Lake Norman CURRENTS July 2023

WINDOW AND PATIO DOOR REPLACEMENT

Live healthier and happier. Experience personalized service that brings our quality products and craftsmanship direct to your home. Get started with a free, no-obligation quote.

Mike Griffin, CEO Mooresville

Kortney Houston Mooresville

Carrie Starnes Hickory

Michael Holdenrid, VP Mount Holly

Paul Renegar Statesville

Tonya Shook Hickory Logan Canipe Lincolnton

Leon Brown, III Statesville

Leyda Martinez Denver

Shana Vielie Statesville

Lauren Yount Maiden

Melissa Armstrong Mooresville

Dennis Long Statesville

Barbi Dellinger Lincolnton

Rich Schrader Mount Holly

Chad Hampton Mooresville

Tim Buri Mooresville

Diggin’ the bark!

Looking at this month’s cover, I must ask: How does this picture make you feel? Does it lift your mood? Lower your blood pressure? Make you want to call fido and give him a hug? For me, it’s all the above. Here’s why.

Dogs are wonderful companions, and they’re loyal to a fault; it’s undeniable. A dog will follow you with a wagging tail and a smile (yes, they do smile). A dog will miss you when you’re not around, and they’ll celebrate your return with enthusiasm and maybe a happy dance and a joyous round of barking. A dog won’t snub you for a previous scolding. A dog will dedicate its life to serving you and your family and making you happy.

Thousands of years of domestication have wired dogs to co-exist symbiotically with humans on many levels — as household pets, as service dogs, as police and military dogs, as hunting dogs, as therapy dogs — and the list goes on. Dogs can play fetch and tug of war, and they can learn all types of tricks. Dogs are patient sounding boards, and the sound of your voice will keep his attention and his company, even though he may not understand what you’re saying. Dogs are sympathetic if not empathetic. If you’re sad or suffering, your dog will do its best to console you. A well cared for dog is eternally optimistic, waking up each morning with a zest for life and an unwavering joy for the new day. I wish I were more dog-like than I am. If I were, I’d worry less, be more grateful for the blessings I have, abandon my cynicisms, wake up each day howling-happy and earn myself a magazine cover. In sickness and in health ‘til death do us part, I love my dogs.

Over the years, I’ve adopted five shelter dogs. A shy Beagle-mix named Ginger, a stubborn Bassett named Lou, an energetic Coon Hound named Hank, and current family members — a sweet DachshundChihuahua blend named Lola, and the amusing Pug-mix named Nuggs.

Owning dogs has given me a deeper appreciation for animals who, I realized long ago, not only share the same basic needs as humans (food, shelter and security), but they also share our inherent familial behaviors. Mammals care for, nurture and protect their young. Watch them closely, whether it be in your living room or on a farm. Animals exhibit emotion: sadness, joy, confusion, fear. If you own a dog, you will agree that their facial expressions and body language easily translate to their state of being. In my experience, it’s also probable that if you look directly into your dog’s eyes, you’re finished. You will fulfill whatever wish it is he’s telepathically willing you to do. You will receive his message and you will oblige. Conversely, my dogs can read my face as easily as my wife can detect my mood with a split-second glance.

When I sit in my recliner at night, there are two tired dogs on my lap, which I find comforting. I spoil my dogs and, in turn, they provide me with unwavering companionship, entertainment and joy. Over the years, I’ve also owned cats which aren’t as much fun as dogs, but that’s an editorial for another day.

No matter the pet — dog, cat, turtle, horse, canary, hamster, duck, or whatever species of animal suits you — I hope you’ll agree that having a pet can enrich your life. Animal shelters are full of furry companions in waiting, in dire need of a loving home. Check it out.

Congratulations to the canine winners featured in this issue. Give your pooch a bone and have a dog-day kind of summer.

Co-Editor Tony @LNCurrents.com

MacAdam Smith

Advertising Director

Sharon Simpson Sharon@LNCurrents.com

Co-Editor

Lori Helms Lori@LNCurrents.com

Advertising Sales Executives

Beth Packard

Trisha

Event Coordinator

Publisher Social Media Specialist

Alison Smith Alison@LNCurrents.com

Lauren Platts social@lncurrents.com

Design & Production idesign2, inc

Contributing Writers

Trevor Burton

Kathy Dicken

Mickey Dunaway

Allison Futterman

Bek Mitchell-Kidd

Karel Bond Lucander

Allie Spencer

Contributing Photographers

Lisa Crates

Carole Lambert Carole@LNCurrents.com

Robinson Trisha@LNCurrents.com

Beth@LNCurrents.com

Mac@LNCurrents.com

My pups Lola & Nuggs

Contents

Every dog comes with a a tale. Family dog and Canine Cover Winner, Olive, is a customer service champion. Just ask her clientele.

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.

Future

Baloo is our 2 year old Great Dane. He became very ill earlier this year and we were told that we should accept there was nothing to be done, that he would almost certainly die. He didn’t die! We and his vets credit Karen and John and their Scalar Wave room for saving his life. He has completely recovered and is our healthy, happy doggo again! We consider it a miracle and can’t thank Karen and John enough.

Editor’s Note: Each month we will feature one of the Best of the Lake Norman CURRENTS Award Winners and share a little more behind-the-scenes info with our readers!

The McIntosh Law Firm

It was 25 years ago when a self-described “country lawyer” began practicing law in the north Mecklenburg County area, and although Bob McIntosh’s practice has grown from four to 15 attorneys and its area of expertise has vastly expanded, The McIntosh Law Firm in Davidson has held true to its original mission of genuinely wanting to help people.

“He truly believes that if you water the gardens within your community, everything blooms better,” says Angela Swett, the firm’s Director of Marketing, Client and Community Relations. Swett has been with the firm for 23 of those 25 years and says she can attest firsthand that McIntosh’s passion for caring for his clients and his “work family” is as steadfast now as it was then.

That’s just one of many reasons The McIntosh Law Firm was the winner of our 2022 Best of the Lake Norman CURRENTS “Best Attorney/Legal Services” category. Next month, we will begin featuring some of our 2023 winners.

The practice of law can be a very competitive field, she says, but McIntosh’s approach to client care is what sets him apart.

“His passion is the practice of law,” Swett says, adding that it’s important to him that his interaction with clients — even with those he doesn’t take on — is focused on truly helping them.

“He will spend 30 minutes on the phone explaining just why he can’t help them,” she says, while also offering recommendations to fellow attorneys who can. “He has broken down that competitive barrier a little bit through the philosophy of the law firm.”

That philosophy is the importance of relationships, and McIntosh truly practices what he preaches. His firm sponsors an annual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and social event, to which approximately 400 northern Mecklenburg County attorneys are invited at no cost to them. He is also actively involved in community philanthropy through his sponsorship of the historic Rural Hill Farm in Huntersville (a nod to his Scots-Irish heritage), and his participation in the Lake Norman Chamber Foundation’s inaugural “Thanksgiving Breakfast” in 2022, which raised more than $25,000 in support of the Lake Norman YMCA’s Pre and After School Program for childcare.

Attorneys with The McIntosh Law Firm can help clients in a variety of fields — everything from estate planning to family law to intellectual property and beyond. Swett says it would be easier to explain what they don’t practice, which is essentially only tax or criminal law. But beyond just the practice of law, McIntosh’s philosophy is one of leaving a legacy — not for notoriety, but for having an impact on the community that will sustain.

“Relationships are the key to successfully doing business,” McIntosh says. “We try to care for employees and clients in very similar ways. The goal is to build and nurture both. We want our employees to feel good about coming to work and being part of the overall success of the firm. We believe doing so supports our relationships with our clients to make our interactions more than just legal transactions.”

by Lori Helms

Photo courtesy The McIntosh Law Firm

Learn more about The McIntosh Law Firm at www.mcintoshlawfirm.com or call 704.892.1612.

Bob McIntosh brings his philosophy of client care, workplace environment and philanthropy to the firm now celebrating its 25th year.

by Lori Helms

Keeping up with What’s New!

New public beach in Denver

Following about a half-dozen years in the planning stages, construction of a Lake Norman public access beach in Denver is under way. When completed in 2024, it will be the third such beach along the lake’s shoreline — joining Lake Norman State Park in Troutman, where folks have had public swimming access for decades, and the seven-year-old beach at Ramsey Creek Park in Cornelius.

Beatty’s Ford Park, near the terminus of Unity Church Road in Denver, is already a popular spot for families and boat owners, with its public boat launch site, playground, splash park, picnic area and an amphitheater. When construction on the beach area is completed next year, it will also be joined by a new fishing pier and additional parking.

While many welcome more access for the public to Lake Norman’s shoreline, there has been a good deal of pushback from locals to the additional Beatty’s Ford Park amenity, as concerns about traffic are top of mind for Denver residents. The area’s growing popularity has meant growing traffic headaches and snarls, and improvements to the intersection of Unity Church Road with NC Highway 16 Business are not on the immediate horizon.

Patriotic parade in Mooresville

As part of its year-long 150th birthday celebration, the Town of Mooresville will host “Stars and Stripes on Main” — an Independence Day parade presented by Lowes. It is one of seven signature events the town will feature throughout the year.

“This year’s parade is going to be an amazing display of patriotism and community spirit,” said the town’s arts and events manager Christine Patterson in a recent press release. “We are proud to partner with Lowes Corporation to bring this event to life and create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.”

Beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4, the parade will travel along downtown Mooresville’s Main Street and will feature about 100 entries to include floats, marching bands and a variety of performers. More information about the parade is available on its webpage at www.MooresvilleNC.gov/StarsAndStripes.

Development concerns continue

It’s not just those of us fortunate enough to call the Lake Norman area our home who know what a special region we live in — witness the continuing influx of newcomers to our towns arriving from every point on the compass. But that growth is often accompanied by the groans of locals watching as schools become crowded and our roads experience more and more congestion.

The towns of Huntersville and Mooresville are often ground zero in that growth tug-of-war between its financial benefits and its physical limitations — an amped-up tax base is great, but plussing-up our infrastructure has been the region’s Achilles heel.

It will be interesting to follow the paths of two large-scale development proposals in Huntersville, which are receiving two very different responses from town officials and residents alike. With the backing of NASCAR’s Joey Logano, Treenail Development is working toward approval of a massive mixed-use development near I-77 on Hambright Road. It’s a project that has received very little pushback and appears to be on the glidepath toward approval.

Not so much, however, for the proposed Lagoona Bay Beach Club off Sam Furr Road. Developer Jake Palillo would like to develop a 240-acre project that would include hundreds of single-family and multi-family units as well as a 40-acre “lifestyle beach resort,” and thousands of Huntersville residents have sounded off against the project in an online petition. And Mooresville has decided to turn a critical eye toward growth with the recent creation of a working group that could institute a development moratorium.

Stay on top of what’s happening in your town by attending a meeting of its commissioners. The towns of Cornelius, Huntersville and Mooresville meet the first and third Mondays of the month, and Davidson convenes on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

LangTree Live

Feat. The H.C. Oakes Band - 6:30 - 9p

LangTree Lake Norman / Mooresville, NC

2nd Fri Street Fest,

Feat. Stormin Norman and Megan Doss - 6-10p

Oak Street Mill Cornelius

Live Under the Oaks

Feat. Tim Cook Band - 6-8p

Birkdale Village / Huntersville, NC

Rock the Lot

Feat. Rockie Lynne - 4-7p GhostFace Beer Lab

Downtown Mooresville (Super Sunday Funday)

LangTree Live

Feat. Sweet Leaf - 6:30 - 9p

LangTree Lake Norman / Mooresville, NC

Live Under the Oaks

Feat. Joseph Gallo Band - 6-8p

Birkdale Village / Huntersville, NC

LangTree Live

Feat. John Sullivan and Friends - 6:30 - 9p

LangTree Lake Norman / Mooresville, NC

Live Under the Oaks

Feat. The HWY - 6-8p

Birkdale Village / Huntersville, NC

Dog Island Jam

Feat. John Sullivan and Friends (& special guests) - 12p - 5p

On Dog Island on Lake Norman, come by boat

LangTree Live

Feat. Dani Kerr and the Skeleton Krew - 6:30 - 9p

LangTree Lake Norman / Mooresville, NC

Live Under the Oaks

Feat. Queen City Siren - 6-8p

Birkdale Village / Huntersville, NC

Live at 11

Feat. The Unknown Artist Band - 5:30p - 9p (Ballantyne’s Backyard)

by

Need a Nosh?

The Snack Barge redefines lakeside dining

There’s a new creature cruising the waters of Lake Norman this boating season, but unlike the ever elusive “Normie” and its more than questionable existence, there have been confirmed sightings of this one. It prefers the calmer waters of the lake’s western side, and it makes no attempts to conceal the colorful purple glow it emits after the sun goes down.

It’s The Snack Barge — the brainchild of innovators Carter Watkins and Matt Latino — and it could be coming to a cove or island near you.

Got a hankering for a hot dog? Don’t feel like packing a cooler to feed the family and then shlepping it on and off your boat? The Snack Barge has you covered with a simple menu that includes the Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese (we hear if you don’t ask for it by name, you aren’t getting it), a signature Barge Burger and some Spiced Mango Shrimp Tacos. Rounded out with a couple of side options and a small selection of non-alcoholic beverages, this could be your summertime snacking solution.

If you find yourself floating around Dog Island or Governors Island near Westport on the weekend and your stomach is starting to rumble, just keep your eyes peeled for a tri-toon with bright teal panels and a large QR code on its sides to make ordering online easy (you’ll get a text when your order is ready for pick-up). You may even hear

it before you see it, thanks to its massive JBL sound system.

Watkins says it was a lot of work to essentially strip their 1987 Playcraft pontoon boat to its bare bones then construct a frame that would support the equipment and storage areas they would need. It took them about a year, start to finish, but describing themselves as both rather handy, he thinks they now have a formula that they could replicate in the future quite easily.

“Both of us doing this together just makes it something pretty awesome,” Watkins says, but it takes more than the two of them to beach the heavily loaded barge when arriving at an island. “We get four or five of the strongest guys that we see to help us,” he says.

And if your summer fun doesn’t necessarily include time on the water, it’s possible you might just catch The Snack Barge on land at a local brewery. The boat is fully trailered and licensed like a food truck would be, allowing Watkins and Latino to offer its services to landlubbers as well. They’ll be at Huntersville’s 760 Craft Works on July 21, Sept. 3 and Sept. 23, and at Lost Worlds Brewery in Cornelius on Aug. 20.

Lori Helms | photography courtesy Carter Watkins & Matt Latino

Left, co-owner Matt Latino is ready to prepare your order. Inset, The Snack Barge beaches up on Lake Norman’s west side for hungry boaters.

Keep up with The Snack Barge on Instagram (@thesnackbarge), at www.lknsnackbarge.com or follow it on Facebook to find out where it will be next.

As Veterinarians are medical doctors, you face many of the same risks and liabilities as any medical profession, making it necessary to purchase sufficient insurance to cover any losses and claims. Let us take this worry away from you so that you can focus on the care of the pets that have been placed in your hands. Here are two types of coverages we highly recommend Veterinarians have for their clinics:

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE:

It can be easy to make mistakes around animals that are nervous, scared, or very ill. Professional Liability insurance can help cover you and your clinic by paying for damages and expenses that occur from error or mistake in your professional services. It can help cover claims of negligence, misrepresentation, inaccurate advice, and supposed mistakes. This coverage is also known as Errors and Omissions insurance (E&O)

EQUIPMENT COVERAGE:

Business equipment, including computers and specialized medical equipment, such as x-ray and ultrasound machines, used for your practice are costly and it is important to have this sophisticated equipment covered in the case of damage or loss where repairs or replacements are needed.

Wag Your

Tail

With upbeat, dog-centric gear

Always a dog lover, Dawn Feest came up with the idea for Wag Your Tail in 2006 when she and her sister, Heather, got into a conversation about happiness. Heather had a job she didn’t like and was struggling.

“She asked what I do that makes me so happy in life,” Feest says. “We started talking about how dogs enthusiastically love and just wag their tails. So that was it — what is it that makes you feel that pure moment of joy? What makes us live and love our life and wag our tails?”

The New England native and full-time professional figure skater was living in Connecticut at the time. By 2007, Feest made Wag Your Tail official, filing for the LLC, trademark and copyright. She began working with illustrator Athena Loveland to devise the adorable, signature look for Wag Your Tail.

“I’ll let her know the designs I’m looking for, and she draws,” she says. “We keep a generic dog so everyone can relate to it.” Some of their clever concepts include “Java Dog,” “Diva Dog,” “Dirty Dog,” and “Crazy Dog” — with images portraying these fun characters. The sisters began marketing their Wag Your Tail brand in nearby Nantucket, Cape Code and Chatham, Massachusetts.

“On the Cape, we would do marathon expos; the racers like the dry wicking items,” she says. They successfully sold their Wag Your Tailemblazoned products in six retail stores there, including T-shirts, tea towels, mugs and wine glasses, backpacks, beanies and baseball caps. Feest’s sister visited North Carolina and enjoyed the slower pace, eventually making the move to Cornelius with her family in 2015.

“Then I visited and ran into a friend at a skating rink who encouraged me to come here to teach and train,” Feest says. She moved to Huntersville in 2017, continuing to skate professionally as well as

coach students while running Wag Your Tail. Her livelihood meshed the two businesses.

“I put my two loves together – dogs and ice skating,” she says. These days, you can find her conditioning at the Pineville Ice House or teaching students toe jumps or the axel when she’s not attending a local festival or sporting event to highlight her Wag Your Tail wares. In 2020, she bought out her sister, and is now the sole proprietor. But Heather, her mother and niece sometimes tag along to help her with Wag Your Tail.

When she is not coaching or performing figure skating, or at a festival or event selling Wag Your Tail swag, Feest enjoys reading books and traveling. She even rented an RV and traveled the region when her number-one, long-time companion, a Labrador-Great Dane mix, Reese, was still with her. Sadly, he passed away in 2021. In August 2022, during the national showcase figure skating competition, she performed a tribute to Reese.

“I skated to the duet by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis, ‘You are the Reason.’ I had his collar wrapped around my wrist and held it up in the spotlight.”

by Karel Bond Lucander photography courtesy Dawn Feest

Top, Feest’s long-time companion Reese. Below, Feest meets a new friend while visiting Norway last year.

Learn more about Wag Your tail at www.wagyourtail.net or follow Feest and her products on Facebook and Instagram (wag_your_tail).

with Randy Marion Subaru

Growing Grace

One woman’s mission to bring her love language of flowers to Lake Norman

by Bek Mitchell-Kidd

How it works

Tickets to pick your own bouquet must be purchased in advance, selecting either an individual cup or a bucket. A cup holds approximately 20-25 stems and a bulk bucket fits 60-75 stems. Throughout the summer, hours are posted weekly on the Aurora Flora website, and tend to be Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

When the world shut down in March 2020, Devery Bellingham started planting a backyard cutting garden in a tiny 4-foot by 8-foot box.

“It provided me enough flowers to keep a bouquet on my own table and give one to a friend every week,” she says. And each week that spring, Bellingham delivered beautiful ranunculus to friends, dropping them off on their porches and “doorbell ditching” to maintain social distancing. “Flowers kept me sane during that turbulent time in our world. It was then that I knew I wanted to turn this into a career.”

Aurora Flora blooms

Fueled by the desire for connection and the pure happiness that being surrounded by flowers creates, Bellingham and her husband purchased land in Mooresville to start a bigger garden which they named Aurora Flora, a namesake inspired by their daughter.

She worked on the red clay soil — bringing up the pH, adding nutrients and minerals — and after a year the farm was ready to be opened to the public. The family plants everything themselves, and now offers “U-Pick” service for anyone looking for a few moments of peace and mindfulness while building their own bouquets.

“We opened to the public in May, and while it was one of the scariest leaps of faith we’ve ever done, it has brought so much joy,” says Bellingham. “We love sharing our flowers with people that need a little more beauty in their lives.”

People of all ages come from every part of the region and beyond to experience cutting their own flowers. Offering a unique photo backdrop, Bellingham sees everyone from teenagers looking for the perfect social media post to mother-daughter dates and families just wanting a fun experience.

The land loves the Aurora Flora farm, too. Her farming practice involves leaving the ground healthier than when she found it, and providing a nurturing environment for native birds, bees and other insects — even at the microscopic level.

“I don’t like to spray pesticides, and I consider myself a ‘regenerative’ farmer, in the sense that I’m trying to restore a balance to the micro-climate of the farm,” Bellingham says.

Can’t make it to the farm?

Sign-up for the newsletter to be a part of the Aurora Flora journey and get tips on everything for your own backyard oasis, including where to buy locally sourced cut flower seeds, fail-proof flower arranging, weed prevention and the mental health benefits of gardening.

photography by Snap Perfect and Murphy’s Memories Photography

Join Devery Bellingham (left) and her customers to cut some blooms of your own at Aurora Flora in Mooresville.

Aurora Flora is at 169 Judas Road in Mooresville. Learn more at www.auroraflora.net.

Summer Dreamin’

1. Gold Laurel Entry Table - $1498

2. 4’x8’ Grand Marsh Framed Canvas - $689

3. Shell Decorative Boxes - $129

4. Custom Floral Arrangements - $89 and up

5. Custom Pillows - $79 and up

6. Jessie Pendant - $998

Why We Love

Cornelius

We are a family of five. I have lived here since 2004. My husband and I were married at the beautiful Rock Quarry at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville. We live in Cornelius because the school systems in this area are amazing. Our oldest will be graduating from Hough next year and the two youngest attend J.V. Washam. The friendships we have made here have become our family. We gather with everyone at 131 Main (the bartenders are the best), Harp & Crown (favorite owners by far), Birkdale restaurants like Bonefish and Eez, Chill Fire in Denver, Boatyard, and there are many opportunities for live music and many of the breweries in Lake Norman. We are a part of a Jeeping community and gather with our club called Lake Norman Overlanding and Jeep Club, which was originated from Allen Adventures 4x4. We set up many events in the area with restaurants, breweries and working with charities to help our LKN community. This, too, has brought so many adventures and friendships into our lives living here in Lake Norman. There are parks and mountain biking from Huntersville to Mooresville that my husband and son love riding. The lake is so close that boating and paddle boarding are at the top of our to do list as well.

— Tabitha Allen

Wynfield Forest

I could go on and on about the things we love about Huntersville, but the thing we love most is our neighborhood, Wynfield Forest. We moved to Huntersville in 2018, with the hopes of starting a family in a neighborhood with a real family feel. Boy did we hit the jackpot. We were immediately drawn to the neighborhood by the beautiful cherry trees lining the streets, which are stunning when they are in bloom. The sidewalks throughout make it a great place for a jog or stroll. The pool and surrounding amenities are perfect spots for entertaining children and meeting new neighbors.

What makes this neighborhood truly special is the people. Our street’s Fourth of July celebration and Halloween festivities, just to name a few, are just the most fun, and something we look forward to every year. With so many children in the neighborhood, we are guaranteed to have a blast at the pool, as the atmosphere is another level of fun. The neighbors here are not only a good time, but they truly care about one another. We welcomed our first child in 2019, and our second earlier this year. The support (and casseroles!) we received from our neighbors was so heartwarming. Whether we need a teaspoon of cumin, or a glass of wine after a long day, we can count on our neighbors to be there for us. We could not have found a more perfect neighborhood to raise our children. It truly is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

— Allen & Kelly Cope

Enjoying a sunny day in Wynfield Forest are (kids standing, from left) Lucas Cope, Raleigh Mitskas, Greyson Mitskas, (adults, from left) Jennifer Mitskas, Kelly holding Hannah Cope, Allen Cope and Joe Mitskas.

Why do you love your community? We would love to hear!

Please email 250 words and a photo to tell us your story!

lori@LNCurrents.com

Denver

My husband is a golfer and most of his golfing buddies and preferred courses are in the Lake Norman area, so I agreed that when I retired, we could look for a home around Lake Norman.

I retired in 2020, but we weren’t in a hurry to move out of Fort Mill, South Carolina. Jeff was still working, so that kept him busy, but, in January 2022, he retired and got bored. He couldn’t golf much due to the weather, so he had to find something to do, and he started looking at houses online. Before I knew it, I was packing and moving! We found a one-level house in Westport and moved in May 2022. Although always the plan, I was a little hesitant to move to a “small town.” I adjusted in about a week. Everything I need is within a 10-minute drive (if Business NC16 isn’t too backed up!) and, if I need a bigger town, I can get to Huntersville or Mooresville in half an hour. But there are so many unique little stores in Denver, too, along with some great restaurants.

We’re now members at Verdict Ridge, one of Jeff’s favorite golf courses and much closer to the other courses he and his golf buddies play. I have a huge backyard that I can play in and plant in. I think I have 50+ planters this year, plus a shade garden under the trees.

Jeff started getting bored again this winter and looking at houses (still in the area) but I’m not moving! I love our house, neighborhood, and Denver. That’s why I keep buying yard stuff, so I guess we’re here to stay!

Sonda and Jeff Bambach

Top, from left, Jeff Bambach and Lou Amico; bottom, from left, Sonda Bambach and Janet Amico.

Olive brings smiles to everyone she meets, and always brightens the day of her family members, siblings Adam and Kari Brawley and their dad, Bob (not pictured).

A True Working Dog

Sweet-natured Olive is our 2023 winner

by Allison Futterman

photography by Lisa Crates

If you visit the family-owned Brawley Seed Co. & Garden Center in Mooresville, you’ll not only find a wonderful selection of plants and seeds, but you’ll likely encounter resident dog, Olive. Almost 11 years ago, Kari Brawley and her brother wanted to surprise their dad, Bob, with a dog for his birthday.

“We had talked about it for a while, but he wasn’t fully expecting it when we got her,” she says. They found Olive at Iredell County Animal Services and quickly thought she’d be a great fit. “She was calm and quiet,” Kari says.

They knew they wanted a dog that could come to work every day, and Olive’s sweet nature and mellow personality were perfect. Olive was six months old when they adopted her. Bob decided to name her Olive after the “Olive Oyl” character from the Popeye cartoon — because of her dark hair. Customers love her and she really enjoys greeting visitors, both human and canine, who come to the garden center. At first, she was a little nervous around small children, but

Likes

Walking through the woods and going on the trails

Exploring

Chasing squirrels

Sunbathing

Getting in the truck each day to go to work

Riding with the windows down

Burying extra treats under the 100-year-old oak tree at work

Dislikes

Loud noises

Getting a bath

Going to the groomer — the groomers know she doesn’t like it, and that the normally friendly Olive won’t look at whoever baths her. She won’t wag her tail at them.

she’s grown to love them, along with everyone else she encounters.

Olive is smart and friendly and will snuggle up to whoever is near a register, knowing that there is a treat jar nearby. Sometimes they’ll announce over the loudspeaker, “Olive to the front,” and she’ll come running up when she hears it — something customers find very entertaining. And although she’s officially Bob’s dog, she’s really the family dog. They all love her and share her.

“And she’s been a great companion for my dad,” Kari says. Olive jumps right in the truck with him when he gets ready to go into the garden center. She knows she’s going to work.

When they adopted her, the Brawleys were told that Olive was a lab. And although it’s easy to see her resemblance to a lab, DNA testing revealed that was only 10% of her makeup. She is also 30% golden retriever, as well as a mix of other breeds. But the family describes her as “10% lab and 90% precious.”

Olive and Kari enjoying a rare non-working moment away from their Mooresville garden center.

of Friendliness

And maybe a future therapy dog?

by Allison Futterman photography by Lisa Crates

Mooresville resident Beth Spillane didn’t want a new dog. About to retire from a busy career, and mourning the recent loss of her own dog, she was looking forward to a bit of a break. Haven was her daughter’s new puppy. But with a new baby, the Australian shepherd puppy was a lot to handle. So to help out, Spillane took Haven for a weekend. Needless to say, the rest is history.

Haven was only three months old at the time and will be three this August. She needed a lot of focus and exercise, so Spillane took her for training at Dog Pros of Lake Norman.

“Dog Pros transformed her from a puppy to an amazing attentive dog,” says Spillane. People stop all the time to interact with Haven, who is incredibly friendly. She loves to roll on her back and have her stomach rubbed.

“We bring her everywhere, even Costco,” where they don’t normally allow dogs. “But they’ve gotten to know her and they love her there,” she says.

One time Spillane and her husband were at a festival in Cornelius. It was a cold day and she was dressed in a hat, boots, and a long coat. The colors were tan, white, and black — and happened to be the same as Haven’s colors. “People kept stopping me and saying how we matched. They must have thought I was weird, but I didn’t do it on purpose.”

“She’s given me a purpose since my retirement,” says Spillane, “and it gave her a purpose, which is to bring happiness to people. She’s such an amazing, loving dog. And I’m not saying that just because she’s ours.”

Likes

Squirrels – she’ll stand under a tree and wait for them

Chasing geese by the lake Bacon – she knows when it’s cooking and will stare at the oven

Popcorn

Dislikes

Loud noises –fireworks, thunder, cars backfiring

brought to you by:

Haven’s beauty and friendliness draw people in, and they walk up to interact with her. Quite a few people suggested that Spillane enter Haven in the contest, so she decided to do it this year. Spillane says she is in the process of training Haven to be a therapy dog for seniors.

“She has great instincts with my mother-in-law,” says Spillane, explaining that Haven is sweet and sensitive around older people. “We’ve been busy with our kids and grandkids, but I know it would bring Haven pleasure to have a job and to bring joy to others.”

Allie Kellie Grutko

Layla Belle

Lory Morrow

Ashe Elizabeth Weller

Elon Jessica DeHart

Lola

Amy Cullen

Brandy Renee Tanis

Fen Kim McHouell

Ellie

Leah Russell

Maddie Eddie Dingler

CJ Leah Rae

Fergus

April Nelson

Mia Melanie Bowling

CURRENTS Canine Cover Competition Congratulations to these Top Dog Winners!

brought to you by:

CoCo Juli Rice

Nona Jorden Tucker

Dexter Amber Grace

Gretel Tara Dowling

Oakley Jennifer Eddy

Dunkin Leah Rae

Haven Beth Spillane

Frida Angela Stephens-Owens

Olive Kari Brawley

Ellie Deborah Lamb

Khaki Cindi Ferguson Otis Ryan Spielman

Peanut Butter

Cindi Ferguson

Taylor

Colleen Varnum

Penelope Scott Haskell

Teddy & Chloe Michelle McKoy

Reacher

Elizabeth Weller

Zeke

Donna Galinsky

Piper Stephanie Goodin

Willow Candace Newman

Roofus

Stephanie Knepshield

Quinton Gary Myerscough

Buddy Barbara Patz

Wrigleyjane Christine Murphy

Punkin Marie Seferyn

Winston Annie Watkins

Sadie Ellen Seebold

Bailey Sharon Simpson

Crossing the Rainbow Bridge ...

by Karel Bond Lucander | photography courtesy Pet Pilgrimage

In 2020, when our two beloved senior Yorkies died, we were not just heartbroken. We were devasted. I knew that “someday” would eventually come, yet I knew I would be like a deer in the headlights when it did. When they were young, strong pups, I had tacked an ad on my bulletin board for Pet Pilgrimage, “Honoring your pet as family.” So, when Coco died suddenly in the ER, I called Pet Pilgrimage for their direction and help.

The COVID-19 pandemic shutdown had just occurred, but Pet Pilgrimage couldn’t have been more helpful. They handled the details I didn’t want to think about and arranged a beautiful room, with candles glowing. We all gathered there, even her fur-sister, Java, and held tight to see our sweet girl, Coco “bean,” once more. And there she was, lovingly covered in an angel blanket.

This experience was exactly what H. Mike Cook, owner and president of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, envisioned when he founded Pet Pilgrimage in 2008.

“Our pets are part of our family, so it is the loss of a loved one,” he says. His son, Michael, vice president of operations, agrees.

“We honor your fur babies with dignity and respect, just like we do on the human side. For many people, their pets are their children,” he says. And they are on call 24/7.

“If a pet passes away suddenly on Sunday evening or at 2:00 in the morning, we’re on call and will make ourselves available,” Mike says.

Once your pet is carefully brought to the facility on a gurney, just like a person would be, Pet Pilgrimage will make a clay paw print, take fur clippings and digital photos of the nose and paw prints.

That allows you to have jewelry or other customized keepsakes made by another company with whom they work. Pet Pilgrimage also has an online forever memorial to post your pet’s obituary.

The price of memorial services range from $215 to $250. This includes time in the visitation room, cremation, a box with your pet’s remains and a clay pawprint in a Rainbow Bridge tote. They will work with you to create a customized service.

“One family wanted a service at the chapel of our funeral home,” Mike says. “Another, who was part of a Rottweiler rescue group, wanted 42 other Rottweilers and their companions to visit. If it’s important to them, that’s what we want to do,” Mike says.

Pet Pilgrimage has also helped people with their deceased pet rabbit, parakeet, hedgehog, snake, pot-belly pig and rooster. They also offer coffins if you choose to bury your pet.

Mike has his dog, Angus, nearly 15, and son Michael and his family have their Yorkie-Maltese named Luna, 9, and terrier mix, Aubie, 7. They understand how important their charge is at Pet Pilgrimage. “When our pets go to the Rainbow Bridge, it means they’ve gone to a better place,” Michael says. “I believe they go to heaven, just as humans do.”

“If it is as beautiful a place as we think it is,” Michael’s father says, “I can’t imagine our pets not being there. It gives us hope.”

... with the help of Pet Pilgrimage

The writer, Karel Bond Lucander, with her Yorkies Coco (left) and Java.

Pet Pilgrimage will soon also offer aquamation cremation. For information about their services at two locations, visit www.petpilgrimage. com or call 704.664.5484 (in Mooresville) or 704.966.2376 (in Denver).

Take Your Best Shot

New public archery range debuts in Davidson

Your summer fun recreation options just got a little more interesting, thanks to the newest addition to the miles of walking and mountain biking trails at Fisher Farm Park in Davidson.

At the end of May, Mecklenburg County and town officials were joined by more than 75 folks who turned out to celebrate the grand opening of the Fisher Farm Park Archery Range. It’s a true labor of love for Davidson resident and long-time archery instructor Sterling Martin, who’s been teaching the sport to local children for the last 22 years for Davidson College’s Day Camp at the Lake program. He’s worked tirelessly to find a home for a broader archery program locally, and thanks to his work and relationship with Mecklenburg County’s and Davidson’s parks and recreation departments, that dream has come to fruition.

“This will be one of the only publicly available archery ranges in the Mecklenburg Park system and a unique amenity for Davidson’s Fisher Farm Park,” Martin said in a statement announcing the range’s grand opening. “It will provide a lifetime sport opportunity for all ages and abilities, and I look forward to the many happy years of archery to come.”

It was about three years ago that Martin and the Town of Davidson were approached by the county with an offer to build a range at

Fisher Farm Park, says Davidson Parks and Recreation Director Leslie Willis.

“They said they had $100,000 to build an archery range if the town would maintain it and program it,” Willis says. It was an offer too good to be true, especially as they had an almost ready-made setting at Fisher Farm Park that would require surprisingly little grading and preparation compared to a typical construction site.

Working with Brian Conroy of Citizen Design who designed the sole structure on the range, Willis and her staff now have a new amenity to offer archery enthusiasts — and enthusiasts-to-be. She says the parks and rec department emails and phones lit up when word of the grand opening got out, with an interest level higher than any other new program they’ve rolled out in the past.

“It really showed that this range is going to be a great asset to the community,” she says. “It will allow some people who really haven’t found their ‘activity’ yet an option ... this gives them another outlet to try.” That option will begin with open range time during the summer months free of charge, when USA Archery-certified professionals will be onsite to ensure safety while those familiar with or new to the sport put their skills to the test. Willis will have equipment for range-goers to use and the targets will be provided. Patrons can also bring their own equip-

by Lori Helms photography by Lisa Crates

Above: Town of Davidson Commissioners Jane Campbell and Matt Dellinger, Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox, Sterling Martin, Mecklenburg County Commissioner Vice Chair and District 1 representative Elaine Powell, and Mecklenburg County staff members Peter Cook and Greg Clemmer. Right: Long-time archery instructor Sterling Martin provides a few tips prior to the “Shooting of the Arrows” to open the new Fisher Farm Archery Range.

ment, but only compound and recurve bows with a draw weight limit of 70 pounds will be permitted, due to the range’s 70-yard distance. It is a family-friendly facility, where children as young as eight can participate, provided they are supervised by an adult and can pull the draw on the lightest of the bows available on site.

Willis is planning more structured, fee-based programming on the range this fall, when she hopes to offer family, adult and youth classes, teaching more in-depth skills as participants progress from the mildly curious to archery enthusiasts.

“We’re hoping to grow to where we could maybe have an archery club or some type of small competitions,” she says. As the only public archery range in the northern Mecklenburg area, Willis believes the demand is there, and that if she continues to build the program, people will continue to come. And building it could include cooperation with Mecklenburg County’s therapeutic recreation program — making it available to not just all ages, but all abilities.

“It’s a life-long sport,” she says about the attraction and accessibility of archery. “You can do it just as long as you have the strength to pull back a very light draw.”

A local public archery range has been a years-long goal for its strongest supporter, Davidson resident Sterling Martin, pictured here with his wife, Mary.

Take a shot at the Fisher Farm Archery Range at 21215 Shearer Road in Davidson. Visit www.townofdavidson.org to check out open range times or call the parks and recreation department at 704.892.3349.

Something Old,

Above, a roomy sectional is an entertaining centerpiece for the space. Right, the basement’s kitchen and dining area, featuring a live-edge black walnut table.

Something New

And a little something ‘Naval’ blue

Having lived in their Mooresville home for some time, Jill and Dale Tweedy had been toying with the idea of finally bringing their vision for the basement to life. As it was, it remained a diamond in the rough – a rather large area with direct access to the lake but it was completely unfinished. No walls or definition to speak of – that is, until they connected with Michelle McKoy of Michelle McKoy Designs and her contractor, Ray Recchion of R-home Renovations.

by Lori Helms photography courtesy Serena Apostal of Studio iDesign

Above right, the kitchen features “Fantasy Blue” quartzite countertops and a picket-style tile backsplash.

“Design input was key as our floor plan was essentially a blank slate. Michelle suggested uses and solutions that weren’t even on our radar. She is creative, knowledgeable and very up to date on what materials are available/how to find them and details that are on trend.”

— Jill Tweedy

Capitalizing on Jill’s eclectic collection of pieces and her penchant for dark colors, McKoy was able to incorporate an overall lightness with a contrasting cabinetry and accent wall color (a deep blue Sherwin Williams Naval) and warm wood features to bring the Tweedys the cozy and inviting entertaining space they envisioned.

“Jill’s very sentimental about a lot of her things,” McKoy says, “so I wanted to incorporate them in our design.” That meant contrasting something old with something new, like McKoy’s lighting selection for the bar and dining areas.

“She and I went through a lot of her stuff ... the ‘Sputnik’ light is new, but the wagon wheel light (in the bar) is an antique she had,” she says. And that warmth of the wooden antique light’s finish is car-

ried through in the bar’s barrel-shaped cedar ceiling, the “X” design of the ceiling beams above the large seating area and the woodwrapped columns throughout the space. And there’s more wood to be found at the high-top dining table. McKoy says it’s a slab of black walnut with a live edge, created by two craftsmen out of Boone with Resource Wood, Inc.

It’s just one of the many seating areas that the Tweedys said they wanted as an entertainment space for the family – a space that also includes a bedroom and full bath, a powder room and workout space, a game area complete with a pool table and a roomy prep-style kitchen that includes a sink, dishwasher, two-drawer refrigerator and an icemaker. Coupled with the two-sided wet bar area with a wine cooler, it’s the perfect lakefront lifestyle space the Tweedys envisioned.

Above, the bar area has the warmth of its cedar barrel-shaped ceiling and antique wagon wheel lighting, paired with a lighter industrial touch of steel pipe and glass shelves. Left, the bathroom features a double vanity with black porcelain tile.

Confidence, Strength & Success

Ranard Brown grew up in the inner city, surrounded by drugs and gangs.

“I grew up fighting because the neighborhood required you to fight,” he says. As an adult, he worked in investment banking at Wells Fargo and Bank of America while mastering the specialized Brazilian martial arts of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu after hours.

In 2010, he left the corporate world to found Gracie Lake Norman Jiu-Jitsu in Mooresville. And now this third-degree black belt champion and unofficial life-lessons coach runs a program that is changing the lives of area kids – including some who are heading down a self-destructive path or are targets of bullies.

While refining their skills in martial arts, they learn self-discipline, respect for others and rules of civility, like making eye contact and

Students earn ‘Double Gold’ at recent competition

by Karel Bond Lucander photography

shaking hands. It starts with meditation at the beginning of class.

“They focus on their breathing,” Brown says. “They’re taught empathy without realizing it. If we can help them become calmer and more compassionate, they will be able to exhibit self-control if they get into an altercation.”

Mind-body connection

While Gracie Jiu-Jitsu provides a total body workout, it also positively impacts the mind, including those who struggle with ADHD, autism and dyslexia.

“It’s like chess with the body,” says co-owner and wife Leigh Ann, a former elementary education teacher. “They feel empowered in other areas of their lives when their brains and their bodies join forces on the mat.”

courtesy Gracie Lake Norman Jiu-Jitsu

Gracie Lake Norman Jiu-Jitsu Champions: Owner Ranard Brown celebrates his youth students earning “double gold” in a recent competition, taking first places with a 100% win in their weight division.

Left, Ranard Gracie instructs and monitors his students’ technique Right, Practice makes perfect: Students spar to improve their skills

Confidence is key

Brown says Gracie Lake Norman has a proprietary system to stand up to bullies. Through a series of structured assignments, they learn to rely on themselves as their first 9-1-1 and line of offense.

“We teach them how to save themselves. We help them develop a strong, assertive self-image,” he says – all while strengthening their Gracie Jiu-Jitsu skills. “And once they gain one competitive advantage in a match, it changes everything. Because now they know they can defend themselves if they need to.”

Setting a high bar

Yet it does something more. It helps the teenagers resist peer-pressure activities, like vaping, drugs and promiscuous sex. It helps them set exceptional standards, become their own personal best and hold themselves accountable. “Once they develop that higher standard, they’re only going to want to hang out with other high-performing kids,” he says.

Tournament successes

In their last tournament, the academy’s nine competitors received “double gold” – taking first places with a 100% win in their weight division. The nine students took second place overall to a team with 50 competitors.

“We win so convincingly because the kids believe in individual ownership,” says Brown. In September, some students, including his sons Jace and Blake, will head for Las Vegas to compete in the equivalent of their Olympics – the Jiu-Jitsu CON Kids International. “This training is developing leaders who now feel like they can take on any challenge in the world.”

Learn more at www.gracielakenorman.com. For more information, call or text 704.479.1255.

What Parents Say About the Program

“My sons and I have been training at Gracie LKN for almost a year now. It has been truly life changing. My six-year-old son struggled with mutism. After three years in all types of therapies, it took Ranard less than a week to work his magic. Now my son is a completely different kid, more confident and talkative. Both of my boys look to Ranard as a positive male role model in their lives; he is truly the best!”

— Erin Davis

“Gabriella has been with Gracie Lake Norman Jiu Jitsu since she was four years old; training with Ranard about eight years. Gracie LKN has been an inspiration and solid foundation in her upbringing. Gabriella has gained a strong independence of becoming a young woman with the security of protecting herself mentally, emotionally and physically.”

— Jennyrose Gibson

“My six-year-old daughter, Anneliese, is both physically and mentally stronger since training at Gracie LKN. She is more self-confident and aware of how she can handle herself in certain situations whether at school, in public places or at home. And I feel confident in her abilities should she need to use them for herself or to help someone else.”

— Stephanie McDonald

Eight-year Gracie Jiu-Jitsu student Gabriella Jersey is a confident and independent young lady.

High-fives, fist bumps, and hugs at Gracie LKN

For the area’s 55+ adults who place no limits on living their best lives!

A walking bridge over the Edisto river, which is the longest free

blackwater river in North America

Let Them Do the Driving

Relax and explore with a motorcoach tour

by Allison Futterman | photography courtesy Burke Christian Tours

Since 1977, Burke Christian Tours has operated and thrived as a family business offering a very popular service. Heather Paul, the customer service and personnel director, is a third-generation family member to run the Maiden, North Carolina-headquartered company. Her grandparents who founded Burke Christian Tours, Udean (who was involved in the ministry) and Nancy Burke, got the idea from an anniversary trip they took to Hawaii. Some of their friends wanted to go as well, and the final group ballooned to more than 50 people. It was such a positive experience that they were inspired to start a company that would enable other people to experience the joy of travel.

“We attract customers who want a family-friendly environment, where people feel welcome and safe,” says Paul. She says they provide a “Christlike” experience, which includes tour bus movies that are rated G or PG, a morning devotional led by the tour director and non-alcoholic beverages with any meals they provide.

The tour company has grown to include 150 employees and almost 50 motorcoaches, offering something for everyone, with more than 200 itineraries and 500 departures a year. Its motorcoach tours in the United States and Canada include major cities and smaller, interesting places along the way. They also offer international tours and even some cruise touring events.

The tours appeal to a wide range of people, including seniors. Because they offer a way to travel that removes the stress of planning and driving for customers, many retirees find the tours are a perfect fit for their needs. With a range of one-day to as many as 24-day tours, everyone can find something that’s right for them. The activity level is posted for each tour, so potential customers can determine if they are physically capable of handling any walking, step climbing or other activity that will be necessary.

Families also enjoy Burke Christian Tours, giving them the chance to relax and enjoy their time rather than spending it behind the wheel. Summers are especially busy for family travel, when kids are out of school. They also have single travelers who use their services. Based on her years of experience in the industry, Paul has great advice for anyone planning to travel.

“You have to be able to accept that things are different than they are at home. You’re traveling for a reason. Embrace the uniqueness of where you’re visiting and try something different. When you’re in New Orleans, try a beignet,” she says. Who can argue with that?

A statue at the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills commemorates their first flight in 1903.

Find Burke Christian Tours at 4643 NC Highway 16 in Maiden. Learn more at www.burkechristiantours.com or by calling 828.465.3900.

Declare Your Independence!

by Mickey Dunaway

These days, and for as long as I can remember, any time I pass a body of water large enough to hold a few bass or bream, I am spiritually drawn to it. Driving to my cardiologist’s office in Concord on Highway 73, I pass by two beautiful ponds just sitting out front between the house and the road. Except for my Honda’s electronic safety systems that keep me between the lines, I would have already pulled into the driveway and inquired about fishing in those ponds. After all, big fish live in small bodies of water.

More likely than not, I developed my attachment to water growing up in southwest Alabama, where a rite of passage in the Dunaway family from toddler to contributing family member came with a fishing pole,

Lake Norman is not the only liquid solace around

Scenery along the North Edisto River, Orangeburg, SC

The river has greaT wisdom and whispers iTs secreTs To The

to overcoming the fear of baiting a bream-hook, taking the fish off the hook and flipping him into the ice chest with our lunch and snacks and drinks.

I have written about the river of my youth before. The MississippiAlabama state line is paralleled for much of its length by one of nature’s wonders — a blackwater river. The Escatawpa River, whose name was taken from the Choctaw word “Uski-a-Tapà” (a place where cane is cut), is a natural wonder.

The river is relatively narrow, but the water flows constantly, carving out deep holes on the inside bends filled with limbs and fish. The crystal white sandbars on the outside bends occur where the current has pushed up alluvial sand from the time the river was merely a current in the Gulf of Mexico.

Blackwater rivers are found primarily in the Amazon and the Southern United States, where rivers tend to flow through forests, picking up tannin from the leaves of oak trees. This tannin stains

the water a dark brownish red in the deep holes but is clear where it washes up on white sand bars.

“So,” you ask, “are there blackwater rivers in North and South Carolina?”

Absolutely. And many are found with state park facilities, including canoe rentals where a river widens just right for swimming, canoeing and fishing. But don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself. There are online videos to show you the wonders of South Carolina’s Edisto, one of the longest blackwater rivers in the country, and the Lumber River State Park, home to one of North Carolina’s premier blackwater rivers.

Instead of fighting boats, wakes, skiers and traffic, opt for canoes, paddles and peacefulness. This Fourth of July, declare your personal independence and discover the natural wonder of a blackwater river within easy driving distance at a North Carolina or South Carolina locale near you.

hearTs of men.

- Mark Twain

Estate Planning with In-Laws on Your Mind

One of the most common questions I receive during the estate planning process is whether a child’s spouse will be able to “get their hands on” their inheritance. Most people want to leave their wealth to their own children, and not their in-laws. Clients often express concerns about spendthrift in-laws or rocky marriages.

Spouses don’t have a legal right to inherit from their in-laws. However, spouses can and do typically inherit from their own husbands or wives. When a couple divorces, inherited property is considered “separate property” that is not subject to division by the courts as marital property. However, an inheritance can lose its status as separate property if it is co-mingled with the spouse’s property or invested in a marital asset such as a home.

So, as I often explain to clients, once your child receives an inheritance outright and free of trust, it is their money to do with as they wish. They can choose to give all or part of it to their spouse, or they can convert it to marital property by investing it in jointly owned accounts or real estate. Marital property may be distributed to an in-law as part of a divorce. In the absence of a marital agreement or a trust, a surviving spouse is entitled to make a claim against their deceased spouse’s estate, even if they were intentionally disinherited under a will.

To ensure that only your intended heirs receive the benefit of inherited wealth, the property should be held in a trust for the intended beneficiary. A properly designed trust can ensure that your family’s wealth is only distributed to your intended beneficiaries. In many cases, the estate planning client has no problem with their beloved daughter or son-in-law inheriting from their spouse. However, for those situations where there are concerns about how the in-law will manage the money or the stability of the marriage, it’s best to discuss your options with an experienced estate planning attorney.

Louise Paglen Planning,

Elder Law and Special Needs Attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C., in Davidson. Contact them at 704.892.1699 or visit www. mcintoshlawfirm.com.

Audiology

PHC – Lake Norman Ear, Nose & Throat

Megan Mathis-Webb, AuD

Susie Riggs, AuD

Del L. Hawk, Au.D

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

Dermatology

PHC – Mooresville Dermatology

Center

Naomi Simon, MD

Sarah Carlock, 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 – Wolfe Dermatology

Steven F. Wolfe, MD

Molly Small, PA-C

114 Gateway Blvd., Unit D Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-663-2085

Riva Dermatology

“Imagine your skin at its Best!”

General Dermatology for the Family, Botox, Fillers, Laser/IPL & more

Kerry Shafran, MD, FAAD

Lindsay Jayson, MPAS, PA-C

Erin Dice, MPAS, PA-C

Ashley Noone, MPAP, PA-C

Nikki Leahy, MSBS, PA-C

Mari Klos, CMA, LME 704-896-8837

Cornelius, Mooresville, Denver www.Rivaderm.com

Ears, Nose and Throat

PHC – Lake Norman Ear, 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

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

Living Well

PHC – Lake Norman Family Medicine

Timothy A. Barker, MD

Heather C. Kompanik, MD

Bruce L. Seaton, DO

Amanda H. Bailey, DO

Kyle Babinski, DO

Sherard Spangler, PA

357 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-7328

PHC – Sailview Family Medicine

Tiana Losinski, MD

206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite J Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-360-4801

PHC – Fairview Family Medicine

Golnar Lashgari, MD

Jennifer Scharbius, MD

150 Fairview Road, Suite 210 Mooresville, NC 28117 •704-235-0300

PHC - Troutman Family Medicine

Amrish C. Patel, MD

Janeal Bowers, FNP

Kimberly Whiton, FNP

Kelly Buchholz, FNP

154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903

Gastroenterology

Charlotte Gastroenterology and Hepatology

John H. Moore, III, M.D.

Steven A. Josephson, M.D.

Scott A. Brotze, M.D.

Michael W. Ryan, M.D.

Devi Thangavelu, M.D.

Vinaya Maddukuri, M.D.

Nicholas R. Crews, M.D.

Lake Norman Offices:

13808 Professional Center Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078

115 Commerce Pointe Blvd. Mooresville, NC 28117

Appointment Line: 704-377-0246

www.charlottegastro.com

Locations also in Charlotte, Mint Hill, Matthews, and Ballantyne

PHC – Gastroenterology

Brandon Marion, MD

April Lockman, NP

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021

PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center

Vivek Trivedi, MD

Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C

359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021

PHC- Gastroenterology

Laila Menon, MD

Gabrielle Miller, NP

170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506

Internal Medicine

PHC – Fox Internal Medicine

Jessica Fox, DO

Jacqueline Swope, FNP

435 East Statesville Avenue

Mooresville, NC 28115 • 704-663-5056

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

LuAnne V. Gatlin, 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

206 Joe V. Knox Ave. Suite F Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-6500

Neurology

PHC – Neurology & Sleep Medicine

Dharmen S. Shah, MD 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-873-1100

PHC – Lake Norman Neurology

Andrew J. Braunstein, DO

Ryan Conrad, MD

Craig D. DuBois, MD

Douglas Jeffery, MD

Roderick Elias, MD

124 Professional Park Dr, Ste A Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-662-3077

PHC – Lake Norman Neurology

Andrew J. Braunstein, DO

Ryan Conrad, MD

Craig D. DuBois, MD

Douglas Jeffery, MD

Roderick Elias, MD

9735 Kincey Avenue, Ste 203 Huntersville, NC 28078 • 704-766-9050

Obstetrics/Gynecology

PHC – Lake Norman OB/GYN

James Al-Hussaini, MD

Laura Arigo, MD

Katie Collins, DO

Grant Miller, MD

James Wilson, MD

Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD

NailaRashida Frye, MD

Coral Bruss, ANP-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

Orthopaedic Surgery

PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint

Scott Brandon, MD

Brett L. Feldman, MD

Alex Seldomridge III, MD

Kim Lefreniere, PA-C

359 Williamson Road

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829

Orthopedic Surgery – Spine

PHC – Piedmont Bone & Joint

Alex Seldomridge, III, MD

359 Williamson Road

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1838

Pain Managment

PHC – Pain & Spine Center

Harsh Govil, MD, MPH

James Murphy, MD

April Hatfield, FNP-C

359 Williamson Road

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829

PULMONOLOGY

PHC –Pulmonology

Enrique Ordaz MD

Jose Perez MD

Ahmed Elnaggar, MD

Vishal Patel, MD

170 Medical Park Road, Suite 201, Mooresville NC 28117 • 704-838-8240

Rheumatology

PHC – Rheumatology

Sean M. Fahey, MD

Dijana Christianson, DO

128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101

Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001

Your local resource for health and wellness services near you

Dine + Wine

A Wine Whine

Wine is to be enjoyed, not revered as sacred

by Trevor Burton | photograph by Trevor Burton

One of my pet peeves is when a “wine expert” describes what he or she is getting from a glass of wine. The description can be full of elegant and floral terms. A great example is one that I came across recently:

“This stunning red opens with classic aromas of red berry, rose, dark spice and crushed herb, while the radiant, elegantly structured palate delivers juicy red cherry, orange zest, licorice and crushed mint before a mineral note graces the long finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep it impeccably balanced.”

What irks me is that it appears as if this person is assuming that everyone else is, somehow, inferior if they don’t get the same experience from the wine. It’s as if the glass of wine is a symphony and, like this person, you must have a PhD in classical music to be able to describe it.

Codswallop! This “wine expert” is quantifying something that, on its very face, is subjective. Here’s a fact, the only person on the planet who has your palate and taste buds is you. And that doesn’t make you inferior if your palate and taste buds detect something different in a wine. I’d like to ban the overt or covert use of the word, “should,” from any wine description.

That doesn’t mean that you must settle for any old wine. The world of wine is vast — so many wines, so little time. I get endless enjoyment from digging deeper into wine, seeing what different parts of the world do to a wine from the same grape. Here are a couple of examples.

Burgundy red wine, made from the Pinot Noir grape, produces a structure of elegance and nuance — great wines and much sought after throughout the world. Move to the Russian River region in Sonoma, California, and you’re onto something completely different. Here you get the same basic wine structure, but the nuance has a little spiciness to it. Same grape, different wine. Why is that? Is it the soil, the climate, or a combination of both? Go to other regions and you’ll find something different. Try a Pinot Noir from Oregon for subtle differences. It’s fun and tasty exploring where wines from the same grape are from.

Another great example would be the Sauvignon Blanc grape. Try a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and you get a crisp wine with a definite fruity expression. Then move to the Sancerre region of France. Here, the wine is flinty and almost devoid of fruit. Same grape, different wine. One of my favorite ruses at a wine seminar is to have people taste wines from each of these two regions and then I put up two photographs: one of the sunny coasts of New Zealand and one of the misty and drizzly Sancerre. Then I ask which wine came from which region. I’ve never had anyone come up with a wrong answer. It’s clear what each region’s soil and climate puts into the wine.

I could go on — and I would very much enjoy going on — but I hope you get the point. There’s so much tasting and exploring to do. There’s so much wine and so little time. There’s a multitude of wines to taste, to enjoy and explore. And you don’t need that PhD to do it. All you need to do is to bring along your own palate and taste buds. Just enjoy the wines, that’s what they’re for.

Wine is to be enjoyed, not to be revered as some sacred event.

Texas Style Spice It Up

Easy Texas Caviar

This Lone Star state name-sake appetizer transforms into a simple main dish with a few additional ingredients. We love to serve this dish over rice to make this into a meal. Customize with toppings such as avocado, sour cream or shredded cheese and enjoy — this makes such a fresh summer meal, all without cooking.

Of course, Texas Caviar is equally delicious as a dip served with tortilla chips. It’s perfect for cookouts when utensils are optional.

Feel free to customize with your favorite peppers — you can easily substitute jalapeno peppers for poblanos, or red bell pepper for roasted red peppers. This makes great leftovers for lunch, too.

Servings: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 2 minutes

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.

Ingredients:

1 can black-eyed peas — drained and rinsed

1 can black beans — drained and rinsed

1/3 cup roasted red peppers — chopped

1/4-1/2 cup chopped fresh Poblano pepper (or jalapeno)

1-1/4 cup halved grape tomatoes

2/3 cup celery — thinly diced

1/3 cup green onions — chopped

Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. hot sauce of choice

1 garlic clove — minced

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

2 Tbsp. cilantro — chopped Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnishes:

2 (8.8 oz.) pouches fully cooked rice

1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions: Make vinaigrette — whisk vinaigrette ingredients together or shake in a small jar.

Next, stir together the first four ingredients with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette. Let stand for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, microwave the bean mixture for 2 minutes on high, stirring at 30-second intervals.

If using, heat rice according to package directions. To serve, divide bean mixture and rice among individual plates. Top each serving with chopped tomatoes, celery, green onions and remaining vinaigrette. Garnish with avocado, shredded cheese or sour cream.

by Kathy Dicken photography by Kathy Dicken

Tempting,

Troutman bakery expands its burgeoning business

by Lara Tumer

Tasty Treats

Troutman Baking Co., which has already outgrown their Troutmanbased bakery space, has taken its sweet treats to a new location just months after opening in February 2023. The quick demand for a larger facility is a testament to the success of the new business, run by owner and Head Baker, Jayme Walker. The Troutman bakery, which was originally on 135 Wagner Street, is now located at 104 South Main Street.

Opening a bakery has been a dream of Walker’s for more than 30 years. Entirely self-taught, she learned most of her skills by playing around in the kitchen. Her interests came initially from spending time as a child and young adult with her grandmother, who owned a catering company.

“The draw to cooking and baking is ingrained in the family culture,” says Walker. Her mother, who she describes as a woman with strong Southern roots and a knack for creating mouthwatering delights, is still by her side in the kitchen at Troutman Baking Co. and is an integral part of the team.

Walker originally baked her confections from her home kitchen,

selling them by word of mouth only to family and friends. In early 2023, she finally felt the push to open a brick-and-mortar location, selling to the masses and opening Troutman Baking Co. this past February. Those in search of a sweet bite can find an array of goodies, including cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, bars and more. Walker’s keen sense for creative flavor combinations is evident when perusing the menu.

The newer, larger space will enable Walker to add more equipment and expand her product line. Future offerings will include freshly brewed coffee as well as a full breakfast and lunch menu, and additional bakery items will feature fresh breads like loaf breads, sandwich breads, rolls and croissants. Giving credit and praise to a neighboring bakery, Walker says she will not sell sourdough since there’s already someone in the Troutman area who does it incredibly well. When asked what the best sellers are, Walker replied without hesitation.

“Cinnamon Cyclones and our Black Cocoa Sea Salt Brownie,” she says. The specialty brownie came to fruition only two months ago after Walker admitted she wasn’t pleased with the original brownie on the

Left, Vanilla Custard Fruit Tart. Above, Black Cocoa Sea Salt Brownies.

photography courtesy of Troutman Baking Co.

menu. Not only is the brownie a best seller, but it’s her personal favorite bakery item as well. “It will never leave the menu now,” says Walker.

Other notable delicacies include the maple pecan bars, the crumb cake and the freshly baked muffins. A large grab-and-go section in the bakery stocked with pies, cookies and more makes it easy to snag a confectionary pleasure. Gluten-free treats are in abundance at Troutman Baking Co., tasting just as good as their gluten-filled counterparts. Most menu items are priced around $5 each.

The menu at Troutman Baking Co. is ever evolving. Walker sells whatever she is inspired to make on a given day — there is never a true plan when it comes to the delectable baked goods produced in her kitchen. The bakery is best described as charming, friendly and inviting. Walker envisions the space as a place where locals can feel comfortable and welcome, and it’s evident that she’s finding success in accomplishing just that.

Pretty PUPS

Troutman Baking Co. owner Jayme Walker and her mom, co-owner Connie Rountree.

‘Drink One,

Don’t Be One’

Thirst-quenching advice from local craft brewer

by Allie Spencer | photography by Lisa Crates

The second oldest brewery in the Charlotte area is located in an unassuming Cornelius business park, sporting an unforgettable name. Ass Clown Brewing Company was founded by Matt Glidden in 2011 after about a decade of homebrewing. When Glidden’s wife became pregnant and the smells emanating from the garage were driving her crazy, he decided to move the brewing operation, so he applied for a license and needed a name. Around that same time, he was attending a lot of beer festivals sampling imported beers with names he couldn’t pronounce.

“I wanted something that would be burned in peoples’ memories,” says Glidden, admitting he may have been called the name a time or two. And as memorable as it is, the Ass Clown name can cut both ways.

“Sometimes it makes you a target and other times it helps you,” he says. “We get a lot of people that come in just for the name. Their curiosity is there. It’s up to the beer to speak for itself. It makes you try harder and thrive at making a better beer.”

Today, Ass Clown Brewing Company has 32 beers on tap and a rotating menu that changes every two weeks. The beer list boasts staples like Orange Citrus IPA, an easy to drink hazy IPA brewed with orange peel; Ass Clown IPA, a hazy cloudy IPA; and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Stout, a heavy specialty grain stout brewed with Himalayan sea salt. Seasonal beers recently introduced are Under a Sombrero,

a crisp zested lager; Light Wave Orange, a citrusy light lager; and Raspberry Hibiscus Blonde, a crisp blonde ale fermented with raspberry puree and hibiscus flower.

Beer flights are always an option if the choices are overwhelming, and if you try something you love, Glidden says about half of the beers on tap are canned and ready to go, and anything on tap can be put in a growler (a 32-ounce glass or ceramic container) or crowler (basically, a growler in a can). Ass Clown also offers non-alcoholic beers, non-alcoholic seltzers and hop waters with fruit.

Snacks are available or patrons can bring in their own food, but don’t expect food trucks — the focus at Ass Clown is the beer. The nondescript exterior gives way to a quirky and cozy interior with walls artfully adorned with beer bottles and cigar boxes. The space is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly with a small outdoor patio. Weekly specials include Monday night trivia, Tuesday $4 drafts, Wednesday discounted to-go options and live music on Saturdays.

While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the merchandise, with the cheeky slogan, “Ass Clown Brewery, drink one, don’t be one.”

Ass Clown owner Matt Glidden pours a cold one.

Ass Clown’s Clown Around Sour brew and Orange Citrus IPA

Ass Clown Brewing Company is at 10620 Bailey Road, Suite E, in Cornelius. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.