Lake Norman Currents 1212

Currents

Blair Miller talks with Donald Trump Jack Wiseman knows trees NASCAR folks share their favorite presents

Christmas is Here 15 gifts that say Lake Norman

vol. 3 number

December 2012

12

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Contents |

10 The Main Channel 16 Porthole

48

What’s hip at Lake Norman

North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club Fourth Annual Over the Table Top

19 Captain’s Chair

Barbara Blaker Krumdieck wants to open your musical world

22 What People Do

Bob Jarosz spends his retirement keeping local children safe

26

24 Rip Currents — Style

Have yourself a merry little Lake Norman Christmas

26 Blair’s Bits

Through her husband’s death, Lisa Muse found a way to help others

30 Rip Currents — Holiday

Jack Wiseman brings holiday cheer to homes across the Southeast

36 Rip Currents — People

Donald and Eric Trump talk about why they love this area and how they plan to improve it

54 60

24

42 Around the Track Memorable holiday gifts from the sport of racing

48 The Galley with

Lynn and Glenn Go Greek with Santorini Grill

50 Grapevine 54 Game On

30

Georgian wines that are worth getting to know

Locals Tim Vest and Laura Foust turn passion into profession

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

36

60 Home Port

Interior designer Stephanie Bradley decks the halls in a fresh new way

69 Currently 72 One More Thing Give the gift of time

Paul Leonard’s quest finds itself in a book

6

19

At the Helm Lori K. Tate

Our twins are figuring this Christmas thing out

P

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

ink. That’s the color of Christmas tree my 2-year-old daughter, Margot, wants for her room. Her twin brother, Graydon, wants a blue one. What they don’t realize is that they each had a tree of their desired color in their rooms last Christmas; they were just too young to understand what was going on.

This year is different because The Tater Tots are quickly connecting the holiday dots.

The other night in the car Margot asked my husband if Christmas and Santa Claus were the same thing. A few days later when our neighbor put up her tree, they stood in the driveway trying to get the best view of the twinkling lights.

And when we go to Target these days, the retail shrine for any mother of toddlers, we have to visit the Christmas decoration section to see the trees.

I get it, as I’m a tree person myself. At 40 years old, I still find myself in awe when we turn on our Christmas tree lights for the first time during the season. The warm glow of several hundred twinkling bulbs transports me back to my childhood faster than the theme song from Sesame Street. No matter how fancy or sparse a Christmas tree is, it works magic like no other holiday decoration can.

The lights have a lot to do with it, but I also think the personalization of a tree is pretty important. We can decorate a tree in whatever way we wish. It can be a scrapbook of family memories, a place to hang heirlooms or a place to display our favorite color scheme. We can pick a fun theme, and the more over the top we go, the better it is. I’ll never forget a tree I saw one year decorated with black and white top hats, as well as red stilettos, silver dresses, tuxedos and a red boa for garland. The theme was “’Twas the Night to Party.”

I suppose my love of Christmas trees goes back to my mother. A self-admitted Christmas 8

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

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photo by Glenn Roberson

|

Connecting the Holiday Dots

fanatic, she has trees throughout her home.

There’s the main tree that displays all the Christmas ornaments I made during my childhood, plus all the craft phases she’s been through — cross-stitch, baked glass, beading.

Down the hall, there’s a small white tree filled with Chrismon ornaments, while another white tree stands in the basement exhibiting ornaments from all the places my parents have traveled. It’s a lot of trouble to decorate these trees, but mom and dad continue to do it year after year because it just wouldn’t be Christmas for them if they didn’t.

Last year my husband and I almost didn’t put up our big tree for fear that our little babies would tear it down, but a friend of mine told me a story that changed my mind. She recalled how when her daughter was a toddler, her face would consistently beam when she stepped on the light button for the tree. It was magic to her, and it made my friend feel magical.

With that in mind, we did put up our tree last year, and it was a rousing success. I predict this year that the effect will be triple now that The Tots have a better idea of what’s going on.

I also predict that I’ll have to hang the fancier ornaments near the top, as the twins are curious about everything.

Regardless, I know my mouth will drop as it always does when the lights flicker on for the first time. And I know that I’ll look forward to turning the lights on every evening as soon as the sun goes down. It’s nice to be able to switch on instant happiness during dreary winter days.

Too bad Christmas only comes once a year.

Happy Holidays!

Lake Norman CURRENTS is a monthly publication available through direct-mail home delivery to the most affluent Lake Norman residents. It also is available at area Harris Teeter supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses.

Subscriptions are available for $19 per year.

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

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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. 3 No. 12 December 2012 www.LNCurrents.com

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

Wrapped Up in the Holidays Erika Johnson’s business

brings shopping with ease

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Erika Johnson enjoys getting wrapped up in the small details, and she’s launched a business that allows her to do just that. Erika’s Mobile Gift Wrapping is designed to take the pressure out of gift giving.

Erika’s Mobile Gift Wrapping provides pick-up and delivery of presents to one’s home or workplace, as well as wrapping purchases. Johnson carries a variety of wrapping paper colors and ribbons for clients to choose from and works with their ideas, too. In addition, she is available to help clients with gift ideas when they have no clue what to buy a particular person.

The Cornelius resident says presentation is key. “Gift giving is more than just putting a gift in a bag; it is about selection, presentation and having a personable experience,” she explains.

Johnson, who’s worked in retail most of her career, says people often complain that they lack the time, patience or creative skill for buying and wrapping gifts.

“I’ve heard, ‘I hate shopping for gifts and standing in line,’ or ‘Who will wrap my gifts?’ Many people get really frustrated and overwhelmed while shopping,” she says.

Johnson shops stores and provides her wrapping services in the Lake Norman area and Charlotte. The cost, which includes the box, tissue paper, bow and gift tag, varies depending on the number and size of the gifts.

— Holly Becker, photography by Laurie Martin Erika Johnson launched Erika’s Mobile Gift Wrapping to take the pressure out of gift giving.

10

The Scoop Erika’s Mobile Gift Wrapping operates seven days a week from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. You can contact Erika Johnson for appointments at 704.685.2502 or erikawraps@gmail.com. www.LNCurrents.com

Tell us the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever received...

Just Make It Pumpkin Spiced Bread Pudding from Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse

(Be careful, Aunt Mabel just might read this) This month we introduce a new section where we ask our Facebook fans a question and print their replies. If you’re not a fan of us on Facebook, check us out. You never know what we might ask.

Susan Robertson I got a pin cushion. What made it worse was the fact my family owned a fabric store, and we sold pin cushions!

Alexandra Button paper and an ugly rock.

Ingredients and Instructions Enough dry bread to fill a 9-by-13 pan (cut in 1.5-inch squares) 1 quart heavy cream 5 whole eggs 5 egg yolks 1.5 pounds sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground nutmeg Pinch of salt 1 8-ounce can pumpkin puree

they finish the product before putting it in a box and selling the item?

Laurie Beaty Design A penguin sweater...a really ugly penguin sweater...

Jill Aker-Ray A set of Corel ware dishes from my husband!

Sema Okurer Any gift is better than nothing...what really matters is the thought...someone thought of you and wanted to make you happy (whether or not you like it)...

Madeline Turbyfill Phillips My husband, Danny Phillips, got me some Barbados sheep and had put them in the pasVickie Serrone ture behind our house. Christmas A few years ago morning he said, ‘Honey, have you my husband, Joe, Sandi Sampson I was not seen your present?’ ‘No what bought me a gold learning to Toll paint and is it?’ He told me, so I go to look for hooker purse.

I painted some owls, so my them and they are not there. A few whole family decided I liked days later they had made a home at our owls and every Christmas gift I neighbor’s house, an older lady who opened was an owl of some sort. had fallen in love with them. They never made it back to our farm. Oh well, she Andrea Warfford Thomas A Connie Banner was thrilled, and it made me happy re-gifted box of chocolates, A box of tissues for her. Sometimes the worst that MY mother gave my with a fake thing turns out to be the best. friend the day before, in front winning lottery of me. Same wrapping paper Vera Reitzel Livengood ticket. and everything.

Nothing....

Ronald Benfield Last year I got a bell for my bicycle that did not work. Got a working one for my birthday.

Sandy Allison I got a great set of pots and pans, but inside the box was someone’s layaway.

Bradley Young When I was a kid, I got a bike in a box, a very small box. (It was a Jock Strap) for basketball, parents had to sit me down Christmas Day and break the bad news that I had to wear it when playing basketball. Question...Why don’t www.LNCurrents.com

Teressa Nichols Bennett A sheet set without the pillowcases.

Anne Patrinicola Zirkle A cross-stitched Christmas vest.

Seriously?!

Judy Young Martin Three pairs of socks....

Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse is located in Davidson.

For more information, visit www.flatirononmain.com.

Pumpkin Spiced Bread Pudding from Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse.

Jan Holmes Gilliland A cap, glove and scarf set that did not match anything I had (plus, I already had all of the above that DID match), and it was from my husband. Did he not notice that (A) I didn’t need it and (B) it didn’t match any of my coats?

Diana Grimaldi Pupp My father was very proud when he handed my mom and I matching boxes that contained earrings and a necklace made from some speckled bird eggs.

And of course we HAD to wear them. Unfortunately, mine broke right away.

Photography courtesy of Flatiron.

Andre Christine Gallery Salad bowls from a boyfriend (he did not want it to be too personnal) funny part is I married him 42 years ago and still going strong.

Cut the bread into 1.5-inch cubes (allow to dry overnight or in the oven at low temp). In a large pot, combine the remaining ingredients and whisk together. Put the pot over low heat and continue stirring until the custard reaches body temp (touch it and you shouldn’t feel hot or cold). Pour the custard over the bread and allow the bread to soak up as much custard as possible (30 minutes).

Pour bread pudding mix into greased 9-by-13 pan. Cover with foil and cook at 375 for 40 minutes. Remove foil, brush with melted butter and cook another 10 minutes uncovered. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce — or both.

11

Main Channel |

A Great New Neighbor

Winestore opens in Cornelius, and wine columnist Trevor Burton couldn’t be happier about it

Caroline Anna Savicki is the newly born daughter of Sarah and Mike Savicki. Mike has been a freelance writer with CURRENTS since the magazine began four years ago.

A New Addition

Caroline Savicki is the newest member of the CURRENTS family

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

CURRENTS is happy to welcome a new member to its family. Caroline Anna Savicki made her grand appearance at 12:23 p.m. on October 9, 2012. Don’t be fooled by the early afternoon welcome though, as she kept the world waiting for a few days beyond her due date.

The daughter of Mike and Sarah Savicki, Caroline weighed 8 pounds and 6 ounces and measured at 20 inches. Both mom and dad were happy that she didn’t enter the world like her father — a couple weeks late, weighing eleven pounds, 7.5 ounces and measuring almost 24 inches.

Caroline’s eyes are blue and what little hair she has right now is sandy blonde. When she smiles, her two little dimples brighten everyone’s day. One thing Mike and Sarah wonder as firsttime parents is why so many people ask if Caroline is sleeping through the night already. With her internal feeding alarm sounding every three hours, plus playing, cuddle time and a world to discover, why would any of them want to sleep?

Mike has been a freelance writer for CURRENTS since the first issue four years ago.

Congratulations to the Savickis!

12

The newly opened Winestore in Cornelius is not your traditional wine store.

I always like it when someone comes up with an idea that makes it easy to explore and enjoy wine. That’s just what I found at the newly opened Winestore in Cornelius.

The first thing that hits you as you walk through the door is how unlike a traditional wine store this is. The layout is roomy and well lit. There are not stacks and stacks of bottles. That can be www.LNCurrents.com

in common. They are value wines. First, wines are chosen because of their quality.

Winestore’s official sommelier has some pretty impressive credentials and picks out great wines. Second, Winestore’s staff keeps a constant eye on prices their wines are sold for elsewhere in the country, as the store never wants to be undersold.

So, wine buying is made easy and much less intimidating. That’s great. And

when you get home you won’t find out you could have gotten a better deal. Good for the taste buds and good for the wallet.

Enjoy.

— Trevor Burton, photography by Glenn Roberson The Scoop For more information about Winestore, visit www.winestore-online.com.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

One more step and it’s a fun one.

There’s a wine-tasting machine — a machine that lets you select a wine and taste it. Technology at its most noble. What you do is buy a tasting card that’s preloaded with money, insert it into the machine, decide on a wine and then choose the size of pour that you want. You get to test drive wine before you buy it.

Winestore’s range of wine may not be as wide as you might find in a typical store, but the wines all have one thing

Main Channel |

overwhelming when you’re looking for just the right wine but have no idea what it might be. Wines are logically and cleanly laid out in a way that takes confusion and intimidation out of choosing a bottle.

The back wall of the store is where you peruse the wines. What makes it easy to find a wine for your particular taste is how wines are categorized. Simplicity itself.

Wines are displayed according to their characteristics — light-bodied, mediumbodied and full-bodied. It’s the same system for both red and white wines. No need to worry about countries and regions of origin. And, most importantly, no need to worry about choosing a wine to take home only to find out that it’s just not to your taste.

Main Channel |

As Local as it Gets

Flatiron brings gives fresh a whole new meaning

From left, Flatiron Manager Earl Gillon and Anthony Ascanio stand in Flatiron’s newly planted garden.

It all began with a tree. Well, it all began with the falling of a tree behind Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse in Davidson about two years ago. With the tree gone, a perfectly vacant lot sat there waiting for its next chapter. That’s when the folks at Flatiron stepped in.

“In April or so, we started planning the garden,” says Anthony Ascanio, executive chef at Flatiron. “The real goal was to start small so that we could build off of it next year.”

This past fall the garden became a reality. Michael Orlando, one of the owners of Flatiron, graded the lot and built four raised beds filled with organic dirt. Coowner Tee Bahnson and his wife, Amber, planted rosemary bushes and fig trees. In the raised beds you’ll find garlic chives,

oregano and regular green chives. Eventually the garden will contain tomatoes, peppers, different types of lettuce and more.

Flatiron is also exploring the possibility of getting the community involved in taking care of the garden.

Right now Ascanio maintains it and enjoys being able to walk across the parking lot of the restaurant for fresh ingredients.

“Our seasonal soup right now is chili, so we use the garlic chives as a garnish. We chop up fresh herbs for seasoning,” he says, adding that he hopes to double the number of raised beds by next year. “My goal is to slowly but surely increase the percentage of local produce and meat that we serve.”

In addition to having its own garden, Flatiron works with a number of local farms in the area. Says Ascanio, “with the demand for fresh food, you have to look for that balance of consistency, quality, taste and price.”

— Lori K. Tate, photography by Ben Sherrill

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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www.LNCurrents.com

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

Here’s a roundup of holiday entertainment in the Lake Norman area Christmas in Davidson (November 29 through December 1) Enjoy one of the most loved Christmas traditions in the Lake Norman area — Christmas in Davidson. Hear carolers sing while you drink cocoa and visit with Santa. There’s even a live manger scene. 6-9 p.m. Free. Downtown Davidson, www. christmasindavidson.com.

Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Production of A Christmas Carol (Through December 16) In a festive mood, the crazy ladies of Farndale mount an assault on the classics with their original stage version of A Christmas Carol. They enthusiastically portray a dizzying array of characters from the Charles Dickens classic (and a few which aren’t). They engineer some novel audience participation while bravely contending with an intrusive public announcement system. The result is a fun-filled evening of holiday cheer. For ages 10 and up. 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., December 16 7 p.m. $20. Armour Street Theatre, Davidson, www. davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

Choir and Hand Bell Ensemble as well as a chamber orchestra. The featured work is A Thrill of Hope by Joel Raney. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. Freewill offering. Sanctuary, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Cornelius, www. mtzionumc.net.

Music at St. Albans (December 9) Enjoy a breath of fresh air with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra’s concert titled Ice. 3 p.m. $15, students and seniors (65+) $10, children under 12 free. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Davidson, www.musicatstalbans.net.

Christmas Tea and Craft (December 1) A fun historical afternoon for mother and daughter.

Learn about the history of Christmas at this special holiday tea. 1-3 p.m. $25 per mother/daughter pair, additional daughters are $10 each. Cost includes fan, craft materials, tea and snacks. Pre-registration is required. Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.lattaplantation.org.

30th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade (December 1) Enjoy bands, floats and pageant queens during this Lake Norman holiday tradition.

1 p.m. Free. Downtown Davidson and downtown Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.

Robin Bullock Celtic Christmas Concert (December 2) Internationally recognized as a master Celtic instrumentalist, Robin Bullock will be performing a Christmas concert at Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church. Bullock brings the music of Christmas to life with carols and hymns spanning more than 600 years, celebrating the Yuletide season with selections on guitar, cittern, mandolin and piano. He weaves a spell from centuries of tradition and the joy of the season, creating an unforgettable evening of acoustic Christmas cheer. A wine and cheese reception follows the concert. 7 p.m. $15, $10 students, under 6 free. All proceeds benefit community outreach. Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 201 Fairview Road, Mooresville, www.saint-patricks.org.

Downtown Mooresville Holiday Light Spectacular (December 1 through New Year’s Day) This orchestrated light show includes more than 30,000 lights set to music. 7-9 p.m. Free. Lawn of Mooresville Town Hall, www.downtownmooresville.com.

Christmas at Mt. Zion (December 16) Mt. Zion’s annual Christmas program features the Chancel www.LNCurrents.com

15

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Cocoa with Santa (December 7) Visit with Santa while you enjoy warm cocoa and seasonal crafts. No registration necessary. 9-11 a.m. Free. Cornelius Arts Center, www.cornelius.org.

Porthole |

North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club Fourth Annual Over the Table Top

Photography by Megan White Photography

From left: Kayla Goff, Judy Armstrong, Michael Walls, Susan Goff and Lisa Leitert.

The North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club fourth annual Over The Table Top was held at the Peninsula Club in Cornelius starting with an evening gala on Thursday, November 8 and a daytime event on Friday, November 9. The holiday spectacular showcased the local talent of area designers, businesses and creative individuals.

Tablescapes, trees and vignettes were on display, and a holiday shop of local vendors was offered to jump start the shopping season.

From left: Nancy Stevenson, Lu Ann Driscoll and The ANSWER Scholarship Endowment is the Donna Johnson in front of the tree they designed, which won first place in the amateur category. beneficiary of funds raised by this popular event. The ANSWER Scholarship Endowment benefits working women with children by helping them to return to school and achieve academic success.

The North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club is a philanthropic organization dedicated to promoting and supporting social, educational and civic programs in the community. Monthly meetings are held at Northstone Country Club in Huntersville on the first Tuesday of From left: Chairman of the Over the Tabletop the month at 6 p.m. and the first Wednesday at 10:30 Event, Kathleen McMann, with her co-chairs, a.m. Visitors and potential members are welcome. For Lu Ann Driscoll and Denise Carter. more information, contact Gigi Cohen at 704.517.9445.

Dee Dee Holland and Keith Johnson.

Debra Xedus with the Grill Doctor.

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

From left: Kathleen McMahan, Denise Carter, Gina Harrison, Nancy Stevenson and Lu Ann Driscoll.

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Lisa Vadnais, president, North Mecklenburg Woman’s Club.

From left: Lu Ann Driscoll and Donna Johnson.

From left: Lisa Vadnais, Tamara Cornish, Carrie Johnson and Susan Anderson. www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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10/23/12 3:38 PM

www.LNCurrents.com

A

by Lori K.Tate Photography by Ken Noblezada

s a freelance musician, Barbara Blaker Krumdieck lives and breathes music. So when Henry Lebedinksy, artistic director and founder of Music at St. Alban’s, resigned his position to move to Minnesota, Krumdieck, a previous board member of the non-profit organization, was an obvious choice as his replacement.

Now in her second year as artistic director, Krumdieck enjoys searching for artists to perform in the series, and has put an emphasis on booking musicians from North Carolina and the Southeast region. We recently spoke with her about the series and its future.

Captian’s Chair |

Barbara Blaker Krumdieck lives and breathes music. So when Henry Lebedinksy, artistic director and founder of Music at St. Alban’s, resigned to moved to Minnesota, Krumdieck, a previous board member of the non-profit organization, was an obvious choice as his replacement.

Is the artistic director a full-time position?

No. I don’t work at the church.

I’m not personally affiliated with St. Alban’s [Episcopal Church in Davidson], but the concert series is at St. Alban’s. We do all of our concerts there in their beautiful facility.

What do you do when you’re not doing this?

www.LNCurrents.com

Barbara Blaker Krumdieck wants Music at St. Alban’s to do just that 19

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Open your musical world

I’m a freelance musician. I have a little niche. I’m actually a baroque cellist. I’m not a symphonic player at all. I play 17th and 18th century music on old instruments.

Captain’s Chair |

How many concerts does the series offer?

Why did you take this position?

We do six concerts a year during the concert season. They feature various kinds of chamber music. Last fall we had an eclectic folk ensemble from Ocracoke called Molasses Creek. They were great. We try to appeal to a diverse audience by having a wide variety of concerts. This month the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra is going to perform. That’s going to be a great concert. We’re going to play Antonio Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons and Archangelo Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. We’re calling the concert Ice. It’s winter-themed music from the Baroque period.

Well, Henry [Lebidinsky] asked me to. I was on the board, and I believe I was the only person on the board at that time who was a professional musician, and I have played many, many concerts with Henry, so we’ve been colleagues ever since he moved here. I have fairly good organizational skills, and I have a lot of ideas about the kind of music I want to see brought to the area.

Our concert series is different from what they have at the college [Davidson College] because it’s a Sunday afternoon concert. We welcome families. It’s a little community. It’s walking distance for a lot of people, and we have great receptions that are included in the cost of the concert ticket. We have Meet the Artist receptions, so audience members get to talk to the performers. We always have wine and all different kinds of food at our receptions. It’s very interactive. The performers are encouraged to speak to the audience during their performances about what they’re doing.

Are you playing in that concert?

I am. In fact I’m the founder of the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. We started the orchestra last summer as a 50th birthday present for me. Everybody wanted to continue it as a real thing, so we’re doing concerts now.

We have about 22 members.

This is the ninth year of the series. Why do you think this series has been so successful?

I think because it’s not a staid and formal environment for the concert goer. We’re always trying new things. This year we started spotlighting young artists in the narthex prior to the concert. So as people are purchasing their tickets or getting their seats, in the lobby there will be a young artist performing. It gives the artists an opportunity to perform in an inviting setting, and it makes a sort of festive atmosphere.

It creates a really happy atmosphere.

I think it’s a good escape for people during this time when there’s a lot of stress with the economy. It’s a really nice afternoon. We try to keep our concerts at a really good length, so the audience leaves wanting a little bit more instead of thinking they’ve had too much. LNC More on www.LNCurrents.com The Scoop For more information about Music At St. Alban’s, visit www.saintalbans-davidson.org.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Helping you Stay a little Warmer tHiS SeaSon

What People Do |

by Renee Roberson Photography by Glenn Roberson

by Lori K. Tate photography by Gle nn Roberson

Cruising through E

Bob Jarosz spends his retirement keeping local children safe

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

ach weekday morning you’ll find Cornelius resident Bob Jarosz looking out for the safety of children, as he’s the crosswalk guard for Cornelius Elementary School. But community members probably have no idea of the exciting life he led before landing the job through the Cornelius Police Department two years ago.

Jarosz has been married to his wife, Evelyn, for 57 years and has three children and five grandchildren. He also served in the U.S. Navy and then ran a successful dental practice in Orchard Park, New York for 35 years before retiring. At age 67, he convinced his wife to sell their home and travel across the United States in a Coachmen RV for nine months (they only missed three states).

We sat down with Jarosz recently to hear about his life’s adventures and what he has learned during his time as a crosswalk guard in Cornelius. (FYI, he’s been told he bears a slight resemblance to Old St. Nick.)

How did you end up in the Lake Norman area?

In 2002 we found a campsite around Lake Wylie. At the time [that area] wasn’t too well developed. We had a Realtor who we told that we were considering the area.

22

life

This is the second year Bob Jarosz has served as the crossing guard at Cornelius Elementary School.

Then we were coming back from a wedding in Florida in 2008. We had decided on an apartment in Lake Wylie, but we came to look at an apartment in the Lake Norman area and fell in love with it and decided to move here after we sold the motor home.

Tell us about some of your adventures traveling in the motor home.

If you’re physically able to, I highly recommend it. It is demanding . . . We were chased by a tornado for about eight days www.LNCurrents.com

through Missouri and Kansas. We managed to stay just ahead of it. We visited the national parks, got an experience with an elephant seal rookery and the breeding habits of the elephant seal near Santa Barbara, just down the beach from Hearst Castle.

We took the scenic route in Wyoming. We never get lost. We always take the scenic route. We would pick up a paper or something and read it and say ‘there’s something nice to do, why don’t we go there?’

off the school street, which makes some of the motorists unhappy. I get to see my first child by about five after eight. The kids are terrific — all different personalities. The parents are extremely nice. I’m generally off the corner by about ten to nine. I’m back on the corner by about 3. When the traffic starts, I put the cones up. School dismisses at 3:45. By 4:05 the last of the children are across the street, and I go home. I joke with the kids. The children are really nice. They make the day very pleasant.

How did you find this job?

I was working for Metrolina Greenhouses as an assistant grower [it was seasonal help]. When I got laid off, I told Evelyn I wanted to find something else. She found the ad for the crosswalk guard in the newspaper. I interviewed with the police department and got the job. This is my second year. I had my knee replacement in June 2011. I rode the stationary bike after three days. I was determined to get back to

Jarosz checks the weather report first thing before heading to school.

work in August, and I made it.

Describe a typical day in your job.

I get up early in the morning and get a weather report to see how I’m going to dress. By 8 a.m. I’m on the corner. I cordon

The motorists who don’t pay attention.

They’re either texting, on the phone or in a world all their own. As they go through the crosswalk I’ll wave the sign at them, and they’ll wave back. I’m learning to tap dance very well. Now they’re getting pretty used to my hollering and screaming. But, they are a small minority. LNC

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Rip Currents – Style |

Have Yourself a Merry Little Lake Norman Christmas

by Lori K. Tate photography by Glenn Roberson

7 1

6

15 12 14 8

10

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

1 B ox of assorted truffles, $21 — shipping available, Davidson Chocolate Co., 610 Jetton Street, Suite 150, Davidson, www. davidsonchocolate.com.

2 P ink Lake Norman hat, $19.95 — The Village Store, 110 South Main Street, Davidson, visit The Village Store on Facebook.

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3 L ake Norman coffee cup, $9.95 — The Village Store, 110 South Main Street, Davidson, visit The Village Store on Facebook.

5 L ake Norman coffee thermos, $8 — Visit Lake Norman, 19900 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, www.lakenorman.org.

4 B lue sailboat bag by Plumfield Shop

by Lauren Perkin, $65 — Sanctuary of Davidson, 108 S. Main Street, Davidson, www. sanctuaryofdavidson.com.

6 L ake Norman license plate, $15 — Visit Lake Norman, 19900 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, www.lakenorman.org.

7 L ake Norman tote, $30 — Visit Lake Norman, 19900 West Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, www. lakenorman.org. www.LNCurrents.com

Whether the folks on your list live near or far, they’ll loving receiving their own piece of Lake Norman

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2

4

13

11 9

9 C hristmas at the Lake ornament (personalization free), $15 — Papaya Papers, Jetton Village, 19825-D North Cove Road, Cornelius, www.papayapapers.net.

10 L ake Norman frame, $28 — Papaya Papers, Jetton Village, 19825-D North Cove Road, Cornelius, www.LNCurrents.com

www.papayapapers.net.

11 L akegirl T-shirt, $38 — Head Over Heelz, The Village at Byers Creek, 124 Argus Lane, Suite A, Mooresville, www.headoverheelz.com.

12 L ake Norman candle by Ella B. (coconut and wood bark amber), $25 — Bebe Gallini’s, 19725 Oak Street – Suite 1, Cornelius, www.bebegallinis.com.

13 Lake Norman fragrance diffuser by Ella B.,

$30 — Bebe Gallini’s, 19725 Oak Street – Suite 1, Cornelius, www.bebegallinis.com.

14 K athryn’s Cottage Wine & Cheese Spread (based in Davidson), $4.75 — Josh’s Farmers Market, 189 Williamson Road, Mooresville.

15 K athryn’s Cottage Bleu Cheese Dressing (based in Davidson), $6 — Josh’s Farmers Market, 189 Williamson Road, Mooresville.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

8 L ake Norman Reflections by Bill and Diana Gleasner, $30 — Main Street Books, 126 South Main Street, Davidson.

Blair’s Bits |

After surviving her late husband’s death, Lisa Muse now helps other survive the loss of a loved one.

by Blair Miller Photography by Laurie Martin

her

finding

purpose

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Bewildered after her husband’s death, Lisa Muse found a new path that involves helping others through the same pain she survived 26

L

ife was exactly how Tom and Lisa Muse wanted. It was the life they had dreamed of, from their big jobs in the corporate world to having their ideal home on the banks of Lake Norman in Cornelius.

“We were in such a good place,” she says. “Tom and I had everything we could ever ask for. We loved each other. He was my best friend. Life was on such a perfect track that you just couldn’t imagine anything going wrong,” recalls Lisa.

A turn of events Life took a sharp and unimaginable turn for Tom and Lisa in June of 2008, the weekend after Father’s Day. “We had been out on www.LNCurrents.com

the boat skiing, and he said he didn’t feel well,” remembers Lisa. “He thought he had bronchitis.”

Tom went to the doctor and ended up getting a chest X-ray. Ten days after that first doctor visit, Tom was told he had stage 4 lung cancer. “You get this diagnosis and in the blink of any eye, your life changes,” she says. “I was going to retire soon, and we were going to travel. Life was just going to be full of joy and happy things.” On September 17, 85 days after being diagnosed, Tom passed away.

In the days leading up to his death, Tom and Lisa decided to turn to the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, where they could focus on each other. Prior to that, Lisa had her own thoughts on Hospice. “Hospice, to me, was a place where people died. I had no clue what they actually did,” says Muse. Now, she describes Hospice as a “compassionate love”. “It was the most unbelievable week,” she says. “They helped

Lisa says she feels Tom’s spirit when she volunteers at Hospice. “I feel his strength and him cheering me on,” she says. “For me, this place is about the life he led.”

Lisa and her late husband, Tom, turned to the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville during Tom’s final days.

www.LNCurrents.com

A New Dream Lisa is now pursuing her new dream. She’s studying to become a nurse so she can one day work at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House and help families in a deeper way. The former mortgage banker says she never imagined life would bring her here. Part of her new passion comes

from the families she helps, but it’s also due largely to how she found Hospice in the first place.

“I feel Tom’s spirit here,” she says. “I feel his strength and him cheering me on. For me, this place is about the life he led. I think he would be pretty surprised but also pretty psyched about what I am doing.”

Lisa is also trying to share the message of what Hospice can do. This is more than a job or goal. It’s her way of honoring her late husband who she lost just shy of their 10-year wedding anniversary.

“I have never felt so purposefully driven in my life about something,” she says. “This is what I need to do, and nothing is going to stop me from doing it.” LNC The Scoop For more information about Levine & Dickson Hospice House, visit www.hpccr.org.

Blair Miller anchors the evening newscasts for WSOC-TV, Channel 9. He’s lived in Cornelius for the past three years and is a contributing writer for CURRENTS.

27

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

me make decisions that needed to be made. It’s not about dying, it’s about living your life as best you can.”

In the months after Tom’s death, Lisa began to wonder what was next or how she would move on. “My purpose was all centered around Tom, and with that gone I had a really hard time figuring out where I was going to go or what I was going to do,” she says. “I really struggled.”

Lisa knew that she wanted to give back to the

very place that helped her deal with her loss. But Hospice wanted her to wait a year before she volunteered. After a year, Lisa began her volunteer work. She says her own friends were concerned about her and questioned if she was doing the best thing.

“When I first started volunteering here, people would say, ‘How can you do that?’ ” says Lisa.

“I have always responded, ‘How can I not?’ ” Lisa spent her days helping people deal with the same pain she experienced just steps from where she lost her own love. After two years of volunteering, Lisa discovered a new purpose.

The more involved she became with Hospice, the more she wanted to be there to help. Says Lisa, “I kept being drawn to families.”

Rip Currents – Holiday |

O,

P

by Holly Becker Photography by Glenn Roberson

reparing for Christmas is a yearlong affair for Jack Wiseman. On 25 acres of his 40-acre farm nestled beside the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hwy 221 in the Linville Falls community, he grows Fraser Fir trees.

Wiseman, who owns 22 farms in the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been in the Christmas tree industry for 50 years. A North Carolina native, he first pondered the idea of growing Christmas trees in North Carolina in the late 1950s when he lived in California and helped a friend sell Christmas trees.

Ahead of his time Some might say Wiseman, a farmer and businessman who lives part time in Cornelius, was way ahead of the time. Wiseman was one of the first to introduce the Fraser Fir as a Christmas tree to the Tar Heel State.

When he returned to North Carolina in

Christmas

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

trees Jack Wiseman brings holiday cheer to homes across the Southeast

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Jack and JoAnn Wiseman live part time in Cornelius and also own Red Barn Choose & Cut Christmas Trees in the Linville Falls community. www.LNCurrents.com

31

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

www.LNCurrents.com

Some might say Wiseman, a farmer and businessman who lives part time in Cornelius, was way ahead of the time. Wiseman was one of the first to introduce the Fraser Fir as a Christmas tree to the Tar Heel State.

Photography by Jack and JoAnn Wiseman

1960, he encouraged his cousins in the mountains to plant Christmas trees.

“They said, ‘You can’t do it. There’s no market for it,’ but I just wouldn’t take no for an answer,” says Wiseman, who bought 5,000 seedlings in 1961 and planted them.

“What people love about Fraser Firs the most is their soft touch and that they don’t lose their needles like other trees,” explains Wiseman.

Native to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fraser Firs thrive in the cool mountain temperatures, high elevation and moist soil. Wiseman calls the coniferous trees “God’s gift to the Appalachian people” because the trees only grow in a minute area of the Blue Ridge Mountains. “If you take them away 50 miles in any direction, they don’t survive,” he says. Before Fraser Firs became popular, he says Canadian Balsams were the Christmas tree of choice.

Wiseman’s tree farm prospered when Lowe’s Home Improvement stores began

Photography by Jack and JoAnn Wiseman

Photography by Jack and JoAnn Wiseman

Above Left: The red barn is a signature building on the property.

Above Right: Wiseman calls Fraser Firs “God’s gift to the Appalachian people.”

Below Right: Fraser Firs thrive in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Photography by Jack and JoAnn Wiseman

Rip Currents –Holiday | Nestled beside the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hwy 221 in the Linville Falls community, Wiseman grows 25 acres of Fraser Fir trees.

selling Christmas trees in its garden centers and contacted Wiseman as a supplier. Today, he supplies trees to Lowe’s and other stores across the Southeast.

TLC for trees

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the Red Barn Choose & Cut on their farm to families making the trek to the mountains to select the perfect Christmas tree for their home. About 1,000 visitors come to the Wiseman’s farm for Christmas trees between Thanksgiving and the first few weekends in December.

Holiday visitors are treated to tractorpulled hayrides through the fields. While their tree is cut and tied to the car, JoAnn serves up a dose of Appalachian hospitali-

ty. “I proceed to fill them up with hot cider and hot chocolate and cookies,” she says.

This year, the Wisemans also welcome visitors to stop in at their newly opened Linville Farms Winery to select wines, made from grapes on their farm, to go along with holiday celebrations. LNC The Scoop For more information about Red Barn Choose & Cut Christmas Trees, call 828.387.6569 or 828.387.1434.

Rip Currents – Holiday |

year to each tree,” says Wiseman. The trees require pruning, fertilizing, spraying for pests and mowing grass along the fields.

In the late summer, Wiseman marks trees for harvesting. In early November, cutting begins, and trees are moved to a staging area on the north side of the mountain.

Science also aids in producing quality trees. Wiseman sends cones cut from his trees to Rochester, Washington, where the seeds are cleaned, analyzed and frozen. The trees grow in a greenhouse for three years before the transplants are shipped back to the farm for planting.

The Red Barn tradition Beginning on Thanksgiving Day, Wiseman and his wife, JoAnn, open up

Each tree takes about seven years to reach the prime cutting height of six to seven feet.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Photography by Jack and JoAnn Wiseman

Starting on Thanksgiving Day, families make the trek to the mountains to select the perfect Christmas tree.

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Rip Currents – People |

top of

by Blair Miller Photography by Brian Morgan

course Donald and Eric Trump talk about why they love this area and how they plan to improve it

D

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

onald Trump isn’t one to be shy or outdone. He’s known for off-the-chart self-confidence and saying what he means. So when he bought The Point Golf Club in Mooresville for $3 million earlier this year, many people expected big things. The real estate mogul says he chose this area because of Charlotte’s appeal and quality of life.

“Charlotte is an elegant city where I have lots of friends,” says Donald, adding that the Lake Norman area stood out to him immediately. “I think it is a spectacularly beautiful area and has a distinctive quality that is peaceful.

36

Donald Trump bought The Point Golf Club in Mooresville for $3 million earlier this year and has big plans for the property. www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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Rip Currents — People |

of the $10 million in renovations taking place at Trump National.

“That’s an incredible project to me, and the amount of money we’re spending is incredible,” Donald says. “It doesn’t matter how many millions we spend on the project as long as the place turns out perfect,” adds Eric.

Changes to the course started in November, and Donald is spending $3.4

million on just the course alone. “There isn’t a piece of the property we won’t touch,” says Eric.

His team is replacing the bunkers, grass and greens, as well as fully renovating the clubhouse and tennis courts.

They’re also installing a state-of-the-art irrigation system that’s controlled by satellites and can be adjusted using a computer or a cell phone. Eric says the course

Donald says bringing his name and his touch to Mooresville is already impacting the area around the golf course.

“I think it is a spectacularly beautiful area and has a distinctive quality that is peaceful. It has a quiet grandeur, and that is very appealing.”

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

The best of everything The course is now called Trump National, and while its new owner lives in New York City, Trump says he will be here often and should be seen as “a regular.” His son, Eric, oversees the Mooresville course and the 12 others Donald owns nationwide. Eric is also in charge

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“It’s easily the most exclusive spot in the area,” Donald says. “Something as beautiful as Trump National will immediately enhance the community and will be a focal point for years to come.”

expects home prices in the neighborhood to only rise with the Trump name now associated with it.

Eric adds that he and his father love the Charlotte area and that they’re eager to do more local projects in the future. “We would do another deal in Charlotte in a heartbeat,” he says. “Charlotte has reflected a unique recipe that’s hard to find anywhere else.

There will be more to come in Charlotte, but now we’re focused on this project.”

As a result, the Trumps plan to be in Charlotte and Mooresville more often.

They’re even looking into buying property in the Trump National community. Says Eric, “we wouldn’t consider anything else.” LNC Blair Miller anchors the evening newscasts for WSOC-TV, Channel 9. He’s lived in Cornelius for the past three years and is a contributing writer to CURRENTS.

should be done by the middle of next year and expects all of the renovations to be complete by the end of 2013.

The Trump organization is known for paying especially close attention to the details of any project, and Donald says it’s no different with the course at Lake Norman.

His expectations are meticulous; no cracks in the cart path, and the flags on the greens to be hand-pressed every day. “We’ve spent a large sum of money and will continue to, as the club merits the best of everything,” says Donald.

www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Quality in every way Trump National members include everyone from corporate executives to NASCAR team owners and drivers. Both Trumps say they know their members expect quality in every way. Donald says bringing his name and his touch to Mooresville is already impacting the area around the golf course.

“It’s easily the most exclusive spot in the area,” he says. “Something as beautiful as Trump National will immediately enhance the community and will be a focal point for years to come.” The average home sales price in the club’s neighborhood for the last year was just shy of $1 million. Eric says he

Around The Track |

What i remember most Memorable holiday gifts from the sport of racing

“The most memorable holiday gift I remember receiving as a child was…

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Kerry Earnhardt Kerry Earnhardt, Inc. “The most memorable holiday gift I remember receiving as a child was a bike, but not just any bike, the real deal...no training wheels.”

42

Kevin Mahl Co-Owner, Champion Tire & Wheel, Inc. “A Daisy B-B gun. The reason I remember it so well is that I happened to stumble across the gift in early November. Well, I couldn’t wait, as the anticipation was too much. I would routinely get it out and shoot it when I knew my parents wouldn’t know.

In fact, by Christmas, the box the gun came in was fairly worn out from my taking it in and out so many times. I especially remember trying to act surprised Christmas morning when I actually opened the present. It was tough for a kid to have acting skills that developed.”

Angela and Amber Cope Drivers of SR2 Motorsports “The most memorable gift we received for the holidays was a go kart for Christmas when we were 9 years old. Neither of us knew what the heck it was, but that’s when our passion for racing first started.”

Sam Hornish, Jr. Driver, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Dodge and No. 12 Alliance Truck Parts Dodge, Penske Racing “When I was 6 or 7, I gave my dad a 1/16 scale model tractor and trailer, and we built it together over the next several months. Giving my dad the gift ended up being special to me since we spent a lot of time together putting it together and painting it.”

Gary Eaker Owner, AeroDyn Wind Tunnel LLC “It was more an ‘event’ than ‘gift.’ I was maybe 10 years old with two sisters, and Santa was now just a convenient belief. Dad was a car salesman who loved wheeling and dealing. He waited until Christmas Eve, as in the very evening, found a killer clearance sale at a big box store and came home with a massive amount of stuff. I think he may have filled both a pickup truck and trailer.

There was no way he could have wrapped it all before morning, so he literally piled it in the living room in the proximity of the tree. It looked like a really cool landfill. If Christmas was judged on volume, this was the best — 10 times over.

We still laugh a lot about it these days. This is our family’s shortened version of the movie A Christmas Story.

Steve Letarte Crew Chief, No. 88 Diet Mountain Dew/ National Guard Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports “The gift I remember the most was a mini slot car race track. My father mounted it to a large plywood frame that held it together. It was so much fun that my dad had to get new cars to go with it because they wore out the original ones before they gave it to me at Christmas.” LNC Photography courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports

by Mike Savicki

John Dodson Community/NASCAR Team Relations Director, NASCAR Technical Institute “It was 1965, and I was 4 years old. In this photo [below], I’m with my seven brothers and sisters, and I’m the one in the middle with my hand on our dog, Pebbles. We woke up Christmas morning with this huge doghouse in our front yard, and we never knew who put it there. We were not very well off, but we were happy and I’m pretty sure that year I got a toy bulldozer from Santa and a stocking/sock filled with fruits and nuts. Those were simple and happy times.”

www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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www.LNCurrents.com

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Come see our beautiful collection of holiday decorations, boutique clothing and shoes for ladies, babies and mommies to be. Also, jewelry and unique gifts sure to please everyone on your shopping list.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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Unsure of what looks great on you or what would make the perfect gift for someone? Tempt Boutique’s experienced styling team loves helping customers find the perfect “fit�...There is always something in store for all ages, both men and women. Tempt is always stocked with the top picks from all the hottest labels such as Miss Me, Frye, 7 diamonds, Karlie and Paige. Tempt Boutique will cuatom wrap gifts to make your holiday season stress free.

Stop by today to create your wish list and receive a complimentary gift!

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Clothing, Shoes, Accessories Luna’s at the Lake

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Wait in a pair of Spanish leather boots just is case anything might develop! The Montana comes in red, black, grey, brown and tan.

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All the rage this year bubble necklaces are here to stay for the Christmas season. With Christmas fast approaching, we are fully stocked on many colorful bubble necklaces! We have lots of other gifts as well from socks to slippers and perfume to candles we have you covered this year.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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The Galley with Lynn and Glenn |

W

ith its sophisticated blue, black and brilliant white décor, its Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and its extensive wine and martini list, Santorini Grill conjures the spirit of its namesake Greek island.

Like the popular sun-drenched destination, the newly opened restaurant in Cornelius’ Johnsbury Square wants guests to find a warm, spectacular spot where they can relax and refresh.

“It all starts with the atmosphere,” says Dorjan Harry Arsi, who is the proprietor, along with his brother, Oresti, and his brother’s wife, Brittany.

by Lynn Roberson photography by Glenn Roberson

go greek

“The atmosphere has to be amazing,” Harry says.

“When you walk in, that’s your first impression, ‘wow, what an amazing place.’ Then of course, it’s the food, the taste of the food and the service. All these things combined make up the fine dining.”

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

The Greek Salad at Santorini Grill features mixed lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, kalamata olives and feta cheese with homemade 48balsamic vinaigrette.

A Family Affair The Arsi brothers have drawn their food and service lessons from their parents, Tomas (Tomi) and Ada. The Arsi family moved to the United States from Greece over a decade ago. They opened their first restaurant in the United States in the Southern Pines-Pinehurst area. The parents now operate the Santorini Grill location in Hickory, while the younger generation oversees the Lake Norman location.

The restaurant held its grand opening in October, benefitting Little Smiles, a non-profit that focuses on children in hospitals, Hospice care and other care facilities. Brittany is involved with that charity, and their community mindset wins praise from guest Candace Khashman, who owns Peeka-Boo Couture, a children’s boutique nearby.

“This is a family-owned restaurant, and I think we should support locally owned businesses,” Khashman says. “Everyone here is very personable. The food speaks for itself. You eat here one time, and you’re addicted.”

The chef visits tables and asks diners about their preferences, she explains. “He has a true passion for food,” she adds.

While the family’s Greek and Mediterranean heritage provides the most extensive influence, the restaurant offers diverse international flavors. “We do have dishes from everywhere, from France, Spain, Italy and Greece,” www.LNCurrents.com

Harry says. “It’s a little bit of everything. It’s not exclusively a Greek restaurant.”

Executive Chef Zachary Pilkington spent time working alongside the family patriarch, creating the recipe book for the restaurant. The Arsi parents have been chefs for 40 years, and Pilkington has been with them for several years.

“Everything we serve [on the set menu] comes from my mother and father,” Harry says.

“The recipes are his. The biggest challenge was taking his recipes and putting them in a book

LEFT: Arni Psito features lamb shank in rosemary, thyme and garlic, served with sautéed vegetables.

BOTTOM LEFT: Mediterranean Bruschetta features capers, tomatoes, green peppers, red onions and roasted garlic, topped with feta crumbles and a sweet balsamic reduction on ciabata toast.

BELOW: Barcelona Chicken features a wood-grilled chicken breast, topped with pineapple salsa and grilled shrimp, served over rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables.

Santorini Grill brings the Greek Isles to Cornelius where we can keep using them. I told the chef to follow him and write down everything he does. Everything was in memory, but nothing on paper.”

This way, menu items stay consistent, which guests expect. “However, that can eliminate creativity,” Harry adds, “so, we feature five to six specials every day.”

www.LNCurrents.com

The Great Chili Cook-Off, presented by the Rotary clubs of Mooresville, Top of the Lake, Mooresville Lake Norman and Troutman.

Oresti oversees the extensive wine and martini lists and is studying to be a sommelier. Recent features have included a sweet white fig martini, with fruit mulled from an Italian fig planted by a previous restaurant owner. “[Oresti] changes the list all the time, bringing in seasonal wines and seasonal martinis,” his brother says.

The bar and the restaurant draw praise for their comfortable feel. “I love coming to places that are quiet and intimate and close by,” guest Jo Ann Darby says. “I like the ambiance. I like the way they’ve redone it. It’s nice to have something spunky and chic.”

The family found its way to Cornelius

The Scoop

Santorini Grill 19905 W. Catawba Ave., Cornelius 704.464.0028 Hours: Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Sun closed 49

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Innovative Specials The chef and his staff have complete freedom on the specials, which are not necessarily Greek or Mediterranean style. To ensure continued innovation and originality and to spark diners’ interest, the specials will not make their way onto the regular menu.

On recent nights, specials have included duck breast served over a fried polenta cake with a cherry glaze and served with butternut and acorn squash provided by local farmers; and airline chicken stuffed with goat cheese and dates, topped with Dijon Burre blanc over sweet potato shallot cake.

For dessert, Flavia Bulza with Hickory’s Let Them Eat Cake creates European-style desserts, including an eight-layer chocolate Dobos torte; and a three-layer Irish creme delicacy wrapped in a chocolate wall. The restaurant also serves housemade Greek Baklava.

Pilkington and the restaurant recently won the prize for the 2012 Best Restaurant Chili in

through a real estate professional who dined in their Hickory restaurant and encouraged them to consider the Cornelius location. They consulted their Hickory customers who were familiar with Lake Norman, researched the market demographics and restaurants, and decided their restaurant would be unique to the area. They spent the late summer and early fall months renovating the space, which previously housed a more casual establishment.

“We decided to take the challenge,” Harry says. “We knew we had to completely change everything in this building for us to have an impact.” In addition to gutting and refitting the interior, they also added blue exterior lighting and intend to add a patio area.

All the changes add up to a transformed dining choice that is designed to linger in people’s minds, Harry says. “I want people when they come in here to have an unforgettable experience.” LNC

Grapevine |

by Trevor Burton

Georgia Gems Little known wines that are definitely worth getting acquainted with

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Deep, dark and very tasty.

Georgia’s wines are something to search out.

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www.LNCurrents.com

A

bout the only thing that’s more fun than exploring the world of wine is sipping the wines as you do the exploring. I’m constantly putting that philosophy into practice and just recently I came across an unexpected gem — wine made in Georgia — the country, not the state. These were wines made from the Saperavi grape. The wines I tasted were a selection from the Gorelli winery, which is located in the Kakheti region of Georgia.

But, first, a little context. Archeological evidence indicates that the Caucasus region was the birthplace of wine. It turns out that wine really invented itself. Some 8,000 years ago Neolithic man figured how to store stuff for later consumption — a revolutionary concept at the time. Some enterprising soul decided to put aside some tasty grapes to see his tribe through the winter months. What he didn’t take into account, however, was the force of gravity — it caused the grapes in their ceramic container to crush themselves, and natural fermentation occurred. Wine made its entry onto the world stage, and the world has never been the same since. Goody for us.

www.LNCurrents.com

the fruit tastes that come first — the wines are described as “fruit-forward.” It would be a fool’s errand to try and define which style is the best, New World or Old World. They are what they are and should be enjoyed for just that — what they are. It all depends on your personal taste and, remember, the only person in the world who has your palate is you.

A HEAVY LIGHTWEIGHT A big surprise for me with Georgian wines

Pickers Welcome

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

THE BEGINNING OF WINE TIME I get a kick thinking of the bravery of the first person to try this strange, new liquid and the moral dilemma he or she faced after the first sip. Should the good news be shared with the whole tribe or should the new discovery be kept under wraps? (“Hey guys, we’ve really got a shortage of water. Why don’t you divide what water we have amongst yourselves, and I’ll take one for the tribe and subsist on this funky grape residue?”) However it transpired at the time, it got us to where we are today, and that’s a pretty good place to be. So, when you sip on a glass of wine made from the Saperavi grape, you’re shaking hands with the dawn of wine history.

For such a small country, Georgia has a huge amount of indigenous grapes. Although there are some 400 of them to choose from, only 40 or so varieties are officially grown for winemaking. Saperavi is, by far, the most widely used. In Georgian, Saperavi means, literally, “paint” or “dye.” The Saperavi grape has a very dark skin and is one of the few grapes that have red rather

than white flesh. Not surprisingly, the wine has an intense, dark color.

These are wines that are far from shy. They have deep aromas and flavors. Tasting them, there is a huge earthy taste that’s accompanied by deep coffee and chocolate notes. All that good stuff is followed up by some very powerful and dark fruit tastes. These are definitely Old World-style wines as opposed to wines we find in the Napa Valley, for example.

With most wines from the New World it’s

Grapevine |

was the alcohol level of some that I tasted. They them), are unable to drink red wines because of were extremely low. I found it amazing that the effect the wines have on them, mostly an unwines this deep and robust had an ABV (alcohol pleasant headache. It seems that Georgian wines by volume) of just 12 percent. The usual level are an exception. Maybe it’s the Saperavi grape; you see in wines with this much body is 13.5 maybe it’s the Georgian winemaking methods. percent and above. I guess the good news is that Whatever the reason, these wines enable people is you don’t have to restrict yourself, as you can to enjoy the many pleasures that red wines have have several glasses of Georgian wine. to offer. A good thing if ever there was one.

That brings me to another point. These How do you select a Georgian wine? Most wines are sometimes referred to as “no headlikely, you’ll see the Saperavi grape listed on the Rivawines.

Derm 1212:Layout 2 11/16/12 PM Even Page ache ” Some people, (I know quite a few of1:25 label. if the1 name isn’t there, it’s a good It was when Neolithic man learned to store food for later consumption that wine invented itself.

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bet that the wine is made from Saperavi or is a blend of the grape. Cabernet Sauvignon is often used for blending. One thing you have to look for is the region that the wine was produced in.

The name you’re looking for is Kakheti — the main wine-growing region in the country, the region where the really good wines come from.

The thing that’s really nice about these wines is that they’re priced to sell. Georgian winemakers are trying to carve out a niche in the American wine market, so they’re pricing their wines attractively. You’ll find them for around $15.

One of the several wines that I tasted was special. It carries the title of a “Grand Reserve.”

Like the “Gran Reserva,” wines of Spain, this wine had been aged for several years in oak barrels and then further aged in its bottle. It’s a stand out wine that commands a higher price. You’ll start to see it on wine lists around the lake and in Charlotte priced at about $50. A little on the high end, but we all need that special treat once in a while. This is a wine that certainly holds its own with other wines in that price range.

So, whether you’re going for an exceptional wine or an everyday wine, it’s well worth the effort to seek out some of Georgia’s gems. Each bottle brings with it several millennia of wine history. An interesting and tasty way to expand your wine universe. Enjoy. LNC Trevor Burton of Mooresville is 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. www.LNCurrents.com

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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Game On |

by Mike Savicki photography by Ken Noblezada

As an avid cyclist and triathlete, Tim Vest knew from experience that multi-sport athletes shared a lifestyle but had no common brand of clothing like surfers, skaters, climbers and other action sports athletes. With that in mind, he came up with re [vici] gear.

A new starting line

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

54

www.LNCurrents.com

Locals Tim Vest and Laura Foust turn passion into profession

I

n 2011, as America was slowly rebounding from an economic crisis that paralyzed business and reshaped industry, Tim Vest was faced with a choice. His Charlotte bank employer had recently completed a major merger and, while Vest was lucky enough to retain a job, he wasn’t overly excited about either of the two new positions offered to him. Knowing that his job might be better filled by a colleague who would otherwise be facing unemployment, and feeling an entrepreneurial pull, Vest parted ways to embark on a new journey. It was time, he says, to transform a business idea into reality.

in a tough economy Tim Vest, a former banker, is now co-owner of {re} vici gear, an upscale casual clothing line inspired by triathlons.

www.LNCurrents.com

of the Canadian-based EC3D Compression gear (Engineered Compression Three Dimension). On the heels of a difficult economic recovery, the two set out on similar entrepreneurial journeys.

A Finisher but never finished As an avid cyclist and triathlete, Vest knew from experience that multi-sport athletes shared a lifestyle but had no common brand of clothing like surfers, skaters, climbers and other action sports athletes. He believed the multi-sport community needed comfortable non-spandex clothing that told a story and proclaimed a sense of

Laura Foust, a longtime advertising executive, is now an independent representative of the Canadian-based EC3D Compression gear.

pride. And he believed that if athletes enjoyed the clothing they wore immediately after their events concluded, their pride and sense of accomplishment might be magnified.

Vest began to explore ideas and options for a specialized product line of casual gear. He found high quality materials that combined comfort and fit. He created eye-catching designs that appealed to the wide variety of athletes who define the multi-sport lifestyle. And he came up with a name that reflects a mission. From the Latin word for “I conquered,” and to show that an athlete’s quest continues, he unveiled {re}vici gear to the 55

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Around the same time, Laura Foust was in a similar position. The longtime advertising executive knew that the strains of the difficult economy meant companies were cutting back on advertising spending. If she chose to stay the course, her road ahead would remain bumpy and uncertain.

Foust was ready for a career change, too.

Vest and Foust, who are regulars in the Lake Norman area multi-sport scene, soon found themselves on the starting lines of an entirely different sort of race — Vest as a co-owner of {re}vici gear, upscale casual clothing inspired by triathlons, and Foust, as an independent representative

Compression is a specialized type of clothing that has quickly become a piece of “need-tohave” gear for improved performance, injury prevention and injury rehabilitation.

Game On |

marketplace in 2012.

The first year has been a time for growth and learning.

“In our first year there have certainly been a few discouraging moments, but those don’t compare to the many positive ones,” Vest says.

“A big shift happened right around the time of

the Rambling Rose and Lake Norman Triathlon events late this past summer. People started coming up and telling us they had either seen one of our products or designs somewhere else and loved it, or that they had been waiting all season for the chance to see us at an event and buy something. At the Beach to Battleship event

near the end of this season, we were excited that athletes from as far away as Michigan, Florida and Ohio gave us great feedback.”

Looking ahead to 2013, Vest and his business partner have {re}vici positioned for national expansion.

“We will be back on the event calendars

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Compression expressions “In the back of my mind I always thought it would be neat to work in an industry like this, but I never really thought it would happen,” begins Laura Foust, a competitive runner and triathlete.

“But now, having spent almost a year in the business, I can see the benefit of being able to relate to the people who wear the products because I wear them myself.”

Foust’s business is compression, the specialized type of clothing that has quickly become a piece of “need-to-have” gear for improved performance, injury prevention and injury rehabilitation not only for athletes, but also for those who travel frequently, work on their feet or know they are going to be on their feet for a long period of time.

The benefits of wearing compression gear both during competition and recovery are numerous.

Compression gear helps improve performance by providing specialized muscle support, promoting oxygen return to the muscles, reducing lactic acid build-up, reducing muscle oscillation and improving circulation. Compression can also help athletes recover more quickly so they can perform at a higher level.

“There are a lot of compression brands out there, but few who do it like we do,” Faust explains.

“All our compression products are medical grade, and our line also offers graduated compression, seamless construction and specific compression zones. The goal of it all is to help you perform better than you otherwise would.”

After less than a year in business, Faust says

her efforts are beginning to pay dividends. “Little by little, we are making inroads, and that energizes me,” Foust shares. “We are now entering running and triathlon stores, you’ll find us at race expos, and we are making terrific inroads with Olympic and college programs both across the region and nation.”

Her line has been adopted by both the US National Field Hockey and Canadian National Ski teams.

“The lessons I’m learning by being in busi-

ness for myself are too numerous to list,” Faust says. “The demands and stresses are different than I’d ever imagined, too. But I’m having fun and doing something I enjoy, and that makes it all worthwhile.”. LNC Freelance writer Mike Savicki has lived and worked in the Lake Norman area for 15 years, frequently covering the racing scene.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

The Scoop

Looking for great performance and casual gear for your athlete or special someone during the holiday season? Check out EC3D Compression gear at www.ec3dsports. com and contact Laura Foust at laurafoust@ gmail.com to arrange a fitting. Tim Vest’s {re} vici gear is online at www.revicigear.com and you can find Vest at tvest@revicigear.com for inquiries.

Game On |

beginning in January. We have had inquiries from a national triathlon series to handle all their merchandising, and we are in talks with a major West Coast event, too,” Vest explains. “There is certainly a degree of nervousness that comes with reaching out to new parts of the country, but it will be exciting to see how we will be received in places like California and Texas.”

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Home Port |

Stephanie Bradley’s love of the holidays shines through in her designs. And although she never hesitates to challenge her clients to break from their usual holiday decor, Bradley isn’t out to impose her style on anyone.

by Deb Mitchell photography by Glenn Roberson

There’s Something

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Adding personal touches throughout the home is key to a pulled-together look.

60

Stephanie Bradley, owner of Stephanie Ann Interiors, says decorating for the holidays is her favorite part of the job. www.LNCurrents.com

about Decorating for

Christmas www.LNCurrents.com

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the homes of lucky clients of Lake Norman-area interior designer, Stephanie Bradley.

Bradley, owner of Stephanie Ann Interiors, works year-round making clients’ homes more appealing, comfortable and stylish; but she says, holiday decorating is by far her favorite part of the job.

“There’s just something about decorating

for Christmas,” she says, “I love it. My glamorous great aunt used to decorate her house to the nines with a different tree in every room… It wasn’t really Christmas for me until I saw that. I think she rubbed off on me.”

Personal and pretty In between her full-time role as furniture coordinator for Huntersville’s HomeGoods store and her regular work in clients’ homes, 61

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Interior designer Stephanie Bradley decks the halls in a fresh new way

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robin’s egg blue, the designer repurposed the old red and green banister garland to the back porch and created new, show-stopping garland for the foyer’s staircase in a modern peacock color combination.

By taking apart store-bought garland, floral picks and branches and using them in pieces, Bradley coaxed something extraordinary from a standard evergreen garland.

Continued on page 65

A show-stopping garland in robin's egg blue graces the banister.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Bradley, who graduated with a design degree from Appalachian State University in 2001, finds joy in creating custom holiday décor for clients. As president-elect of the Lake Norman Huntersville Rotary Club, Bradley donates her time every year to the organization’s Annual Wine Spectacular Charity Auction — and this year, her coveted holiday decorating services sparked a bidding war.

Bradley’s love of the holidays shines through in her designs. And although she never hesitates to challenge her clients to break from their usual holiday decor, Bradley isn’t out to impose her style on anyone. “We all have family traditions and special decorations that make it Christmas to us,” she says, “It’s important that I make it their Christmas — not mine.”

The most obvious way to update holiday décor, Bradley says, is by switching up the color scheme. But don’t go throwing out the old decorations just yet, she says. When longtime client Amy Kurtz told Bradley she loved

Home Port |

Bradley takes holiday décor to the next level by decorating in unexpected places.

Continued from page 63

Christmas bulbs in teal, brown and Kurtz's robin’s egg blue finish the look. And by simply adding a few new teal elements to decorations throughout the house, Bradley bridges the new colors with the rest of the decorations for consistency.

Bradley also takes clients’ holiday décor to the next level by decorating in unexpected areas. For instance, she says, she always decoContinued on page 67

By adding a few teal elements, Bradley bridges new colors with the rest of the decorations for consistency.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

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touch, lights tucked into back porch decorations create a magical view from inside, even when the weather is less than ideal.

Whether or not homeowners choose to hire a professional like Bradley, they can use her tips to shake up their usual holiday décor and experience the joy of the season by decorating with style and glamour.

Says Bradley, “It’s the one time of year you can take risks with color and whimsy, and no one is going to judge you — so go for it.” LNC

The key with decorating a tree is dimension.

During the holidays you can take risks with color and whimsy.

Continued from page 65

rates their chandeliers. In the Kurtz home, Bradley made the foyer’s large chandelier an unexpected focal point by hanging ornaments at varying heights with clear thread.

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Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Trees need dimension When it comes to the tree, Bradley says the key is dimension. “Many people just plop their ornaments on the tree,” she says, “but if you tuck items like florals and glittered twigs into the branches of the tree first, they stick out a bit and give it dimension. The idea is to make it look full.” In the case of the Kurtz’ tree, Bradley filled it in with white silk poinsettias and iced branches, along with leopard print ribbon for an extra touch of glam.

On the Kurtz’s back porch, Bradley proves that mixing fresh and artificial greenery can work beautifully. In addition to the repurposed staircase garland, Bradley clipped branches from backyard trees to adorn tabletops. “Natural greenery doesn’t need a lot of glitz,” Bradley notes, “because it looks so pretty on its own.” For a final

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

Give the Gift of

Time

This holiday season make plans with a friend

by Lori K. Tate

A

few years ago my best friend gave me a wonderful Christmas present — a day with her.

While she’s an excellent gift giver (I still treasure the silver monogrammed bracelet she gave me in our 20s), she knew I didn’t want a material present. She knew that I wanted a day to just play around, eat a good lunch and laugh. This Christmas we’re planning on doing it again.

However, I’ve also asked for the same present from my husband. As the working of parents of two kids, it’s rare that we get to have a real conversation.

Our communication generally consists of short texts requesting milk from the grocery store, voice mails interrupted by toddlers and the occasional pillow talk (if we can stay awake).

So this holiday season, I’m making a list and checking it twice. I’m going to write down all of the holiday activities I want to do and with whom I want to do them. Then I’m actually www.LNCurrents.com

going to ask my friends to schedule these activities on their calendar.

First off, I want to spend the day (and evening) with my husband (sans kids) drinking coffee and looking at Christmas decorations. The Downtown Mooresville Holiday Light Spectacular at Mooresville’s Town Hall is a great place to start, as more than 30,000 twinkling lights dazzle nightly for free.

I’m going to take my mom to see Davidson Community Player’s production of Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Production of A Christmas Carol. With a title like that, it has to be funny. And when was the last time my mom and I spent the evening together, just the two of us?

Instead of buying my girlfriends another frame they may or may not use, I’m going to plan a girls’ night out that involves making crafts or dining out, preferably both.

As for The Tots, we’ll have Breakfast with Santa again at the Lake Norman YMCA (hopefully, they won’t be frightened by Mr. and Mrs. Claus like last year), and I’m going to take them to their first Davidson College basketball game. They’re not quite ready for the Dean Dome, so I think Belk Arena will do quite nicely.

And of course, we’ll be at Christmas in Davidson, one of my favorite events of the year. Fingers crossed we get to ride in one of the carriages this time.

Needless to say, there are plenty of ways to have fun with family and friends in the Lake Norman area during the holidays. So take your loved ones out on the town. You’ll enjoy your gift as much as they will. LNC 69

Calendar |

A month of things to do in the Lake Norman area CHILDREN Children’s Holiday Party (December 1) Celebrate the holidays with your children

in Downtown Mooresville. Time TBA. Free.

Charles Mack Citizen Center, Downtown Mooresville, www.downtownmooresville.com.

Cocoa with Santa (December 7) Visit with

Santa while you enjoy warm cocoa and seasonal crafts. No registration necessary. 9-11 a.m. Free.

Cornelius Arts Center, www.cornelius.org.

CONCERTS Robin Bullock Celtic Christmas Concert (December 2) Internationally recognized as a

master Celtic instrumentalist, Robin Bullock will be performing a Christmas concert at Saint Patrick's Episcopal Church. Bullock brings the music of Christmas to life with carols and hymns spanning more than 600 years, celebrating the Yuletide season with selections on guitar, cittern, mandolin and piano. He weaves a spell from centuries of tradition and the joy of the season, creating an unforgettable event of acoustic Christmas cheer. A wine and cheese reception follows the concert. 7 p.m. $15, $10 students, under 6 free. All proceeds benefit community outreach.

Saint Patrick’s Episcopal Church, 201 Fairview Road, Mooresville, www.saint-patricks.org.

Music at St. Albans (December 9) Enjoy a breath of fresh air with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra’s concert titled Ice. 3 p.m. $15, students and seniors (65+) $10, children under 12 free. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Davidson, www.musicatstalbans.net.

Cornelius Concert Series (December 16) Christmas at Mt. Zion is Mt. Zion’s annual

Christmas program, and it features the Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Ensemble as well as a chamber orchestra. The featured work is A Thrill of Hope by Joel Raney. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. Freewill offering. Sanctuary, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Cornelius, www.mtzionumc.net.

EVENTS Christmas Tea and Craft (December 1) A fun historical afternoon for mother and

daughter. Learn about the history of Christmas at this special holiday tea. 1-3 p.m. $25 per mother/daughter pair, additional daughters are $10 each. Cost includes fan, craft materials, tea and snacks. Pre-registration is required.

Historic Latta Plantation, 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville, www.lattaplantation.org.

Christmas in Davidson (Through December 1) Enjoy one of the most loved Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Christmas traditions in the Lake Norman area — Christmas in Davidson. Hear carolers sing while you drink cocoa and visit with Santa. There’s even a live manger scene. 6-9 p.m. Free. Downtown Davidson, www.christmasindavidson.com.

South of Catawba Guided Walking Tour (December 1) The front of Town Hall (21445

Catawba Avenue) is the starting point for this tour, which is approximately 1.25 miles. Along the way you will learn about when and how the town was incorporated, Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, local historic landmark designations, Olde Mill Village, Gem Yarn Mill,

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Cotton Gin, the history of Cornelius Elementary and other sites of interest. Sponsored by The Cornelius Historic Preservation Commission. 10 a.m. Free. Cornelius Town Hall, 21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.

Cornelius Arts Center Teaching Talents features the multimedia works of the center’s instructors. Through January 4. Mon-Thu 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m.-Noon. 19725 Oak Street, Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.

30th Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade (December 1)

“Cotton” Ketchie’s Landmark Galleries Various exhibitions. The work

Enjoy bands, floats and pageant queens during this Lake Norman holiday tradition.

1 p.m. Free. Downtown Davidson and downtown Cornelius, www.cornelius.org.

of watercolorist ‘Cotton’ Ketchie. Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 212 North Main Street, Mooresville, 704.664.4122, www.landmark-galleries.com.

Downtown Mooresville Holiday Light Spectacular (December 1 through New Year’s Day) This orchestrated light

Guild hosts an artist reception the second Friday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. 103 W. Center Avenue, Mooresville, www.magart.org.

show includes more than 30,000 lights set to music. 7-9 p.m. Free. Lawn of Mooresville Town Hall, www.downtownmooresville.com.

‘Tawba Walk Art Crawl (December 2) This multidimensional, eclectic art crawl

through the heart of Cornelius, features more than 40 local vendors, live street performances, shopping, food and more, showcasing the best Cornelius has to offer. 1-4 p.m. Free. Downtown Cornelius, Oak Street Mill, www.cornelius.org.

Nicholas Kristof (December 3) Pulitzer

Prize-winning author Nicholas Kristof presents the Davidson College’s annual Reynolds Lecture.

Kristof will speak about Half the Sky, the book he coauthored with his journalist spouse, Sheryl WuDunn, and the multi-faceted social movement that the book initiated. Half the Sky is a movement expressed on many technological platforms seeking to put an end to the oppression of women and girls worldwide, attacking what Kristof terms “the defining issue of our time.” Half the Sky brings together video, websites, school curricula, blogs and other tools to raise awareness of women's issues, and to provide concrete steps to empower women. 7:30 p.m. Free. Duke Family Performance Hall, Davidson College, www.davidson.edu.

Celebrate the Holidays in Downtown Mooresville (December 7, 14) Celebrate

the season with music, Santa visits, Christmas Tree Lane, wagon rides and more. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Activities take place on Broad and Main Streets in Downtown Mooresville, www.downtownmooresville.com.

Guns & Hoses Football Game (December 8) This football game between the Statesville

Police Department and the Statesville Fire Department raises money for Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center and the American Red Cross. The pre-game entertainment includes paratroopers. 7 p.m. $5 in advance, $7 at the gate. Statesville High School, 474 North Center Street, Statesville, 704.883.9814, 704.664.2500.

Depot Art Gallery The Mooresville Artist

Foster’s Frame and Art Gallery

Various exhibitions. Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat 10a.m.-4p.m. 403 N. Old Statesville Road, Huntersville, 704.948.1750.

Four Corners Framing and Gallery

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

Lake Country Gallery Various exhibitions.

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

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

Sanctuary of Davidson Various exhibitions. 108 S. Main Street, Davidson, www.sanctuaryofdavidson.com.

Tropical Connections Various exhibitions.

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

The Van Every/Smith Galleries Davidson National Print & Drawing Competition 19721976 features works from the Davidson College National Print and Drawing Competition, which was held annually from 1972 through 1976.

The competition began 40 years ago and was one of the earliest exhibitions organized by Professor Emeritus Herb Jackson. Through December 12. Weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weekends noon-4 p.m. Davidson College, The Van Every/ Smith Galleries, 315 N. Main Street, Davidson, www.davidsoncollegeartgalleries.org.

MONTHLY EVENTS Carolina Raptor Center Live bird

GALLERIES Andre Christine Gallery & Sculpture Garden presents Abstracts & Mixed MediaMedia,

where 48 paintings and sculpture fill the gallery. This popular abstract show features works from Angela Van Every Johnston, Louise Patinelli, Sandie Bell, L.C. Neill and Joyce Wynes, as well as new sculpture from Dana Gingras, Rick Lazes and Ann Prock. Through January.

Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sundays in December 11 a.m.-4 p.m. 148 Ervin Road, Mooresville, 704.775.9516, www.andrechristinegallery.com.

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

The Artisan Market Craft Crawl (First Saturday) Formerly known as the

Mooresville Craft Crawl, this market features baked goods, clothing, embroidery, jewelry, paintings, pottery, quilts and woodcarvings with an edge. 5-9 p.m. Free. Mooresville Town Square across from Lowe’s Foods. https:// www.facebook.com/artisanmarketnc.

www.LNCurrents.com

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

Davidson Farmer’s Market (First and Third Saturdays) Farmers sell a bounty

of seasonal vegetables; pasteurized meats and cheeses; and freshly baked breads, cakes and pies. 8 a.m.-noon. Free. Next to Town Hall between Main and Jackson streets in downtown Davidson, www.davidsonfarmesmarket.org.

Open Air Market at the Crossing (Every Saturday) Buy local flowers/plants, jam/ honey, soap, candles, baked goods, handmade crafts and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 9525 Birkdale Crossing Drive, Huntersville.

SPORTS Davidson College Men’s Basketball It’s time to hit the court. Go Wildcats! UNC Charlotte (December 5, 8 p.m.), Wofford (December 8, 7 p.m.), UNC Wilmington (December 15, 7 p.m.). www.davidsonwildcats.com.

Davidson College Women’s Basketball The Lady Wildcats are poised to have a terrific season.

Georgia Southern (December 1, 2 p.m.), High Point (December 5, 6 p.m.) www.davidsonwildcats.com.

TEENS Rock Band Friday (Fridays) Learn how to play Rock Band after school. 3:30-6 p.m. Free.

Ben & Jerry’s, 202 South Main Street, Davidson.

THEATRE Holiday Spectacular 2012 featuring the

Nutcracker Ballet and Holiday Benefit (Through December 1) Mooresville’s Academy of Dance & Fine Arts performs this beloved holiday tradition.

During the run of Holiday Spectacular 2012, there will be a Holiday Benefit performance for Mooresville-based SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) on Sunday, December 1 at 5 p.m. Other performances — Friday, 7 p.m. and Saturday, 1 p.m. $12 for adults, children 6-11 $10, and 5 and under are free. Mooresville High School’s Roland R. Morgan Auditorium, www.adfastudio.com.

Good Evening from Beyond the Fringe (December 6-16) This evening of British

comedy brings the best and funniest sketches from two British classic revues that introduced America to Dudley Moore and Peter Cook and

paved the way for Monty Python and other sketch comedy shows audiences have been enjoying ever since. This unforgettable evening of comedy will feature all the audience favorites, like the one-legged man auditioning for the role of Tarzan, a very serious vicar whose Sunday sermon wanders aimlessly (and uproariously) through the Good Book, a touching reunion in an ICW where a father explains to his son how the young man's mother's false teeth destroyed an entire wing of the hospital, and in keeping with the holiday season, a Bethlehem shepherd recalls his conversation with the angel who came to him with tidings of great joy. Thu-Sat 8 p.m., Sun 4 p.m. $21, $16 seniors and students. The Warehouse Performing Arts Center, 9216-A Westmoreland Road, Cornelius, www.warehousepac.com.

Calendar |

Blue Planet Water Environmental Center Tour (First Tuesday, Third Thursday)

Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society Production of A Christmas Carol (Through December 16) In a festive mood, the crazy ladies

of Farndale mount an assault on the classics with their original stage version of A Christmas Carol.

They enthusiastically portray a dizzying array of characters from the Charles Dickens classic (and a few which aren't). They engineer some novel audience participation while bravely contending with an intrusive public announcement system.

The result is a fun-filled evening of holiday cheer.

For ages 10 and up. 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., December 16 7 p.m. $20. Armour Street Theatre, Davidson, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org.

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Pictures with santa and Baby tiger Cubs Petting Zoo • Pony rides Concessions • Candy shop

We can help your loved one feel better and give your family peace of mind.

I-77 Exit 42

zootasticpark.com www.LNCurrents.com

1.888.464.4673 www.hospiceofiredell.org 71

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

Call HPCIC to see how we can help your family.

One More Thing |

by Lori K. Tate photography by Ken Noblezada

A Constant Discovery

Paul Leonard looks for church in all sorts of places

T

Lake Norman Currents | December 2012

hroughout his life when Paul Leonard found something moving, he would write about it. That’s exactly what happened in the case of his latest book, Where is Church? — One Man’s Quest. In this 165-page book published by Lorimer Press, the Davidson resident shares various experiences throughout his life and career that have helped him explore his faith.

Paul, a native of Jonesboro, Georgia, came to Davidson College with the intention of becoming a Presbyterian minister. After graduating cum laude with a history degree in 1962, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Divinity from the University of Chicago. He returned to North Carolina to intern at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and later led a nontraditional church called Church in the City that focused on community action and service.

While working at Church in the City, Paul helped organize the Charlotte Fair Housing Association and served as its first president. He also worked with Urban Homes, a non-profit housing corporation that built homes under a Federal Housing Administration program.

This position led to a career change for Paul, as he eventually became president of John Crosland Company in 1984.

“I was ordained as a Presbyterian minister, and along the way I got out of formal ministry,” says Paul. “I got involved with houses and found that to be a little more to my liking than being a minister.”

Throughout his career in construction, faith has played a role. After retiring, he was elected to the Board of Habitat for Humanity International and served as its chairman for two years. He and his wife, Judy, have

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A resident of Davidson, Paul Leonard recently wrote Where is Church? — One Man's Quest.

traveled the world volunteering for the organization. During their travels they’ve found church in many different forms.

In his book he writes about a Habitat experience in South Africa, where a Muslim man named AK Mohammed volunteered to help build a house. “Someone from Habitat wanted to know what a Muslim was doing working on a Christian project, and AK said, ‘My religion teaches me to take care of my neighbors and everybody,’ ” recalls Paul. At the end of project, the man invited Judy and Paul over for dinner. "He introduced me to his son as Uncle Paul,” remembers Paul. “To me, that’s church. …It’s kind of where two or three are gathered together and they’re doing the work of serving. …It’s where you and someone else engage together in feeding the hungry, visiting those in prison — the educational piece.”

Paul says he’s amazed that oftentimes church can’t be found in the places where you would expect it to be. He cites meeting with a church staff in Charlotte years ago. “We met with the staff, which included

four ordained pastors. They treated the two women on that committee like dirt,” recalls Paul. “Within about 20 or 30 minutes, both of those women left the room in tears. The last one slammed the door. This is church?”

These days Paul does not officially minister a church, but for the past 18 months, he’s been visiting an elderly couple weekly that he knew at Church in the City years ago. The husband is 98, and the wife is 97, and they’ve been married for 72 years. "They tell me I’m their pastor, and I say, ‘You’re my church,’ ” explains Paul. “We have a prayer and sing a song.”

Paul says that folks who have read his book say that it’s encouraging them to think about where they found church and what they think church ought to be. Adds Paul, “I really think some kind of challenge needs to be out there so people will stop and say, ‘Wait, what are we called to be as a church?’ ” LNC The Scoop

You can purchase Paul Leonard’s Where is Church? — One Man’s Quest at Main Street Books in Davidson. www.LNCurrents.com

Be Informed & Confident About Breast Implants Women considering breast augmentation are faced with more options than ever.

Charlotte’s plastic surgeon, Dr. Bill G. Kortesis, answers questions about breast augmentation from readers and shares his personal philosophy.

How do I know I am choosing the right plastic surgeon?

It is important for a patient to feel 100% comfortable with her surgeon, and if not, I would encourage her to see someone else. Any surgery is a big decision and your surgeon should be someone you identify with and trust. You should also confirm that your plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has admission privileges at a major area hospital.

I have friends with breast implants and their breasts look and feel fake. Are there ways I can achieve a more natural look?

There are more options now than ever before in breast implants, including some new manufacturers that have just come to the market. In general, silicone-filled breast implants offer a more natural feel, and I’d estimate 85% of my patients end up going that route. Current implants have a gel consistency that is more solid than liquid and is almost indistinguishable from normal breast tissue. It is also important to make sure that you select the right implant size and placement for your body type.

I am concerned about choosing the wrong size implant.

How do I know what is right for my body?

Not only does the implant material factor into choosing an implant size, so does skin quality, amount of breast gland, type of incision desired and individual patient goals. Most women have an idea of what cup size they want to be and we go from there.

Some surgeons recommend an implant size based on their own judgment of what would look ‘good,’ but to me, each patient’s goals are different and I want them to be involved in the decision. My patients try on different implants sizes with bras and tops to see which looks best in the mirror. We recommend patients bring a significant other to help with the decision. We also use a special 3D camera to create a digital image of the patient.

This image can be modified to compare different implant styles and sizes. This 3D technology is another way to make sure we choose the right implant.

Bill G. Kortesis, MD

11208 Statesville Road • Suite 300 • Huntersville, NC 28078 704.659.9000 | www.HunstadKortesisCenter.com

Dr. Kortesis is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and practices at the Hunstad Kortesis Center for Cosmetic Surgery & MedSpa. For more information, please visit www.HunstadKortesisCenter.com or call (704) 659-9000.

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