April '17

APRIL 2017

Full Moon Oyster Bar: Become a Mooner

Conversation Peace: Perfecting Technique

Famous Toastery: Ready for Breakfast?

Breaking Bread: Chef Bouali Dishes

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Word on the Street April 2017 Volume 17 n Issue 4 President Pam Tolen Publisher Jason Huddle

Advertising Kimberly Brouillette Jason Huddle Elaine Marlowe Contributing Writers Kim Cassell Jason Huddle and Tim Morley Contributing Photographers Michael A. Anderson Photography Anson Record Famous Toastery Cabarrus Magazine is published by: Comfort Publishing Inc. 296 Church Street N., Hidden Plaza Concord, NC 28025 For editorial inquiries, call 704-782-2353 or email them to Kim Cassell at kcassell@ cabarrusmagazine.com. For advertising inquiries, call Jason Huddle at 704-907-7847 or Kimberly Brouillette at 704-305-7599.

Visit us at www.cabarrusmagazine.com.

All rights reserved. ©2017, Comfort Publishing Inc., 296 Church Street N., Concord, NC 28025. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without permission is prohibited. Products named in these pages are trademarks of their respective companies. The opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Cabarrus Magazine or Comfort Publishing Inc.

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Rachel Fesko

Managing Editor/Art Direction Kim Cassell

As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am excited about what is happening in Cabarrus County these days!

I remember, pre-1995, when it was hard to find a decent steak in Cabarrus County, let alone have all the culinary choices we have today! Historic downtown Concord is beginning to resemble downtown Asheville, with its international cuisine.

From Cuban to Italian and, coming soon, the county’s only full-fledged French restaurant.

Only a little more than a year ago, Cabarrus Brewing Company opened the first local brewery of its kind and started welcoming visitors. Others have opened since and more are on the way! That’s why we thought it fitting to feature some of the newest eateries in the county this month. Some are popular, some are lesser known, but they all have a unique approach and we hope it will encourage you to support them. Also be sure to check out a few others that we were unable to fit into this issue: Basilico Italiano, Copper Ale House, Edison Eatery (formerly Sweet Spot Cafe) and Vell’s Soul Food with a Twist.

While we’re on the subject, be sure to check out the monthly Cabarrus Magazine Restaurant Report, sponsored by Realty 76, at cabarrusmagazine.com. In it, you’ll find the top three and bottom three restaurants in Cabarrus County based on health scores given in the past 30 days. Not only that, you’ll see what their violations were so you can be well informed the next time you step out to eat.

Also, we will soon be presenting the Cabarrus Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. Two of the categories are for restaurants (Best Casual Dining and Best Fine Dining). If you want to make sure your favorites win, register for free on our website. If you don’t see your choice on the ballot, encourage them to set up their free business page so they can be in the running. Until next month!

Bon appetit!

Jason Huddle

This Issue...

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 6

Full Moon Oyster Bar: Become a Mooner

11

Breaking Bread: Chef Bouali Dishes

12

Conversation Peace: Perfecting Technique

18

Famous Toastery: Ready for Breakfast?

23

Paw Prints: Cabarrus’ Adoptable Cats

24

Cabarrus Business: On the Go

28

What’s Happening: April Events Calendar

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By Kim Cassell

Full Moon Oyster Bar: Become a Mooner WHEN THE WORD OYSTER COMES UP IN CONVERSATION, THE FIRST THOUGHT IS OFTEN APHRODISIAC ACCOMPANIED BY A GIGGLE. BUT THE COAST OF NORTH CAROLINA IS A PRIME SOURCE FOR THE MOLLUSK AND THAT MEANS GOOD EATIN’ FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE TASTE. THERE ARE ALSO HEALTH BENEFITS. Foodrepublic.com sheds some light. “No, you will not get turned on by eating an oyster. However, this bivalve packs a wallop of zinc, which is great for making you feel good and keeping up your energy. It also ups your immune system, helps get rid of acne, eases rashes and makes your bones stronger.”

Oysters benefit the environment as well. Each one filters between 30 and 50 gallons of water per day. Oyster reefs serve as important fish habitats, thus good fishing spots, while controlling shoreline erosion. And, after being eaten, the calcium-filled shells can be used in gardens to improve the pH balance of the soil. Those nutrients are then passed on to the plants, serving as a natural fertilizer.

Measures are also being taken to ensure the oyster remains viable. Today, North Carolina’s state budget includes $1.03 million to build oyster sanctuaries in Pamlico Sound and $300,000 to build harvest oyster reefs.

“The state also wants to build the oyster aquaculture industry as Virginia has done. North Carolina’s farmed oyster industry last year amounted to less than a half-million dollars. Virginia’s industry was valued at $17.1 million,” according to the North Carolina Coastal Federation.

Aquaculture refers to restoring and building oyster beds that will then produce oysters for the commercial market. Today, annual profits internationally exceed $3 billion.

“Some areas of the U.S. have enacted policies to lease out areas for aquaculture businesses to utilize the oyster-restored beds. These leasing policies will prove "

Full Moon sees patrons eating together at a u-shaped bar with shuckers ready to assist.

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Low Country Shrimp Boil: Shrimp with potatoes, corn on the cob and smoked sausage. Steamed and served in a white wine and butter broth with french bread for dippin’; Seafood Mornay: Jumbo shrimp, scallops and veggies in an Alfredo sauce, tossed with penne pasta; and Wednesday night special: Petite filet and grilled shrimp skewer with homemade mash potatoes and grilled veggie

beneficial to job creation in coastal areas, improve the surrounding economy, and restore habitats where oyster restoration projects and commercial businesses occur,” nccoast.org says.

Sustainable harvesting is good news for oyster lovers. Another piece of good news? Cabarrus County residents no longer have to drive to our eastern shores to enjoy a genuine oyster bar.

So, let’s eat!

Full Moon Oyster Bar and Seafood Kitchen On Weddington Road at the new Willow Oaks Crossing, Full Moon opened last September and is the fifth location for the company. Its

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president, Randy Russell, past-owner of The Big Tuna Seafood Company, has maintained his contacts in the seafood business, bringing fresh varieties to Dennis Copley, Concord’s general manager.

Over the last 14 years, Copley has moved up from dishwasher, to kitchen manager at Full Moon’s Jamestown location, and was in Concord on opening day, ready to start his new job.

All five Full Moon restaurants are in North Carolina, but Concord is as far west as the company has come.

“Randy Russell has known and kept up with the area since he was partowner in a company called Superior Service and Supply Company,” Copley explains. “When a friend

recommended the location, he just fell in love with it and decided we were ready to move in and become a part of this growing community.”

The restaurant’s layout is reminiscent of what is seen at the coast. “We are a true oyster bar,” Copley says. “There are no tables, only one horse-shoed bar. When you’re seated, your ‘shucker’ will greet you, take and make your drink order, then shuck your oysters right there in front of you from behind the bar. We will soon begin patio seating with tables outdoors.”

Copley describes the unique dining experience as communal. You’re seated around people you’ve likely never met. “ ‘Come as a stranger, leave as a friend’ is our mantra,” he adds.

Oysters aren’t the only items on the menu and Copley finds it tough to name one as a clear-cut favorite. “Our Crab Dipper and Seared Tuna Bites seem to be favorites on our First Bites menu,” he shares. “On our entrees, our Shrimp & Grits has been a big hit in this area. This dish is amazing with grit cakes topped with our homemade chipotle alfredo complemented with fresh andouille sausage, spinach, tomatoes and topped with a mixed cheese. Not to mention the variety of oysters we carry year-round.

“Randy’s wife, Carol Russell, is from New Orleans and insisted we bring in fresh Leidenheimer’s French Bread for our lunch Po Boys,” he adds. “We also offer this bread with our chargrilled oysters for soaking up the butter broth.”

Like other eateries, Full Moon brings entertainment to the scene. It’s Finally Friday sees live musical entertainment; on April 11, the Full Wolf Moon will be celebrated with the Super Moon Platter for two: snow crab legs, fresh oysters, shrimp, mussels, clams, scallops and King Crab; and as an ongoing challenge, if a customer eats four quarter moons – a raw oyster on a saltine with jalapeño, horseradish, black pepper and hot sauce – he or she will win a T-shirt. Copley says there have been more than 27,000 T-shirts given out at the restaurant’s locations.

So, while you won’t pop open an oyster to find a pearl, you can have them raw, rockefellered, basted, chargrilled, or fried...at Full Moon. n

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Give Me Shelter THERE ARE SEVERAL ANIMAL RESCUES IN CABARRUS COUNTY, USUALLY PAST CAPACITY, FILLED WITH ADOPTABLE DOGS, CATS AND MORE!

The saying goes, “People that say money can’t buy you happiness have never paid an adoption fee.” These are the faces of the abandoned, neglected and abused, and they’re looking for that second chance. If you’re looking for a furry family member, please consider pet adoption.

JERSEY, five years old, is a handsome fellow adopted from us a while ago and returned for playing “too rough” with the resident cats. We see no such behavior from Jersey; in fact, he does more laying around than anything else.

He’s an easygoing guy who would do fine as an only cat or with other cats as company. To meet Jersey, please come see him at Princeton’s Meow.

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SATURN, seven years old, is a beautiful lynxpoint Siamese mix, front paw declawed, with a quiet demeanor. Her family was moving and she was unable to go along, but she previously lived with another cat and a dog as well as young kids without issue. Saturn is a sweet girl who is understandably a bit confused about losing her lifelong home, but has been nothing but sweet and gracious with us. This girl deserves a forever home where she can be loved and cherished. She can be visited with at Princeton’s Meow.

Princeton’s Meow – Cabarrus Humane Society’s Cat Facility 29 Brookwood Avenue N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-721-6369 • www.cabarrushumanesociety.org

Sponsored by Chez Francois

Breaking Bread Magret de canard a l’orange INGREDIENTS 1 duck breast prepped into 2 filets 2 Tbsp. sugar 4 Tbsp. beef stock 1/2 Tbsp. honey 2 Tbsp. shallots, chopped 6 sprigs fresh thyme 3 orange slices Juice from one-half orange 1/2 Tbsp. dijon mustard 2 oz. orange brandy 4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. orange zest Salt & pepper Thyme, rosemary, garlic

Francois Bouali was born into two cultures that are drenched in French cuisine: Tunisia on his father’s side and France on his mother’s side. Now an authentic French chef, Bouali makes his own bread, pastry, classic French dishes, and even his own cheese – selections that will be offered at Chez Francois.

INSTRUCTIONS Spread a generous amount of pepper and salt on both sides of each duck filet.

Season with thyme, rosemary and minced garlic. Cook the filets in a large pan on medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove the filets and pour out the grease, leaving a small amount to cover the bottom of the pan. The grease that remains in the pan will add flavor to the sucree sale sauce (see below).

Sucree sale sauce (salted and sweet sauce) In the same pan, cook the sugar and honey until they caramelize; add the red wine– vinegar and mustard. Cover the pan until the ingredients thicken. Add the orange juice and brandy, and reduce heat to low until it becomes a syrup. Add the beef stock and orange zest. Dip the filets in the sauce for 30 seconds on each side.

Place on a plate, garnish with orange slices and serve. Bon appetite!

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Conversation Peace is a casual, family-friendly eatery during the day with a fun party atmosphere at night.

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By Kim Cassell

Conversation Peace: Perfecting Technique BESIDES PROVIDING THOSE LIVING IN OR VISITING CABARRUS COUNTY EVEN MORE CHOICES IN WHERE TO EAT, RESTAURANT OPENINGS ARE A DRIVING FORCE IN THE LOCAL ECONOMIC ENGINE. As this area continues to experience growth on all levels, new eateries are popping up in shopping centers, mall parking lots and as franchise standalones.

According to restaurant.org, U.S. restaurant industry sales should reach $799 billion this year. That’s 48 percent of each dollar spent on food as well as 4 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Going beyond what is specifically spent on food, tax dollars and jobs are generated. Some 14.7 million Americans are employed in restaurants – projected to reach 16.3 million by 2027 – currently nearly 10 percent of our nation’s workforce.

The National Restaurant Association’s America Works Here campaign says the restaurant industry is the nation’s second-largest private sector. “America’s restaurants play an important role in people’s lives, whether as a place to celebrate a special occasion, refresh and recharge while on travel, or a place to meet with colleagues over a business lunch or dinner.

“America Works Here highlights not just the fact that half of all Americans "

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Left: Executive chefs and Conversation Peace owners, Josef Alexander and Colin Bramlett; entrees, counterclockwise: Grilled herb salmon over vegetable risotto and seasonal mixed vegetables finished with a honey lemon butter sauce; Pimento cheeseburger with sweet potato fries; and Kale salad with heirloom tomatoes and sauteed shrimp topped with a wild berry vinaigrette

step toward restaurant ownership. The new restaurants these entrepreneurs open add to the vibrancy of communities and the country’s small business sector.

“National Restaurant Association statistics show that 80 percent of restaurant owners began in entrylevel positions within the industry.

Nearly 10 percent of all restaurants employ fewer than 50 people, adding to the small business landscape,” restaurant.org says.

have worked in the industry, but that the nation’s 1 million restaurants are the place where business deals are made, where people can rise from entry-level first jobs to managers, executives and owners, and where

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organizations go for the philanthropic support that helps them do great work in local communities across the country,” restaurant.org says.

Employment in the restaurant industry is, surprisingly, often the first

Conversation Peace First, the great name. Owners, executive chefs and brothers, Josef Alexander and Colin Bramlett say it was a collaboration with partners that settled on it.

Conversation Peace is located in the South Union Shopping Center on Union Street. Having opened its doors last August, Alexander and Bramlett came from Bonfire Bar & Grill on Branchview Drive. “We sold our ownership there because we wanted to open our own restaurant,” Alexander says.

They brought their other business venture – Extraordinary Catering – with them.

Both men grew up with a passion for preparing food. Bramlett learned how to cook from his grandmother, then studied at Southern Piedmont Community College, Community Culinary School and Central Piedmont Community College (see sidebar). He has also earned his Servsafe Instructor and Proctor certification.

Alexander enjoys perfecting his technique, whether it be French, Asian or what Conversation Peace specializes in: Caribbean-influenced. “I’ve been a chef just about everywhere: Shoney’s, Mimosa Grill…,” he says. “One of our partners is from the Caribbean, so he brought that to the restaurant. You use curry, certain herbs – it’s how it’s prepared.”

Wikipedia.org explains that Caribbean food preparation utilizes ingredients common to that geographic area. Those might include rice, plantains, beans, cassava, cilantro (coriander), bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and locally available meats like beef, poultry, pork or fish.

“A characteristic seasoning for the region is a green herb and oil-based marinade, which imparts a flavor profile which is quintessentially Caribbean in character. Ingredients may include garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, "

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A Fresh Start In 2006, Colin Bramlett entered Anson Correctional Center – now Brown Creek Correctional Institution. But he used his time wisely, earning a 90day cooking diploma through Southern Piedmont Community College and taking advantage of work release at Max Breakfast Anytime – now Ladybug Family restaurant – in Wadesboro. He became assistant manager and worked there for a year and a half.

Upon his release in 2010, Bramlett continued his education at Central Piedmont Community College and studied dietary management. From there, he went to work at Bonfire Bar & Grill and joined Josef Alexander’s catering company, since renamed Extraordinary Catering.

Bramlett has re-entered Brown Creek’s minimum custody unit twice since 2010, but as an instructor and mentor. On each occasion, he supervised the inmates taking culinary classes in the preparation of such things as beef tenderloin, garlic mashed potatoes, homemade salad dressings and desserts, as well as how to filet a salmon.

He looks at it as an opportunity to encourage others that there’s something rewarding available upon their release, and that success can be theirs.

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and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme. This green seasoning is used for a variety of dishes like curries, stews and roasted meats,” the site says.

“Some of our most popular dishes are seafood-stuffed avocados and shrimp-stuffed eggrolls. But we have great chicken wings and burgers, too,” Alexander says.

“We use fresh foods, fresh ingredients and offer gluten-free foods,” Bramlett adds.

But there can be challenges.

Alexander and Bramlett are in a shopping center surrounded by other businesses. There’s a need to stand out among the crowd.

Add to that, patrons want the most bang for their buck nowadays.

The answer? Entertainment and philanthropy.

“On Sundays, we have the AllYou-Can-Eat Sunday Buffet and the Church Challenge from 10 until 2,” Alexander says. “Parishioners can bring in their church bulletins to be part of the Church Challenge. Ten percent of food sales that day go to a church in the area. Shag Dance Night is on Wednesdays. Miss Patty (Blackmon) teaches a class, then we have a DJ come in so everyone can shag.”

The Carolina Shag Dance hosts a beginners class from 6:00 to 7:00pm and an intermediate class from 7:00 to 8:00pm. And Thirsty Thursday’s $3 house shots and draft beer has seen a rise in the karaoke audience. What’s probably become the biggest event for Conversation Peace is its Friday Night Laughs, held the first Friday night of each month. Stand-up comedians take the stage and seating is limited.

“We’re trying to get people to buy advanced tickets because we sold out last time and then people wanted to be let in,” Alexander adds.

So, whether you’re in the mood for some Cajun jambalaya pasta, shrimp tacos or American standards, try out the casual, family atmosphere at Conversation Peace. n

Asthma: Know the Signs.

Know the Treatment.

Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell. Early warning signs of asthma can include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing or coughing. Many times, cold weather, exercising or viruses can worsen these conditions. Tim Morley, of Cannon Pharmacy, says that causes vary from person to person and they don’t always begin during childhood.

“Depending on the individual, asthma can be minor – more of a nuisance, or major, which can be life-threatening if an attack occurs,” Morley explains. “While a childhood diagnosis of asthma may seem more common, adults are also diagnosed with asthma. In many cases, for example, allergens that did not bother individuals as children begin to affect them as adults.

This can lead to an asthma diagnosis.”

Treatments for asthma focus on prevention and long-term control.

Medications are a popular part of an individual’s treatment plan. These products can include long-acting steroids, steroid tablets, short-acting beta agonists (rescue medications), long-acting beta agonists (preventative medications), and other tablets or inhalers that focus on prevention.

Because there are so many medication options, each patient may take multiple asthma medications, so they should have a written asthma action plan to make sure they understand what medications to take when. For example, if a patient were to have an asthma attack, certain medications will provide more immediate relief and should be used first.

Non-medical forms of treatment include avoiding triggers (such as exercise or allergens) and discussing your condition with family so they can help treat you in case of an emergency.

As with any condition, make sure to include your physician and your

pharmacist in your treatment plan, as they are available to answer any questions you may have.

Remember, if you are experiencing

By Jason Huddle and Tim Morley

Sponsored by Cannon Pharmacy

worsening shortness of breath or wheezing, it is a good idea to consult your pharmacist or doctor to discuss potential treatment options. n

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By Kim Cassell

Famous Toastery: Ready for Breakfast?

AMERICANS LOVE BREAKFAST; IT MIGHT EVEN BORDER ON OBSESSION WITH THE UPTICK IN BACON CONCOCTIONS AND CONSUMPTION, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF NON-TRADITIONAL FOODS TO THE BREAKFAST MENU.

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Breakfast has been touted as the most important meal of the day since a 1917 edition of Good Health published the information in an article. Ironically, Harvey Kellogg – yes, those Kelloggs – took that declaration and ran with it. Decades of medical studies and marketing campaigns later, it’s a personal choice.

In the 19 century, breakfast was made up of whatever got you ready for a day of work: leftovers from the night before, cheese, pie. According to mentalfloss.com, “There wasn’t much in the way of convention with regards to food or etiquette.

Dinner, in the middle of the day, was the main meal, while earlier breakfast and later supper were purely utilitarian.”

Our Industrial Revolution, however, saw less physical labor and more factorytype jobs. Making no adjustments to how they ate, Americans suffered from dyspepsia...yes, indigestion. Opinions and medical sanitariums came out of the woodwork. One “prescription” was whole grain.

“Unsurprisingly, this radical lifestyle failed to find widespread popularity,” mentalfloss.com says. “But the benefits of whole wheat – both moral and bodily – had become ingrained in the public consciousness, which made it prime for capitalizing on.”

In 2015, the average person consumed 361 breakfasts, an increase of 11 per person from 2010. This according to marketing firm, NPD Group, that also "

Famous Toastery – a Huntersville original – offers both breakfast and lunch all day long.

predicts breakfast consumption will rise by another 5 percent by the end of 2019. True, this stems partially from population growth, and fast food restaurants offering breakfast items all day also play a role.

Famous Toastery Drive-thrus aren’t the only places offering breakfast all day, however.

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Look at Cracker Barrel, Denny’s and IHOP. Now another has been added in Cabarrus County.

In 2005, best friends Brian Burchill and Robert Maynard opened a cafe´ in Huntersville.

Katie Heath is managing partner of the Concord Famous Toastery. “We originally started as Toast Cafe´ in a tiny, little house in Huntersville – now

Cafe 100. It was a non-chain breakfast restaurant that used fresh, whole food. When they opened up a Toast in Davidson, it was my favorite brunch spot. I was sitting in there eating with my best friend one morning and saw a sign that said, ‘If you want to own a Toast…’ My friend happens to be a loan officer. I made a phone call and everything went from there,” she says. “As a company, they’re really supportive.”

There were already Toast Cafe´s in other states, so the name change.

The Concord restaurant, located on Concord Mills Boulevard near Derita Road, opened its doors in December of 2015.

“What we have is unique. We do a team service here, so ‘every server is your server,’ ” Heath says.

Indeed, no one server is assigned to a table. The idea is meant to allow you to ask whomever is closest when you need assistance. The servers work as a team.

What also makes Famous Toastery

Opposite: French toast topped with powdered sugar; above: Chicken Bacon wrap; right: Spinach, Bacon & Bleu wrap with homemade pasta salad

unique is that patrons can order breakfast or lunch any time of the day: Concord’s operating hours are 7:00am to 3:00pm. Heath tells of a customer that orders off the dessert menu at 8:30 in the morning.

“Breakfast can be a healthy comfort meal – an oxymoron, I know – but you can combine the two. The homemade breakfast is what we work toward,” Heath says. “It’s a fast-paced environment with high energy, a lot of guest focus.

Comfort food, while often associated with high-cholesterol, stick-to-yourribs recipes, is also something that comforts the soul. It might be an apple pie or chicken noodle soup that harken back to Grandma’s kitchen.

Famous Toastery’s interior also reflects comfort.“We’re not fine dining, but somewhere in between,” Heath says. “Our latest store just opened a month and a half ago at Exit 23. That was a kind of homecoming for the owners. As we speak, one is opening up in Philadelphia. Two weeks after that, one is opening in Cary.”

So, what keeps customers coming back? “We do an oyster scramble on the weekends; you can’t find them elsewhere,” Heath shares. “Gluten-free is a huge part of our menu. We have an avocado omelet…at least one person per table orders one. Our stone-ground grits are delicious; we use them for our shrimp & grits. We serve great coffee, too – a fresh-ground bold Italian.”

Soon, you can order your raspberry-

stuffed French toast, corned beef hash, Cali Benny (poached eggs, avocado, tomato, English muffin and Hollandaise) and your favorite drink on the patio. Check the restaurant’s

web site for news on when it will open.

Heath says, “As we continue to grow we’re becoming a chain, but every store has its own personality and still feels like a mom & pop.” n

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On the Go Regional Director Named for N.C. Charter Schools Joel County, a veteran educator and leader with more than 25 years’ experience, has joined the Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) team as a regional director of education for North Carolina. In this role, he will oversee principals in all North Carolina charter schools managed by CSUSA. He will help them to set goals, monitor performance of schools, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback. He will also provide support for staff development and school support.

Joel County “We are very excited to have Dr. County join our leadership team in North Carolina,” Jon Hage, president, founder and CEO of Charter Schools USA, says. “His deep roots in North Carolina combined with his strong educational background, especially in high schools, will bring a high level of leadership to our schools.”

CSUSA currently manages eight schools in North Carolina: Cardinal Charter Academy, Cabarrus Charter Academy and Cabarrus Charter Academy Upper School, Langtree Charter Academy and Langtree Charter Academy Upper School, Union Preparatory Academy at Indian Trail, Kannapolis Charter Academy and Iredell Charter Academy.

The CSUSA educational model is based on data-driven instruction that provides personal learning plans for every child. The company currently manages 84 schools in seven states serving more than 75,000 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. CSUSA educational advantages include integrated technology, parental involvement contracts, student uniforms, enforced discipline policies, highly qualified and motivated staff, community focus and high academic performance. For more information about CSUSA, visit CharterSchoolsUSA.com.

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County Parks Operate Summertime Hours Through October, Cabarrus County parks will operate Sunday-Saturday, 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.

Frank Liske, 4001 Stough Road in Concord, encompasses 238 acres centered around an old barn converted to a shelter that overlooks the park’s 10-acre lake (fishing license required). In the summer months, the park bustles with activity on the four ball fields, 11 soccer fields, six lighted tennis courts and an 18-hole competition-style disc golf course.

Families can also ride paddleboats across the lake and play rounds of miniature golf.

Camp T.N. Spencer Park, 3155 Foxford Road in Concord, encompasses 50 acres that include picnic shelters, a 1.5-mile trail, playground, volleyball court, six cabins, eight tent sites, three fishing ponds and horseshoe pits. The park’s feature attraction is a public pool, which opens Memorial Day weekend.

Rob Wallace Park, 12900 Bethel School Road in Midland, opened to the public in January. The 143-acre park has multi-use trails for biking and walking, a bike skills area, fishing pier, boardwalk, playground and a shelter with picnic area. Fishing passes are available for $1 a day.

Vietnam Veterans Park, 760 Orphanage Road in Concord, offers a lake, four picnic shelters, volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a nine-hole disc golf course and a wetlands trail.

Feeding bread to park wildlife can have disastrous consequences on the animals and environment. With the exception of Rob Wallace, each of the parks has duck feeders located near the ponds and lakes. For 25¢, visitors get a handful of wildlife-friendly nibbles.

For more information on camp, educational activities and fitness classes, visit www.cabarruscounty.us/ register or call 704-920-3484.

Kannapolis Receives Award for Partnership to Help The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency has recognized the City of Kannapolis for 25 years of working together to improve housing opportunities for residents of the city.

Scott Farmer and Mike Handley presented the City with a plaque during a ceremony at the residence of Vickie Willis, a recent recipient of an accessibility ramp at her home. Construction of the ramp was Left to right: N.C. Housing made possible through the partnership with the City Finance Agency’s Scott Farmer and the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. and Mike Handley; Vickie Willis; Over the last two decades, the City and the Mayor Darrell Hinnant; N.C. Senator Paul Newton; and North Carolina Housing Finance Agency have City of Kannapolis Community partnered together to assist more than 100 families Development’s Irene Sacks and in Kannapolis. Assistance has included home repairs Sherry Gordon such as new roofs, construction of handicap ramps and other accessibility modifications to help senior citizens, veterans and people with disabilities.

The repairs have resulted in people being able to stay in their homes with their families versus having to move into institutional settings. These repairs and improvements total more than $1 million.

“We appreciate the partnership with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Without their help we would not be able to assist those in our community who need help the most,” Kannapolis Mayor Darrell Hinnant comments.

For more information on the program, contact Sherry Gordon at sgordon@ kannpolisnc.gov or call 704-920-4332. "

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Local Author Releases New Novel

Kannapolis is “Jazzing up” Sunday Afternoons

Nancy B. Brewer, author of novels, children’s and audio books, published songs and poems, has released her latest historical romance novel, A Beautiful Prison.

Brewer is best known for her award-winning historical fiction series Carolina Rain. There are four books in that series with the third taking place in her hometown of Concord in 1893.

Brewer’s books are praised for their historical accuracy; A Beautiful Prison is sure to not disappoint readers. Step back in time to the year 1923, where anything goes: bootlegging, bobbed hair cuts, rolled stockings and T-Model cars.

A Beautiful Prison is available on Brewer’s website: www.nancybbrewer. com, at Amazon.com, Kindle, Nook and select book stores.

From 1:00 to 3:00pm each Sunday, April 23 through May 14, jazz music will fill the air. Concerts are free and will be held in Veterans Park, 118 N. Main Street. Food will be available for sale on-site. The schedule is as follows: • April 23: Dwayne Jordan Trio • April 30: Nicci Canada Quartet • May 7: Brad Bailey • May 14: John Gurske Band Dwayne Jordan is drummer, arranger and composer from Charlotte; Nicci Canada’s warm, sultry vocals are reminiscent of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday; Brad Bailey is an eight-string banjo player, combining smooth vocals with bass, banjo and percussive grooves; and John Gurske has created his own Jam Bands program, giving students the vital experience of playing with others in small group settings.

For more information, please visit kannapolisnc.gov.

DecisionPathHR Wins Inavero 2017 Award

Community First Bank Opens Concord Loan Office; Hires City Executive

DecisionPathHR has won Inavero’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent awards for providing superior service to their clients and job seekers. This is the third straight win for Client Satisfaction and first for Talent Satisfaction.

Seneca, SC-based Community First Bank has opened a loan production office in Concord and hired Michelle L. Riley as vice-president and city executive to head the operation.

The Concord location, located at 300 McGill Avenue, is the bank’s first in North Carolina. Riley will cover Concord and the surrounding area, focusing on establishing and building new Michelle Riley commercial banking relationships.

“Michelle’s extensive background and local knowledge makes her the ideal fit for this new position,” Community First President and CEO Richard D. Burleson says. “We’re fortunate to have her lead our entry into North Carolina.”

Riley’s banking experience includes more than 15 years in the financial services industry, primarily in commercial banking. She holds a degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee, where she also attended graduate school.

Riley served as past-president of the Cabarrus Business Network and is active in the Cabarrus County United Way, Concord Rotary Club, Cabarrus Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Community First currently operates seven full-service banking offices and three loan production offices in upstate South Carolina. n

Presented in partnership with CareerBuilder, Inavero’s Best of Staffing winners have proven to be industry leaders in service quality based completely on the ratings given to them by their clients and the permanent and temporary employees they’ve helped find jobs. Award winners make up less than 2 percent of all staffing agencies in the U.S. and Canada who earned the Best of Staffing Award for service excellence.

“The insight we gain each year from the survey responses has been beneficial in maintaining our relationships with our customers and associates. We are honored to receive both the client and talent satisfaction awards and look forward to continued improvement and success,” DecisionPathHR vice-president of operations, Robin Gibson, says.

DecisionPathHR focuses on talent acquisition, including temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct hiring of executives. DecisionPathHR also provides general staffing, clerical assistance and technical needs.

Have a business announcement? Added a new hire?

Hosting a community event?

Send copy and photos to Kim at kcassell@cabarrusmagazine.com.

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APRIL AMERICAN FLAT TRACK CHARLOTTE HALF-MILE April 1 • 6:30-10:00pm The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway 5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord • With roots dating back to the first two-wheel speed demons in the 1920s, AMA Pro Flat Track is highly regarded as the most prestigious and competitive form of dirt track racing in the world.

• 800-455-3267; www.charlottemotorspeedway.com CABARRUS ARTS COUNCIL’S FAMILY DAY April 1 • 10:0am-2:00pm The Galleries 65 Union Street S., Concord • Fun and creative activities for children in The Galleries and Davis Theatre, and opportunities for anyone to visit The Galleries on a weekend.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• www.cabarrusartscouncil.org KANNAPOLIS CRUISE-IN April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 1:00-7:00pm Corner of West Avenue and First Street, downtown Kannapolis • This family-fun event brings out thousands of show cars and spectators.

• 704-932-3808; www.cabarrusevents.org LIVE ART AT HIGH BRANCH BREWING April 1 • 2:00-10:00pm 325 McGill Avenue N.W., Suite 148, Concord Charlotte Craft Beer Week is March 24-April 2 and we’re celebrating!

• Check out work from local artists while you listen to live music and sip on some beer. We’ll have food onsite as well. Admission is free!

• 704-706-3807; www.highbranchbrewing.com

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PIEDMONT FARMERS MARKET April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • 8:00am 518 Winecoff School Road, Concord • Open year-round. Fresh local produce, honey, free-range eggs, antibiotic- and hormone-free beef, chicken and pork.

• 704-425-5559; www.piedmont-farmersmarket.com A VET TOGETHER April 4, 11, 18, 25 • 9:00-11:00am Carm’s Cafe 42 Union Street S., Concord • Join Cabarrus Veterans Coalition for free coffee and conversation.

• 704-960-4394 SPRING AUTOFAIR April 6-9 Charlotte Motor Speedway 5555 Concord Parkway S., Concord • Thousands of hot rods, muscle cars, exotic sports cars and classic automobiles; collector car auction; 10,000-plus automotive vendor displays; manufacturers’ midway; kids’ PlayZone; fun fair food.

• 800-455-3267; www.charlottemotorspeedway.com TODDLER STORY TIME April 6, 13, 20, 27 • 10:30am Mt. Pleasant Branch Library 8556 Cook Street, Mt. Pleasant • Children from walking age to three years old with caregiver. Songs, stories, finger plays followed by playtime for toddlers and networking for parents.

• 704-436-2202 BROWN BAG COLORING FOR ADULTS April 7, 14, 21, 28 • 11:00am-12:00pm Mt. Pleasant Branch Library 8556 Cook Street, Mt. Pleasant • Coloring books aren’t just for kids anymore. Bring your lunch and color your stress away. We provide the materials or bring your own.

• 704-436-2202

RHYTHM AND RUN 5K April 7 • 6:30-10:00pm $20/$25/$30 203 West Avenue, Kannapolis • Annual fundraiser for North Carolina Music Hall of Fame & Museum • The primary purpose of the Hall of Fame is to recognize, promote and commemorate the musical heritage of North Carolina: musicians, singers, songwriters, music executives and producers from all genres.

• 704-934-232; www.racesonline.com 2ND SATURDAY OPEN STUDIOS AT CLEARWATER ARTIST STUDIOS April 8 • 10:00am-4:00pm 223 Crowell Drive N.W., Concord • Several art studios on premises will be open with resident artists present to talk to, watch work, etc.

• 704-784-9535; www.clearwaterartists.com GUIDED HISTORIC WALKING TOUR April 8 • 10:30-11:45am • $10 • Downtown Concord was ground zero for events that shaped life for those throughout Cabarrus County and the entire South!

• Join local author and historian, Michael Eury, through a guided historic walking tour of downtown Concord.

• 704-784-4208; info@concorddowntown.com THE CABARRUS QUILT GUILD April 10 • Doors open 6:00pm Forest Hill United Methodist Church 265 Union Street N., Concord • Meet & Greet/refreshments: 6:15-6:45pm • Lecture by Bonnie Shropshire: Working Hands - Follow your Dreams • www.CabarrusQuiltersGuild.org

NAMASTE ON THE HILL April 12 • 6:00-7:30pm Ritchie Hill 391 Union Street S., Concord • Ritchie Hill has partnered with Lisa Cronin of Girls Night Om, to bring you a spring evening full of yoga on the porch, fresh strawberries and champagne.

• Advance tickets: $15 • Lisa Cronin: 631-848-6767 SPECIAL OLYMPICS N.C. SPRING GAMES April 12-13 Cabarrus Arena and Events Center 4751 N.C. Highway 49 N., Concord • Serves more than750 children and adults with disabilities throughout the county. Training and competition are offered in 15 sports as well as the Youth Athletes Program.

• www.sonc.net KANNAPOLIS ARTS SHOWCASE April 14 • 7:00-10:00pm Sunshine’s Asian Cuisine 215 West A Street, Kannapolis • Inviting artists to come out with three pieces of their work to be put on display at Sunshine’s Asian Cuisine.

• A stage is available for open mic performers.

• mknox@modernfilminc.com; www.kannapolisarts.com BUNNY RUN 5K & FESTIVAL April 15 • 8:00am-1:00pm Downtown Concord • Concord Parks & Recreation Department hosts a 5K & Fun Run through downtown Concord followed by a free festival with inflatables, face painting, arts & crafts, games and the Easter Bunny!

• 704-920-5600 NATIONAL MUSTANG DAY CAR SHOW April 15 • 10:00am-6:00pm Cabarrus Arena and Events Center 4751 N.C. Highway 49 N., Concord • A weekend full of everything Mustang: speakers, car shows and friendship • 704-920-3976; www.mustangownersmuseum.com

FLUTTER BY EARTH DAY April 18 • 5:30-7:00pm Les Myers Park (Paul’s Shelter) 338 Lawndale Avenue S.E., Concord April 20 • 5:30-7:00pm Dorton Park (large shelter) 5790 Poplar Tent Road, Concord • Showcasing the endangered monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Kids and adults can participate in fluttering fun crafts and activities.

• www.concordnc.gov MEMORY CAFE´ April 19 • Free (third Wednesday of each month) Faith Coffee & Sweets 5040 N.C. Highway 49, Harrisburg • Open to anyone experiencing dementia, their loved ones and/or their care partners. Share time, stories and journeys together while having fun in a social setting.

• No preregistration is required.

• Michelle Marciniak: 704-698-6324; michelle.marciniakcarillonassisted living.com EARTH DAY SHRED EVENT April 22 • 10:00am-12:00 noon | Village Park 700 West C Street, Kannapolis • Free to Kannapolis residents; up to five average-sized file boxes of paper per person • Securely shredded on-site • www.kannapolisnc.gov REED GOLD MINE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION April 22 • 9:00am-5:00pm $5/$3/Free Reed Gold Mine 9621 Reed Mine Road, Midland • Re-enactors and living history specialists will descend on Reed from across the country to celebrate this history.

• 704-721-4653; www.visitnc.com SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY April 22 • All Day Historic Downtown Concord • Make a purchase at any participating business and enter into a drawing for $100 in Downtown Concord Dollars to be spent in participating businesses.

• 704-784-4208; www.concorddowntown.com

CABARRUS CHAMBER BUSINESS AFTER HOURS April 25 • 5:30-7:00pm Cabarrus Country Club 3247 Weddington Road, Concord • Premier networking event for business professionals; held at various locations.

• Free for Chamber members and non-member guests are welcome to attend up to three times. Expected attendance: 75+ • Chemin Duffey: 704-260-8110; coordinator@cabarrus.biz CRAFTS FOR THE HOME WITH JENNY April 25 • 6:00-8:00pm Kannapolis Train Station 201 S. Main Street, Kannapolis • Five monthly sessions: $40 per session • All materials will be included, but participants may bring embellishments as desired to personalize each craft.

• www.kannapolisnc.gov/ Government-Departments/ParksRecreation/Programs-Events NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS April 28-30 zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway 6570 Bruton Smith Blvd., Concord • The only four-wide race on the NHRA schedule. Every ticket is a pit pass, so come early to see your favorite drivers and their cars up close before they bring 40,000-plus horsepower down the concrete lanes.

• 800-455-3267, www.charlottemotorspeedway.com CABARRUS COUNTY RELAY FOR LIFE April 29 • 6:00pm-Midnight Harris Road Middle School 1251 Patriot Plantation Blvd., Concord • Fundraiser event through American Cancer Society • Music, food, silent auction, basket raffles, luminary ceremony and so much more!

• www.relayforlife.org/cabarrusnc

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Automotive Maintenance

Certec Automotive 2215 Roxie Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-795-2426 • 800-264-6823 www.certecautomotive.com

At a Glance

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Automotive Sales

Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships Page 21 281-289 Concord Parkway S., Concord, NC 28027 704-786-2151 (Cadillac) 704-788-2121 (GMC) www.benmynatt.com

Banking/Financial Institutions

Wells Fargo Page 9 400 Ashdale Court, Concord, NC 28027 1501 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 50 Union Street, Concord, NC 28025 984 Concord Parkway N., Concord, NC 28027 5075 Highway 49S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 216 West Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081 868 Church Street, Concord, NC 28025 1-800-946-9524 www.wellsfargo.com

Business Development

Concord Downtown Development Corporation Page 15 30 Cabarrus Avenue W., Concord, NC 28025 704-784-4208 • 704-784-2421 (f) www.concorddowntown.com

Carpet/Flooring

Carpet To Go & More Page 3 701 Concord Parkway N., Concord, NC 28025 704-956-2866 www.carpet2go.com

Caterering Services

Fruitful Catering 704-467-3062 fruitfulcatering@cs.com www.facebook.com/Fruitful Catering

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Child Advocacy

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cabarrus County Page 22 704-305-3411 www.facebook.com/BigBrothersBigSistersCabarrus www.bbbsclt.org

Churches

New Hope Worship Center Page 3 452 Brookwood Ave. N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-0155 www.newhopewc.org

Cleaning Services – Office

Furniture Stores

Commercial Real Estate

Healthcare

Ecofriendly Refuse Removal

McGill Family Medicine 202D McGill Avenue N.W., Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2242 www.crchc.org

Blue-J Page 20 Serving Cabarrus County and Greater Charlotte Metro 704-589-3148 www.bluejsmallofficecleaning.com Dula Real Estate Page 25 18145 W. Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031 704-895-1011 www.dularealestate.com The Junkluggers of North Charlotte Page 15 8030 Appaloosa Lane, Charlotte, NC 28215 704-641-1264 www.junkluggers.com

Financial/Lending Institutions

Nova Credit Union Page 2 169 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-734-2800 275 Branchview Dr. S.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-795-0088 www.novacu.com

Funeral Homes

Hartsell Funeral Homes Page 31 460 Branchview Dr. N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-1161 13575 Broadway Avenue, Midland, NC 28107 704-888-5571 522 N. Second Street, Albemarle, NC 28001 704-983-1188 www.hartsellfh.com Wilkinson Funeral Home Page 27 100 Branchview Drive N.E., Concord, NC 28025 704-786-3168 www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com

Kimbrell’s Furniture Page 31 929 Concord Parkway S., Concord, NC 28027 704-782-3174 www.kimbrells.com Cabarrus Rowan County Health Centers Inc. Page 8 Logan Family Medicine 298 Lincoln Street S.W., Concord, NC 28025 704-792-2313

Pharmacies

Cannon Pharmacy Page 17 760 Cabarrus Avenue W., Concord, NC 28027 704-788-6337 1706 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-6337 1402 N. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis, NC 28083 704-933-7948 www.cannonpharmacies.com Harrisburg Hometown Pharmacy Page 20 5006 Highway 49 S., Harrisburg, NC 28075 704-454-RX4U (7948) www.harrisburgpharmacy.com

Photographers

Michael A. Anderson Photography 38 Union Street S., Concord, NC 28025 704-701-5908 mike@michael-a-anderson.com www.michael-a-anderson.com

Print & Technology Services

Modern Impressions Page 26 5029 West W.T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269 800-840-2554 www.modernimpressions.com

Restaurants

Chez Francois 9 Union Street N., Concord, NC 28025 980-439-6602 www.francoisfrenchcafe.com

Rugs – Retail

Rug Gallery at Concord Mills 8455 Pit Stop Court N.W., Suite 125 Concord, NC 28025 704-979-7847 www.ruggalleryoutlet.com

Satellite TV and Internet Providers Spectrum 1-800-595-4610 www.charter.com

Theatres – Live

Old Courthouse Theatre 49 Spring Street N.W., Concord, NC 28025 704-788-2405 www.oldcourthousetheatre.org

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