Volume 1 / Issue 2
All That Chazz
Doubling Up For The Tar Heels
exclusive
Chazz Surratt
Taking the Field and the Court p. 6 The Sweet Spot p. 12 Spring is Knocking at your Door p. 16
More Than Just A Magazine
March / April 2016
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All that Chazz See the exclusive interview by ARA Marketing Solutions, LLC
All That Chazz
Doubling Up For The Tar Heels
exclusive
Contents
Chazz Surratt
Taking the Field and the Court p. 6
More Than Just A Magazine
More Than Just A Magazine
Features
gastonelite.com
Chazz Surratt
4
Publisher’s Page
12
The Sweet Spot
16
Spring is Knocking at your Door
18
CAM’s Corner
20
Healthy Living
22 Weekend Explorer: 2 States. 3 Parks. 1 Hike.
Gaston Elite Magazine 3
Publishers Page Is it Spring yet? Time flies when your having fun… It’s a new month and a new season.
Pam L. Goode, Publisher
We launched with unimaginable success. Thank you to those who made this happen for us, to my clients, employees, and to the readers who sent in so much positive energy! The highlight for me was the sweetest lady calling me up to tell me how much she enjoyed the Gaston Elite! She had received it in the mail and took the time to tell me how much she loved the articles and about her wonderful long time relationship with one of our advertisers! She complimented the positive feel she got from reading it, and to that I am proud.
So, we are off to a great start with this being our second issue of Gaston Elite. The response from Harold’s article brought people from Charlotte to find my office, a gentleman having his dentist google the magazine to find out where he could get a copy, and Harold’s golf sponsor contacted us for extra copies! His mom felt like a celebrity as people picked up their copies throughout the hospital and called to say WOW! We received calls and emails from so many wanting to get their copy! Thank you to all that have supported us!
Pam L. Goode, Publisher / CEO Carlos A. Martinez, M.S.M. VP, General Manager Jose D. Martinez Jr, Art Director Tara Morley, Account Executive,
Community Relations Specialist
Carolina Top Shots, Brian Mayhew Photography Contributing Writers, Pam L. Goode, Sarah Drummond, Carlos A. Martinez GastonEliteMagazine@Gmail.com All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by GEM Enterprise, LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited material.
We have put together yet another fabulous edition with a Gaston County native turned Lincoln County resident! Best news of all is that he will call UNC Chapel Hill home for the next 4 years. It was a humbling experience to sit with a young man that defines greatness yet remains so down to earth. We hope you enjoy what we have to offer this issue! Please remember to like us on FB, share our articles, and when you see a copy at a local business let us know! We love hearing from you! Happy Spring!!! Respectfully, Pam L. Goode, Owner ARA Marketing Solutions, LLC 704.490.3804 Pam@aramarketingsolutions.com Premier Designer for: ARA Marketing Solutions LLC and Gaston Elite Magazine.
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Gaston Elite Magazine 5
Doubling Up For The
tAR HEELS
2016 PARADE ALL-AMERICAN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
NC RECORD HOLDER TOTAL TD’S
3 TIME CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2014 NC PREPS STATE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
MULTIPLE COUNTY RECORDS
NC GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR NC RECORD HOLDER TOTAL YARDS
NCHSAA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2014
WENDY’S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN
RETIRED #12 JERSEY ELHS
Article By: Pam L. Goode
ARA Marketing Solutions, LLC
Fast forward to a few weeks ago when I was invited to the YMCA sponsorship breakfast. The guest speaker was Chazz Surratt. As Chazz nervously took the stand to speak you could tell he was doing it from the heart. 6 Gaston Elite Magazine
Photo by: Carolina Top Shots
hat formula do we use to produce greatness? It depends on what we are making. Sometimes, there are secret ingredients and at other times it is the obvious. The first time I saw Chazz Surratt play sports he was alongside his brother Sage in the gym at Mt. Holly Middle School. I thought that they were twins. As I watched, they made shot after shot, but what really impressed me was watching their dad closely follow each move they made. He assessed each shot and quietly took notes. His mom socialized in the stands while cheering them on as they often shot a glance up to her. The boys dominated the scoreboard yet remained poised and polished. As a mom of student athletes, I have witnessed a lot of talented players on many different playing fields. I knew in that moment there was something special about this family. A secret ingredient, possibly, or just the obvious; the right combination of love, competitiveness, humility, talent, and confidence. Look Good. Feel Good. Do Good.
GastonElite.com
exclusive
Chazz Surratt Believe It... And It Will Happen -Michael Strahan
More Than Just A Magazine
Gaston Elite Magazine 7
Photo by: Carolina Top Shots
Photo by: Carolina Top Shots
Exclusive
I don’t even think the word “great” begins to do justice when describing Chazz. He has accomplished more in his high school career than many of us do in a lifetime. His accomplishments are a direct result of his foundation. I was astonished by not only Chazz the athlete, but by Chazz the humble, quiet, and respectful “momma’s boy” who is loved by everyone he encounters. With his movie star face and million dollar smile, being ranked top of his class, along with just being awarded Parade Magazine’s 2016 National Player of the Year (selected by NFL great Michael Strahan), one would think that arrogance and entitlement would be in the room. But nope, not a chance. Not even a hint of it. As I sat in his high school gymnasium and talked with him, I was silenced by his accomplishments and astonished by his calm demeanor. One person who knows Chazz better than most is 8 Gaston Elite Magazine
East Lincoln’s head coach, Mike Byus. After a long day at school, Coach Byus stayed with us during the photo shoot and one on one with Chazz. As he told me, Chazz with his coach Mike Byus
There were no awards, no reporters, and his story and memories of being a product of the YMCA while now working there was genuine. He gave credit to his beginnings, where he learned the importance of teamwork, friendship, and that having mom and dad coaches is “actually cool.” Chazz grew up in and out of Y camps and Y sports and took with him his experiences, friendships, and a sense of family and community. They say in order to build something great you must have a strong foundation from which to build upon. His family, the YMCA, and this community provided that foundation.
“Anything for Chazz.” He admitted that he tears up just talking about Chazz and you can tell the love and respect goes both ways with these two. “ I moved into this district and he took me in like I was from here. He always went out of his way for me and to teach me football strategies. He is part of the reason I am successful now. I will never forget all of the things Coach Byus has done for me and my family over the years” says Chazz. Byus went on to say, GastonElite.com
Photo by: Carolina Top Shots
Academically, in the hallways, to the teachers, he will literally ‘yes sir’ ‘no sir’ you to death. It’s been a pleasure working with this young man and with his athletic ability. You meet athletes over the years with ability, but match it with the work ethic and that’s something he has always had. When you combine these two you get Chazz Surratt.” Byus described Chazz as the most competitive human being he knows.
Chazz Surazz with awards
Competitiveness is in his genes. It runs in the family. He speaks of his dad, Kevin, as quiet yet determined to instill work ethic into him and his brothers. His dad pushes him to “keep working, keep pushing.” He calls his dad his role model and appreciates his level headiness. “How he thinks is how I think,” Chazz says about his dad as he credits him for his quiet and reserved personality that also had the ability to set the standards at a very young age. He laughs about his dad making him and his brother Sage do bike laps to get their legs ready for football. He recalls a time where he wrecked his bike, but got back on with a bloody face, and continued to ride. “Perseverance” he says with only a grin that Chazz can give you. It was so refreshing to see Chazz light up speaking about his family. He feels like he is a good combination of both parents. He describes his mom, Brandi, as very competitive. She hates to lose. More Than Just A Magazine
Photo by: Brandi Surratt
“Chazz’s athletic ability is talked about over and over, but what people really need to know is that he is one really good young man.”
“It angers us to lose.” “She can go from 0 to 100 in a few seconds,” Chazz laughs. Some of his best memories as a child and even throughout school is competing with his brother and friends in basketball where the loser ended up crying or storming off the court. When I asked three words to describe himself, competitive was among the first. This answer was followed by hardworking and confident, as neither one surprised me. However, one thing Chazz shared that did surprise me was that he is the loudest one in the locker room. Well… he is never loud, just “energetic.”
“I can’t wait to suit up in that Carolina blue… It is my dream school. It’s going to be the time of my life.” Not only will Chazz be working for that QB starting position, but you can also catch a glimpse of him in the Dean Dome. In an effort to sweeten the pot and get him to commit to play football for the Tar Heels, Chazz was offered a preferred walk on spot on the UNC Tar Heels basketball team. He has earned that as well. After the challenging injury in the second round of the state football playoffs where he was hoping to bring home a back to back state title, he was injured and had it taken away in one play. After electing not to have surgery, he says he feels “blessed to continue to play basketball.” He flirted with the opportunity of going to UNC early, but felt compelled to stay at East Lincoln with aspirations of bringing home a state Gaston Elite Magazine 9
Exclusive championship in basketball with his brother Sage. Chazz took his injury hard. He says that he sees it very clear. “Your time is short. Live and play with a sense of urgency. Keep working every day. It can be taken away just like that. Do good things outside of sports.” He sees his opportunity at Chapel Hill as a “dream come true.” Chazz told me he believes he stays grounded by always reminding himself “There is always someone out there better than you, I have not really arrived yet. I have a long way to go.” Chazz has laid his foundation with his work ethic and earned top awards, local and national spotlights, broken school and state records, yet he fully conveys that he has to continue to work hard every day at Chapel Hill. He remains focused on working to make his dreams a reality. I asked him what he sees in his future. The dream is “A UNC National Championship, a Heisman Trophy, being a first round draft pick in the NFL, and winning a Super Bowl.” Upon hearing this, I had a flash back to my motto… “Hard work beats talent when talent don’t work hard.”
My children probably said that in their sleep. Seeing what Chazz has accomplished in his career so far has made me truly believe his hard work has enhanced the natural talent he possesses. Call me a bandwagon fan, but I will cheer this kid on in any given Super Bowl. Chazz shared with me the importance of being a good role model.
“It’s part of the territory.” He realizes and appreciates that kid’s look up to him and feels like athletes have a responsibility to young kids. This leads us to the most over-rated post Super bowl question and that is Cam Newton’s post press conference.
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Chazz Surratt
He says of losing a big game. “Cam is a professional and the face of the NFL, I personally think he could have handled it better, but I am not in his shoes.” Chazz states that he hopes to aspire to the many accomplishments that Cam Newton has achieved and said of the NFL MVP, “Cam is just great.”
“All that Chazz,” Photo by: Brandi Surratt
it could possibly be the milk; but the obvious is most definitely his parents.
Photo by: Carolina Top Shots
What I learned is about Chazz is that extremely shy, but very articulate. He would rather make a little kid laugh, give his mom a big hug, spend time with his brothers and flash that smile, or say “yes ma’am” than tell you all about his accomplishments. Chazz has put in the work to be on the level he is today. He will proudly tell you his GPA of 4.7455, get it correct, 4.7455 and that his favorite award is his jersey being retired at his school, simply because “this is home.” He denies any special talents other than “school and sports”, and admits to having 3 to 5 gallons of milk in the refrigerator at all times. This soft spoken, driven and hardworking attitude has laid a foundation for success in the years to come. As far as the secret ingredient to
Young Chazz in the YMCA
I have no doubt that great things are in this young man’s future. I would dare to say his future is as bright as his smile. When asked about the formula to produce greatness, Chazz Surratt has all of the right variables. The football program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill just got stronger by scoring the ultimate QB. Not just a great athlete, but a person who inspires and brings out the best in all of us. More Than Just A Magazine
Gaston Elite Magazine 11
Real Estate
The Sweet Spot
Proximity to a golf course in Gaston County offers a perceived increase in home values for everyone; and, for some, it’s a way of life.
Article By: Sarah Drummond
Carolina Living Real Estate
It’s no secret that Gaston County loves golf. Nearly all of us have a golfer in our family or circle of friends, and there was a great collective sense of pride when Gastonia’s own Harold Varner III recently secured a spot on the PGA tour. The 18-hole golf course at the Gaston Country Club, designed by Ellis Maples, is ranked 48th in North Carolina’s Top 100 Golf Courses, and has anchored the southeastern region of Gastonia since it first opened for play in 1958. The availability of such a prestigious course in our area has created a hot spot to which golf enthusiasts have flocked, thereby creating a demand and keeping home values healthy in the surrounding neighborhoods.
A recent article on Trulia’s blog entitled “Field Position: Does an NFL Stadium Boost Your Home Value?” revealed that higher than average home values were found to exist in nearly two thirds of 31 neighborhoods within a two-mile radius of an established pro football stadium that had stood for a decade or more. Undoubtedly, for a diehard football fan, the lure of being in the middle of the excitement for home games (not to mention a short trip home on late Monday nights) would be a major draw, although few would appreciate the benefits of living near an NFL stadium without some interest in the sport. In contrast, anyone can enjoy the beauty of a well designed and finely manicured golf course; those who travel by or are fortunate enough to live near the golf course at the Gaston Country Club can attest to this. For the truly serious golfer, however, it is more than a matter of mere aesthetics; and there is simply nothing comparable to on-course living.
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Christa Heilig and her husband, Charles, moved to Gastonia in 2004; before they even purchased a home, though, Charles joined Gaston Country Club. “While we both enjoy the sport, my husband absolutely loves golf. After visiting the club’s beautiful facilities and exploring GCC’s course from the cart path, we knew we wanted to live in the immediate area,” Christa says. Now living on the golf course, the Heiligs have a front row seat to fully experience the naturally golfer friendly course, enhanced by exceptionally lovely A-4 bentgrass greens. “We have enjoyed every second and have experienced numerous occasions where tournament players have stopped to tell us how impressed they are not only with the course, but the beauty of the course. We couldn’t agree more and feel truly blessed to be here.”
Quick Facts Since 2013:
impressively, homes that have simply mentioned the word “golf” in the MLS remarks in the past year have sold for an average of 99% of what the seller was asking. It’s clear that golf consistently brings a perceived value to the table in a real estate transaction. Quantifying this value and assigning a dollar amount to a golf course’s impact on neighboring properties and their inhabitants may be achieved to a certain degree by real estate professionals; but, for golf lovers like Christa and Charles Heilig, it’s a connection that is priceless!
Golf Courses sell real estate and that’s why they’re built...
Homes at Gaston Country Club listed in the MLS as being “On Golf Course” or “Golf Course View” sold for an average of $99/square foot. The median sales price was $374,500. Homes at Gaston Country Club (in one of 9 neighborhoods: Club Colony East, Fairfield at the Club, Country Club Estates, Fairways, Waterford Green, Waterford Place, Chelsea Woods, Hearthstone, and Cross Creek) not directly on or with a view of the golf course sold for an average of $97/ square foot, with a median sales price of $215,000. By comparison, the overall average price per square foot in 28056, the zip code in which Gaston Country Club is located, was $81, and the median sales price was $165,000. At Cramer Mountain, a similar trend emerges. During the same time frame, the average price per square foot for homes directly on the golf course was $104, and $101 for those surrounding. The overall average price per square foot for 28032 as a whole was $75. If you are nowhere near Gaston Country Club or Cramer Mountain, not to worry—our county offers several other courses such as the Cherryville Golf and Country Club and Catawba Creek Golf Course—and, More Than Just A Magazine
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Living Local
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It’s time to stop dreaming and start planning. Let’s get started.
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Gaston Elite Magazine 15
What’s Happening
Article By: Carlos A. Martinez, M.S.M. Gaston Elite Magazine
Spring is just around the corner and it’s time to get some fresh air. No matter what part of the country you may live in, outdoor living has become one of the fastest growing trends for residential properties. It seems people are spending more time with family and friends in their backyard than going on vacation. This is what some are calling a STAYCATION – where instead of spending money on taking their family on a lavish trip, people are creating the perfect oasis right in their backyard! Making them feel like they are on a vacation 365 days a year.
destinations in the yard possibly leading to a secret garden, water feature, a private reading area, or just a nice hammock in the back yard for relaxing under the trees.
Others are choosing to provide full entertainment areas for their guests which can include outdoor kitchens, covered structures with large TVs, sound systems for music at all times, heaters, ceiling fans, LED low voltage lighting and even swimming pools with swim up wet bar areas! These areas can include a beer dispenser, a wine fridge, and beverage cooling So, what is an outdoor living area you ask? Outdoor stations, food storage containers for lemons, limes, living is basically an extension of your home; a place cherries etc. and even ice makers for entertaining, lounging, cooking, and many other outdoor activities. Some clients are creating a lush Other outdoor living areas are being created for landscape with evergreen trees, perennial plants, and cooking and grilling. These outdoor living areas can fruit trees and even paved walking paths to different include just a simple outdoor kitchen which includes a
16 Gaston Elite Magazine
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grill, fridge and some access doors for storage, or you have a full blown outdoor kitchen right outside your patio door that could include a grill or two, a smoker, side burner, pizza oven, flat surface grills, several different types of refrigerator’s such as a wine fridge, freezers for popsicles. Basically, an additional kitchen right in your backyard. People want to create another room right outside which can be just as comfortable and relaxing as your indoor living room. The areas can include large fireplaces or fire pits, seat walls, comfy outdoor lounging furniture with nice area rugs, side tables with lamps, potted planters and much more. Homeowners are bringing the comforts of their living room to the backyard. It’s more than just outdoor living area. What type of value does an outdoor living area add to your home? Relators are of the opinion that this can add anywhere from 10 – 15% to your property value. Not a bad investment at all. More Than Just A Magazine
Gaston Elite Magazine 17
CAM’s Corner
#CamFamous I am excited for the warmer weather upon us and shedding this crazy pink sweater that my mom has on me. I love being able to spend more time outside in the yard, around the pool, and helping plant flowers outdoors! I refuse to go inside, as long as she is out there, no matter how hot it gets! With the official start to spring being on my mom’s birthday, temperatures will soon begin to climb and outdoor activities will return in full force, bringing new threats to my canine friends. I have come up with 5 things to put on moms list to do for me. I hope you find these helpful for your furry four legged friends!
Watch Out For Seasonal Allergies!!
While there is typically no way to prevent seasonal allergies in us, our owners can keep an eye out for excessive scratching or ear troubles, as these can be classic signs of allergies! My Veterinarian looks out for me with antihistamines!
Get Back on Track With Heartworm Prevention Spread through mosquito bites, these parasitic worms can significantly harm the health of any animal infected. With the peak of mosquito season coming with warmer weather, be proactive and get your special ones back on heartworm prevention medications!
With grasses, flowers and trees blooming in the spring season, like people, we can suffer from seasonal allergies too!
18 Gaston Elite Magazine
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Continue Flea and Tick Prevention During the wintertime, fleas are dormant outside, but when it gets warmer outside, they will come back out! No one wants to deal with these annoying parasites. My mom makes sure I stay protected!
Ramp Up Exercise Slowly to Shed Winter Weight I am so happy the warmer weather gets my mom back into running. However, she should beware of increasing exercise too quickly, as I along with my other friends, can develop injuries from jumping into an exercise regiment too fast.
Consider Getting a Microchip I am always right by her side, however with me spending more time outdoors, spring is the perfect time to contemplate getting a microchip for me. Sometimes I get curious, and once I loose some of this winter weight I may be able to slip though the fence. I spent the first 6 years of my life without my mom and I never want to be separated from her again! So, as she says… “It’s a great way to get your pets back to you.”
Advertise on this page. A portion of the proceeds goes towards pet fostering.
Lets Make Cam Famous!
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Gaston Elite Magazine 19
Ashleigh Easterling is 2014 graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, NC. She received her Bachelor of Science in Food and Beverage Restaurant Management with a Concentration in nutrition. Ashleigh completed an 11 week, full rotation internship with a premier steakhouse, Sullivan’s Steakhouse. At Sullivan’s she learned back of the house and front of the house business operations. Ashleigh owns her own business called, The Green Bunny. The Green Bunny is a meal prep service that caters to those with fitness and weight loss goals. All meals are prepared to meet the nutrition needs for the client and they simply pop the meals in the microwave and enjoy! Currently, Ashleigh is striving to grow her business by educating the public about the importance of not just eating healthy but supporting local businesses (farms) in the process. The Green Bunny also supports the community by donating proceeds to local charities. Chef Easterling hosts a live cooking demo on WBTV, a local news station in Charlotte once a month.
Photo by: Ashleigh Easterling
Photo by: Ashleigh Easterling
Healthy Living
https://www.facebook.com/chefeasterling/ Chef_Easterling (@chef_easterling) https://twitter.com/chefeasterling Chef Easterling
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Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps INGREDIENTS: 1 pound ground chicken or ground turkey 8 scallions, white and green part chopped 1 (8oz) can water chestnuts, drained, rinsed and chopped fine 1 red bell pepper, chopped fine ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 2½ tablespoons hoisin sauce, see shopping tips 1 tablespoon ginger (from a jar) or fresh grated ginger, see shopping tips 1 tablespoon water 2 teaspoons sesame oil 1 large head butter lettuce, wash, dried and leaves separated INGREDIENTS FOR DIPPING SAUCE: ¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar ½ tablespoon ginger (from a jar) or fresh minced ginger 1 teaspoon sesame oil ½ teaspoon garlic (from a jar) or fresh minced garlic INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a large pan, brown the ground chicken over medium-high heat, breaking up the pieces. Pour into a colander, in the sink and drain fat. Return chicken to pan. When cool enough to handle, break up the chicken pieces until minced. 2. Add scallions, water chestnuts, red pepper, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, water and sesame oil. Cook for a few minutes until the scallions and red pepper are soft. Keep warm. 3. In a small bowl, add all the dipping sauce ingredients and mix well. 4. To assemble each chicken wrap: Spoon about ⅓ cup of chicken filling onto one lettuce leaf and roll it up, if desired. Serve with dipping sauce on the side. This sauce is quite strong. You’ll only need 1 teaspoon of sauce per wrap. You can also set up the components on individual plates and serve family style. Let everyone make their own wrap. Makes about 16 lettuce wraps More Than Just A Magazine
Gaston Elite Magazine 21
Weekend Explorer
ďżźďżź
3 PARKS. 2 STATES. 1 HIKE. Crowders Mountain State Park is proud to announce the 3 Park, 2 State, 1 Trail Hike that is scheduled for April 30, 2016. This is a 14 mile moderate to strenuous Ranger led hike from Crowders Mountain State Park that ends in Kings Mountain National Military Park (stopping at the Boulders Access Area for lunch). Hikers will meet at Crowders Mountain State Park Picnic Shelter #2. The hike begins at 9 am. Bring a bag lunch, wear comfortable clothing, and good shoes. A shuttle is provided from the Kings Mountain National Military Park back to Crowders Mountain State Park at the end of the hike.
Call the park office to reserve your spot today! Our parking areas on the weekends fill up very quickly! Please follow us on facebook/twitter or our webpage for the most up to date parking information available or give us a call at the office. Park gates are locked at closing time, please call the park office at 704-853-5375 for current operating hours or view our website. 22 Gaston Elite Magazine
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The Byus family would like to Congratulate Chazz Surratt for being selected Parade All American Player of the Year.
Go HEELS!