiday decorating. As they share their secrets, you might be surprised at how the simplest of touches can turn your home into a winter wonderland

McKinney took that into consideration when designing the mantel decorations. “I wanted it to coordinate with the style of the room,” she says. “I wanted it to be glamorous.”

The result is glamorous indeed, as McKinney used lots of browns and golds with just the

Mantels Playful This season interior designer Lisa McKinney designed all of the holiday mantels at Ashley Carol Home & Garden, which is housed in a 1927 house in downtown Cornelius. “I tried to do each mantel in the house differently,” says McKinney, who also does faux paintings and murals and is a professional holiday decorator. “I wanted something fun with this one, and I’ve just always been drawn to lime green. It’s like a big Granny Smith apple.”

For this mantel she used wired garland, as well as wired ribbon for the base. The lime greenery is accented with lime green glass Christmas trees with a modern flair.

Art Deco This room had more of an art deco feel, so

Incorporating What You Have Mickie Jones, owner of Ashley Carol Home & Garden, is a big believer in incorporating what you already have in your home into your holiday décor. Instead of removing this stunning piece 49

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Traditional “This fireplace is a smaller scale,” says McKinney. “Everything is a little smaller. The bows are a little smaller, but this is definitely traditional in the red and gold.”

McKinney added a garland swag above the mirror that almost looks like a continuation of the garland on the mantel. She also says adding a swag above art pieces is a great way to bring something you already have in your home into the holiday mix.

right touch of glittery pieces. The candlesticks on the mantel serve as a focal point and bring the art deco idea to the forefront even more.

If you want to spruce up this look for a party, simply add natural greenery. McKinney fluffed up her design for our photo shoot by adding freshly clipped magnolia branches.

Home Port |

of sculpture by Carolyn Kinder from the coffee table for the holidays, she added glass ornaments to bring it into the mix.

“I have not seen this piece anywhere else, and I just liked it,” says Jones. “To me it was so different and unique.”

Because of how striking the piece is, Jones recommends that it be the only piece on the coffee table. If you want to add more of the holiday spirit to it, simply spruce up the base with long leaf pine and sprigs of berries.

The wreath hanging on the door of this design continues that same idea as it features a large chocolate brown star. She mixed it with traditional non-breakable ornaments and various kinds of evergreens.

Whether designing a centerpiece for an entry table or a dining room table, you want it to make a statement. For this design, McKinney was going after the wow factor, and she accomplished it by using simple components.

She started by placing various ribbons on the table. Then she centered a wreath on top of the ribbons. For the focal point, she placed a large glass bowl in the center and filled its base with rock salt. “I just put a little bit of regular salt on top of the rock salt so it would look like blown snow,” explains McKinney.

She topped off the look with silver pinecones, silk flowers, small snowball ornaments and a large candle.

Doorways, Wreaths and Centerpieces

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Doorways are ready and waiting to be spruced up for the holidays so don’t forget about them. For this hallway, McKinney pulled from the earth tone colors of the room. “If Mickie were a client, and I was here doing her home, that’s exactly what I would do,” explains McKinney. “I would just kind of continue what she already had and try to keep the same feel.”

For this design, she used two kinds of wired ribbon a string of white lights with bows in the corner. Large gold snowflakes serve as perfect accent pieces. While their size might be intimidating to some, McKinney says you shouldn’t be scared of larger objects.

“If you can only afford two or three things, I would say invest in bigger items because it does make more of a statement.”

50

Book Art Next time you’re at the flea market and you see a box of old books for a $1, grab it and enter the world of book art. “It’s the simplest thing. You just take the spine and cover off and start folding a couple of pages at a time,” says McKinney. “If Continued on page 52

What to Think About When Decorating for the Holidays Lisa McKinney shares six tips 1. Everyone needs a base material. It’s like putting on your foundation for your make up. I like using heavy garlands with wire, good floral pieces (whether it’s poinsettias or sparkly glitter greenery) and ribbon. I use a lot of ribbon.

2. I like to bring in natural elements like pinecones. If I purchase garland and it doesn’t have pinecones, I’ll stick a few in.

Cinnamon sticks are also good to use.

3. If you’re doing a dining room or a family room, you should have a big focal point. Typically that’s the fireplace in the family room or the tabletop centerpiece in the dining room.

4. You can even be festive while setting the table. You don’t have to have holiday china. Instead, you can mix and match pieces. For instance, use a simple plate and top it with a red salad plate. You don’t necessarily have to go out and purchase all new china, but you should let your table be part of the holiday décor.

5. T ry to incorporate things that you already have in your home such as art, books, mirrors, vases, etc. Don’t think a space can’t be decorated.

6. Handmade items add an extra personal touch. Always try to recycle items and give them a new life. Do something simple. It doesn’t have to be extravagant.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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have to sew one bit. Simply twist the wire at the top and add a ribbon. Voila! You have a homemade felted wreath that took minutes to make.

McKinney’s daughter, Lindsey Weimer, made this particular one.

Continued from page 50

it’s a thin book, you’ll end up with a half circle.

It can be used as a holiday cardholder. After the holidays, you can use it for photographs.”

Flowers Flowers aren’t simply for garlands.

Sometimes they like to have the spotlight all to themselves. If that’s the case, spruce up a silk amaryllis or poinsettia with tiny holiday touches.

For this arrangement, McKinney put foam in the bottom of the vase to secure three amaryllis stems tied together. “I then slipped in rolled up music sheets, a couple of small Christmas ornaments and a vintage holiday photo sprinkled with glitter.

“You could do this with birch branches,” says McKinney. “You add to what you have.” LNC

Felted Wreath With the green movement at an alltime high, why not incorporate recycled items into your holiday décor? Cut squares from old wool blankets and sweaters and thread them on a floral wire. The wire easily goes through the material, so you don’t

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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On Course |

the

by Mike Savicki Photographs courtesy of Ginger Griffin Marketing & Design

secret isout Pine Island Country Club Gets More Than a Makeover

The new clubhouse at Pine Island Country Club turns heads and is one of many renovations the club has undertaken.

L

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

arry Yount smiles when he talks about the new look and feel of Pine Island Country Club. He boasts about the redesigned golf course and extensive practice facilities. He brags about the new clubhouse and swimming complex. And his pride is evident when he praises the staff who service Pine Island’s growing membership base. There is a new energy at Pine Island Country Club, and Yount has been helping make the dream a reality since he first discovered the course nearly four decades ago.

When Yount, general manager, first played Pine Island with his family in 1970, the course was quite different from the one he now manages. “In the early years, I never dreamed we would be where we are today. Being an older club, we weren’t built with residential development in mind,” he recalls. “We were a simple course with a more traditional layout, many parallel fairways and, as I like to say, a bit of room for the ball. The nuts and bolts were here from the beginning but as the years passed, we reached a plateau and needed new energy, new direction and a new plan.”

54

Pine Island closed for 18 months to undertake a nearly three-million-dollar renovation and rebuild.

More than a makeover In January 2005, under the ownership of Larry Griffin, Sr. and the Griffin family, Pine Island closed for 18 months to undertake a nearly three-million-dollar renovation and rebuild. Yount says the project included reworking all greens and bunkers, installing additional sets of tees on each hole, improving drainage control and reworking the landscaping. Course architect, Mike Gleason, created a dramatic new look and gave the course a new feel and flow by completely redesigning and rerouting four holes around a new irrigation pond and clubhouse.

Additional improvements included the rebuild of all greens to USGA specifications, sowing fringes with meyer zoysia grass, sodding or sprigging tees and fairways with 419 Bermuda grass, and rebuilding bunkers to improve playability. A new sprinkler system with over 475 heads also improves coverage.

“We didn’t put a Band-Aid on anything but Continued on page 56

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On Course |

Continued from page 54

decided to make a basically brand new club,” explains Yount. “We took care of everything at one point in time to better position us for the next 12 to 15 years.”

A tale of two nines Mark Hofstetter, head golf professional, says Pine Island now offers a unique and memorable golf experience. “It’s really a tale of two nines,” he explains. “The front is the shorter nine where there is some risk reward in many of the holes.

The yardages of these holes are misleading because this side requires more skill and control.

“And when you turn the corner, holes 13 to the finish are a strong test of golf,” says Hofstetter. “There are always changes to the leader board near the end of the round.”

Hofstetter believes players who come to Pine Island for the first time often look at the scorecard and think they can bash their way to a fantastic score. When they come off the 18th green, he hears the majority say Pine Island is really a tricky golf course. “And that’s what I experienced the first few times I came out here to play, too,” he

All of the greens at Pine Island were rebuilt to USGA specifications.

The Peninsula Pine Island Country Club Club USGA Slope and Course Rating.

Par 71 Tees Yardage Rating Slope Men’s Champion 6622 71.0 135 Member 6247 69.1 126 Club 5722 66.4 117 Forward 5223 63.5 110 Women’s Champion 6247 74.9 137 Club 5722 71.5 127 Forward 5223 68.4 117 admits. “It soon became obvious to me that having good local knowledge about the undulating greens and where to place your shots is important to scoring.”

If you are looking for a signature hole with

either breathtaking views or elaborate collections of bunkers and hazards, Hofstetter says you will not find it at Pine Island. “There really isn’t one particular hole that stands out in everyone’s mind, nor is there one aimed at exploding the scorecard,” he says. “This is a position-type golf course that requires you to think your way around. The players who enjoy our challenge are the good shot makers who understand where to place the ball.”

Hofstetter says the second hole is a good example of how the course plays differently for every ability level, presents subtle challenges, and demands accuracy and control. At 317 yards from the championship tees, the flat green is drivable for longer hitters but because of the risk of missing the narrowing fairway, the reward of hitting the green might not be worth the gamble. He believes a more prudent approach might be to hit a fairway wood or long iron from the tee then aim a short iron directly at the pin. Although it is the 18th handicap hole for men and 14th for ladies, hole number two Continued on page 58

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Continued from page 56

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Attitude is important A core component of Pine Island’s new appeal to members is its friendly attitude. “I think every club is known for something and from the day we reopened our doors in 2006, our goal was for Pine Island to be known as friendly,” says Yount. “In addition to providing a well-conditioned golf course with state-of-the-art amenities, we strive to offer the friendliest service of any club around.”

He continues, “But one thing I hear almost every day is people telling me that we are still the best kept secret in Charlotte. It’s a wonderful compliment for a friendly place but, to be honest, it’s not a secret I want to keep.” LNC Free-lance writer Mike Savicki has lived and worked in the Lake Norman area for 15 years, frequently covering the racing scene.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

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

O

It’s a Wonderful Play Davidson Community Players brings a holiday classic to the stage

by Sam Boykin | photograph by Bill Giduz

duction is director Anne Lambert, who’s worked with several local theater groups and has directed more than 20 productions in the region. For It’s A Wonderful Life, the fifth play she’s directed for Davidson Community Players, Lambert says she doesn’t plan to stray far away from the original. “It’s such a familiar and iconic story. I love the movie, and I think the play does a really good job of capturing some of people’s favorite moments. We’re

going to have a really good time with this, and we want the audience to come along with us.”

The Scoop It’s a Wonderful Life runs through December. For more information, visit www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org. For reservations, call 704.892.7918; adults $17; students and seniors (65 and above) $15.

Lilly Beaver plays Zuzu Bailey in Davidson Community Player’s production of It’s a Wonderful Life.

61

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

ne of the holiday’s greatest stories is coming to the Lake Norman area with the Davidson Community Players’ production of It’s a Wonderful Life.

The Jimmy Stewart classic about a man discovering just how rich he really is will run throughout December in the organization’s new Armour Street Theatre in Davidson.

Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, artistic director of the Davidson Community Players, says this is the first time the theater group has done an adult production in December, and it’s sure to be a special treat. “It appeals to both adults and children, and it has such a great holiday message,” she adds.

Ohlman-Roberge says that while the play is very true to the original script of the beloved 1946 Frank Capra film, it’s been broken down and reconstructed for the stage.

“It’s been simplified, and the focus has been put on the language and the relationships between the characters so it can move along pretty seamlessly.”

At the helm of this unique pro-

Currently |

A month of things to do in the Lake Norman area Children Monday Morning Movies (every Monday) Watch a fun movie for free every Monday morning. 9:30 a.m. Free. Mooresville War Memorial Building, 220 N. Maple Street, Mooresville.

2nd Annual Children’s Holiday Party (December 5) The Town of Mooresville Parks & Recreation Department presents a holiday party for kids with appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph from 1-3 p.m. 1-4 p.m. Free. Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.662.3334.

WeeBoogie Music & Dance Event and Playgroups USA Mini Kids Expo (December 5) Enjoy music and dance events including — a hula contest, children activity centers, dance performances and a musical play area. The event benefits the City of Mooresville Non-profit Park Foundation. Noon-4 p.m. Free.

Mooresville War Memorial Building, 220 N. Maple Street, Mooresville, 704.663.2670.

Cocoa with Santa (December 9) Santa takes a break from his busy schedule to have cocoa with area children. Sponsored by The Cornelius PARC. 9-11 a.m.

Free. Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, 704.892.6031 — ext. 160, www.corneliuspr.org.

Concerts Davidson College Annual Christmas Vespers (December 6) Enjoy an evening of lessons and carols featuring the Davidson College Chorale, orchestra and brass ensemble, and congregational choirs.

Come early for good seats. 7 p.m. Free. Davidson College Presbyterian Church, corner of Main Street and Concord Road.

on December 1, 2 and 3, Zootastic will donate $1 to your school’s PTA for each paying parent during Iredell County School Nights. Zootastic Park, Exit 42 off I-77, Ostwalt Amity Road, Troutman, 888.ZOO.0069, 704.245.6446, www.zootasticpark.com.

Christmas in Davidson (December 3-5) A Norman Rockwell Christmas comes to life in downtown Davidson with carolers, horse-drawn carriages, Santa Claus, entertainment, shopping, hot cocoa and more. 6-9 p.m. Free. Downtown Davidson, www. ci.davidson.nc.us/CID. Candlelight Christmas (December 5) Step back into the 1820s as you tour Latta Plantation by candlelight. 6-9 p.m. $6, ages 5 and under free.

Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, 704.875.2312, ext. 301, www.lattaplantation.org.

Holiday Celebration 2009 (December 5) After the North Mecklenburg Parade, enjoy music, family friendly activities, performances by the Cornelius Youth Orchestra, a magic show and a visit from Santa. Sponsored by The Cornelius PARC. Free. 2:30-5 p.m. Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, 704.892.6031 — ext. 160, www.corneliuspr.org.

27th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade (December 5) Sponsored by the Davidson Fire Department, Cornelius-Lemley Volunteer Fire Department and the Davidson Lion’s Club, the North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade ushers in the holiday season. Parade route closings begin at 12:30 p.m.

All connecting roads along N.C. 115 from North Main Street at Beatty Street in Davidson to South Main Street at Washam Potts Road in Cornelius will be closed. Free. 1 p.m. www.ci.davidson.nc.us/info/ parade.

Mooresville Concerts (December 12) The Beggar Boys celebrate Christmas in Celtic style. 7:30 p.m. $10, $5 students, children under 10 free, season passes $45. Charles Mack Citizen Center, downtown Mooresville, 704.662.3334, www.downtownmooresville.com.

Denver Art Trail (December 5-6) The fourth annual Denver Art Trail includes 16 stops branching off from N.C. 16 and N.C. 73 in Denver. Forty-three Denverarea artists and guest artists are opening their studios or displaying their works in local businesses.

Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 1-4 p.m. www.denverarttrail. shutterfly.com.

Cornelius Concert Series (December 13) The Chancel Choir, hand bells and orchestra of Mt. Zion perform The Word Became Flesh. 4 p.m., 7 p.m. Free.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church (sanctuary), 19600 Zion Street, Cornelius, 704.892.8566, www. mtzion.net.

Davidson Farmer’s Market (December 5, 19) Stock up on local food and produce for the holidays.

9 a.m.-noon. Free. Next to Davidson Town Hall between Main and Jackson Streets, www.davidsonfarmersmarket.org.

Iredell Concert Association (December 13) The Charlotte Children’s Choir performs. 3 p.m. $20, $40 season membership. Western Avenue Baptist Church, Statesville, 704.876.1004, www.iredellconcerts.com.

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

Music at St. Alban’s (December 13) Kate Minogue and The Beggar Boys share songs, tunes and stories from the Celtic world. The Irish Step Dancers from Charlotte’s Rince na h ’Eireann School of Irish Dance perform. 3 p.m. $15, students and seniors $10, children under 10 free. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, Davidson, 704.941.0650, www. saintalbans-davidson.org.

Events Christmas Wonderland of Lights (through January 1) One million lights pepper two miles of forest in Troutman. A nativity scene, pony rides, petting zoos, a candy shop and a visit from Santa Claus are guaranteed. 6-10 p.m. $5 per person, $20 per car;

62

The 21st Annual Stocks for Tots (December 8) Hosted by the Stocks for Tots Foundation, the proceeds of this year’s holiday event will benefit Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN). Wristbands for the event can be purchased through December 7 at the NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Mooresville; wristbands for general admission will be sold for $10 and a new, unwrapped toy on a first come, first serve basis on December 8 at 9 a.m. at NCARHOF. 4:30 p.m.

Charles Mack Citizen Center, downtown Mooresville, 704.663.5331.

A Homeschool Christmas at Historic Latta Plantation (December 9) Step back in time for a 19-century Christmas celebration, while you learn about early American Christmas traditions, including cooking on the hearth. Noon-4 p.m. $5 per person, ages 4 and under free. Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, 704.875.2312, ext. 301, www. lattaplantation.org.

On the Corner of Art and Main (December 11) Downtown Mooresville shows its artistic side with its

monthly ArtWalk. 6-9 p.m. Free. Downtown Mooresville, 704.664.2414, www.artworksonmain.com.

A Huntersville Christmas (December 12) Downtown Huntersville transforms into a magical winter wonderland, complete with pony rides, magic shows, entertainment, horse and carriage rides, a bonfire, storytelling, rides and games, children’s crafts, and a visit from Santa. 5-8 p.m. Free. Huntersville Town Hall, 101 Huntersville-Concord Road (downtown Huntersville).

Jamming, Jingling and Jumping — Holiday Event for Families with Children with Special Needs (December 12) Celebrate the holiday season with music, games and friends. Music therapist AnnaCatherine Fowler leads the holiday music session from 10:15-11:30 a.m. Santa visits from 11-11:30 a.m. Ages 3-12. 10 a.m.-noon. Registration fee $15, register by December 4. Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak Street, Unit 1, Cornelius.

Statesville Help-Portrait (December 12) Photographers, hair stylists and make-up artists volunteer their time for this charity event that provides pictures to families who otherwise can’t afford them. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free with appointment. Barium Springs Home for Children Museum Building, Barium Springs, www.statesvillehelpportrait.com.

Hanukkah Party in Mooresville (December 13) Beth Shalom of Lake Norman hosts the 6th Annual Hanukkah Celebration, where the lighting of the Beth Shalom Menorah, the only outdoor menorah in the Lake Norman area, takes place. Noon-3 p.m. Free.

Mooresville Town Square, corner of Brawley School and Williamson Roads, www.bslkn.org.

Imagine…One Night Four Wishes (December 17) Enjoy an evening filled with dinner, dancing, ballroom dance presentations, and live jazz and big band performances all benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 7-11 p.m. $50 per person (tax deductible). Havana Social Club, Cornelius, 704.896.8080.

Galleries Artworks on Main Monthly exhibitions. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 165 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.2414, www.artworksonmain. com.

Christa Faut Gallery The Perfect Gift in Gold & Silver features jewelry by six nationally known metalsmiths: Jan Craft, Emanuela Duca, Celestiale, Joanna Goldberg, Reiko Ishiyama and Hongsock Lee. Also on display are a group of exhibition paintings, drawings, clay and glass by gallery artists. Through December 31. Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or by appointment. Jetton Village, 19818 North Cove Road, Suite E3, Cornelius, 704.892-5312, wwwchristafautgallery.com.

The Community Arts Project Teaching Talents, an instructor and staff exhibit. Through December 23.

Mon-Thu 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri and Sat by appointment. The Cornelius Arts Center, 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, 704.892.7323, www.creativeartexchange. org.

Depot Fine Arts Gallery Monthly exhibitions. Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun 1-4 p.m. 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville, 704.663.6661, www.mooresvilleartistguild.com.

Four Corners Framing and Gallery Monthly exhibi-

Lake Norman Art League Gallery 2009 Small Works Exhibit and Sale. Through January 8. Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 442 South Main Street, Davidson, www. lknart.org.

Landmark Galleries The work of watercolorist ‘Cotton’ Ketchie. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 212 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.4122, www.landmarkgalleries.com.

Merrill-Jennings Galleries Holiday Art Show 2009 features works in all mediums from artists such as Laura Duis, Jim Chapman, Ray Byram, Charlotte Foust, Addie James, Susan Jennings and more. Open during Christmas in Davidson, December 3, 4 and 5 from 6-9 p.m. 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 Mitchell Community College Administration Building Ten paintings by Mooresville artist Ellen Patterson are on display. Through January 30. 219 North Academy Street, Mooresville.

Tropical Connections View the works of Florida artists, as well as Canadian artist Nicolin, Charleston artist Steven Jordan and local wildlife photographer D.L. Cohen. 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 Arts Center Picturing Davidson: Bill Giduz and His First 30 Years includes photos of college life at Davidson. Through December 9. STARING was

inspired by Emory University Professor of Women’s Studies Rosemarie Garland-Thomson’s latest book, Staring: How We Look. It includes paintings and drawings by Doug Auld and Chris Rush, and photographs by Weegee, Diane Arbus and others.

Through December 9. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun noon-4 p.m. Davidson College, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, 704.894.2519, www.davidson.edu/ art/galleries.

Sports Lake Norman Yacht Club It’s never too cold for sailing. High School Regatta (December 12-13). www. lakenormanyachtclub.com.

Davidson Men’s Basketball The Wildcats have an aggressive and exciting schedule this season. The College of New Jersey (December 17, 7 p.m.), Pennsylvania (December 28, 7 p.m.), UMass (December 30, 7 p.m.). www.davidsonwildcats.com.

Davidson Women’s Basketball With a top-ranked incoming class, the Lady Wildcats are poised for victory this season. Appalachian State (December 7, 7 p.m.), Wofford (December 13, 2 p.m.), Newbury College (December 29, 7 p.m.). www.davidsonwildcats.com.

Teens Rock Band at Ben & Jerry’s (Wednesdays and Fridays) Whether or not you play an instrument, you can try your hand at being in a rock band by playing guitar, drums or even singing. Wednesday (Wii Sports too), 6-9 p.m., Friday 3-6 p.m. Free. Ben & Jerry’s, 202 S. Main Street, Davidson, 704.892.0604.

Theatre It’s a Wonderful Life (December 3-6, 10-13, 17-20) Based on Frank Capra’s inspirational film, James W. Rodgers’ play follows the story of George Bailey, whose dreams of escape and adventure have been quashed by family obligation and civic duty. Anne Lambert directs this Christmas classic. Dec 5, 4 p.m.; Dec 6, 12, 13 and 20, 2 p.m.; Dec 16 7:30 p.m.; Thu-Sat 8 p.m. $17, students and seniors 65 and above, $15.

Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson, 704.892.7918, wwwdavidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Currently |

tions. 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.

Seussical The Musical (December 4, 5) Enjoy being entertained by Dr. Seuss’ tales. Presented by Masterworks. Fri 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sat 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. Morning performances $8; afternoon and evening performances $12, $10 children 12 and under. Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.987.5000, 704.663.5942.

Thoroughly Modern Millie (December 18-19) Masterworks presents this fun-filled musical about a naïve young woman’s adventures as she tries to capture her wealthy boss’ heart. Fri 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 7:30 p.m.; Sat 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7 p.m. Morning performances $8; afternoon and evening performances $12, $10 children 12 and under. Charles Mack Citizen Center, 215 N. Main Street, Mooresville, 704.987.5000, 704.663.5942.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (December 19) James Kennedy directs this playful musical based on Charles Schulz’s comic strip. All proceeds benefit Davidson-Cornelius Day Care. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m., doors open 30 minutes prior to curtain. Free, suggested donation of $7 per person. Armour Street Theatre, 307 Armour Street, Davidson.

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by Trent Pitts photograph by Bill Giduz

Through His Lens Bill Giduz captures Davidson College with his camera

I

Lake Norman Currents | December 2009

n 1980, photographer Bill Giduz came full circle. This time he stayed put, never strayed, and Davidson College is all the better for it.

Soon after graduating from Davidson as a history major in 1974, he took off to Europe and Asia for a year. Upon returning, he earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University, and worked in Atlanta for several years for Southern Bell as a writer and photographer for corporate publications. In 1980, he returned to Davidson College as director of media relations, where he has documented daily life at the college in words and photos for the past three decades, resulting in an amazing body of work.

In honor of his dedicated performance behind the camera, a photography exhibit, Picturing Davidson: Bill Giduz and His First 30 Years is on display at the college’s Edward M. Smith gallery, which is inside of the Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center on the Davidson campus. Several decades of college life are depicted in more than 200 photos, which are divided into categories showcasing such events as a visit from President Gerald Ford to the men’s basketball team’s remarkable 2008 climb to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

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A great deal of time and effort went into producing the photos, as Giduz searched through old black and white contact sheets, scanned the corresponding negatives, and laboriously removed dust specks and scratches from each digital image before having them printed. Yet, the more recent color digital files typically needed only a bit of tweaking.

Giduz grew up in Chapel Hill, where his dad was a journalist and photographer. There was a small darkroom in the basement of his home where he would watch his father at work. Years later Giduz himself was spending many hours in a darkroom, as the film of choice at Davidson was black and white. In 2000, his department bought its first digital camera, and although limited in its memory and picture quality, Giduz was hooked “The main reason that I adopted digital wholeheartedly was that I was glad to get out of the darkroom and into instant images that you didn’t have to process,” he says. “Getting instant feedback tells you things that you can use immediately to get a better picture. I love digital photography.”

Giduz has a knack for capturing college life at its best — the beautiful campus and architecture,

Heavy Snow in Davidson is one of the many photos

by Bill Giduz on display at Davidson College.

energetic students at work and play, and professors in classrooms looking inspirational.

“I have always been a craftsman as a photographer. I never have considered myself as an artist,” says Giduz. “There are a lot of photographers and photography that I admire that is artistic, where the photographer has an eye to create something that you wouldn’t ordinarily see in a scene. I am a photojournalist ­— if is not there I am going to miss it. My job is to depict Davidson College in its best light — so that is what I am always looking for, those moments of engagement.” LNC The Scoop Picturing Davidson: Bill Giduz and His First 30 Years Katherine and Tom Belk Visual Arts Center, Davidson College 315 N. Main Street, Davidson www.davidson.edu/art/galleries The gallery is open weekdays 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., noon until 4 p.m. on weekends.

Exhibit will be on display through December 9.