January SouthPark 2023

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Nothing beats a live performance. That song you’ve listened to hundreds of times on repeat takes on a whole new quality when you hear the artist perform it live.

My son has always been musically talented. Over a decade of piano lessons, he played in many successful recitals, but one is etched in my mind. He was about 10 or 11 years old, and I’d heard him rehearse his songs over and over (and over) — perfunctory, not particularly inspired, he was always focused on mastering the technique. But that Sunday afternoon, in a church sanctuary somewhere in Charlotte — there were so many concerts, I’ve forgotten the exact location — magic happened. He sat down to play a simple Japanese folk song, not technically challenging, but a piece that tested his more subtle dynamics skills. I’d heard him play the song dozens of times — but that particular performance was perfection.

We all have those moments — a Broadway show that completely overpowers the senses (ask me about the first time I saw Les Mis on Broadway). Or when your favorite band or artist performs a song at a concert that cuts to the core.

It’s what keeps us coming back to theaters, auditoriums, stadiums — something we sorely missed for a couple of years, thanks to Covid. And the experience just can’t be replicated on TV, YouTube or the radio.

In this issue, we take you behind the scenes at Opera Carolina’s fall production

of Tosca. I saw my first opera in the ’90s when I was living in Santa Fe, which has a magnificent open-air amphitheater where you can simultaneously take in an amazing performance and a breathtaking sunset. (And if you haven’t been, sunsets in New Mexico are sublime.)

Still, I’m no opera aficionado, and in reporting the story I quickly discovered I had much to learn — and I was blown away by the experience and dedication of the team at work behind these productions.

While by no means comprehensive, our biannual arts calendar is a guide to some of the top upcoming performances to add to your calendar this winter and spring — including Opera Carolina and many others — and a few worthy museum exhibitions as well. Enjoy the show!

CATHY MARTIN EDITOR editor@southparkmagazine.com

BLVD.

24 | travel

Winter spa getaways: After the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s time for a little self-care.

28 | wellness

Intuitive eating ditches the diet roller coaster. 32 | cuisine

After 20 years in Dilworth, Bonterra reopens at Phillips Place. 38 | cuisine

Fast and fresh: Fill up at these casual and healthy eateries.

42 | coming soon

The most-anticipated restaurants, stores and fitness clubs in the new year 44 | around town

What’s new in Charlotte 46 | happenings January calendar of events

DEPARTMENTS

52 | creators of N.C. Old friends lend a Haand. 56 | simple life Lessons from the road long ago taken, but not forgotten 59| bookshelf Notable new releases

61 | well + wise Accepting failure — and knowing when to ask for help — can help you find success.

132 | swirl Parties, galas and events around Charlotte 144 | gallery Charlotte’s first YMCA

ABOUT THE COVER

A Pellyn Wood home designed by Brooke Cole Interiors; photograph by Dustin Peck

FEATURES

65

| Spring arts preview by Page Leggett

20 prodigious reasons to buy theater and museum tickets this spring

76

| Behind the curtain photographs by Richard Israel by Cathy Martin

PHOTO ESSAY: An experienced team brings Opera Carolina’s mainstage productions to life.

86

| Fresh and functional by Catherine Ruth Kelly photographs by Dustin Peck

A Charlotte family overhauls their dream home in Pellyn Wood.

98

| Whole-person wellness by Michael J. Solender Charlotte health care providers take an integrative and functional approach.

116

| North Carolina’s Top Doctors Top-ranking specialists in the Charlotte region

PHOTOGRAPH BY DARIO CALMESE

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-523-6987 southparkmagazine.com

Ben Kinney Publisher publisher@southparkmagazine.com

Cathy Martin Editor editor@southparkmagazine.com

Sharon Smith Assistant Editor sharon@southparkmagazine.com

Andie Rose Creative Director

Alyssa Kennedy Art Director alyssamagazines@gmail.com

Miranda Glyder Graphic Designer

Whitley Adkins Style Editor

Contributing Editor David Mildenberg

Contributing Writers

Wiley Cash, Jim Dodson, Vanessa Infanzon, Catherine Ruth Kelly, Juliet Kuehnle, Page Leggett, Kathleen Purvis, Michael J. Solender

Contributing Photographers

Mallory Cash, Daniel Coston, Richard Israel, Dustin Peck, Peter Taylor

Contributing Illustrator Gerry O’Neill

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Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com

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Owners

David Woronoff President david@thepilot.com

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY SOUTHERN PRESSED JUICERY

blvd.

people, places, things

BOWLED OVER

Now that fruitcake season is over, it’s time for a reset. For a healthy, on-the-go meal that doesn’t taste like a punishment, the Butter Me Up bowl from Southern Pressed Juicery is crafted with house-made almond milk, unsweetened almond butter, banana, acai and coconut, topped with maple-oat granola, coconut flakes, seasonal fruit and a drizzle of honey. SPJ, which serves all vegan and plant-based cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, superfood lattes and more, opened in Greenville, South Carolina, in 2015 after co-founder Olivia Esquivel noticed a hole in the market. It expanded to Charlotte last April with a store in Park Road Shopping Center. “Our goal isn’t just to reach out to vegans, but to help people realize you can incorporate plant-based foods into your daily life, even if you’re a meat eater,” Esquivel says. A 16-ounce Butter Me Up bowl is less than 350 calories, Esquivel says. For a list of other restaurants to grab a healthy — or healthier, however you define that — meal or snack, turn to page 38. SP

Baby, it’s cold outside

MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF WITH A WINTER SPA GETAWAY.

by Vanessa Infanzon and Cathy Martin

After the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s time for a little self-care. Winter is a great time to take advantage of seasonal spa offerings and off-peak crowds at nearby resorts. We checked with a few popular spa destinations to find out what to expect this season.

PINEHURST RESORT

Pinehurst may be best-known for golf, but the Sandhills resort just two hours from Charlotte is also home to a topnotch rejuvenating spa. Through Feb. 28, the resort offers a Spa Escape Package, including accommodations at one of the property’s three hotels, a 50-minute treatment (massage, facial or seasonal body scrub) for each night booked, breakfast and all-day access to spa amenities, including the sauna, steam room, saline lap pool and whirlpools. Rates including accommodations start at $236 per person per night.

80 Carolina Vista, Pinehurst pinehurst.com

OMNI GROVE PARK INN

The iconic resort boasts one of the region’s most luxurious spas, a 43,000-square-foot subterranean space with two waterfall pools, a lap pool and three fireside lounges. It’s best to book treatments — from facials and massages to body treatments like the Mountain Honey Wrap (80 minutes, $299) — well in advance. The spa is so popular, it’s only available to overnight guests.

290 Macon Ave., Asheville omnihotels.com

WILD DUNES SPA AT SWEETGRASS

Ready your body and soul for winter at Wild Dunes Resort’s Spa at Sweetgrass. Through the end of this month, take advantage of three seasonal specials: the Sparkle And Shine Facial (60 minutes, $185), Winter Warm Up Pedicure ($70) and the Holiday Bliss Body Ritual (90 minutes, $240) — a detoxifying shea coconut sugar scrub with CBD oil followed by a hydrating CBD body wrap. The 10,000-squarefoot sanctuary features 14 treatment rooms and indoor and outdoor relaxation spaces, including a private spa garden with plunge pools and cabanas.

5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, S.C. destinationhotels.com

Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst

Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville

Wild Dunes Spa at Sweetgrass, Isle of Palms, S.C.

CHETOLA RESORT

A River Rock Hot Stone treatment or a couples massage in the newly renovated Spa at Chetola Resort is just what you need after a day on the trails in Pisgah National Forest. Nestled in a quiet nook on the 78-acre resort, guests can enjoy facials, massages and nail treatments — or schedule a visit to the salon before a day of shopping in Blowing Rock. Grab prosecco or tea from the Swan Bar and spend time in the relaxation room on chaise lounges by the fire. Finish the day lounging in the dry sauna, jacuzzi and heated pool.

185 Chetola Lake Dr., Blowing Rock chetola.com

THE BALLANTYNE HOTEL

Book a staycation and take advantage of The Ballantyne’s winter spa offerings like the 80-minute EnchantMint massage ($240), a full-body dry exfoliation followed by a massage with an aromatherapy blend of peppermint and eucalyptus. Or try the First Snow Mushroom Facial (80 minutes, $200) — antioxidant-rich organic snow and reishi mushrooms hydrate the skin to enhance elasticity and reduce puffiness. Seasonal winter spa treatments are available through February.

10000 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte theballantynehotel.com SP

Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock

The Ballantyne Hotel

Intuitive eating ditches the diet roller coaster

by Sharon Smith

The start of a new year offers a chance to approach our health with new intention. It’s a trick of the calendar that can have a positive effect when done right. We all know the importance of eating in moderation; eating a variety of proteins, fruits and vegetables; and avoiding processed foods. It’s intuitive, right? But, as an adopted practice, there’s a lot more to intuitive eating.

Registered dietician Kristen Bunich owns The Intuitive Dietitian practice in SouthPark. She has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nutrition. She’s also a mom of three who volunteers on the PTA board and understands the importance of balancing daily demands in the business of life. Comments have been lightly edited for brevity.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO PRACTICE INTUITIVE EATING?

Intuitive eating is a holistic approach to your relationship with food and your body. Intuitive eaters develop body attunement to better hear physical sensations like hunger and fullness. They also develop skills to block obstacles to that attunement by eliminating diets, decreasing stress, adding self care, improving sleep habits and finding helpful coping strategies.

There are 10 basic principles as a guide in the practice of

intuitive eating. This way of eating can be a real change for a person comfortable with diet plans. There is no “good” and “bad” food. Restrictive food lists often fuel a stronger desire for those foods. When we have the “bad” food, there may be guilt and continued eating or a “what the hell” effect. In an intuitive practice, we approach eating and our bodies in a more neutral tone and truly enjoy each meal.

HOW ELSE CAN WE BE MINDFUL IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD?

We live in a society that values being busy and multitasking. Does lunch at your desk or in the car sound familiar? When we lose focus of our eating, so many benefits are lost. We lose the satisfaction of the taste and the sensation of fullness. Slowing down and being more mindful with meals will also improve our digestion and bloating. One group of people known for being mindful eaters is the French. They are known to take great satisfaction in their food and spend much longer over their meals. They culturally eat far more full-fat foods and have fewer diet products and programs. They are recognized for lower heart disease and obesity rates, with these fullfat, smaller-portioned leisurely meals.

Actual patient of Dr. Joubert Jewelry by Perry’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry

WHAT FACTS SUPPORT THE BENEFITS OF INTUITIVE EATING?

Intuitive eating was popularized by a couple of leading dietitians more than 20 years ago. There are now close to 200 research articles supporting its use and validated research tools. This practice has become the accepted practice in the treatment of eating disorders and disordered-eating clients, and is finally making its way into mainstream eating habits.

We would never knowingly take medication that fails to treat the problem and causes more harm over time. We know that restrictive diets don’t work. An intuitive eater will learn to listen to their hunger and fullness. Their body finds its natural weight, and [it learns] to self-nurture. As we go through these steps, we may experience health benefits such as increased well-being, lower risk of eating disorders, and improved biomarkers like blood sugar and cholesterol.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO IS REEVALUATING THEIR EATING HABITS IN THE NEW YEAR AND CONSIDERING A DIET PLAN?

It’s easy to be drawn into the diet culture and allure of fad diets. This multibillion-dollar industry preys on the illusion of easily changing your appearance in the name of health. When the product fails, the consumer is to blame. Genius! You are to blame for this perceived failure!

The other risk I see in New Year’s resolution diet changes is the

10 PRINCIPLES FOR INTUITIVE EATING

1 Reject the diet mentality

Honor your hunger

Make peace with food

Challenge the food police

Discover the satisfaction of food

Feel your fullness

Cope with your emotion with kindness

Respect your body

Movement — feel the difference

Honor your health — gentle nutrition

shift to overly “clean eating.” The preoccupation with food, control and rules can alter what may start out as good intentions and lead to a slippery slope of disordered eating. SP

Learn more about Bunich’s approach to intuitive eating at theintuitivedietician.com

Bonterra’s next chapter

AFTER 20 YEARS IN DILWORTH, THE RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR REOPENS AT PHILLIPS PLACE.

by Kathleen Purvis | photographs by Peter Taylor

In a converted 1915 church building, Bonterra spent 20 years at the heart of fine dining in Dilworth, the place to go for a reliably classy date night or a glass of well-chosen wine at the bar.

Welcome to the new Bonterra. Now billing itself as a “coffee/ café/cocktails/wine bar,” it’s an airy and contemporary dining room in SouthPark’s Phillips Place, with an atmosphere that’s more California chic with Tuscan touches than the old choir lofts and balconies of the old Bonterra.

Oh, there are touches of the old place if you look closely. The dramatic 1658 painting “Lot and His Two Daughters,” which loomed over the bar at the original Bonterra, is still there, in a less obvious spot: Now it’s tucked into a smaller dining space on the side of the main room.

Crispy braised pork belly

The wine bar is just as comfortable for hanging out with a charcuterie plate and well-curated wine list by the bottle or glass. And owner J.D. Duncan still makes his presence known, keeping watch over it all.

Remember the popular fried lobster tail, served as an upcharge to plates at the old Bonterra? It’s still there, hiding on the starters list as fried lobster bites, served with an aioli made from Asheville’s Lusty Monk mustard and a sweet/salty honey soy sauce.

Menus at lunch and dinner aren’t long, but they’re focused: Lots of salads (SouthPark people do love their big salads), and entrees that touch down between the land (chicken and linguine and a long list of open-faced sandwiches at lunch, pork shanks and steaks at dinner) and the sea (salmon or shrimp at lunch, salmon or sea bass at dinner).

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Since the wine bar takes up a big chunk of the space, it’s fitting that the most interesting part of the menu is starters, aka small plates. Braised pork belly is crispy as promised, although the plate suffers from a clash between crisp diced apple dressed with a sharp vinegar and a much more successful pool of sweet balsamic glaze. The daily foie gras offering changes with the seasons. On a recent visit, it featured smoked lion’s mane mushroom meaty enough to masquerade as a short rib and a sprinkling of pistachios over a nicely crisped slice of liver indulgence. For $25 and $10 for a glass of prosecco, it’s a plate for a day when you have something to celebrate. There’s a daily caviar service too, if you’re itching to drop $100 to $150.

You can stop by early (7-10 a.m.) for breakfast, with coffee, espresso, tea and pastries, and a full weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

The décor: comfortable leather chairs, clean arches between the rooms and eye-catching wire chandeliers that look like bespoke crab traps. The kitchen is now on view under one of the arches, if you like a little floor show with your wine.

No, it’s not the old church building, which will soon be home to Leluia Hall, Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel’s (Supperland, Haberdish) forthcoming venture. But you don’t have to climb all those steps to the old choir loft, either. SP

Now celebrating the season of Warmth & Friendship

With indoor amenities & activities all around, winter is never a time to hibernate.

At Southminster, there are more ways than ever to weather winter. Keep in shape with water aerobics. Join friends for an energy-boosting exercise class. Get into the spirit of the season at our neighborhood bar, Lola’s. Or express yourself through artistic endeavors. In every season, Southminster is Charlotte’s premier Life Plan Communitythe ultimate singles place, couples place and people place.

For information and availability, contact 704.551.6800 | Charlotte, NC | Southminster.org

Fast and fresh

FILL UP AT THESE CASUAL AND HEALTHY EATERIES

by Sharon Smith

After all the extra holiday helpings of this and that, it’s time to refocus on what’s good to eat — and what’s good for you. Save our list for the next time you’re wondering where to get takeout or grab a flavorful, protein-packed bowl or smoothie. Some spots are grab-and-go, others are dine-in restaurants. Either way, satisfying and healthy options abound.

Cava

This no-frills eatery with several Charlotte locations is easy to pop in, order and sit down — or grab and go. Cava is known for satisfying salad and grain bowls and pita wraps with ingredients that lend a touch of heat. The harissa avocado bowl (harissa honey chicken, hot harissa vinaigrette, feta, hummus, corn, avocado, rice and super greens) is a favorite. cava.com

Chopt

When Chopt arrived at Park Road Shopping Center several years ago, it was an instant hit and a newish concept for Charlotte — salad for the whole meal. Since then, Chopt has added locations in Blakeney, the Arboretum and uptown. Pick your base of greens and ingredients, or choose a warm bowl and go. The classic Sante Fe salad with smoky chipotle vinaigrette is always a good choice. choptsalad.com

Clean Juice

You may feel better before even walking inside — the name just sounds

healthy. This certified organic juice bar has tried-and-true fresh juices and smoothies, plus savory toasts, açai bowls, cold-pressed shots and seasonal bites. There’s even a comprehensive cleanse program. Clean Juice first opened shop in Charlotte in 2015 and has grown into a national success. cleanjuice.com

Fern

A longtime oasis for vegans and veggie lovers on East Boulevard in Dilworth, Fern’s menu is built around what grows in the garden. Expect an array of salads and creative twists like cashew mac and cheese with garlic and herbs, a mushroom patty burger topped with shiitake bacon, and tofu banh mi. fernflavors.com

Flower Child

The menu at this happy, bright South End eatery boasts vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, along with meat-based meals. Choose from bowls, whole grain wraps and lighter fare like hummus plates and avocado toast. Meat eaters can easily find something healthy and satisfying here, too, like the flying avocado wrap with smoked turkey, gouda, romaine, tomato and avocado hummus. iamaflowerchild.com

Gréco Fresh Grille

This family-owned Greek and Mediterranean restaurant is going 10-plus years strong. Expect fast, fresh menu items like made-to-order salads, hummus plates, gyros and pitas. Treat yourself to some homemade baklava.

Clean Juice

Salata

Green Brothers Juice & Smoothie Co.

Viva Chicken

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER TAYLOR

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CHARLOTTE, NC | LAKE NORMAN, NC | CHARLESTON, SC 704.552.9292 | HMPROPERTIES.COM

©2022 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

Locations are spread across south Charlotte and beyond, including Sharon Corners. grecofreshgrille.com

Green Brothers Juice & Smoothie Co.

The juice and smoothie bar also offers acai bowls, gluten-free and vegan baked goods, and wellness shots. The winter menu offers a seasonal sweet fix on the healthier side — a Peppermint Bark smoothie with grass-fed chocolate, whey protein, cacao nibs, cacao powder, Nutella, peppermint, broccoli, banana, peanut butter and almond milk. Several locations across Charlotte, including Foxcroft East. greenbrothersjuice.com

Just Salad

The New York-based designer salad chain opened in Apex SouthPark last year. Expect a variety of salads, warm bowls, wraps and smoothies with seasonal ingredients. The reusable bowl program was crafted with sustainability in mind — buy a bowl for $1, bring it back to use in-store and receive a free topping. justsalad.com

Living Kitchen

No apologies for healthy eating here — that’s the main attraction. Vegans and carnivores choose this plant-based restaurant for cold-pressed juices and organic, mostly-raw fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. The menu ranges from overnight oats to a yellow curry bowl with a base of lentils, quinoa and kale. Order ahead, grab and go, or sit awhile in this South End hot spot that’s been a local favorite for more than 10 years. livingkitchen.com

Mezeh Mediterranean Grill

With two locations in Charlotte (Strawberry Hill and Optimist Hall), Mezeh is a go-to spot for a quick grab-and-go lunch or takeout dinner. Fill your bowl with fresh greens and bold flavors. The taste of Mezeh bowl is just that: mixed greens,

rice, falafel, turkish salad, Lebanese tabbouleh, Israeli couscous, cilantro hummus, spicy feta dip, sundried tomato salad, chickpea salad, spicy carrots with cauliflower, sunflower seeds and balsamic vinaigrette. Protein options include chicken, shredded lamb and veggie kefta. mezeh.com

Salata

Build your salad or wrap with a little of this or a lot of that! The options almost seem limitless with 50 toppings on the menu, plus soups and organic teas and lemonades. Two locations, at Rea Farms and uptown. salata.com

Southern Pressed Juicery

A newcomer last year to Park Road Shopping Center, coldpressed juices are the star here, but there are plenty of filling options on the menu. Look for a range of superfood smoothies, acai bowls, granolas — even superfood lattes. Pad Thai zoodles (zucchini noodles, carrots, red cabbage, bell peppers, sprouts, cilantro, lime, cashew pieces) with a citrus-tahini-ginger dressing is packed with zesty flavor. SPJ also offers 1-, 3- and 5-day juice cleanses. southernpressedjuicery.com

Viva Chicken

This homegrown fast-casual spot features pollo a la brasa (Peruvian chicken) with locations across the area. Look for menu items packed with greens, protein and high-fiber carbs, like the limena chopped salad with romaine, solterito (Peruvian corn, edamame and queso fresco), chickpeas and added chicken; and the Naked Peruvian Wrap with quinoa, kale, cucumber, avocado and chicken. Known for an easy takeout experience with generous portions. vivachicken.com

YAFO Kitchen

Yafo’s fast-casual fare blends healthier Mediterranean foods and bold Middle Eastern flavors. Build a bowl, pita or a rotisserie chicken plate with your choice of sides. Pro tip: Order the family meal pack ($40) for a healthy mid-week dinner for 3-4 people. Three locations in Charlotte, including Shops at Morrison. yafokitchen.com SP

Just Salad

Southern Pressed Juicery

Can’t hardly wait

SUFFOLK PUNCH SOUTHPARK

The 400-seat taphouse/coffeehouse/restaurant will be a welcome addition when it opens this spring at SouthPark Mall in the former California Pizza Kitchen space. The project also includes a stage for live music. The original Suffolk Punch debuted in South End nearly six years ago.

HOUSE OF NOMAD

Kelley Lentini and Berkeley Minkhorst started House of Nomad in 2017, inspired by their love of travel. Natural materials, a minimalist design and bold patterns are hallmarks of their aesthetic. Since 2018, HON has bounced from South End to Myers Park to East Boulevard, and in the middle of their rapid growth they opened a retail store on Charleston’s King Street. This month,

HON will open a design center and retail store at Hazel SouthPark, and we couldn’t be more excited.

RHINO MARKET SOUTHPARK

The first Rhino Market opened in Wesley Heights in 2014, just a few blocks down from SouthPark’s HQ. From work lunches to coffee meetups to beers after work, Rhino has been a mainstay. We can’t wait until they bring their homemade soups and salads, chicken torta sandwiches, breakfast burritos and more to SouthPark’s Capitol Towers later this year.

LELUIA HALL

Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel have a knack for creating buzzy culinary concepts that Charlotteans can’t get enough of — and that

Rosemont Market and Wine Bar

OpenTap

Calle Sol

House of Nomad

Suffolk Punch SouthPark

| coming soon

live up to the hype. When Haberdish opened in NoDa, customers waited hours to enjoy its fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides. Supperland, one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2021, was named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. by Bon Appetit and Esquire. Leluia Hall is their next venture, housed in the former Dilworth church that was home to Bonterra for 20 years.

CALLE SOL

Calle Sol found quick success in the former Penguin Drive-In location in Plaza Midwood, which housed several short-lived concepts after the burger-and-fried-pickles joint closed in 2014. With its colorful interior, upbeat vibe and reasonably priced menu, Calle Sol fills a void for a great casual meal with vibrant flavors. When Calle Sol opens at Apex SouthPark this spring, expect a crowd waiting to sample its zesty ceviches, vaca frita, Cubanos, rum punch, daiquiris and more.

INTOWN GOLF

The new “private social club to golfers” is sure to be a hot spot when it opens in SouthPark. Intown Golf launched in 2020 in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood with golf simulators, custom club fitting, golf instruction, a restaurant and cocktail bar. If local fervor for the sport during last year’s Presidents Cup is any indication, memberships will be in high demand.

RESTAURANT CONSTANCE

Chef Sam Diminich reinvented himself in the pandemic, launching Your Farms Your Table, a catering and meal-delivery ser-

vice offering local farm-to-table three-course meals. Last summer, he debuted a line of sauces and vinaigrettes and partnered with McLeod Addictive Disease Center to provide nourishing meals to recovering addicts. As if he’s not busy enough, Diminich plans to open Restaurant Constance, named after his daughter, in early 2023 in Wesley Heights.

ROSEMONT MARKET AND WINE BAR

The team behind The Crunkleton and Cheat’s Cheesesteak Parlor are going all-in on Elizabeth, opening an all-day restaurant and market with grab-and-go meals at the new Elizabeth on Seventh development from Crescent Communities. Last fall, Axios Charlotte also reported the Crunkleton team plans to open a new Mexican restaurant in the former Stanley space on 7th Street.

OPENTAP

The craft beer and wine bar near the intersection of Carmel and Pineville-Matthews roads will provide a much-needed community hub for south Charlotte. OpenTap will offer 64 self-pouring taps (including craft sodas) in a 7,500-square-foot family-friendly space with a shade garden, a tree house mezzanine and a village green.

RALLY PICKLEBALL

The pickleball craze shows no signs of slowing, and a new sports complex in Lower South End is certain to be a popular gathering spot for both novice and seasoned picklers. Rally is targeting a spring opening. SP

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Now open



Limani is now open at Phillips Place, in the spot previously home to Upstream. The New Yorkbased restaurant serves Greek and Mediterraneaninspired, seafood-focused cuisine. limani.com

 Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse opened its newest location at Piedmont Town Center in SouthPark. duckworths.com



The Gilded Cellar, a 6,800-square-foot event space on the lower level of Resident Culture South End, opened. The venue includes a 4,000-square-foot room and a private bar and can accommodate up to 275 people for a cocktail reception and up to 200 people seated. residentculturebrewing.com

 Museum of Illusions opened last month in uptown, featuring more than 60 interactive exhibits, including holograms, optical illusions and more. The museum is part of a conglomerate of 38 private museums in 25 countries. moicharlotte.com

Mama’s Ricotta’s, the homestyle Italian restaurant on Kings Drive, underwent an extensive renovation last fall that includes an expanded dining area, a private dining space that seats 30, and a kitchen upgrade. “After 30 years in business, we thought it was time for not only a refresh, but an expansion,” owner Frank Scibelli said in an email. Mama Ricotta’s worked with Peadon Finein Architecture and Gais Construction on the project.

Two new businesses are set to debut this spring at Camp North End: Room Service, a boutique cocktail bar and lounge, and Stay Inn, a specialty market. The two businesses are a collaboration between Rachel Hopkins, co-owner of Black Moth Bars, and Jules Zanoni, owner of grow plant shop. Room Service, led by Hopkins, will offer cocktails, beer and wine along with shared plates in the evening. Zanoni’s Stay Inn will sell glassware, cocktail supplies, candles, linens, flowers and specialty foods such as olive oil and tinned fish. SP

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALY BARNETT

PHOTOGRAPH BY REMY THURSTON

Camp North End

Black Moth Bars

January HAPPENINGS

Sojourners at Elder Gallery of Contemporary Art

Through Feb. 11

This group exhibition explores the idea of “places, people, and things — both real and imagined — in the constant flux of transition and change” and features works by more than a dozen regional and national artists. eldergalleryclt.com

Brian Rutenberg: Banners of the Coast at Jerald Melberg Gallery

Jan. 7- Feb. 18

Brian Rutenberg’s abstract landscapes reflect the duality of the South Carolina resort town where he was raised, from brightly colored amusement parks and arcades to low country landscapes. The show — the artist’s ninth solo exhibition with the gallery — includes new oil paintings on linen and paper. An opening reception with the artist will be held Jan. 13 from 6-8 p.m. jeraldmelberg.com

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra performs Copland Symphony No. 3 at Belk Theater

Jan. 13-14 | 7:30 p.m

Canadian-Trinidadian guest conductor Kwame Ryan leads the program, featuring what’s often called the “Great American Symphony” along with John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” and Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major. charlottesymphony.org

29th Annual McCrorey YMCA MLK Holiday Celebration

Jan. 16 | 8 a.m.

This annual breakfast event returns to an in-person format, with prayer, speakers and performances. Proceeds support programs at the McCrorey YMCA in northwest Charlotte, the second-oldest Y in Charlotte and the region’s first African-American YMCA. ymcacharlotte.org

Skate and Date at the U.S. National Whitewater Center Jan. 18, 25; Feb. 1, 8 | 6:30 p.m.

Take a spin around the Whitewater Center’s seasonal outdoor ice-skating rink, followed by a three-course meal at River’s Edge. $65 per person; beer and wine are available for purchase. Register online at whitewater.org.

Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week Jan. 20-29

Enjoy prix fixe, three-course meals from $30-$45 per person at dozens of participating restaurants in the Charlotte metro region. charlotterestaurantweek.iheart.com

Barry Manilow at Spectrum Center

Jan. 21 | 7 p.m.

He can’t smile without you — the 79-yearold singer-songwriter has been charming audiences since the ’70s. Ticket prices vary. ticketmaster.com SP

— compiled by Amanda Lea

SOZO Gallery

After 10 years, SOZO Gallery will close on Jan. 31. The gallery founded by Hannah Blanton opened in uptown in 2013 and moved to Plaza Midwood in January 2021. SOZO’s roster of artists includes Wendy Bilas, Percy King, Robert Langford, Kenny Nguyen and Beverly Smith.

“I offer my profound thanks to the many artists, collectors, mentors and organizations that have partnered with SOZO Gallery through the years,” Blanton said in an emailed statement. “Each of you has had an important influence on the evolution and growth of SOZO.”

In the coming months, Blanton plans to launch SELAH, an artist advisory firm and art consultancy. Sozo Gallery is located at 904 Pecan Ave., Unit 101. sozogallery.net

Scan the QR code on your mobile device to view our online events calendar — updated weekly — at southparkmagazine.com.

The buddy system

If my best friends from high school and I were able to live our youthful artistic dreams, we’d still be playing in a garage band called The Subterraneans. Luckily, ceramicists Mark Warren and Chris Pence, who met in high school in the late ’90s in northern Florida, had a business plan. In 2012 they founded a ceramics and glassware company called Haand, which is named after the archaic Norwegian word for “hand” and where everything is made by, you guessed it, hand. Since founding their company, Mark and Chris have partnered with restaurants around the world, including James Beard Award winners like Raleigh’s Ashley Christensen and Kinston’s Vivian Howard. In Charlotte, their dishes are used at Peppervine and Stoke.

There’s an old saying that goes, “If you show me your friends, I can show you your future.” If only we all had friends like Mark and Chris during high school. The best businesses, like the best friendships, grow organically from shared interest and vision, and while their professional paths briefly diverged after college — Mark pursued the arts while Chris worked as an accountant — they came back together over a decade later in rural North

Carolina as roommates and business partners in a crumbling old mansion. (How crumbling? Let’s just say the same bucket that caught water from the kitchen drain was used to flush the toilet.) In this auspicious setting, Haand was born.

On a warm fall morning, I parked in the grassy lot outside the Haand showroom and production studio in Burlington. The 13,000-square-foot brick building was once a hosiery mill, and it retains its industrial feel, despite the gorgeous colors and earthy appearance of the countless handmade ceramic pieces that greet you as soon as you step inside.

I found Mark, Haand’s creative director and co-founder, as he passed through the showroom on his way out the door. He greeted me warmly with a broad smile that was nearly hidden by a thick beard. Mark very much looks the part of a potter, and he very much looks the part of someone who might enjoy living in a house where a single bucket serves as both a kitchen and a bathroom appliance. I hadn’t let anyone at Haand know I was coming, and I felt bad about dropping in during the middle of the day, but Mark didn’t seem to mind. He casually showed me around the produc-

OLD FRIENDS LEND A HAAND by Wiley Cash | photographs by Mallory Cash

tion studio where a couple dozen people were at work at various stations, each one marking an integral step in the process of achieving the distinct look and feel that Haand is known for.

As we walk through the space, Mark explains the process after he completes each design, whether it be for a vase, a coffee cup or a serving dish. A mold is built from each design, and into the mold is poured liquid porcelain slip. Once the piece dries inside the mold, it is removed, cleaned, smoothed with a sponge, and hand-inspected before being stamped with Haand’s logo and the phrase “Made in NC, USA.” The piece is then bisque-fired and heated to 1,800 degrees, and this is where each piece gets interesting and distinct.

“Our clay body itself is what’s called vitreous,” Mark says, “so it melts at a really high temperature, and then it will become kind of liquid during a period of the firing. The clay kind of remembers things that have happened to it. So if you bump it with your thumb or kind of move it, it might look strange going in, and then it comes out and it has melted and softened and completely shifted its form. You can’t really fight that unless you’re doing what

they do in industrial kilns, which is not what we do here. There’s a deeper truthfulness that can come out of not trying to fight the process and just letting it be what it is. It’s a beautiful thing.”

There is no doubt that each piece made at Haand is beautiful not only in its design, but also in its color. After the pieces are fired they are glazed with a liquid coating of minerals that bonds to the clay and brings a glassy and distinct color finish and texture to each piece, whether it be fern green or matte grey or one of the stunning Cloudware finishes that looks just like its namesake.

After the glazing, each piece goes into the gas kiln, where it’s fired at 2,300 degrees so the clay and the glaze thoroughly bond. Afterward, each piece is polished and inspected before being shipped out or stocked in the showroom.

All told, countless hands touch each piece, and every step reflects the hand of the maker who’s worked on it. This ensures that every piece, even if it’s part of a set, bears its own distinctions. Roughly 90% of Haand’s employees were novices before walking in the door, but each receives extensive training in the production process in order to maintain Mark’s vision for every individual piece.

Mark Warren, left, and Chris Pence started Burlington-based Haand in 2012.

“It’s exciting,” Mark says, still struck by the beauty of the process of designing, forming and firing even after all these years. “It’s right on the edge of chaos.”

But to the layperson’s eye, nothing about the scene at the production studio seems chaotic. People of all ethnicities, ages and backgrounds work quietly, whether they’re sponging or firing, many of them with earbuds popped in so they can listen to music, audiobooks or podcasts. Their work is accompanied by glances, smiles, nods of the head. The whole scene feels peaceful, thoughtful and grounded.

It didn’t always feel that way to Chris, company president and co-founder, who gave me a tour around the showroom, where I immediately picked out two 10-ounce tapered mugs to take home. Chris had worked with clay since high school before forging a career as a corporate tax accountant in Jacksonville, Fla., where he often worked 80-hour weeks. It was on a trip to visit Mark in the dilapidated farmhouse that Chris truly considered reconnecting with his early passion for pottery. Mark pitched the idea of the two of them starting a business together; it ended up being an easy decision for Chris.

But those early days, rooming at the farmhouse with Mark while working in an outdoor studio took their toll on Chris, who quickly realized the differences between plowing through a 16-hour day behind a desk and the physicality of clearing brush to create more outdoor space, moving boxes of finished pieces, making phone calls and filling purchase orders.

“Moving into that house in the woods was a totally transformative experience for me,” Chris says. “I imagine that people were like, ‘Has Chris lost it a little bit? Is he going a little crazy? He left a job he worked so hard for.’ I really looked up to Mark and relied on him to kind of show me what this new life was like.

“But I definitely remember being in the studio by myself one day and the lights were off, and it was dark. I had a real big moment of existential dread, and I thought, have I made a terrible mistake?”

For Chris, after both the success of the company and his continued

friendship with Mark, those moments of uncertainty are fewer and farther between. “I’m so passionate about what we’re making,” he says.

While their primitive way of living has changed since those days on the farm, the way they make pottery has not.

“We haven’t changed the production method at all,” Chris says. “We’ve certainly refined it and gotten better at doing things, but if you were to have been there with us at the farmhouse and walked through how we made a pot, and then you were to walk through the way we do it now, you would see there are no fundamental changes. We can make things more efficiently, but it’s still a handmade mold, we pour the clay in, we pour the clay out, we finish it, we fire it, we glaze it, fire it again, and it’s done. The process is the same.”

Their friendship is the same, too.

“Mark has just always been an incredibly fun person to be friends with,” Chris says. “I think it’s a blessing for both of us to have been such good friends before the business, because having a business is hard, and it can really, really be difficult on every level, whether it’s financially, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Mark has always had my back, always been there for me, and always supported me.”

It’s clear that Mark has felt the same about Chris for years. “When you meet someone like Chris, you just kind of know them in totality. Chris is one of those people that if you know him it would be inconceivable not to want to be friends with him afterward.”

“And Mark was hilarious in high school,” Chris says, laughing. “I remember him showing up to a prom party at my house. He was a sophomore, so he wasn’t even invited to the prom.”

“Please tell me he showed up in a tuxedo,” I say.

“I think it was one of those T-shirts that has a tuxedo printed on it,” Chris says.

“It was,” Mark adds, the sudden recollection causing them both to break into laughter.

When you visit Haand or order any of their pieces online to be delivered to you, you will immediately recognize the care and attention that Mark and Chris have put into their craft. And when you spend any amount of time around Haand’s co-founders, you will say the same for their friendship.

Come for the kiln-fired pottery. Stay for the warmth. SP Wiley Cash is the Alumni Author-in-Residence at UNC Asheville. His new novel, When Ghosts Come Home, is available wherever books are sold.

One journey ends, another begins

LESSONS FROM THE ROAD LONG AGO TAKEN, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

by Jim Dodson

In ancient Roman religion, the god Janus was a twofaced chap revered as the deity of doorways and transitions, endings and new beginnings — hence the origin of this month’s name, signaling a moment when we wisely take time to reflect on where we’ve come from and what may lie ahead.

This year, this notion has fresh relevance to me.

Sometime this month, assuming the good Lord is willing and the creek don’t rise, as my Southern granny liked to say, I hope to finish writing a book that means the world to me.

It’s about the legendary Great Wagon Road, described by historians as the most traveled road of colonial America, the country’s first immigrant “highway” that passed through the Appalachian backcountry from Philadelphia to Georgia, bringing tens of thousands of Scots-Irish, German and other European settlers to the American South, including my ancestors and quite possibly yours.

Joe Wilson, the great historian of American roots music, once estimated that “a quarter of Americans today have an ancestor who traveled the Great Wagon Road. You can still see traces of it, a track across high ridges, a trough through piney woods, guarded by wild turkey and chipmunks, a road that was in use for a century — the most important road in American history.”

I first heard about it on a cold December afternoon in 1966 when my father took my brother and me to gather bittersweet and shoot mistletoe out of the ancient white oaks that surrounded his grandfather’s long-abandoned homestead on Buckhorn Road in Orange County.

Among the stories we heard that day was how our Scottish and German ancestors traveled the old road from Philadelphia to western Maryland and Piedmont North Carolina two decades before the American Revolution — a romantic notion that sparked in my head

like a piece of flint being struck by steel.

Our old man was a serious student of American history, a newspaper executive who’d hauled his young family across the turbulent 1950s South before arriving home in Greensboro in late 1959, just in time for my brother and me to witness the historic nonviolent sit-in protest by four brave A&T State College (now University) students at the Greensboro Woolworth’s. That event — now considered a defining moment in the struggle for civil rights in America — helped shaped my life.

Because my brother and I were already veteran explorers of historic battlefields and Native American burial mounds, I asked our old man if we could someday travel the Great Wagon Road. “Sure thing, Bo,” he said, using his nickname for me, “if there’s any trace of it left. Time has a way of swallowing up the past.”

He turned out to be right. The only reference to the Great Wagon Road I could find anywhere in those days was on a display placard before a massive covered wagon standing in a gallery of the Greensboro History Museum — something called a “Conestoga” wagon that originally belonged to the Scottish family that rode in it through the western frontier to North Carolina in the mid-18th century.

During my winter as writer-in-residence at Hollins University in 2006, however, I was thrilled to come across a dog-eared copy of a work in a secondhand bookshop in Roanoke, Va., titled The Great Wagon Road by Williamsburg historian Parke Rouse Jr., a marvelously folksy history of “the road that made America.”

An idea nurtured since I was knee-high to a historic roadside marker was born anew. With some encouraging research in hand, I paid a visit to a former Navy engineer named Tom Magnuson who heads up the Trading Path Association based in Hillsborough, where my own Scottish ancestors arrived in the mid-1700s. Magnuson’s

marvelous organization researches and documents America’s historic lost roads in order to preserve and expand public appreciation of them. I figured if anyone could tell me if it was feasible or pure folly to try to find the original roadway and follow it from Philly to Georgia 250 years after the fact, that fellow was Tom Magnuson.

My timing couldn’t have been better. He pointed out that recent scholarship by an army of historians, state archivists, archaeologists and ordinary history nuts like me had actually determined the original path of the Great Wagon Road and even posted an exquisitely detailed description of its route through some of the most hallowed places in America.

“The Great Wagon Road,” Tom said, when I mentioned my objective, “is the grandaddy of America’s frontier highways — our creation myth, if you like — one that explains the origins of our national story better than any other. The people and ideas that came down that road shaped the character of this nation, both good and bad. That defines who we are today.”

This was all the encouragement I needed. Not long afterward, I plotted my route and even purchased my very own “Great Wagon” for the journey — a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Grand Estate station wagon, said to be the last “true” American station wagon before Detroit switched to making SUVs.

I envisioned a pleasant three-week cruise along the winding 845-mile road in which I would encounter all sorts of interesting characters, local experts and fellow Wagon Road flamekeepers who shared my passion for this once lost frontier highway and its unique role in shaping America.

God laughs, as the ancient proverb goes, when grown men make plans.

In fact, the journey took five years and 2,100 miles to complete, in part due to the incredible amount of history, marvelous people and stories I found along the way, but also because a worldwide pandemic struck in the middle stages of my research, knocking me off the road for almost two years.

Certain moments stand out, including meeting descendants of Founding Fathers and Daniel Boone; sitting with a fabled Lincoln historian during the annual reading of the Gettysburg Address; walking Antietam with the National Park Service’s first female battlefield guide; and playing guitar with an Appalachian bluegrass legend.

All told, I visited with — and interviewed — more than 100 extraordinary and ordinary folks from every walk of life who had their own love affair with the old road.

I cherish their diverse voices on my iPhone recorder because they belong to a wonderfully democratic mix of experts and colorful characters, activists and local historians, thoughtful museum curators, gifted poets and preachers, artists and war re-enactors, history nuts of every political persuasion, and kind strangers whose names I simply forgot to write down.

In the end, listening to their stories about an old road that has gripped my imagination since I was a kid standing in front of a huge covered wagon in a museum brought me even closer to the country I love.

It taught me how amazingly far we’ve come — and have yet to go.

Somehow, I think the god Janus would approve. SP Jim Dodson is a New York Times bestselling author in Greensboro.

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January books

NOTABLE NEW RELEASES

compiled by Sally Brewster

Vintage Contemporaries by Dan Kois

It’s 1991. Em moved to New York City for excitement and possibility, but the big city isn’t quite what she thought it would be. Working as a literary agent’s assistant, she’s down to her last $19 but has made two close friends: Emily, a firebrand theater director living in a Lower East Side squat, and Lucy, a middle-aged novelist and single mom. Em’s life revolves around these two wildly different women and their vividly disparate yet equally assured views of art and the world. But who is Em, and what does she want to become?

It’s 2004. Em is now Emily, a successful book editor, happily married and barely coping with the challenges of a new baby. And suddenly Lucy and Emily return to her life: Her old friend Lucy’s posthumous book needs a publisher, and her ex-friend Emily wants to rekindle their relationship. As they did once before, these two women — one dead, one very alive — force Emily to reckon with her decisions, her failures and what kind of creative life she wants to lead.

Decent People by De’Shawn Charles Winslow

In the still segregated town of West Mills, N.C., in 1976, three enigmatic siblings are found shot to death in their home. The people of West Mills — on both sides of the canal that serves as the town’s color line — are in a frenzy of finger-pointing, gossip and wonder. The crime is the first reported murder in the area in decades, but the white authorities don’t seem to have any interest in solving the case. Fortunately, one person is determined to do more than talk. Miss Josephine Wright has just moved back to West Mills from New York City to retire and marry a childhood sweetheart, Olympus “Lymp” Seymore. When she discovers the murder victims are Lymp’s half-siblings, and that Lymp is one of West Mills’ leading suspects, she sets out to prove his innocence. But as Jo investigates those who might know the most about the deaths, she discovers more secrets than she’d ever imagined, and a host of cover-ups — from medical misuse to illicit affairs — that could upend the reputations of many.

Pirate Enlightenment, or the Real Libertalia by David Graeber

Pirates have long lived in the realm of romance and fantasy, symbolizing risk, lawlessness and radical visions of freedom. But at the root of this mythology is a rich history of pirate societies — vibrant,

imaginative experiments in self-governance and alternative social formations at the edges of the European empire. In graduate school, David Graeber conducted ethnographic field research in Madagascar for his doctoral thesis on the island’s politics and history of slavery and magic. During this time, he encountered the Zana-Malata, an ethnic group of mixed descendants of the many pirates who settled on the island at the beginning of the 18th century. In this book, Graeber considers how the proto-democratic, even libertarian, practices of the Zana-Malata came to shape the Enlightenment project defined for too long as distinctly European. He illuminates the non-European origins of what we consider to be “Western” thought and endeavors to recover forgotten forms of social and political order that gesture toward new, hopeful possibilities for the future.

Hidden Mountains: Survival and Reckoning After a Climb Gone Wrong by Michael Wejchert

In 2018, two couples set out on a climbing expedition to Alaska’s Hidden Mountains, one of the last wild ranges in North America. A rarity in modern climbing, the peaks were nearly unexplored and untouched, a place where few people had ever visited and granite spires still awaited first ascents. Inspired by generations of daring alpinists before them, the four climbers were compelled to strike out into uncharted territory themselves. This trip would be the culmination of years of climbing together, promising to test the foursome’s skill and dedication to the sport. But as the climbers would soon discover, no amount of preparation can account for the unknowns of true wilderness. As they neared the top of an unclimbed peak, a rockfall grievously injured one of the climbers, leaving him stranded and in critical condition. Over the course of the next nine hours, the other three climbers worked to reach their companion. What followed was a pulse-pounding rescue attempt by Alaska’s elite Pararescue team in one of the most remote regions in the country — raising difficult questions about wilderness accessibility, technology’s role in outdoor adventure, and what it means to weigh risk against the siren song of the mountains. SP

Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books. 4139 Park Rd., parkroadbooks.com.

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Can anyone become an entrepreneur?

ACCEPTING FAILURE — AND KNOWING WHEN TO ASK FOR HELP — CAN HELP YOU FIND SUCCESS WHEN STRIKING OUT ON YOUR OWN.

by Juliet Lam Kuehnle

What characteristics come to mind when thinking of entrepreneurs, or people with entrepreneurial attitudes? I asked around and got the following answers: creative, confident, clear on vision, motivated, someone who is able to make a million decisions, someone who isn’t afraid to take risks — and someone who is prepared for sleepless nights. According to entrepreneur.com, the must-have traits for successful entrepreneurs are: problem-solving skills, impeccable communication skills, determination to excel, willingness to take calculated risks, desire to continuously learn, strong leadership skills, passion and ambition, open-mindedness, work-life balance, and the ability to be a team player.

So are certain people just born with these traits? What if we feel we don’t possess some of these characteristics? Does that mean we’re destined to just follow a path that’s been laid out for us? I don’t think so. I believe we all have an entrepreneurial spirit inside of us, and it is often stifled or we find more comfort in the predictable and familiar. This can happen for a multitude of reasons that can include inherent temperaments, belief systems we may have adopted about our own abilities, societal messaging we have internalized, values we prioritize and … fear.

I asked Marisa Wheeling Ciesluk, a local leadership and executive coach, to weigh in. “One of the reasons we shy away from embracing an entrepreneurial endeavor is the fear of failure. Inherent in entrepreneurship is risk, and we live in a world where we avoid risks because failure is perceived as negative or unacceptable. Yet, when we detach from the outcome and reframe ‘failure’ as simply data that enables us to make a more informed decision next time, we can engage in purposeful risk-taking and spark possibilities.”

As with most things, if we want to move forward, grow, improve resilience and confidence, and show up in this life, we need to be willing to step outside of our comfort zones. We need to find permission within ourselves to fail and find the opportunity in doing just that. And it does not mean doing it all by ourselves. Asking for help can feel incredibly vulnerable and to many can feel like weakness. This is something we simply need to unlearn. There’s nothing more brave than acknowledging and owning one’s struggle, friction, disconnect, confusion or curiosity and using the resources available for support. What might you do differently or how might you show up differently if you were able to embrace more of an entrepreneurial spirit? The world is your oyster.

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Juliet spoke with Tiffany Donovan Marino, owner of Confetti Castle, a balloon-installation business. Below are excerpts from their interview, lightly edited.

How did you end up becoming a balloon queen when you’d never done anything in that arena before?

I started my own thing because I couldn’t really figure out what I wanted to do next. I didn’t really have a plan, but I was like, you know, I think I can make anything happen. So I did, and I just taught myself.

You seem to be a make-it-happen kind of person.

I’ve been kind of forced into situations like that. I did not have a great childhood growing up whatsoever. I grew up a certain way, and I am not going to let that be what directs my life. So I just said, I want to prove those things wrong. I think that’s a lot of where my mentality, my work ethic, all those things come from. Because growing up, I had a mother who said I wasn’t good enough, so every time I do something to improve my life or for myself, I tell myself that I’m constantly proving that wrong.

It also sounds like your success and autonomy has been a protective mechanism – since you couldn’t always count on others, you needed to know that you’ll be OK on your own.

For sure, 100%. I have to know that I’m OK by myself.

I can tell you do a good job of observing emotions and experiences without getting so attached to them.

Yes, I try to. I’m very good with openly talking about my issues. I can say: I have a lot of people depending on me, and it’s a lot of pressure on my shoulders right now and I need help. You can’t always be the person who’s helping everybody else. You have to also be vulnerable to let people help you. SP

Juliet Kuehnle is the owner and a therapist at Sun Counseling and Wellness. The full interview of Kuehnle’s “Who You Callin’ Crazy?!” interview featuring Tiffany Marino can be found on Instagram @yepigototherapy

Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds is generously presented in Charlotte by Bank of America, the City of Charlotte, Duke

Additional generous support is provided by: Leigh-ann and Martin Sprock; Robin and Bill Branstrom, Sally Cooper, Laura and Mike Grace, Marshelette

Andress, Mary and Walt Beaver, Betsy and Alfred Brand; toni and Alfred Kendrick, Beth and Drew Quartapella, Rocky and Curtis Trenkelbach, Charlotte

is supported, in part, by the Infusion Fund and its generous donors. Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds is organized by the American

of Arts

Mark

Jo

Schoen Warshaw. Additional support has been provided by Lee White Galvis, Clare E. McKeon, and Stephanie R. La Nasa. Support for the accompanying

Mint Museum Uptown at Levine Center for the Arts | 500 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

by

a

Kaplan

IMAGE: Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). View of Notre-Dame, Paris, April 13, 1945, oil on canvas. Private Collection, courtesy of Chalk & Vermilion, LLC. © 2023 Estate of Pablo Picasso / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Energy, Mecklenburg County, M.A. Rogers, Ann and Michael Tarwater, North Carolina Arts Council, and Moore & Van Allen.

and Milton Prime; Posey and

Mealy; Chandra and Jimmie Johnson; Marty and Weston

and John Wickham; Mary Lou and Jim Babb, and

Ann and Joddy Peer. The Mint Museum

Federation

with guest curator Laurance Madeline. The exhibition is generously supported by Monique

publication provided

Furthermore:

program of the J.M.

Fund.

BY DARIO CALMESE

Picasso, a

our planet and POTUS

pigeon,

20 PRODIGIOUS REASONS TO BUY THEATER AND MUSEUM TICKETS THIS SPRING | by Page

JanuaryMen of Change: Power. Triumph. Truth. Presented by the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture and Levine Museum of the New South, through March 12

Through literary and historic quotes, poetry, art and photographs, Men of Change combines the historical and the contemporary to showcase the impact a few Black male heroes — including Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, Ta-Nehisi Coates, W.E.B. DuBois and Kendrick Lamar — have had on politics, art, culture and activism. Told across seven themes, the Gantt covers Storytellers, Fathering and Imagining, while the Levine Museum displays Catalysts, Myth-Breakers and Community; both museums will

display Loving. The show was developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. Gantt Center: 551 S. Tryon St. Levine Museum: 401 S. Tryon St. Admission is free. ganttcenter.org and museumofthenewsouth.org

A Soldier’s Play, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, Jan. 10-22

The 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller is back. In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, a Black sergeant is murdered. A series of interrogations leads to questions about sacrifice, service and racial identity. Broadway’s Norm Lewis — the first African-American to play the title role in Phantom of the Opera — leads a stellar cast. Tony winner Kenny Leon directs. The show won the 2020 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play. Knight Theater, 550 S. Tryon St. Tickets start at $25. carolinatix.org

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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Leggett

* The Gershwins®’ PORGY AND BESS® by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin

www.concordtheatricals.com

Porgy and Bess, presented by Opera Carolina, Jan. 22-28

George and Ira Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess stars Kenneth Overton, a Grammy-winning baritone, as Porgy and Nicole Cabell, whose first recording in 2006 was of Porgy and Bess, as Bess. The opera tells the story of Porgy, a disabled Black beggar living on the streets of Charleston as he tries to rescue Bess from Crown, her violent and possessive lover, and Sportin’ Life, her drug dealer, played by tenor Victor Ryan Robertson. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at about $40. carolinatix.org

MOMIX Alice, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, Jan. 24-25

MOMIX’s internationally acclaimed dancer-illusionists recreate the magical world of the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts in this reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Artistic Director Moses Pendleton fills the inventive production with wild visual effects and acrobatic feats. Knight Theater, 550 S. Tryon St. Tickets start at $20. carolinatix.org

John Craigie, Visulite Theatre, Jan. 16

The Americana singer-songwriter delighted the Knight Theater crowd in 2022 when he opened for Mary Chapin Carpenter. Now, he’s back in Charlotte as the headliner. Craigie’s latest album, Mermaid Salt, originated in the loneliness of lockdown in the

Pacific Northwest. The isolation turned out to be fertile ground for introspective new music. Craigie’s between-song banter is as good as the best stand-up comedians. 1615 Elizabeth Ave. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of show. visulite.com

FebruaryCarrie Underwood, The Denim & Rhinestones Tour, Feb. 8

She’s been one of America’s sweethearts since her American Idol debut in 2005. (She was the show’s fourth-season winner.) Since then, she’s gone on to win eight Grammy Awards and the Academy of Country Music award for Entertainer of the Year thrice. The “Jesus, Take the Wheel” singer will be joined by special guest Jimmie Allen, a 2022 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist. Allen is only the second Black artist ever — after Darius Rucker — to earn the Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year. Spectrum Center, 333 E. Trade St. Ticket prices vary. ticketmaster.com

John Mellencamp: Live and In Person, Feb. 8

No matter what name he’s going by — Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp — the singer/songwriter from America’s heartland has had staying power since he emerged on

A Soldier’s Play, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts

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BY JOAN MARCUS

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

the national scene in the 1980s. With hits like “Jack and Diane,” “Pink Houses” and “Small Town,” his themes are often nostalgic for a sweeter, simpler time. But as he proves on “R.O.C.K. in the USA” and “I Need a Lover,” he can also rock out with the best of ’em. Ovens Auditorium at Bojangles Entertainment Complex, 2700 E. Independence Blvd. Tickets prices vary. ticketmaster.com

Innovative Works, presented by Charlotte Ballet, Feb. 3-25

A perennial fan favorite, Innovative Works features three contemporary dances. One is Alejandro Cerrudo’s Silent Ghost, which marks the first time Charlotte audiences will see his work performed locally since he became artistic director last spring. Charlotte Ballet also welcomes for the first time Jennifer Archibald, founder and director of the Arch Dance Company in New York City and Cincinnati Ballet’s resident choreographer, and UNC School of the Arts alum and 2021 Guggenheim Fellow Helen Simoneau. Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, 701 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $30. charlotteballet.org

Picasso

Landscapes: Out of Bounds, Mint Museum

Uptown, Feb. 11-May

21

In the first-ever museum exhibition to explore Pablo Picasso’s landscape paintings — a genre he’s not especially known for — Picasso Landscapes highlights the cubist’s exploration of this traditional genre through more than 40 works. The Mint is the first of only three venues in the United States — and the only one on the East Coast — to host this exhibition. The show coincides with

the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death and offers a glimpse into his creative process, from his earliest days in art school to months before his death in 1973. Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St. Advance tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for college students and seniors. mintmuseum.org

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, Feb. 21-22

The dancers of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will again electrify the Blumenthal stage with contemporary works and classics from the company’s repertoire. Ailey (1931-1989) founded his all-Black dance company in New York in 1958. Each program concludes with the justifiably popular Revelations, Ailey’s masterpiece that debuted in 1960 and which, according to Vogue, “cannot fail to move.” Ailey, who won a Kennedy Center Honor in 1988 and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously in 2014, was considered a national treasure. Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $29.50. carolinatix.org.

MOMIX Alice, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts

Carrie Underwood, The Denim & Rhinestones Tour

BY RANDEE ST. NICHOLAS; TOP PHOTOS COURTESY BLUMENTHAL

Painting from nature doesn’t mean copying it but registering thoughts and emotions on a surface with all of the contemplative energy, luxurious beauty, and the strange incantatory spell that comes from the marriage of sense and sight.

Brian Rutenberg

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

March

Misery, presented by Theatre Charlotte, March 3-19

You may know the Stephen King novel, and you surely know the movie adaptation, which won Kathy Bates a Best Actress Oscar for playing an obsessed (to put it mildly) fan of romance novelist Paul Sheldon, played by James Caan. When Sheldon wakes up incapacitated and snowbound after a car crash in the secluded home of his “No. 1 fan,” his nightmare begins. William Goldman’s adaptation traps you in the room with the injured Paul as he tries to outwit his able-bodied captor, Annie Wilkes. Ron Law, the retired, longtime Theatre Charlotte executive director, returns from Greensboro to direct. 501 Queens Rd. Tickets from $28-$32. theatrecharlotte.org

Charlotte Symphony: Picasso + Stravinsky, March 10-11

In celebration of The Mint Museum’s Picasso Landscapes exhibit, hear works by Igor Stravinsky, one of Picasso’s close friends and collaborators. Conductor Pablo Bortolameolli joins the CSO to lead an exploration of period music, including two ballets for which Picasso designed costumes and sets: Stravinsky’s Pulcinella (1920) and Erik Satie’s Parade (1917). Knight Theater, 550 S. Tryon St. Tickets start at $22. carolinatix.org

POTUS: Or, Behind Every Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, presented by Charlotte Conservatory Theatre, March 16-19

This political farce had a successful, limited run on Broadway last summer. Rachel Dratch, Julianne Hough and Vanessa Williams starred in that version, directed by five-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman. CCT’s version will be directed by Stephen Kaliski (artistic director of New York’s Adjusted Realists/visiting assistant professor of theater at Davidson College). “POTUS is only recently available for regional productions,” says CCT founder Marla Brown. “Making sure Charlotte has access to our national theater scene is one of our goals. POTUS provides us a path to laugh at our political scene regardless of affiliation. But language is heavily R-rated.” Booth Playhouse, 130 N. Tryon St. Tickets start at $20. carolinatix.org

Innovative Works, presented by Charlotte Ballet

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COURTESY CHARLOTTE BALLET

Actual patient of Dr. Joubert Jewelry by Perry’s Diamond & Estate Jewelry

BY

An

Evening

with Deepak Chopra, March 22

Experience Deepak Chopra’s legendary New Age healing as he leads the audience through a deep experiential meditation designed to create a state of peace, happiness and heightened awareness. Chopra is the author of more than 90 books, many of them New York Times bestsellers. He is the founder of the nonprofit The Chopra Foundation, a professor of family medicine and public health at the University of California, San Diego, and a senior scientist with The Gallup Organization. Sandra Levine Theatre at the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement, Queens University of Charlotte, 2319 Wellesley Ave. Tickets start at $25. carolinatix.org

Head Over Heels, presented by QC Concerts, March 25-26

This jukebox musical comedy springs from the creative team that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening. The comedic love story, set to the tunes of the 1980s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, includes hits such as “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” as well as frontwoman Belinda Carlisle’s “Mad About You” and more. QC Concerts performs concert-style, meaning without sets and costumes. But every line of dialogue is spoken, and every lyric is sung. The productions typically sell out in advance. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for happy hour before the 7:30 p.m. show. A $15 food and beverage minimum (in addition to the cost of the ticket) is required. Free Will Craft + Vine, 3701 N. Davidson St. Tickets are $18. qcconcerts.com

AprilScott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, April 4

When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox in his basement in Queens in 2011, he wanted to remake contemporary pop hits using the classic sounds of eras gone by. He made Miley Cyrus sound like The Platters, Bruno Mars sound like Frank Sinatra and The Spice Girls sound like The Andrews Sisters. Now, more than a decade later, Postmodern Jukebox has become a pop-culture phenomenon, having played over 1,000 shows on six continents. Knight Theater, 550 S. Tryon St. Tickets from $25. carolinatix.org

Jazz at The Bechtler: An Evening with Chris Brubeck, April 7

Jazz great Dave Brubeck’s son, Chris — a star in his own right — continues to distinguish himself as a creative force. An award-winning writer, he leads two groups: the Brubeck Brothers Quartet (with brother Dan on drums) and Triple Play, an acoustic trio featuring Chris on piano, bass and trombone along with guitarist Joel Brown and harmonica player Peter “Madcat” Ruth. Chris performs as a solo trombonist with orchestras across the country and is a long-standing member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, his late father’s jazz band. Jazz at the Bechtler is always a good time. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Levine Center for the Arts, 420 S.

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts

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DANA LYNN PLEASANT

Bobby Wildermuth, robertbobbyart.com

SPRING ARTS PREVIEW

Tryon St. Performances are at 6 and 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $20 for the public and $16 for museum members. bechtler.org

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical presented by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, April 8-May 7

If you have, or once had, little children, you probably know the book. When a determined pigeon decides he simply must drive the bus, he’ll stop at nothing to get behind the wheel. Celebrated author Mo Willems’ award-winning book comes to life on stage in this wondrous musical adaptation. Willems himself wrote the script and lyrics for the one-act, 60-minute show. Themes of responsibility and accountability are emphasized, as is, of course, persistence. For ages 4+. Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. McColl Family Theatre at ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th St. Tickets start at $20. ctcharlotte.org

Our Planet Live in Concert, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts. April 13

The Emmy Award-winning Netflix series is now a live concert event. Our Planet Live in Concert combines breathtaking HD cinematography with new orchestrations by Oscar-winning composer Steven Price performed by a live onstage orchestra. A journey of discovery across our planet featuring narration by the legendary Sir

David Attenborough, this concert is a celebration of

May

The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls presented by Three Bone Theatre, May 5-20

This is more than a play about hair. Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. said it’s “about identity and the quest for equality. As such, it is a play all should see and celebrate.” Playwright Keli Goff chronicles the intersections of politics, pop culture, race and gender in America. This collection of monologues and vignettes, ranging from heartbreaking to hilarious, asserts that hair — for Black women, in particular — can be both personal and political. In the tradition of The Vagina Monologues and Love, Loss and What I Wore, The Glorious World of Crowns, Kinks and Curls features the voices of Black women from around the globe recalling moments when their hair won glory — or flopped. The show contains adult language and themes, including trauma, and is recommended for ages 14+. Arts Factory at West End Studios, 1545 W. Trade St. General admission tickets are $25; teacher and student tickets are $15. threebonetheatre.com SP

Mother Earth and the wildlife that call our planet “home.” Knight Theater, 550 S. Tryon St. Tickets start at $29.50. carolinatix.org

Our Planet Live in Concert, presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts

PHOTOGRAPH BY HANOUT PHOTOGRAPHY

Behind the curtain

A SEASONED AND DEDICATED TEAM BRINGS OPERA CAROLINA’S MAINSTAGE PRODUCTIONS TO LIFE.

by Richard Israel | by Cathy Martin

About 10 times a year, including matinees and evening performances, Belk Theater sizzles with soaring arias, palpable drama, and often, elaborate hand-tied wigs and exquisite costumes. But planning for each of Opera Carolina’s three annual mainstage productions begins many months — sometimes a full year — in advance, before the season is announced to the public.

Started as the volunteer-run Charlotte Opera in 1948 with a budget of $150, the company performed at East Mecklenburg High School, then at Ovens Auditorium for 35 years. It was rebranded as Opera Carolina in 1989 and settled into its current home at Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in 1992.

SouthPark contributing photographer Richard Israel embedded backstage among cast and crew during Opera Carolina’s fall production of Puccini’s masterpiece, Tosca. The tragedy set in 1800 Rome is centered around Floria Tosca, played in Opera Carolina’s production by soprano Alyson Cambridge, and her lover, painter Mario Cavaradossi, played by tenor John Viscardi. The cast of characters includes an escaped prisoner, a cathedral caretaker and a corrupt police chief, and the action takes place in a whirlwind 24 hours.

“It’s one of the best combinations of drama and music ever created,” says James Meena, artistic director of Opera Carolina. “You can get so wrapped up into it musically and dramatically, even if you don’t know the language.”

photographs

Maestro James Meena at Opera Carolina’ s October production of Tosca

Martha Ruskai, a wig designer and makeup artist, started in the business in 1983 and has worked with Opera Carolina since the early ’90s. She previously taught in the wig and makeup program at UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, where she lives and owns a wig-rental business.

“Jim Meena and I have known each other for most of our careers,” Ruskai says. They met at the Toledo Opera when both were living in Ohio. Ruskai became more involved with Opera Carolina in 2001, shortly after Meena’s arrival in Charlotte.

As a contract worker, her roles might include designer, stylist, wig-maker or makeup artist, depending on the company. “At Opera Carolina, I generally do all of them,” she says.

“The planning process for designing wigs, hair and makeup for an opera begins as soon as the season is announced, sometimes earlier,” Ruskai says. She begins by listening to the opera and reading the libretto. “Many of them I know already, but I still review everything because it is important to look at each one with fresh eyes,” she says. “If I don’t know the piece, I dig in deep early to make sure that we have budgeted appropriately, because there are shows that appear to be simple that actually end up involving a lot of wig and makeup changes.”

Next, she discusses the approach and concept with the director of production, the artistic director and the stage director. She’s worked with Tosca director James Marvel off and on for about 20 years. “We have a sort of

shorthand,” she says, which makes communicating ideas easier. When working with new directors, it’s essential early in the process to make sure their visions align. “I never assume anything, even if I’ve done a show 20 times, until I talk to the director.”

Her staff can vary from four to eight, depending on the size of the production and complexity of the styling.

“It might take us 10 minutes to style a wig and do somebody’s makeup. It might take me an entire day to style an elaborate wig.” Sometimes wigs are purchased ready-made; others are made specifically for a production. Some of the wigs can take 200 hours to build, Ruskai says. Both wigs for Floria Tosca were created for Opera Carolina’s production.

Opposite page: Alyson Cambridge as Floria Tosca; Martha Ruskai applies Cambridge’s makeup backstage; a selection of wigs. This page, clockwise from top left: John Viscardi as Mario Cavaradossi; Mark Boley applies Viscardi’s makeup; tools of the trade; makeup artist Mark Boley

This page, clockwise from top left: Martha Ruskai applies makeup to tenor Johnathan White; White as Spoletta, one of Scarpia’s henchmen; baritone Steven Condy as the villainous police chief Scarpia; a costume backstage. Opposite page: a scene from Tosca

Backstage crews are overseen by Opera Carolina’s director of production, Michael Baumgarten, who is also the company’s resident lighting designer. A production like Tosca has a running crew, including stagehands and costumers, of about 18 people, and a load-in crew, which brings in set pieces, of about 35. As director of production, Baumgarten’s responsibilities include hiring staff, budgeting, scheduling, working with the stage manager on a rehearsal schedule, and organizing transportation for sets.

With a master’s from Yale University’s School of Drama, Baumgarten started out working on Broadway. He spent four summers at Santa Fe Opera, where he first crossed paths with Ruskai in the ’80s. There, he made connections and started getting hired for more opera jobs. He estimates he’s designed lighting for about 450 opera productions in his 38-year career, including about 90 Opera Carolina shows.

Typically, the cast and crew is in the theater for only one to two weeks, depending on the schedule, which requires quick

work. “For Tosca, we did it all in one week,” Baumgarten says. “We brought the scenery in on Sunday, and Tuesday was final dress [rehearsal]. So between Sunday and Tuesday, we had to get the set in, I had to focus all the lights and make all the light cues.”

It helps when you’re familiar with the show. “At this point, I’ve lit Tosca about 15 times, so I know what Tosca is about,” says Baumgarten, who spends summers at Chautauqua Institution in upstate New York, where he’s been director of production and lighting designer for 28 years.

During a production, union workers run the lighting board. “I point a lot,” Baumgarten says.

Sometimes sets are built from scratch, and sometimes they are rented. For Tosca, the wing-and-drop set — painted to look 3-dimensional — was rented from New York City Opera.

Juggling both roles isn’t easy. “You have to be able to be focused,” Baumgarten says. “You’re either organized or you’re not. It comes down to being fast and efficient and knowing what you want to do.”

Artistic Director James Meena has been at Opera Carolina for almost 23 years. He stepped back from his role as general director in 2018, but when Covid hit he sprang into action, working with his team to develop new ways to reach audiences. The opera had been through challenging times before during the recession of 2009-11, but the pandemic was a different kind of test. With large-scale in-person performances on hold, the company created new programming through virtual content on the website, outdoor neighborhood pop-ups and opera dinners. The new programs were so successful, the company has continued them.

“We started to build our resident company during Covid,” Meena adds. “And that is just a huge paradigm shift. We now have roughly 20 singers who are part of the resident company,” including six principals. Opera Carolina pays for lessons, music coaching and performance fees. Four singers had principal roles in Tosca; in Opera Carolina’s upcoming spring production, La Traviata, almost the entire company is part of the resident company. “That’s unheard of in our business,” Meena says.

“We’re really lucky [in Charlotte] because we’ve got a good, good pool of talent. … Part of what we want to do is make this a place where artists want to stay, they want to live and hone their skills and perform. That’s all new. And it’s been fun.”

The opera’s youth academy also expanded, offering programs for students in 3rd grade through high school. Some of the members performed in Tosca.

For performances, Opera Carolina subcontracts Charlotte Symphony Orchestra musicians, with Meena as the conductor. “Charlotte’s an interesting city,” Meena says. “We have really great relations with the ballet and the symphony and the Mint, particularly. We really are close and we work together and support each other. That doesn’t happen in a lot of cities — that doesn’t happen in most cities.”

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: the orchestra pit; singers rehearse; Artistic Director James Meena. This page, clockwise from top right: William Congdon, percussion and music software programmer; Emily Jarrell Urbanek, director of music preparation; a couple of Tosca’s youngest performers.

“Part of what we want to do is make [Charlotte] a place where artists want to stay, they want to live and hone their skills and perform."

— Artistic Director James Meena

While Covid spurred Opera Carolina to expand and strengthen its community programs, the pandemic took an unfortunate toll on the performing-arts industry overall, specifically in shrinking the pipeline of up-and-coming talent.

“What Covid ended up doing was pushing some of those folks [out] who were just building their careers,” Meena says, including wig and makeup artists, stage managers and directors. Many talented young professionals already opt for film and TV work because it offers longer contracts and, in turn, steadier pay, adds Ruskai.

“And there is a simultaneous movement to do more realistic productions, more contemporary productions … so those of us who can style period wigs and paint a character are fewer and fewer between,” she says.

But for Ruskai, who started out as a singer, there’s nothing quite like opera.

“If there isn’t an orchestra tuning when I do makeup, I feel funny. I’ve done Shakespeare festivals multiple times. I’ve been to New York to do plays … but it doesn’t feel right if I don’t hear an orchestra tuning. It’s just one of those things.” SP

This month, Opera Carolina will present Geroge and Ira Gershwin’s classic Porgy and Bess, set in Charleston, S.C., in the 1920s. Performances are Jan. 22 and 26 at 2 p.m., Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit operacarolina.org.

A simple limestone mantel and coffered ceilings were added to the keeping room during the renovation. A cascading chandelier by Aerin for Visual Comfort hangs above four matching Restoration Hardware chairs.

Fresh and functional

A CHARLOTTE FAMILY OVERHAULS THEIR DREAM HOME IN PELLYN WOOD.

by Catherine Ruth Kelly | photographs by Dustin Peck

Megan and Steve Francis moved to Charlotte from Washington, D.C., nearly 13 years ago. Four children and three dogs later, they had firmly rooted themselves in the Queen City and settled into their first home in the Cotswold neighborhood.

“We loved our first home here but realized we needed more space and a bigger yard,” Megan Francis says. “The kids were getting older — and louder!”

The Francises searched for months to find the right space to accommodate their needs. When they came across their current house in Pellyn Wood, they immediately knew it was the right fit. With more than 7,000 square feet, it not only had plenty of room for their large family but also a sizable yard with a pool and cabana. The only hurdle was seeing past the dated facade and interiors, which needed significant updates.

A Wesley Hall sectional and ottoman offer comfortable seating near the linear electric fireplace in the family room. The marbleized fireplace surround is porcelain tile from Walker Zanger. The light fixture is from Restoration Hardware.

“The most challenging thing for me was stepping out of my comfort zone to envision what it could be,” Francis says. “We decided to take a leap of faith and dive into a renovation.”

Francis called local interior designer Brooke Cole to oversee the overhaul, with the help of Springdale Custom Builders.

“When we started working with the Francises, it was a lot to take in because there was so much to do,” Cole recalls.

The makeover started with revitalizing the exterior, adding a fresh coat of white paint, new fixtures and a lime wash on the front stone facade. The interior was more labor-intensive. The first floor was a total transformation, from replacing the plumbing, appliances and cabinets in the kitchen to refinishing the walnut floors throughout.

“Megan wanted a fresh, light and airy aesthetic, so we incorporated more modern elements to keep it feeling clean and current — nothing too traditional,” says the designer, who launched Brooke Cole Interiors several years after working as a fashion buyer in New York City.

In the entry hall, light walls and a geometric light

fixture set the contemporary tone for the rest of the house. Patterned millwork and a sleek iron railing on the sweeping staircase create visual interest in the generous space, which has a soaring 20-foot ceiling.

Just beyond the entry hall is the home’s central hub, including the kitchen, keeping room and family room. Painted a bright white, the kitchen is sophisticated yet functional. The cool nickel and brass finish of the custom hood and the angular light fixtures elevate the style of the space. The expansive island, topped with quartz, is supported by acrylic columns on each corner.

“The acrylic legs are one of my favorite details,” says Cole, who tracked down the vendor in Texas after seeing them online.

The kitchen opens up to the keeping room, which the Francises envisioned as their main entertaining area. A bar in the corner houses a wine refrigerator and sink. Four blue velvet barrel chairs surround a round cocktail table, beckoning guests to enjoy a drink by the fireplace. French doors allow for plenty of natural light and offer easy access to the patio and pool area.

Adjacent to the keeping room is the family room,

“We wanted a liveable spaceforourfamily that is comfortable, accessible for our fourkids,andeasyfor entertaining."

where Cole added a linear electric fireplace to a wall of built-in shelves and surrounded it with patterned porcelain tiles to create a focal point that is both attractive and inviting. The soft gray sectional is upholstered in familyfriendly performance fabric, and the ottoman is covered in vinyl.

“This is where the kids hang out, so they chose furniture and fabrics that would

withstand the daily wear and tear of kids and dogs,” Cole says.

Now settled into their new home, the Francis family entertains frequently, and no space is underused.

“We wanted a livable space for our family that is comfortable, accessible for our four kids and easy for entertaining,” Francis says. “And this house has worked out perfectly.” SP

In the breakfast nook, bamboo chairs by CR Laine and a custom banquette surround a gold base table by Villa & House. The brass and acrylic light fixture is by Arteriors.

A painting by Lauren Bolshakov welcomes guests in the entry hall. The area is illuminated by an angular chandelier by Kelly Wearstler for Visual Comfort.

Restoration Hardware barstools flank the quartztopped island in the kitchen. A custom hood by Thompson Traders and sleek light fixtures by Hudson Valley Lighting contribute to the sophisticated-yet-serene aesthetic.

Brass hardware and a marble backsplash add style to this kitchen corner.

The wet bar features a tower wine refrigerator and offers easy access for drinks when entertaining guests. Brass accents in the backsplash and brass mesh grills in upper cabinet doors offer visual interest.

The laundryroom wallpaper features Jennifer Latimer’s handpainted designs in soft colors.

Les Touches wallpaper by Brunschwig & Fils and coordinating blue paint create a bright and happy powder room. The oversized brass pulls by Myoh are from Bird Hardware.

Whole -person wellness

CHARLOTTE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TAKE AN INTEGRATIVE AND FUNCTIONAL APPROACH, COMBINING CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS WITH NUTRITION, EXERCISE AND SELF-CARE OF MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT.

by Michael J. Solender

After Dr. Andrew Weil established an academic and training center for integrative medicine in 1994 at the University of Arizona, practitioners across the country launched a movement defined by a whole-person approach to wellness.. By combining conventional medicine with alternative therapies, integrative medicine, along with a related practice known as functional medicine, considers the whole person — body, mind, spirit and community — in achieving optimal health and gives patients greater agency in their health journeys.

While integrative medicine has yet to be widely adopted by most major medical groups, many patients and practitioners are drawn to its logical, holistic tenets. Here is how three local providers bring a blend of conventional and holistic health care to the Charlotte community.

FROM PATIENT TO PRACTITIONER

A breast cancer diagnosis in 2016 at age 39 marked a defining life moment for pharmacist Dajen Williams.

“I found a lump under my arm that was just kind of sore,” Williams recalls. “Within the course of a two-week period, I went to my primary doctor, had a mammogram for the first time, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. And then I got the call [informing me], ‘You have cancer.’”

With the guidance of her primary-care physician, Williams received referrals and treatment from a team of oncologists, surgeons and reconstruction specialists at Novant Health. Over the

next 18 months, she had chemotherapy, a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

At the time, Williams was a community pharmacist for a large national drugstore chain. “When I began my career after graduation in 2000, what I loved about retail pharmacy was the personal relations I got to have with my patients,” she says. “I was happy for many years helping patients manage their health and the relationships that I got to build, especially with elderly people who had questions their doctors didn’t always have the time to answer. After about a decade however, retail pharmacy became more robotic.

Novant Health pharmacist Dajen Williams’ treatment and subsequent recovery from breast cancer reshaped not only her personal life but how she chose to support her patients. Education and treatment options she experienced in her journey led her to join forces with an increasing number of providers embracing integrative medicine — a “whole person” health care delivery approach that attends to mind, body, spirit, family, community and the environment.

I was constantly answering the phone and dealing with insurance issues. It was no longer about the patient relationships as it was about numbers and production.”

Williams knew stress affected her physical and mental health, though it was through her post-surgery introduction to Novant’s Integrative Medicine team that tipped her professional career toward a radical transformation.

“As a cancer patient, you feel like there’s always eyes on you,” Williams says. “And then when your treatment is over, there’s a lack of continuity of care in some regard, because you think, ‘Okay, I’m healed and the doctor tells me I’m fine, but am I really fine?’ I still had a nagging anxiety about my situation.”

Upon expressing those concerns to her primary-care physician, Williams was referred to Dr. Russell Greenfield, the lead physician at the integrative-medicine department at Novant Cancer Institute. Greenfield, who trained in emergency medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, was one of the first four physicians to complete a fellowship in integrative medicine in 1999 at the University of Arizona, overseen by integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Andrew Weil.

The department combines conventional care with personalized diet plans, lifestyle practices and evidence-based therapies. Novant’s panel of integrative-medicine services includes dietary guidance; advice on the safe and effective use of vitamins, supplements and herbal products; massage therapy and energy healing techniques; and mind/body training including meditation, acupuncture, yoga and stress management.

“Anytime there’s a challenging diagnosis, patients are often faced with an equation that looks like either/or,” Greenfield says.

“Either they’re going to do conventional medicine or they’re going to do this complementary alternative approach. The two sides don’t speak to each other very well or very often. That leaves patients in the middle after such a diagnosis. Integrative medicine is about an inherent belief of healing gifts that each person has within them [to guide their recovery]. Our role is to bring them forth to the extent possible, while also using the best of conventional medical care.”

Williams says her initial meeting with Greenfield was unlike any medical consult she’d ever had. “We had a conversation, and it was just forming that patient-provider relationship that you don’t very often get in medicine because of time constraints,” Williams says. “It became clear that stress was probably my biggest risk factor and contributing to my anxiety. I remember Dr. Greenfield saying to me, ‘I really think finding a job that makes you happy can make a huge difference.’ I knew something had to change.”

Greenfield emphasizes the importance of providing patients with options. “We don’t make orders for folks,” he says. “We make offers. We say, ‘Here’s something you could do,’ because we’re trying to find out what’s important to them. It’s what matters to them, much less what’s the matter with them. Our goal is to meet the individual where they are and to offer them ways that they can participate more fully in their care together with the best of conventional medicine.”

Greenfield introduced Williams to a member of the integrative-medicine pharmacy team to explore career options. As Williams learned about how consulting pharmacists can advise patients on vitamins and supplements, medication interactions, and integrative medicine, her interest grew. She left her retail pharmacy

Novant Health pharmacist Dajen Williams

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETER TAYLOR

job in 2019 and took a position at a long-term health care facility. In March 2022 when a position opened on Dr. Greenfield’s team at Novant, Williams interviewed and was selected for the job in integrative medicine.

“Integrative medicine is particularly important with cancer patients, because we can screen each patient based on what chemotherapy and immunotherapy they’re undergoing and determine what [vitamins and supplements] are safe and effective. Many of the supplements [people look to] are proprietary blends that may not be effective and could be harmful. We help avoid those interactions.”

Greenfield underscores the value a pharmacist with Williams’ training brings to holistic treatment. “One of the things I would say about our sisters and brothers in conventional medicine, is we’re good at writing the prescriptions, but not as good at understanding how they play together,” Greenfield says. “That’s the invaluable aspect in one part with regards to what Dajen and her colleagues offer. It’s all of us working together. The idea is to engage people in a conversation about what they can individually do. Whether pharmacist, massage therapist, physician, nurse, whatever the case might be, these roles are a calling.”

Williams adds her own personal experience to the equation. “Listening is one of the most critical things I do,” she says. “Sometimes I share with my patients that I understand, I’ve been through this. That can make a difference and connection.”

COMPLETE CARE

When Drs. Nancy Palermo and Amy Fletcher founded Thrive Center for Personalized Healthcare & Wellness in 2017, the physicians wanted to spend more one-on-one time with their patients, give them more control in their treatment options, and offer an approach that more fully evaluated contributing factors such as stress, diet and lifestyle.

“We were frustrated with the conventional model [of providing health care],” Fletcher says. Fletcher practiced obstetrics and gynecology for more than 20 years in Charlotte, has her board certification in integrative medicine from the University of Arizona and a functional medicine certification from the Institute for Functional Medicine. “Short visits and system constraints do not provide the full opportunity for us to do what we need to do to help people get healthy. There are other — and we think better — ways to approach health care that put the patient at the center of the delivery model.”

Palermo, who is a certified practitioner of functional medicine, has practiced in the Charlotte community for over 23 years. (She and Fletcher were former colleagues at Novant Health’s Rankin OB/ GYN Women’s Health Clinic.) Palermo says their goal is to provide patients with resources and education to make long-term lifestyle changes to improve their health, offering an approach to health care that still isn’t prevalent in the Southeast.

“We are not a concierge practice, but rather are a functionalmedicine consultancy,” Palermo explains. “New patients come in

Dr. Tracy Larson, Dr. Amy Fletcher and Dr. Nancy Palermo of Thrive Carolinas

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY THRIVE CAROLINAS

for an initial 1.5- to 2-hour evaluation and consultation, where their full medical history is reviewed and a full assessment is conducted, from current medical conditions and medications to sleep, lifestyle, diet and other environmental factors. Sometimes there are tests recommended outside the conventional box. ... It is a more personalized approach.”

Thrive is an out-of-network provider, which means it is an independent, private-pay practice. An initial consult, coupled with a follow-up visit where recommendations are reviewed, costs $750 plus lab fees. The lab fees are often covered by insurance.

“We are offering something the market doesn’t have,” Palermo says. “We want to be part of a team. Patients do not have to give up their existing doctors; we work collaboratively with them and specialists in area hospital settings.”

At its SouthPark office, Thrive offers a wide variety of services, with a staff psychologist, mind/body therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, massage therapist, nutritionist and skincare therapist. Yoga, strength and fitness classes are offered, along with cooking classes focused on healthy eating.

Through a free newsletter and podcasts, Thrive offers education on such areas as breast-cancer prevention, gut health, cardio-metabolic health, insulin resistance, and recommendations on how to be a better health care consumer.

“People come here because they want to do things differently,” Palermo says, noting the patients typically arrive under one of three circumstances. “Usually, they get a diagnosis that concerns them, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, and [they] are concerned about going on medication.” Other patients may feel that conventional doctors are dismissive of their concerns and don’t recognize they need more comprehensive testing. “And lastly, many patients come when their symptoms remain undiagnosed,” Palermo says. “They can’t seem to get at the root cause of why they don’t feel well or have persistent issues.”

Palermo says functional medicine looks deeper, getting to the root cause of issues and working collaboratively with patients. “Functional medicine is not a one-sided thing. I can give [my patients] all the advice in the world, but when they leave my office if they don’t have the education and the motivation to make changes, it doesn’t really matter what I say. The patients that come here must be committed — it is a 50/50 relationship.”

ACHIEVING BALANCE

For Dr. Shamille Hariharan, a board-certified family and integrative medicine practitioner at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, the opportunity to practice whole-person, patient-centered health care was a key driver in her decision to pursue medicine as a career.

She completed a residency in family medicine at Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center and just recently, a fellowship in integrative medicine through the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. It was Weil’s reputation and emphasis on integrative health that inspired her.

“I decided I wanted to go to medical school because I knew who Andrew Weil was and thought this approach makes sense to me,” Hariharan says. “I believe that wellness comes from a balance of mind, body and spirit. To strive for optimal health, we must approach health care from all these aspects.”

At the Andrew Weil Center, Hariharan was encouraged to find more than 100 physicians from across a broad spectrum of specialties participating in the integrative-medicine training. “The pendulum is swinging [to a more integrative approach],” Hariharan says. “Not only [is the integrative approach prevalent] in primary-care centers or cancer centers across the country, but in many other fields as well. In my class there were pediatricians, cardiologists, psychiatrists, even radiologists and anesthesiologists. I think people are realizing that there’s more that we can do when it comes to practicing good medicine and healing.”

Specifically, Harihan has noticed how an integrative approach helps her patients manage stress, which can contribute to poor health and impede recovery.

“I’m a strong believer that one of the most important things to [good overall health] is strong mental and emotional health and managing stress,” Hariharan says. “Stress is one of the biggest pervasive diseases in our world right now. And it manifests not only as things like anxiety and depression, but also can turn into physical problems. Stress creates a state of inflammation in our body. If we don’t have healthy outlets for that on a regular basis, then that’s something that will affect our physical health over time.”

Everyone handles stress differently. One coping mechanism is overeating. During Covid lockdowns and restrictions, Levine Cancer Institute started conducting small virtual group medical visits. One cohort Hariharan worked with was a group of 10 breast cancer survivors who were

either overweight or obese and wanted to lose weight in a healthy way.

“We met once a month online to talk about specific health-related issues, starting with goal setting and mindset,” Hariharan says. “This was followed by stress management and mind-body practices. Then nutrition, physical activity, environmental health, which included things like pesticides and food or toxins in our water and our cleaning supplies. There was not only discussion around techniques and approaches they can take, but group support as well.” Though six months is a short time to assess weight loss, especially for cancer survivors who are taking medications that may negatively impact their weight, Hariharan noted group members had significant improvement in self confidence and their commitment to additional treatments.

“We did see changes in blood pressure and blood sugar readings that started to go down for many,” Hariharan says. “It’s really most encouraging to experience the positive feedback, group support and the knowledge these women gained in discovering they have much control in these outcomes.”

Hariharan finds a holistic approach rewarding. “Integrative medicine is good medicine because we’re looking at the whole person,” she says. “We’re looking at all aspects of someone’s lifestyle that affects their wellness. I am passionate about empowering people to take control of their health and to offer support in striving for their wellness goals.” SP

Dr. Shamille Hariharan, integrative medicine practitioner at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Center

The new year brings a time of reflection, inspiration and often, change. If you or someone you love is considering a move to a senior living community, you’ll want to start with plenty of research. Senior living today means active lifestyles, abundant opportunities to discover new interests and connect with others, and comprehensive options for care at every stage. In this special section, we’ve partnered with several senior living communities to showcase some outstanding choices in the Charlotte area.

Aldersgate | The Barclay | Brightmore of South Charlotte | The Cypress Inspire Royal Park | Sharon Towers | Southminster

Dream again at Inspire Royal Park

A 55+ apartment rental community designed for luxury and fun

It’s the time of your life when you’ve worked hard and planned for the future. Why not enjoy all its privileges? Introducing Inspire Royal Park, an extraordinary senior apartment community in Matthews designed just for you. Our new 55+ community offers one-, twoand three-bedroom apartment homes, as well as select cottage homes with attached garages.

Relax in luxury with chef-inspired kitchens enhanced by granite countertops, vinyl wood flooring, stainless steel sinks and appliances, oversized closets and spacious balconies. Find inspiration just outside your door with senior community living features like a resort pool, bocce ball courts, beautifully manicured outdoor courtyards, walking trail, community garden, outdoor grilling stations and multipurpose greenspace.

A dynamic community with activities for everyone

At Inspire Royal Park, we offer amenities designed to make life easy and convenient. Our resident concierge specialist can help schedule appointments, housekeeping, deliveries and more. A salon and 24-hour fitness facility ensure personal care is a priority. A library, creative arts center and theater room allow you to explore your interests and hobbies.

Engage with those who matter most

Spending time with special ones in your life is important, and oftentimes that includes furry friends. Pets are welcome at Inspire Royal Park, and our dog park and pet salon keeps them active and looking good. Savor a cup of coffee at our round-the-clock coffee bar, play pool in the billiards room or take in a movie in the theater room.

Four days a week, Inspire Royal Park hosts entertaining ways to connect with other residents. Enjoy a continental breakfast on Tuesday mornings and creative arts in the afternoon. A Talk of the Town speaker visits on Wednesdays, and happy hours are held every Thursday. Fridays feature films in our movie theater. No matter how you like to spend your leisure time, Inspire Royal Park has something for everyone.

Close to everything you want and need

When you live at Inspire Park, you experience the best of both worlds: the charm and ease of small-town living and the convenience and access to all the Queen City has to offer. In the heart of Matthews, you’ll find interesting local shops, greenways and parks, a historic downtown with the state’s favorite farmers market, wine bars and delicious dining options. Just minutes away, enjoy Charlotte’s distinctive neighborhoods, cuisine, sports, arts and culture.

Inspire Royal Park is 55+ luxury senior living like you’ve never experienced before. Call today or visit online to schedule a personal tour. Ask us about our move-in specials before it’s too late!

Senior living that leaves nothing behind

Since 1969, 28-acre Sharon Towers has set high standards for senior living in Charlotte. The not-for-profit Life Plan Community is home to more than 300 residents and offers independent living, assisted living and skilled-nursing care. Mere steps away from premier high-end shopping and the finest in dining, entertainment, healthcare and more, this urban enclave includes natural areas for relaxation such as flower gardens and a wooded walking path.

On-site amenities and services feature several culinary choices (including fine dining) along with activities, outreach programs and classes. Sharon Towers completes its commitment to total wellness with a convenient, on-location physician’s office and wellness clinic.

Independent living accommodations suit every taste and lifestyle, from a variety of apartments to spacious cottages. Additionally, The Deerwood, a 42-unit apartment building featuring the latest in sophisticated urban living, recently opened its doors to over 60 new residents.

The Deerwood is an early part of a campus transformation that will add living and amenities spaces as well as renovate existing spaces within the next 10 years. This phase also includes the construction of a neighboring public park and major renovation and expansion to the Medicare-certified Weisiger Health Center with state-of-the-art nursing care rooms.

“Sharon Towers blends convenience of urban living with elements of nature,” says Ann Marie Ladis, director of sales & marketing. “The organization keeps pace with changing lifestyles while remaining fiscally sound – a testament to years of excellent management and visionary leadership.” The continuing transformation will bring Sharon Towers to 257 independent-living apartments, 38 assisted-living apartments and 96 skilled-nursing rooms.

Contact Sharon Towers today to arrange a personalized tour. Or visit SharonTowers.org.

An exceptional lifestyle awaits

Sitting on 65 beautifully landscaped acres in the heart of SouthPark, The Cypress of Charlotte is the Queen City’s premier Life Plan Community. With the feel of a high-end resort, The Cypress offers residents a welcoming and vibrant community, sophisticated amenities, superior services, lush outdoor spaces and countless opportunities to connect with friends.

One of the best parts about living at The Cypress: stress-free home ownership. When you live here, you own your cottage or villa, yet none of the upkeep falls on your shoulders. You and your family enjoy the opportunity for equity and appreciation, while we take care of the maintenance. You won’t even have to change a light bulb!

The health and well-being of our residents is the top priority at The Cypress. Along with a comprehensive wellness program designed to fuel the ongoing fitness of the mind, body and spirit, every Cypress member — from the most independent to those requiring more advanced care — has access to the exceptional medical facilities and care on campus.

Our recently expanded Stewart Health Center offers short-term rehabilitative services, long-term care and memory care. The five-star rated, Medicare-certified facility features a new assisted-living neighborhood comprised exclusively of private rooms, as well as individual rooms for skilled nursing and memory care. Additional highlights include restaurant-style dining and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.

To live here is to love it here. Shouldn’t that be what home is all about? We invite you to visit The Cypress. It won’t take long to understand why it’s such a special place. Call to schedule a tour and learn about the waitlist, as well as some exciting opportunities coming soon.

Senior living re-imagined

From gracious independent living to innovative person-centered healthcare, Southminster is the ideal place to live life to the fullest. Conveniently located in south Charlotte, Southminster is a charitable, nonprofit Life Plan community offering a full continuum of care. Recently completing its largest expansion ever, Southminster is poised to meet the demands of future residents for years to come.

Discover our new enclave of residences, the Southminster Terraces and Top of East. With soaring ceilings, expansive windows and large outdoor terraces, these spacious homes are unparalleled in modern convenience. Adding to the community’s appealing blend of residential choices — discover a generous selection of well-appointed one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as quaint cottages nestled on tree-lined cul-de-sacs.

Now open is Embrace Health at Southminster, an architecturally vibrant community designed to meet the needs of residents facing the health challenges aging presents. View one-bedroom assisted-living apartments, new dining venues and small-house nursing neighborhoods that include private rooms, zero-entry private baths and balconies overlooking a beautifully landscaped courtyard. Interior spaces are airy and bright, and the outdoors are easily and safely accessible.

New amenities include The Gallery, our largest gathering space and home to Lola’s bar, private dining venues, the Gallery Loft library and resident art gallery. Our award-winning culinary team satisfies the most discerning palates with delectable and nutritious meals with the freshest ingredients, many locally sourced. And with easy access to our modern wellness center and impressive indoor pool, you’ll find new ways to remain healthy, active, energetic and well.

Please contact us to learn more about our extraordinary vision for senior living and to schedule a visit.

A diverse tapestry of people, place and purpose

At Aldersgate, you’ll find a community full of abundant opportunities and a place that empowers you to live life the way you want to live it. Nestled on hundreds of acres in east Charlotte, you’ll find a diverse, welcoming community dedicated to healthy living, with plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors, an array of fitness offerings and delicious dining options.

A nonprofit Life Plan Community, Aldersgate offers the most comprehensive residence options for independent living in Charlotte. Choose from spacious cottages with garages, screened-in porches and maintenance-free lawns to new, contemporary villas and apartments, all with convenient access to Aldersgate’s dining, salon and spa, bank, store, and state-of-the-art fitness center.

In every area of life, health and wellness are incorporated at Aldersgate. In addition to the modern exercise facilities and indoor pool, we offer a host of ever-changing ways to connect with others socially, creatively and spiritually. Enjoy the freedom to eat when, where and what you want with multiple dining venues on-site to please every palate.

Take confidence in knowing a full continuum of health services is available when you need it. Assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home care and short-term rehabilitation are provided in beautiful, private spaces that boast innovative design and scenic views. At Aldersgate, we treat residents like people, not patients. With one of the best team member-to-resident ratios in the state, we deliver expert care with respect and thoughtfulness.

Schedule a visit to Aldersgate today and experience senior living tailored to how you want to live.

Elevated independent living at its best

An invigorating water aerobics class, a cozy picnic prepared by an executive chef or a gathering with friends to explore the wines of Spain – however you define carefree living, Brightmore of South Charlotte has the answer.

Brightmore of South Charlotte is a rental senior living community near Ballantyne that provides a vibrant retirement lifestyle. The community features a variety of independent living apartment homes and numerous amenity options for active living, all with no entrance fee. Additionally, living at Brightmore offers peace of mind with multiple levels of support and care available onsite.

When it comes to dining, Brightmore has several options from which residents can choose. Every meal is prepared on-site and served restaurant-style, allowing residents to indulge in the venue and menu they prefer – from formal dining to casual pub-style meals or lighter fare from Brightmore’s own fresh market.

At Brightmore, we put the “active” in “active retirement lifestyle.” Our programs focus on whole-person wellness for a life rich in experiences, daily exercise opportunities and a social calendar filled with events. The INSPIRE wellness and life-enrichment programs focus on meeting the emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and physical needs of each resident.

Robyn, a frequent visitor to a Brightmore resident, praises the beautiful community and the caring, friendly staff. “I honestly think she is aging backwards since she moved there,” she says. “She loves her tight-knit group of friends and looks forward to all the daily activities.”

Residents have all they need at Brightmore to live carefree, with services and conveniences all included in one monthly rental fee. Schedule a visit today and discover elevated independent living at its best.

The intersection of urban and suburban

The Barclay at SouthPark offers modern, maintenance-free living with amenity spaces residents are proud to call their own. As a rental community, there is no large out-of-pocket entrance fee, which allows for residents’ hard-earned assets to continue to work for them.

After many years of their parents living in different states, Meredith and Alan are thrilled to have them nearby at The Barclay. “It has been an ideal fit for them,” the couple says. “They have a beautiful and comfortable home, and they really enjoy the people and activities in the community … The Barclay has been a real blessing to us all.”

The INSPIRE wellness program focuses on meeting residents’ emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual and physical needs. For dining, there’s a remarkable range of culinary choices and settings – from a casual, quick bite to drinks and small plates to fine dining.

Beyond a fully-equipped gym with state-of-the-art equipment, residents can enjoy an indoor pool and hot tub, welcoming community spaces and a robust list of on- and off-campus programs. Perhaps the best part? Saying goodbye to the responsibilities that come with home maintenance.

Residents at The Barclay also take comfort knowing they have priority access should their healthcare needs change in the future. Briar Creek Health Center offers assisted living, memory support services, skilled nursing and Medicare-certified short-term rehabilitation.

The Barclay at SouthPark believes in retirement living to the fullest. It’s not just a place to live, but a place to love. Visit BarclayatSouthpark.com to learn more and schedule a tour today!

Stunning new homes for VIBRANT SENIOR LIVING

At Windsor Run,® Southeast Charlotte’s premier senior living community, you’ll find everything you need to live the carefree lifestyle you’ve worked hard for and deserve. Now, even more apartment homes in two brand-new residence buildings are available for reservation.

Always Stylish, Always Maintenance Free Fullwood Ridge and Crestdale Court feature 188 beautiful apartment homes in eight stunning new styles. As part of your predictable Monthly Service Package, all home repairs and maintenance come included, making worries a thing of the past.

Vibrant Living Means Amenities Galore

Strength in Numbers

North Carolina’s most respected doctors in 60 specialties are presented in this annual report published by SouthPark’s sister publication Business North Carolina. Those cited were selected by their peers with a goal of saluting the state’s leading medical practitioners.

Methodology and disclaimer: This report was produced by DataJoe Research, a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification. The Lakewood, Colo.-based company conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the “Top Doctors” list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and additional information, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments. We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not

shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

ADDICTION MEDICINE

Stephanie Newby Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte

ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

Caroline Hobbs Atrium Health Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Charlotte

Shannon Chadha Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center PA Charlotte

John Norris Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center PA Charlotte

Maeve O’Connor Allergy Asthma & Immunology Relief of Charlotte Charlotte

Vandana Patel Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center PA Gastonia

Ekta Shah Atrium Health Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Charlotte

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dale Buchanan Novant Health Charlotte

Katherine McNiff

Nicholas CaroMont Health Gastonia Farrukh Sair Novant Health Charlotte

Brian Thwaites Providence Anesthesiology Associates PA Charlotte

CARDIOLOGY

George (Craig) Clinard

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Michael Elliott Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

David Framm Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

John Holshouser Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Daniel Koehler

Joseph Mishkin

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Lincolnton

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

K. Dale Owen, Jr. Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Dermot Phelan Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Brian Powell Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Geoffrey Rose Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Cheryl Russo Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

John Symanski Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Christopher Cicci

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Concord

John Frederick Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Eric Skipper

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Medhat Takla Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Concord

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

John Fedor

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY

Bradley Davis CMC Surgery Charlotte

Jennifer Holl Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Charlotte

Kevin Kasten

Atrium Health General & Complex Abdominal Surgery, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

COSMETIC SURGERY

John Robinson

Atrium Health Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Charlotte

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE

Stephen Cochran Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants Charlotte

Douglas Haden Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants Charlotte

Michael Haley Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants Charlotte

Alan Heffner Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants Charlotte

Thomas Przybysz II Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants Charlotte

John Wynne Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants Charlotte

Christopher Young Atrium Health Children’s Neonatology Charlotte

DERMATOLOGY

April Boswell Atlantic Dermatology Charlotte

Marc Carruth Carolina Skin Surgery Center Charlotte

Alyssa Daniel Novant Health Dermatology Charlotte

Meredith Dasher Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Hazem El-Gamal Charlotte Dermatology PA Charlotte

Jennifer Helton Steele Creek Dermatology Charlotte

Erin Hodges Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Martie Jewell Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

David Lane Dermatologic Surgery of the Carolinas Charlotte

Patricia Roddey Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Deborah Agisim Charlotte Radiology PA Charlotte

Michael Lavelle Charlotte Radiology PA Charlotte

Amy Sobel Charlotte Radiology PA Charlotte

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Bradley Anglemyer

Chad Eller

Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PA Charlotte

Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PA Charlotte

Emily MacNeill Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Daniel Martinie Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PA Charlotte

Jason Mutch Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PA Charlotte

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Erin Smith Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates PA Charlotte

ENDOCRINOLOGY

AND METABOLISM

Francisco Bautista

DIABETES

Vitiello Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

D. Allen Brantley Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Kelli Dunn Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Adva Eisenberg Novant Health Endocrinology Charlotte

Gary Rolband Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

E. Story Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Charles Upchurch Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

FAMILY MEDICINE

Jenny Chen

Atrium Health Primary Care Mint Hill Commons Family Medicine Mint Hill

Steven Gilchrist Steelecroft Primary Care Charlotte

Milton Hester Crown Point Family Physicians Charlotte

Lauren Hull Atrium Health Primary Care Carmel Family Medicine Charlotte

Melissa Jones Melissa Jones, DO Primary Care Charlotte

David Locklear Tryon Medical Partners Gastonia

Michael McCartney Tryon Medical Partners Gastonia

Marshall McMillan Crown Point Family Physicians Charlotte

Benjamin Missick Novant Health Blakeney Family Physicians Charlotte

Augustus Parker Novant Health Blakeney Family Physicians Charlotte

Jason Parker Novant Health Inpatient Care Specialists Charlotte

Brent Penhall Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians Mooresville

Derek Reed Tryon Medical Partners Gastonia

Benjamin Simmons III Atrium Health Union Family Practice Monroe

Caroline Stephens Tryon Medical Partners Gastonia

Christopher John Vieau Atrium Health Union Family Practice Monroe

Craig White Davidson Family Medicine Davidson

Geoffrey Wrinkle Atrium Health Primary Care Carmel Family Medicine Charlotte

Brian Wysong Tryon Medical Partners Gastonia

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Amit Aravapalli

Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Oscar Brann Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

John Clements Lake Norman Medical Group Mooresville

Christopher Ferris Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Eric Hilgenfeldt Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Kent Holtzmuller Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Jason Lewis Atrium Health Gastroenterology and Hepatology Charlotte

John Moore III Charlotte Gastroenterology & Hepatology Huntersville

Preston Purdum III Carolina Digestive Health Associates PA Charlotte

Martin Scobey Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

David Smith Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

GENERAL SURGERY

Aaron Bergsman Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Huntersville

Bryan Blitstein Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Huntersville

Ashley Christmas Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

B. Heniford

Kent Kercher

Atrium Health General & Complex Abdominal Surgery, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Atrium Health General & Complex Abdominal Surgery, a facility of Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Cynthia Lauer Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Natalie Nowak Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Matthews

Lee Pederson Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Charlotte

Lynnette Schiffern Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Kristin Wagner Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Charlotte

Eric Wallace Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Matthews

Leslie Webster III Surgical Specialists of Charlotte PA Charlotte

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Jubilee Brown Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Erin Crane Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Janelle Fauci Novant Health Gynecologic Oncology Associates Charlotte

HAND SURGERY

Erika Gantt OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Glenn Gaston OrthoCarolina Charlotte

John Gaul III OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Lois Osier OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Julie Woodside OrthoCarolina Gastonia

HEMATOLOGY

Ifeyinwa Osunkwo Charlotte HEPATOLOGY

Andrew Delemos Transplant and Liver Center Charlotte

Mark Russo Transplant and Liver Center Charlotte

Steven Zacks Atrium Health Liver Care & Transplant Pineville

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE

John Barkley Carolinas HealthCare System Charlotte

Gina Morrill IPC Monroe

Beth Susi Atrium Health Supportive Oncology Clinic Charlotte

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Joseph Lang ID Consultants PA Charlotte

Michael Leonard Atrium Health Infectious Disease Charlotte

Lewis McCurdy Atrium Health Infectious Disease Charlotte

Heather Michael Novant Health Infectious Disease Specialists Charlotte

Catherine Passaretti Atrium Health Infectious Disease Charlotte

Mindy Sampson Atrium Health Infectious Disease Charlotte

David Weinrib Atrium Health Infectious Disease Charlotte

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Daniel Aquino Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Lorri Ayers Perspective Health & Wellness Charlotte

Anne Barnard Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Erika Bono Atrium Health Primary Care Charlotte Medical Clinic Charlotte

Kerry Briones Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Aubrey Calhoun Lake Norman Medical GroupInternal Medicine Mooresville

Faye Campbell Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Group Charlotte

Jason Carnes Tryon Medical Partners Huntersville

Iris Cheng Atrium Health Primary Care Charlotte Internal Medicine Charlotte

Alice Cole Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Gregory Collins Atrium Health Primary Care Randolph Internal Medicine Charlotte

Peter Copsis Tryon Medical Partners Matthews

Charles Ferree Tryon Medical Partners Pineville

Kelly Forb Carolinas Hospitalist Group Charlotte

Michelle Foster Novant Health Southern Piedmont Primary Care Monroe

Michael Friedland Atrium Health Primary Care Charlotte Medical Clinic Charlotte

Kym Furney Tryon Medical Partners Pineville

Jane Harrell H3 Healthcare Charlotte

Lane Jacobs Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Peter Justis Atrium Health Primary Care Charlotte Medical Clinic Charlotte

Tina Kennelly Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Eric Landis Tryon Medical Partners Pineville

Adam Ligler Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Andrea McGrath Pineville

Leigh Medaris Atrium Health Infectious Disease Charlotte

Justin Miller Tryon Medical Partners Matthews

Elizabeth Perry Signature Healthcare PLLC Charlotte

Alicia Reams Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

John Sensenbrenner John W. Sensenbrenner, MD Charlotte

G. Ryan Shelton Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Joshua Shoemake H3 Healthcare Charlotte

John Tenini Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Hala Webster Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Julianne Weidner Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Caroline Wilds Tryon Medical Partners Matthews

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Peter Belford

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Glen Kowalchuk Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Michael Rinaldi Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Jonathan Schwartz Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

B. Hadley Wilson Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE

John Allbert Novant Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine Cornelius

Lorene Temming Atrium Health CMC Women’s Institute Charlotte

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY

Jennifer Atlas Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Kathryn Brownlee Novant Health Cancer Institute Charlotte

Edward Copelan Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Gary Frenette Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Daniel Haggstrom Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Bei Hu

Jing Ai

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Kunal Kadakia Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Greg Knight Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Mary Ann Knovich Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Kathryn Mileham Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Charles Packman Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Brittany Ragon Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Peter Voorhees Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

NEPHROLOGY

Paul Blake Metrolina Nephrology Associates PA Charlotte

Kathleen Doman Nephrology & Hypertension Consultants PA Charlotte

Chris Fotiadis Metrolina Nephrology Associates Charlotte

Nancy Gritter Metrolina Nephrology Associates Charlotte

Kimberly Yates Metrolina Nephrology Associates Mooresville

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Anthony Asher Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Charlotte

E. Dyer Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Charlotte

Martin Henegar Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Charlotte

Erin Kiehna Novant Health Brain & Spine Surgery Charlotte

NEUROLOGY

Liya Beyderman Charlotte Neurological Services Charlotte

Jill Conway Novant Health Charlotte

Andrea Diedrich Atrium Health Neurology Charlotte

Danielle Englert Atrium Health Neurology Charlotte

Kaiwen Lin Atrium Health Neurology Charlotte

Rajdeep Singh Atrium Health Neurology Charlotte

NUCLEAR MEDICINE

Shawn Quillin Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Allison Bell

Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

Mark Bland Novant Health Rankin OB/GYN Charlotte

Grant Campbell Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover University OB/GYN Charlotte

Ginger Dickerson Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover University OB/GYN Charlotte

Amy Fletcher Thrive Carolinas Charlotte

Leslie HansenLindner

Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

Jennie Hauschka Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Kathryn Hull Novant Health Providence OB/GYN Charlotte

Emily Hutcheson

Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover OB/GYN Charlotte

Astrid Jain Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover OB/GYN Charlotte

Jennifer Kalich Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover OB/GYN Charlotte

Laura Pekman Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

Christie Secrest

Aviva Stein

Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

Erin Stone Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Charles Termin

Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

M. Kathryn Whitten Atrium Health Women’s Care Eastover OB/GYN Charlotte

Robert Wicker Jr. Atrium Health Women’s Care Charlotte OB/GYN Charlotte

ONCOLOGY

Asim Amin

Julie Fisher

Arielle Heeke

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Jessica-Lyn Masterson Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Antoinette Tan Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Andrew Antoszyk Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Galen Grayson Atrium Health Ophthalmology Charlotte

Herb Greenman Greenman Eye Associates Charlotte

David Greenman Greenman Eye Associates Charlotte

Joseph Krug Jr. Horizon Eye Care Charlotte

K. Mathys

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Vandana Minnal Horizon Eye Care Charlotte

Nehali Saraiya Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Brian Farrell

Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery Charlotte

John Nale Carolinas Center for Oral & Facial Surgery Charlotte

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Bruce Cohen OrthoCarolina Charlotte

ORTHOPEDICS

Michael Bates OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Michael Dockery OrthoCarolina Charlotte Nady Hamid OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Bryan Loeffler OrthoCarolina Charlotte

James McDonald OrthoCarolina Mooresville

Patricia McHale OrthoCarolina Gastonia Claude Moorman III OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Stephen Sims Atrium Health Orthopaedic Surgery Charlotte

Bryan Springer OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Kevin Stanley OrthoCarolina Mooresville

OTOLARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE THROAT

John Blumer

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Steven Heavner Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Hunter Hoover Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Jonathan Moss Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Matthews

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Chasse BaileyDorton Atrium Health Supportive Oncology Clinic Charlotte

Brendan O’Connell Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Sajeev Puri Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Charlotte

Michael Sicard

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Matthews

Mark Weigel Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates PA Huntersville

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Puneet Aggarwal Carolinas Rehabilitation Charlotte

Kevin Costello Southeast Pain and Spine Care Charlotte

James Hancock Jr. Atrium Health Pain Management Concord

Jon-David Hoppenfeld Southeast Pain and Spine Care Charlotte

Jason Ravanbakht Atrium Health Pain Management Concord

Binit Shah Carolinas Pain Center Huntersville

Landirs Williams Atrium Health Pain Management Concord

Joann WroblewskaShah Carolinas Pain Center

PATHOLOGY

Huntersville

Kiran Adlakha Carolinas Pathology Group PA Charlotte

Jared Block Carolinas Pathology Group PA Charlotte

Arthur Cohen Presbyterian Hospital Pathology Charlotte

Edward Lipford Carolinas Pathology Group PA Charlotte

Elton Smith Jr. Carolinas Pathology Group PA Charlotte

Carol Weida Carolinas Pathology Group PA Charlotte

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Joseph Paolillo Jr. Atrium Health Levine Children’s Congenital Heart Center Charlotte

Matthew Schwartz

Atrium Health Levine Children’s Congenital Heart Center Charlotte

Gonzalo Wallis Atrium Health Levine Children’s Congenital Heart Center Charlotte

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Lisa Houchin Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists Charlotte

Jakub Mieszczak Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes Specialists Charlotte

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Jason Dranove

Atrium Health Levine Children’s Gastroenterology Charlotte

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Virginia Casey

OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Christian Clark OrthoCarolina Charlotte

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Daniel Bambini Pediatric Surgical Associates Charlotte

PEDIATRICS GENERAL

Amina Ahmed Atrium Health Levine Children’s Infectious Disease & Immunology Charlotte

Lubna Elahi Atrium Health Levine Children’s University Pediatrics Charlotte

Lawrence Hurst Atrium Health Levine Children’s Gastonia Children’s Clinic Gastonia

Amanda Lanier Atrium Health Levine Children’s Perspective Pediatrics Charlotte

Anitha Leonard Atrium Health Levine Children’s Arboretum Pediatrics Charlotte

George Manousos Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatrics Matthews

Jodie Prosser Atrium Health Levine Children’s Charlotte Pediatrics Matthews

Amy Ryan Eastover Pediatrics Charlotte

Kasey Scannell Novant Health Pediatrics Charlotte

Andrew Shulstad Novant Health Pediatrics Symphony Park Charlotte

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

William Bockenek Carolinas Rehabilitation Charlotte

Alexander Chasnis OrthoCarolina Huntersville

John Welshofer Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Charlotte

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Parag Butala Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Gastonia

Peter Capizzi Capizzi MD Charlotte

Enam Haque Queen City Plastic Surgery Charlotte

Joseph Hunstad H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery Huntersville

Thomas Liszka Ballantyne Plastic Surgery Charlotte

PSYCHIATRY

Anthony DiNome Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte

David Litchford Jr. Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte

Scott Lurie Scott N Lurie MD Charlotte

Kevin Marra HopeWay Charlotte

Jonathan McKinsey Atrium Health Behavioral Health Concord

Jean Melvin Allen Melvin MD PA Charlotte

Jason Peck HopeWay Charlotte

Alicia Romeo Atrium Health Behavioral Health Charlotte

James Wallace Eastover Psychological & Psychiatric Group PA Charlotte

PULMONARY MEDICINE

Azeem Elahi Atrium Health Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine Concord

Daniel Howard Atrium Health Jan & Ed Brown Center for Pulmonary Medicine Charlotte

Scott Lindblom Atrium Health Jan & Ed Brown Center for Pulmonary Medicine Charlotte

Jaspal Singh

Atrium Health Jan & Ed Brown Center for Pulmonary Medicine Charlotte

Justin Swartz Atrium Health Jan & Ed Brown Center for Pulmonary Medicine Charlotte

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

William Bobo Southeast Radiation Oncology Charlotte

Carolina Fasola Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Hadley Sharp Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Matthew Ward Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

RADIOLOGY

Nicole Abinanti Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

Emmanuel Botzolakis Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

Chien-Chung Chang Charlotte Radiology PA Charlotte

Laurie Demmer Carolinas Medical Center Charlotte

Andrew Demmert Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

William Hartley Charlotte Radiology Charlotte

James O’Brien Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

Daniel Scanga Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

Paul Tobben Mecklenburg Radiology Associates PA Charlotte

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

Ashley Eskew

Atrium Health CMC Women’s Institute Charlotte

Bradley Hurst Atrium Health CMC Women’s Institute Charlotte

Michelle Matthews Atrium Health CMC Women’s Institute Charlotte

RHEUMATOLOGY

Diane George Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Alison Johnson Tryon Medical Partners Huntersville

Amanda Kocoloski Atrium Health Rheumatology Charlotte

Andrew Laster Arthritis & Osteoporosis Consultants of the Carolinas Charlotte

Leslie Ranken Atrium Health Rheumatology Charlotte

Manika Zeri Atrium Health Rheumatology Charlotte

Jill Zouzoulas Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

SLEEP MEDICINE

Nancy Behrens Novant Health Sleep Charlotte

Jacob Coleman Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

Kimberly Mims Atrium Health Sleep Medicine Charlotte

Michael Reif

Atrium Health Jan & Ed Brown Center for Pulmonary Medicine Charlotte

Ehrlich Tan Tryon Medical Partners Charlotte

SPINE SURGERY

Byron Branch Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates Concord

SPORTS MEDICINE

Matthew Ohl OrthoCarolina Charlotte

Augustus Parker

Novant Health Blakeney Family Physicians Charlotte

Catherine Rainbow Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute Sports Medicine Charlotte

Bryan Saltzman OrthoCarolina Charlotte

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Ilan Avin Novant Health Carolina Surgical Charlotte

Erin Baker Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Meghan Forster Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Lejla HadzikadicGusic Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute (Breast & Surgical Oncology) Charlotte

Joshua Hill Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

David Iannitti

Jeffrey Kneisl

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

John Martinie

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Peter Turk Novant Health Multidisciplinary Cancer Clinic Charlotte

Richard White Jr. Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

THORACIC SURGERY

Jeffrey Hagen

UROLOGY

Peter Clark

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute Charlotte

Manish Damani Urology Specialists of the Carolinas PLLC Charlotte

Jacques Ganem Urology Specialists of the Carolinas PLLC Charlotte

Michael Kennelly Carolinas Rehabilitation Charlotte

Angela Schang McKay Urology Charlotte

VASCULAR SURGERY

Frank Arko III

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

Peter Ford Vascular Solutions Charlotte

Erin Murphy

Atrium Health Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute Charlotte

With seven Carolinas locations, the doctors and staff of Horizon Eye Care are proud to provide exceptional care to patients throughout the region.

Vandana R. Minnal, MD

Joseph H. Krug, Jr., MD

We congratulate our North Carolina’s Top Doctors Charlotte region recipients for 2023

HEALTH WELLNESS +

A SPECIAL SECTION DEDICATED TO LOOKING AND FEELING YOUR BEST IN 2023 Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Steven H. Ghim, DMD Three Leaf Orthodontics

threeleafortho.com

MAKING SOUTHPARK SMILE

Three Leaf brings smiles to SouthPark with a practice built around caring for friends like you. Our clients notice the Three Leaf difference the moment they walk in the door. Our friendly staff greets you by name, and our modern, bright offices ensure a comfortable, positive experience for all.

A board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Shane Markey has the skill and knowledge to treat a wide range of oral health issues related to teeth and jaw alignment. Whether it’s braces or Invisalign, our combination of state-of-the-art technology, quality care and kind, experienced team creates a fun journey toward amazing results.

When Dr. Markey decided to open the office of his dreams, he had two criteria: it had to be filled with kindness and possess a patient-centered culture. A native of Ireland, he looked to his roots and found inspiration in the symbolism of a three-leaf shamrock: hospitality, friendship and fun. “Our practice buzzes with the spirit of family and friendship of all ages,” Dr. Markey says. “Every team member loves what they do. Our patients quickly become friends and members of our extended family.”

We think you’ll notice the difference at Three Leaf Orthodontics. We will make you smile with our convenient hours and flexible payment options. We invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation at our beautiful facility at Apex-SouthPark. Let’s start your journey toward the healthy, gorgeous smile you deserve.

SouthPark - 3151 Apex Drive, Suite 102E • Charlotte, NC 28211 | 704.727.6868

Dr. Shane Markey

“Our practice buzzes with the spirit of family and friendship of all ages.”

YOUR SMILE SETS YOU APART

Your smile is one of the first things people notice when meeting you. It can indicate a lot about someone, from their health to their appearance. Better smiles often translate to increased confidence and consequently, feelings of better mental well-being. It’s a reason the cosmetic dentistry industry is booming, with billions spent each year on procedures ranging from teeth whitening to porcelain veneers to dental implants.

COSMETIC DENTISTRY OFFERS MANY OPTIONS

What are some of the hottest trends in cosmetic dentistry? According to Dr. Steven Ghim, smile makeovers top the list. Teeth whitening, porcelain and composite veneers, dental bonding, dental implants and clear aligners are popular. But cosmetic dentistry is much more than just veneers, Dr. Ghim says. “There is a misconception that a smile makeover is this huge, involved process,” he says. “It could be something as simple as reshaping an existing tooth, providing a single crown or replacing old fillings with ones that better match the teeth. What I strive for is to make teeth look extremely natural and detailed. That’s what really makes people’s smiles beautiful.”

The ability to porcelain color match to natural teeth and to do it for example, when correcting just one front crown, is Dr. Ghim’s area of expertise. He has trained with dental specialists all over the world, in places such as Turkey, Brazil and Japan, and brings those unique learning experiences to his

practice. All of Dr. Ghim’s veneers are custom handcrafted by world-renowned cosmetic dental technician Naoki Hayashi. Dr. Ghim also has relationships with other dental specialists who he consults when needed, ensuring a team approach that leads to the best results possible. “It’s more than just whiter, straighter teeth,” Dr. Ghim says. “I believe in great teamwork. It’s looking at the whole picture for your teeth and providing a strong foundation so that cosmetic work will last.”

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COSMETIC DENTIST

When meeting with patients, Dr. Ghim believes in a lot of listening. “The most important thing for me is asking a lot of questions,” he says. “This gives me information about what you value in your smile and what you hope to achieve. It is a collaboration that lasts the entire process.”

Dr. Ghim recommends scheduling a consultation when choosing a cosmetic dentist. Are you comfortable in the office and with the dentist? Do they spend a lot of time with you? Research if the dentist has extensive training and ask to see examples of cases – with multiple photos – they have personally performed. Learn about the practice’s technology, how it is used and the laboratory they work with. Dr. Ghim’s office uses a 55-inch digital touch table to demonstrate treatment plans. Patients can view their teeth up close and preview their smile and dental options. “It’s about coming to an agreement on what looks beautiful for the patient,” Dr. Ghim says. “It’s about bringing out the best in you and how a small change can make a difference and make a smile.”

STEVEN H. GHIM, DMD

STEVEN

H. GHIM,

DMD

For Dr. Steven Ghim, a person’s smile is his passion. But that goes beyond just producing whiter and brighter teeth. In his work, he strives to deliver results that appear natural and exquisite. Cosmetic dentistry is a blend of art and academia, he says, and that’s one big reason why he loves what he does.

“There’s a lot that goes into designing a beautiful smile,” Dr. Ghim says. The process incorporates dental techniques he has learned from all over the world to provide the best cosmetic dentistry has to offer. Specializing in ceramics, porcelain color-matching and the esthetics of the front teeth, the practice also provides adult comprehensive dental and implant dentistry.

Communication and collaboration with patients is one cornerstone for Dr. Ghim. Asking the right questions to learn a patient’s expectations is essential. His small, experienced and educated staff ensures a comfortable, consistent experience. The use of the latest technology allows patients to envision and participate in their treatment plans from start to finish.

Dr. Ghim also believes having a great team is a must in securing oral healthcare success. He has a working partnership with cosmetic dental technician Naoki Hayashi, a world-renowned specialist in veneers, front crowns, porcelain color-matching and challenging cosmetic cases. Dr. Ghim also works with other dental specialists to ensure both the look and functionality of patients’ teeth for years to come.

Free consultations are available for new patients. Come learn firsthand how Dr. Ghim’s passion translates into beautiful smiles and oral health.

“There’s a lot that goes into designing a beautiful smile.”

AN INTEGRATED TEAM OF SEASONED SPECIALISTS

Gregory A. Mantooth, MD, FACS – Board-certified plastic surgeon

Dr. Mantooth joined PPSD in 2001 as one of its founding partners. He strives to bring art and creativity to the science of medicine for his cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patients. He has years of experience in facial and eyelid aesthetic surgery as well as breast and body contouring procedures. “I enjoy building a bond of trust with my patients and believe in strong communication to help them achieve their plastic surgery goals,” he says. Dr. Mantooth earned his medical degree and completed a full general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee at Memphis. He completed his plastic surgery residency at Indiana University and an aesthetic surgery fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital affiliated with NYU in New York City.

Miguel A. Yanez, MD, FACS – Board-certified plastic surgeon

Dr. Yanez has more than 30 years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery, liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasties and facial rejuvenation surgery. He is proficient in buttock augmentations and fat grafting to the breasts. Dr. Yanez is also skilled in reconstructive plastic surgery of the face after skin cancer removal, cleft lip and palate surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery. He joined PPSD in 2008 and became a partner in 2009. “I am passionate about my work, dedicated to my patients and committed to excellence in cosmetic surgery,” he says. Before moving to North Carolina, Dr. Yanez spent 15 years in private practice, serving as an assistant clinical professor at the University of Puerto Rico in both the School of Medicine and the School of Dentistry and as co-director of the Center for Craniofacial Disorders. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French.

Christopher A. Snyder, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Snyder has over 20 years of clinical experience in the Charlotte area. His areas of special interest include treating eczema and acne, diagnostic patch testing for skin allergies, and performing skin cancer surveillance exams. He also has extensive experience treating psoriasis, vitiligo and pruritus (itching) with light therapy. Before joining PPSD, Dr. Snyder practiced at the Nalle Clinic and owned his own practice with offices in Charlotte and Gastonia.

Laura B. Rosenzweig, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Rosenzweig treats patients with general, cosmetic and surgical dermatology needs. She is also a specialist in Mohs micrographic surgery. She completed her dermatology residency at Georgetown University Hospital and Washington Hospital Center and was named chief resident in her final year. Dr. Rosenzweig is board certified in both dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery.

Katherine A. Kenneweg, MD, MS, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist

Dr. Kenneweg was drawn to dermatology because it allows her to have long-term relationships with patients of all ages and backgrounds. Her interests include acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She completed her residency in dermatology at The University of Minnesota, gaining robust experience in treating a wide variety of patients in general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology. Her training also includes the care and management of skin disease for pediatric and adult organ and stem cell transplant patients. “I appreciate the impact skin disease has on a patient’s quality of life and self-image, and I tailor each patient’s treatment using the latest in evidence-based medicine,” she says. Dr. Kenneweg has presented on the local, state, national and international dermatologic stages to numerous dermatologic societies.

Sam B. Wu, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist

A lifelong Tar Heel who grew up in Cary, Dr. Wu attended UNC Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies, medical school and dermatology residency. He completed fellowship training in dermatopathology at the University of Virginia, and then returned to UNC as a faculty member in the departments of dermatology and pathology prior to joining PPSD. Dr. Wu was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society during medical school and received numerous awards for his research and resident education during residency and fellowship.

Erinn Seyler, PA-C – Board-certified physician assistant, general dermatology

Born and raised in Southern California, Erinn has a special interest in the early detection and treatment of skin cancer, acne treatment and aesthetic medicine. She completed her B.S. in biology with a second major in English from Emmanuel College in Boston. She went on to earn her M.S. in PA studies at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. After spending the first several years of her career practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology in Chicago, she enjoys caring for those in the Charlotte community.

WHERE BEAUTY AND SKIN HEALTH BEGIN

Start your journey toward a better you this year at Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. Our team of experienced specialists offers the most comprehensive cosmetic and dermatologic care in the Charlotte region, ensuring your skin is not only beautiful, but healthy. No matter your concern — from skin cancer to the new you you’ve been dreaming of — our providers have you covered.

Our convenient Cotswold office offers an unrivaled selection of laser therapies, dermal fillers and advanced specialty treatments such as Mohs micrographic surgery and plastic surgery. Our seasoned, board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists deliver top-tier services with a passionate commitment to providing personalized patient care. Our friendly support staff welcomes patients, equipped with the knowledge to address any questions or concerns.

When considering plastic surgery and cosmetic surgical procedures, you need a doctor who has the skill and experience to materialize your vision, and the experience and training to do so with subtlety, nuance and a natural touch. The PPSD approach is conservative and minimally invasive, ensuring less scarring, downtime and discomfort. Our team of superior dermatologists and plastic surgeons provide a wide array of skincare treatments, from indispensable injectables like Botox, Dysport and Daxxify to all fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Revance to progressive laser therapy.

“Our practice is at the forefront of medical advancements in the industry,” says Dr. Gregory Mantooth, a board-certified plastic surgeon and a founding partner of PPSD. “We offer innovative solutions to solve your most unique cosmetic and dermatological challenges.”

Make beautiful, healthy skin the rule rather than the exception. Schedule a visit with one of our specialists at PPSD today.

cosmeticdentistofcharlotte.com

OUTSTANDING PATIENT CARE AND A COMMITMENT TO DENTAL HEALTH

From whitening procedures to minimal teeth alignment to cosmetic and esthetic bonding and porcelain restorative solutions, Dr. Tyler Wurmlinger and Dr. Ross Nash are committed to improving or restoring patients’ dental health and smiles. Their meticulous attention to detail and outstanding patient care sets the practice apart. “We take pride in how we treat our patients and the quality of our work. To us, these are inseparable,” Dr. Wurmlinger says.

Their mission of caring directs everything at Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas. Dr. Wurmlinger and Dr. Nash offer virtual consultations to patients to explore treatment possibilities, and their in-office consultation process is scheduled to give patients all the time they need to feel comfortable and confident they have chosen the right office for their care. 403

Dr. Ross Nash and Dr. Tyler Wurmlinger

Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas is committed to providing the latest in dental materials and techniques. Utilizing state-of-the-art CAD CAM technology, crowns can be fabricated for patients on the same day. Invisalign and Inman aligners can expedite teeth straightening. Direct composite veneers can change the shape and color of teeth in a single visit. The office utilizes artificial intelligence, second-opinion technology to augment diagnosis of patients’ dental health.

“Your mouth in its entirety is an important and even wondrous part of your anatomy, your emotion, your life; it is the site of your very being, the point at which your body receives its nourishment necessary for life; it is the means of speaking, of expressing love, happiness and joy, anger, or sorrow. Your mouth deserves the greatest care it can receive.”

In addition to their other professional affiliations, Dr. Wurmlinger is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Nash is an accredited fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and other dentists often refer to him for his cosmetic and esthetic expertise. (Some of them become patients themselves!)

“I truly love what I do – it’s my vocation and my avocation. To change a person’s life by providing them a beautiful, healthy smile really makes my day,” Dr. Nash says.

Whether for general dental care such as cleanings and restorative needs, or specific cosmetic and esthetic treatment, patients truly appreciate the professional expertise of the entire Cosmetic Dentistry of the Carolinas team. “Our high standard of care will always be in the best interests of our patients,” Dr. Wurmlinger says.

Actual patient

Actual patients

Annual

Preservation

Society Fundraiser

The Duke Mansion October 29, 2022

Guests partied like it was 1922 at this Roaring ’20s gala. While enjoying food and signature cocktails, the speakeasy was the place to be! Proceeds help fund efforts to sustain and protect The Duke Mansion.

A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

PHOTOGRAPHS

COURTESY THE DUKE MANSION

A

swirlmonthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Pink Boots on the Lawn

benefiting Carolina Breast Friends October 14, 2022

Patrons in their finest pink attire wined and dined while raising money under the stars at Mint Museum Randolph.

BY DANIEL COSTON

Pam Phipps and Ken Ebel

Annie Cooney and Wendy Beaton

Chad and Kelly Hoyle and Milli Mann

Laura Nestico, Lisa Dale and Beth Harrelson

Clair Campbell and Lori Dannelly

Brian Luca, Chrissy Kincheloe and Kaleb Lundy

Laura and John Nestico Juliana and Ronnie Comeau

Julie Michel and Kevin Scotese

swirlA monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

The Ultimate Power Lunch

benefiting Dress For Success Charlotte September 27, 2022

Guest speaker Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale spoke of the importance of looking and feeling your best in the workforce during this year’s luncheon at The Fillmore Charlotte. Honorees included Don and Susan Sherrill along with Maureen O’Boyle.

BY DANIEL COSTON

Tanita Alexander

Brent Fatticci and Brent Andrew

Arlena Hawthorne and Alicia Geraghty

Susan and Don Sherrill

Jenn Andrew and Lauren Ryan

Dan Egol, Wendi Boddy and Leah Burroughs

Kristine Matthews and Nina Johnson

Joan Zimmerman and Rhonda Caldwell

Karen Swope, Marda Kornhaber and Deborah Cox

Rosalyn Taylor O’Neale, Kerry Barr

O’Connor, April Simpkins and Rosalind Miller

Sydney Gallup, Tehia Glass, Michelle Meggs, Vicki Doolittle

swirlA monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Childress Klein Golf Classic

benefiting UMAR October 10, 2022

A great day of golf at Providence Country Club benefited UMAR, which promotes community inclusion, independence and growth for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

BY DANIEL COSTON

Gerry Drye and Helen Fleming

Andy Dulin and Beth Cashion

Mark and Reagan McLaughlin

Hall Johnston and Rush Shull

Bobby Cashion, Jay Saunders and Neal Orr

Judy McBrayer and Fergal O’Shea

John McDonald and Landis Wade

Gil Middlebrooks, Nikki Middlebrooks and Ruby Mossor

Sarah Villarreal and Alan Beulah

Judy McBrayer, Sally Wrenn and Dale Richards

Cheri and Scott Jones, Dale and Tim Richards

Max Daniel, Reeves Davis and Billy Morton

Ed Weisiger Sr. and Morry Johnston

swirlA monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Mingle at The Mansion

November 15, 2022

SouthPark’s pop-up shopping event at The Duke Mansion featured local artisans and retailers at an evening filled with live music, delicious nibbles and spirits, and plenty of fun.

swirlA monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Arts Empowerment Project fundraiser

October 6, 2022

Patrons and friends packed The Parr Center at CPCC for an evening to support programs that provide art instruction and life skills for youth.

PHOTOGRAPHS

BY DANIEL COSTON

Dr. Kim Blanding and David Kleigel

Julia Winfield, Shonya Anderson, Natalie Frazier Allen

Cheryl and Jack Brayboy

Tom and Vicki Gabbard

Maureen Biggs Royale and George Hodge

swirlA monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and

galas

Novant Health Foundation dinner

October 3, 2022

Novant Health celebrated its new mental health initiative with a dinner at Steak48. The evening featured guest speakers, a fashion show and the announcement of a New Year’s Eve gala this year.

BY DANIEL COSTON

Jesse Cureton, Jeff Mastro and Dr. Lisa Strohman

Frank and Lisa Emory

Samuel Pullen and Sam McMahon

Kelvin and Tammy Anderson

Luis Machicao, Sharon Harrington, Midge Barron and Ann Caulkins

David Fisk and James Meena

Fashions by Luis Machicao

Kurt and Laura Coleman

Jeff Wallin, Teresa and David Carroll

Zoe and Ike Belk

A LOOK BACK: CHARLOTTE’S FIRST YMCA

by Sharon Smith

Aquick online search shows dozens of fitness studios and gyms from SouthPark to uptown. They’ll be full the next several weeks, following the New Year’s nudge to get active. There’s a place for everyone — from beginners to elite athletes.

We’ve come a long way, baby. In 1888, there was one YMCA building in Charlotte, one of the first in the state. Back then, it was ahead of its time.

During construction, the project at 206 South Tryon St. was described in The Charlotte Observer as “one of the single largest excavations ever made in the city,” with an original project cost estimated at $15,000. It was billed as “the handsomest building in Charlotte,” and construction costs soared to $40,000. Some things don’t change.

There was an effort to persuade the public of its commu-

nity importance beyond moral and spiritual guidance. “The Young Men’s Christian Association of today where it has the room and conveniences aims to meet the young man, and supply his needs in every phase of life,” an Observer article read in 1887. The writer goes on to mention social rooms “for amusements” and education classes focused on penmanship and bookkeeping. “Is he literary in his taste? The reading room and library supply his wants in that direction.”

Just a few lines mention physical fitness. “Is he inclined to athletics? The gymnasium will furnish advantages in this direction of which, for systematic body building, too much cannot be said in its favor.”

The YMCA moved farther down Tryon Street in 1908, where it stayed until 1960 when it moved to East Morehead Street. SP

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY THE ROBINSON-SPANGLER CAROLINA ROOM, CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG LIBRARY

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