Take A Hike

COMMUNITY

While our proximity to the Smoky Mountains is a great resource for hikers, the Lake Norman area should not be overlooked. With lots of options and varying difficulty levels, here are a few adventures to discover—

Mecklenburg County’s oldest nature preserve,

McDowell Nature Center and Preserve

spans 1,116 acres, and it has more than seven miles of trails ranging in difficulty. With lots of plant and animal life, combined with amazing views of Lake Wylie, this makes a great day trip.

Reedy Creek Nature Preserve

offers hikers 10 miles of trails that rope around various small ponds and rivers. There are over 100 species of birds, 15 species of mammals, and more than 30 species of reptiles and amphibians that make the preserve their home. Fishing is allowed, and mountain bikers share the trails in some areas.

The Latta Nature Preserve is a 1,460acre facility that draws visitors with its 16 miles of hiking trails, a National Wildlife Certified Backyard Habitat Garden, and the Carolina Raptor Center. Visitors can also horseback ride on the hiking trails. In fact, 13 miles of the 16 miles of trails are designated for hiking and horseback riding.

Located near Kings Mountain, about 20 minutes south of Charlotte,

The U.S. National

Whitewater Center

(USNWC) is the perfect playground for thrill seekers. With more than 30 miles of hiking trails, outdoor enthusiasts can test their skill levels in many directions. In addition to hiking, the USNWC offers other activities including whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, rock climbing, ziplining, and kayaking. Crowders Mountain is a 5,126-acre park with 11 hiking trails. From trails just under a mile, to more difficult hikes that are up to seven miles, this area promises lots of fun. w

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NURSE LINE OF LAKE NORMAN, PLLC

Services offered are specific to your needs, including: . Nurse Coaching . Chronic Disease Management . Healthcare Liaison . Concierge Nursing . Post Surgical Care . Telephone Support . Medical Record Review . Medical Billing Review

There has never been a better time to have your own nurse. Whether you are at home, having an outpatient procedure, or in the hospital; we are working to ensure you have all your needs met. Consider us your family nurse.

“My son was rushed to the ER with a brain injury. Ruth translated all the medical terms & situations in a way we could understand. I can’t explain what it meant to have her in my corner. She was truly an angel in one of the worst situations of my life.”

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that's what he said

FEATURE

SPOILER ALERT:

that's what Said

MARION (MARK) FREEMAN, ARTIST

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION Marion (Mark) Freeman has lived in various locations throughout the country, but he founded his business and raised his family in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he grew his advertising firm to one of the top in the state. After a nearly 30-year stint running his company, Mark decided to sell and move to sunny South Florida to pursue his passion in fine art.

EARTH WITHOUT ART IS “EH” I want to touch people’s lives with my art. I want them to realize I care deeply and sincerely. I want my works to evoke passion and caring and most certainly love. The blessing of having the opportunity to soothe or excite or even ponder in introspection is an incredible gift. When you buy a work of mine, you are buying more than an object. You are purchasing hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation, times of toil and, perchance, frustration intertwined with moments of PURE JOY!

NORTH CAROLINA MUSE In addition to visiting my North Carolina cousins growing up, I attended and led many church groups in the state. I have a lot of fond memories of my time in NC, and much of my earlier works were inspired by the beauty there … I even have a few of Lake Norman!

Men and women are different. Ok, so maybe that fact didn’t really surprise you. After all, it’s been 27 years since John Gray popularized the idea that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. And as much as we love sharing women’s stories, we decided it was time to lend the Martians of LKN our ear, too. This month we share the perspective of Mark Freeman, fine artist.

LIVE HAPPY, BE GRATEFUL We’re all responsible for our own experiences, so I’ve always encouraged my sons to leave a situation feeling like, “Wow, that was enjoyable!” or “I sure feel good about myself” or “That was time I really enjoyed.” It is simply a matter of effort...make that effort! My grandfather always reminded me that life is GOOD, and when I showed signs of feeling sorry for myself for one reason or another, he would always quip: “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.” w

Mark is a fine artist who shows in many locations throughout the Southeast and lives with his wife, Leslie, in Delray Beach, Florida. In addition to doing commissioned pieces, Mark also does freelance graphic design. Connect with him at 865.382.3431 or see his collections at www.marionfreeman.com.