Lake Norman Magazine - August 2017

August 2017 $3.95

SUNSHINE STYLE!

FINISH SUMMER STRONG WITH THESE SLEEK LOOKS

CIAO, BELLA THE BARCELONA MAKES A SPLASH IN MOORESVILLE

ART IN THE SPOTLIGHT + FALL ARTS PREVIEW

+ BROADWAY LIGHTING DESIGNER CALLS LAKE NORMAN HOME + LIVE MUSIC AROUND THE LAKE

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Contents — August 2017 —

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My work affects how the audience experiences a show on a subconscious level. Good lighting doesn’t take you out of a show—it keeps you in.”

10 EDITOR’S NOTE 12 LAKEVIEW

Our favorite photos from our readers

15 LAKEFRONT

—Gordon W. Olson, professional lighting designer and lecturer at UNC Charlotte (page 32).

15 Tea Time Sign up for a garden party

16 Music Moments Live music around Lake Norman

18 Q&A

55

Justin Dionne in his new role at the Cornelius Arts Center

20 Recipe A simple late summer spread

22 Fall into Arts Arts events in the coming months

25 Social Scene Arts festivals and charity walks

30 Calendar The top five events this month

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32 FEATURES 32 In the Spotlight A Broadway lighting veteran calls Lake Norman home

38 Here Comes the Sun Simple summer looks to finish out the season

55 LAKESHORE 55 Ciao, Bella

August 2017 $3.95

Inside The Barcelona Burger &

SUNSHINE STYLE!

Beer Bar

FINISH SUMMER STRONG WITH THESE SLEEK LOOKS

CIAO, BELLA

62 Capital Calling

THE BARCELONA MAKES A SPLASH IN MOORESVILLE

A look at Southwest D.C.’s arts hub lakenormanmagazine.com | AUGUST 2017

72 SNAPSHOT

ART IN THE SPOTLIGHT + FALL ARTS PREVIEW

+ BROADWAY LIGHTING DESIGNER CALLS LAKE NORMAN HOME + LIVE MUSIC AROUND THE LAKE

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On the cover Bird cover up by Mara Hoffman, $200. Photo by Joseph Bradley; Makeup by Chelsea Kimrey; Hair

by J Schruise The Salon; Modeled

by Choice Gray with Wilhelmina Models; Shot on location at the home of Dr. Phil and Judy Sobo, provided by LePage Johnson Realty.

Editor’s Note

I

Katie Coleman, Editor kcoleman@charlotteobserver.com

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LUNAHZON PHOTOGRAPHY

In the three years I’ve been editing Lake Norman Magazine, the entire region has changed. The lake is truly flourishing—businesses have expanded and thrived, entrepreneurship is on the rise, outdoor recreation continues to expand with greenways, parks, and another public beach, and a new development is on the horizon each day.

Lake Norman is not just a respite from city life, it has an identity all its own. The lake is a destination, largely thanks to these changes. I’ve been able to witness the rise of Lake Norman’s dining and brewery scene (much to my delight), as well as the ever-growing arts scene that we examine in this issue. Change is hard (as evidenced by growing traffic), but I welcome progress.

It is with the thought of change I report that the tenure of Lake Norman Magazine is coming to a close. Our September issue will be a tribute issue to celebrate 34 years of being the lake’s premier lifestyle publication. During my time here I’ve heard from many readers who recount the evolution of the magazine and how they’ve been part of our audience since moving to the lake. It’s been a pleasure being your guide to all things Lake Norman.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you all and the region we call home. I’m excited for next month’s issue, full of our favorite stories, images, and people we’ve come to know. To continue receiving the coverage of the lake you’ve come to know from us, subscribe to our newsletter on www.lakenormanmagazine.com. You’ll have stories from around the region in your inbox every week.

We’ve worked with talented writers, photographers, and partners throughout the years, and we’ve introduced readers to some remarkable residents of the region. Our goal has always been to share stories and inspire residents to take part in the community we’re lucky enough to enjoy—I sincerely believe we were able to accomplish that much.

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Lakeview — Connected —

of The Charlotte Observer, A McClatchy Publication

Lake Living

Now Open

Lake Norman has no shortage of amazing photo opportunities. Here are some of our favorite views we were tagged in on Instagram:

Food lovers, rejoice! Two new eateries are open around Lake Norman.

Two Scoops Creamery officially opened its second location in Mooresville, and The Barcelona Burger and Beer Garden opened at Merino Mill (more on page 55). Time for a taste test.

ANN CAULKINS Publisher KATIE COLEMAN Editor CAROLINE PORTILLO Associate Editor TRACIE STAFFORD-CHOATE Creative Director ALLYSON BUSH Editorial Intern ZOE GILLESPIE Magazine Lead 704-358-5423 DONNA GORDON Director of Advertising National, Majors, Magazines, and Direct Marketing 704-358-5280

AUGUST 2017 VOLUME 35, NUMBER 8

Play On Ready for some late summer entertainment? Grab tickets to Warehouse PAC’s rendition of “Psycho Beach Party.” This play features Chicklet Forrest, a teenage tomboy who wants to be part of the surf crown. The only problem: a tendency toward split personalities. The show runs from July 28 to August 12. www.warehousepac.com/psycho.

Lake Norman Magazine is published 12 times each year and is available free to residents and visitors of Lake Norman. The entire contents are fully protected by copyright. Unauthorized use of logos, graphics and copy in any form is prohibited. Advertisements created by Lake Norman Magazine may not be reproduced without permission.

Lake Norman Magazine is wholly owned by The Charlotte Observer, a McClatchy Publication.

CONTACT US Lake Norman Magazine 550 S. Caldwell St., 10th floor Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 358-5000 Email: kcoleman@charlotteobserver.com Online: www.lakenormanmagazine.com To order photo reprints, visit bit.ly/buyphoto

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Twitter: twitter.com/lakenormanmag

Pinterest: pinterest.com/lakenormanmag

Instagram: instagram.com/lakenormanmag

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To learn more contact: Michael Ingold, Sales Consultant 704-696-8262 • MIngold@arhomes.com • ARHCharlotte.com Visit our model home in Verdict Ridge Golf & Country Club: 2208 Pine Valley Drive, Denver, North Carolina

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Bluefield Builders, LLC, an Independent Franchise

Lakefront — What’s In Season —

GARDEN VARIETY

C

Celebrate the benefactress of the Rural Hill Cultural Center with a traditional garden-themed tea time Sunday, Aug. 6 at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville. The Rural Hill Auxiliary is hosting its annual Miss May’s Garden Tea from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the group to aid in conservation efforts. Miss May’s Tea features tasty sweets and savories, along with various teas and lemonade. Each guest is eligible to win door prizes, and expect great speakers. Gloves are optional, but hats are encouraged. www.ruralhill.net, 704-875-3113

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Lakefront

Lake Norman

R AISE A GLASS

L I V E There’s no shortage of live music around the lake. Here’s where you can catch live music this month:

S

tatesville is getting in on the resurgence in craft spirits with the opening of Southern Distilling Company, the largest craft distillery in the Carolinas. The distillery sits on a 20-acre farm and offers tours and tastings.

Currently, Southern Distilling Company offers reserve, cask strength, and single barrel rye whiskey, plus a standard straight bourbon whiskey and an unaged wheated bourbon whiskey. www.southerndistillingcompany.com

OTPH JAZZ SUNDAY Old Town Public House in Cornelius hosts a Sunday Jazz Jam, with the next one scheduled for August 27.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., join the rhythm section consisting of Scott McCloud on bass and Brian Burton on drums. Musicians of all kinds are welcome. www.drinklivemusic.com

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT D9 BREWING CO. D9 Brewing Co. launched the Lake Norman Summer Concert series, with the next concert scheduled for August 26. Expect live music, food trucks, and familyfriendly activities. Past bands include Natty Boh Duo and Muthaload Band. www.d9brewing.com

Jumping for Joy

N LIVE MUSIC SATURDAYS AT SUMMIT COFFEE Each Saturday, catch live music at Summit Coffee in Davidson. This month’s lineup includes Ships at a Distance, Goodfoot Down, Paul Atkinson, and Rick Spreitzer and the Antique Babies. www.summitcoffee.com

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ew South Properties is revitalizing the former HHGregg building in Mooresville with some excitement in mind.

Altitude Trampoline Park would include trampolines, dodgeball and basketball courts, zip line, tumble track, and party rooms. The next step is a public hearing currently set for Aug. 7.

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Q&A

Full ‘STEAM’ Ahead

A

BY CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS

Why are the arts important to a community?

The arts serve as a form of expression, and they serve as a way to unify and connect communities around a common goal. They also present an identity piece for a community’s culture; culture includes everything from a community’s history to its demographics, its music to its likes and dislikes—this is all part of its culture.

How will the Cornelius Arts Center work with and support the other arts-based organizations already in the community?

It’s that idea that a rising tide raises all boats— the idea that through offering more opportunities and more focused opportunities, it now increases the share of the other organizations in the area and the value of other organizations in the area. We plan on being a partner and offering the chance to add and enhance

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what is already going on here, and to create a sense of connectivity among all of our offerings.

What will be your biggest challenges this first year?

One is going to be just general education and getting the word out about the project, as well as unifying these communities together behind the project. Right now, we have the placeholder name of Cornelius Arts Center, but we need to communicate that this will be an arts center for the whole region. I think that will be a challenge—us being able to engage the different communities and get them to want to rally behind this project, and to get them to understand this is their project, too.

And then another challenge is just establishing things like our support and volunteer base.

In what ways can an arts center transform a community?

There are several. One of them is offering a

combined sense of identity and pride, and providing connectivity. While Charlotte is growing and its outreach is growing, people around here are excited about the growth but they want to make sure that they don’t lose their identity in the process. The arts also serve as educational opportunities for kids who need them. One thing I’m really looking into is ways we can contribute to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) education—these are skills that can transfer into science, technology and math.

There’s also the opportunity to serve people like the veterans in the community, and other adults—opportunities for them to continue learning and developing new skills through the arts. All this increases the economic viability of the area and contributes to quality of life. In areas like this, where there are so many people moving in, quality of life is important, and the arts provide quality of life and tend to attract other “quality of life” businesses, like restaurants and retail. So now, you develop a cool downtown district, and everyone benefits.

CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS

After an extensive national search, the board of the new Cornelius Arts Center announced Justin Dionne will serve as the center’s executive director. Dionne, 32, will be responsible for driving community excitement and engagement and launching a capital campaign to build and staff the center, which is envisioned to be an arts and cultural hub for the region.

Trained in both theater and arts management, Dionne brings his experience, skill, vision and passion to Cornelius.

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Recipe

Summer Soiree

A

BY TROY GAGLIARDO • PHOTOS BY RICHARD RUDISILL

As summer winds down, take advantage of the remaining days with a backyard bash. Step up your food selection from typical backyard eats with this impressive late summer recipe.

Troy Gagliardo is the executive chef of Wu’s Cajun Sea Food in Charlotte and author of “Pseudo Southern”—a playful twist on the art of Southern cooking—and is the TV host of “Troy’s Everyday Eats.” Watch Troy live from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. every Tuesday on WCCB Charlotte News Rising, and purchase his book at www.cheftroy.com.

Blackened Trout with Charred Corn Cream Sauce 4 boneless trout filets 1 stick unsalted butter, melted Blackened seasoning, to taste

Sauce: 2 ears corn on the cob, par-boiled, drained, cooled, cut off the cob 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons sweet yellow onion, finely diced 1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped fine 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar Kosher salt and black pepper to taste 11/2 cups charred corn stock, recipe below ¼ cup heavy cream

Directions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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Start sauce by melting butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, two to three minutes. Add garlic and cook while stirring for one minute. Add corn and stir to incorporate. Add vinegar and cook until it evaporates. Season with salt and pepper, and add corn stock. Cook to reduce by half, and add cream.

Use a hand blender to puree sauce, and add more stock and cream if too thick. Lower heat and cook through slowly. Strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer, place back in pot and keep warm over very low heat.

Preheat an iron skillet on the grill over very high direct heat, about 10 minutes.

Pour about three quarters of the butter in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of trout in butter to coat well. Season liberally with blackened seasoning and pat in with fingers.

Place in hot iron skillet and pour over a little butter. Let cook for two minutes or until spice is crusted onto fish.

Flip fish and pour on a little butter and finish cooking, about one to two minutes, depending on thickness of trout.

Ladle some sauce on individual plates and top with trout (skin side down).

lakenormanmagazine.com

Charred Corn Stock 6 corn cobs after corn has been scraped off 12 cups of water Pinch of kosher salt 3 sprigs of fresh thyme (optional) Parmesan rind (optional)

Directions 1.

2.

3.

Char corn cobs all over on direct heat on grill. Remove and place in stockpot with water, salt, thyme, and parmesan rind if using.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer and use immediately, refrigerate, or freeze.

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Arts

Fall into Arts Mark your calendars for these can’t-miss events in Lake Norman this fall.

BY ALLYSON BUSH

‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival Sept. 16, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This festival in Newton is returning for a second year to bring you the creativity and craftsmanship of local artists. Enjoy the art for sale, hands-on activities, food from restaurants and food trucks, beer gardens, live music, and more at this family-friendly festival.

BRANT WALDECK; COURTESY OF FOOTHILLS FOLK ART FESTIVAL

One of the biggest events in Cornelius, this festival features dozens of local vendors, art, live music, entertainment, shopping, delicious food, and a celebration of some of the area’s most creative people. For the 13th year in a row, the ‘Tawba Walk Arts and Music Festival is definitely worth checking out.

Foothills Folk Art Festival

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Sterling Edwards Watercolor Workshop Nov. 16-18 Mooresville Arts Depot, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville Learn the art of watercolor from artist Sterling Edwards this fall at the Mooresville Arts Depot. This workshop will bring out your creativity and teach you how to create beautiful works of watercolor art.

Beyond Brushes and Pens Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mooresville Arts Depot, 103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville

COURTESY OF STERLING EDWARDS; TERRI WOLFE; MOORESVILLE DOWNTOWN COMMISSION

This workshop explores what happens when art and poetry are combined. Taught by poet and artist Terri Wolfe, students will engage in a deeper dialogue between the visual arts and words. During the workshop, you will write a poem based on a piece of art.

Uncorked & Artsy Oct. 13 Downtown Mooresville Held every spring and fall, this event pairs wine with art. As you walk around Downtown Mooresville and try 16 different wines at 13 different businesses, enjoy the art and live music displayed both inside and out. The art walk and music performances are free to attend. The wine tasting is $25 and includes a souvenir glass.

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Social Scene

PHOTOS BY MY CREATIVE TEAM/BRANT WALDECK.

— Out & About —

O

On the second Friday of the month, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Cornelius Cultural Arts Group invites guests to experience Old Town Cornelius in style, at the 2nd Friday Street Festival.

The People’s Brass Band leads an impromptu parade through the 2nd Friday Street Festival to Old Town Public House.

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Social Scene

BY JENN BAXTER

Artist Maguerico Manuel Nye hosts an interactive collaboration painting for all ages.

2nd Friday in Old Town Cornelius Hosted by Bella Love Inc., this monthly art crawl features some of the area’s most talented and innovative artisans, live performances, food trucks, local craft beer, live art demonstrations, kids’ activities, business specials, and much more. The free event takes place at Oak Street Mill in Cornelius.

Matthew Coleman performs a set for the crowd.

Funny face contest in promotion of Pita Pit’s Get Pit Faced Campaign.

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Dr. Dennis Coleman and granddaughter.

Bella Love Founder Case Warnemunde (left) and Old Town Cornelius Brand Ambassador Jessica Boye (right) with son, Kipton.

PHOTOS BY MY CREATIVE TEAM/BRANT WALDECK.

Adayla Turner.

Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce Business Expo The 2017 Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo was held June 7 at the Davidson College Belk Arena with 170 business and nonprofit exhibitors and approximately 2,500 people in attendance. Lake Norman Magazine was a Gold Sponsor of the event, which showcases the regional business community.

Members of Business Leaders United (BLU) with Lake Norman Chamber President Bill Russell.

PHOTOS BY BILL RUSSELL.

Sherri Vertorano-Seabeck, co-owner of Edible Arrangements along with her husband, John, and staff. Edible Arrangements was selected as Best of Show at the Annual Business Trade Show.

Justen Allen, sales designer of Audio Advice, mans the exhibit at the Lake Norman Chamber Business Expo. The business was named Most Professional Exhibitor.

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Lake Norman Festival of the Arts

Richard Sacco, Green Market Dipmaker.

The Lake Norman Festival of the Arts at Birkdale Village is a must-do experience for fans of fine art. The festival provided guests with an exclusive opportunity to experience creations ranging from beautiful sculptures, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed media.

Artist Will Byers.

Kerry Demeria and Lori Green.

Silk artist, Tonya Butcher.

Area residents raised more than $82,000 to fight and cure arthritis by participating in the Charlotte Walk to Cure Arthritis June 3 at Davidson College. Participants and teams rallied together to show their support and be the voice of people living with the nation’s leading cause of disability.

The Hipsters (Far left is 2017 Medical Honoree and Davidson resident, Dr. Bradley Ellison from OrthoCarolina).

Pounding for Parker Golf Tournament The inaugural Pounding For Parking Golf Tournament took place on June 5, with a field of 112 golfers enjoying perfect weather at NorthStone Country Club, which included a $10,000 hole-in-one competition. The award dinner and silent auction was hosted

by WJZY-TV- FOX 46 Sports Director Chuck Howard.

Between the golf tournament and the community event held the day prior in Old Town Cornelius, the Pounding for Parker Foundation raised more than $130,000, which goes toward research for pediatric cancer, particularly low-grade glioma tumors, and improving the quality of life of survivors.

John Molina from Sugar Creek Brewery, with Teri Lippy and Maddie Lippy of Eleven Lakes Brewing.

Toby Price, Doug Sarno, and Bill Sparks.

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Parker Cowherd takes the first swing of the day.

Parker Cowherd (front), Jon Cowherd, Gabe Hollinger, Ben Tedder, and Eric Engel.

PHOTOS BY HELENE STLLINGS; PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION; PHOTOS BY ALY BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY

Charlotte Walk to Cure Arthritis

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Calendar

COMPILED BY ALLYSON BUSH

the top 5 AUG. 5

MAC POKER RIDE: Mooresville Area Cyclists is hosting its third annual pokerthemed bike race. Choose from a 34-, 62-, or 100-mile race for your chance to win high-quality biking gear like a Mavic Ksyrium Elite Road Wheelset or a CycleOps Magnus Indoor Trainer. During the race, riders will draw a playing card at each stop along the route. When they cross the finish line, they will have five cards and, if they have a good hand, the chance to win even more prizes. Online registration ends on Aug. 2 and is $50. 800 Beaty St., Davidson. www.macpokerride.com.

AUG. 11

AUG. 19

MOVIES @ MCGUIRE: Bring the whole family out to this event at McGuire Nuclear Station’s EnergyExplorium. Starting at 8:30 p.m., “The LEGO Batman Movie” will be playing on the lawn. Bring a picnic blanket and some chairs or cruise up in a boat. Boaters can anchor at the EnergyExplorium’s cove at the southern tip of Lake Norman and watch from the water. This event is free, but there will be food vendors on site selling popcorn and other treats.13339 Hagers Ferry Road, Huntersville. www.duke-energy.com.

CIRCLE K BACK-TO-SCHOOL MONSTER TRUCK BASH: This annual event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway is the best way to celebrate going back to school.

Trucks like Avenger, Wrecking Crew, Basher, and Bigfoot will be tearing up The Dirt Track starting at 6 p.m. Get there early to snap a photo beside one of these five-ton trucks and meet the drivers. There will also be plenty of pre-race festivities to enjoy. Tickets start at $26.50 for general admission, but the Monster Truck Ride Along Upgrade is just $10. 5555 Concord Mills Pkwy.,Concord. www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets.

AUG. 26

LAKE NORMAN YMCA TRIATHLON: Swim, bike, and run for a great cause at this year’s Lake Norman YMCA Triathlon. Starting at 7 a.m., participants will complete a 750meter swim in the lake, a 12.7 bike course that begins and ends on the Ingersoll Rand campus, and a 5K run, also on the campus. All proceeds from the race support the YMCA Community Support Campaign, which helps children and adults overcome physical disabilities and learn to water ski. Online registration is $70 for individuals and closes on Aug. 24 at 9 a.m. Ingersoll Rand, 800 Beaty St., Davidson. www. onesracingcompany.com/lakenormanymcatriathlon.

AUG. 27

VULTURE VENTURE: For a different kind of artistic experience, come to the Carolina Raptor Center to see Tombstone, a 13-year-old female black vulture create a colorful masterpiece. The bird has been painting for several months under the supervision of trainers at the center and is quite the artist. The Vulture Venture encounter costs $15 per member and $30 per non-member. Each participant goes home with their very own painting! This event happens once per month and is limited to two participants, so make a reservation as soon as you can. 6000 Sample Road, Huntersville. www.carolinaraptorcenter.org.

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Feature

BEHIND THE SCENES The spotlight is on lighting designer Gordon W. Olson.

BY CHRISTINA RITCHIE ROGERS • PHOTOS BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

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I

Imagine if your best work went entirely unnoticed on a regular basis. Imagine if that was the point.

A professional lighting designer and lake resident whose work spans genres and stages from Broadway to Minneapolis, Gordon W. Olson’s creative successes are defined in large part by how well he masters subtlety.

“My work affects how the audience experiences a show on a subconscious level,” Olson says.

And there is great art in remaining subconscious.

Unlike the work of an actor, director, composer, set, or costume designer, whose contributions to a production are overt Olson’s work is meant to be everywhere and nowhere all at once. His art creates atmosphere, enhances narrative, and highlights the work of every other artist involved, yet it remains hard to detect— unless you know what you’re looking for.

“Lighting is hard for people to judge because, when done right, it is next to impossible for people to visualize as a whole unless they’re aware of what parts to look for,” Olson says. “Good lighting doesn’t take you out of a show—it keeps you in.”

Olson’s tools are vast, and their effects are huge. Whether for an opera, dance, or theater production, he is brought into the creative process early, often meeting with the director and production team well before the first rehearsal to learn the vision for the show and initial plans for the space. For each project he plans and orchestrates technology, equipment, color, narrative, and timing, all framed by the director’s vision and displayed on every available surface, from every angle of a given space.

“Everything to me is fair game,” he says.

“Anything that evokes a response.”

Take, for example, Olson’s design for Florida Grand Opera’s 2009 production of “Madame Butterfly,” one of his favorite projects to date: The scenic elements included a Japanese home with a roof and paper walls, as well as steps, tree branches, and a cyc backdrop (like a big, white sheet), all of which provided opportunities for compelling light and color work.

“There was so much canvas to work with— the house front, ceiling and sides, the tree out front—I used it all,” he says, and he garnered much critical praise for it.

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From the Band to the Biz Olson’s foray into the theater world came with some hesitance; he was a self-proclaimed band geek in Sierra Vista, Ariz. reluctantly recruited as a freshman for his high school production of “Annie Get Your Gun.” “I was content believing that no one knew who I was at the time,” he says, so the limelight didn’t draw him. But he learned the ropes and performed with aplomb.

While he enjoyed the experience, it didn’t convince him to pursue more on stage. But through it he found a home in the theater. He started learning the technical aspects of scene building and lighting, and lit musicals for the duration of high school.

He went on to earn a BFA in theatrical design from the University of Arizona and an MFA in

My work affects how the audience experiences a show on a subconscious level.”

—Gordon W. Olson

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theatrical design from the University of Texas at Austin. He has since been involved with lighting more than 95 productions, including the Broadway productions of “Good People” (world premiere) and “Jerusalem,” which received a Tony Award nomination for best lighting design in 2011. Other career highlights include a world premiere production of “Hansel and Gretel” at Houston Grand Opera, where he served as lighting supervisor for two years; “Lucia di Lammermoor” at Florida Grand Opera, where he served as resident lighting designer for three years; and “Into the Woods” at the Renaissance Theatre, among many more.

Locally Olson has designed and directed lighting for plays, dance productions, and musicals with Davidson Community Players, and at UNC Charlotte, Hough High School, and Providence Day School. He also has designed and directed multiple projects for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and Theatre Charlotte, where his recent work on “Saturday Night Fever” won “Best Lighting Design of a Musical” from Broadwayworld.com.

Upcoming projects include three more

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shows at Theatre Charlotte as well as shows at UNC Charlotte and James Madison University in Virginia. He will return to the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville for the third year to work on design for “A Christmas Carol,” and he’s signed on to design “Madagascar” at Children’s Theatre in 2018.

He also lectures in lighting design at UNC Charlotte.

“I love design work, and I love sharing what I know and seeing students learn,” Olson says. “I take great pride in seeing a student who is interested succeed.”

His teaching covers everything from the nuts and bolts of lighting design (where you plug things in, where you point them), to the conceptual aspects of the art (how you determine what to highlight, when, and in what ways). For example, side light shows musculature and form and is ideal for dance performances. In opera, performance is big and gestural, and the environment allows for more stylized lighting work. Musicals present their own challenges, as they are fast-paced and beat-driven. And while certain aspects are consistent within each genre, the variables far

outnumber the predictables, so Olson teaches his students to be flexible, collaborative, and masters of their craft, ready to change on the fly.

Successful lighting designers prepare extensively, know the scripts and shows in-depth, and above all, they find the moments, he says.

Moments in Light The decision to employ a dramatic spotlight or pop of color, or to slowly fade in a subtle light over the course of minutes, is all dictated by the moments in a given piece, Olson says.

His work starts by learning a script, front to back, and planning his design moment by moment.

Though Olson’s skill and work over the course of his career to date have earned him due time in the spotlight, he remains happiest behind it.

“I love the theater and I love what I do,” he says. “Where I feel my best and my most confident is sitting behind the table, turning lights on, honing in on crafting moments.” www.gordonwolson.com

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Cover Feature

Water Wear Summer isn’t over just yet—spend the remaining long days by the lake in these sleek suits.

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH BRADLEY MAKEUP BY CHELSEA KIMREY HAIR BY J SCHRUISE THE SALON MODELED BY CHOICE GRAY WITH WILHELMINA MODELS SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE HOME OF DR. PHIL AND JUDY SOBO, PROVIDED BY LEPAGE JOHNSON REALTY

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White with palm pattern bikini

by PILYQ Barcelona, $148.

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New seaside pant in Ratti, $95; drape tank top, $34.99; straw hat with rainbow pom-poms, $49.50, all from J. Crew.

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Made by dawn Petal 2 top ($142) and bottom ($125) in Ember Rib.

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Pink romper by Silence + Noise, Urban Outfitters, $79.

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White and gold cover up PILYQ, $134; Bikini by Luli Fama, $80.

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P RPErFeEfReRrE rDe VdE v Ne Dn Od R So rS sE CsTeIcOtNi o n

The

Scene A preferred vendor section showcAsing some of THE LAKE’s top Arts destinAtions.

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PREFERRED VENDORS SECTION

Time for Three

DAVIDSON COLLEGE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Duke Family Performance Hall 207 Faculty Drive, Davidson 704-894-2135 www.davidson.edu/academics/music www.davidson.edu/the-arts/artist-series

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Chick Corea

DICK ZIMMERMAN 2014

Chick Corea, Time for Three, Dan Forrest, and much more!

Davidson College is excited to announce the 2017-2018 season of music. The Davidson College Symphony Orchestra and the C. Shaw and Nancy K. Smith Artist Series join forces with the exuberant string trio Time for Three on Sept. 23 at 8:00 p.m. Known for their virtuosic crossover abilities, Time for Three blends an array of styles ranging from classical to jazz to bluegrass to funk. Chick Corea, world renowned keyboardist, composer, and bandleader, joins the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble on April 17, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. DownBeat Hall of Famer and fourth-most nominated artist in Grammy Awards history, Chick is a tireless creative spirit, “a luminary, ebullient, and eternally youthful,” says The New York Times. For the End-of-Year Masterworks Performance on May 5, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., Davidson College Choirs and the Choral Arts Society of Davidson present Dan Forrest’s Jubilate Deo, a multi-lingual work that brings to life the global aspect of the traditional Psalm 100 text, “O be joyful in the Lord, all ye lands.”

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DANCE DAVIDSON Dance Davidson has been a part of the Davidson arts community for more than 33 years. The studio teaches over 700 students annually and provides quality training to students by focusing on strong technique.

The studio has three dance rooms equipped with state-of-the-art sprung dance floors and observation windows for parents to watch classes. Dance Davidson begins teaching dancers at age three and continues instructing through adulthood. The studio offers a range of classes including creative movement ballet, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, pre-pointe, and pointe. Students are taught by professional instructors with degrees in dance and professional performance experience. Dance Davidson students have gone on to study with NC School of the Arts, Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham, The Rockettes, American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. Students have the opportunity to perform in winter and spring shows at Davidson College. Adhering to its motto, “We will work towards becoming great dancers while understanding that being a good person is the true goal,� Dance Davidson is the right studio for you if you want your child learning appropriate choreography in appropriate costumes to appropriate music.

140 Jackson St., Davidson 704-892-5632 www.davidsondance.com

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Mooresville Arts has been showcasing local talent in the Lake Norman area for more than 60 years. What once started as a small group of artists has grown to be a hub and resource for over 200 artists and patrons to watch, learn, and create personal works of art. The 5,000-square-foot gallery hosts exhibits monthly as well as art classes for artists of all ages and levels of experience, Mooresville Arts has hosted workshops by nationally and internationally known artists, and children’s programs.

The professional work displayed in the Mooresville Arts gallery has attracted artists from all over the state as a highly sought after place to showcase their work. This November through December, Mooresville Arts will host the Watercolor Society’s 150th Travel Exhibit with 40 paintings from their New York exhibit. As the only visual arts nonprofit in Iredell County, the Mooresville Arts gallery is proud to have featured so many talented artists throughout its years of arts advocacy in the Lake Norman community.

103 W. Center Ave., Mooresville 704-663-6661 www.mooresvillearts.org

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CATHY HEGMAN, “INSOMNIACS DREAMBOATS”

MOORESVILLE ARTS

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FULL BLOOM FILM FESTIVAL The 2017 Full Bloom Film Festival will be held September 14-16 in Statesville, N.C. The Iredell Arts Council is proud to be able to offer the community a festival that promotes and supports both diversity and artistic culture. This year, the council received submissions from almost 30 countries, as well as local filmmakers. Even with so much reach around the world, the Full Bloom Film Festival still encompasses the small, local town feel that so many festivals miss, with the personal touch being felt even more through Q&A sessions and parties that allow the public to learn more about the films and meet the VIPs and directors involved in the process. The genres range from comedy to romance to drama to documentaries, ensuring entertainment for the entire family; there’s even a kid’s session that will show animated films.

To learn more about the schedule, venues, and ticket pricing please visit www.fullbloomfilmfestival.com. For more information on the Iredell Arts Council and their other events, visit their website, www. iredellartscouncil.org. Come out and support the arts, view films, learn about Statesville, and just have fun! You won’t be disappointed.

203 S. Meeting St., Statesville 704-873-6100 www.fullbloomfilmfestival.com

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AIN’T MISS BEAD HAVEN BEAD SHOP Ain’t Miss Bead Haven is the perfect place to spend a few hours or a few minutes. Do you love a piece of jewelry you saw on Pinterest or another website? Simply bring in a picture and the ladies of Ain’t Miss Bead Haven can help you recreate the look you adore using gems from all over the world. Guests are welcome to take their beads home, sit down at a table and work on the piece, or ask someone at the shop to create the piece for them. No matter where the jewelry is created, each person that visits Ain’t Miss Bead is able to design and construct beautiful, high-end jewelry they can proudly say they made. Find the perfect beads and stones for your look along the walls lined with strands of sparkling crystals, semi-precious and precious gemstones, glass beads, vintage beads, metal chains, leather cords, Japanese and Czech seed beads, and more! Stop

by Ain’t Miss Bead Haven today to unleash your creativity and inner designer.

138 N. Main St., Mooresville 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; Closed Sun. 704-746-9278 www.aintmissbeadhaven.com

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FOUR CORNERS FRAMING GALLERY For the last 10 years, Four Corners Framing Gallery has provided the Mooresville and surrounding areas with custom framing, printing, restoration, delivery and hanging services for private and corporate customers. Owner Kim Saragoni moved from Florida to Matthews in 1990 before settling in Mooresville in 1996. When she opened her business in 2006, she sought to bring beautiful, custom framework to the Mooresville community. Through the support of the community, Saragoni was able to expand her business to a larger Main Street location at the beginning of 2017, adding RC Gallery on Main to the front of the frame shop. Now, customers can enjoy art exhibits, pottery and wood pieces, and purchasable original art. Equipped with a ceiling mounted projector and drop down projection screen capable of accommodating presentations, video conferencing, films, and slide shows, the gallery is also the perfect location for private art shows, parties, catered events, business meetings, and more. Stop by today to check out the new space, view the art, and have custom frame work completed for any of your personal or professional project needs.

148 N. Main St., Mooresville 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tues.-Thur.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.; Closed Sun.-Mon. 704-662-7154 www.fcfgframing.com

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Lakeshore — Cuisine. Travel. —

BURGER BUZZ The development at Merino Mill continues with a new restaurant concept.

BY JESS BENTLEY • PHOTOS BY LUNAHZON PHOTOGRAPHY

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Cuisine

M

Merino Mill, located at 500 S. Main St. in Mooresville, has progressively transformed into a hub for food enthusiasts from the lake and beyond. In addition to the infamous Alino Pizzeria, the space now includes Barcelona Burger Bar & Beer Garden. Both concepts are owned by the visionary Michal Bay, who has been working on renovating the 1.1 millionsquare-foot textile mill back to its full potential.

The atmosphere mimics an open air Mediterranean bazaar, with large communal tables that encourage guests to socialize and converse with one another while enjoying their meals.

Upon entering the restaurant, customers are greeted with an extensive carryout market that houses an array of charcuterie, dry pasta, olive oil, vinegar, international beer, and many other hidden treasures. Bottles of wine are sprinkled throughout the shop, giving visitors the convenience to purchase and drink in-house or to take home. Barcelona’s entire menu is also available for takeout.

Bay partnered with Davidson-based cookbook author and TV personality Jenny BrulĂŠ to create an epic selection of prime Angus

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The menu is not just for beef eaters—it’s important for us to offer something for everyone, healthy or decadent.”

—Jenny Brulé

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In addition to mouthwatering burgers, the menu at The Barcelona also includes rotisserie chicken meals and a variety of salads and sides.

beef burgers, rotisserie chicken, and fresh salads, along with a healthy twist of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Brulé explains: “The menu is not just for beef eaters—it’s important for us to offer something for everyone, healthy or decadent.” The Famous Veggie Burger was fashioned with Brule’s two vegetarian daughters in mind, who also work at the swanky eatery. Barcelona’s handmade

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black bean, quinoa, and walnut patty is served on a whole-wheat bun that’s piled high with melted cheese, onions, roasted tomatoes, lettuce, and then drizzled with house sauce.

Since being unveiled to the public in late May, Barcelona’s burger buzz has locals swarming through their doors the minute they open. More often than not there is a steady stream of eager

customers swooping around the outer edge of the building. This line is bustling and vibrant, with breathless fans declaring their profound love for locally sourced, grass-fed beef burgers that are not too big, not too small, and served on a perfectly-sized potato bun for soaking up the juices just right. Given their instant popularity, this eclectic burger bar has quickly become a mainstay in

Mooresville, serving over 1,000 guests on a daily basis. Barcelona’s fully exposed kitchen is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., grilling up to 600 freshly made burgers and roasting 160 chickens that are marinated overnight in their homemade spice mix.

Bay’s philosophy: “Food is a memory everyone should be able to afford.”

Therefore, patrons can expect to get a delicious feast that’s made with high quality ingredients for under $10 per person. “It’s never about cost, it’s about exceptional food in a family-friendly environment,” says Bay. Each entrée comes with the choice of one side dish from a hefty menu that includes two types of fries, onion rings, baked mac and cheese, flavorful Spanish chicken soup, roasted vegetables, side salads, and the southern staple: fried pickles.

Attention, beer lovers: hold onto your hops. Barcelona serves 20 craft brews on tap for only $5 per pint, including multiple varieties from Charlotte-based breweries. Not a beer fan? Not a problem. Fancier boozy preferences like wine by the glass, sangria, and cider are also available for purchase. www.barcelonaburger.com

To find out more, v i s i t Barc elona Bu rger Ba r & B e er Garden on t he web and so c ia l media.

WEBSITE

http://barcelonaburger.com INSTAGRAM

@barcelonaburgerbar FACEBOOK

@thebarcelonaburgerbar

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home design dedicated to showcasing charlotte’s distinctive homes

every saturday in the

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Travel

J Capital

Just a few blocks from the National Mall sits an area of the capital city that was promised development years ago. This fall, those

plans will finally come to fruition, with the redevelopment of the District Wharf.

“The development on the Southwest

Calling

Waterfront is huge for Washington, D.C.,”

says Alisa Cohen with Avenue Two Travel, a Virtuoso Agency. “This area has been

underutilized for years, and it is fantastic

to see it come to life, especially because it enjoys such a wonderful waterfront location.”

The District Wharf development keeps

the iconic fish market front and center,

Get acquainted with Washington, D.C.’s burgeoning arts and culture hub.

BY KATIE COLEMAN

while also bringing in multiple music

venues like The Anthem, plus new bars and restaurants helmed by well-known faces

like Todd Thrasher, Chef Jamie Leeds, and Chef Jennifer Carroll. The new develop-

ment officially opens in October, so here’s how to make the most of your stay.

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On the Menu

HERE ARE THE DINING OPTIONS TO LOOK FORWARD TO ONCE THE DISTRICT WHARF OPENS:

Stay For a stay in the heart of Southwest D.C., book a room at the Mandarin Oriental. The luxury hotel is located across the street from the District Wharf and just two blocks from the National Mall. The decor is a mix of simple sophistication with pops of Asian influence. Guest rooms feature a neutral color palette with subtle blue accents, plus views of either the city or the Tidal Basin.

Take advantage of eighth floor Club, including the sweeping views of D.C. The Club serves breakfast and has a cocktail reception each evening, plus snacks and drinks are available all day. For the ultimate leisurely retreat, head to the lower level for a 50-foot indoor swimming pool, fitness center, as well as private yoga and fitness classes.

For a relaxing getaway, the Mandarin Oriental’s spa is a destination on its own. Spread over 10,500 feet, the spa offers a variety of services from massages to facials. Spend extra time in the facilities to relax in the heat and water experience, including an amethyst steam room, sauna, a vitality pool, ice fountain, and cold plunge pool.

SUSHI OGAWA

Chef Minoru Ogawa already operates Sushi Capitol and Sushi Ogawa and will be opening an 8-seat sushi restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental.

TIKI TNT

This new bar is part of a three story complex that also includes Potomac Distilling Company and Thrashers Rum, all owned by Todd Thrasher.

FLORENTIJN

This Belgian bistro is lead by Chef Jan Van Haute, the former chef at the Belgian Embassy.

HANK’S OYSTER BAR

Renowned chef and owner Jamie Leeds opens her biggest Hank’s Oyster Bar to date on the Wharf in October featuring urban beach food.

REQUIN

“Top Chef” alum Jennifer Carroll partnered with Mike Isabella to launch the second location of Requin on the Wharf, featuring French and Mediterranean inspired cuisine.

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Eat There’s no need to leave the Mandarin Oriental for delicious fare. On-site food offerings include all-day service at Muze and cocktails and afternoon tea at Empress Lounge. Empress Lounge overlooks the hotel’s gardens and embodies the quintessential lobby bar. The laid-back bar offers signature cocktails, teas, and coffee plus light bites as an easy break during the day.

Indulge with a meal at Muze, a contemporary dining space overlooking the Washington Channel. The menu features modern American staples with Asian influence. Watch boats navigate the channel as you snack on she crab soup with tobiko caviar, or one of the signature sushi rolls or sashimi offerings, like the Tsukiji Market Sashimi served with daikon, wasabi, and lemon. The east-meets-west menu includes traditional items like beef filet mignon and roasted Maryland rockfish, but has some twists with dishes like Peruvian Tallarin Saltado: stir-fried beef with cracked pepper, linguine, soy sauce, and ahi amarillo. End with something sweet that’s also an homage to the property—Mandarin orange in five textures.

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Play All of the capital city is at your fingertips with a stay in Southwest D.C. Guests can easily stroll to the National Mall and take in the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, and the Jefferson Memorial. In just a 20 minute walk you’ll be in front of the White House.

“Washington, D.C. has always been a top travel destination with amazing museums (most of which have no admission fee) and monuments,” says Cohen. While Washington, D.C. is home to many museums spanning all different areas of interest, the art galleries should not be missed.

The National Gallery of Art features European and American masterpieces from paintings to decorative arts, and includes the attached Sculpture Garden. Look for notable works by Leonardo da Vinci (the only painting by him in the Americas), Botticelli, Rembrandt, Edgar Degas, and Claude Monet.

The Smithsonian is home to a few galleries all within easy walking distance of the Mandarin Oriental. The Freer Gallery of Art and the Sackler Gallery offer collections of Asian art. The Freer Gallery was the first museum on the National Mall, and both galleries are sister Museums. The Freer Gallery hosts the permanent collection, while the Sackler includes both permanent

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and temporary exhibits.

Both galleries have been renovated this summer and will celebrate with a grand reopening Oct. 14 and 15. The Sackler Gallery connects to the National Museum of African Art on its shared lower level. This museum is the only national museum in the country dedicated to the collection, exhibition, conservation, and study of the arts of Africa. Visitors may not know what the Hirshhorn Museum is, but the cylindrical building is iconic. This collection of modern and contemporary art also includes a sunken sculpture garden. A commissioned work by Mark Bradford will be on display in October and November.

For the performing arts, look no further than Arena Stage, a Southwest D.C. staple since 1950. The theater was renovated in 2010, and the new glass structure encompasses the original stage. The company is known for its locally grown theater, with hits moving on to Broadway, such as the Tony Award-winning “Dear Evan Hansen.” This season expect 25 plays and musicals around the theme of politics and power.

Edgar Degas; French, 1834 - 1917; The Dance Lesson, c. 1879; oil on canvas; overall: 38 x 88 cm (14 15/16 x 34 5/8 in.) framed: 59.7 x 108.3 x 5.1 cm (23 1/2 x 42 5/8 x 2 in.); Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon

Arena Stage

Welcome To Lake Norman!

The lake’s premier lifestyle destination. www.lakenormanmagazine.com

New to the area? We’ll bring you a welcome basket filled with valuable coupons, gift certificates, maps & local happenings to acquaint you with the community.

It’s all FREE! Call Suzanne

Meyer to schedule your visit 704-660-1155

TheWelcomeCommittee.net Best Place to Work: 2007 through 2015 2013

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Snapshot PHOTO BY SERGE SKIBA

Local photographer Serge Skiba took this photo in Cornelius after a full day of rain ended. “Watching the scattered clouds I knew sunset would be amazing, so I ensured I was at the lake in order to enjoy the brilliant colors,� Skiba says. Find more of his work at www.earthcaptured.com.