SERVING LAKE NORMAN
JANUARY 2025
A SPECIAL SECTION
Lighting up home design
Uplifting Voices
A community chorus gives back
‘Who’s A Good Boy?’ Find out with The Dog Pros
On The Nines Bistro Turns taste up to ‘11’
Hilary Handysides, High Net Worth Specialist Mooresville Risk Advisors
D rs . m iChael C oleman anD m iChael F oran Through the Generations...
Wisdom Teeth | IV Sedation | Computer Guided Dental Implants Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation Drs. Coleman & Foran 19910 North Cove Road Cornelius / 704-892-1198 carolinaoms.com 2
LLAKE a kNORMAN e N oCURRENTS r m a N| ’ JANUARY s T r 2025 usTed ChoiCe For oraL surgery siNCe 1985
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FROM WHERE I SIT
The magazine by and for the people who call Lake Norman home
Publisher
My 2025 wish for you
MacAdam Smith Mac@LNCurrents.com
Advertising Director Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com
Hang on a second, I know it’s here somewhere (rummages through pockets, purse and computer bag) ... did anyone see where I put 2024? It was just right here, dang it. Hmmm. That’s a chin-scratcher. Oh (slaps forehead), now I remember. I left it in the rearview mirror — right where it belongs!
Advertising Sales Executives
Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com
I don’t know about y’all, but 2024 was definitely one for the history books as far as I’m concerned. And I’m not even referring to all that transpired in the big, beautiful but sometimes brutal world around us. Nope, it’s closer to the bone than that. It was all I could do to handle my own little personal and professional bubble here from my humble, west-side-of-the-lake abode. From a health scare early in the year that I absolutely did not have on my 2024 bingo card to the birth of my first grandchild, the “year that was” certainly took me and my family for a wild ride. When I was much younger, I remember my mom telling me to be careful and not wish time away. That was easy for her to say, I thought in my 20-something brain. She wasn’t a young bride-to-be whose fiancé was deployed overseas, and who couldn’t wait until we were able to reunite for our wedding day. Then later, she wasn’t the one pacing the floors endlessly with a colicky newborn I couldn’t wait to settle down for a nap so I could have just a moment of silence and shut eye. But as I am frequently reminded over the years, it turns out my mom was right. About all of it. Back then, I couldn’t wait to fast-forward to all that life held for me – I was instant gratification personified. But that young bride-to-be is now a partner in a 34-years-strong marriage, and that colicky newborn is now almost 30 years old and has given my husband and me quite possibly the most adorable granddaughter on the planet (that’s an entirely uneducated guess not supported by science, but most certainly accurate). My mom was right, though. Never wish time away. As lovely as things are right now, I feel like I hurled myself full speed through the last several decades to the point where I am now and didn’t slow down long enough to relish the quiet times, to appreciate the lulls between life’s ups and downs. I guess that’s the wisdom of age – we fully recognize that youth is wasted on the young while at the same time we scratch our head and wonder where the time has gone ...
Beth Packard Beth@LNCurrents.com
Trisha Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com
Event Coordinator Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com
Social Media Specialist Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com
Design & Production idesign2, inc
But here we are, welcoming 2025 and ready to do it all over again. Wishing you great things for the year to come, but with a little bit of wisdom finally under my belt, I’m not wishing them upon you too quickly. Let’s slow down and savor it all.
— LH Lori Helms Editor Lori@LNCurrents.com
Contributing Writers Trevor Burton Kathy Dicken Mickey Dunaway Bek Mitchell-Kidd
Contributing Photographers Jon Beyerle
www.facebook.com/LNCurrents www.twitter.com/LNCurrents 6
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
RANDY MARION ACCESSORIES
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Contents
About the Cover: The master bath in this Cornelius home received a masterful remodel. Read about the transformation starting on Page 25. Photo by Jon Beyerle
CHANNEL MARKERS
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Movers, shakers and more at the lake
LIMITLESS
A section for LKN residents 55+
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News Around the Lake
16
Bet You Didn’t Know
18
Walking, ‘unwining’ and more
The Turtle’s Shell
36
Seeking All Singers
38
New Year, New Plans
40
Moment in Time
For the Long Haul
Savvy Salon & Day Spa
DWELLINGS
East Lincoln Community Chorus welcomes new voices
Give your estate plan a 2025 refresh
You say ‘pee-kan,’ I say ‘puh-cann’
How we live at the lake
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‘Master’-ful Remodel
A primary bath gets a full makeover
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40 DINE + WINE
FEATURES ‘Who’s A Good Boy?’
The Dog Pros will help you find out
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Young Leaders
52
Lake Norman’s Best Awards Spotlight
Mooresville High’s NJROTC cadets
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Wine Time
48
Tasty Bits
50
Nibbles + Bites
T ES B D
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Lake Norman Lawn Services
MAN ’S OR N LA K E
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Eating, drinking, cooking and fun
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Lake Norman CURRENTS is a monthly publication available through direct-mail home delivery to the most affluent Lake Norman residents. It also is available at area Harris Teeter supermarkets, as well as various Chambers of Commerce, real estate offices and specialty businesses. The entire contents of this publication are protected under copyright. Unauthorized use of any editorial or advertising content in any form is strictly prohibited. Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine is wholly owned by Oasis Magazines, Inc.
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
Rosé colored glasses
Classic Shrimp Oreganata
How to dine at On The Nines
Mission Statement: Lake Norman CURRENTS magazine will embody the character, the voice and the spirit of its readers, its leaders and its advertisers. It will connect the people of Lake Norman through inspiring, entertaining and informative content, photography and design; all of which capture the elements of a well-lived life on and around the community known as Lake Norman.
is searching for
” t s e B s ’ n a m r o N e “Lak
Fifteen years ago, CURRENTS created Lake Norman’s first and only Best of Lake Norman contest. A year later, other publications followed suit and many of our local businesses got lost in the confusion of having too many “Best of” contests! To cut down on that confusion, CURRENTS changed the name of our contest to Lake Norman’s Best Awards and we’re asking you, our readers, to nominate and vote for your favorite business in a variety of categories. We’ve also decided to start our contest early this year and give you plenty of time to get your nominations in!
We want to hear from you!
Here’s how the Lake Norman’s Best contest will work: 1. Go to our website LNCurrents.com and nominate your favorites from our list of categories. 2. Nominations will begin on February 1 and end on February 28. 3. Nominees will be listed on the website and voting will begin on March 1, concluding on March 30. 4. The top five nominees in each category will be announced in our April issue. 5. Winners will be announced at a special Awards Gala in June at The Cain Center in Cornelius. 6. Each winner will be showcased in a very special edition of CURRENTS called Lake Norman’s Best! 7. And as an added incentive to encourage you to vote, CURRENTS will conduct monthly drawings for all those who nominate and vote. Five lucky readers will win a $100 gift card to use at their favorite local business!
Here are the business categories you’ll be nominating and voting for in 2025: Best Lakeside Dining Best Breakfast Best Seafood Best Steak Best Burger Best Pizza Best Italian Cuisine Best Bakery Best Brewery Best Barbeque
Best Wine Selection Best Cocktail Best Date Night Best Place for Live Music Best Sports Bar Best Art Gallery Best Event Venue Best Nail Salon Best Med Spa Best Hair Salon
Best Cosmetic/Aesthetic Services Best Massage Therapy Best Gift Shop Best Home Décor Best Women’s Boutique Best Men's Clothier Best Place to Work Out Best Public Golf Course Best Landscaper Best Interior Designer
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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! r a e Y w e N y p p Ha
New modern facility to better serve our customers is now open
Visit Randy Marion Cadillac for all your service, parts and accessory needs
220 W. Plaza Drive | I-77, Exit 36, Hwy. 150 Open Weekdays 7:30 am - 8:00 pm Sat 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Sales Open 9am - 9pm Mon thru Sat
704-235-6502 Cadillac Direct • RANDYMARIONCADILLAC.COM
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
e r u t a N o A Nod t
TRENDS + STYLE
IN THE NEW YEAR [4]
[2] [3]
[7]
[6]
[9]
[1]
[8]
[5] All of these items can be purchased at our NEW location: 152 N. Main St. 704-360-4317
1. Decantur - $89 2. Handblown Glass Candlesticks - $19 3. Butterfly sculpture - $13
4. Fern Serving Pieces - $29 and up 5. Linen Journal - $15 and up 6. Bookend Set/2 - $99
7. Potted Orchid - $249 8. Desk Clock - $59 9. Picture Frames - $14 and up
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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CHANNEL MARKERS - news
Walking in Mooresville ...
and ‘unwining’ in Huntersville compiled by Lori Helms
Room to stroll
closed its doors on the spot it occupied at the corner of Lindholm Drive and Birkdale Commons Parkway. Managing Partner Joseph Klosek says he now has plans to open an 1,800-square-foot space at Holbrook Town Center on Gilead Road in Huntersville, with a goal of welcoming patrons to “relax, uncork, unwine” (their long-time tagline) by early summer.
A section of East Moore Avenue beginning at its intersection with Main Street and continuing toward Church Street is now closed to vehicular traffic to create a pedestrian plaza flanked on one side by the Charles Mack Citizen Center and on the other by Summit Coffee.
Local hospital acquisition
The Mooresville Board of Commissioners recently approved a measure to make part of the downtown area off Main Street a more pedestrian-friendly and safer place to wander on foot and enjoy what that part of town has to offer.
Town officials say that stretch is now open only to pedestrians, bicycles and the occasional loading and delivery needs of nearby businesses, with goals to “improve safety, create a new public gathering space for visitors and residents to enjoy downtown, facilitate upcoming downtown events and pilot the permanent streetscape improvement project.”
They’re baaaack ...
A local favorite among wine bar enthusiasts and a long-time Birkdale Village staple is set to make a comeback this year, much to the delight of its fans and wine enthusiasts. According to a recent report in the Charlotte Business Journal, Corkscrew is set to re-open in Huntersville – only this time, on the other side of the interstate and far from the revamped mixed-use development and shopping destination it once occupied. At the end of 2022 and after about an 18-year run, Corkscrew 14
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
In mid-December, Duke Health announced plans to acquire Lake Norman Regional Medical Center (LNRMC) in Mooresville, with a projected closing of the acquisition to occur in the first quarter of 2025. This comes following a failed attempt in 2024 by Novant to purchase the hospital. LNRMC is a 123-bed acute care hospital that also includes a 24hour emergency department, labor and delivery services, as well as cardiology, surgical and orthopedic care. Duke Health officials say the purchase would represent a “significant expansion of Duke Health clinical services” beyond its traditional footprint in the state’s Triangle region. “We recognize the health care landscape is changing,” says Craig Albanese, chief executive officer of Duke University Health System (DUHS). “While we continue to expand access to care within the communities we serve, it’s also time to do more and deliver care to more people — in more communities. We want to bring access to all that Duke Health has to offer to the Lake Norman community.”
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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CHANNEL MARKERS - bet you didn’t know
The Turtle’s Shell New shopping experience in Sherrills Ford by Bek Mitchell-Kidd photographs courtesy The Turtle’s Shell From whimsical home decor items to clothing to creations by local artisans, The Turtle’s Shell will fill all your retail therapy needs.
The Turtle’s Shell, a family-run boutique in Sherrills Ford, opened its doors just in time for the 2024 holiday season, and its nearly instant popularity is filling a void in the northern Lake Norman area retail landscape. The name was inspired by owner Mary Harrington’s love for turtles and her childhood memories of summers at the beach spent watching hatchlings make their way to the ocean. Mary says the name also represents the store, given that a turtle’s shell is its “home,” and the beauty of each shell is unique. Along with her husband, Doug Harrington, Mary says while they do not sell live turtles, they do offer a wide array of items for your home, including décor, clothing, stationary and more – with a particular focus on supporting local artisans including EB Designs in Wood, all-natural soaps from Victoria Soaps, natural dog treats from Simply American Dog Treat Co., door wreaths from Angie’s Door Décor and many others. Mary knew she wanted to provide a resource for her creative friends she met while attending local farmers’ markets. “My husband and I began taking my paintings and acrylic art to the Denver Farmers’ Market where we made great friends and had success,” she says. “Attending the market every Saturday was sometimes tough for us to do, and I looked at selling through other local businesses, but that never really panned out. Doug finally said one day, ‘Open your own store … Sherrills Ford lacks anything like this’... and so it began.” Marketing it as a retail store with something for everyone, The Turtle’s Shell caters to everything from shoppers browsing for distinctive home décor to parents shopping for toys and children’s clothing. “With the lack of close locations for infant and toddler goods, we 16
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
have become a great stop for parents (and grandparents like us),” Mary says. “We enjoy when moms bring their little ones with them. “We love hearing what people might like us to sell. For example, someone asked if we carried specialty note cards, which we did not at the time, but we looked into a line that is beautiful and added them to our inventory ... they are very popular, so we listen to all good ideas,” she says about receiving new inventory almost daily. Doug and Mary’s daughters also pitch in at the shop and help with fashion selections, and Mary says the store carries items that she would wear as well as brands that her daughters in their 20s approve of, too. “We want the store to be fun and relaxing, laid-back,” Mary says. “We love to have conversations with our visitors as we get to know them and are glad to provide help when needed. I did give in to my husband and agreed to have a TV, and on the weekends, there is typically a football game or race on. So, if your significant other is a sports fan, they can come with you and not miss any action.” The family is already considering expanding into a larger space to keep pace with the demand of customers and continue to be able to offer multiple curated options in the growing area. “Opening a store like this was nowhere on our radar when moving here from Winston-Salem a decade ago,” Mary says, “but we saw a great opportunity with the growth and the need, and it is a way to contribute and be more engaged with our neighbors.” The Turtle’s Shell is at 3861 Terrell Park Drive in Sherrills Ford. Learn more at www.theturtlesshell.com.
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CHANNEL MARKERS - for the long haul
The Keys to Business
Longevity This Cornelius salon turns 35 this year and is still going strong, thanks to great staff and high client satisfaction.
It’s about tracking trends and training at Savvy Salon & Day Spa One only needs to chat with Pat Helmandollar briefly to recognize she is an astute businesswoman. As the owner of Savvy Salon & Day Spa in Cornelius, Helmandollar has maintained her business for more than 30 years by keeping abreast of industry trends and employing a highly skilled staff. According to Helmandollar, longevity in business should start with the right representation. “Get a good accountant and a good attorney,” she says. “Realize what your expenses are going to be all the way through your first year.” Located 15 minutes north of Charlotte, Savvy Salon & Day Spa once occupied space in a fairly barren spot for business. The day spa went from sharing a landscape with only a handful of establishments, to now being in a much more high traffic area. Helmandollar’s business started in 1990 as a hair and nail salon. Over the years, she has adapted to changing trends in the beauty and wellness industry by offering more services and ensuring technicians’ skills are current on the most contemporary techniques and innovation within the industry. Today’s offerings include more than just hair and nail services. Clients can come to Savvy Salon & Day spa for sauna sessions, airbrush tanning, lash extensions, esthetician expertise and even microblading with a well-trained staff of skilled beauty and wellness experts. “We offer advanced training to our employees and continually update everything that we offer,” says Helmandollar. In addition, employees are encouraged to seek outside instruction and complete training provided by management. “If they [our technicians] find out 18
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
by Tonya R. Woods photographs courtesy Savvy Salon & Day Spa
about something that we don’t know, we encourage them to learn it and teach it to us.” Aside from its overall business endurance, Savvy Salon & Day Spa can add surviving the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to its expertise. To maintain client satisfaction, Helmandollar says they packaged hair color kits and distributed them curbside or delivered them directly to clients’ homes. “We lost 25% of our staff, so we had to start all over but we finally got back on our feet again and it’s taken this long,” Helmandollar says. “People are always coming and going, seeking different or new opportunities.” With first-quality products, convenient hours and beauty professionals who work as a team, anyone would be hard pressed to find a salon that is as unique in its client-centered approach as Savvy Salon & Day Spa. “Our people are trained to encounter whatever comes their way,” she says. “If one person doesn’t get something, another person comes in and assists with that problem, making it become a seamless customer experience. ... If it isn’t right, we’ll make it right. We want everyone walking out at 100%.” Savvy Salon & Day Spa is at 20430 W. Catawba Ave., #2 in Cornelius. Learn more at www.savvysalonanddayspa. com or call 704.895.0404.
Davidson Horticultural Symposium
Join us as we discover innovative garden designs, knockout native plants, and beautiful recycled landscapes. This inspiring all-day event at Davidson College is the perfect start to Spring.
March11, 2025
Through The Looking Glass: Discovering The Unusual, Unfamiliar And Unexpected More information and registration at
www.davidsonsymposium.org
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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FEATURE
Okay, you’ve got the adorable dog of your dreams ... now what? The Dog Pros can help you start off on the right paw - errr - foot.
Canine
Counseling 20
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
The Dog Pros specialize in behavioral training for all dogs, regardless of breed, size or ability.
Bringing peace of mind to dogs and dog owners
by Tony Ricciardelli photographs courtesy The Dog Pros
Do you love your dog? Does your dog love you? Not sure? Are there communication and behavioral issues straining your relationship with your dog? Perhaps you and your four-legged partner would benefit from behavior modification training with a well-respected dog professional. Ian Forbus, owner of The Dog Pros in Mooresville offers behavioral and obedience training for dogs of all breeds and ages. “We train the untrainable,” says Forbus. “It’s about how we think versus how dogs think.” Forbus stresses that dogs assume we think like they do, but we don’t. However, we do tend to impose our own needs and motivations upon our pets, assuming what works for us works for them. “We teach dog owners to understand their dog’s thought processes,” he says. “Once an owner understands how a dog thinks, progress can be made.” It’s a major factor in turning a dog around, while ensuring both the dog owner and the dog are happy. Forbus knows all about dogs, having worked with canines for about 27 years. From kennel attendant to apprentice trainer to consummate dog psychology expert, Forbus has a knack for successfully establishing harmony between dog and dog owner, effectively bridging the gap between owner expectations and the dog’s inherent motivations and behaviors. Veterinarians and other dog professionals recommend him for his exceptional ability to understand dogs and their behaviors.
The Pack and Only the Pack
Forbus explains how misunderstood motivations on the owner’s part can lead to an unruly dog. It is essential for dog owners to realize that
dogs are pack animals seeking a pack environment with a leader. The dog owner must be that leader, otherwise the dog will assume that role. Once the dog recognizes its owner as the leader, it will align with the owner’s commands and behaviors; however, any consequence to an action on the dog’s part must make sense to the dog. “Operative conditioning is black and white,” says Forbus. “If a behavior leads to a favorable consequence, the behavior will continue, and vice versa. Dogs need to know what to do, not just what not to do.” Consequences that make sense to a dog during training are transferred from Forbus to the owner, who Forbus has taught how to be the leader.
But He’s So Cute!
Forbus trains dogs of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. In addition to training rambunctious Fidos or leash-pullers, continual barkers or furniture chewers, he takes on the most challenging cases including instances of abuse, neglect, fear and mismatches. Forbus stresses that working breed dogs such as Belgian Malinois will not have the same temperament, physical or mental needs as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. One dog inherently needs much exercise and a task, and one is better suited to a less demanding life as a family pet. Although both breeds may be adorable, especially as puppies, it’s important to do your homework before taking home any dog. For example, a working dog from a long lineage of specialized breeding developed to hunt, herd or protect (Coon Hound, Border Collie, German Shepherd), will thrive in a lifestyle that affords lots of exercise and a job. They have vastly different physical and mental needs than do breeds better designed for confined spaces and less physical activity, such as Maltese, Pug or Standard Poodle. www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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Whe Where the OLD OLD is the new new NEW
FEATURE
Just a few happy clients, thanks to The Dog Pros.
I Didn’t Think It Would Grow This Big
“Many people tend to choose a dog based on its appearance,” Forbus says, “disregarding the needs of a particular breed including the time allocation needed to meet the needs and demands of the dog.” Additionally, people overlook the fact that puppies will grow into bigger dogs. An English Mastiff may be adorable and manageable as a pup, but what about handling that same dog when it weighs 160 pounds? “Any dog owner should be able to physically overpower their dog if needed,” he says. “In an emergency or threatening scenario, a child or senior will be unable to control a large dog if a situation gets out of hand.”
The Dog Pros has been operating for more than 10 years. They offer behavior modification training, obedience training and specialized protection training. Programs include temperament evaluations, private lessons and day training programs, as well as in-kennel programs for aggressive dogs.
Ellie’s Diner NOW OPEN Come visit the largest antique mall in the South
The Dog Pros is at 770 Brawley School Road, Mooresville. Call 704.895.5540 or 704.660.0088 to learn more or visit www.thedogpros.com.
88,000 Square Feet • Over 625 Booths Comfortably air conditioned
RING IN THE OLD?
Ellie’s
YOU CAN, AT THE DEPOT! Ellie’s Diner NOW OPEN
Come visit the largest
Come v antique m
88,000 Square F Comfortabl
Experience the largest antique mall in the South 325 McGill Ave. NW antique mall in the South Concord, 28026 Feet • Over 725 Booths • Comfortably air conditioned 88,000NC Square 704-787-9351Winner: 2024 Best of the Best by Charlotte 88,000 Square Feet • Over 625 Booths Magazine www.depotgibsonmill.com Comfortably air conditioned Mon-Sat 10-7• Sunday 1-6
325 M Conc 70 www.dep Mon-Sat Visit our On-site Deli located in the Cotton Room
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325 McGill Ave. NW Concord, NC 28026 704-787-9351 325 McGill Ave. NW | Concord, NC 28026 www.depotgibsonmill.com Sunday 704-787-9351 | www.depotgibsonmill.com | Mon-SatMon-Sat 10-7 • 10-7• Sunday 1-61-6
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
Helping Residents with a Fresh Start:
»
INSURANCE TIPS FOR THE NEW YEAR
As we embrace 2025, it is an ideal time to set yourself up for the year ahead. We suggest yearly policy reviews to optimize your insurance coverage and make sure your coverage aligns with your current circumstances and offers maximum protection. Here are a few insurance tips for the new year: Homeowner’s Insurance Review your home’s market value to ensure you dwelling coverage is sufficient for replacement. Any improvements you have made will affect the value as well. Added valuable items like jewelry or heirlooms recently? Be sure to create a home inventory and get valuables insured, so you have adequate personal property coverage. Auto Insurance Evaluate how your vehicle is being used and any life changes from this past year. Additional coverage features can be tailored to fit your specific needs. Factors like credit history, marital status, driving records, mileage, and car type impact auto insurance costs. Do you use your car for your business? Your personal auto policy will not cover business use of a vehicle. You’ll need a commercial auto policy.
Life Insurance Make sure your financial liabilities are covered and loved ones are financially secure if you pass. The new year is a great time to review your assets, liabilities, dependents, and stage of life. Recently become a new parent? You’ll want to protect your child financially, not just your spouse. Child care should be part of your life insurance planning. Commercial Insurance Have you added employees, changed operations, updated payroll or total sales projection, or moved business locations? It is time to re-evaluate the specific needs of your company and ensure your insurance coverage is aligned with your business needs. Schedule a yearly policy review with your agent!
*Extra Tip: (704) 875-3060 foglegroup.com
New
Explore bundle discounts! Consider bundling your policies with a single provider. Many insurers offer discounts when you bundle multiple policies such as auto and home insurance. Bundling simplifies your management and can result in significant savings.
! l a e D w e N , r a e Y
Find your new car at Randy Marion Subaru
COME VISIT OUR NEW FACILITY
301 W. Plaza Dr. | Mooresville 28117 Mon - Fri. 7:30am - 8:00pm | Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm Sales open 9am - 9pm Mon - Sat
Service Appointments: 704-663-4994 randymarionsubaru.com
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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MCINTOSH LAW FIRM’S YOUNG LEADERS Mooresville High School’s NJROTC Executive Officer Janelle Rouse (center) is joined by fellow cadets at the unit’s recent “Pass and Review.”
Developing Good Citizens
Mooresville High’s NJROTC unit earns high marks by Lori Helms | photographs courtesy Mooresville HS NJROTC
The cadets from Mooresville High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) have done it again. For the 22 consecutive year, they have earned the Distinguished Unit Award following the annual “pass and review” inspection by the corp’s Area 6 Manager (essentially, competing against all other schools within North Carolina). “The area manager comes through with a fine-tooth comb,” says U.S. Navy CAPT (ret.) Charlie Gibson, who guides his unit’s approximately 100 cadets through the school year’s curriculum. The cadets are judged on their cohesiveness to march as a unit as well as meeting or exceeding their grooming and uniform standards. The Distinguished Unit Award is earned by scoring within the top 30% of all Area 6 units. But NJROTC participation is about more than marching and drilling, says CAPT Gibson. “Our focus is to prepare them for life and to teach them leadership responsibilities,” he says. “It’s a citizenship development program. Whether they go directly into the workforce (after high school), whether they go into the military or whether they go on to college, we’re just trying to develop them as good citizens.” CAPT Gibson says the program is year-round and not just a school year commitment. In addition to the daily curriculum covering anything from first aid to oceanography to astrology, many cadets participate in one of the unit’s seven competitive teams (think drill, color guard or academic, to name just a few) while also taking advantage of a variety of field trips. A favorite among the cadets is the opportunity to attend a sailing academy in the summer at Lake Moultrie in South Carolina, where they learn to sail by themselves and finish off the academy with solo racing competitions.
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But don’t take it just from CAPT Gibson. Here is what the unit’s senior leadership have to say about their time in NJROTC ... Sean Ihm, Commanding Officer: “My freshman year, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I took a leap and joined all the teams, volunteered for every activity and embraced everything the unit had to offer. I really started to enjoy the things I was doing and was making a lot of friends and memorable experiences. By the end of my freshman year, I felt like I was part of a family in NJROTC and our instructors, Chief and Captain, motivated me more than anything to not only do my best in the unit, but also in my other classes, and really all aspects of life.” Janelle Rouse, Executive Officer: “I joined NJROTC to build my confidence and overcome my shyness. I stayed in the program because it helps you build strong relationships with your peers and offers numerous opportunities to volunteer and help the community. Since joining, my confidence has grown significantly, and I have developed greater self-discipline and improved my leadership skills.” Micayla Henry, Operations Officer: “When I first signed up for classes as a freshman, I didn’t even know what ROTC was. So, for me, the important question isn’t why I started, but why I stayed. Since joining, I’ve come to love ROTC for the strong sense of family and responsibility it fosters. I believe that if you stick with it, ROTC can help you grow — not just as a student, but as a person. ... ROTC has given me countless opportunities to try new things, meet amazing people and develop myself — not just for the military, but for life.”
LIGHT UP
your space with exceptional design. Looking to start off the new year with some interior remodeling or even a new home build? Read on for a few ideas and the talent to help you execute them.
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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DWELLINGS
Creating
Classic Elegance
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
Or, how to make ‘light’ work of a remodel by Lori Helms | photography by Jon Beyerle
“There’s a story about that light ...”
before Designer Lori Savio of Home, Heart & Soul brought this circa-1990s master bathroom into a new century with an entirely new layout and light, elegant touches.
That’s the first thing designer Lori Savio, owner of Home, Heart & Soul in Cornelius, said when I walked into her latest remodeling project and was struck not just by the vastness of the space but by the beautiful lighting and detail work at the peak of the room’s two-story ceiling. The space is a master bathroom with an enormous footprint, and to top it off – quite literally – is this incredibly high ceiling that meets at a point in the center of the room. “Since this ceiling has so many angles to it, I wanted to draw attention to it but complement it,” Savio says. “So, we designed these heavy beams with the purpose of accenting the angles but keeping the ceiling from feeling so high and heavy. And we did a grand chandelier, because it commanded that.” It certainly did, but it turns out she may have initially overestimated just what the home – or at least the access points throughout the home – could command. www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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DWELLINGS
“We couldn’t get it through any of the doorways,” she says with a bit of a sheepish laugh. The first version of the chandelier that she ordered was a 36-inch square work of art, which certainly would have filled the space in mind, but not if you can’t even get it in the front door. The answer was scaling it back to a 24-inch square. Problem solved. Thankfully, Savio says that was one of very few hiccups in the entire remodel. Considering that it was essentially a complete demo and reconfiguration of the space, that’s impressive.
it meets the walls at the shower and bath. The curbless shower is surrounded by glass and includes an intricately detailed herringbone tile inlay. The clean, elegant aesthetic continues throughout the room, including the dual vanity area and its stunning double brass mirrors.
“Because we had such a huge footprint, we gave them lots and lots of storage,” Savio says. “We did that in a nice, warm tone to keep that classic look, and mixed in different tones of brass to make it a bit eclectic.”
“The vanities are a very light quartz, with very slight veining that picks up the warm floor tone,” says Savio. “The whole idea was to keep it very clean but add the warmth with the The brass heated towel bar and tub fixtures cabinetry and the paint color.” are perfect complements to the room’s warm tones. She says the entire project at this Cornelius golf course home was completed in slightly less than three months, thanks to the various professionals she regularly works with to make these remodels so successful.
The flooring is a matte-finished porcelain in 24-inch square tiles that run diagonally throughout, then turn to a vertical application where
“I had a great team of contractors,” she says. “From plumbers to electricians to painters and tile artists, they do fabulous work.”
Starting in mid-August of 2024, Savio says everything was removed, including the flooring and the raised tub that was surrounded by columns and some sort of roof structure over it. She also got rid of the two vanity spaces on opposite sides of the room, as well as the shower perched in yet another corner. The new layout is more contiguous, with a smarter use of the space which led to the addition of a great deal of cabinetry.
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Limitless
photo courtey of The East Lincoln Community Chorus
For the area’s 55+ adults who place no limits on living their best lives!
The East Lincoln Community Chorus is still singing strong after 21 years.
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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LIMITLESS FEATURE – East Lincoln Community Chorus
s t u o y No Tr Required Top, the chorus in full concert regalia. Above and right, the group warms up their voices at recent Chrismas concert rehearsals.
East Lincoln Community Chorus is open to all by Bek Mitchell-Kidd | photographs courtesy ELCC
The East Lincoln Community Chorus (ELCC) is a Denver-based group of singers bringing joy, song and a sense of belonging to the Lake Norman area.
ELCC concerts are free to the public, which the group sees as a way to contribute to the musical arts community. Approximately half of their funding comes from the “Magic Box,” Diane says.
A non-profit group of volunteers, the chorus performs two shows per year, one in the spring or summer and one during Christmastime. The board of directors oversees the chorus’ vision selecting a director and approving the music for each show. ELCC has performed 38 shows during their 21 years together.
“After one of our shows, ‘Cinemagic,’ in 2008, we declared the donation box was the ‘Magic Box’ because it helps make the magic happen. We appreciate the audiences’ donations so we can continue to bring amazing music to the community.” The magical donation box can be found as you exit an ELCC performance, and Simpson is not the only ELCC veteran who understands the value of those donations.
“We have a list of more than 175 people who are current singers or have sung with us in the past,” says original member and current board president, Diane Simpson. “We typically have about 40-70 singers for each show depending on the time of year. We love having new singers continually join us.” 36
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
“We have had some wonderful directors, including Cheryl Barker, Carol Clark and Dustin Stamey,” she says. “They each have a unique style but all with a love of music. Some of our chorus members have been with us since the first concert and we have one person, Donnie
“If you love to sing and want to learn more, come join us. Soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass — we’ll help you fit in!”
Maggart, who has sung in every concert since we began.” Spending that much time together, Simpson says the chorus members become very close, almost like family. She says one of her favorite moments was watching the chorus’ then-President, Daniel Malyevak, perform “I Wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas” at our show called “Letters to Santa” in 2022. “Daniel was a fill-in for the soloist and he performed with flair and fun in his falsetto tenor voice,” says Simpson. “It was a fun moment for him and the children who attended the show. Daniel passed away unexpectedly of natural causes two months later.” Much love and hard work goes into rehearsals, including efforts to secure a location. Simpson says the planning process for each show
begins at least 12 months in advance. “We also have to determine the facility and dates and make that all work together,” she says. “We wish Denver had a performing arts center with a stage and adequate parking, but we have been fortunate to have several local churches available.” If you’re ready to take your singing beyond the shower, Simpson says joining ELCC is easy. “There are no tryouts,” she says. “If you love to sing and want to learn more, come join us. Soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass — we’ll help you fit in!” For more on the shows, how to get involved or to make a donation, visit www.elccsings.com.
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LIMITLESS - learning
New Year, New Estate Plan! As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us reflect on the past and set goals for the future. It’s a natural time for evaluation, making it the perfect opportunity to review and update your estate plan. Ensuring that your estate plan aligns with your current circumstances and future intentions is key to protecting your assets and providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. One of the most compelling reasons to revisit your estate plan at the start of the year is the chance to reflect on any major life events that occurred over the past 12 months. Events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, or the passing of a loved one can significantly impact your designated beneficiaries or executors. These changes may mean that your current estate plan no longer reflects your wishes. This time of year is also an opportune moment to discuss your estate plan with family members, especially your healthcare directive and powers of attorney. Open discussions about your medical care and decision-making wishes, in the event you’re unable to express them, can help reduce the likelihood of future conflicts and ensure your intentions are clearly understood. While the new year is an ideal time to reflect on any recent life changes, it’s important to remember that estate planning
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
is an ongoing process and not a one-time task. Over the course of the next 12 months, pay attention to any life events that may necessitate updates to your plan. Without regular updates, your estate planning documents may not account for new developments, potentially leading to unintended consequences or disputes. Whether you are updating an existing plan or creating one for the first time, working with an experienced estate planning attorney is invaluable. An estate planning attorney can guide you through legal complexities, helping to ensure that your plan optimally benefits your heirs and truly reflects your wishes.
Cameron A. Crump is an Estate Planning Attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C. Contact her at 704.892.1699 or at www.mcintoshlawfirm.com/ attorneys/cameron-a-crump/.
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LIMITLESS – moment in time
You Say ‘Puh-cann’ ...
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
courtesy Mi ckey Dunaw ay
... we all say ‘delicious’ It seems to be a mystery how to properly pronounce pecan. Usually in the South, it is one of three ways: puh-cann, pee-kan, or pee-caan (pronounced as in the actor, James Caan). The pronunciation depends mostly on how far in the South you grew up and how the fruit of the pecan tree was pronounced by your Grandaddy.
one day late in that summer quarter, I had time between classes, and I walked over to the Extension Service Office and asked the clerk at the front desk about this remarkable Auburn Cookbook I had heard about. She agreed with my neighbor and told me it was $5. I put a $5 bill on the counter, and she put a small paperback book in my hand.
For consistency, in my head I will use the pronunciation in this piece that was common to my Granddaddy, which was puh-cann. Most of the pecan pies I ate growing up were baked by my mother, a marvelous cook of everything from fried squirrels or rabbits to heavenly-inspired biscuits with butterbeans on the side. As I remember it, we had biscuits every night regardless of the main dish. This meant that I also had Blackburn’s Corn Syrup or my mama’s dewberry jelly on my biscuits. If dewberry sounds strange to you, the dewberry is a smaller version of the blackberry with fewer seeds, and the fruit is markedly sweeter which makes for better pies and jelly.
As I walked back to our apartment, I scanned the index looking for pecan pie recipes. The book had 162 pages, and the last page showed pages where recipes for Candies, Cheese, Deep Fat Frying, and Desserts could be found. But no pecan pie.
Of desserts, my mother was best as a pecan pie cook. However, through the years, she lost the ability to bake a pecan pie. The insides of her pies became runny instead of congealed, so she just quit baking pecan pies. Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners were never the same. Some years later in my last semester at Auburn, I found what I hoped was the solution to the pecan pie dilemma. Sandy and I had married the previous December and were getting ready to move back to Mobile, Alabama, for jobs after graduation. That final quarter we lived in married student housing, which had a culture of its own, and we heard through the grapevine that we should not graduate without the Auburn Cookbook. Our neighbors swore we had to have one if our marriage was to survive long term. So,
I was disappointed that pecan pies were not under Desserts. So, I stopped under a large white oak tree in the quadrangle of the women’s dorms and began seriously searching the book for pecan pies. I found the Pecan Pie recipe under the heading of Pies. Pies had their own section! Hallelujah! Christmas and Thanksgiving desserts just might be saved. Our first Thanksgiving back home, I made pecan pies for our large family get-together. They were a success and approved by Mama! Over the next 50 years or so, the recipe has proved its measure by producing outstanding pecan pies just as I remembered how Mama made them. We still have that much-worn cookbook. And I always drag it out to make sure I am going exactly by the Auburn pecan pie recipe. I have only made one change through the years — I added two tablespoons of Kentucky bourbon to the recipe. I have become the pecan pie maker for our immediate family. My grandchildren will have nothing else. I usually make a half-dozen pies between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. As I write this, I am now halfway there for 2024! Give The Auburn Pecan Pie recipe a try.
The Auburn Pecan Pie
Courtesy of THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICE: AUBURN COOKBOOK Ingredients: ½ cup sugar 1 cup white Karo ¼ cup butter ¼ tsp. salt 3 eggs beaten ½ tsp. vanilla 2 Tbsp. Maker’s Mark Bourbon (my only addition) 1 cup chopped pecans 1 unbaked pie shell Instructions: Combine sugar, Karo, butter and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Pour over beaten eggs, stirring constantly. Let eggs cool, then add vanilla, Maker’s Mark and pecans. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes; reduce temperature to 375 degrees and bake for another 25-30 minutes. Take it out when the crust is browned. Let it sit until it is cool to touch before slicing. Wishing you every blessing for a prosperous and happy new year … and a pecan pie! - MD courtesy Mickey Dunaway
by Mickey Dunaway
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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Dine + Wine
Photo by Amy Hart
Eating, drinking, cooking and fun
Just a few of the delicious surprises you’ll find at On The Nines Bistro in Mooresville. www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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DINE + WINE – wine time
Rosé — a real wine? Let’s lose the ‘patio pounder’ libel by Trevor Burton | graphic courtesy Trevor Burton
I recently ran a wine tasting of rosé wines. It’s main theme was that rosés are real wines rather than “patio pounders” — not just something refreshing to sip on as you appreciate the lake. A couple of points stood out. Participants tasted ones from Europe and the rosé style wines from California. A wine like Bandol Rosé from a small region in the south of France made the point. By law, wines from the Bandol region must truly be from the region to carry the name of the region on a wine’s label. There’s a small supply of wine and there’s no tap to turn off and on to meet demand. By contrast, many makers of rosé wines in California use grapes from anywhere in the state, so an on/off tap is readily available. Another wine that people sipped on was a wine from the island of Corsica. A quick aside on some French civics: French “possessions” are more than just islands in oceans. They are, legally, part of the French nation. They have the same laws as on the mainland. Why that matters is that they must obey France’s very strict wine laws. That’s why a rosé from Corsica was so interesting. Grown in a much sunnier climate, it had the region — Patrimonio — on its label. Patrimonio is in the northern part of the island, a region with limestone soils. This was a unique rosé, made from a close relative of Italy’s Sangiovese grape. It was a dense wine, with aromas of red fruits and violets. And remember French laws are about wine, not “close to” wine. One more nail in the coffin about rosés not being a real wine. 46
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The section of the tasing on how rosé wines are made was definitive. There are three methods of making rosé wine: maceration, saignée and blending. Let’s talk about blending first. The method blends together finished red wine with white wine to create a pink wine. By law, it’s limited to sparkling wine. That’s how pink Champagne is created. By contrast, with the maceration method, pressed wine juice is left in contact with its skins for only a short amount of time. The wine picks up some color but not as much as a red wine would. Then the juice is left to ferment, just as normal wine would. Again, real wine, not “close to” wine. Saignée is a French word which translates to “bled.” Actually, “bleeding” would be a more elegant translation. A red wine undergoes maceration to build up color and body by way of contact with its skins. Sometimes, some of the red wine is “bled” off. The objective is to make a more intense red wine. The drawn-off wine is left to ferment as a light-colored wine, a rosé. Once again, a real wine. Well, there you have it. A combination of wine laws and wine making methodology result in rosé being a true wine, rather than a refreshing “patio pounder” whose aim is lake watching. Rosé wines can be complex as well as summery. Actually, any time of year is good for a fine rosé. Try one, you have only pleasure to risk.
Living Well Your local resource for health and wellness services near you Audiology
PHC – Lake Norman Ears, Nose & Throat Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD Susie Riggs, AuD Caroline Millsaps, AuD 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Cardiology
PHC – Heart & Vascular Jips Zachariah, MD Naveed Rajper, MD
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
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PHC – Mooresville Dermatology Center Naomi Simon, MD Kristin Prochaska, PA-C Gina Noble, PA-C Heather Hollandsworth, FNP Susan Stevens, RN, BSN
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1827 PHC- Lake Norman Dermatology Joel Sugarman, MD FAAD Allison Hanley, PA-C Melissa Moser, PA-C 140 Leaning Oak Drive, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 704-658-9730
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PHC – Lake Norman Ears, Nose, & Throat Keith Meetze, MD Thomas Warren, MD Herb Wettreich, MD Fred New, Jr., ANP 140 Gateway Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9638
Endocrinology PHC- Endocrinology Elaine Sunderlin, MD Emylee Brown, PA-C
170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
Family Medicine
PHC – Nabors Family Medicine Emily Nabors, MD
142 Professional Park Drive Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-696-2083
PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine Timothy A. Barker, MD Bruce L. Seaton, DO Amanda H. Bailey, DO Kyle Babinski, DO Bilal Khan, DO Sherard Spangler, PA 357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328
PHC – Sailview Family Medicine Tiana Losinski, MD Alexander Watson, DNP
206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite J Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-4801
PHC – Fairview Family Medicine Golnar Lashgari, MD Erica Vollano, FNP-BC
146 Medical Park Road, Suite 210 Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-235-0300
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359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center Vivek Trivedi, MD Venu Gangireddy, MD Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C
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170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
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PHC – Internal Medicine & Weight Management Manish G. Patel, MD Julie Abney, PA Andrea Brock, PA-C
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
PHC – Lake Norman Internal Medicine John C. Gatlin, MD Swathi Talla, MD 548 Williamson Road, Suite 6 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-660-5520
Mental Health Services PHC-Mastor Mental Health Jason E. Mastor, MD Kristin C. Brown, PA-C Megan I. Flott, PA-C Diana J. Remenar, PA-C
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PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint Scott Brandon, MD Brett L. Feldman, MD Alex Seldomridge III, MD Travis Eason, MD Julie Glener, MD Kim Lefreniere, PA-C
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Orthopedic Surgery – Spine PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint Alex Seldomridge, III, MD
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Pain Managment
PHC – Pain & Spine Center Harsh Govil, MD, MPH Nathan Barkley, FNP-C Samuel Sackenheim, NP-C April Hatfield, FNP-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Neurology
PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine Dharmen S. Shah, MD
Physical Medicine & Rehab
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Roderick Elias, MD
PULMONOLOGY
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100
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PHC - Spine & Sports Medicine John Lesher, MD, MPH 170 Medical Park Road, Suite 302 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506 PHC –Pulmonology Enrique Ordaz MD Jose Perez MD Ahmed Elnaggar, MD Vishal Patel, MD
PHC – Lake Norman Neurology Andrew J. Braunstein, DO Ryan Conrad, MD Craig D. DuBois, MD Roderick Elias, MD
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Obstetrics/Gynecology
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
9735 Kincey Avenue, Ste 203 Huntersville, NC 28078 • 704-766-9050
PHC – Lake Norman OB/GYN James Al-Hussaini, MD Laura Arigo, MD Grant Miller, MD James Wilson, MD Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD NailaRashida Frye, MD Krisandra Edwards, FNP-C Alyssa Clay, DNP, FNP-C
Rheumatology
PHC – Rheumatology Sean M. Fahey, MD Dijana Christianson, DO Janice Clayton, FNP-C
131 Medical Park Road, Suite 102 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-1282
Oncology
Southern Oncology Specialists William Mitchell, MD Poras Patel, MD
46 Medical Park Rd, Suite 212 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-659-7850
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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DINE + WINE - tasty bits
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LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
Simple Yet
s u o i c i l e D
Classic Shrimp Oreganata
Originating from the coastal regions of Italy, Shrimp Oreganata was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants and has since become a beloved dish featured on restaurant menus across the country. This classic Italian American recipe has gained immense popularity due to its simple yet delicious combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant oregano and crispy breadcrumbs. The use of readily available ingredients makes this recipe perfect for home cooks who want to replicate restaurant quality meals at home. This lighter version of Shrimp Oreganata uses jumbo shrimp topped with a light mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. The dish is then baked on a sheet pan, allowing for an effortless cooking process and quick cleanup — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. This convenient cooking method allows the shrimp to cook evenly, absorbing all the flavorful seasonings.
by Kathy Dicken photography by Kathy Dicken
Ingredients: 1.5 - 2 lbs. jumbo shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined 2 Tbsp. dry white wine 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 3 Tbsp. panko or dry breadcrumbs 2 Tbsp. fresh minced parsley 1-1/2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. lemon zest 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
Shrimp Oreganata is ideal for serving during a casual weeknight dinner or at your next festive gathering. It captures many of the beloved flavors found in Shrimp Scampi, featuring garlic and a hint of lemon, but with the addition of a deliciously crunchy breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or simply looking to elevate your everyday meals, Shrimp Oreganata is a reliable crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress. Pair it with a light salad and a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, and line a sheet pan with non-stick foil. Peel, devein and butterfly the shrimp open, leaving the tails on (if desired). Place the shrimp in a large bowl and toss gently with wine, salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Servings: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes
Mix the breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Add the shrimp in a single layer to the sheet pan or a rimmed baking dish. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over each shrimp and drizzle the tops with olive oil.
Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of The Tasty Bits food blog. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.
Bake until the shrimp are cooked through, about 8 minutes, and then broil for 1-2 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Finish each serving off with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately. Note: To make the preparation of this recipe quick and easy, I often use frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp. They are available with shrimp tails on or off, your preference. www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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DINE + WINE - nibbles and bites
‘This Is An What it means to dine at On The Nines
Experience’
by Lori Helms
Above, the bistro’s labor- and flavor-intensive French onion soup. Right, a glass of red wine paired with any of Chef Steve Jordan’s creative sharing plates is a perfect start to a meal. Photo (right) courtesy Andrea Orr.
Not all French onion soup is created equal. That’s just a fact, and I can state that with confidence not because I’m some overpaid, self-important foodie. No, this is purely a case in which the quantity of my consumption gives me the experience to determine quality. After several decades on the hunt for that ever-elusive perfect crock that has spanned hundreds of restaurants across two continents, I can safely say that it exists right here in our very own Lake Norman backyard. Sitting at a table one recent afternoon with owner Chris Boukedes and Chef Steve Jordan of On The Nines Bistro in Mooresville, I listened to them both nearly wax poetic about what most would consider a simple appetizer. But that’s not how they see it, nor how they approach it. “Let’s talk about an item that will change your life,” Boukedes says with a bit of a twinkle in his eye. “Do you like French onion soup?” 50
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | JANUARY 2025
Now they had my attention. Jordan says the key to it is that he makes his own veal stock. It’s essentially a three-day process that starts with roasting the bones for hours to draw the marrow out, creating the foundation for a voluptuous broth made all the better by reducing it a few times while adding carmelized onion and other root vegetables, and seasoning it with bouquet garni, red wine, brandy, port wine ... you get the picture. “All of that in one bowl,” Boukedes says, “it is unbelievable.” What’s also unbelievable is that more people don’t know about On The Nines Bistro. With its Mooresville Golf Club location, Boukedes and Jordan think it’s possible that folks may dismiss it as a typical golf course restaurant. You know the type. As Boukedes describes them, they have a picture of Arnold Palmer on the 13th
Photography courtesy Andrea Orr.
green at the Masters, a mediocre club sandwich and an overpour on the bourbon for a table of rowdy golfers. That’s absolutely not what you’ll find here, once you make the decision to wind your way down a narrow road that most think is merely the entrance to the golf course parking lot. “Once you know what’s at the end of it, it’s like our own little ‘Wizard of Oz’,” he says. “We’ve got customers coming here four days a week. ... We have some loyalty that is amazing.” And there’s a reason for that. Their casual but elegant bistro feel is what pulls you in when you step through the door, but what keeps you there – and keeps people coming back – is the fantastic food and exceptional customer service. It’s not an inexpensive night out, so that fact that they’ve achieved such a loyal following is something that Boukedes and Jordan do not take for granted. “For someone to walk through that door and spend one dollar on us, let alone $30 to $40 on a steak, they’re going to get
everything from us,” Boukedes says. “We’re going to give them everything we’ve got. We have to.” And what they’ve got is an eclectic menu that combines Jordan’s spin on his grandmother’s biscuit recipe, a nod to his Low Country culinary education in the shrimp and grits, even a schnitzel made with beef tenderloin and served with whole grain and dill spatzle. For a change of pace, some of their regulars have become so confident in Jordan’s expertise that they don’t even ask for a menu, they’ll just try whatever he has as a special that evening. “This is an experience,” Boukedes says to describe what they offer their customers – regulars and new ones alike. “You’re not coming to The Nines to rush out of here to go to a movie. This is your evening. ... I know we have something special.” Check out what makes On The Nines Bistro so special. Visit www.ontheninesbistro.com to view the menu or make reservations. Dinner is served Wednesday-Saturday beginning at 4 p.m., with Sunday brunch starting at 10:30 a.m.
Did You Know? Chris Boukedes and Chef Steve Jordan have strong local ties in a few other enterprises around the Lake Norman area, including:
• Boatyard Lake Norman in Cornelius – a local favorite place for food, drinks and live music • The Comedy Zone at Victory Lanes Events & Entertainment Center in Mooresville – enjoy live comedy every Wednesday. • Bouk Catering at The Venues at Langtree – an ideal place for weddings, corporate retreats, meetings and celebrations in Mooresville. • Hoptown Brewing Company – Boukedes and Jordan have a partnership with brewery owners Scott and Sandy Plemmons, who offer On The Nines American Lager. “We are foundationally anchored to the community,” Boukedes says. “It’s in everything we’ve done.” www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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LNB AWARD WINNER – Lake Norman Lawn Services
T ES B
LA K E
MAN ’S OR N
Tackling a landscaping or outdoor living space project is not for the faint of heart. Ask anyone who has jumped into that breach, and they’ll tell you that having a professional by your side is the critical key to success. That strong partnership and assurance that you’re not going it alone is how Lake Norman Lawn Services, Inc., rose to the top in our most recent Lake Norman’s Best Readers Choice Award contest for Best Landscaping Company. “They know that I’m with them all the way through,” says Stacy Karavas-Hernandez, the company’s project coordinator and business owner with her husband, Jose Hernandez. “I’m there from the estimate to the very end.” It’s that kind of personalized service that has kept the company going – and growing – strong since its inception as a basic lawn care business in 2007. She says they began with a little more than a dozen clients, offering such services as mowing, mulching and trimming, but over time their repeat customers were asking for a broader spectrum of services. Stacy says that after about 10 years, they decided their full focus would be on three areas: landscaping, hardscape services and irrigation repairs. And they haven’t looked back since. 52
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Lake Norman Lawn Services
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compiled by Lori Helms photography courtesy Lake Norman Lawn Services
“Jose goes to every estimate visit,” she says. “He is there when the job starts and is with them through the entire process. And I always make it a point to check in afterward. Our goal is that they are completely satisfied.” That’s a tall order, considering Lake Norman Lawn Services and its range of expertise. In addition to anything you could dream up when it comes to your landscaping needs, the business is also known for their retaining walls, custom fire pits, patios, walkways and deck installations. And to keep everything looking beautiful, they can assist with irrigation maintenance and repairs. They’re a literal onestop shop for all your exterior needs, and their repeat customers and continual referrals are a testament to that expertise. “If you’re looking for a reliable source for all of your outdoor needs, we are definitely that source,” Stacy says. “We are there from start to finish, and our clients are familiar with us. They know who is going to be on site. It’s kind of old school, really.” Go old school and learn more about Lake Norman Lawn Services at www.lakenormanlawnservices.com or contact them at 704.430.1915 or lknlawnservices@gmail.com.
FOR SALE Luxury Waterfront Estate with Golf Course Views Offered at
$3,495,000
ABOUT THE PROPERTY Experience luxury waterfront living with breathtaking golf course views in the prestigious Peninsula Community. This 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath masterpiece offers a spacious open floor plan, a chef’s kitchen, a renovated primary suite with lakefront deck, and an entertainer’s dream walk-out basement. Enjoy serene outdoor living with a covered porch, firepit patio, and a private dock with a pergola. Discover unparalleled elegance and world-class amenities in this one-of-a-kind home.
Christy Walker & Associates KW | Keller Williams Realty
704.439.5300 Christy@ChristyWalker.com www.ChristyWalker.com
www.LNCurrents.com | JANUARY 2025
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