Lake Norman Woman Magazine July 2017

LKN WOMEN YOU’LL MEET IN THIS ISSUE:

* * * *

A LIFELONG LEARNER A REAL GO-GETTER A CHAMPION OF JUSTICE RULE FOLLOWERS AND RULE BREAKERS….

! s e l ru

WHICH ARE YOU?

n w o r u o make y

Lisa Crates Photography

RULES

for breaking THE RULES!

featuring Laura VanSickle of ClosetsbyDesign

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L A K E

make

your own

N O R M A N V O L U M E

X I

rules!

woman

,

N U M B E R

( july 2017 )

MY HUSBAND, SON, AND I

experienced an extreme example of how rules can be less than definitive as we traveled along a stretch of highway through the Yucatan Peninsula over spring break. As drivers in the U.S., we are not only accustomed to, but make every effort to follow, the road signs, right-of-way laws, and traffic signals— after all, they do involve matters of life and death. So silly us, we expected the traffic regulations and rules of the road in the Yucatan to be just as unambiguous and obvious as at home.

But on this stretch of road, traffic signs are more suggestion than regulation, and making your own rules (or ignoring them altogether) is the law of the land. There are official stop signs that don’t always mean stop (and many hand-written ones); there are almost no one-way signs, though virtually every road is one-way in the small towns (You’re made aware of that fact only after you’ve turned the wrong way onto one and angry drivers give you a not-so-friendly [but very unambiguous] hand signal); and my personal favorite, the road signs advising drivers to “Obey the signs,” a directive obviously meant as satire as absolutely no one does.

Given that no one really bothers to read the signs, I was quite surprised to see that the Mexican Department of Transportation felt compelled to put up official road signs that divvied out life lessons in addition to its traffic “suggestions.” There are signs that offer parental reminders, such as “Remember your family, they are waiting on you!” and “After an accident, nothing is the same.”

And perhaps most notable, and certainly the most profound, are the road signs that offer sage rules to live by, like: “You can’t

take it with you!” and “You are exactly where you are supposed to be.”

I’ve always been something of a rule follower, so the ambiguity of the Yucatan’s traffic regulations made me a bit nervous.

For much of the trip, I couldn’t wait to get out of that car. But then the Mexican Department of Transportation was kind enough to remind me that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. When I stopped worrying, wondering, and doubting, I began to have fun. When I began to laugh at the confusion and live in the moment, I was able to enjoy the day as it unfolded, even though we didn’t come to a complete stop at the “Alto” signs and even dared to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the shoulder. (We did, however, adhere to the sign warning against placing rocks on the road because why would you want to place rocks on the road?)

We are bombarded with rules from every direction: some that we absolutely need to follow and others that allow plenty of freedom for fine tuning to fit our own lives.

It is impossible to be original or creative if you’re too worried about following the rules—originality and creativity require thinking outside of the box, breaking the rules, and defying the status quo.

If you’re a rule follower like me, perhaps you find it difficult to break tradition and improvise, use your imagination, and be daring instead. But I encourage you to give it a try: you might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be.…I know that for a fact because I saw it on a traffic sign in Mexico.

Dana

DANA NIETERS

. PUBLISHER

C O N TAC T D A N A V I A E - M A I L AT D A N A @ L A K E N O R M A N W O M A N . C O M

I

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KIM McBEE,

On Point Carolinas Realty

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5 MUST-SEE STATE PARKS

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J U LY 2 0 1 7

CONTENTS FEATURES

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WO M E N O N THE MOV E

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A DAY IN THE LIFE: Rachele Caputo

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HERE SHE IS: Kim McBee

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COVER STORY: Connecting The Dots

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SUCCESS STORY: Making It Happen

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WOMAN TO WATCH: Emily Langley, MD

5 T H I NG S TO D O I N J ULY

SC ENE WI T H L KNW

{

in every issue

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O N THE C OVER:

Laura VanSickle of ClosetsbyDesign PH OTO G R A PH Y BY:

Lisa Crates Photography

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8 HEARTY SNACKS UNDER 100 CALORIES

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KIDS RULE!

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5 MUST-SEE STATE PARKS

RACHELE CAPUTO, Youtopia Counseling Services

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EMILY LANGLEY, MD, Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center

LISA CRATES PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY

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HEALTH 24

WISDOM TEETH: MYTHS AND REALITIES

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WHAT IS PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY?

HOME 14

RULES ON BREAKING THE RULES

SELF 10

DID YOU KNOW?

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5 TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

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5 TRAITS OF INDEPENDENT THINKERS

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8 THINGS: 8 Hearty Snacks Under 100 Calories

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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT: Make Your Own Rules

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SHERRI & HELENA VERTORANO, Edible Arrangements Of Lake Norman

LISA CRATES PHOTOGRAPHY

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yyo u KNOW? did

As we all learned in grade school, the Fourth of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, the signing was not until days later (historians still debate the actual date). Part of the Committee of Five who prepared the document, John Adams wrote: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

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© Wangkun Jia | Dreamstime.com

On July 16, 1969, astronauts Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins left Earth in Apollo 11; just a few days later on July 20, man took his first steps on the moon.

The Liberty Bell has not been rung since 1846; however, every July 4th it is symbolically tapped 13 times. Cast in London, the bell arrived in Philadelphia in August of 1752 and got its infamous crack at that time when it was rung to test its sound.

COINCIDENCE OR FATE? Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe all died on July 4th. Adams and Jefferson died within hours of each other in 1826, and Monroe years later in 1831.

July is NATIONAL BLUEBERRY MONTH, NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH, and NATIONAL HOT DOG MONTH—all coming together for National Picnic Month!

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A DAY IN THE LIFE…

of

Rachele Caputo

MA, LPCA--Youtopia Counseling Services TA K I N G A C H A N C E

I took a risk of walking away from a great paying job to go back to school and pursue my calling of counseling—it was terrifying at the time. Because of my husband’s encouragement and support, we made it work.

FA M I LY R U L E S !

A perfect day typically involves activities with my family, especially when we’re in the mountains hiking and enjoying nature. My husband, Dan, and I have a 7-year-old daughter, Sophia. We love our furry family, too: our rescued greyhound, our spoiled rescue cat, and our goldfish.

H E R E ’ S YO U R S I G N I felt a calling toward counseling and a new career path when, as a middle school teacher, my students would hang out in my classroom at the end of the day, sharing their struggles with me.

© Victor Soares | Dreamstime Stock Photos

LIVE A LITTLE! A L A M P U N TO M Y F E E T Rule breaking is justified when a woman knows God is leading her on a specific path, even when others may disagree with that path.

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For all you rule followers out there like me, remember, life is short! Live a little every now and then.

It’s ok to color outside the lines.

F O L L OW E R O R C H A L L E N G E R ?

I’m generally a rule follower, unless I sense great injustice. Then it’s on! I will break down walls to challenge those situations.

© Skypixel | Dreamstime.com

ONE SIZE DOES N OT F I T A L L Through counseling others, I have learned that people are M Y G U I LT Y P L E A S U R E : innately resilient.

But each client is S I N G I N G L O U D LY I N M Y C A R — I T ' S unique, so there’s A G R E AT S T R E S S R E L I E V E R ! no one-size-fits-all model or approach to counseling.

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R ULES on

BREAKING the R ULES By: Starr Miller

I N L I F E , B U S I N E S S , D E S I G N , A N D A RT,

it is important to break the rules to distinguish yourself, your product, or your project. For this I am all in! But I do believe that one should know the rules prior to breaking them.

To live a life of your choosing, you must first learn what the law of society is and work within that law to develop your own personal road map and value system. To build a business, there are fundamentals of profit and loss that we must master before we look to new ways to source or develop product. Like these, fine art and design are born of the fundamentals first and then layered with the eye of the creative.

Picasso did not start with cubism—he was first a fine portrait artist. He knew how to mix and blend paints. He knew proportion, scale, emphasis, hierarchy, balance, unity,

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rhythm, contrast, shape, form, color, pattern, value, space, and perspective. Once he mastered those skills, he then knew how to manipulate the paint and canvas to bend to his will. You will rarely find a master who has not studied and learned the principals of their trade prior to breaking out of that box. Even The Walt Disney Company® requires a master’s degree in design for those interviewing. I looked it up.

There are “rules” that we all learned from our mothers or design magazines that are not truly design rules. They are just rules to help you make decisions if you are not a professional. Here are some of those rules: . Ceilings should be white . All metals have to match . Match paint color exactly to . Drapery rods should match your fabric the metal in the room . . Period of furnishings needs Avoid plants with colorful petals and foliage to match . All woods should match . Fabrics need to match . Art should match the room . Only paint a large room with dark paint None of these are true! They are safe. They do help you not make mistakes if unsure. The key is knowing the difference. These types of rules will get you a lovely home that is safe and, while pretty, will not be considered art or design. It will be decorated. The rules of design are the same as the rules of art that Picasso learned. The intense study of these rules gives you license to break them.

(The photo above is one example. All woods do not match, all periods of furniture do not match. It is a small room with dark wallpaper. The ceiling has color and detail. The art is actually floating in the room with a simple frame on the wall to ground it, and the drapery rods are red.)

Starr Miller is the president and principal designer at StarrMiller Interior Design, Inc. Contact her at 704.896.3321 or visit www.starrmiller.com.

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JULY 2017 |

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5 Traits Of …

Successful People eople

THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH TALENT!

So much of the time, our actual skills and talents are secondary to our beliefs, © Mawerix | Dreamstime.com attitudes, and actions.

Certainly, we must have the degree to teach or the experience and expertise to advise, but the most successful people have a lot more up their sleeve. Here are a few common characteristics:

© Ratz Attila | Dreamstime.com

BEING ON TIME

According to Forbes.com, 20 percent of employers say they have terminated someone for being repetitively late. Not only is it disrespectful to coworkers and supervisors, but it sends a message that you’re not serious about your work.

DOING EXTRA

Successful folks often stay after hours or work on weekends, especially when it is a team effort … do your part and then some!

EMBRACING A GOOD ATTITUDE

Group this trait with work ethic and body language, and you will see a highly successful person.

Always a smile and a kind word, a firm handshake and eye contact, exhibiting “team player” by your very presence— these traits will take you far.

HAVING PASSION

People who exude energy and passion for their work are more likely to succeed. The old adage is true: “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

BEING COACHABLE

Nobody likes a know-it-all, but everyone likes her opinion and advice to matter. Truly hear and consider the teachings of others. Not only will you learn something, but it establishes mutual respect in the workplace.

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For more business insights, visit www.forbes.com.

5 Traits Of …

Independent Thinkers “Independent thinkers,” says iPersonic.com “are analytical and witty persons.

They are normally self-confident and do not let themselves get worked up by conflicts and criticism. They are very much aware of their own strengths and have fleeting doubts about their abilities.” Are you an independent thinker?

Here are some common traits of those who live a bit outside the box: © Denisismagilov | Dreamstime.com

THEY ARE SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR CAREER.

Armed with confidence, competence, and a sense of purpose, independent thinkers are successful in most areas of life.

THEY ARE TOUGH ON THEMSELVES.

They put great pressure on themselves, sometimes agonizing over self-doubt, but it only pushes them further to succeed.

THEY LEAN TOWARD PERFECTIONISM.

Sometimes distracting, their thirst for being the best is paramount in whatever they undertake. Their overwhelming quest for knowledge is a lifelong pursuit.

THEY ARE NOT PREOCCUPIED WITH CONTROLLING OTHERS.

Rather, they consider maintaining control over their immediate environment more beneficial.

For more information on personality traits, visit www.iPersonic.com.

THEY ARE EXCELLENT STRATEGISTS.

They are eager for knowledge and constantly strive to hone their skills in a logical order.

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{ H E R E she I S }

AN LKN WOMAN WHO PERSONIFIES WHAT MAKES LAKE NORMAN WOMEN SO GREAT

What’s your biggest challenge as a real estate broker? The ever-changing market! Interest rates, the

seller’s market, a buyer’s market—you never know what tomorrow is going to bring. And social media is no cake walk. It now plays a huge role in the marketing of homes, and keeping up with everything on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and blogs can be exhausting!

What brought you to the Lake Norman area?

We came here because of Steve’s job, but we had moved around a lot—14 times in 10 years. I was ready for a career change and I wanted to be closer to my family and out of tornado and hurricane zones, and Steve needed to be close to an international airport due to work travels. We moved to Charlotte in 1996, and then to Lake Norman in 2000, where we built a home.

Would you describe yourself as a rule follower or a rule challenger? I’m more of a rule follower. My

siblings and I were taught from a young age to do the right thing. Because of this, being honest and dependable is just in my DNA. However, I do feel that in our current society, women should feel that they have a voice and should be heard. Sometimes, standing up for yourself by breaking the rules is fine as long as you don’t cross the line into breaking the law.

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i am an LKN oman because…

kim

McBEE

H O M E TO W N : A B I N G D O N , VA L K N TO W N : D E N V E R , B U T I C O V E R T H E E N T I R E L K N A R E A I N M Y WO R K

HOUSEHOLD: HUSBAND STEVE AND SON TYLER (21)

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I am a very positive and energetic person and enjoy helping others. My business partner and I have sold properties in the Lake Norman area for over 15 years, with the goal of establishing a real estate company that has a family feel—our clients are much more than buyers and sellers to us!

What advice would you give young women who are rule followers? Be confident and trust yourself. You

know in your heart what is right and what is wrong. Don’t let others sway your decisions to go against what you believe in. Be true to yourself.

Kim McBee is a real estate broker and co-owner of On Point Carolinas Realty, a small boutique real estate firm dedicated to providing top-notch real estate services to the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas for more than 20 years. For more information, contact Kim at 704.740.5228 or kim@onpointcarolinas.com.

By: Dana Nieters | Photography By: Chelsea Bren

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E S TA B L I S H I N G H O U S E

family

rules and other boundaries is essential for kids to learn where limits are and what’s expected of them. It also helps parents be consistent in the way they interact with their children. Here are some thoughts on letting the kids play a role in rule setting:

Kids Rule!

Psychology Today suggests that children as young as 3 can participate. It helps them to understand early on why rules are important and the consequences of breaking them.

Yes, they do—and we love them for all their perfect imperfections; so, when is it acceptable to let them make their own rules?

Pre-teens and teenagers are especially cognizant of rules since their world is structured around them. This is a good age to involve them in decisions such as curfew and car use; it aids in their independence.

Rules such as bedtime, technology time, and which chores they should be responsible for are good ones to discuss with your child. They are more likely to adhere to them if they have a say in setting them, and it also gives them a productive sense of control.

When you let your children help set rules, advises Parenting. com, it helps them to develop a sense of belonging, safety, and confidence as young adults.

Also, it helps them to better understand the responsibilities of adulthood.

Acknowledge your child’s help and compliance. When they complete chores as scheduled or follow your household rules, give them a pat on the back and say, “Thanks!”—not because they followed the rules (that’s expected), but to recognize their participation and your respect for what they have helped to establish.

© Vadimgozhda | Dreamstime.com

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For more information on a productive household, visit www.parenting.com.

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5State Parks Must-See

North Carolina abounds with beautiful state

parks that make for great day trips or weekend getaways. Here are a few mustsee parks for you and the family this summer:

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M T. M I TC H E L L S TAT E PA R K

About an hour from Asheville, Mount Mitchell’s summit is the highest point east of the Mississippi, reaching 6,684 feet. There is a museum, an observation deck, full-service restaurant, campground, and lots of trails to explore.

H A N G I N G R O C K S TAT E PA R K

Located in Danbury, North Carolina, Hanging Rock is less than two hours from Charlotte. This beautiful park offers a 73-site campground and more than 20 miles of hiking trails. For water lovers, there are streams, waterfalls, and a lake for fishing, swimming, and canoeing.

C A R O L I N A B E A C H S TAT E PA R K

This popular coastal attraction is about 30 minutes from Wilmington and boasts a marina that provides prime access to some of North Carolina’s best fishing spots. With lots of camping sites and hiking trails, visitors can explore this diverse ecosystem and may even spot the rare Venus flytrap plant!

CLIFFS OF THE NEUSE S TAT E PA R K

Located in Seven Springs, North Carolina, this historic landmark features impressive cliffs that overlook the Neuse River. From an array of campsites to miles of hiking trails and quiet fishing holes, there is something for everyone. A family favorite is the 11-acre swimming lake with bathhouse, grassy lawn, sandy beach, and rental boats.

R AV E N R O C K S TAT E PA R K

The Cape Fear River is a frequent hiking destination for visitors of this park located in Lillington, North Carolina.

Lanier Falls, the Fish Traps rapids, or the massive Raven Rock are popular as well. You can find primitive backcountry camping areas, and there is also a separate equestrian area on the river’s north bank.

For more information on state parks, visit www.ncparks.gov.

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health

WISDOM TEETH MYTHS

and R E A LIT IE S

By: Todd L. Hamilton, DDS

What are wisdom teeth?

Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop, usually between the ages of 15 and 20. When there is inadequate space for these teeth to properly erupt, become fully functional, or be easily cleaned, complications such as tooth damage, gum disease, cavities, and cysts inside the jawbone may develop. Therefore, when your dentist, orthodontist, or oral surgeon recognizes that you do not have adequate space in your mouth to accommodate your wisdom teeth, removal is recommended as soon as it is convenient. Wisdom teeth will either erupt like other teeth or will remain un-erupted (under the gum) and are then considered impacted.

Should they be removed? When and Why? The dental community commonly agrees to recommend the extraction of third molars that are symptomatic or causing problems, such as pain, infection, or damage to other teeth. Wisdom teeth have historically been blamed for many problems. They are accused, among other things, of causing teeth to shift by exerting pressure on other back teeth when trying to erupt. This would be responsible for the movement of other teeth and an increase in dental crowding over time. Is this “popular belief” justified?

As an orthodontist, I often hear previous patients say, “My wisdom

But what about impacted teeth that are asymptomatic?

It is frequently indicated to extract wisdom teeth that do not erupt, either to solve a problem already affecting these teeth or to prevent the development of future potential problems (pathologies such as cysts, tumors, and damage to adjacent molars).

Extraction of wisdom teeth is not recommended to prevent the shifting of teeth over time. If you prefer to keep asymptomatic impacted wisdom teeth, do not ignore them.

It is strongly recommended to have regular

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radiographic assessments made every three to four years to detect the onset of potential problems. Symptoms affecting third molars can occur long after the appearance of a problem and, at that time, significant damage may already be present and can be irreversible.

Therefore, when parents ask about the removal of their children’s wisdom teeth, I typically encourage them to have them removed unless it is obvious that they will have room to erupt. If wisdom teeth are removed before their roots develop completely (usually between the ages of 14 to 17) they are usually easier to remove with

teeth caused my teeth to shift.”

I then ask: “When did you stop wearing your retainers?” The reality is that teeth shift over time with or without wisdom teeth in the mouth. The only thing that will keep teeth from shifting over time is wearing retainers consistently at night time for a lifetime. So, while removing wisdom teeth will not prevent teeth from shifting, this doesn’t mean that there are not other reasons to extract third molars. For example, if they have symptoms, such as pain, infection, have cavities, are difficult to clean, have a severe malposition, etc., it is best to remove them.

fewer complications. It is never fun to have them removed as an adult and especially later in life when there may be other health issues that complicate their removal.

Todd L. Hamilton, DDS, owner of Hamilton Orthodontics in Denver, is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and has been providing orthodontic care since 1986. For more information, visit www.hamiltonsmiles.com, or call 704.822.0320.

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connecting THE “YOU CAN’T CONNECT THE DOTS LOOKING FORWARD, YOU CAN ONLY CONNECT THEM LOOKING BACKWARDS. SO YOU HAVE TO TRUST THAT THE DOTS

dots

WILL SOMEHOW

CONNECT IN YOUR FUTURE.”

—STEVE JOBS

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By: Dana Nieters | Photography By: Lisa Crates Photography | JULY 2017

S

teve Jobs was a visionary leader. There are also charismatic leaders like Oprah Winfrey, or autocratic leaders like Margaret Thatcher. Laura VanSickle, co-owner of ClosetsbyDesign with her husband, Eric, is a perfect example of an open-minded leader.

Laura believes that the learning journey never stops … that if we’re not moving forward in experience and understanding, we’re moving backward. “Being open to new opportunities and challenges is what keeps life fresh,” she asserts. Laura’s positive attitude fuels her open mindedness, as she firmly believes every new experience, whether positive or not, takes her in the direction she needs to go. When she feels stuck, she leans on God and turns to the sage advice of Steve Jobs: “I keep that quote pinned up in my office. It’s a great reminder that all of our experiences— even those that seem like setbacks at the time—will eventually connect and make sense to us at some point in our future.”

It was Laura’s openness to “new dots” that led this native Long Island gal to North Carolina. Laura and Eric lived in New York City for seven years, then in Boston. But a particularly nasty late-April snowstorm had Miami-born Eric pining for the South. When he received a job offer in Charlotte, Laura was ready for the adventure: “I am always willing to try something new, so I said, ‘Why not?’” she recalls.

Laura, who had worked in NYC as a writer and editor for Mademoiselle and other national publications, continued working as a freelancer from home, interviewing celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Robert Downey Jr. Her most memorable interview, though, was with Christopher Reeve, shortly after the accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Waiting for his breathing tube to fill his lungs, he slowly told Laura of his plans to help others with spinal cord injuries.

“He was an amazing example of someone who played the hand he was dealt and played it well. He was truly astounding,” says Laura.

While Laura freelanced, Eric rose through the ranks at the bank. But like Laura, the idea that we are always changing and evolving is one that he embraces, and he was ready for something new. Laura, too, was becoming restless: “What interested me in my 20s didn’t hold the same interest for me in my 40s,” she notes.

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After a friend suggested they look into the closet industry, Laura and Eric took a huge risk and jumped in headfirst as the Charlotte franchise owners of ClosetsbyDesign in 2004. And when she says headfirst, Laura isn’t kidding.

Their first call came in before their office was set up, so she answered it on a line rerouted to her cell phone while driving home from Bubba’s BBQ. “I wrote the appointment down on the back of a Styrofoam take-out box!” she remembers.

Laura and Eric “were just getting their legs” when the economic recession hit.

“The bottom fell out,” says Laura. “People cancelled orders overnight and the phones stopped ringing.” But Laura and Eric’s teamwork, their trust in God, and the help of family (two of Laura’s sisters and her mom work at ClosetsbyDesign) got them through. “Having a family business made all the difference,” Laura says. “We worked nights, weekends, whatever it took.” Their faith and collaboration paid off. Today, ClosetsbyDesign is the largest closet company in Charlotte. The company has 18 designers across the region, 45 employees, and this summer will move their office and production facilities to a new 30,000-square-foot building.

"When you try to plan life, it throws you curve balls.

You have to trust that in the end,

‘all the dots will connect.’”

Of all that Laura has accomplished, it is family that makes her most proud.

Married now for 30 years, she and Eric have three children who, like their mom, are not afraid to take on a challenge.

Daughter Sarah just completed her master’s degree at Harvard and is moving to France; Jackson is studying business at UNCC and is a placekicker on the football team; youngest son, Christian, will be starting Elon University this fall, and he too will kick for the football team.

“I am in awe of them,” says a beaming Laura. “They are not afraid to take risks … and when they get knocked down, they get back up and keep moving. They are truly my inspiration.”

Laura’s children certainly had a strong leader to follow when it comes to inspiration. When asked how she handles adversity, her own determination is crystal clear: “I think the person with the most success is the one who withstood the setback and kept pressing forward—the last one standing.”

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What’s next for Laura? “I don’t really know,” she admits. “I trust that it will be where God wants me to be. When you try to plan life, it throws you curve balls. You have to trust that in the end, ‘all the dots will connect.’” | JULY 2017

THE ONLY PLACE MORE LOVING IS IN YOUR ARMS.

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women on the move Salon Today magazine recently named Savvy Salon and Day Spa in Cornelius, owned by TONI P. HELMANDOLLAR , to the SALON TODAY 200, a prestigious award honoring salons across the nation for their best business practices. Savvy was recognized in the Compensation & Benefits category.

KRIS HAWKINS has joined

the team of stylists at Savvy Salon and Day Spa. A graduate of the Mercer County Technical School in West Virginia, she has six years industry experience. Kris specializes in color and blow outs.

HEIKE PIES (left) and MICHELLE LUTTMAN (right)

for “Shark Tank” in April in Charlotte.

have developed a business idea to teach preschoolers organizational skills involving a craft book called Box4Fox: Treasure Box. They auditioned

Local teacher CYNDY ETLER has written a young adult memoir, The Dead Inside. Though originally self-published, New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’ endorsement led to a book deal with Sourcebooks. As a former self-prescribed struggling student, Etler drew on this experience for her book.

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CONNECT WITH US! Whether you are a woman on the move, looking for events, new businesses in the area, or are willing to contribute your opinion, follow us by visiting www.facebook.com/lakenormanwoman or e-mail leslie@lakenormanwoman.com. | JULY 2017

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calendar

1 special 4

TH

OF JULY E D I T I O N !

JULY 2:

QUEEN’S LANDING

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Queen's Landing 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Enjoy putt-putt, DJs, live music, vendorsponsored booths, cruises, dinners, a fire dancer, and Fireworks in the Cove at 9:00!

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IREDELL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

JULY 2:

TROUTMAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE 11 a.m. to approx. 10 p.m.

The festival is a free event. The parade honoring veterans starts at 11 a.m. There will be live music, beer & wine, a kids’ zone ($5/ hr), and food & craft vendors. Fireworks will begin at dark.

3 4 JULY 3:

SUMMER CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS Lowes YMCA Mooresville 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

LOWE'S YMCA MOORESVILLE

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The event will have music, games, inflatables, and vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

JULY 4:

12TH ANNUAL JULY 4TH CELEBRATION BIRKDALE VILLAGE

Birkdale Village 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is free to the public and includes music, face painting, arts and crafts, a bounce house, bike decorating station, and Fire Department water fight.

DOWNTOWN DAVIDSON

JULY 3:

DOWNTOWN DAVIDSON 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION Downtown Davidson 5:30 p.m. until

Participants are encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue and may decorate bikes, wagons, and pets to march in the parade down Main Street. Lineup will begin at 5:15 p.m. at McEver Field.

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JULY 2017 |

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““ Scene

WITH

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LAKE NORMAN WOMAN is getting out and about each month, looking for great events and the fabulous and exciting Lake Norman people who are making them happen! So next time you’re at a chamber event, a new business in the area, or just out having fun, look for Lake Norman Woman and our camera. Who knows, you just might

find yourself in next month’s “SCENE

WITH LAKE NORMAN WOMAN!”

Mooresville Downtown Commission Executive Director Kim Atkins presents check to new Mooresville Arts President Jessica DeHart.

Mooresville Downtown Commission Executive Director Kim Atkins presents check to Maria Haughton Roberson, Lake Norman Humane President.

LKNW’s Michele with Tiffany Ringwald at The Bride Micro business expo.

LKNW’s Publisher Dana Nieters with delegates (Dr. Saada Naile Ahmed from Sudan, Dr. Arafat Rajab Ahmed Al Sowage from Iraq, and Ms. Rasha Zaarour from Palestine) visiting Charlotte as part of the International Leadership Program.

LKNW’s Michele with Jess Mohr at The Bride Micro business expo.

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LKNW’s Michele and Eve Craig and Amber Craig at Smallcakes Carolinas’ First Anniversary celebration.

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Making IT Happen

"d

O O R D O NOT. THE RE IS NO TRY. ”

Clearly Yoda’s quote from Star Wars resonated with many a moviegoer, but Sherri Vertorano, co-owner of Edible Arrangements of Lake Norman in Mooresville and Huntersville, has incorporated this mantra into her life for decades now.

“I am not the type of person who sits back and waits for an opportunity,” she says confidently.

“I go after what I want and make it happen.”

Sherri has indeed been making it happen at her store since she and her mother, Helena, opened the doors in 2007. In addition to all of the other challenges of starting a new business, the recession had just hit, so Sherri was more determined than ever to make it succeed.

“My drive,” she explains, “comes from my mom.

She is such an amazing woman and inspires me daily. We make a great team! She taught me that if you are going to do something, give it everything you’ve got. Be passionate, be decisive, and rely on your gut instincts to lead you once you have chosen a path.”

Sherri was born in Livingston, New Jersey, but grew up in a small town called Kearny across the river from NYC. She attended Berkeley College for business management and accounting in New Jersey where she received her degree. She and husband John have been together for 20 years and have two daughters, Bella, 12, and Ava, 10. The family has lived in the Charlotte area since 1998 and, specifically, Huntersville for the past 12 years.

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Sherri & Helena Vertorano EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS OF LAKE NORMAN MOORESVILLE & HUNTERSVILLE, NC

Sherri and her family consider North Carolina home. Their girls were born here, her parents moved here for early retirement, and her brother and his wife soon followed suit and moved to the Tar Heel state as well. Despite the move being a positive one, Sherri’s mom did not enjoy early retirement, so they talked a lot about starting their own business together. Subsequently, in 2006, Sherri was ready to leave corporate America, and together they decided to open the franchise.

“There were only four Edible Arrangements stores in all of North Carolina at the time,” Sherri recalls, “and the one in Mooresville just happened to be for sale. We immediately fell in love with the concept … and their chocolate

strawberries! We drove to Mooresville at least once a week for the Sweetheart Bouquet. By the summer of 2007, we were business partners. I continue to learn from my mom every day. She is my biggest supporter and the best partner anyone could ask for.”

Diagnosed with a brain tumor 13 years ago, Sherri has had her share of struggles and setbacks, including problems with fertility. Although she is forever grateful that the tumor was benign and has since been removed, it has caused severe medical issues over the years and is something she must monitor always. However, she firmly states: “I am so much more than my diagnosis and illness … I don’t dwell on it; I just put one foot in front of the other and DO!”

By: Leslie Ogle | Photography By: Lisa Crates Photography

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8 THINGS

8 interesting milestones, events, scoops, trifles, or just cool stuff.

1 CUP LOW-SODIUM VEGETABLE SOUP SLICED TOMATO WITH MOZZARELLA CHEESE

1 ROASTED, SKINLESS DRUMSTICK

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1/2 CUP SLOWCHURNED ICE CREAM

hearty 8 snacks

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CINNAMONSPRINKLED BAKED APPLE

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©T

1 CUP SALSA

DOZEN SHRIMP WITH COCKTAIL SAUCE

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health

what is i

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY? By: Dr. Lori Schneider

Prescription medications can be used to control pain.

The neurologist will also perform a nerve conduction velocity study and electromyography, which is a computerized test that uses electrical stimulation to determine if your nerves and muscles are functioning normally. Other exams might include a sudomotor sympathetic response test to detect damage to the small nerves that innervate sweat glands in your hands and feet.

© Tinydevil | Dreamstime.com

A R E YO U FA M I L I A R W I T H P E R I P H E R A L N E U R O PAT H Y ?

I’m not surprised if you answer “no.”

Despite affecting nearly 20 million people in the U.S. alone, there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to this neurological condition. Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that occurs when the nerves that connect your central nervous system (brain and spine) to the rest of your body malfunction because they’re damaged or destroyed.

For instance, if you have ever leaned on your elbow for too long, you have experienced transient numbness and tingling in your last two fingers, which resolved after briefly shaking out your arm. This is due to transient compression of your ulnar nerve at your elbow and is a normal event. But imagine that these symptoms never resolve—this is what patients with peripheral neuropathy experience all the time.

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Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can include: numbness and/or tingling in the hands or feet as well as weakness in the arms or legs, stabbing or shooting pain, thinning of the skin, sexual dysfunction, difficulty maintaining normal blood pressure and heart rate, constipation and other digestive difficulties, and excessive sweating.

There are a variety of factors and underlying conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy. They include the following: diabetes; vitamin deficiencies; autoimmune diseases; thyroid disease; certain infections, such as shingles or Lyme disease; toxins, such as glue, solvents, or insecticides; alcohol abuse; trauma; certain medications; genetics; high blood pressure, and obesity.

The treatment is based on the underlying cause. For example, tight control of blood sugar would be necessary for a diabetic with peripheral neuropathy, while those with vitamin deficiencies are treated with appropriate vitamin supplementation.

The good news is that there are treatments that can help slow the progression of this condition and limit the damage. For instance, anodyne therapy utilizes monochromatic infrared energy to release nitric oxide from the patient’s red blood cells to improve nerve function, stimulate new blood vessels, and heal wounds.

Physical therapy can also help, as can Plasmapheresis, which is a medical treatment to remove antibodies in the bloodstream, and the medical food Percura, an all-natural dietary supplement.

If you have peripheral neuropathy, it’s important to identify the treatment that will work best for you. Talk to your doctors about your symptoms and your options!

Lori Schneider is a boardcertified neurologist at Lakeside Neurology, 19615 Liverpool Pkwy., Suite A, in Cornelius. She offers patients a more natural way to achieve good health. For more information, contact 704.896.5591, or visit www.drlorischneider.com and www.drlorischneiderstore.com.

Renewal

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emilyLANGLEY, MD LKNW RECOGNIZES A WOMAN DOING EXCEPTIONAL WORK IN THE LAKE NORMAN COMMUNITY, A LEADER WHO IS PAVING THE WAY TO CHANGING OUR ATTITUDES AND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.

on LIFELONG LEARNING: A native North Carolinian, I completed medical school at Wake Forest University. As a first-generation medical professional, I appreciate the lifelong learning requirement of being a physician. I enjoy keeping abreast of current research and educating patients and their families. To educate and improve awareness of allergies in the community, I serve as a Medical Advisor to Parents of Allergic Kids (PAK), where my goal is also to implement policies and strategies to keep children safe. on CAREER INFLUENCES: Growing up, I wanted to become a high school math teacher. But while volunteering in the Child Life department on the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology floor at a local hospital, I realized how important a doctor is in the life of a sick child. I found my passion in caring for children and their families, which led me to the medical field.

Dr. Emily Langley Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center CORNELIUS, NC

on MAKING MY OWN RULES: My husband and I married while I was in medical school. We have two young daughters now, but our first babies were our Beagle/Boston Terriers named Lucy and Riley, who just turned 10. When I became a mother, I realized that my hardest “rotation” had only just begun. Balancing family and work is a constant emotional seesaw but very rewarding! I believe that finding happiness and success is staying true to yourself and making a difference in your little window of the world. on TRAVEL: My dream vacation is New Zealand, but we enjoy frequenting Wrightsville Beach for family vacations. In college, I was able to spend a semester living in Florence, Italy. My most rewarding travels include mission trips to South Dakota, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua. We take so much for granted in our community, including access to health care. I treasure helping these underserved areas of the world and hope to continue service trips once my children are older.

Dr. Emily Langley is a board-certified pediatrician and allergist/immunologist physician at Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center in Cornelius and throughout the Charlotte area. For more information, call 704.980.8855, or visit www.carolinaasthma.com.

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By: Michelle Love | Photography By: Lisa Crates Photography

Collaborate.Create.Captivate starrmiller.com | 704.896.3321 JULY 2017 |

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…

…

MIND body spirit BETTER ME

BETTER YOU

BETTER WORLD

Make Your Own Rules By: Debbie Parrott

W H AT A R E “ R U L E S ” A N Y WAY ?

We grow up learning certain rules in our families: Always tell the truth. Make your bed before you leave the house. Be home by 10 o’clock. Some of these are about our value systems, and some are just ways our parents wanted us to behave. When our prefrontal cortex was being formed, these “rules” were part of an important developmental stage.

When we became an adult, “rules” didn’t necessarily mean the same thing. Of course there are laws we have to follow in order to live with the freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States, but that’s not what we’re addressing here. According to Merriam-Webster, one definition of a rule is “an accepted or usual method, custom, or habit.” So who decides what these rules are? Just because something is usual or customary for one group of people doesn’t necessarily make it true across the board. For instance, there are rules about when it is appropriate to wear white in the South – although even the chicest fashionistas are commonly breaking this one. There

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are also unstated rules about who pays for what when a man and woman go on a date – and even what rules define a “date” – so it gets even more confusing! The point is, who gets to decide what the rules are when you’re an adult?

Here’s the answer: YOU do! At a certain point in life, YOU get to decide what is okay with you and what isn’t. No one else can tell you if you should or shouldn’t put up with a friend’s snarky behavior. Only you get to decide your level of tolerance.

No one else can say if the career you started in, because it’s what your parents wanted you to do, is still okay with you.

You can decide to make a change if it’s in your best interest as an adult.

In Victoria Moran’s book Creating a Charmed Life, one of the chapters is titled Enjoy Your Eccentricities. She points out that the word “eccentric” comes from a geometric word meaning “not having the same center.” The qualities that don’t fit the familiar pattern are what makes each of us unique. When we stifle those eccentricities, we give up parts

of ourselves, typically because someone suggested these parts didn’t fit the “rules.”

How boring!

Another popular book about making your own rules is Jen Sincero’s, You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. She has a wealth of advice on how to break free from some of the rules that may be holding us back from becoming our best, and most fulfilled, selves. She emphasizes that trying to please everyone around us is exhausting, and breaking free from that pattern will most likely garner disapproval from those who haven’t yet started making their own rules. So what!

The end result of making your own rules is completely worth it.

and via Facebook.

Debbie Parrott maintains a private counseling practice in Davidson, where she sees adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Debbie can be reached at 704.607.8976

©Andybor | Dreamstime.com

THE MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT ARE INTIMATELY CONNECTED. Because unhealthy thoughts and emotions can create a vicious cycle that leads to unhealthy physical patterns, we can choose a victorious path that includes a positive, healing, uplifting spiral. By mixing the ingredients of attitude and action, we can change the flavor of our own lives. Learn to nurture your body and soul to lead a more balanced life.

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