UNION
Lifestyle
The ‘real’ Pat Kahle.
Tattoos not just for sailors. Choose to be happy.
Theater interest surges.
October / November 2013 www.UnionLifestyle.com
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Union Lifestyle PO Box 1064 Monroe, NC 28111-1064
Contents
UNION
Lifestyle
October / November 2013 Vol. 2, No. 6
Editor
Nancy E. Stephen
Contributing Writers Deb Coates Bledsoe Loyd Pennington Luanne Williams
Photographers
Heather Bostic Deb Coates Bledsoe Rick Crider Nancy E. Stephen
Union Lifestyle
Union Lifestyle October / November 2013
4
14
Away from
Tats – they’re not
Pat Kahle.
anymore.
Public View:
6
just for sailors
18
A publication of Cameo Communications, LLC PO Box 1064 Monroe, NC 28111-1064 (704) 753-9288 www.UnionLifestyle.com
Bondsmen bail out – and chase after – defendants.
second life for
On the cover
If I won $3 million
Life Lessons:
Like us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/UnionLifestyle
Jacob Womack, 3, skips with delight after choosing a pumpkin at Aw Shucks! Nancy Stephen photo
9
Ballroom a
local teacher.
20
in the lottery,
Choose to be happy,
10
22
I’d . . .
savor life’s gifts.
Arts council leads
Monroestock
community theater.
12th year.
Local men plan
Villa Mia:
drive to bring back
12
to renovate and
use old theater.
back for
24
Traditional Italian
food, and plenty of it Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 3
The ‘real’ Pat Kahle
Away from public view
Pat Kahle recently was named president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce. The 53-year-old woman has been in the public view throughout her career and in community service. The 2011 Woman of the Year gave us insight to the “real” Pat. Childhood ambition: I wanted to be a teacher of young children until I was in high school. Guilty pleasure: Ice cream. I could absolutely eat ice cream 24-7, preferably chocolate-related, but really any flavor. Guilty splurge: If anything, shoes. I do like my shoes, but I’m not all that good to myself. Inspiration: Alex (her daughter who died during her senior year in high school.) Everyday I think “don’t screw this up. Don’t do anything that she would say ‘Really, Mother? That’s what your doing’?” Do it right. The things that I do reflect on Alex. Challenge: My new position as executive of the Chamber. This is big for me, changing careers at this time of my life. Lemons to lemonade story: The Alex Kahle Memorial Scholarship Fund. When we lost Alex, the world changed. Our friends came to us during that horrible time and said, “This scholarship fund might be something you want to do.” At the time, with everything being such a blur, we said, “Yes, yes, that’s fine.” When life settled down, that’s when it really became such a blessing. We were blessed to have friends think for us when we couldn’t think for ourselves. Then friends wanted to start a golf tournament to raise money, and the fund took a life of its own. (The fund has given $22,000 in scholarships to Union County female seniors.) Greatest joy in life: Reading on the boat while my husband fishes. Dick and I are together, and we’re best buddies as well as married. I don’t take my cell phone, just my Kindle. Just being on the water where it’s quiet and you can hear the birds – that’s wonderful. I spend my time with my book, with my husband in the outdoors with no distractions. It’s the most peaceful time in my world. What I know for sure: Change is inevitable, grab on to the handlebars and go with it. Most overused expression: It is what it is. Real life hero: My husband, Dick. We’ve been married 32 years this year, and in those years, he has never failed me. He is a man of his word. If he says he will do something, you can count on it. He and I have been through one of life's greatest tragedies. Even when his own heart was broken, he was my rock. His strength carried us both through the toughest time of our lives. He is the first person I go to when I want to celebrate and when I have a problem. He has maintained his sense of humor, his love of life and his commitment to his friends and family no matter what obstacle he has faced.
M
Bail bondsmen
Not exactly like TV, but sometimes they do chase defendants Text by Luanne Williams
ention bail bonding to most people and mental images of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” flash to mind, or perhaps thoughts of shady characters only slightly more respectable than their suspect clients. In truth, while their work involves dealing with defendants and tracking “skips,” most local bonding agents look more like insurance salesmen than renegade wranglers. “There can be a lot of excitement to the work, but not like shows like The Bounty Hunter. You don’t see people picking up bond skips dressed like Dog,” says Richard Eury, retired bondsman. ”You can't even be a felon (Duane “Dog” Chapman has a murder conviction) and be a licensed bail bondsman in North Carolina,” says Robert Mathis, who operates a bonding agency near the Union County Jail in conjunction with his brother, Tim, and nephew, Quaid. “We don't go and bust down doors and harass people. Do we have to break down a door once in a while to get someone? Absolutely, but we don't sensationalize it. “These folks with mohawks, tattoos all over . . . thugs, that's what they look like,” Robert adds. “How could I expect to get respect if I walked up to a house to question somebody about a skip looking like that?” Richard says to run a successful bonding agency, you have to be “part bondsman, part law enforcement officer and part psychologist.” Both men emphasize the role bond agents play in keeping defendants on track through the court system, in essence a private industry, pre-trial release and monitoring program that operates without cost to the taxpayers. The industry estimates that North Carolina’s more than 1,200 bail agents save the state some $2 billion a year while putting millions of dollars into the public school system over time when bonds are forfeited. But bail agents are quick to mention that forfeitures don't happen very often. According to a 2007 study, bail agents net a oneyear fugitive rate of only 3 percent. “I think average retrieval rate for police is 68 to 72 percent, and U.S. 6 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
Robert Mathis takes notes while listening to a call from a woman who wanted to bail out her boyfriend who had been behind bars for more than a month. At left, his signage is strategically placed to be seen from the jail parking lot. Nancy Stephen photos
marshals not much more, but for bail agents, it’s 97 percent. We try to bring everyone back,” Richard says. The financial incentive makes the system work.
Over the years, he learned that of 10 people bonded out, five or six will go to court without a problem. Of the remaining, two can be brought into compliance with just a phone call, and two more will require a visit to their home or their local hangout where the agent can pick them up and take them back to jail. At most, one out of 10 will not only miss court, but go on the run, sometimes heading out of state.
“When you bond them out of jail, you get all the information you can on their family and friends, and you get a co-signer if you know they won’t be able to pay you,” he says. Robert says co-signers are the ticket to tracking skips.
“They know where the defendant has been going, where he’s been hanging out,” he says. “You put the heat on them, and they find (the defendant) for you.”
Robert says he’s pulled people out of attics, crawl spaces, cabinets, cars, washers and dryers, and even a hot water heater once. “It was a prop, but it looked like a regular hot water heater, with hoses and everything, just like it was hooked up. But inside, it had been hollowed out,” he says. Bond agents must go through a 10-step process, including a North Carolina exam and a yearlong apprenticeship under another agent, to be licensed by the Department of Insurance.
Unlike some states, North Carolina doesn’t allow freelance bounty hunters who go from place to place, tracking down missing clients for big rewards. The closest thing to bounty hunters are “runners,” who can be licensed to help track and bring in defendants for agents, but can only work for one agent at a time. Most bondsmen go after their own skips. That’s where the law enforcement or detective role comes in, says Richard, who was also a private investigator for six years. He remembers tracking a member of the Outlaws to Vermont based on a hunch and an address on a matchbook. “He had a big bond and had skipped so I went to Salisbury where he used to live. A truck he used to have, they had it for sale,” he says. He rummaged through the truck’s cab while taking it for a “test drive,” and found receipts and a matchbook for Daryl’s Garage in Fair Haven, Vt. He called the number, talked to a boy who confirmed that someone who fit the defendant’s description had been there, and booked a plane for Vermont. “I found him a few miles from the Canadian border, where his cousin was writing him a check so he’d have money,” the retired bondsman says. He quickly redirected him to North Carolina. Robert has tracked defendants to Florida, Ohio, Delaware, New York and other states and has one believed to be in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai right now. “His dad is going to pay for that one,” he says. One reason successful bond agents have so few skips overall is their ability to assess and minimize flight risks up front. “It’s just being able to ask the right questions and knowing which bonds to sign for,” he says. Richard says that’s when bondsmen need to be psychology experts to determine if a defendant is being truthful. Both men say they have seen innocent people falsely accused, especially in domestic cases where child custody was a issue. “Just because somebody is charged doesn’t mean he is guilty of that crime,” Robert says. Luanne Williams, a former newspaper editor, is a freelance writer.
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 7
N
Retired local bondsman named to Hall of Fame
ow retired and living at Holden Beach, Richard Eury Sr. owned and operated U.S. Surety Agency for two decades in Monroe and Charlotte. This summer, he was named to the N.C. Bail Agents Association Hall of Fame for his service and efforts to improve industry standards.
“When bail agents were not regulated by the Department of Insurance, before I got into the business, there were some pretty rough characters doing this,” he says. “Later, as our state association began to help the Department of Insurance regulate the industry, things improved. The public is seeing a better, more professional breed of bondsman now.
“Used to, you could get into this business without any experience at all, but now you have to work for another bail bondsman,” he says. “A lot of laws have changed to make the industry better.”
One thing that hasn't changed is that some defendants will always decide to skip.
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“When he missed court, I called him and told him to send me $300, and he began cussing me and told me I didn't have the cahoonas to come get him. So when I was going to get these others, I just went and got him, too.” Richard says the man tried to pay the $300 then to appease him, but instead, Richard brought him back to Charlotte where he spent eight days in jail before being released.
The longtime bail agent says only a few times was he in fearful situations. “Some of them want to holler and cuss at you while you handcuff them, then you get them back to jail and they're all nice because they need you to bond them out,” he says.
“Every once in a while, we'd run up on a hardliner, but not often.”
Test your bail bond knowledge 1) A bail bondsman can help a defendant get his bond reduced. 2) A bondsman can arrest a defendant whose bond he has signed. 3) A bondsman can use collateral given to him to secure a bond. 4) If a bail agent is forced to forfeit on a bond, the bond amount benefits the N.C. Public Schools. 5) Bail agents have special gun carrying privileges.
7) Bondsmen must obtain search warrants before going into a defendant's house to search for him if he fails to show for court. 8) A bondsman can refuse to sign a bond for any reason.
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“That guy had called me from the Mecklenburg County Jail for just a $300 bond for taking a leak on a sidewalk. The fee was $45 and when he got out, he headed home to Quincy.
6) A bondsman who retrieves defendant who has “skipped” may imprison him until he can be returned to the original jurisdiction.
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“Once I had five bond skips all at one time,” he remembers. That road trip, one of hundreds of recapture missions, took him to Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Massachusetts and Maryland, and was surprising to the northernmost defendant whose bond was just $300.
9) If a defendant fails to appear in court, the agent must return him to court within 60 days or pay the full amount of the bond. 10) Bail agents can carry shield badges similar to police badges. ANSWERS: 1) False. CITY OF
MONROE
a heritage of progress
2) True.
MONROE
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U.S. 601 S, Monroe (704) 282-4661 MonroeCountryClubGolf.com 8 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
3) False. Collateral must be returned 72 hours after the case is closed. 4) True. 5) False. They may carry guns, but only under the same rules as other citizens.
6) True. 7) False. 8) True. 9) False. Agents have 150 days to surrender a defendant. 10) True. The General Assembly approved an official shield.
A
If I won the lottery . . .
n Indian Trail man, Abdelrahman Kirdasi, recently won $100,000 playing the North Carolina lottery, beating the odds of one in a million in the $4 million game. “I’m feeling very happy,” he told lottery officials.
“Very happy” could sum up most winners’ first reactions. But we wondered what other Union Countians would do once the shock wore off. t t t
With an extra $100,000, I would have enough, with monies I am saving now, to purchase a nice safe condo on a bus route for a struggling family member.
With $3 million, no doubt it would be cosmetic surgery, two months in New Zealand and a beautiful new safe SUV with great gas mileage for my daughter. Plus, I’d set up a college fund for my new granddaughter. The rest, I’d put in a retirement fund. Vickie Basri, Weddington t t t
First thing, I’d get with my financial advisor – who is me – to set up a portfolio to turn the $100,000 into $200,000. With $3 million, I’d do the same thing to turn it into $6 million.
The next thing I would do is keep quiet about the money and refuse to be ostentatious. t t t
Bill Wiley, Waxhaw area
Of course, I'd pay off all my bills first, then I'd give a generous sum to my sons and take my wife on nice vacation to the North Carolina and Virginia mountains. Next I'd remember my church and Wingate University.
With $3 million, I’d also downsize to a smaller home for Jenny and me, buy homes for my sons, establish an educational plan and set up a trust fund for my granddaughter. Then I would also honor First Presbyterian and John Crosland School. Finally, Jenny and I would travel some.
Frank McGuirt, Wingate
I probably wouldn’t do too much with $100,000. Invest half. Lay low and do a little traveling and shopping.
With $3 million, I’d invest $1 million in a men's shop, plus a restaurant and lounge in Downtown Monroe. I’d share part of a million with family and enjoy some things that I dream of. t t t
Franco McGee, Monroe
If I won $100,000, I'd invest half for future needs and use the rest as a down payment on a house for my daughters and me.
If I won $3 million, I'd invest it all but $500,000. I'd use half as mad money for new vehicle, take a vacation and make a down payment on a house. The other $250,000 I'd use to support my favorite causes, like animal rescue, my daughter’s school and any other worthy endeavors I came across.
Jody Sitton, Waxhaw t t t
With $100,000, I would only receive about $50,000. I’d probably pay off some bills, maybe take a vacation, save some and give a bit to a favorite charity or two. Plus lots of fun shopping for Christmas gifts!
With the $1.5 million after taxes, I would start with the same plan. In addition, I would set up small trusts for some young family members and my sweet granddaughter, Caroline! t t t
Suzanne Walters, Lake Park
$100,000? I'd probably just blow it, after taxes. I’d take my friends to the beach, maybe. I'd give some to the Red Cross and some to the Union Symphony, and then my granddaughter would ask for horseback riding lessons, and then it would all be gone!
With $3 million, it might take a little longer, but I'd probably just squander it, too. Maybe take those friends to the Riviera, let my granddaughter have a year of lessons and join the platinum branch of the Tiffany Circle of the American Red Cross.
Ellen Vilas, Monroe
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 9
Two-prong return o
Spell it theatre or theater, there’s a resurging interest in local theater in Union County.
T
By Nancy E. Stephen
he Union County Community Arts Council is leading the drive to form Union County Playmakers, a non-profit community theater organization. Meanwhile, David Nelms and Nathan Hopper are working with the City of Monroe to turn the long-vacant Center Theatre into a viable performance setting.
Is theater coming back to Union?
Community theater played a big role in the arts scene in Union County for many years, drawing actors young and old to perform small plays and major musical productions.
But Union County Players simply drifted away more than 10 years ago. It wasn’t that the interest was gone, but that the management support fell by the wayside.
Now theater has come full circle. The Arts Council, which was formed in 1980 from ACT Community Theater (later Union County Players), is returning the favor, trying to restart local group.
Barbara Faulk, executive director of the Arts Council, has a goal to bring back community theater. “Part of our mission is to support all of the arts in the county, but one area that’s been missing for the last few years has been community theater. It’s very important for us to have a whole arts community for the residents.”
She and a group of theater aficionados have
Drama instructor Larry Robinson works with Lindsey Sherrin, center, and Michelle Dearmore on set details for a production of Phantom of the Opera. Rick Crider photo / Enquirer Journal
spent the last year investigating ways to restart a group and are proud to have a premiere performance of Union County Playmakers in October.
“It’s a project of ours to see if we can resurrect a community theater in some way; there’s been a lot of interest among the people who have come together.
“We’ve looked at other community theaters to see how they’ve survived in the economic downturn. Many are very successful,” Barbara explains. “We know that we need to start somewhere.”
“Somewhere” is the murder mystery “Life Is A Cabernet, Ol’ Chum,” set for Oct. 4 and 11 at Treehouse Vineyards in Monroe.
10 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
“We believe there will be lot of interest generated from our first effort and subsequently more direction. We intentionally are not starting with a full stage production, which is more than we thought we could handle now,” Barbara says.
Larry Robinson, theater teacher at Central Academy for Technology and Arts and director of the murder mystery, says a community theater “is absolutely important in any community. It’s absolutely doable here. A lot of people don’t recognize theater’s importance but it’s very vital to any thriving community.” Union County Public Schools has strong
of theater to Union arts instruction, “one of the strongest in the state as far as theater and supporting the arts,” he says. Every middle and high school has a theater program, and students from all schools perform in the Union County Performance Ensemble, which produces a major show each February.
But once students graduate from high school, “there’s nothing left for them in terms of participation unless they go to Charlotte. We work to create awareness and appreciation of theater with the students,” but then it’s over.
At this time, Union County Playmakers is simply an advisory board working with the Arts Council. “We’re starting slowly; we’re starting intentionally. We’re starting with good advisors, and we’ll see how we progress with it,” Barbara adds. “You have
Life is a Cabernet, Ol’ Chum
to crawl before you walk, walk before you run.”
The murder mystery dinner theater is the first step in “showing the public what we want to do.”
Friday, Oct 4, and Friday, Oct. 11 Treehouse Vineyards 301 Bay Street, Monroe, NC
“It’s an open door organization that we’re trying to get going again. Doors are open to anybody, everybody. Anyone who is interested, please let us hear about it. It’s another grassroots effort, and I think those are the strongest efforts.”
The cast includes Union County residents Jon Brooks, Carri Hilson, Tommy Wooten, Donna Simpson, Gene Melchior, Felicia Howie, Winston Sims and Karen Johnston
After the murder mystery, “we’ll see the direction we're going in,” Barbara adds. “I feel we're going to go in a positive direction. The timing is good.
Funds raised from the mystery theater will be used to support future projects for Union County Playmakers to support projects.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Jazz in Stride featuring pianist Ethan Uslan
Union Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. at The Batte Center; $15-$25
Sunday, Oct. 27
Classical Masterworks
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra 4 p.m. at marvin Ridge High School; $12
Friday-Saturday, nov. 8-9
Wingate University Opera with Union Symphony 7:30 p.m. at The Batte Center; $15 Dr. Jessie Wright martin, music director Union Symphony is proud to have Richard Rosenberg as artistic director of Union Symphony Orchestra and Tom LaJoie as music director of the Youth Orchestra.
7 p.m. Cash wine bar 7:30 p.m. Dinner by Matthew Sganga of Stone Table 8:15 Dhow time $60 Person
For ticket information, call (704) 2832784 or email barbara@unionarts.org
Friday, Dec. 6 Believe
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra and Union County Youth Ballet 7:30 p.m. at monroe Crossing; free Bonita Simpson, ballet director
Sunday, Dec. 8
A Christmas Concert
Union Symphony with Central United methodist Festival Choir James O’Dell, music director 5 p.m. at the monroe church; free
S pRing p ROgRamS
Sunday, march 30 t Youth Symphony Sunday, april 27 t Union Symphony Sunday, may 18 t Pops on the Plaza Sponsored by City of monroe
Season subscriptions available at (704) 283-2525 or UnionSymphony.org
This project is supported by the Union County Community Arts Council and the Grassroots program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 11
D
Bringing the C David Nelms, left, and Nathan Hopper are so anxious to get the theater project going, they’re willing to even sweep up! Nancy Stephen photos
By Nancy E. Stephen
avid Nelms and Nathan Hopper have a dream – and a bona fide plan to implement that dream.
They dream of renovating the Center Theatre on Main Street in Monroe, a 1940 art moderne facility that fell into disrepair after closing in 1991. Their dream is not just renovation, though. These men have grand ideas about programming and, more importantly, they have research to prove the project’s viability.
Seven years ago, the owner asked Union Symphony Orchestra about using the space when he was finished. David and Nathan, both involved in the Symphony, asked about purchasing the building, but talks went nowhere.
“Everyone thought renovation was a good idea, but no one could move. I had visions of the building being bulldozed and lay awake thinking of things we could do down there,” David says.
Their excitement was high, but getting power behind the enthusiasm was difficult. Still, David compiled a fat binder of information on restoring old theaters, using the League of Historic American Theatres as a resource, and learned that this dream has been fulfilled many times across the nation.
He analyzed 12 regional theaters set in similar demographics to “see what they were doing, what kinds of dollars they were raising to keep these theaters alive in community.” Add that information to the notebook.
He learned that “it wasn’t wrong to dream these dreams . . . that this theater can be built to draw entertainment and people from more than just Monroe and Union County. It can be a 12 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
destination,” David explains, his enthusiasm almost visibly bubbling out. Artistic “companies that play will want to return and also the patrons. We want them to leave their cares at the door and be transported to another world – maybe the Old World. Maybe create an experience.”
“This is not a unique project,” says Nathan. “It’s a craze.”
David adds, “Our ideas aren’t new. I’ve been involved over the years with six projects and have gleaned a little bit from all of them.” Currently, his company, Pipe Organ Service of the Carolinas, is rebuilding a Wurlitzer organ in the Hollywood Theatre in Gowanda, NY, a town with a population of just 4,000. “I see similar potential for here.”
Fast forward to August
The City of Monroe purchased the theater site upon recommendation from the Monroe Tourism Authority, using motel tax monies specifically collected for tourism-related infrastructure. The city plans to stabilize the building, then partner with David and Nathan, who will renovate and operate it.
Although the talks and purchase happened quickly – out of the blue, they say, David and Nathan have moved quickly. too. They chose the Charlotte architectural firm of Gantt Huberman, which has given a proposal for systematic renovation in stages all the way through grand opening.
“We’ve talked about our dream and what we want to do. We have a plan for a multi-purpose facility that can be used for live acts, small plays and even show movies,” explains Nathan. He has fond memories of watching cowboy movies on Saturday morning in the theater. “The ballet could perform here.”
Center Theatre back to life “Gallery space.”
“A Three Stooges festival.”
“Something for all art disciplines – pottery, dance, music, Broadway-type musicals, Union County Playmakers . . .”
“Our theater will be famous,” interjects Nathan. “It will be so well done and so acoustically agreeable with the spoken word and music, we will get acts that might not go to other places. This won’t be a run-of-the-mill redone movie theatre. That’s our plan.
“We want to make it accessible for local performers, but they won’t be the main funding. We want internationally famous traveling shows to perform here.”
Their ideas tumble out quickly, almost on top of each other. But for all their dreams, they know the project will be difficult, expensive and that there will be naysayers.
The full restoration project could cost up to $12 million, a figure that might alarm most but not these men. “We’re going to do the restoration right,” Nathan emphasizes. “We’re not going to just throw drywall up.”
Three foundations have indicated interest in the project, says David, and the men haven’t even started looking for funding. Currently, they are operating with the Union County Community Arts Council as fiscal sponsor until Center Theater Development Inc., gains non-profit status.
The facility doesn’t comply with ADA standards for handicapped access, but that, and a myriad of other issues, won’t stop the men.
They agree the stage needs to be bigger and plan to reduce the original 854 seats to provide the space. “Right now, with the balcony it’s cavernous,” says Nathan. They envision room for a backstage and dressing rooms, possibly in existing rooms under the stage.
“We could do 80 percent of symphonic productions on that
stage now,” David adds.
David, the organ enthusiast, plans 15 minutes of live organ music from an original Wurlitzer theater organ prior to every show. “That’s part of the nostalgia, a part of the experience. You sit in the seats and you hear music, but you don’t know where it’s coming from. Then the organ rises from the pit,” he says gleefully, slowly raising his hands as if lifting the organ himself.
He says the Charlotte Film Society has expressed interest in rebuilding existing carbon arc projectors for a film festival.
Members of the loosely knit theater advisory board are Joyce Rentschler, nurse at CMC-Union, Women’s Center; Arnold Bivens, retired from RJ Reynolds; David English, Carolinas’ purchasing manager for Hughes Supply, and Barbara Faulk, executive director of the arts council
Why is now the right time?
“We’ve got one guy with experience; one with Monroe in his heart and will do anything for Downtown Monroe,” says David. “The economy is perfect for it. The city is involved. The demographics are perfect. We’ve got more housing, restaurants and retail downtown now.”
For Joyce, a Monroe native and member of the tourism board, this time is different from other times. “I’ve watched different groups look at the theater throughout the years. But this time, it’s like magnets attracting each other.”
“Non-profit arts are a huge economic engine in this country,” says David. “Tens of billions of dollars generated each year in terms of full time salaries and taxes. Our theater can have not only a cultural impact but an economic impact. TheCenterTheatre.org n ( 877) 376-1599
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Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 13
TATTOOS
T
Text and photos by Deb Coates Bledsoe
attoos once were thought to be only for bikers and sailors. Now, they have crossed socioeconomic and cultural lines and are seen in all walks of life.
“We've tattooed doctors, lawyers and pastors,” says Sting, a 26year tattoo artist who works with his wife, Holly, and two other artists at Skinsations. “It’s more mainstream than it used to be. Now it’s more unusual if you don’t have a tattoo.”
Sting and other tattoo artists often use only their first names, something like a stage name.
Reasons for tattoos are as varied as the designs. Sometimes women who had reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy get tattoos to match the other breast.
“Women feel violated enough to have to go through something like that. You want them to be comfortable about themselves, ”
Hallmark of sailors goes mainstream says Holly of Skinsations.
Tony, from House of Ink, says one of his most memorable tattoos was for a 63-year-old woman after a mastectomy. “She had some scarring, and she just didn’t feel pretty,” he says.
“She had been living 15 years with this. I drew morning glories and entwined them with a cancer ribbon. It was a good feeling. When she left, she felt beautiful again.”
House of Ink artist J.T. says his most unique tattoo was a piece of raw steak, while another person requested a potato chip on his shoulder, making the proverbial chip on the shoulder. One unique request was putting the ashes of a deceased person into the ink, so the loved one would be part of the tattoo. “It’s just
A
Family cancer scare
By Nancy E Stephen
fter Mary Brown underwent treatment for ovarian cancer in 2011, she and sons Griffin Elliott, Justin Elliott and Andy Brown thought the treatment was over. When Mary shared the awful news of a recurrence one year later, her family was stunned.
Justin “wanted to do something to show our support.” He looked for a tattoo design that “would mean something. I texted my brothers and said, ‘We're getting tattoos’.”
The brothers were tattooed two days later.
Andy says, “I needed an excuse to get a tattoo. I’d wanted one for a while. This was a good opportunity and worthy cause.”
Susan Redden, left, and Nan Vuncannon Heather Bostic photos
14 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
Justin, who already sported four tattoos, looked at tattoo designs for cancer and others, but found the Japanese symbol for fight to be perfect. He sports the tattoo facing him on his
carbon, and it dilutes into the ink,” J.T. says.
When choosing a tattoo, Holly suggests making certain it’s something you want to live with for many years. People often want the name of a former love covered, which can be complicated. “It has to be as dark or darker to cover it,” Holly says. “So you have to be extremely creative to keep it from being a big black blob,” she said.
Most people get tattoos between the ages of 25 and 40, J.T says, but adds, “There doesn’t seem to ever be an age that is too old.” He recalls tattooing a 77-year-old man who wanted something Harley Davidson and his 73-year-old wife who wanted a horse on her back. North Carolina law has an age requirement on tattoos – 18. “There are no exceptions,” Holly says. “The Board of Health takes that as seriously as not serving minors at the ABC store. We check their ID.”
An artist’s style often determines his customers. Manley Bryant, artist at Skin City Tattoos, says he gets more men. “I have a very masculine art that I do,” he says, adding that the three artists there “have totally different styles. It creates a very good union.”
Manley Bryant inks a repeat customer.
Customers often have their own idea or pattern from the Internet, which the artist traces into a stencil. Sometimes the artist will add to the original design, just drawing on the skin until the person is happy with the rendering.
Continued on Inside Back Cover
es prompt siblings to get tattoos of encouragement wrist where he can see it all the time; his brothers’ tats are typically hidden by clothes.
The tattoo “lets her knows that I support her,” says Andy. “The first time that she saw it, the day that we got it, she started crying. I knew then that this was a really good idea. It shows our support and love.”
The symbol is special to Mary. “It says ‘fight’ and that’s exactly what I needed,” she says. “I was glad that they did it together as a show of unity and love for their mother. It’s a real infusion of stamina and fight.”
Sisters share everything, even tattoos
Susan Redden and sister Nan Vuncannon are close, very close. “We've shared many things throughout the years . . . clothes, parents, cars, apartments, summer jobs, even boyfriends!” says Nan. So last summer, when Susan celebrated two years free of breast cancer, tattoos seemed like another mode of connection.
Continued on Page 17
From left, brothers Griffin Elliott, Justin Elliott and Andy Brown with mother, Mary Brown. Nancy Stephen photo
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 15
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Educator keeps tattoos hidden out of respect
ana Crosson never thought she would actually have to get a tattoo, despite telling her 16-year-old daughter, Whitney, she would. “She said, ‘Hey Mom, when I turn 18, can we get tattoos?’ So in my infinite wisdom, I said, ‘Sure honey.’ I thought, in two years, she wouldn’t remember. But she did, and I couldn’t go back on my word.” She decided on a dragonfly, hidden on her hipbone, because they are said to represent new beginnings. “The problem with getting a tattoo is when you see the artwork and the beauty of it, you want to get another one.” Next she had her birth sign. “But I didn’t want a mean scorpion, I wanted something more funky that would represent girly things. It’s got flowers in it . . . it’s beautiful.” It wasn’t long that it was time for another. “Once you get one, you want two. Once you get two, you want three.“ Her third tattoo was done on a whim with her sister, who was a full colonel in the U.S. Army and had to keep it covered. “People still judge you based on tattoos,” Dana says. “That’s why I don’t show them at the office. I’m not ashamed of my tattoos, but I don’t want people to look at me and make assumptions about who they think I am . . . I want them to judge me based on what I do.” Her last tattoo is in memory of her sister. “Every time I look at this,” she says pointing to her tattoo, “I see my sister.”
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Artist keeps tats covered for day job
hysical therapist by day and tattoo artist by night, Holly balances two very different worlds.
“I have to keep my tattoos covered” during her day job, she says of her four tats. “I don’t have any that are visible.”
At night, as a tattoo artist at Skinsations, it’s a different story. “It doesn’t bother me,” she says of covering them.
“The hospital is trying to establish an image that is professional and non-offensive to the general public,” she says. “In any hospital or medical field, image is important. They want you to know they run a clean, sterile environment.” She says this attitude is prevalent in many professions,
16 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
especially in medical fields, whether at a hospital, dentist office or doctor’s office.
“I think they fear that the person may have gotten their tattoo in a dirty environment.” Holly thinks there still is a double standard with men’s tattoos being more acceptable in mainstream society.
“I will see men, with tattoos visible, walking around the hospital, and no one says anything to them. But women are more apt to be spoken to about it,” Holly says.
“I’ve had nurses tell me they want a tattoo on their wrist so they can put a watch band or a bracelet over it.”
Richard Hutchinson, left, shows off the work of his tattoo artist, J.T. Rick Crider photo / Enquirer Journal
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Police officer is testament to body art ichard Hutchinson, a 20-year police officer, got his first tattoo in the United States Air Force, when he was about 21 years old. “I traded in a gold watch for it,” he says. “It was a Tasmanian Devil.” He now is a testament of turning one’s body into a walking piece of art. Both of his arms are “sleeved out” and he has additional tattoos on both legs and a full back piece. In all, there are seven images. “I have 48 hours worth of work on my back, 28 hours on my right arm and 24 hours on my left,” he says. “I didn’t plan to get that many tattoos, but J.T. is such a good artist, we just kept going.” His art includes Jesus, John Wayne, Houdini and Winston Churchill, plus Masonic, oriental and fantasy themes. Richard keeps his tattoos covered while in police uniform. “It’s department policy,” he says. “I wear long sleeves . . . There are probably more law enforcement officers that have tattoos than you realize.” In hindsight, would he do anything differently? “If I had known I was going to get a back piece, I would have gone big and bold and simple, rather than the detailed stuff,” he says. “When you see someone with a lot of little tattoos, you can’t tell what they are sometimes. It can be a jumble of mush.”
Family cancer
From Page 15
“I love tattoos,” says Nan, “especially when they have special meaning. I thought it would be great for us both to add some ink and have lightness associated with her diagnosis after all the heaviness of doctors’ visits, research, testing, etc.” Susan came to the decision differently. “I have no regrets, none whatsoever. But at first, I thought ‘this is something that I don’t need.’ Now I love it; I like that it means something personal.” As a newbie, Susan was concerned about the pain of getting the tattoo of the pink breast cancer ribbon and the word ‘faith.’ “I was like ‘oh my gosh, you had major surgery; this is nothing!’ ” Nan says. Like Mary Brown’s sons, Nan wanted an inspirational word and suggested “faith” – keeping faith that future yearly tests will continue to show Susan free from cancer. Their tattoos face them because “it’s for me,” Susan says, “no one else.” Seeing the tattoo every day, Nan says, “I am reminded of what's really important and to never take for granted my health, family or faith.”
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 17
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At local and regional competitions, Linda continued to win honors, first at the bronze (lowest) level, then at silver, where she earned top honors in smooth and rhythm styles. Dance couples learn choreography for specific types of music, such as waltz, rhumba, tango and cha cha. But in competitions, they don’t know the exact music until it starts, just which dance they’re performing. hen Linda Geer changes clothes from her In addition, competing couples aren’t by themselves on the floor, weekday role as family and consumer science teacher at Monroe like in “Dancing With The Stars,” but in groups of couples crowded High School, she dons elaborate ball gowns and Latin dresses to on the floor at the same time. compete nationally in ballroom dance. Last year was her first foray into national competition. Her “Like a lot of little girls, I took ballet as a young girl,” she instructor said it was an honor just to be there; Linda thought it explains. “I enjoyed that and always would be good experience. wanted to ballroom dance.” But the She certainly didn’t think she’d be opportunity wasn’t there until much taking home any honors. But she later. “Life just got in the way,” she earned top silver in her first says. nationals and found it “thrilling to Five years ago, the desire returned. be on the dance floor with all these “I thought I was too old, too heavy. women who are amazing. I’m not I didn’t have a partner. I tried to talk worthy.” myself out of it. But there was so At another national competition, she much I didn’t do as a single mother, won three first places and two I decided it was time to do seconds. something for myself. “I would never have thought five “I went for an appointment. . . and years ago that I’d be where I am drove around and around. I was today,” Linda says with a degree of terrified.” But eventually she amazement. walked in and met instructor Ballroom competition can be an Anthony Cantinelli at Planet expensive hobby. Not only do Ballroom. dancers have the cost of regular After a couple of months, Anthony lessons, they incur additional mentioned dancing in a local expenses with registration, showcase. “I said ‘no way,’ but he costumes, travel for both student and was persistent. “After that, I was instructor and more. hooked. “It’s a very expensive hobby. I’m very frugal in all other areas of my “There I was, in a rented outfit, life so that I can have the funds for spray tanned, fake bun in the back this,” she says. In addition to her of my head and false nails. It was full-time teaching job, Linda is a just like ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ I server at Rolling Hills Country Club really was just hooked. Amateur Linda Geer dances with instructor in Monroe. “That pays for my “At the time, I thought I did really Anthony Cantinelli during a competition. dancing.” well. Now I think that I was “Even though this is expensive, I probably pitiful.” feel that it’s an investment in my health, my mental health. I want Tony mentioned competitions, but Linda initially was not game. In to keep doing it as long as I can do it. Memorizing the dances and her first competition, she came in last place, which is where she routines keeps my mind active. predicted. “Part of me said, ‘This is why I shouldn’t do this.’ “My goal is to be the best I can be. The more I learn, the more I “But I’m a perfectionist, and to me, that was not acceptable. That realize how much more there is to learn. When I go to competitions gave me the fire and passion. I said I wouldn’t be in last place and see women in their late ’80s, I realize I’m not too old. again.” And she certainly has not. “To be able to have a passion in something – you can get so caught Linda focused on her dance, taking more lessons, practicing at up in life – is something wonderful. Dancing is a release that I look home and watching videos. At another competition, she met an 88forward to; it takes me away from grading papers and lesson plans. year-old woman competing at the highest level. “It’s a different world, a different mindset. I’d do it every day if I “I said, ‘I want to be able to do that’.” could.”
By Nancy E Stephen
‘I
18 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
want
to do that!’
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It’s not as easy as it looks! By Nancy E Stephen
inda Geer and I share a love of ballroom dance. She, however, is a much better dancer than I, having the skill to enter national competitions. I give her a special mirror ball trophy for that. Even if I had the skill, I’d never Nancy Stephen and have the moxie.
My foray into ballroom came as an answer, “Sure, I can do that,” when Terri Beeson was seeking amateurs to for the 4-H’s Dancin’ in the Clover.
Sebastian Wrenn at Dancin’ in the Clover.
I knew I could move somewhat and hear the beat of the music, but I’d never done anything resembling formal ballroom. Actually, what now I do frequently doesn’t resemble ballroom.
But how difficult could it be? Surely my 13-plus years of ballet, although four decades ago, would be a benefit. Not so much.
Ballet has straight legs; much of ballroom keeps soft knees. You swing your hips in Latin, enough to horrify a ballet teacher. And the hip turnout we worked so hard for in ballet? Anything but an asset.
Let me be blunt: Ballroom is a lot more difficult than it looks. A lot!
Ballroom dancers glide around the floor, appearing to exert no energy and exuding amazing grace. I started out sweating like a
halfback and moving with the grace of an elephant. The first time I completed a full routine, I had to bend over at the waist, trying to get my breath. The longest two minutes, 20 seconds of my life!
It was not pretty. Later videos of practice still aren’t pretty, but they do prove I can count to four if I move my lips.
I swatted my instructor, Sebastian Wrenn of A&E Ballroom Dance World, in the head repeatedly as I flailed my arms. I stumbled; I fell over. I turned the wrong way; he had to come find me on the floor. He would show me a move that looked easy; I tried to replicate it. Again. And again. And again.
It was frustrating, to say the least. Like Linda’s dancer, Sebastian has only been kind with his comments and generous with praise. That’s outwardly; I can only imagine what he is thinking.
If I had me as a student, I might suggest a change to tennis, bowling or knitting.
Not only can our teachers dance extraordinarily well, they can tell and show us the steps – repeatedly, without becoming angry. We’ve had no unprofessional outbursts like you see on TV.
I’m not certain why I’m drawn to ballroom. Maybe, despite the mirrored studio, I can imagine myself floating around the floor in elegant moves. Or like a little girl, I like swishy skirts that move around my legs when I twist back and forth.
Or maybe I just like it.
James Michael & Co. Stafford Place Executive Offices Suite A-2, 1201 Stafford Street Monroe, NC 28110 t Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. t 704.296.5531 www.JamesMichaelCo.com
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Choose to be happy and savor life’s gifts By Loyd Pennington
ith every passing day, it becomes clearer that all of the “stuff” that I once thought was so important and would define me simply isn't. How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you have, but what you gain by who you become. What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what. A life of meaning, purpose and happiness – that's the greatest possession of all and truly all that really counts. l l l It is so apparent that the people who accomplish the most have a strong sense of urgency. They know that if something is worth doing, they have to get started, and talking about it doesn't count as getting started.
There is a little known law called “the law of diminishing intent.” If you don't take action when the idea is fresh and the resolve high, the likelihood of accomplishing anything fades very quickly. Simple fact.
And most importantly, don't take the advice from the guy sitting on his couch as to why it won't work and how you are wasting your time. Get on it. l l l It is so wrong to believe that the people you know who are happy have somehow found a way to get everything lined up just the way they choose.
l l l One of the very cool things about being a parent is the ability to have your child’s whole life burned into your memory. It allows you to see the “then” even as you marvel at the “now.” It is one of the greatest gifts of this life. l l l Gifts come in many forms but the most valuable gift one person can give another is his time.
Time is limited and precious. Money and material things are nice to receive but when someone gives you his time, it is a nothing short of a portion of his life and should be recognized and appreciated as such.
Very often it is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance. l l l If I am digging a ditch and someone digging alongside me wants to complain about how difficult the job is or how we might improve our efforts, I don’t mind. But when someone sitting on his couch decides to call and criticize the effort or even worse call others to explain how we should be doing it differently, that is annoying. Until I see your shovel in your hand instead of your remote, your opinion lacks validity and is of little worth. Pity the person whose only contribution to the world around him is to criticize the work being done by those willing to let their actions speak. l l l So many woke up today to disappointment that they do not hold the winning lottery ticket. And yet, if you woke up, you won.
D
The fact of the matter is that they have chosen to be happy with the way that things have lined up in their life. When we choose to be happy, magically we are. Choose.
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While it is certainly fun to consider all that you would do with all that money, it also true that more than half the world's population would feel as if they won the lottery to simply have what you woke up to today. Perspective.
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l l l To my young friends, don't pass up the chance to gather the memories that are the very fabric of your life. There will be so many one-time events that you cannot get back. Spend time with your real friends. Go to the dance. Attend the wedding. Be at the side of a friend when they lose someone special to them. Hug your parents and your grandparents while you can and spend a lot of time and energy on the real experiences of life and a lot less on the stuff that you will not remember. Do not pass up the invitation that only occurs once. That one choice will make all the difference in your one unique life.
Every day should have some element of “one of these days.” The gift that is never opened or opened and put on the shelf has no real value. Use it. l l l Today you are younger than you will ever be again. Regardless of your age, you have the opportunity to gather all that life has taught you at this point and go in a new direction.
Start a new journey and realize a new dream. What if today we decided not just to get through the day but also to get “from” the day?
l l l
A long solitary hike on a spectacular day. Searching for a symbol that proves elusive. That whisper in the air that yet another summer of my life will soon be only a collection of memories.
It might come with some level of sadness but the promise of fall colors, cool nights and the opportunity once again to burn wood are enough to bring a smile to my face.
Sometimes it is the ability to be lost in nature that allows me to appreciate how amazing life really is.
l l l There are many who are struggling with the fact that they have to go to work today while someone close by faces another day of unemployment. Some who have to go shopping for groceries while another struggles with how to feed his children. Yet another feeling stressed about having to take a child to school while someone else misses those days that go by all too fast.
An individual struggles to find time to call an aging parent while another struggles with the fact that he never can again. Many can choose this day to change their lives by changing their perspective because the difference between a blessing and a curse is very often simply how you choose to recognize it.
Loyd Pennington is owner of Top Ten Promotions, an apparel and promotional item company in Waxhaw, and is married to Dana. He also is president of The Waxhaw Business Association and posts inspirational thoughts each week on his Facebook page.
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Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 21
Joe Williams and Rachel Garcia perform during the open-mic session of the first Monroestock. Now married, they still perform as the Rachel Garcia Band.
A
Floridian Tom Bond, shown in 2006, has made the trek many times.
Monroestock celebrates 12 years with
By Nancy E Stephen
Monroe, who sold the brand and “just is a good guy,” Rick says.
The event was on for April 2002. Rick coordinated musicians and motels; Marion provided space, sound system and lunch.
That first year, approximately a dozen Taylor enthusiasts attended, and the event grew each year. “Over the years, we had them fly in from California for the weekend,” Rick says.
coustic guitars intrigued Rick Crider, a photographer by profession, as a teen. As an adult, he turned that appreciation into a yearly celebration of music, now called Monroestock.
In 2001, he joined an Internet forum of Taylor brand guitar enthusiasts and soon suggested they get together, talk guitars and show off their skills. And they did.
Since Rick suggested the event, “it was on my shoulders.” He connected with Marion Holloway of Holloway’s Music in
Rick Crider, left, and Marion Holloway in 2002 with Crider's custom Taylor guitar.
Restoring Historic Downtown Monroe . . . one building at a time. Office and retail space available John Wiggins, 704.242.4393 www.UrbanMonroe.com
22 Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
Almost everyone performed during the day, which ended in a jam session of anyone and everyone, except Rick. “I’m more of an acoustic guitar enthusiast from the craftsmanship standpoint than a player. I appreciate the acoustic guitar as a work of art; I don’t play enough for a one-man performance.”
His contribution was a technical workshop in
Seventh Vessel commanded attention on the stage at Monroestock in 2012.
Charlotte guitarist Sara Corbin made her Monroestock debut last year.
Photos by Rick Crider / Enquirer-Journal
h October fest
acoustic guitar setup, personalizing the string and fret configuration for a person’s individual style of playing.
“It was not very organized,” Rick says of the first event. “I thought we’d get together and see what happens.”
What happened was an event that grew and changed in many ways. The number of participants grew, the public started attending, and the event was opened to owners and players of any acoustic guitars.
Through the years, guest performers were added, including Allen Shadd, a national flatpicking champion, and Jack Lawrence, Doc Watson’s stage partner. “They just jammed together,” says Rick. “To listen to it, you’d think they had played together forever.”
Along the way, the name also changed: Taylor Guitar Forum to Acoustic Guitar Forum to the current Monroestock. “The name came from Woodstock,” Marion says. “They had music, drugs and sex; we just have music,” he adds with a laugh. “We’re a family event.”
For several years, Marion was in charge of hosting the event that Rick organized. But as Rick’s work outgrew his spare time, Marion took on the whole event.
Last year, 27 groups or individuals performed; Marion expects more performers and up to 400 attendees this year. (Look for an act lineup closer to the event on Facebook; search for Holloway’s Music.)
This year, 12 years after its start, the local festival has extended hours and more diverse talent, including piano.
Jack Lawrence, left, and Allen Shadd, nationally acclaimed flatpickers, joined for a spontaneous picking session at Monroestock in 2005.
Monroestock 2013
Oct. 26 t 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Free
Holloway’s Music lot, 1608 Skyway Drive in Monroe. Under tents; chairs are provided.
l a r u t l u Multic
! l a v i t Fes Fri., Fri., Oct. Oct. 18 and Sat., Sat., Oct. Oct. 19 The The Jesse H Helms elms Center, Center er,, Wingate Wingate Friday: Friday: Asian, Asian, C Caribbean aribbean and Cuban Cuban cooking cooking demonstrations international ternational films demonstr ations and in
Saturday: S aturday: Danc Dance, e, music music,, henna hand painting, painting, sign language language,, storytelling, storytelling, art art and poetry poetry Film F ilm F Friday riday and S Symposia ymposia Saturday Saturday line ups at at www.spccevents.com w ww.spccevents.com
“We’ll start the morning with gospel, blue grass and traditional, then go into more of contemporary and pop,” Marion says.
“Originally for the performers, it’s now for the public to enjoy different styles of music.
“We’re here just to celebrate music. Nothing more that – no agenda. Everyone gets together and has a good time. It’s just a fun day, something we do to showcase area talent.” Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 23
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Villa mia: Traditional Italian food and lots of it!
ucked in the corner of a shopping center in Wesley Chapel is Villa Mia, an Italian restaurant with an extensive menu. The small restaurant was busy, with both dine in and take out orders, on the Thursday night that seven of us dined.
We shared four appetizers: steamed mussels ($10.50), mozzarella caprese ($8.75), fried calamari ($10.75) and garlic knots ($1.75 for six), which were more than enough to share. For some diners, the appetizers were the best part of the meal.
Mozzarella caprese
The mussels were tender, steamed and served in a flavorful sauce of white wine, olive oil, garlic and marinara sauce. We dipped up remaining sauce with garlic knots, which were tastily garlicky on their own.
The mozzarella caprese had ripe tomatoes, something you don’t always
Ambiance: 3.75 stars. The restaurant is hampered by its location at the end of a strip shopping center. The small interior is pleasant, but tables are too small to accommodate many dishes, glasses and plates. A walk to restrooms takes diners past supplies stacked in the hall.
Menu: 4.5 stars. Large menu with a nice variety, mostly traditional favorites. The children’s menu features five pasta dishes, plus de rigueur chicken tenders and fries. We would like to see a small house salad added to go with the entrées. Quality: 3.75 stars. While most of the
dishes were excellent, three were disappointing. The calamari appetizer was chewy, and the shrimp tough. Mussels were surprisingly good, as were the meat dishes. And the fra diavolo sauce was
encounter, and savory basil balsamic vinaigrette. Our fried calamari, however, was overcooked, rendering it too chewy, and the batter was bland.
Eating Out in Union
wine flavor without being overpowering. Our male diner could eat only half of the portion.
The veal marsala ($17.75) was tender and flavorful; the veal was perfectly cooked to “medium” and the sauce had a tasty
The sausage with pepper and onions ($11.75) was more robust – Italian sausage with lots of peppers and onions cooked al dente and served with a moderately spicy tomato sauce.
Two women shared the veggie delight pizza Steamed mussels ($18.75) which one loved and the other did not. Mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, onions, peppers, olives and eggplant topped a very thin crust, making the vegetables the key element, appropriately so.
outstanding. Desserts were OK, but not special.
Service: 3.75 stars. Villa Mia seemed to be short on wait staff the night we visited, as even beverages were delayed. Our waitress was not knowledgeable about the wines. A “blush” turned out to be more like a heavier lambrusco, sweet, very cold, fizzy and unappealing to our diner. With the degree of conversation held before choosing, she might have offered a taste of the blush.
Value: 4 stars. We liked the varying price points on the menu; there’s something to suit most any budget. Appetizers range from inexpensive garlic knots ($1.75) to fried calamari ($10.75). Pastas start at $7.75 for spaghetti pomodoro, topping out with $18.75 for
24 l Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013
Of our six entrées, five ranged from good to very good.
lobster ravioli.
Other entrees range from $11.75 for sausage with peppers and onions to $23.75 for frutii de mari, fruit of the sea, with shrimp, clams, mussels and calamari. The portions are certainly ample, with enough left to box up and take home.
Will we return?
With seven diners, you can expect a variety of opinions, and we had that. Three say “absolutely,” two say “yes,” two say “probably not.”
Villa Mia Restaurante & Pizzeria 5922 Weddington-Monroe Rd. Wesley Chapel, NC 28104 (704) 843-2420 www.VillaMiaNC.com Open Every Day
satisfied by their entrées. Cheesecake ($5.25) and tiramisu ($4.50) were good; the cannoli ($3.50) got mixed reviews. Strawberry sauce served on the side had both an unappealing color and flavor.
One diner thought the veggies should have been precooked or roasted to prevent the slightly soggy crust. Each woman took two slices home, which means the pie was very large. Plan to share with several people or take home.
The menu is a la carte, with entrées served with a choice of pasta and pasta dishes served alone. Four salads – garden, Caesar, Gorgonzola and cold antipasto – are available, ranging from $6.25 to $9.75. Chicken or shrimp can be added to all.
Shrimp scampi, top, and sausage, peppers and onions, bottom.
Angel hair pasta with fra diavolo sauce was outstanding. Probably half of diners would not appreciate the very spicy sauce, but that was a specific request. This entrée is not listed on the menu, but the waitress offered it when asked about plain pasta with spicy sauce.
Shrimp scampi ($16.75) was a disappointment. Like the calamari appetizer, the shrimp was overcooked, resulting in a tough texture, but the pasta was al dente and the sauce pleasing.
Penne with sausage and broccoli ($13.75) in a roasted garlic and olive oil sauce was another hit, resulting in a clean plate!
Our group sampled three desserts, although all were fully
Ten heroes are featured as well as calzones and rolls ranging from basic cheese calzone to an eggplant, mozzarella and sauce roll, which sounds appealing.
Others have chicken, sausage, peppers and onion or spinach and garlic.
Heroes range from chicken, shrimp, eggplant, veal or meatball Veggie pizza parmigianas to rabe and a traditional Italian sub.
www.battecenter.org w ww.battecenter.org 704-233-8300 704-233-8300 WINGATE NGATE UNIV WI UNIVERSITY ERSITY
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR & OTHER ERIC CARLE STORIES
“Sedaris’s droll assessment of the mundane and the eccentrics who inhabit the world’s crevices make him one of the greatest humorists writing today” #HICAGO 4RIBUNE
SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK*
FROM THE TOP* DAVID SEDARIS* Oct 24, 2013 s PM
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 25
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Jazz in Stride by Union Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. l Tickets $25, $18; seniors, students $15 Ethan Uslan, soloist l Batte Center at Wingate University www.unionsymphony.org
Downtown Monroe Art Walk
Oct. 11 · 5:30 p.m.; Oct. 12 · 12 p.m. l Free Highlights local artists throughout Downtown Monroe www.historicdowntownmonroe.org
Grill’n and Chill’n BBQ Cookoff
9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Cooking by professional and backyard barbecue teams. Saturday afternoon, the public can taste and vote. Historic Downtown Waxhaw l www.waxhaw.com
Antique and Muscle Car Cruise In
Featuring Corvettes 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. l Free l Main St., Downtown Monroe www.historicdowntownmonroe.org
Autumn Treasures Festival
Oct. 12 · 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 13 · 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Local crafters, musicians, car show on Sunday. Kids zone with inflatables, a trackless train, climbing wall, etc. Historic Downtown Waxhaw l www.waxhaw.com
Lake Park’s Fall Festival
10 a.m.-6 p.m. l Lake Park Town Center and Russell Park DJ entertainment and stage shows, amusement rides and carnival games, pumpkin painting,face painting, craft vendors. www.lakeparknc.com
Piedmont Cultural Arts Festival
Oct. 19 · 11 a.m.-5 p.m. l Crossing Paths Park, Indian Trail Artist and craft vendor booths, cultural music Children's amusements and lots of great food! www.indiantrail.org
The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Stories
By the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia 3 p.m. l $15 l Batte Center at Wingate University www.battecenter.org
Listen and Learn Lecture Series
3-4 p.m. l Adults $7, Student $4 Theme is Bible translation. Arthur Lightbody will present “Daybreak!” Dr. James Pohlig will speak on King James Bible. Museum of the Waxhaws l www.museumofthewaxhaws.org
Music on Main featuring Coastline 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. l Free Main Street, Historic Downtown Monroe www.historicdowntownmonroe.org
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David Sedaris
7:30 p.m. l Tickets $28, $35 and $47 Contains adult language & content. Batte Center at Wingate University l www.battecenter.org
Halloween Candy Crawl and Craft
Craft 4-6 p.m., Candy crawl 6-9 p.m. l Free Wear your best costume and bring an empty bag for candy. A spooktacular movie will follow! Carolina Courts Parking Lot l www.indiantrail.org
Union Symphony Youth Orchestra
4 p.m. l $12 l Fall Classical Masterworks Tom LaJoie, music director Marvin Ridge High School l www.unionsymphony.org
Funk-tion National Ceramics Exhibit
Free l See functional clay artworks- with a twist! Indian Trail Cultural Arts Center, 100 Navajo Trail www.indiantrail.org
Wingate Opera With Union Symphony
7:30 p.m. l $15 Dr. Jessie Wright Martin, Music Director Batte Center at Wingate University l www.unionsymphony.org
Veterans’ Celebration
Nov. 9 · 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 10 · 2-5 p.m. Veterans Day displays by local historians. Veterans and their families are free. Re-enactors dressed in uniforms on Sat. Museum of the Waxhaws l www.museumofthewaxhaws.org
Warbirds Over Monroe
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. $15 Adults, $10 veterans and ages 12-17, under 12 free Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport www.WarbirdsOverMonroe.com
Sweet Honey in the Rock
7:30 p.m. l $35 Batte Center at Wingate University www.battecenter.org
Living History Day-Thanksgiving
10 a.m.-4 p.m. l Free First Thanksgiving cooking in the cabin and the life of the pilgrims. Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Highway www.museumofthewaxhaws.org
Listen and Learn Lecture Series
3-4 p.m l Adults $7, students $4 This month’s topic is Catawba Indians. Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Highway www.museumofthewaxhaws.org
From the Top
7:30 p.m. Tickets $15, $28 Amazing performances of extraordinary young classical musicians. Batte Center at Wingate University www.battecenter.org
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Retrieving the Lamb
By Judy Simpson Cook Nov. 23 · 7:30 p.m., Nov. 24 · 2:30 p.m. $12.50 l Presented by The Storefront Theatre Waxhaw Presbyterian Church, 8100 Old Waxhaw Monroe Road (704) 243-7283
Union County Christmas Parade 2 p.m. l Free Downtown Monroe www.theallianceforchildren.org
Kid’s Crafts At the Museum
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Christmas crafts for kids! Come and play at the museum. Museum of the Waxhaws, 8215 Waxhaw Highway www.museumofthewaxhaws.org
SPCC hosts Multicultural Festival
Oct. 18 5 p.m.-9 p.m. l Oct. 19 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission The Jesse Helms Center l U.S. 74, Wingate
Friday, Oct. 18 l Asian, Caribbean and Mojito cooking demonstrations by Charlotte Magazine’s “Best of the Best” Personal Chef Bill Bigham l Films for Adults: Life Is Beautiful, When Harry Tries to Marry, The Chosen, The Joy Luck Club, The Triplets of Belleville, Ponyo l Kids’ activity: Storytelling
Saturday, Oct. 19
l Oneaka African, Indian, Latin, Hawaiian and Mexican dance l CATA symphony and CATA dance performance
l Walsh Kelley School of Irish Dance performance
l Henna hand painting, ethnic clothing contest, Japanese tea
ceremony, Haiku poetry writing, lesson on basic sign language and art lessons l Symposia on cultural issues l Kids’ activities: Paper fortune cookies, Chinese checkers, Scottish golf, Mexican paper flowers l Food and craft marketplace
www.spccevents.com
Got an event the public would enjoy?
Submit your activity with all the details: who, what, when, where and cost – to Editor@UnionLifestyle.com for inclusion in the magazine and/or online.
TATTOOS
From Page 15
“We’ll draw it with a pen until the customer is happy with what they see, then we’ll go ahead and tattoo it,” Sting says.
“Every once in a while, “ Manly says, “you get lucky and get to be a part of something great, you get to do something custom.”
“It’s a real rush when somebody walks in the door and picks out something that you really want to do,” Manley says. “It will go in your portfolio. And to know that somebody trusts you enough to let you put your work, your art on them. That’s the closest that you get to be on stage – a rock star.”
There are those who think of their bodies as one big canvas, with tattoos covering the majority of their skin. “I have only one tattoo,” Sting quips. “It starts here (pointing to his neck) and ends here (at his feet).”
Tattoo locations seem to vary as a fad. “For a long time, everyone wanted their feet tattooed; then it was somewhere on the arm,” Holly says. “The back became popular; then the ‘tramp stamp’ (a wide tattoo at the back waist),” Holly adds. “Now the ribs are the most popular, and that’s the most painful. It’s a very tender of the body.”
Tattoo prices depend on the detail and time involved, the amount of ink used and number of colors. A ballpark starting price is between $30 and $40, and if the tattoo is very large, the artist may charge by the hour.
“If the person wants a whole sleeve (the entire arm), we’ll draw the design they like, then we outline it,” Sting says. “Then we can start shading it or they can come back and we complete it in sessions. This is $100 an hour. That’s the industry standard.”
Sanitation is a big part of the tattoo industry, with needles used only once.
“For many years, tattoos weren’t associated with a sterile environment, not until we got health regulations in and the board of health involved,” Holly says.
“Even if we open it up and do a dot on you, we have to throw it all away,” Sting says. “Once we break the skin, it’s a done deal and we have to throw everything away.”
Everything that touches a person is thrown out, Sting says, as there are 22 diseases that can be spread through blood. “You need to be very cautious about it and not cross contaminate. With the exception of the tubes, everything is thrown away. And the tubes are scrubbed out and put in the autoclave.”
Even the ink is thrown out. “You wind up throwing away more ink than you actually use,” Sting says.
Deb Coates Bledsoe, a former newspaper editor, is a freelance writer and photographer
Union Lifestyle l October / November 2013 27