The Ultimate ‘Turkey Dodge’
I’m not one to brag, but my latest culinary accomplishment might be one for the record books. And I suppose I’m using the term “accomplishment” in its loosest interpretation, as it’s actually a dearth of accomplishment of which I am most proud. This year will mark 56 of the last 57 years of my life in which I successfully dodged having to prepare, cook and serve the Thanksgiving Day turkey.
Granted, those very early years when I wasn’t mobile, verbal or allowed anywhere near a stove don’t really count – I’ll give you that. And then there was the following stretch of time when I was old enough to do all those things but managed to never quite get up early enough to help my mom or Gramie in the ritual of cleaning *gag* and stuffing *double gag* the turkey.
As a supposed adult, I didn’t have a kitchen (or home, for that matter) of my own until about age 23, and even then, my talent for turkey day duty dodging was – and remains – unmatched. Thanks to the benevolence of dear friends or the proximity to family, my record is unblemished, with the exception of 2005 when my mom had a health scare and my dad and I stepped into the breach. That’s a wild tale for another time, but yes, we all escaped death by salmonella and are even still speaking to each other.
But I’m pretty sure in the annals of holiday meal preparation, my infamy will still loom large as one of the most brilliant bird-roasting deadbeats of all time. Hang on, let’s wait for the roar of the crowd to die down. I want to soak this in.
While I was never really about the whole meal ritual at Thanksgiving, I’m all-in on follow-on festivities and enjoying the company of friends and family after the feast. That includes watching football, especially if it’s a Washington vs. Dallas game (go Redskins! Yeah, I said it.), or maybe a heated game of Trivial Pursuit (I am a font of useless information – you want me on your team).
Those post-meal moments got me thinking about what we should feature this month in our Dwellings section, and I thought rather than focus on the traditionally (and beautifully) set table or dining areas we often share with you, we’d look at the comfortable and less formal gathering spaces where we like to rest and digest. The Cullen home, nestled in a quiet Lake Norman cove, offers a fantastic mix of areas to retreat and relax once the meal is finished.
Lisa and Bill have been welcoming family and friends to these spaces for several years now, and it’s no wonder why – between several seating areas, a roomy bar, a perfectly chilled wine room, a pool table and a strategically placed dart board, you can do a lot or a whole lot of nothing in absolute comfort. Take a look starting on Page 31 at the genius behind Lisa’s design, and you’ll understand why there’s no lack of visitors year-round to the Cullen home.
But don’t get any designs on besting my turkey avoidance genius. Please, leave it to the professionals.
— LH Lori Helms Editor Lori@LNCurrents.com
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Movers, Shakers, Style, Shopping, Trends, Happenings and More at Lake Norman
D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware in Mooresville celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
photography
by Lisa Crates
Make time for our veterans
compiled by Lori Helms
The Lake Norman community has a strong tradition of support for our veterans, and regularly provides several ways for us to honor their service and sacrifice. All the events listed are free and open to the public.
The Town of Cornelius will hold a Veterans Day program on Monday, Nov. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. In cooperation with American Legion Post 86, the event will be held at the Cornelius Veterans Monument at Rotary Plaza (21445 Catawba Avenue) and on the nearby lawn at Cornelius Town Hall. The program regularly includes a local ROTC unit color guard, guest speakers and patriotic musical selections. Also in Cornelius, the Exchange Club of North Mecklenburg will sponsor its 5th Annual Free DriveThru Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 9, in the Cornelius Town Hall parking lot. RSVP to Dawn Bonen-Clark at 704-608-3900 or northmeckexchangeclub@gmail.com.
In Huntersville, the town will host its 9th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 9, beginning at 9:30 a.m. In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, American Legion Post 321 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 321 will host a parade themed “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” that will travel along N.C. 115 and will culminate with a ceremony at Veterans Park (201 Huntersville-Concord Road) at 11 a.m.
The annual tradition of honoring veterans continues in Mooresville, as the town again partners this year with Welcome Home Veterans
Living Military Museum and Richard’s Coffee Shop for several events. It all starts on Monday, Nov. 4, with a flag processional and ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. in front of the museum and coffee shop (165 N. Main Street), culminating at Town Hall (413 N. Main Street) where a commemorative ceremony will be held. On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Exchange Club of Mooresville/ Lake Norman will host its annual “One Nation Under God” luncheon behind Richard’s Coffee Shop, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal is free for veterans, who may each bring one guest.
Also in Mooresville, the public is invited to pay their respects to local veterans during a ceremony at Glenwood Memorial Park (273 Glenwood Drive), at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11. You can also catch the town’s annual Veterans Day Parade honoring hometown heroes beginning at 1 p.m. The parade will make its way down Main Street, which will be closed to traffic before and during the parade. Following the parade, celebrate the grand re-opening of Richard’s Coffee Shop Kitchen, which has been newly renovated by Lowe’s Home Improvement. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy hot dogs and refreshments.
Little
Mom-designed cool boys clothing
Rad Things
by Lori Helms | photography courtesy Little Rad Things
Now a few years removed from the life-altering event that was the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s refreshing to be able to find some of the more positive stories resulting from that nightmare. Faced with isolation and a shake-up in all that we knew as normal, day-to-day life, many of us turned to meeting that challenge head on by challenging ourselves, and Maddy Fero is a perfect example of that American ingenuity and can-do spirit the pandemic could not destroy.
“Well, we’re stuck at home, so I’m going to teach myself to do something,” Fero says when describing the birth of her Little Rad Things clothing line for young boys out of her home in Denver. She says she decided to pull out the sewing machine her mother had bought her for Christmas and teach herself to sew. She had just had her first born, a son named Paxton, and was pregnant with her second child, when she decided to try her hand at making a few clothing items for him. After posting some of her creations on social media, she soon had folks asking her to make something for their child or wondering where they could buy something from her.
“If somebody would have told me even a decade ago that I would be where I’m at now, working full-time on my own business, I never would have believed them,” Fero says. She had moved to Charlotte several years ago to work in broadcast journalism and then found herself as a Miss Sprint Cup spokesmodel for NASCAR from 2014 to 2016. Clothing designer and online retailer was not in the plans, yet here she is.
“I knew in my heart I really wanted to make cool boys clothes,” says Fero, “because I couldn’t find anything in the stores that I was crazy about.” So, with the full support of her husband who travels regularly with NASCAR, Fero did a first run of some shirts she designed using their friend and former NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne’s screen-printing shop in Mooresville. Most were sold to family and friends, and the demand continued.
“We have just been building and growing ever since,” she says. And it’s clearly caught on with all the cool moms – or the cool kids’ moms. “Our aesthetic is a mix of vintage, paired with motorsports, paired with California.” She says that’s where her husband grew up, and as she’s always been a fan of her husband’s style, she decided to blend that with her 1970s vibe for a look that’s “in the moment –what’s cool, what’s fun for boys and what you won’t find in a major retail store.”
Little Rad Things has designs for ages ranging from newborn up to youth sizing (about ages 10 or 11). Fero says her emphasis is on not just unique style, but quality fabric that will withstand what little boys like hers (Paxton is now 5, and Jaxon is 3) like to get into.
Maddy Fero, with her Little Rad Things models (and sons) Jaxon and Paxton.
Hardware with a History
D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware turns 125
by
If the walls of D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware in Mooresville could talk, what might they tell us? About the time Thomas Edison allegedly stopped in front of the store to fill up at the town’s first gas pump? How during the 1918-20 Great Influenza Epidemic, so many were dying so quickly that carpenters built coffins upstairs? How they used mules to help dig out the basement?
The town’s oldest continually operating business recently celebrated 125 years and counting. It literally offers a window to bygone days. Step back in time and peruse brand-name, American-made goods they still sell. Some of these companies are of the same era as the store’s original knob-and-tube wiring and interior fixtures that remain unchanged. Here you’ll find those retro products – Lodge Cast Iron, True Temper lawn and garden items, Blum’s Almanacs, Daisy B.B. rifles and more – interspersed with fresh, local items like Coddle Creek Farms’ honey and peanut butter, Tasty Pickles by Carson and Fat Dog Soapworks. Get your locally handmade wooden swings, Adirondack chairs, Chic-a-dee and bluebird houses along with pot stickers, garden flags and canning kits. Shop for children’s books and sturdy, timeless toys; they’ll even assemble Radio Flyer items at no extra charge. Check out local artist Cotton Ketchie’s work depicting D.E. Turner & Co., and Statesville attorney Mike Lassiter’s book, “Our Vanishing Americana.” Buy nails and screws by the pound and weigh them on an old-timey scale.
Founded in 1899 by David Elmer Turner and Marvin Turner, current owner Jack Moore began working at the hardware store in 1946 at age 14. He continued working there until leaving to serve in the U.S. Navy. Upon his return, he got his job back at D.E. Turner & Co. By this time, David Elmer Turner, Jr. ran the store. D.E. Jr. had no children, so when he passed away, he willed his portion of the business to Moore. By the mid-1980s, Moore bought the remainder of the business from D.E.’s brother, Bill Turner, along with the building. Now retired and nearly 93, Jack visits weekly. His son, Danny Moore, who has worked at the store for 37 years, is at the helm. Moore’s daughters, Jackie Justice, Donna Lane and Nancy Davidson, all pitch in.
“It’s one of a kind and reminds me of when life was easier,” Nancy Davidson says. Goods and memorabilia are on two floors of this nostalgic emporium. “If it has a price tag, it’s for sale. If not, it’s just on display.” Display items include the original cash register and an antique phone, dating back to when their number was “26.” D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware continues to sell sensible value while bridging generations. As Danny Moore says, “There are few and far between like it in North Carolina.”
Karel Bond Lucander photography by Lisa Crates
Danny Moore and his daughter, Nancy Davidson, are now part of the leadership team in D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware’s 125th year.
Battle of THE BADGES
Davidson public safety agencies take to the ballfield
by Lori Helms
photography by Jon Beyerle
Here’s something you don’t see every day — a friendly game of softball on a lazy Sunday afternoon at Davidson’s McEver Fields, played for the sole purpose of raising funds for a couple of charities rather than some kind of championship bragging rights, and somebody had to go and take things seriously.
“We had an over-the-fence home run,” says Davidson Fire Department Chief Jeremy Montieth, “and that’s about 300 feet to the outfield. That’s a little unusual to see one go that long.”
It was just one run of the 16 total batted in by the fire department, on their way to a 16-14 win over the Davidson Police Department in the town’s Battle of the Badges charity softball game played Oct. 13. It’s the first game in what Montieth and police chief Kimber Davidson hope to play in a recurring series as they seek to raise funds for charities aligned with each department’s mission.
“This was just an idea that was thrown together a couple of months ago,” says Montieth, “to just have some friendly competition between
public safety agencies.” He says it’s a natural fit for the two departments that have such a close working relationship. “I think we accomplished that – not too many icepacks spread around, so that was good. The crowd seemed to have a good time, the kids were engaged, all in all it was a good time on the ballfield.”
And it was all for good causes. The fire department selected the North Carolina Firefighter’s Burned Children Fund charity, which provides non-medical assistance to child burn victims, and develops and implements burn prevention programs. For the police department, Back the Blue NC, Inc., was the choice. It’s an organization of North Carolina residents who support local, state and federal law enforcement with a vision to improve morale in police departments across the state, to help foster positive community-police relationships by humanizing the badge and to give back to law enforcement heroes. Town officials say that any contributions received will be split evenly between the two charities.
The game was originally scheduled to be played in late September, but following the horrendous damage suffered by our western North
Left, a member of the Davidson Fire Department knocks another one into the outfield, on their way to a victory over the Davidson Police Department in the charity softball game.
Carolina mountain communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene, both the fire and police departments poured as many resources as possible into the rescue efforts there. That includes some of the fire department’s part-time members who deployed with the Charlotte Fire Department as part of an initial wave of assistance – performing everything from swift water rescue to urban search and rescue efforts. Montieth says they spent about 10 days in the Yancey County town of Burnsville.
The chiefs say that once the level of destruction that occurred became
apparent, they were convinced they did the right thing by rescheduling the game to a later date. Softball and light-hearted smack talk could wait, our western North Carolina neighbors in need could not.
As of press time, there was not yet an official tally of the total funds raised since the donation window remained open beyond the game’s conclusion. It’s entirely possible that you can still contribute at www. townofdavidson.org/BattleoftheBadges. And it’s also entirely possible that the police department will get a chance to swing for the fences next year and even up the series.
Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox (center) joined the Davidson Fire Department team (left) and the Davidson Police Department team (right) for the game’s opening ceremonies.
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Michael Noelle Leatherworx can make it for you
by Lori Helms | photographs courtesy Bryon James
Every creative type has a muse, whether it be a person, a memory, a song, sometimes even a scent. For Bryon James, it just so happened to be an expensive men’s wallet from the 1940s that he came across online.
“It was out of my price range,” he says, but that didn’t put an end to still wanting it. “I studied the pictures of it, and I realized that I could probably make this thing.” James made that first effort using his home sewing machine and admits that his initial attempt came out “absolutely rough.” But he remained undeterred.
“It sparked something in me, and I kept at it,” he says. “About three months later, the light came on. I realized I can look at stuff,
Bespoke Design Dreams
deconstruct it in my head and put it back together.” And from that, Michael Noelle Leatherworx in Huntersville was born.
Completely self-taught and nine years later, James, with his wife and self-described “queen of sales,” Marscha James, has made a success of the Michael Noelle Leatherworx brand. He has become proficient enough to make his own patterns and create something that is often a one-off, personalized design from high-quality saddle leather.
After starting with just cigar pouches (he and his wife enjoy a good smoke), they’ve expanded into handbags, luggage pieces, travel bags, even a bottle carrier to transport one’s favorite bottle of bourbon and four glasses (with coasters). And the best part is that these beautifully
Designs from Michael Noelle Leatherworx of Huntersville had their time on the catwalk at this year’s New York Fashion Week.
crafted bespoke items are all about one-third of the price of something comparable with a higher profile brand’s name on it.
“We wanted the average person to be able to afford something that is on par with the handbags on the market that are five, six, seven, even ten grand,” says James.
Right now, their Huntersville home remains the Michael Noelle Leatherworx headquarters for design, production and sales (in conjunction with their online presence), but they hope to have a brick-andmortar location soon somewhere in the Lake Norman area. Beyond that, they also hope to expand the availability of their product by having placement in select boutiques, perhaps even a department store or two. But for now, their clientele basically comes from word of mouth or the events they attend – including a recent stint with a few well-placed pieces at the 2024 New York Fashion Week.
“We absolutely shut down the room when they saw our stuff come down the runway,” James says. He paired his products with two designers – Aldo’s House of Formals and Amanda Vereb – who were back-to-back on the catwalk that day. Based on all the chatter during the show and the conversations they had afterwards, James says that out of the more than 150 designers there that week, they showed the top-rated leather pieces. “You could hear a buzz in the room when they saw our bags,” he says. You can be a subject of that buzz, as James says they like to specialize in one-off items. He’s very open to taking on commissioned pieces.
“If it’s in my wheelhouse, then sure,” he says.
How We Live at the Lake
Photography by Lisa Crates
Great
Gathering Spaces
by Lori Helms photography by Lisa Crates
November is finally here, and for many of us, that means our homes will soon be full to the gills with family and friends from near and far, gathered to enjoy some delicious home-cooked Thanksgiving Day recipes. The tradition for many is to center the festivities around a beautifully set table or two, replete with family heirloom dishes, glassware and decorations to put the fine finishing touches on the holiday mood.
That’s all well and good, and many of us have fond memories of just such gatherings, but once the last turkey leg is fought over and the last piece of pecan pie is surreptitiously swiped by “that uncle,” the last place you want to congregate is around the scene of the Thanksgiving dinner crime. No, it’s a time to retreat to a place of comfort – a gathering space where you can feel free to do you. Maybe it’s your place to fall onto a couch and watch some football,
belly up to a welcoming bar, hustle “that uncle” out of some of his walkin’ around money at the pool table or try your hand at darts (nothing says the holidays like a little alcohol mixed with throwing pointy objects).
If you follow the lead of Lisa and Bill Cullen, you could do all those things with your family and friends in your own basement entertainment area. Not long after purchasing their Mooresville home on a quiet Lake Norman cove about nine years ago, they took their unfinished basement from nothing but studs to nothing but spectacular, and they’ve enjoyed every minute of it ever since.
“I’m not a designer, but I knew what I wanted,” Lisa says, and with the help of Pippin Home Designs, her large unfinished space was turned into the beautiful and functional entertainment area it is today.
Everywhere you look, there’s a place to gather and enjoy at Lisa and Bill Cullen’s home - whether at the bar, the wine room, the roomy seating areas, the billiard table or the outdoor fireplace.
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“I knew I wanted a big stone wall, and I wanted it to match the stone that we already had outside,” she says. That wall which defines the seating and TV viewing area is one of the first things you see when coming down the stairs, and it’s impressive. Keep turning the corner and the full flavor of this fun gathering space comes into view – with the backdrop of “Cullen Cove” seen through every window facing the lake.
There’s the roomy wet bar, complete with a ton of cabinet and counter space, a sink, beverage chiller, ice maker and dishwasher. The wine room – kept precisely at cellar temperature – is just off the bar and is decorated as a tribute to when Lisa and Bill renewed their wedding vows on their 30th anniversary in Napa Valley. The bar area also has a comfy four-top for more seating in a small alcove – a perfect perch to watch the billiard table action. Just around the corner from the pool table is a picture-lined darts lane, with a rustic back wall made of pallet wood.
It’s the perfect gathering place for when their adult children come to visit from Maryland and California, or when the friends left behind in New York, New Jersey and Maryland find their way south. Lisa says the space gets a lot of use throughout the year, not just at the holidays.
“Everybody loves to come visit us,” she says, and it’s easy to see why. “And we just love having them here.”
The backyard is just as welcoming as the finished basement - there’s a hot tub and even a koi pond to help you kick back and relax.
into everything we do Davidson Day.
Choosing a Private School
There are many benefits to enrolling your child in a private school--from small class sizes to stimulating and personalized academic environments. Read on to learn how some of our area’s private schools are changing the face of education and how you can get involved.
Davidson Day School
Fostering Academic Excellence
At Davidson Day School, an independent school serving students from early childhood to grade 12, we are dedicated to fostering academic excellence through collaboration, creativity and character development. Our mission is grounded in our core values:
• Meaningful Connections: Our faculty, staff and coaches build genuine relationships with students, understanding how they think, feel and learn.
• A Supportive Environment: We prioritize physical, emotional and intellectual safety, ensuring students thrive in a nurturing atmosphere.
• Enriching Experiences: Our academic and extracurricular programs cultivate curiosity,
allowing students to explore their passions and develop wellrounded perspectives.
• Integrity: We hold our community to high standards of respect, fostering compassion and encouraging contributions to the well-being of others.
With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 13, Davidson Day provides a highly individualized experience that ensures every student is challenged and supported. We are recognized for our unwavering commitment to building and nurturing a strong, lasting sense of community.
Academic Excellence begins in Early Childhood, where play-based learning builds foundational skills. In Lower School, students strengthen
literacy, math and critical thinking through hands-on experiences. Middle School offers a more challenging academic environment and continued emphasis on character education, while Upper School prepares students for college and beyond with rigorous coursework, including more than 20 Advanced Placement and elective options.
Athletics at Davidson Day play a vital role in shaping wellrounded students. We offer 13 sports and 33 teams at the middle school, junior varsity and varsity levels. In 2023-2024, Davidson Day earned seven state championships and the Wells Fargo Cup for overall excellence in NCISAA athletics. Our unique AFAR program
allows middle and upper school students to participate in fullscale archaeological research in Belize, Spain and Portugal, providing real-world experience. Our admissions process includes an application, interview, current transcripts, teacher recommendations and an assessment. Tuitions range from $20,690 for Early Preschool to $24,640 for Upper School.
750 Jetton Street Davidson, NC 28036
704.237.5229
davidsonday.org
Facebook: facebook.com/ DavidsonDaySchool
Instagram: @ DavidsonDaySchool X: @DavidsonDay
Ambassador Christian School
Excellence In All Capacities
Ambassador Christian School was founded in 2022 by Melissa Gibbs and Nicole Bryan and welcomed its first students in August this year. ACS is an independent, co-educational, collegepreparatory school serving grades 9-12. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for students to thrive in an environment where unique giftedness is celebrated, individual strengths are developed, virtue is valued and faith is authentically explored.
Our aim is to be a school of excellence in all capacities. Our student culture is different in that we foster an environment that
trusts students and allows them to develop maturity. We frequently describe our student culture as being guided by freedom with responsibility. Our schedule is also different in that students have intentional off-blocks during the day where they can grab a coffee in the school’s cafe and study independently or with a small group of peers.
Prior to graduation, assessments are administered to assist in college and career readiness. In addition, each student will have had three years of Bible courses, access to 17 Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment courses and will have taken a semester of an industrial
arts course (Factory Five kit car builds and culinary arts are offered this first year). Current enrollment is 142 with a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1, and we anticipate 260280 students in August 2025.
We offer 18 sports, including everything from football to soccer to cross country to wrestling. Each student is required to fulfill 25 service hours per year, and in this first school year, 80 students will participate in mission travel to three domestic and two international locations.
Our application process involves an admissions application with student and parent essay; an official
grade report; an admissions assessment in which all applicants are required to take a Pre-ACT admissions test (students who have taken the PSAT or PreACT in 2024 may submit those test scores in lieu of testing); an online application submission to schedule Mid-Year Transfer (January admission) or First/ Second Round testing for August 2025 admission; a family interview, and a teacher recommendation. Tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $22,750.
2520 Ambassador Christian Way Huntersville, NC 28078 www.ambassadorchristian.com
Lake Norman Christian School
Teaching, Transforming and Serving
At Lake Norman Christian School, our learning environment is a unique blend of strong Christian values and high academic standards. What truly sets us apart is the family-like atmosphere we cultivate, where students are known and cared for personally by our dedicated and nurturing teachers. Our visionary administration is focused on continuously elevating the educational experience with a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that students are not only prepared for their futures academically but also spiritually and emotionally.
With smaller class sizes (an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio) serving students from
kindergarten to their senior year of high school, our students receive more individualized attention, fostering deep relationships and stronger connections with both peers and staff. We also prioritize creating meaningful student experiences, from engaging in community service to participating in dynamic extracurricular activities. Parental involvement plays a crucial role in our school culture, contributing to a supportive and collaborative environment that enriches both student learning and community bonds.
Lake Norman Christian School offers several special programs designed to enrich our students’ educational experience. One standout is our dual enrollment program, which allows high
school students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college journey. We also have a robust fine arts program, offering opportunities in music, theater and visual arts, where students can explore their creativity and develop their talents.
Additionally, we provide a wide range of extracurricular activities, including competitive athletics and student-led clubs, giving students opportunities to develop leadership skills and pursue their passions outside the classroom. We are also deeply committed to spiritual development, with a focus on integrating Christian values into every aspect of the school day, through chapel services, Bible classes and mission
opportunities, allowing students to grow in their faith while excelling academically.
Our curriculum is designed to challenge students while aligning with a Christian worldview, instilling values that prepare them to excel in all aspects of life. This combination of faith, academics and community makes Lake Norman Christian School a place where students can grow, thrive and be empowered to impact the world around them.
Tuition rates are $10,350 for grades K-5; $11,300 for grades 6-8; and $12,000 for grades 9-12.
14813 N. Old Statesville Road Huntersville, NC 28078
704.987.9811 www.lknc.org
Woodlawn School
Project-based and integrative learning
At Woodlawn School, everything we do is rooted in the philosophy of project-based and integrative learning. We strive every day to provide our students with a rigorous and challenging academic experience. All our upper school classes are taught at the Honors level and we also offer an array of AP classes. Woodlawn believes the emotional and social growth of our students is just as important as their academic growth.
Our Responsive Classroom environment (featuring an 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio) coupled with our Life Skills program teaches empathy, kindness, teamwork, respect and honesty. These same skills are further emphasized during the upper school years when
students are actively engaged in collaborative teamwork, practical problem-solving, networking opportunities and honing their strategic communication skills, providing them with a strong foundation for their professional and personal endeavors.
Service learning is also an integral part of our curriculum and helps students connect, engage and understand the world around them. Ultimately, the “Woodlawn Way” ensures that our students enter the world as independent, eager, lifelong learners who happily embrace new challenges and change, and are ready to blaze their own trails.
We are the only school in the region dedicated to student-centered, handson, integrated project-based learning. Our learn-by-doing
approach cultivates a natural love for lifelong learning, emphasizing social and emotional intelligence, teambuilding and leadership skills. Outdoor learning is key at our expansive 61-acre campus. With our intentionally small classes, every student is valued and known. Our belief is that high achievement and joyful learning harmonize seamlessly.
We offer middle and upper school athletics (soccer, volleyball, cross country, track & field, basketball, golf, tennis and wwim). We take a student-centered approach, offering clubs, electives and activities that provide students with the opportunity to pursue their passions. They will learn to design, develop and lead teams; and gain skills, talents, capacities and experiences that distinguish them and are fun!
Our application process provides opportunities for Woodlawn and prospective families to get to know each other through campus tours and classroom experiences. Parents complete an online application, and students shadow their current grade level. We also assess each student’s academic strengths. Ulitmately, our goal is to ensure that each family understands our educational philosophy and campus environment.
Annual tuition for the Early Childhood Program is $18,125; Kindergarten is $21,875; Grades 1-8 are $22,200; and Grades 9-12 are $23,950.
135 Woodlawn School Loop Mooresville, NC 28115 704.895.8653 www.woodlawnschool.org
Play with a Purpose
Learn and grow with ‘The Adventure Crew’
Local Mooresville Army veteran and entrepreneur Arturo Alvarez launched his toy business, Nobory Toys, in 2023. The name is just one of many nods to a family-run business and is a blend of the meanings of his parents’ names: noble and glory.
The idea of creating a toy with “more meaning” came to Alvarez after his first child was born. Like every great teacher, he needed the necessary tools to assist him and his son in their new endeavor – to learn through play. Alvarez felt that many toys on the market fell short, so he poured himself into developing toys.
“I came up with a toy idea around the time my son was five months old,” he says. “It happened when I noticed he had developed a bond with a toy. I wanted more purpose out of what was now his ‘comfort toy.’ That’s when I drew up the concept of my idea.”
Over the course of two years, Alvarez developed five prototypes, hosted focus groups and developed patent and trademark filings for “The Adventure Crew,” with the tag line of “Here to grow with you.” The Adventure Crew is a family of soft plush toys with individual personalities and purpose.
by Bek Mitchell-Kidd photography courtesy Nobory Toys
“Sparking the imagination of a child opens an endless world of possibilities for play and the earlier you cultivate this, the better you prepare them to flourish in the years to come,” he says. “My wife helped me name the toys. We spent time talking about names and then I gave them personalities. Three of the characters’ personalities match my family members: Gemma, my wife, Megan; Jake, my stepson, Jakob; and Scout, after myself.”
The “plushes” are designed for softness, providing comfort throughout the day and night, and with weighted limbs they are perfect for extra floppy hugs and hand-holding.
“I’ve done a lot of research over the years,” says Alvarez. “I’ve dedicated thousands of hours to professional papers/publications and educational books. I’ve also had many discussions involving professional insight. Experience is a great teacher, as well. My two little ones are always teaching me something new.”
There are currently six characters in The Adventure Crew, and with the addition of an “activity suit,” the interaction expands whether during tummy time, role playing, a sensory experience or focusing on grabbing and pulling.
Mooresville’s Arturo Alvarez is the creative designer behind his line of “plushes” called The Adventure Crew by Nobory Toys.
As the name suggests, the activity suits are themed around an activity – including establishing a nighttime routine, being a “little builder” and a high contrast color suit. As many parents of young children know, no two experiences of a young child are ever the same and the activity suits assist young curious explorers in maximizing learning and fun.
“The ‘Activity Suits,’ ‘123 Look at Me’ and ‘Night Night’ are top sellers,” he says. “‘123 Look at Me’ is great for tummy time and the ‘Night Night’ is great for pretend play and routine awareness.”
Since launching in January of 2023, Nobory Toys has fulfilled more than 2,000 orders, and even Walmart has come knocking with plans in the works to start selling on their platform.
The Nobory team is currently working on new toy concepts they plan to launch in 2026 that will continue to focus on building critical skills while creating fun-loving memories.
Arturo is also looking to cultivate a partnership with local early childhood professionals to develop a recurring hands-on seminar geared toward informing parents about the importance of play.
Shop online or learn more at www.NorboryToys.com.
Christmas Traditions
Ornaments - $4 and up
Lanterns - $60 and up
Velvet Reindeer - $34
Nutcrackers - $19 and up
Ribbon Candy Tree - $22
Christmas Floral - $7 and up
Custom Tree Design & Installation$ varies
Beyond Gardens and Flowers
East Lincoln High School 4-H Club serves local causes
by Tony Ricciardelli | photograph by Amber Middleswarth
Community involvement can play a significant role in shaping our youth. Opportunities available to students, whether through civic organizations, one’s place of worship or school programs and initiatives, offer firsthand experience, which can broaden a young person’s perspective on the importance of benevolence, self-awareness, personal growth and future direction. Opportunities for introducing students to humanitarian causes, altruistic venues and the need to look out for one another abound.
Through the Lincoln County Cooperative Extension collaborating with local schools, the extension offers 4-H educational youth programs including Healthy Living, Public Speaking, Environmental Science, Animal Science, Horticulture, Cooking, Sewing, Arts & Dance, and Civic Engagement. Many may be familiar with the 4-H emblem: a four-leaf clover with the letter H on each leaf representing Head, Heart, Hands and Health.
At East Lincoln High School (ELHS), members of the recently established 4-H Club are planting and planning their way to have influence, not only in their school environment, but also as a viable community partner. Known as the 4-H Garden Club, student’s initial mission was simply “… a student-led initiative to create a garden club at our school.” Now in its second year, the club has quickly expanded their efforts beyond school boundaries. ELHS English instructor and club advisor Amber Middleswarth explains the rationale for her desire to establish a 4-H Club.
“My mom was a teacher working with students, and my dad worked with parolees to find jobs and gain an understanding of why community
involvement is important,” she says. “I was looking for student-driven community service activities where the options were consistent with student participation.” The club’s membership is made up of about 20 students representing a variety of backgrounds and interests; student ideas are welcome and encouraged.
With a donation from the North Carolina Farmer’s Bureau, the club’s first project was to plant flowers at the front of the school. Since that time, the club completed several common area beautification projects at the ELHS campus, including student-decorated flowerpots in the middle courtyard and placement of mums flanking the school monument. Future projects include adding more flowering plants to school grounds and planting low-maintenance bulbs to improve the appearance of brown spots where growing grass is difficult.
“We’re proud of the student base we have here,” says club president William Francis. “We’re grateful for the chance to continue our program.”
In addition to gardening and beautification, the club donated a portion of its 2024 bounty to Christian Ministries and held a canned food drive to benefit Hesed House of Hope, a community homeless shelter in Lincolnton. The club also supports the school’s adaptive learning classes, donating party snacks and pumpkins for students to paint during the Halloween season, and plans underway include organizing a winter clothing drive for the victims of Hurricane Helena.
For more information about East Lincoln High School’s 4-H Club and how you can support their mission, contact Amber Middleswarth at amiddleswarth@lincoln.k12.nc.us.
Right: Club Secretary Hailey Sherrill, Club VP Grayson Jeffcoat, Club President William Francis, club members and artists Sarah Smith and Sage Bullock
Left: Gathered around the school monument: Club members Dylan Desormeaux, Sean Early, Grayson Jeffcoat, William Francis, Club Advisor Ms. Amber Middleswarth
IMPORTANT MEDICARE PLAN CHANGES » Preparing Our LKN Senior Community with
As we navigate through Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025 plans, we would like to inform you of three major changes coming to Part D, under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), that will affect you.
These changes will apply to all Medicare Advantage plans that include Part D prescription coverage, as well as the standalone Part D prescription drug plans.
Rx Out-of-Pocket costs capped at $2,000
• Out-of-pocket maximum cost for covered Part D drugs will be capped at $2,000 for 2025 plans.
• Once met, all covered Part D drug cost sharing is eliminated, and members pay nothing for the remainder of the year.
Coverage Gap eliminated
• The Coverage Gap, known as the “donut hole,” will be eliminated.
• No more surprise higher out-ofpocket costs when moving from the initial coverage phase.
• Members will only pay out-ofpocket for covered Part D drugs in the deductible and initial coverage phases.
Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P)
• Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will be an option for enrollees, allowing them to pay their out-ofpocket Part D drug costs through monthly payments.
• This will be targeted toward those with high prescription drug costs.
(704) 875-3060 foglegroup.com
We advise that you review your 2025 Annual Notice of Coverage from your carrier carefully and keep these changes in mind to prepare for this year’s 2025 Open Enrollment period, which is from October 15th to December 7th.
Jenny Habel, Benefits Consultant Assistant
Pam Powers, Benefits Consultant
Left to Right: Sean, Account Mgr; Megan, Branch Mgr./Recruiter; Jamie, Owner/Recruiter, Reagan, Recruiter; David, Executive Recruiter Express Employment
A Country
Fearrington Village — a haven for fine dining, spa treatments and a luxury stay
by Vanessa Infanzon
Belted Galloway cows with distinctive long black coats and a broad sash of white in the middle wander the field at the entrance to Fearrington Village in Pittsboro. With the silo and three-rail white fence, a visitor may assume they’ve lost their way in the country. Instead, a refuge from the usual is upon them.
R.B. Fitch and his late wife, Jenny, purchased the farmland in Chatham County in 1974, and over the next 50 years, transformed it into a country village. Tucked inside the Relais & Chateaux property is an inn with 32 rooms, with options for a fireplace and sitting area. Overnight guests enjoy breakfast on the property and have access to the Sunroom and Garden House, both overlooking a courtyard and gardens.
Fearrington Village Center
Brick pathways, lined with flowers and trees, lead guests to Dovecote, Nest and Sprout, shops carrying specialty clothing, home décor and gift ideas. Book a spa treatment — from mani-pedis to body wraps
Escape
to facials — at The Spa at Fearrington. Couples massages and anniversary packages are available too. One spa room is ADA accessible.
Along with sections for classics, fiction, mystery and nonfiction, McIntyre’s Books hosts nationally touring writers, local authors and a weekly story time for toddlers and preschoolers. Its playful vibe and interior – comfortable places to relax and read, colorful displays with books, gifts and games, and staff picks for many genres – landed it in a recent “Southern Living” article, “The 15 Most Beautiful Places In North Carolina, According To Locals.”
The Belted Goat, a gourmet café and grocery store, offers salads and sandwiches on freshly baked ciabatta, gluten-free sourdough and wheat bread. Guests may enjoy wine by the glass or a beer while sitting inside or on the outdoor patio, surrounded by gardens. Four miles of trails provide views of the residential community, farm animals, Jenny’s Garden, Knot Garden and the Main Garden.
Wine and Dine
The farm’s original homestead was transformed into The Fearrington House Restaurant in 1980. The dining room is open with four- and seven-course menus, Wednesday through Sunday; reservations are highly recommended. The bar features sharable items, large and small bites, and dessert. The house wine list is 68 pages representing 6,000 bottles and 1,200 selections. The restaurant uses Coravin, a preservation system, to pour glasses from any bottle of wine. The Fearrington House hosts a four- or five-course dinner and wine pairing each month. A renowned vintner or winemaker joins the group to discuss what’s been poured and how it complements the dish. Request bubbles with Afternoon Tea, a service offered Thursday through Sunday by reservation, to make it a more festive experience. One-hour wine classes, complete with a slide show and hors d’oeuvres, are taught by a sommelier in a private space on the property
every month. Six wines, usually focused on a theme such as a region or a varietal, are included in the tasting. The class in November will spotlight Syrahs from Rhône, Washington and Australia. Learn more about the wine classes at www.fearrington.com/events/ fall-series-wine-class-part-3-syrah.
Galloway’s Bar, a wine bar and bottle shop, opened this fall with a drink menu featuring 10 to 12 wines by the glass, including a North Carolina wine, and eight beers on tap. From 4 until 8 p.m., small plates are available. Guests enjoy live music Wednesday through Saturday, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Left, The Belted Goat gourmet cafe and grocery store (photo courtesy Krystal Kast Photography). Right, The Fearrington House wine room is home to about 1,200 options to enjoy (photo courtesy The Fearington House).
Above, a seating area at the Fearrington Village Spa; left, one of the restaurant’s charcuterie boards (photos courtesy The Fearrington House).
Limitless
For the area’s 55+ adults who place no limits on living their best lives!
You’ll only find the real deal - not instant grits - on Mickey Dunaway’s table. Learn why on Page 50.
What happens when low country meets lower Alabama
Fish & Grits
by Mickey Dunaway
I saw a Charlotte chef on a local television morning show demonstrating (albeit not from the Low Country) how to make Charleston Shrimp and Grits. Admittedly, his final product looked tasty, except the grits were runny, and the chef, when asked by the host, said, “I use simple, instant quick grits because that is what I was raised on.”
Stop my seafood-and-grits-loving heart! One NEVER uses quick grits paired with seafood. Good stone ground grits bring a unique taste to the table.
I heard the story of how shrimp and grits came to be on a trip to Charleston. The story goes like this. Shrimpers often stay out for
If I don’t love you, baby Grits ain’t groceries
Eggs ain’t poultry
And Mona Lisa was a man
days at a time, pulling nets all night long, and look forward to a hearty breakfast. So, that means three ingredients most likely found on every overnight shrimp boat are grits, shrimp and likely a slab of bacon. And when the shrimpers come in for breakfast, they get a serving of grits dressed with a half-dozen or more shrimp sauteed in bacon drippings. The story of how grits and shrimp became a gastric phenomenon has taken over restaurants from fancy to food trucks across the country.
Now for the rest of the story, as Paul Harvey used to say on his syndicated radio shows. As most of my readers know, I am from lower Alabama. The Dunaway families from that neck of the state had a
— Lyrics from Little Milton
different take on grits. We ate them with fried fish — usually bream with an occasional catfish or bass. Family reunions were fish fries and fried fish were served with grits.
From as far back as I can remember — from a sepia-tinted picture from around 1950 — it appears I was about four years old. Eating fish had three rules in all Alabama branches of the Dunaways. First, the fish was to be fried. The second tenet was that the only side dish served with fried fish or occasionally oysters was grits. The third rule of a fish fry was that there had to be hushpuppies made with cornmeal, chopped onion and often whole-kernel corn. That was the meal: fried fish, stone ground grits, hushpuppies and coleslaw.
As a high school principal, I often had an end-of-the-year celebration at my house after graduation. One year, I had saved up the crappie and bass that I caught all year, and I had enough to feed my faculty of 70. I set up a propane fish fryer on the deck overlooking Lake Martin, and the wife cooked a big ol’ pot of grits and made a big bowl of coleslaw. The looks on the teachers’ faces when they saw the grits as the main accompaniment to the fried fish were priceless!
The looks on the faces of my faculty confounded me for years after
that night. For the lower Alabama Dunaways, grits with fish was like turkey at Thanksgiving — they were joined in culinary marriage. I wondered, “Why just the Dunaways?”
When we moved to Charlotte in 2005, part of the mystery of the importance of grits with fish was solved when I had that first bowl of shrimp and grits. So, our family’s affinity for grits and fish likely began in South Carolina.
I figure a long-ago relative passed through the low country on his journey from Virginia to Alabama and stayed long enough to taste grits with seafood. When the Dunaway ancestors settled in Alabama, they did not live close to the coast, so shrimp were only sometimes available. However, fish caught from abundant creeks, rivers and lakes has always been a strong Dunaway family tradition. Perhaps, great-great-great grandfather Dunaway, while frying fish for supper in his home in Canoe, Alabama, suggested to his wife that she cook up a pot of grits.
I don’t know the name of the relative who started the tradition by name but bless his heart for starting the wonderful tradition in the Dunaway family of fish and grits — even if it was stolen from South Carolina.
Alisha Fennell DVM
Planning with Gratitude
As I write this, we are all still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene while waiting with dreaded anticipation to learn about the aftermath of her evil twin, Milton. Nature’s wrath is a force to be reckoned with, a reminder of our place in the world. These terrible events remind us of our inability to predict or control the future, of the need to plan for the possibility of incapacity, injury or loss, the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.
For those of us who are experiencing grief and loss from these monster hurricanes, it’s difficult to find the silver lining in the dark clouds. Yet, there they are in the faces of thousands of volunteers, the tremendous generosity of strangers giving to neighbors they have never met, and the courage and sweat of the linemen and first responders. Our place in the world is with each other, to be there for each other, to take care of each other and to love one another.
This Thanksgiving, I will express my gratitude for the dull and boring days, the days I am not worrying about loved ones in the eye of a storm, the days I am not grieving, the days I am not stressing about someone or something, the days I am at peace. These terrible storms make me so grateful for the
calm, uneventful and boring days. These are the days given to us to take time to reflect and to plan for our futures, wherever we may be on our life’s journey.
We joyfully plan for the birth of a new child, for vacations, graduations, weddings and holiday parties. It’s easy to plan for the pleasant, it’s harder to plan for the things that are not much fun to think about. For some, it is downright unsettling. Nonetheless, it is important to plan for the possibility of incapacity and the certainty of death, so we are not leaving these difficult decisions to our loved ones. Let an experienced estate planning attorney help you navigate through these sensitive matters.
Louise Paglen is an Estate and Elder Law Attorney with The McIntosh Law Firm, P.C. Contact her at 704.892.1699 or at www.mcintoshlawfirm.com/ attorneys/louise-m-paglen.
Shauntae Funkhouser,
John Balcerzak, CFP®
A Wine
Sweet Spot
Who knew rot was great for dessert?
by Trevor Burton
There’s something rotten in wine regions around the world. But be of good heart, the rot is noble.
Noble rot, or botrytis cinerea to give the rot its biological name, is what makes dessert wines so great. It makes some fine wines, although they tend to be a little pricey, but that’s because they’re expensive to produce. Let me explain.
As the most favorable noble rot, botrytis cinerea occurs in autumn, when the climate is warm and dry. In the right conditions, there’s a mist that descends upon vineyards from evening to late morning. This condition promotes the development of the botrytis cinerea fungus. But by midday, the warm sun will help dissipate the mist
and dry the grapes to keep them from developing a less favorable rot. Winemakers travel through their vineyards to pick out selected grape bunches or just single grapes for their wine. Two levels of expense here – grapes left hanging on the vine way past normal harvest, as well as hand selecting grapes.
A couple of “ifs” add to the expense. If it is too dry, botrytis cinerea will not appear. If it is too wet, it will appear as gray rot – not good. In ideal conditions, botrytis cinerea spreads at its own pace and quite erratically, meaning that various passes have to be made of the vineyard to select the best bunches, and in some cases, individual grapes. This can lead to extremely late picking.
Enough of the technical issues. Let’s move to a couple of examples. The first has to be Sauternes from Bordeaux – dessert wine royalty. Its location is perfect for dessert wine production. Like most of the Bordeaux wine region, the Sauternes region has a maritime climate. The region is located along the Garonne River and its tributary, the Ciron. The source of the Ciron is a spring which has cooler waters than the Garonne. In autumn, when the climate is warm and dry, the different temperatures from the two rivers meet to produce that mist which descends upon the vineyards. This promotes the development of the botrytis cinerea fungus. By midday, the warm sun will help dissipate the mist and dry the grapes to keep them from developing that less favorable gray rot. What’s for a dessert wine grape not to like?
Then, there’s the Loire Valley and its Vouvray region. A Vouvray dessert wine typically contains more than 50 grams of residual sugar per liter, but some contain more than 200 grams. Vouvray Moelleux, the sweetest wine, is made from grapes harvested late and individually selected – in French, tries successives. It has the trademark honeyed character of botrytis cinerea. Vouvray wines can also be dry, but what interests me is that the wines carry various levels of sweetness. There is Sec-Tendre, Demi-Sec and Moelleux, or a little sweet, more sweet and very sweet, respectively. The sweetness levels used for Vouvray wines act as an unofficial guideline. That means you can choose the style of wine that you like the best.
Do you have to pair desserts with these wines? No. They go amazingly well with salty dishes, such as foie gras as a high-class snack. They will also work with similar dishes such as duck or chicken liver. They pair with salty blue cheeses, like Roquefort. Interestingly, they are an excellent pairing with spicy food. You would think that a spicy dish would require a full-bodied wine, something like a deep Cabernet Sauvignon. But this pairing results in the spice amplifying the tannins in the wine, which can be quite unpleasant. The sugar levels in dessert wines balance everything out. Nice.
There are ample reasons not to desert dessert wines. So, expand a little. Try sweet wines with foods, or even on their own. You might be pleasantly bewitched.
photography by Trevor Burton
by Kathy Dicken photography by Kathy Dicken
Eat YourVeggies!
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Whipped Feta
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Whipped Feta make a lovely, colorful side dish or starter for any fall meal. Roasting the carrots enhances their slightly sweet flavor, and the creamy and tangy whipped feta dip is the perfect complement. While whipped feta dip sounds fancy, it is so simple to prepare and can be made up to three days ahead. It also makes an amazing dip for your vegetable platter and the perfect addition to your holiday table.
If you can find them, rainbow carrots really make this dish exceptional. Not only are they beautiful, but they bring slightly different flavor profiles to this dish. The yellow carrots have an earthy, sweet flavor with notes of celery and parsley. White carrots are relatively mild, and purple carrots can have a peppery flavor, but can also be very sweet.
Finally, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey takes these roasted carrots over the top. Pair this dish with your favorite protein, such as turkey or roasted chicken. The flavor is so well balanced and makes the idea of eating your veggies delightful.
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 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:
Roasted Carrots
1.5 lbs. small to medium rainbow carrots (about 12-14)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. paprika
1-1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Optional — chopped parsley and pistachios for garnish
Whipped Feta
3/4 cup Greek yogurt
8 oz. feta block (in brine for best flavor)
1/2 lemon, juiced
2 garlic cloves
1 Tbsp. honey
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat an oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, combine the ingredients for the whipped feta in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve. Whipped feta can be made up to 3 days in advance.
2. To prepare carrots, scrub well (no need to peel) and remove the tops. Rinse the carrots, then pat dry and place on the prepared baking sheet. Next, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle the mixture over the carrots and turn them in the mixture to ensure they are well coated. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, until fork tender.
3. To serve, spread the whipped feta onto a serving plate and top with the roasted carrots. Garnish with chopped parsley, pistachios and a sprinkle of sea salt. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or hot honey makes them extra delicious!
Hop
on It!
The NC Ale Trail by Rail
by Bek Mitchell-Kidd | photography by Bob Manning/Haute Metal Media
All aboard for a new experience ... the NC Ale Trail by Rail launched last month and has something for everyone, whether you know your pale ales from your pilsners or not.
The new year-round initiative is a result of a partnership between NC Craft Brewers Guild and NC By Train in support of North Carolina’s craft breweries. It offers a unique way to experience and support the craft brewery landscape across the state. Take the train to new tap rooms and tastings, and maybe even chose to extend your stay.
“We’ve deliberately allowed freedom for riders to choose where and how long of a trip they would like to take,” says Russ Haddad, Business Development Manager for the guild. “It could be one day, a weekend or week.”
There are 10 daily trips running between Charlotte and Raleigh, and each stop comes with an itinerary that can be customized. NC Ale Trail By Rail allows friends, families or solo explorers to easily access breweries and the vibrant communities located along the rail route. Stops include Burlington, Durham, Greensboro, High Point and more.
“As part of the discussion, we expanded partnerships to include the local destination marketing organizations in each of the community stops along the train route,” Haddad says. “They have provided local itineraries visitors may use as a guide, along with promotional support for the initiative.” While the craft beer industry has experienced some ups and downs over the past few years, Haddad says the craft brew movement in the Tarheel State remains resilient.
“North Carolina’s craft brewers are innovative and enduring, embodying the spirit of local business and entrepreneurship,” he says. “Ranking in the top 10 craft beer states in the nation (#9 for the number of breweries), North Carolina is also the #1 beer state in the American South. Our breweries across the state provide delicious, award-winning craft beers along with a growing variety of alternative craft beverages, and they serve as the living rooms of their communities.”
The closest departure points for Lake Norman residents are Charlotte or Salisbury. The recommendation is to get to the station at least 10-15 minutes before your train’s scheduled departure time to account for parking and boarding the train before heading east on the Piedmont Route.
Tickets range from about $6 to $27, with business class tickets on the Carolinian being more expensive because you can reserve your specific seat.
“We, along with our partners, are hoping everyone takes advantage of using the state’s intercity passenger rail system, NC By Train, to explore these local craft brewers,” Haddad says. “Whether you’re a beer enthusiast, a train enthusiast or someone looking for a new experience or easy and fun getaway, we hope riders see what NC Ale Trail by Rail has to offer.”
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
Dermatology
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
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 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
Living Well
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
PHC - Troutman Family Medicine
Amrish C. Patel, MD
Janeal Bowers, FNP
Kimberly Whiton, FNP
Jeanne Pierce, PA-C 154 S Main Troutman, NC 28166 • 704-528-9903
Gastroenterology
PHC – Gastroenterology
Brandon Marion, MD
Aerielle Sibert, PA-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC –Comprehensive Digestive Care Center
Vivek Trivedi, MD
Venu Gangireddy, MD
Tiedre Palmer, FNP-C 359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-878-2021
PHC- Gastroenterology
Laila Menon, MD
Gabrielle Miller, PA-C
170 Medical Park Road, Floor 3 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
Internal Medicine
PHC – Fox Internal Medicine
Jessica Fox, DO
Stephanie Michel, PA-C
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
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
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
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
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
Grant Miller, MD
James Wilson, MD
Nicole S. Wellbaum, MD
NailaRashida Frye, MD
Krisandra Edwards, FNP-C
Alyssa Clay, DNP, 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
Orthopaedic Surgery
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
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
Nathan Barkley, FNP-C
Samuel Sackenheim, NP-C
April Hatfield, FNP-C
359 Williamson Road Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-235-1829
Physical Medicine & Rehab
PHC - Spine & Sports Medicine
John Lesher, MD, MPH
170 Medical Park Road, Suite 302 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-664-9506
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
Janice Clayton, FNP-C
128 Medical Park Road, Suite 101 Mooresville, NC 28117 • 704-658-1001
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop
by Lori Helms photography by Jessica Gaddy
LAKENORMAN’SBEST
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
Baking pies and cookies are a total family affair for Gabby Reising and her sister, Savannah Lape. Reising says she had always wanted to have a family business, and she and Lape “fell in love with the concepts of pies and cookies.” That passion clearly translates to popularity with the people, as Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop in Huntersville has been voted as Best Bakery in our 2024 Lake Norman’s Best Readers Choice Awards.
“We do it together and we dragged the whole family with us,” Reising says with a laugh. In addition to their children who help and their husbands who work in motorsports but lend a hand during the holidays, her brother-in-law, Garret Reising, is the kitchen manager. “We all have a role, and we all try to stick to it.”
Reising says while seasonal flavors and other fan favorites will rotate through their offerings, she and Lape try to stick to what’s tried and true – which means apple, Key Lime, pumpkin and pecan pies are on the menu. She says everything they offer is made from scratch, and not a thing comes to them prepackaged.
Since opening in 2021, Reising describes their venture into business ownership as a “wild ride,” but a fun one. She credits much of that to the welcoming Birkdale Village community in which the shop is located.
“I definitely feel like our location is key, we feel very fortunate to be a part of Birkdale Village,” she says. “I feel like it is such a staple in the community that people who wouldn’t normally find us are able to find us because they’re shopping or are there for other things.” She credits their success to not just regular customers, but the fact that they see a lot of foot traffic which includes out-of-town visitors.
And to show their gratitude, Reising and Lape have made strides to partner with several local nonprofit agencies, including Cool Kids Clubhouse (a haven for pediatric oncology patients and their families) and the Angels & Sparrows Community Table & Resource Center, both based in Huntersville.
“We’ve just really tried to give back where we can to the community that allows us to be here,” Reising says.
She says this is a great time of the year to try their products, and during the holidays is when they get a lot of their new customers. Pre-orders for the holidays are available until the Sunday before Thanksgiving.
Above, co-owners and sisters Savannah Lape (left) and Gabby Reising.
