SouthPark December 2019

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FROM THE EDITOR

CATHY MARTIN EDITOR

editor@southparkmagazine.com

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PHOTOGRAPH BY TIM SAYER

O

ne of the more popular sections of this magazine is Swirl, featuring photos from various parties and events around town, mostly fundraisers for local nonprofit chapters. Everyone loves to scan the pictures for someone they might know — and maybe to check out who’s wearing what. What has surprised me since I started working at SouthPark are the responses from some of the leaders of these organizations who are genuinely grateful to be featured in our magazine. It turns out a lot of nonprofits don’t get a ton of press, something I’d never considered before starting this job. Any coverage that might shed light on their efforts is appreciated. While I don’t personally attend many of the parties and galas, this job allows me to meet some of the people working behind the scenes for these noble organizations. I’ve met people like Pat Farmer, founder and president of Allegro Foundation, who became inspired to help children with disabilities while working on a class project as a senior at Myers Park High School. Local attorney Natalie Frazier Allen started The Arts Empowerment Project in 2011, bringing arts education to abused and at-risk kids. Using a system of court referrals, the group will serve more than 1,000 children this year alone, Allen told attendees at the group’s 2019 New Day Luncheon in October. This month, I sat down with Shelly Moore, president and CEO of the Humane Society of Charlotte, and Stephanie Rivera, honorary co-chair of a fundraising campaign to build a new community center to serve pets and their owners. The new facility will replace its existing campus, an aging former city shelter, allowing the organization to expand its low-cost veterinary care services and add training and children’s programs. While we all enjoy the photos of the galas, barbecues, fun runs and more, know that there is an army of volunteers and staff members working day-to-day to promote these important causes — and these events attract much-needed funds to support their missions. We’re lucky to live in a city with so many compassionate neighbors dedicated to doing good in the community. SP


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December DEPARTMENTS 31 | Blvd. Holiday looks for him and her; winter at the Whitewater Center; the Haas Brothers’ whimsical designs at SOCO Gallery; our 2019 gift guide and more.

79 | Simple life The nocturnal world reveals its secrets — and the beauty of an elephant angel.

85 | Bookshelf

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December’s notable new releases.

89 | Omnivorous reader A political saga of a father and son.

125 | Swirl The Queen City’s best fetes, fundraisers and festivals.

SNAPSHOT 136 | Coming clean Project Outpour’s Laureen Jenkins promotes health and dignity for our city’s most vulnerable residents.

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ABOUT THE COVER House of Nomad’s Berkeley Minkhorst and Kelley Lentini in their new Myers Park studio. Photo by Dustin Peck.

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signature homes renovations additions

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92 FEATURES 92 | Outside in by Cathy Martin

House of Nomad creates a cozy holiday look that’s inspired by nature.

100 | Wonder and light by Grace Cote

Netherlands-based Studio Drift brings its thought-provoking, technology-driven artworks to The Mint Museum.

106 | Passion for pets by Cathy Martin

With plans for a new modern campus — and a little help from Ron and Stephanie Rivera — the Humane Society of Charlotte aims to strengthen bonds between pets and people.

110 | Wisdom from the Southern kitchen by Ben Jarrell

For these Charlotte chefs, some skills are grandfathered in.

118 | Room with a view by Erin Breeden

A luxurious Irish estate-turned-hotel transports you to another era.

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Actual Patients: 2019 Miss NC USA, Laura Little and sister, Professional Model, Courtney Little

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3 OFFICE LOCATIONS SouthPark WAVERLY LAKE NORMAN

Peggy Peterson Team KIM ANTOLINI 704-608-3831

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LISA WILFONG 704-909-5062

MARGARET WOOD 704-904-6022

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MYERS PARK CLASS OF ‘69 GIVES BACK TO THEIR OWN The Myers Park High School Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th High School Reunion the weekend of October 11th.

TOP LEFT: Baxter Hayes presents $124,706 check from the Class of ‘69 raised for MPHSF BOTTOM LEFT: Banner at Myers Park Country Club MPHS

The Class of 1969 adopted the Myers Park High School Foundation as their reunion mission - Raising funds to help the One in Three Students who live below the poverty level, and the over 100 who are homeless at Myers Park High School. The Class of 1969 raised an incredible $124,706.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Left to Right Robbie Profitt, Ellyn Merrill, Jan Hall Brown, Virginia Steele Martin collecting funds for the MPHS Foundation

To enhance the educational experience of every Myers Park Student by expanding opportunity, addressing unmet needs, and funding innovation.

MPHSFoundation.org #Contributetochange #connectwithfriends #equitytoexcel

Chuck & Melinda Finch Adkins Jud Allen David Archer Richard and Ellen Archer Hugh Ashcraft Nancy Arthurs Caudle Dot Ashbaugh Barbara Banner Tanner Trip and Ernestine Barber Sadler Barnhardt Will Barnhardt Dana Barton Vaden Melanie Bates Vise and Robert Vise John Bayne Patty Beaver Rocklage Tom Beiderbecke Bobby and Olivia Bertini Julie Blythe Morehead and Bob Morehead Betsy Bolen Baker Tricia Booth Martin and Jim Martin Carolyn Britt Binney David Brewer and Alice Crawford Brewer Mike Brisson Ken Browder Bobby Brownridge Neil Burkhead Karen Bush Simmons Tonda Byram Shaddix Tommy Campen Margaret Cauldle Jeff and Zelda Charatz Mrs. Mary F. Cloran Gerald Colbert Deborah Coleman Danny Boyd Dick Corbett

MPHS Foundation Donations Judy Ailene Harris Cutting William D. and Jean Dillard Cornwell Brook and Steve Cornwell Rusty Corzine Cindy Craddock Jones John DeRamus Stephen Douglas Kemp Dunaway Yates and Karen Dunaway Vince Durham Hoppy Elliot Larry Farber Andy and Leta Flowers Jan Beavers Summers Dick & Cheryl Foard Patrick W. Foster Laurie Fraser Combs and Samuel Combs Susan Genes Rusty Ghent Bob Goins Joan Graham Joe Grier Bobby Griffin Jan Hall Brown and Ed Brown Patrick Hall Catherine Ward Harkey Connie Harris Townie Harris Dee Dee and Cammie Harris Debbie Hart Bonnie Hattersley Steve Hawes Mary Cloran Hayes and Baxter Hayes Alan M. Hayes Naomi Hendrick

Charlie and Linda Henley Vince Herran Emma Heyward Apple Brenda Hicklen Morgan Susan Russell and David Higdon Jackie Highsmith Calhoun and Sam Calhoun Jimmy Hitch Alma Hoke Greene Chip Holden & Carol Baucom Holden Harold Harkey Ken Holloway Elizabeth Holmberg Shull and Larry Shull Alice Ruth Honeycutt Buddy Horn Katie Horton Bemisderfer and Tim Bemisderfer Joel Housqon Robert Hull Baxter Hutchison Toomey John and Sandy Ibach Stuart and Leigh Ingram Patty Jeffries Stephen & Cynthia Jones Katherine J. “Kathy” Jones Rusty Josephs Gray Leslie Julian Golden Randy Kellar Nick Kantsios Marion Kelly Bruner Lynnwood King Mary King Cruze Jimmy Lee Kirkpatrick Debbie Theavos Tom and Jane Lane Tommy Land Cathy Link

David Link Loy and Susan McKeithen Leslie London Musgrove and Steve Musgrove Ann Long Rod Madert Dolly Malcolm arol Short Pearsall Bill Marsh Bonnie and Michael McManus Buck McMillan Anne McQuilkin Mayfield Ellen Merrill Cooley Robert Miller Rebecca and Jahue Moore Steve Moore Gary Morrison Ginger Mullis Tom & Michelle Mundorf Jim Muse Lou Nachman Presslaber Jack Nichols Laura Northey Sherrill Osborne Knight Mac Owen John Parker Marcia Payne Wooten and William Wooten Shirley Payne Richard Pearsall Travis Pearsall Stowe and Linda Perry Ginger Pinson Steve and Jane Poe Mike and Dale Pool Charlotte Kathleen “Punch” Harris Wray Betsy Powers Conte

Richard Pratt Larry Prince Meg and Dean Rallings Mike Baccich Juliann Rankin Shaw and Gary Shaw Bill Richardson & Donna Repetto Richardson Joyce Sanders Donnie and Janie Seltzer Randy Short Kit (Linda) Sluder Judy Starnes Lyn Stout Courtney Symonds Danny Tart Charles Teal and Marcia McManeus Teal Barry Triplett UPS Store Sanford Van Dyke Alan Verch Margo Lyn Vestal Debbie White and Bill Walton Chris and Ellen Weiant Elaine Whitesides Marlyn Williams Elizabeth “Libby” Williams Nabors Morris Williams Nell Wilson Reid Wilson David and Marilyn Withrow Debbie Wright RockSalt Urban Cookhouse Belle Acres Club Harris Teeter Paco’s Tacos & Tequilla

Many of the above donations were given In Memory of, or In Honor of someone. We apologize that due to space restraints, these could not be displayed


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INVESTMENTS | INSURANCE | RETIREMENT Your investments in securities, annuities and insurance are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency and may lose value. They are not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by any bank or bank affiliate and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Past performance does not guarantee future results. First Citizens Wealth Management is a registered trademark of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. First Citizens Wealth Management products and services are offered by First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC; First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC-registered broker-dealer and investment advisor; and First Citizens Asset Management, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. Brokerage and investment advisory services are offered through First Citizens Investor Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. First Citizens Asset Management, Inc. provides investment advisory services. Bank deposit products are offered by First Citizens Bank, Member FDIC.


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

OFFERING GREAT FOODS FROM SPAIN FOR OVER 12 YEARS TO THE CHARLOTTE AREA

Whitley Adkins Hamlin Style Editor Andie Rose Art Director Lauren M. Coffey Graphic Designer Alyssa Rocherolle Graphic Designer Contributing Writers Erin Breeden, Sally Brewster, Grace Cote, Ben Jarrell, Page Leggett, Caroline Portillo, Michael J. Solender Contributing Photographers Daniel Coston, Michael Hrizuk Richard Israel, Dustin Peck _______________

Jamon de bellota Iberico • Extra virgin olive oil Wine vinegar • Orange Blossom Honey • Bonita del Norte tuna in oil Lomo tuna in tomato sauce with black olives Apple and Pedro Ximenez cremas • Iberico Chorizo Slow cooked anchovies in oil

Free samples in December at our Concord Mills Mall location (in front of Victoria’s Secret)

ADVERTISING Jane Rodewald Account Executive 704-621-9198 jane@southparkmagazine.com Scott Leonard Audience Development Specialist/ Account Executive 704-996-6426 scott@southparkmagazine.com Brad Beard Graphic Designer Letters to the editorial staff: editor@southparkmagazine.com Instagram: southparkmagazine Facebook: facebook.com/southparkmagazine Twitter: twitter.com/SouthParkMag

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Owners Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels Jr., Frank Daniels III, Lee Dirks, David Woronoff Published by Old North State Magazines LLC. ©Copyright 2019. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Volume 22, Issue 12



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blvd.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FRIENDS OF FOURTH WARD

People. Places. Things.

CITY AGLOW

Christmas markets, holiday pop-ups, carolers and more fill the streets of Charlotte during the month of December. The 42nd annual Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour, pictured above, is just one way to get in the spirit, with music, carriage rides and sips and bites in the charming center city neighborhood. Read more about it on page 48.

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By design SOCO GALLERY’S NEW EXHIBITION FEATURES THE HAAS BROTHERS, MODERN ICONS OF THE CRAFT, DESIGN AND CONTEMPORARY ART WORLD. BY CAROLINE PORTILLO

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hoever says furry, horned monsters can’t be chic has never seen a Haas Brothers original work of art. The crazy, out-there creations of twin brothers Simon and Nikolai (Niki) Haas have made them darlings of the craft, design and contemporary art world. Now, visitors to Chandra Johnson’s SOCO Gallery in the heart of Myers Park can get a firsthand glimpse at the fantasy-filled works. It’s the L.A.-based duo’s first exhibition in the Southeast since founding their studio in 2010, and it’s SOCO Gallery’s first exhibition dedicated to design. The Haas Brothers built a name for themselves by spurning traditional art-world boundaries and hierarchies, instead opting for playful creations that are nevertheless wonders of craftsmanship and creativity. Their list of celebrity clients and high-profile collaborations make for quite a calling card. Haas Brothers projects have ranged from gold-leafed furniture for Louis Vuitton stores to custom masks for Lady Gaga to limited-edition book stands for Rihanna’s new visual autobiography (some of which retailed for $75,000 each). The exhibition entitled I Saw Design, And Art Opened Up My Eyes, I Saw Design — a nod to the 1993 hit song “The Sign” by Ace of Base — will feature 20 new and never-before-seen works created by the Haas Brothers specifically for SOCO Gallery. The exhibition name is just one of the many cheeky aspects of the eponymous duo’s work. (Take, for example, the “Hairy Bradshaw,” a bestial chair with a name playing on Carrie Bradshaw, the narrator of HBO’s Sex and the City.) Gallery director Hilary Burt

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says the Haas Brothers’ dedication to design and furniture-making is a fitting complement to North Carolina’s rich legacy of furniture design and textiles. “Creativity is at the forefront. It just feels right for our region,” Burt says. Plus, “They’re really fun and colorful characters. That helps.” SP Want to go? SOCO Gallery is located in at 421 Providence Road. I Saw Design, and Art Opened Up My Eyes, I Saw Design will be on view through Jan. 17. Details: soco-gallery.com


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Festive and fun

Luxe cotton winter velvet suit jacket by Italian mill Pontoglio and black twill tuxedo pant from Abbeydale, $1,450. (Shirt, studs and bow tie available upon request.) HouseofAbbeydale.com

Whether you’re heading out for a night on the town with friends, to your workplace holiday soiree, or to deliver homemade treats to your neighbors, we’ve got you covered with a few of the hottest holiday looks and festive accessories from local shops and designers. Purple velvet corduroy? Fit for a king!

COMPILED BY WHITLEY ADKINS HAMLIN

Goldie high-neck sweater ($188), Sheryl shiny pleated skirt ($258), both RG Renata Gasparian. renatagasparian.com

Triple orchid earrings in brass with created rubies ($110), Geoflora Jewelry. geoflorajewelry.com Rowing Blazers purple corduroy jacket ($795) at Tabor. taborclt.com 34

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|blvd. Eva necklace ($195), Primaura. primaura.com

Antik Batik Andy long dress in black and gold ($578) at McKenzie Claire. shopmckenzieclaire.com

Empower for Hope custom skirt, ($180), Generation Love cheetah top ($89), David Jeffery purse ($89), and Amanda Thompson Design turquoise necklace ($132), all from Chosen. empowerforhope.org. chosenapparelboutique.com

Verdant cuff in brass ($100) or silver ($120), Geoflora Jewelry. geoflorajewelry.com

Minkpink A Touch of Magic sweater ($89) and Show Me Your Mumu Bam Bam Bells in cheetah stretch black ($148), both from KK Bloom Boutique. shopkkbloom.com

southparkmagazine.com | 35


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Indigo Tilt bronze metallic nilah made of lambskin leather ($480). IndigoTilt.com

Emerald Hayes olive branch earrings ($100), Kristin Hayes Jewelry KristinHayesJewelry.com

Butterfly earrings ($95), necklace ($185) and cuff ($165), all Primaura. primaura.us

Brackish bow ties ($195$225) at The Sporting Gent. thesportinggent.com

Blair top ($404), from Charlotte’s. charlottesinc.com PAUL sport coat ($397.50), Haupt of Germany shirt ($186.25), Enzo denim pant ($99.50), Seaward & Stern of England pocket square ($85), all at Bruce Julian Clothier. brucejulian.com 36

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8719 Tullamore Park Circle

3027 Valencia Terrace

Charlotte, NC 28226

Charlotte, NC 28211

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Offered at $1,300,000

Offered at $1,400,000

Challis Farm

Rutledge Grove

Glenda Gravatt 704-421-2302

Gail Craven 704-907-3178

Offered at $999,000

4002 City Homes Place

237 S Shore Drive

Charlotte, NC 28209

Belmont, NC 28012

Foxcroft Lauren Campbell 704-579-8333

3521 Nancy Creek Road Charlotte, NC 28270

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Offered at $899,900

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Offered at $575,000

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SouthPark City Homes Jean Benham 704-363-2938

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Providence Plantation

McLean-South Shore Rebecca Hunter 704-650-4039

140 Beach Lane

17925 Kings Point Drive

Charlotte, NC 28116

Charlotte, NC 28031

Shelley Spencer 704-907-3800

6816 Constitution Lane Charlotte, NC 28210

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Offered at $1,750,000

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Lake Norman Linwood Bolles 704-905-5732

Offered at $325,000

Kings Point Linwood Bolles 704-905-5732

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Cup of cheer ONE OF CHARLOTTE’S TOP MIXOLOGISTS OFFERS HER TAKE ON THE QUINTESSENTIAL HOLIDAY COCKTAIL.

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hether you’re entertaining or just making a date with your couch to watch It’s a Wonderful Life, whip up a night of cozy with this eggnog recipe from Bardo’s head mixologist Amanda Britton. Crackling fire optional. —Caroline Portillo Carolina holiday eggnog 3 oz. Doc Porter’s bourbon 2 oz. Muddy River spiced rum 4 eggs, yolks and whites separated 2/3 cup powdered sugar + an additional 1 tbsp. 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 8 oz. heavy cream 16 oz. whole milk 1/2 tsp. powdered cinnamon 1. In a bowl, using a mixer, beat the egg yolks until they lighten in color. 2. Gradually add powdered sugar, and continue to beat the mixture until the sugar is completely dissolved.

MEN’S

WOMEN’S

3. Add the milk, cream, bourbon, rum and cinnamon. Stir to combine. 4. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat to soft peaks. With the mixer still running, gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. 5. Whisk the egg whites into the mixture. Chill and serve. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

GIFTS

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Surround yourself with all the joy and sparkle of the season.

11729 Carolina Place Parkway Pineville, NC Shop in-store & online! PeppermintForest.com Celebrating our 40th season!


Our Holidays Have

Pasts & Presents

From historical candlelit tours and vintage decorations to fresh-baked Moravian cookies and the Festival of Lights, holidays in Winston-Salem will fill your spirit with the joys of the season. This holiday, experience our centuries-old festive traditions and even start some of your own.

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER

Holidays in Old Salem

Reynolda Christmas

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER

Tanglewood Festival of Lights

Plan your holiday getaway at VisitWinstonSalem.com



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Guiding light LOCAL ARTIST MEREDITH CONNELLY’S ILLUMINATED WORKS ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE WHITEWATER CENTER.

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eredith Connelly calls it her “pinch me” project. The U.S. National Whitewater Center — which wanted to keep people active and on their trails in the winter months — was exploring the idea of an outdoor art installation. Connelly, a Cornelius-based artist known for using light and technology to create illuminated forms in galleries, was the perfect fit. Their first meeting was in February. Nine months and 17,000 zip ties later, in mid-November she and her team were putting the finishing touches on an immersive experience unlike anything Charlotte has seen before. This fall and winter, visitors to the Whitewater Center can stroll along a half-mile walking path and experience “Lights,” Connelly’s art installation with nearly 200 illuminated forms across 15 sites. Each work is inspired by the natural environment, such as giant mushrooms made from cast fiberglass and massive honeycombs created with PVC thermoplastic tubing and repurposed rope lighting. Some works are on the ground — at one site, 17,000 pounds of photo-reactive gravel glows like a phosphorescent riverbed — while others are installed overhead. One artwork

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called “Butterfly Eggs” consists of 25 clusters of globe lighting mounted in trees. The recipe: more than 3,000 feet of lighting, 600 ball-pit balls, globe lights and silicone glue. Connelly’s inspiration came from the trail itself. Before designing the installations, she walked the trail for hours, taking pictures of bees, butterflies and fungi, and absorbing the sounds of the environment, from the chirping of crickets to water trickling over rocks after a rain. “All of these works were sketched on the trail,” Connelly says. “All of the concepts came to life while I was walking. And I hope visitors have that sense of connection as they stumble upon things they find along the way.” “Lights” is one of a bevy of new offerings the Whitewater Center rolled out in November to show that the expansive facility housing the world’s largest man-made whitewater river also could cater to the fall and winter crowds. One of the most notable seasonal additions: a 17,000-squarefoot skating surface with a skate-up area where guests can order hot chocolate, coffee or beer from an adaptive-reuse Airstream trailer. The current raft pavilion has also been transformed into a new beer garden with fire pits, indoor

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER

BY CAROLINE PORTILLO


heating and panoramic views of skating. “Lights” is the perfect complement: a sensory, intimate experience that brings guests out from the bustle and into the beauty of nature and mystery of light — a foundational material for Connelly’s artistic journey. Connelly, now 35, made her first metal sculpture when she was 16 years old: a textural fountain made out of pounded copper. She then played around with painting and mixed media. A few years later, she took an art-appreciation class in college and learned more about Eva Hesse, a minimalist sculptor who often used translucent, nontraditional materials. During her senior year at UNC Wilmington, Connelly created her first piece that started her down the path to the Whitewater Center exhibition. The work was called “Setting Light,” and her sculpture — made from 300 feet of lighting and 10,000 coffee filters — filled an entire gallery. “The bug bit me at that point,” she says. “It was ‘How big can I make it? How far can I push my materials?’” More than a decade later, Connelly is still testing those limits, this time on the biggest installation of her career. Not only are the “Lights” installations enormous and time-consuming to create, she also needed the Whitewater Center’s logistics team to help install each piece, often wielding power tools on ladders 20 feet in the air. The project involved an enormous amount of research. As Connelly walked the trail and made sketches, she jotted down exact GPS coordinates. She had to calculate wattage and worked with the Whitewater Center to calculate the amperage each site would pull. And while she often uses paper for her in-gallery installations, this outdoor project required researching plastic that could withstand the winter elements,

UV rays and wind. But for the detail-oriented, spreadsheet-loving Connelly, the search for the perfect materials was just part of the fun. Connelly hired two employees and an intern for the project. Her eldest daughter, 16-year-old Ava, also helped with the fabrication. Connelly says those hours spent hovered over ripstop fabric and rope lighting reminded her of her early days as an artist, when Ava was just a baby, cuddled next to her at a pottery wheel during a college ceramics class. When Connelly debuted her first light sculpture, a professor asked her, “Well, what if it wasn’t lit? What if you used different materials, and it wasn’t about the light?” Connelly thought for a moment. “That’s when I knew it was my medium,” she says. “Light is sometimes overlooked and taken for granted. But it’s how we see color. It moves so fast that we can’t see it move. And when you’re standing next to one of my works, the light is reaching out and touching the viewers. It’s so relational. It doesn’t matter your culture, your age — it’s innate and primal. “We’re drawn to it,” Connelly says. “And I’m obsessed with it.” SP meredithconnelly.com Want to go? “Lights” is open daily from 6-10 p.m. and is free of charge. (Note: The exhibition is not wheelchair accessible.) Ice skating can also be accessed through an annual pass, day pass or a single activity pass, starting at $20, including skate rentals. Parking costs $6 a day. Details: usnwc.org

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|blvd.

Making a list

NO MATTER WHO YOU’RE SHOPPING FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WE’VE ROUNDED UP A FEW GIFT PICKS FROM LOCAL VENDORS THAT WILL BE SURE TO MAKE AN IMPRESSION. These adorable gingerbread kits are made locally by Sweet Spot Studio and include all the trimmings to make a 3-inch by 5-inch edible house. Kits can be purchased online at sweetspotstudioclt.com and will be available for pickup at designated times throughout November and December. Unassembled kits are $20; assembled kits are $25. 4412 Monroe Rd., Suite D

This assortment from Paper Skyscraper is perfect for the beer and barbecue lover. It includes Midwood Smokehouse Matt’s Original Barbecue Rub ($9.95), a Charlotte pint glass ($11.95), Yafo Kitchen Shai’s Original Middle Eastern Grilling Spice ($9.95), a Charlotte skyline bottle opener ($25.95) and a waxed canvas 6-pack beer caddy ($34.95). 330 East Blvd.

Choose from among more than 30 flavors of handmade ganaches, bonbons and caramels to create a custom collection of artisan chocolates from Twenty Degrees Chocolates ($25 for a nine-piece box). Perfect for a hostess gift or stocking stuffer. Available at Petit Philippe on Selwyn Ave. and the newly opened Twenty Degrees retail shop at the Design Center in South End. 44

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Tim Federle’s books of cocktail recipes with a literary twist — from “Monty Python and the Stoli Grail” to “A Rum of One’s Own” — are the perfect bar-cart addition — or perfect for nondrinkers who simply appreciate a good laugh. These beautiful, leather-bound editions ($78 each) are available at Paper Twist. 2902 Selwyn Ave., Ste. A


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These colorful cosmetic bags are part of collaboration between Charlotte-based Holistic Habitat and Unshattered, a nonprofit that helps women get and stay sober. The bags ($45) are handcrafted by women in recovery using fabric handwoven by Guatemalan artisans. holistichabitatclt.com/collections/ artisan-made

This gift box from Reid’s Fine Foods is the perfect way to give distant relatives a taste of the South. The Southern Crate ($69.99), includes Reid’s own 5 O’Clock Crunch and trail mix, Chapel Hill Toffee, Mississippi Pecan Straws and more. It’s one of a myriad of sweet and savory combinations available from the gourmet grocer. Reids.com

These lightweight, woven-grass earrings ($60) are casual with a classic, sophisticated aesthetic that recalls the South Carolina lowcountry. Just one of many designs by Kiawah Island, S.C., artist Barb Clawson sold at Mint Museum Shop. mintmuseum.org

Mix and match your own baby bundle at Paper Skyscraper. This one includes Bella Tunno holiday wonder bibs ($13.95 each), a Charlotte onesie ($22.95), My Mom is Magical book by Sabrina and Eunice Moyle ($7.99) and This is Baby book by Jimmy Fallon ($16.99). SP

The perfect gift-basket filler: Magnolia Coffee’s artisan-roasted coffees are available in cafes and retailers across Charlotte, including all area Whole Foods stores. The smallbatch coffees are also sold online at magnoliacoffee.com. Prices vary and start at $14 for a 12-ounce bag. 4 6

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Reach captivating new heights. The new Continental GT. Now with a V8 engine. Discover more at www.BentleyMotorsCharlotte.com Contact us at 704.535.7100 or bob@foreigncarscharlotte.com The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2019 Bentley Motors, Inc. Model shown: Continental GT V8.

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|blvd.

The most wonderful tour of the year THE FRIENDS OF FOURTH WARD HOLIDAY HOME TOUR RETURNS WITH GOOD CHEER, GOOD FOOD AND A LOT OF HISTORY. BY PAGE LEGGETT

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY AUSTIN CAINE

F

ourth Ward, the historic enclave that looks like it was lifted out of the Victorian era and dropped into a corner of uptown, is one of Charlotte’s most diverse neighborhoods — and one of its most inclusive. Every December, the tight-knit neighborhood rolls out the red carpet and invites the rest of the city over for a peek at how they live. This tradition began in 1977, when the modern-day settlers who moved to the newly revitalized area visited each other’s homes to eat, drink and make merry. That small gathering evolved into a tradition that’s been going strong for 42 years. Since the beginning, tour proceeds have benefited neighborhood projects such as preservation of historic landmarks, social and safety programs and more. It’s the elegant Victorians that give Fourth Ward its charm, but there’s much more to the neighborhood than historic homes. There are chic, urban skyscrapers; stunning townhomes with small but impressive courtyards; pocket parks, old-fashioned street lamps and brick walkways. Nowhere else in town looks like Fourth Ward.


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|blvd. location of Atrium Health’s Carolinas Medical Center and was renamed Charlotte Memorial Hospital, the old hospital became the Kenmore Hotel, where rooms rented for $1.25 per night. In 1978, local architect Murray Whisnant converted the building into 36 individual condominiums, many featuring the original exposed brick. The walkable, self-guided tour includes more than just admission to homes decked for the holidays. There’s seasonal live music, horse-drawn carriage rides (on Friday and Sunday only) and small bites from participating center-city restaurants. Food and beverage tastings are offered in or just outside the homes during the tour, plus in the leafy courtyard of the St. Peters building, which will be dressed up with Christmas decor and twinkling lights. Corkscrew on 5th, Poplar Tapas, Potts Chocolate, Pizzeria Sapienza, Sea Level NC (oysters on Saturday and Sunday) and The Daily Tavern will offer samples. Distilleries offering tastings include Copper Barrel, Doc Porter’s and Muddy River. On Sunday, guests can also tour the historic pink-and-purple McNinch House restaurant and Victorian home, including owner Ellen Davis’ renovated private residence upstairs. Fourth Ward neighbors have a special way of life. They give up big yards in favor of small private courtyards and patios. But there’s a palpable camaraderie there that comes from, who knows, living in such close proximity? Or perhaps from running into each other often at Alexander Michael’s, the longtime neighborhood watering hole. The closeness is on full view at Christmas. For one weekend each December, Fourth Ward is everyone’s home for the holidays. SP Want to go? The 42nd annual Fourth Ward Holiday Home Tour is on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 5 - 9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 1- 5 p.m. This year for the first time, participants can purchase a discounted, day-specific ticket for $30 or a weekend flex pass for $45. Buy yours at Friends of Fourth Ward’s website, fofw.org. Pro tip: You may be asked to take off your shoes or use booties provided at each home. Wear a pair that’s easy to get on and off.

All six private residences on the tour — two Victorians, a new-construction, single-family home and three condos at the historic St. Peter’s building — will be festooned in holiday finery. The St. Peter’s Condominiums at 229 N. Poplar St. were originally constructed in 1877 as St. Peter’s Home and Hospital. The land for the building was purchased for $275.42 after funds were raised by the “Busy Bee Society” of Miss Hattie Moore’s Select School for Girls, says Beth Walker, tour organizer. In 1940, when St. Peter’s Hospital moved to the present 50

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|blvd.

Suit yourself MEN’S CLOTHING STORE TABOR LAUNCHES ITS OWN PRIVATE SUITING LABEL.

F

BY CATHY MARTIN

our and a half years after opening shop in a 1920s bungalow on Providence Road, the team behind Tabor felt there was something missing among the suit and sport coat options available for Charlotte men. “We have a lot of confidence in the designers that we carry in the store, but it was still a hole,” says Aaron Price, director of product at Tabor, sibling to women’s boutiques Capitol and Poole Shop. “Often, we see a designer either do a really classic version, which fills the provisionary role [of the suit], but we also want that really special thing too,” Price says. Frequently, too, a designer might offer a particular style for one season, then if a customer wants the same suit in a different fabric, it’s no longer available, adds creative director Scott Newkirk. So, after searching far and wide for the perfect suit and sport coat for its Queen City customers, Tabor decided to create its own. The fall/winter collection of Tabor Tailored launched in November, with two suit and four sport coat options. It took some time to get to the point where Tabor was ready to develop its own label. “We wanted to really adapt and understand [our customers] and have Charlotte grow with us,” Price says. “This felt like the right time.” It was also important that the collection be “created through our vision — not through someone else’s — [as we] start to have our own point of view,” Newkirk says. The garments are made in a factory outside of Boston that’s been in the suit-making business since the early 1900s. 52

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The new private label is meant to complement Tabor’s other designer offerings — labels including Thom Browne, Saint Laurent, Rowing Blazers and Engineered Garments. The lightfilled shop in the Myers Park/Eastover area shares space with SOCO Gallery and Not Just Coffee. “Our focus is really on Charlotte,” Price says, and in incorporating fabrics sensible for the Southern climate. Details include a soft shoulder (i.e. no padding) and a half-lining that makes the jackets as ideal for pairing with a sweater as with a button-down. The styles are based on three silhouettes. The Darren is a three-button design with traditional notch lapels. “If you’re going to buy one suit, it’s the Darren,” Price says. With its easy, modern fit, “It’s the epitome of the suit you can wear every day — the suit you can wear in separates as a trouser and a great sport coat.” The Duke is similar to the Darren in overall cut but with details including a peak lapel that allow for a transition into more formal setting. The Albert is a modern version of the traditional sack jacket with an easier fit, designed to be worn with a trouser or a jean. Stitched inside each suit or sport coat is a label that simply reads, “Get dressed,” which is a kind of mantra for the store, Price says. “No matter what you’re doing, you should do it with quality every day. Even if your workplace is super-casual, you should still get dressed — you should still respect the day,” he says. “This [collection] is a big interpretation of that.” SP 421 Providence Road, taborclt.com


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|blvd.

My favorite things . . .

O

livia Fortson has been a part of Charlotte’s media scene for decades, perhaps most notably as social editor at The Charlotte Observer, where she covered fundraisers, style and fashion for 23 years. “When I was growing up in Spartanburg, S.C., I always knew I would live in Charlotte — it’s my New York City,” Fortson says. “And I always knew I wanted to write about the best Charlotte has to offer as a way to inspire myself and others.” Fortson’s latest passion is The O Report, her website and annual magazine that covers fashion, beauty, health and more for men and women 50 and up. “Now that I’m in my 50s, I want for myself what I want for everyone else — to look and feel my best no matter what my age is going forward.” Along with running her business, Fortson is president of Charity League, a 98-year-old women’s philanthropic organization that serves local children. “But all that do-gooding aside, I would be lying if I didn’t mention how much I love Charlotte’s shopping and dining options, too,” she says. “The small-town South Carolina girl in me has never gotten over the excitement of living in a big city.”

DINING OUT:

Fenwick’s is my club. It’s the size of a trailer, but that’s part of its charm. Owners Don and Catherine Rabb have created a beloved restaurant that serves great American food with a Nawlins flair (Don is from New Orleans). The fried shrimp is my weakness. … When I feel like splurging, I can’t resist the crabcakes at The Palm. My caricature is on the wall, and it’s funny when a diner will do a double take and say, “Hey, that’s you up there!” … I crave the tacos with soy crumbles from The Tipsy Burro. I appreciate that this cantina is packed with cool memorabilia, including signs from the Double Door Inn and Jack Straw’s that remind me of the Charlotte I used to know.

MOST VISITED PLACE:

History and art are two of my interests. I get both of them at once whenever I visit Mint Museum Randolph in the Eastover neighborhood, where I live. If my creative batteries need recharging, all I have to do is walk through its glorious collections and exhibits. Some visitors don’t realize the back of the museum is the facade of Charlotte’s original U.S. Mint built in 1837 during the Carolina Gold Rush. It’s such a special place for me to connect with Charlotte’s past and present that it inspired the plot of a novel I’m writing. 54

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|blvd. BEAUTY MUST-HAVES:

It’s been a gift to be born a redhead, but it does have its challenges. My thick ginger locks require extra care and no one knows that better than my longtime hair stylist Nikki Wilson of Salon J Marco. She’s been my best friend since we were roommates at Queens University of Charlotte, so she’s seen my hair in all its phases. … My monthly tinting sessions with brow and lash expert Shana Mills, co-owner of Apothic Spa, are a necessity. … I trust my fair skin to the lotions, potions and nonsurgical (so far!) treatments from Charlotte Plastic Surgery. It’s important to me that its doctors and nurse injectors are nationally acclaimed and that the practice has been in business for more than 65 years. … I try not to wear a lot of makeup, yet I love going to Ulta at Cotswold Shopping Center in search of new products .

Neiman Marcus for luxury bags and shoes; Athleta because the athleisure movement is here to stay; and Paul Simon Women, where style-savvy Angela Knowles has helped me pick out some of the most-loved pieces in my wardrobe.

OFF THE GRID:

Business owners never really get a day off, but sometimes I have to step away to stay sane. My husband and I will take a day trip to visit our farm in Chester, S.C. There are no buildings, just peaceful rolling land. It’s special to me because he went through a lot of red tape to have a lake built on the property, and he named it Lake Olivia. (Yeah, he’s awesome.) If we have a few days to spare, we head to his family’s vacation home on a mountain range high above Lake Lure. There’s no Wi-Fi, so it’s one of the few places I can truly disconnect.

MOST OVERLOOKED: COCKTAIL CRAZY:

Do not come between me and The Punch Room’s Fiesta Punch. The fresh orange and lime mixed with tequila, beet ginger kombucha and jalapeño is an incredible combination, but I prefer it without the cilantro garnish.

RISE AND SHINE:

I can’t start my day without two large glasses of water with a lot of lemon, a vigorous game of ball with my dog, and reading The Charlotte Observer newspaper. I’m old-fashioned and prefer the print version, but my husband John, a Charlotte native, reads it online. I try not to be a bossy boots, but don’t kid yourself that you can be an informed citizen if you don’t read your hometown’s daily newspaper.

SHOP ’TIL YOU DROP:

SouthPark mall is my happy place. When I was growing up, driving to Charlotte to shop there was such a big deal. No matter how many times I enter its doors I’ve never lost that initial feeling of awe. Some of my favorite stores are Dillard’s for its great brands including Karl Lagerfeld Paris; St. John Boutique and its classic investment pieces with a modern twist; L’Occitane for its natural French perfumes and lotions; 56

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Il Grande Disco bronze sculpture near the corner of Trade and Tryon Streets is more than a great work of art. It marks where Charlotte’s original builders used the Masonic principle of the perfect square to create our city’s original four squares (or wards) as an ode to God’s divine creation of the universe. So many people walk right by this spot without realizing how important it is to Charlotte’s physical and spiritual history.

WORDS TO LIVE BY:

One of my favorite former colleagues, Richard Maschal, used to tell me, “If your mother says she loves you, check it out.” It’s a reminder to always do your research and don’t just immediately accept that the information being given to you is the truth. SP compiled by Whitley Adkins Hamlin Know of a Charlotte tastemaker or person of interest we should feature here? Email whitley@thequeencitystyle.com.


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Ally for the arts ARTS & SCIENCE COUNCIL PRESIDENT JEEP BRYANT DISCUSSES HIS FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE’S CULTURAL SCENE AND ASPIRATIONS FOR THE LOCAL ARTS SECTOR. BY MICHAEL J. SOLENDER

What was your mandate from the ASC board of directors coming into your new role? Two key things: One was to come in and look at how the ASC is positioned strategically in terms of the programs and grantmaking we do in the community. The second significant opportunity was to focus on the designated revenue initiative. The ASC and the county commission had discussions regarding the critical need for designated funding and public funding for arts and culture, so the second big request [from] the board was to work with community leaders on how we could best move that effort forward. What role can ASC play in bringing cultural access to Charlotte’s underserved communities? 58

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We haven’t, as a community, made as much progress as I would’ve hoped on issues of equity, reaching deeper into all communities in Mecklenburg County. From New York, I watched the coverage of the police-involved shooting [of Keith Lamont Scott in 2016]. I paid close attention to the coverage of the [2013 Harvard University/UC Berkeley] economic mobility study when it was released. On the one hand, we’re a community with wind-at-ourback momentum. As we are growing, we are adding jobs. But at the same time, some of the issues we were discussing in the ’80s and ’90s related to equity still have not been addressed. There is an opportunity for the Arts & Science Council to join with other committed organizations and institutions to say, “It is now time to make much stronger and faster progress in addressing those issues.” How does ASC benchmark with other communities to engage a diverse representation across Charlotte? We’ve spent some time in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County [Ohio] talking about the strategic approach to grantmaking that serves a diverse array of organizations there. We’re learning which models have worked and lessons learned. We are looking at a public and community-engagement model from

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL J. SOLENDER

J

eep Bryant is an especially accomplished listener. That’s a good thing, as most everyone he’s met during the first few months in his new job as president of the Arts & Science Council has an opinion on Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s cultural landscape. The “almost” Charlotte native — he moved here as a 1-year-old — returned to the Queen City in July after 20 years away. Following careers in communications and financial services, he most recently was director of marketing and business development for The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway theater industry in New York City. Bryant, a graduate of South Mecklenburg High School (where he sang in the chorus) and UNC Chapel Hill, succeeded longtime ASC leader Robert Bush, who retired in June after five years in the post. SouthPark magazine spoke with Bryant earlier this fall, prior to the November election in which voters rejected a quarter-cent sales tax increase that would have raised approximately $22.5 million for arts initiatives. Comments were edited for clarity and brevity.


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|blvd. San Francisco, where arts leaders went out in a series of public forums and used online surveys and other tools to help gather public input around what’s missing. That’s a process that’s happened there just within the last year that we’re watching very closely. What role can ASC play in developing a cultural mindset amongst the youngest members of our community? One of the best mornings I’ve had since I joined the ASC was a Saturday where we brought schoolteachers, both from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and private schools, together to talk about our grant program that helps match teachers with arts and culture providers. These providers can come into the classroom for specific initiatives linked to the curriculum. On a classroom-by-classroom basis, it doesn’t cost a lot of money to do that. Field trips [allow] kids across Mecklenburg County to have enriching experiences. I’ve talked with many leaders of cultural organizations who want to ensure that it’s more than just a single experience. How is ASC extending cultural offerings beyond Tryon Street? We’ve been learning the value and importance of going into neighborhoods for deep conversations. Before we start proposing any specific ideas or talking about particular pro-

grams, first we make sure we understand the cultural experiences that already exist — that community members may want to see more of. The Culture Blocks partnership with the libraries, parks and recreation centers has been critical to this initiative. We’re able to take advantage of facilities that aren’t in use at various times of the day. We want to be part of delivering what residents are asking for. What excites me in looking at Culture Blocks is there’s a model that’s been created that hasn’t yet been brought to scale. It isn’t yet as extensive and as deep as it could be — so let’s use the learnings of the early years of that program and think about how we could extend that further. Note: After the November referendum was defeated, Bryant thanked supporters of the initiative and issued the following statement (edited for brevity): “At various points during the referendum campaign, many of us were asked to speculate about what would happen if the voters said no. My reply was always the same. I said the team at the Arts & Science Council would wake up the next morning and get back to work on behalf of the organizations, artists and community we serve. And so we shall. ... We will spend the coming weeks meeting with our supporters and partners, listening to all who wish to provide input, and working together to shape the future of arts and culture in this great community.” SP

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TO-DO

LIST

DECEMBER

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12/6-23

Stroll along the Mile of a Million Lights at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, including a stop in the Orchid Conservatory to view fairy villages and model trains. Roast marshmallows by the fire, or enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, cider, beer, wine and other spirits. Adult tickets range from $14.95 to $18.95, and discounted pricing is available for children, seniors and members. dsbg.org

A Christmas Classic: Charlotte Ballet presents The Nutcracker at Belk Theater, with the music of Tchaikovsky performed live by the Charlotte Symphony. Tickets are $24-$112. charlotteballet.org

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12/6-8, 13-15, 20-22 Charlotte’s biggest brewery hosts one of the city’s most popular Christmas Markets: During Weihnachtsmarkt Weekends at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, more than 40 vendors will fill the open-air biergarten, along with holiday music, fire pits, hot cocoa and more. Admission is free.

12/7

12/31

Enjoy traditional Christmas carols plus songs of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa at the Tosco Music Holiday Party. More than a dozen performers will join the celebration, which will include plenty of singalongs at the McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square. Tickets start at $16.50. carolinatix.org

It’s the ACC vs. the SEC in the 18th annual Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Fanfest starts at 9 a.m. outside the stadium and includes music, food and beverages. Kickoff is at noon. Ticket prices vary. belkbowl.com

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEFF CRAVOTTA COURTESY OF CHARLOTTE BALLET

THIS MONTH’S FIVE ESSENTIAL DATES




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Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier and his wife, Jeanne, turned to Ace of Space Organization to prepare their home for their growing family. The professional organizing business provides creative solutions for unique spaces. Closets, pantries, playrooms and more are tailored to the individual’s or family’s needs while creating an aesthetically pleasing environment, whether putting the cherry on top of your already tidy space - or a more dramatic transformation for those who cannot see the floor of their closets!

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With panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s no wonder Westglow Spa is a top-rated resort, earning the top ranking on Travel + Leisure’s 2017 list of Top 10 Domestic Destination Spas. All-inclusive overnight stays include luxurious accommodations, spa services, access to all spa facilities, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The on-site Rowland’s Restaurant is one of the premier fine dining restaurants in the High Country. Two-person, two-night all-inclusive gift certificates are available for purchase through Christmas.

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Onward Reserve creates men’s clothing and accessories that take you from the office to drinks with friends, from out in the field to out on the golf course. Shop for gifts and clothing for the guy you thought had everything.

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’Tis the season for gearing up and giving back. Great Outdoor Provision Co. has something for everyone on your holiday adventure bucket list. And in addition to great gear for hiking, kayaking, fly fishing and travel, Great Outdoor Provision gives back to help save public lands here in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.

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For more than 40 years, Perry’s has established itself as one of the nation’s finest family-owned and -operated jewelers to buy, sell, trade, consign and appraise your fine, antique, vintage and estate jewelry, diamonds and coins. Our knowledgeable staff includes 10 GIA graduate gemologists, two FGAs from The Gemmological Association of Great Britain and two master goldsmiths. Perry’s also offers state-of-the-art, on-site jewelry and watch repair and custom jewelry design.

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Kids PLAYI NG

Tiny, a charming boutique located in the heart of Charlotte, offers a unique collection of clothing, accessories and toys for children of all ages. The shop opened its doors in 2014 as a way to bring exclusive brands, previously only found in major metropolitan cities, to the Charlotte area. Using her experience and keen eye, owner Carolyn Hotham curates a collection of delightful children’s clothing from all over the world. The well-appointed shop carries lines from Stella McCartney, Bonton, Louis Louise, Babe & Tess, Tocoto Vintage and Vivetta, many of which are exclusive to Tiny.

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Midwood Guitar Studio, located in the heart of Plaza Midwood, provides the ultimate shopping experience for boutique guitars, amps and effects. This holiday season we’ve got a special deal for SouthPark Magazine readers: Mention this article and get 15% off your purchase. Experience the difference in buying your next piece of gear from Charlotte’s premier boutique guitar shop.

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Y2 Yoga is Charlotte’s leading hot yoga studio, with over 15,000 dedicated practitioners. Over the years, Y2 has grown tremendously in size, staff and students. Each teacher is dedicated to their students’ success and love for yoga. Y2 offers a bold approach to yoga that carries a signature style of loud, hot and hard vinyasa classes, led by shamelessly authentic teachers who motivate students to shut up, flow and let the yoga do its work.

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Whether it’s enjoying a day at Chetola’s new sporting reserve or relaxing at their spa, there is certainly a reason to dance! Beautiful mountain scenery, newly renovated lodge rooms, dining at Timberlake’s restaurant, live music around a bonfire and a plethora of holiday events — all within walking distance to the quaint village of Blowing Rock — make Chetola the perfect escape for a ladies’ weekend or multifamily getaway.

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In 2020, Mint Museum Uptown will celebrate 10 years of brilliant exhibitions and dazzling programming. Join us as we begin our next decade of illuminating uptown Charlotte. Come intrigued, leave inspired.

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Amélie’s French Bakery & Café is known for made-from-scratch, French-inspired café offerings. Patrons of all ages enjoy our French macaron flavors and not-to-be-missed salted caramel brownies. We also take pride in our soups, sandwiches, salads and our coffee, tea and specialty beverage offerings. We aim to inspire, challenge, comfort and nourish while creating community and fellowship. Treat your friends, family and co-workers this holiday season to a gift from Amélie’s.

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Light up your holiday season with a getaway to charming Winston-Salem. Our holiday season is filled with the spirit of nostalgia, the warmth of hearth Moravian cooking, the twilight of candlelight tours and the excitement of holiday celebrations for the entire family. Discover 18th and 19th century Moravian traditions while strolling the cobblestone sidewalks at historic Old Salem Museums & Gardens, and admire the glow of handcrafted Moravian stars illuminating Old Salem’s Heritage Bridge. visitwinstonsalem.com/holiday.

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|simple life

A walk in the dark THE NOCTURNAL WORLD REVEALS ITS SECRETS — AND THE BEAUTY OF AN ELEPHANT ANGEL

E

BY JIM DODSON

very morning for the last few years, a couple of hours before sunrise, while much of the world has yet to stir, regardless of weather or season, my wife and I walk a mile with our dogs through the darkness. Sometimes a little farther than that. Neither wind nor rain, neither sleet nor snow — and certainly not dark of night — can keep us from our appointed rounds. What began as a simple way for two humans and three canines to get their feet and bloodstreams moving has become a daily ritual that seems almost second nature now, the one time during a busy week when we — the humans — have time to talk and walk or simply be together. We talk of many things or nothing at all, frequently walking in a mindful silence worthy of Benedictine monks. We carry a flashlight to shine if necessary but prefer to travel by the light of the stars and an ever-changing moon, plus whatever illumination hails from the odd lighted porch or lamppost. Fortunately our neighborhood has only a few street lights, which make night skies more vibrant and provide deep stretches of darkness where we rely on faith and trust that one of us won’t step headfirst into an open manhole or fall over someone’s curbed bag of leaves. That’s a risk I’m happy to take. We live in a world too full of clamor and noise, and save for those wee hours when maintenance crews at the nearby shopping center operate industrial-sized leaf blowers that can be heard for country miles (against city noise codes, by the way, and something that has many in the neighborhood up in arms). The predawn silence and stillness may be the best thing about a walk in the dark, a healing glimpse of a world that was. “Silence is the sleep that nourishes wisdom,” Francis Bacon said. Our two older dogs — Mulligan, the aging mixed breed foundling (queen bee, deaf in one ear) and Ajax the golden

retriever dandy (pedigreed goofball) — know nothing of Bacon, except the kind they beg to eat, but they do know the way by heart though the darkness, chugging bravely ahead. Gracie, the sweet young Staffordshire terrier we rescued from life on the streets, likes to pause and sniff the earth where others have passed, keeping a sharp eye out for breakfasting rabbits, still learning her way through a civilized world. Darkness, it seems to me, gets a pretty bum rap. As kids, we are programmed against the night by popular culture and to fear the darkness and everything that potentially lurks therein — the monster in the closet, the bogeyman beneath the bed, witches who consort with the moon, robbers waiting in the bushes, black cats and burglars on the prowl. Later in life, of course, it’s the metaphorical darkness that drives the daylight narrative with news of yet another incomprehensible mass murder of innocents in broad daylight by some despondent loner enveloped by his own inner darkness. Friends — and everyone has them — who’ve made the journey through the Stygian darkness of depression live in a state of perpetual twilight, unable to sleep, untethered from a world that seems to hold scant promise of joy or hope. Their journey back to the light is one of the bravest things you can witness. Meanwhile, the web’s dark side is reportedly shadowing all of our lives, spinning fantastic conspiracies while stealing our identities and credit card numbers. Is it a coincidence that the television ads that run in the predawn hours aggressively peddle home security systems, identity protection and male impotence cures? Probably not. These are what we fear most in our darkest hours of the night. And yet, it is that very darkness where we take refuge and rest and recharge batteries, snuggle down beneath the duvet, temporarily abandon all cares and set loose on travels through our dreams. For all its magnificent abilities to reveal the workings of living creatures, modern science still cannot fully explain why all living things — even honeybees — need sleep. southparkmagazine.com | 79


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|simple life W R I G H T S V I L L E But thankfully we do. And the best benefits of sleep occur, sleep experts agree, in a dark and silent place. A campfire in the daytime seems, well, rather pale and pointless. But on a dark night in the wild, surrounded by the watchful eyes of living creatures great and small, what is more comforting than a crackling fire that sends up sparks to heaven when you toss on another log? In her marvelous book Learning to Walk in the Dark, spiritual writer Barbara Brown Taylor points out that the human body requires equal amounts of darkness and light to function properly, an ancient circadian rhythm of sleeping and waking that matches the cycle of day and night, allowing natural healing properties in both man and nature to do their thing. “I have learned things in the dark that I would never have learned in the light,” Brown writes, “things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness.” “Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness,” concurs the poet Mary Oliver. “It took me years to understand that this, too was a gift.” Madeleine L’Engle sagely chimes in from a wrinkle somewhere in time, “Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light.” Which brings us happily back to lights on our daily walk made mythical by the winter darkness. Beginning in October (seemingly earlier every year), it’s fun to see the year’s latest crop of illuminated creatures of the night that appear on lawns weeks before Halloween — gigantic black cats, towering ghouls, giant spiders, fake graveyards, skeletal hands reaching up from the azaleas. It’s all in good fun, meant to mock the very thing we are meant to fear: the mysterious darkness. Our favorite by a wide margin is the Great Lighted Pumpkin that appears every year at the start of October, floating high in the limbs of an ancient white oak near the corner where we turn for home. He smiles benevolently upon us as if he gets the joke — a beacon of cheerfulness in a season of manufactured fright. Come December — the hemisphere’s darkest month — it’s the deep winter darkness that makes the lights of our daily trek through the neighborhood such a visual feast, a kinetic pleasure. As the curtain comes down on another year in the life of this struggling old planet, we hopeful types dutifully light candles and build bonfires to politely rage against the notion of going gently into that good night. As if to indicate our unwavering commitment to optimism in the face of present concerns, we string lights on trees and lampposts, erect illuminated reindeer and waving Santas, blinking constellations of shrubs meant to light the darkened way. Clearly, there is a message in this. During the years we resided on a coastal hill in Maine, surrounded by several hundred acres of a deep beech and hemlock forest, our little ones lived for the annual lighting of trees around the property, particularly an elderly American beech that stood in the side yard off the eastern porch.

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In order to get up into the limbs of the old tree, I needed a large step ladder and a healthy snort of good Kentucky bourbon for courage in order to finagle the tiny lights into the highest branches. Our resident squirts maintained that the creatures who resided in the surrounding forest — a peaceable kingdom that included a family of white tail deer, a lovesick moose who occasionally wandered over the lawn, a fat lady porcupine who waddled past and a flock of wild turkey, not to mention a couple mischievous made-up story time bears named Pete and Charley — needed our lit-up beech to brighten their cold winter nights. Not everyone grasped this. The UPS guy, for example, wondered why we bothered to put up holiday lights on a forested hilltop where nobody but us could see them. Before I could reply, my wee son Jack spoke up. “The birds can see them,” he calmly explained. “And so can angels.” One year, in any case, I forgot to check whether the current bulbs were still operational and carefully put up several strings only to discover they were dead as Jacob Marley’s doorknocker. In frustration, I went out and purchased several new strings of holiday lights and tested them before haphazardly flinging them into the limbs as darkness fell and an intense downpour of sleet began. Upon flipping the switch, something remarkable happened, proof that children see things that grown-ups lose the ability to see without help. The old beech bloomed to life with glittering lights in the icy darkness and I breathed a sigh of relief. “Look, Daddy,” Jack said matter-of-factly. “An elephant angel.” By golly he was right. I can only describe what he saw — the outline of an elephant with wings, soaring heavenward — as exactly that. A few days later, even the UPS guy, delivering Christmas presents from faraway Carolina, was deeply impressed. SP Contact Editor Jim Dodson at jim@ thepilot.com.


CONGRATULATIONS PAU L A S E V E RT

2019 W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year Paula Severt is a Broker/Realtor and part owner of Lantern Realty and Development in Kannapolis. She also serves on the Kannapolis Planning and Zoning Board and is on the board of directors for the Central Carolina Association of Realtors. Not only is she quite the business woman, Paula has a heart of gold. She raised the most funds among her fellow 2019 Honorees to earn the title of W.I.S.H. Society Woman of the Year. Thanks to the generous support of friends, coworkers, and family members, Paula raised over $36,000 to benefit children with critical illnesses in our community. Paula is pictured accepting her Fairy Godmother wand presented to her by wish kid Olivia. She feels honored and blessed to have been involved with the W.I.S.H. Society this year. By engaging in the work of Make-A-Wish, Paula aims to enjoy all the moments in life, and help local children by making wishes come true. “I have accepted the role to help an amazing organization. There is a need and with everyone’s help, so much can be achieved.”

2019 W.I.S.H. Society Honoree | JENNIFER SMITH A special thank you to a Fairy Godmother who went above and beyond for our wish kids. As a wish mom, Jennifer Smith dedicated her incredible efforts to her son, Adam, pictured here. Her passion and persistence paid off in dividends, she raised more than $27,000, which is enough to grant four wishes!

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|bookshelf

November books NOTABLE NEW RELEASES

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Southern Snow: The New Guide to Winter Sports from Maryland to the Southern Appalachians, by Randy Johnson This guide provides everything you need to know to discover the South’s best-kept secrets of winter recreation: snow-covered mountains, remote yet accessible trails, high-quality downhill and cross-country skiing, sparkling resorts and peaceful cabins, and of course, Southern hospitality. Randy Johnson is a knowledgeable guide who shares his years of experience enjoying the winter wonders from the mountains of western Maryland down the Appalachian corridor all the way to northern Alabama. Whether you’re new to the region, a lifelong resident or just visiting for the holidays, this is the only book you need to make the most of Southern snow. Brilliant Maps for Curious Minds: 100 New Ways to See the World, by Ian Wright A map can convey a lot of information at a glance, something Ian Wright has been documenting on his website, brilliantmaps.com, for nearly five years using maps collected from creators all over the internet. This book is a collection of some of the most popular and commented-on maps from the website as well as some new ones, all of which have been drawn using one consistent style and, if needed, updated data. Grouped into broad categories (culture and customs, history, nature, etc.), these maps cover topics serious and less so. Wright notes in the introduction that context is always necessary to truly understand the information provided by maps.

Joy of Cooking, by Irma S. Rombauer The pillar of American cookbooks for generations, Joy of Cooking has a new edition for the first time in over a decade, fully revised by Rombauer’s great-grandson, John Becker, and his wife, Megan Scott. This revision adds several hundred new recipes, but, more importantly, it gives its readers access to even more basic data on cooking than previous versions. New technologies like electric pressure cookers and sous-vide cooking are explained — even the effects of climate change are addressed in expanded guidelines on sustainable fish selection and cooking. Ethnic cooking has greatly expanded the inventory of recipes, including mapo tofu from Sichuan Province, sushi from Japan, curried goat from Jamaica and more to delight every cook. Morning Glory on the Vine: Early Songs and Drawings, by Joni Mitchell A beautiful compendium of Joni Mitchell’s handwritten lyrics and drawings, originally handcrafted as a gift for a select group of friends in 1971 and now available to all for the first time. In 1971, as her album Blue topped charts around the world, Joni Mitchell crafted 100 copies of Morning Glory on the Vine as a holiday gift for her closest friends. For this stunningly beautiful book, Joni hand-wrote an exquisite selection of her own lyrics and poems and illustrated them with more than thirty original pictures. In this faithfully reproduced edition, Joni’s best-loved lyrics and poems spill across the pages in her own elegant script. All the artwork from the original book is included, along with several additional pictures that Joni drew southparkmagazine.com | 85


|bookshelf of her friends from the same period. The refreshed volume features an original introduction written by Joni. A gorgeous present for the music lover. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: The World As You’ve Never Seen It Before (Deluxe Edition), by Patricia Schultz Patricia Schultz published her first 1,000 Places book in 2003; it’s now the bestselling travel book of all time with more than 3 million copies in print. This gorgeous third edition takes a much more visual approach than previous renditions and divides the world into eight regions. Photos really do take center stage. Festivals, religious sites, stately homes, transportation, national parks and other scenic natural sites — even food and drink — are featured in striking photos accompanied by a tagline, a brief overview paragraph and a few “must dos” or “must visits.” Schultz reminds readers of the unchanging spirit of her decades-long project: “The world is large, and life is short.” South: Essential Recipes and New Explorations, by Sean Brock In this masterful follow-up to his James Beard Awardwinning Heritage, Brock observes, “The American South has a geographical area roughly equal to that of continental Europe.” He describes the territory as a land of microregions, finding the similarities as well as the differences that exist

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The Crayons’ Christmas, by Drew Daywalt The holiday season is underway at Duncan’s house, and with it comes a flurry of mail — for his crayons. In envelope- and package-style pouches that occur throughout, readers will find crayoned correspondence and holiday cards, along with decorations, a foldout game and other interactive items. Peach’s parents, living the good life in Florida, send much-yearned-for clothes in paper-doll format, including a jazzy purple tux. Duncan isn’t totally neglected: Gray, who is visiting relatives in Tennessee, sends Hanukkah greetings and a punch-out dreidel. Neon Red and Esteban include a mixed-up map of their world travels. Fun for both parents and children SP Sally Brewster is the proprietor of Park Road Books, located at 4139 Park Road. parkroadbooks.com

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THE POLITICAL SAGA OF A FATHER AND SON

A

BY D.G. MARTIN

nyone who wants to master North Carolina political history must try to understand how Kerr Scott, elected North Carolina’s governor in 1948, could be both a liberal and a segregationist. Two books that can help are The Political Career of W. Kerr Scott: The Squire from Haw River, by retired University of Florida professor Julian Pleasants; and The Rise and Fall of the Branchhead Boys, by former News & Observer political reporter and columnist Rob Christensen. Pleasants chronicles the exceptional life of Kerr Scott, who was governor from 1949 until 1953 and U.S. senator from 1954 until his death in 1958. Scott, a dairy farmer from Alamance County, won election as commissioner of agriculture in 1936. In 1948, after using that office as a launching pad, he resigned and mounted a campaign for governor. He beat the favored candidate of the conservative wing of the party in the Democratic primary, which in those days was tantamount to election. Once in office, Scott pushed programs of road paving, public school improvement and expansion of government services. Hard-working and hard-headed, plain and direct spoken, he appointed women and African-Americans to government positions. Future governors Terry Sanford and Jim Hunt were inspired by his success. Hunt said, “If not for Kerr Scott I would never have run for governor. My family viewed Scott as our political savior. ... He improved our roads, our schools, and our health care.” Scott’s commitment to common people, fair treatment for African-Americans, skepticism and antagonism toward banks, utilities and big business, and a pro-labor platform earned him a liberal reputation that was praised in the national media. In 1949, he appointed Frank Porter Graham, the popular and liberal president of the University of North Carolina, to fill a vacant seat in U.S. Senate. When Graham lost to conservative Willis Smith in the next election, Scott resolved to run against Smith in 1954 to avenge Graham’s loss and reassert the power of the liberal wing of the party. When Smith died in office and Governor William Umstead appointed Alton Lennon, a conservative, to the seat, Scott ran against him in 1954 and won. In the Senate, his liberalism did not extend to racial desegregation. He joined with other Southerners in Congress to fight against civil rights legislation. He signed the infamous 1956 Southern Manifesto, which urged resistance to the Supreme

Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision requiring the elimination of school segregation. Scott died in office in 1958, leaving open the question of whether he would have won re-election in 1960. Missing from Pleasants’ excellent book is the story of the entire Scott family and its role in North Carolina political life. Christensen takes up that task. He follows the Alamance County farm family beginning with Kerr Scott’s grandfather, Henderson, and his father, “Farmer Bob.” Both were active in statewide farmers’ organizations. Christensen’s important contribution to the Scott family saga is his account of the political career of Kerr’s son, Bob. Born in 1929, Bob grew up on Kerr’s dairy farm. Like his father, he became active in farm organizations and worked in political campaigns, including Terry Sanford’s 1960 successful race for governor. By 1964, at age 35, he was ready to mount a statewide campaign for lieutenant governor. But two senior Democrats, state Sen. John Jordan and House Speaker Clifton Blue, were already running. Christensen writes, “In some ways Scott had broken into the line.” Nevertheless, with the help of powerful county political machines, he won a squeaker victory in a primary runoff over Blue. Bob Scott used his new office to run for the next one, giving hundreds of speeches each year, and he won the 1968 Democratic nomination over conservative Mel Broughton and African-American dentist Reginald Hawkins. The results of the 1968 presidential contest in North Carolina marked what Christensen calls “the breakup of the Democratic Party.” Richard Nixon won; George Wallace was second; and Hubert Humphrey was third. Nevertheless, in the governor’s race, Scott faced and beat Republican Jim Gardner. Mountains of bitter controversies in the areas of race, labor, student unrest and higher education administration were to confront Bob Scott after he became governor of North Carolina in 1969. As governor, Scott followed his father’s tradition of inviting friends to “possum dinners” with the main possum course accompanied with “barbecued spareribs, black-eyed peas, collard greens, bean soup with pig tails, corn bread, and persimmon pudding.” Christensen writes, “Scott may not have been the populist of his father, but he brought a common-man approach to Raleigh.” But times had changed. College campuses were erupting. Black anger was spilling into the streets. Historian Martha Blondi wrote that 1969 marked the “high water mark of the black student movement.” Christensen writes, “During his first southparkmagazine.com | 89


|omnivorous reader six months in office, Scott called out the National Guard nine times to deal with civil unrest.” In March, he sent more than 100 highway patrolmen to Chapel Hill to break a food worker strike and force the reopening of the student cafeteria, overruling the actions of UNC’s president, William Friday, and the chancellor, Carlyle Sitterson. This action and similar strong measures against student-led disorders earned Scott praise by television commentator Jesse Helms and many others in the white community, “but he got different reviews from the black community.” Although he appointed the first black District and Superior Court judges, his pace of minority hiring and appointments was roundly criticized. Increased desegregation of public schools resulted in more disruption. Speaking about the 1971–72 school year, Scott said, “Many schools were plagued by unrest, tension, hostility, fear, disturbances, disruptions, hooliganisms, violence and destruction.” In response to disturbances relating to school desegregation in 1971, Scott sent highway patrolmen and National Guard troops to Wilmington. Conflict there led to arrests, trials and prison sentences for the group of protesters who became known as the Wilmington Ten. Bob Scott’s stormy relations with President Friday continued as Scott “decided to undertake the reorganization of higher education as his political swansong.” His proposal to bring all 16 four-year institutions under one 32-person board was adopted by the legislature. Scott expected the new organization would eliminate or minimize Friday’s role. But Friday became president of the reorganized 16-campus system and led it until 1986. Summing up Bob Scott’s time in office, Christensen writes that his legacy is “far murkier” than his father’s, in part because the state was “less rural, less poor, more Republican, and more torn by societal dissent, whether civil rights, Vietnam, or the counterculture.” Both Terry Sanford and Jim Hunt acknowledged their connection to Kerr Scott. But Bob Scott never bonded with either of them. The breach with Hunt became a public battle when Bob Scott challenged the incumbent Gov. Hunt in the 1980 Democratic primary. Scott was angry because Hunt had not supported his ambition to be appointed president of the community college system. Scott lost the primary to Hunt by a humiliating 70–29 percent margin. Ironically, in 1983, when the community college presidency opened up again, Bob Scott won the job and served with distinction until his retirement in 1995. Bob Scott died in 2009 and was buried at the Hawfields Presbyterian Church near the graves of his father and grandfather. Kerr Scott’s tombstone reads, “I Have Fought a Good Fight . . . I Have Kept the Faith.” Bob’s reads, “He Also Fought a Good Fight and Kept the Faith.” SP

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D.G. Martin hosts North Carolina Bookwatch Sunday at 11 a.m. and Tuesday at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV. The program also airs on the North Carolina Channel Tuesday at 8 p.m. |

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Outside in HOUSE OF NOMAD CREATES A COZY HOLIDAY LOOK FOR THE HOME THAT’S INSPIRED BY NATURE. BY CATHY MARTIN

• PHOTOS BY DUSTIN PECK

FLOWERS AND GREENERY BY NECTAR

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“Texture and cohesiveness are important for a space,” says House of Nomad’s Berkeley Minkhorst, left. “Be aware of textures, and be creative in how you add texture — natural elements are always a great way to do this.” This cozy outdoor space is brightened with a do-it-yourself wreath made from pampas grass.

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“You have two parts to every fireplace: the decor placed on the mantel itself and on the hearth below,” Minkhorst says. “It’s important to try to achieve cohesiveness and balance between the two.” Here, Lentini adds magnolia leaf accents and a pair of brass cowbells from Bali. An alternate suggestion is to use leftover tree trimmings and add in strings of white lights. “Last year, I staggered in paper gold stars for a fun element,” says Minkhorst, a Charlotte native. “Or you can add in lanterns of different heights or something organic.”

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hen is comes to decorating you home for the holidays, there are plenty of options beyond the traditional red and green. “For us, with holiday decorations, we just prefer for it to feel more cozy and wintry,” says House of Nomad’s Kelly Lentini. She and design partner Berkeley Minkhorst opt for a soft, natural look created to last throughout the holidays and beyond. For the design duo who co-founded the travel-inspired studio, three things are key to achieving an understated but festive vibe: layering, texture and bringing the outside in. Outgrowing their South End studio just a year after it opened, House of Nomad relocated last month to a renovated bungalow in Myers Park, where they showcased this low-key seasonal design. The expansion also includes a new retail shop — appropriately called The House of Nomad — where customers can purchase hand-picked furnishings and accessories from the designers’ frequent travels to Bali, Mexico, Morocco, France and South Africa. “A lot of this design is nice to use throughout the season, then come Christmas you can add strings of lights and a bit more brass to add a little holiday shimmer,” Minkhorst says.

When it comes to accessories, consistency is key, Minkhorst says. “For example, the brass balls we hung above the bar cart — we also used those on the white twig tree in the sitting area. It just keeps it cohesive, not fussy.”

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This custom bar cart was created in Bali for House of Nomad, while the pom pom is from Mexico. “We’ll even use white pom poms around our Christmas tree as garland,” Lentini says. “It’s playful, but it actually looks great on the green.”

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“The bar cart is a fun place to get festive,” Lentini says. “You are switching out your ingredients, getting your bitters and Chambord ready, so swap out the mint for sprigs of rosemary and ginger. Be sure you have beautiful decanters ready for your drinks, and you can drape fairy lights between bottles.” The zebra vase, decanters and brass bird are vintage. “We reincorporated the magnolia leaves and some of the elements from the tabletop floral arrangement in the vase,” Minkhorst says. The black-andwhite pottery — including the small striped tagine — is from Morocco.

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“For holiday decor, first and foremost: Keep it simple. Our biggest suggestion is pick a color palette and stick to it. We like to stick to a minimalistic and natural palette. We love using white and green and then incorporating a natural element,” Minkhorst says. With floral arrangements, the designers prefer rich, saturated tones for the holidays. “It can still be unique, but keep a consistent color scheme” throughout the home, Lentini says. For this project, the designers brought in local boutique florist Nectar to provide the centerpiece and greenery. SP

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Wonder and light FROM BURNING MAN TO NASA TO CHARLOTTE — NETHERLANDS-BASED STUDIO DRIFT BRINGS ITS THOUGHT-PROVOKING, TECHNOLOGY-DRIVEN ARTWORKS TO THE MINT MUSEUM. BY GRACE COTE

• PHOTOGRAPHS BY RICHARD ISRAEL

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hat if we tried to …? Why don’t we use …? Who do we ask …?” These are the questions at the root of the works of Studio Drift, the Amsterdam-based artist collective that is currently the subject of a solo exhibition at Mint Museum Uptown. Using light, technology and determined imagination, the artworks replicate everyday natural phenomena: the pattern of a bird’s wing in flight, the swirling murmurations of flock of starlings, the soft morning light illuminating wispy dandelion seeds. The seemingly straightforward artworks provoke emotional and awe-filled responses from audiences. Studio Drift was founded in 2007 by Dutch artists Ralph Nauta, 40, and Lonneke Gordijn, 39, and has grown to include more than 40 artists and engineers. Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at the Mint, which opened in September and runs through April, presents five works in the studio’s first solo exhibition outside of Europe.

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It is the kind of show that makes you want to take your camera out and simultaneously put it away — and definitely something you’ll want to tell your friends about. The art is playful and accessible to people of all ages and from all backgrounds because it combines design, science, technology and imagination in equal measure. For proof, look to the variety of groups Studio Drift has exhibited with in the last few years: Burning Man, Miami Art Week, NASA and the Venice Biennale, to name a few. Studie Drift’s goal is to show the beauty of nature through man-made technologies. “Technology shouldn’t take us further away from nature, it should bring us closer to nature,” Gordijn says. “When you look closely at nature, you realize it is the most high-tech part of our world,” Nauta adds. Upon entering the exhibition, visitors are greeted with “Amplitude,” a large installation that debuted in Venice at the 2015 Biennale, an international art exhibition held every other summer that features visual arts, dance, theater and more. A

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series of long, unconnected glass tubes hang horizontally from the ceiling, each see-sawing individually. Their timing is perfectly synchronized: As the tubes move together, they replicate a flapping bird wing in slow motion, the rolling waves of the sea or any number of repetitive, undulating movements found in nature. “Franchise Freedom” is another work that consists of as many as 600 drones with pre-programmed movements that mimic the murmurations of starlings. The work was most recently performed at the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing at Kennedy Space Center in July. Though “Franchise Freedom” will not be performed in Charlotte, a number of drones from the work hang from the ceiling while a short documentary about the flying sculpture plays on a loop in the galleries. This work highlights a theme of Studio Drift’s practice, which is that sometimes the artists’ ideas begin development before the technology to execute them exists. “When we came to this idea, only two drones could fly


Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta of Amsterdambased Studio Drift together,” Gordijn says. “Technology had to catch up with our idea in order for us to be able to make it.” To produce “Franchise Freedom,” the studio partnered with technology giant Intel, creating a work that adhered to federal drone restrictions. For example, the drones could never be less than 15 feet apart from each other. The piece is performed at night, and the drones — each affixed with a light — dance through the sky in a choreographed mass that expands, contracts, spirals and swoops. The piece is set to the atmospheric piano music of Dutch

composer Joep Beving — a soundtrack that was specially commissioned for the artwork. Conceptually, it explores the falsehood of freedom — how even when we think we are free or breaking away, unforeseen life events will always direct our paths. Light is a critical part of Studio Drift’s practice because it produces such an emotional connection with viewers. Another work, “Fragile Future 3,” consists of three-dimensional bronze electrical circuits illuminating LED bulbs covered in hand-picked dandelion seeds. The labor-intensive process, southparkmagazine.com | 103


from picking the dandelions to hand-gluing them onto bulbs, is a statement for craftsmanship in an era of mass production. The effect of the dandelion seeds on the bulbs is a softening, a warmth and a welcoming invitation to take a closer look. “We want people to see [the works] as living organisms,” Gordijn says. “Coded Coincidence,” which is making its international debut in an industrial space on the fifth floor of the museum, provides an opportunity for visitors to see an artwork in Dalrymple and Sonja Nichols 104 |DeeDee SOUTHPARK

progress. As of mid-November, the work was not yet complete, though certain parts of it were in the final stages of development. Once finished, it will be an immersive installation inspired by the sensation of elm seeds swirling amid gusts of wind, a common phenomenon in Amsterdam. Visitors will stand in a large acrylic chamber while seed-like objects blow around them, guided by 30 steerable wind blowers. For Studio Drift, artworks take about a year and a half from idea to full execution — sometimes longer.


“Amplitude” is a series of glass tubes that mimic undulating movements found in nature.

WANT TO GO? Immersed in Light: Studio Drift at the Mint runs through April 26 at Mint Museum Uptown. From Jan. 24 - Feb. 5, the museum will partner with the Charlotte Ballet on an experimental performance inspired by the exhibition. More information at MintMuseum.org.

“We don’t make up a project fully in the beginning,” Gordijn says. “We have a starting point and an idea we want to achieve,” but as the work progresses, alterations are made until they find the emotional connection they want people to feel with the work. “This is something you cannot plan,” she says. The artists will travel back and forth from Amsterdam to Charlotte until “Coded Coincidence” is completed. Process and creative problem-solving are at the root of Studio Drift’s practice, but its ultimate goal is to bring aware

ness to the natural world in order to promote its well-being. The artists ask, “How can you connect better with the environment? If you feel the environment, if you respect the environment, if you are one with the environment, you can actually take much better care of it,” Nauta says. Through the use of technology, the artists of Studio Drift provoke feelings of wonder in their audiences that linger long after they leave the exhibition. When this perspective shifts, it’s hard not to join them in their awe. SP southparkmagazine.com | 105


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Passion

for pets BY CATHY MARTIN

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WITH PLANS FOR A NEW MODERN CAMPUS — AND A LITTLE HELP FROM RON AND STEPHANIE RIVERA — THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE AIMS TO STRENGTHEN BONDS BETWEEN PETS AND PEOPLE.

t’s a Wednesday, so there are lots of cars in the parking lot at the Humane Society of Charlotte on Toomey Avenue, about 2 miles southwest of the center city. It’s also pouring down rain, but that doesn’t matter. Every week, for four hours, the organization hosts a low-cost clinic for pet owners to bring in their pups and kitties for vaccines, heartworm checks, microchips and other routine care they might not be able to afford elsewhere. The wellness clinic serves about 100 clients a week. “Because we don’t have a physical facility, they wait outside. They’re over there in the rain waiting to receive care,” says Shelly Moore, president and CEO of the local Humane Society chapter since 2010. The aging facility — actually a cluster of buildings, mostly covered outdoor structures — was built by the city in the late 1970s for animal control. The Humane Society of Charlotte — which is not affiliated with the Humane Society of the U.S. — moved there in 1993. But the 9,960-square-foot campus itself was never designed to support the organization’s no-kill philosophy of rehabilitating and rehoming animals. Now, with the help of Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and his wife, Stephanie, the Humane Society of Charlotte is looking to raise $15 million to build a new animal resource center to better focus on the nonprofit’s mission of treating and finding new homes for animals. The new funds would also help add training and children’s programs and other new services at the new site about a mile from the current campus. The Riveras are the honorary co-chairs of the nonprofit’s “We are Family” fundraising campaign, which as of mid-November had reached about $11.2 million toward its goal. The couple got involved with the Humane Society shortly after they moved here in 2011. “We saw all the things that the Humane Society was doing all over town, and I was impressed by how much they did,” Stephanie Rivera says. After a little more research and attend

ing events such as the organization’s annual Pet Palooza pet walk, the Riveras offered to lend a hand. Since then, they’ve hosted events, secured sponsorships and facilitated photo shoots for calendars featuring Panther players, with proceeds from sales benefiting the Humane Society. “It wasn’t until later that I saw the facility and I thought, oh my gosh, they do so much with so little,” Rivera says. “It wasn’t just the pet adoptions, but it was the dog runs they were doing, their [work with animals rescued from] puppy mills, the health care once a week. I thought, once a week is awesome, but it would be great if they could do it more than once a week.” In addition to the expanded clinic, the 46,000-square-foot campus will feature a dog park, a cat cafe and an education center to host training classes, school field trips, summer camps and more. More importantly, it will bring the facility up to standards of other Humane Society chapters — even those in smaller cities such as Asheville and Chapel Hill have more modern, state-of-the-art buildings, Moore says. “For a community like this to not have a top-flight facility is very surprising,” Rivera says. While the age and deterioration of the current building are factors, Moore says there are other challenges. “[The current facility] was really never designed to house animals for adoption, period,” she says. “In the ’70s, 20,000 animals a year were coming through this building. Those animals were only staying 72 hours, and then they were euthanized. They weren’t concerned about noise levels, disease control, stress on the animals.” Since that time, the shelter animal population in Charlotte has decreased, with fewer than 10,000 animals coming into city shelters each year, Moore says. (The Humane Society accepts owner surrenders and also receives transfers from municipal shelters when they run out of space.) One reason for the decrease is improved access to low-cost spay and neuter services. Another factor is social media, as people are able to find new homes for animals or reunite lost pets with owners southparkmagazine.com | 107


Stephanie and Ron Rivera got involved with the Humane Society of Charlotte shortly after moving to the Queen City in 2011. In addition to serving as honorary co-chairs of the organization’s current fundraising campaign, the couple are looking to adopt a new female pup as a companion to Tahoe, their 16-month-old golden retriever who is in training to become a therapy dog. “I like having two,” Stephanie Rivera says. “Our last golden retriever had a rescue buddy, so that’s kind of how we do it in our family.” While Ron might be head coach, Tahoe already thinks he’s in charge. It helps that Panthers owner David Tepper and his wife, Nicole, also happen to be dog lovers, Stephanie says. “Tahoe gets to go everywhere. He just walks into the stadium like he owns it. He’s on the elevator, on the escalator. He’s hilarious.” 108

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The Humane Society’s new 17.7acre campus on Berryhill Road is about a mile from the current facility. “We wanted to stay in this area and serving the same people,” says Emily Cook, marketing and communications manager. “Obviously, we wanted to have a new facility and new land, but we didn’t want to abandon the people we are serving and need our help the most.” The site includes three outparcels that hopefully will attract other nonprofit groups.

via sites such as Nextdoor and Facebook. “What has also shifted is our population of animals coming into the shelters has changed significantly,” Moore says. “We don’t see a lot of puppies or kittens or small fluffies anymore.” Currently, about 76% of shelter pets in Charlotte are adopted, Moore says. To be considered a “no-kill” community, that figure needs to reach 90%. “But as you get closer to that 90%, they’re harder-to-place animals,” she says, particularly feral cats and midsize to large breed dogs with behavior and/or medical issues. “You’re not getting those highly adoptable animals that fly out the door in 24 hours, so your length of stay for those pets is a little longer. You have to make sure they don’t deteriorate in your care.” Kennels at the existing facility, which can house as many as 120 animals, are side-by-side, separated by a chain-link fence. The average length of stay is nine days, says Emily Cook, the society’s marketing and communications manager. At the new center, each animal will have its own room with clear glass windows that will reduce sound and stress. Dedicated adoption counseling rooms will allow prospective owners to interact with the animals.

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ith fewer animals moving through shelters in recent years, services provided by the Humane Society have evolved. “A lot of our work has shifted and focused on retention of that human-animal bond — providing assistance to people in crisis, like through our food bank, access to affordable veterinary care — which is a big component of what we’re doing in the new building — and also those education and training opportunities for not just people with pets but for children to create a more humane future for our community,” Moore says. “Our whole vision is not that we were going to build a shelter or recreate what we have here,” she says. The goal instead is to create a community resource center to support pet lovers

and make it easier for people to keep pets in their homes. Training programs could include everything from how to housebreak your new puppy to basic behavior. “You look at the reasons people give up pets, you want to mitigate that by providing resources to people to help solve those problems,” Moore says. The 60-employee organization is largely dependent on volunteers for everything from walking dogs to data entry. Still, given the size and conditions at the current center, the group is unable to accommodate all the requests from parents and children who want to volunteer. “Kids and animals are a natural fit. There’s been a lot of research that’s shown when animals are the topic of anything educationally, kids are more focused on it,” Moore says. “Having a place where they can come and learn and volunteer is my goal. A place where they can feel comfortable, with after-school programs and kids camps, and just learn those basic character traits that we want all kids to have — compassion, responsibility, empathy and kindness — that can be facilitated through interacting with animals and learning about animals,” she says. The Humane Society is targeting June 30 as an end date for its fundraising campaign, with construction then expected to take about a year. “You know, I think about quality of life for the city of Charlotte — just take animals out of it for now — and you want to be proud of the city that you live in,” Moore says. “And you want us to value living beings. People and animals are part of that. I think if we can elevate the stature of animal welfare in this community, it creates a more humane community and quality of life for people.” Improving access to care and training is a start. Unlike the current facility, which only offers wellness clinics for four hours a week, the new center will have three exam rooms that will be open every day. “And people won’t have to wait outside in the rain,” Rivera says. SP southparkmagazine.com | 109


Wisdom from the

Southern kitchen ON BACON GREASE AND HONORING TRADITION: FOR THESE CHARLOTTE CHEFS, SOME SKILLS ARE GRANDFATHERED IN. BY BEN JARRELL • PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL HRIZUK

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|cuisine

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wo cans of bacon grease sat on the kitchen counter of Louise Prewitt’s home off Third Street near downtown Memphis. Mrs. Prewitt — not one to throw away anything that might be useful, according to her grandson — would use one can for a general cooking fat, the other for frying chicken. Her grandson, James Beard Award nominee Greg Collier, paid attention to his grandmother, who he called “Granny.” Collier and his wife, Subrina, own The Uptown Yolk restaurant at 7th Street Public Market and are among the co-founders of Soul Food Sessions, a group of African American chefs who recently returned from cooking at the James Beard House in New York. When Collier’s mother spent time at the couple’s house in 2014, she did the same thing with her bacon grease. When her son asked why, the answer was clear: “Because we’ve always done it.” Some of the South’s best chefs have stories of tugging at grandma’s apron strings, standing on a milkcrate while she canned the summer harvest. For many acclaimed Southern cooks such as Sean Brock, Mashama Bailey and Vivian Howard, it was almost a rite of passage to help shell peas or punch biscuits from an early age. Three Queen City chefs share similar memories reflecting the varied backgrounds of Charlotte residents. For these local chefs, special lessons learned from a grandparent helped define the type of cook they’d become. Wielding family tradition, they are sewing the skills and wisdom of their forebears, allowing us — as Charlotte diners — to reap the benefits.

THE LAST SPOONFUL Don’t let her modesty and goofy 7 a.m. dance parties on social media fool you — 300 East’s Laney Jahkel-Parrish is a force in the pastry department. In February, chef-owner Ashley Bivens Boyd moved over to handle the savory side of the menu at the Dilworth spot that’s been a neighborhood favorite for more than 30 years. Along with her succession to pastry chef came Jahkel-Parrish’s unique style. The chef’s idea of tres leches cake differs starkly from the version Boyd made famous after it was featured in Food & Wine in 2017. Jahkel-Parrish’s interpretation was inspired by her grandfather’s favorite drink, a Cuban espresso with a heavy dose of canned, sweetened condensed milk called a cortadito. She remembers her grandfather, who grew up in Havana before eventually becoming a chef in Miami, holding his tiny cup and spoon as he “shuffled around” the house in his slippers. “He always wore the checkered chef pants just about to the day he died,” Jahkel-Parrish, 41, remembers. “That, and a white, gauzy Cubavera-style shirt.” After he retired, he enjoyed sitting down with his young granddaughter to show off his life’s work.

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THE NO-WASTE KITCHEN His plates appear as satellites across the world of the African diaspora — scattered, but focused and intentional. At the moment, Greg Collier is in experimental mode. His Uptown Yolk restaurant is coasting smoothly as it approaches the one-year mark. But it also serves as a testing ground for menu items for future projects, including Leah & Louise, the Colliers’ new spot (described as a “modern juke joint”) slated to open in Camp North End in early 2020. One element Collier, 38, takes away from his grandmother is the necessity cooking of the Southern black cook. Though he admits he didn’t appreciate it when he was young, as a business owner with a payroll and a waste log, he can now see the frugality and resourcefulness in those cans of bacon grease. 112

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PHOTOGRAPH RIGHT PROVIDED BY LANEY JAHKEL-PARRISH

“He would love to go through photo albums,” she remembers. “Cocktail time,” is how Jahkel-Parrish describes the decadence of the Miami hotel scene in the 1940s. Her grandfather’s specialty was colorful, highly-arranged salads and intricate garnishes. “He loved making those highly sculptural swans out of radishes — all those fun garnishes. Everything was over-the-top on the buffets and displays at the hotels.” Even at home, simple BLTs were garnished with an olive, tomato flower or a carrot curl, says Jahkel-Parrish, who started working at 300 East in 2016 as an intern while studying at Johnson & Wales University. But when “Pop” had the opportunity to build his own spot, he wanted to serve simple, approachable food like burgers and french fries for the people in his neighborhood. It’s that same approachability, combined with the methodical flair of her ever-garnishing grandfather, that informs JahkelParrish’s pastry repertoire. Her plates interpret flavors of kids’ cereals, s’mores, ants on a log and Coca-Cola floats — all displayed with elegant precision. Jahkel-Parrish reflects on her grandfather’s cortadito as she prepares an espresso syrup with house-made sweetened condensed milk, painstakingly made from scratch using full-fat milk from Charlotte-based Uno Alla Volta dairy. The cake is soaked in the syrup to create the effect of a tres leches. JahkelParrish knew she had nailed the recipe when a longtime Latina dishwasher asked her to bake an entire cake for her family. Inevitably, the last spoonful of her grandfather’s cortadito always had some of the thick, syrupy sweetened condensed milk, left undissolved — which, when mixed with the last of the dark Cuban espresso, presented an entirely new treat altogether. Jahkel-Parrish’s goal is turning each bite of her tres leches cake into that last spoonful of cortadito. “He would take that little demi-tasse spoon and turn it up, scrape it in his mouth,” JahkelParrish remembers. “And wink at me.”


Laney Jahkel-Parrish’s café con tres leches cake with coffee milk crumb, guava curd and mango purée is inspired by her grandfather’s favorite drink.

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Greg Collier’s smoked, deboned turkey wing is pan-roasted and basted with sorghum sauce and dried chiles.

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A recent large order of bitter greens yielded too many left-over stems to ignore. Typically trashed or composted, in the no-waste kitchen of Louise Prewitt’s grandson, Collier instead turned the excess into “stem chowchow.” The chowchow landed in Collier’s mise en place — a chef’s arrangement of basic ingredients for cooking — and has become one of his favorite flavor bases. Funky and acidic, the relish mixes with everything from apples to bacon and serves as a foil to smoky meats such as pork shoulder and rich bean dishes like cassoulet. “We already know what to do with the greens,” Collier tells me. “Now we want to know what else we can do with them.” The chef ordered another case of greens solely for the purpose of R&D, to recreate the conditions of the no-waste kitchen of his grandmother. The dried leaves he shows me would keep indefinitely if proper conditions are maintained. To comply with public health regulations, the product can be dried, then frozen. To help populate the menu at his upcoming restaurant, Collier is working on a slaw using reconstituted dried collards to serve alongside a confit smoked turkey wing, sweet potato pickles, sorghum hot sauce and sweet peach mustard. A dinner hosted several years ago by food historian Michael Twitty at The Asbury was the catalyst that eventually led to Collier’s idea for the dried collards. But the refusal to throw those stems away — and the drying of collard leaves for preservation — echoes the no-waste cooking of his grandmother’s Memphis kitchen. In this way, many of Collier’s dishes are continuing journeys rather than fixed destinations; each one a tangible memory of his life experiences, an ever-evolving summation of influences, new and old. Louise passed away about 10 years ago. But Collier will pay respect to her no-waste kitchen with his new restaurant, which is named after his “Granny” and his late sister, Leah. Collier aims to intersect the opening of Leah & Louise with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, writing with a pensive hand another chapter in the Charlotte food scene.

RISING WITH THE BISCUITS “Y’all know you gotta get up? It’s time to go to church,” Ma would call to her sleepy grandchildren on days when they were slow to stir. It was true, they did have to go to Sunday church, but first, they had to prepare for Sunday supper. Or, more accurately, they had to prepare Sunday supper. Memories of the Southern kitchen began early for 31-year-old chef Whitney Thomas. Typically, though, rising along with the buttermilk biscuits in Ma’s house in Reidsville, about two hours northeast of Charlotte, wasn’t too demanding. “There weren’t too many mornings I didn’t want to wake up and be around her,” Thomas remembers fondly. From as young as age 3, Thomas, who recently became executive chef at Bob Peters’ cocktail lounge The Queen & Glass, remembers helping in the kitchen at the heels of her grandmother. Her grandfather was a farmer, and his garden provided much of the corn, squash and peas used for

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Whitney Thomas’ sweet potato soup is garnished with bourbon crema, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oil.

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Sunday supper. But the cooking was up to “Ma” — or Madea, which in many black families is short for “Mother Dear,” explains Thomas, who will compete on an upcoming episode of the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay. Prepping for the Sunday meal was a family effort. They’d start the night before. But much of the cooking — from making cornbread to frying chicken — was done in the early morning hours before church. Most mornings, Thomas and the other grandchildren needed no further prompting than the sweet smells of bacon, butter and biscuits in the air — the promises of a breakfast, waiting. But on Sundays at 6 a.m., Thomas would wake to the sound of her grandmother’s gospel music playing in the other room. An army of kids from Ma’s eight children teamed up to shuck corn, stir greens and shell peas. The after-church meal consisted of fried chicken, ribs, collard greens, potato casserole, buttermilk pie and her grandmother’s specialty — a sweet potato pie that, years later, would inspire one of Thomas’ favorite dishes. “At 8 o’clock, we’d start frying chicken. We’d have to be in Sunday School by 10, so the meal would be completely done before we left. Then after church, we’d sit down and everybody would eat,” Thomas recalls. “People would come from church just to get some of her food — her sweet potato pie. Nobody could make a pie like Ma.” I asked Thomas if she ever attempted her grandmother’s recipe. “I don’t mess with it at all.” Instead, she takes some of the familiar flavors and creates something all her own. Thomas’ sweet potato soup plays on that childhood memory. Sweet potatoes are smoked to “deepen the flavor,” she says. Warm spices such as nutmeg are relics of her Ma’s Sunday supper pie. The soup is pureed and served with bourbon crema, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oil. However, it’s not just the baking spices and sweet tubers that Thomas took away from her Ma. One weekend when she was young, a bad thunderstorm left the family without power. With the lights out, they shelled peas in the dark. A recent power failure in the walk-in cooler at work reminded Thomas of that perseverance. “The show must go on,” Thomas says with a smile. Her employer rented a refrigerated truck from Cheney Brothers in Statesville. Thomas and her entire team moved everything from the walk-in to the truck while repairs were made. “We opened at 5 o’clock,” Thomas says. “We did it.”

T

hese three chefs are preserving traditions so that in their dining rooms, we get to live those experiences, too. Sitting at their tables, we get to be family. Innovation certainly has its place. But with the prevalence of modern culinary trends from sous vide to gelling agents to ice chefs, it’s important not to forget to look behind us, as well. It’s imperative we pass on the skills of our families, lest we forget how to cure, pickle, can and prune the food that walks upon and grows beneath our soil. And while it may not be something we have to do these days, it’s something we get to do because of their sweat in the dirt, their elbow grease in the kitchen. As these chefs have shown, it’s a debt we can repay, a responsibility we can fulfill with a dedication to tradition — and, I reckon, the occasional plate of grandma’s biscuits and jam. SP

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A Room with a

A view A LUXURIOUS IRISH ESTATE-TURNED-HOTEL TRANSPORTS YOU TO ANOTHER ERA. BY ERIN BREEDEN

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s my driver navigated down the winding driveway in the early hours of the morning, I saw Ballyfin for the first time. Awestruck, my mouth opened slightly as we pulled up to the front of the hotel — a house, actually — as the Irish fog began to lift. Four pillars flank the entrance of the former estate built in the 1820s that would be my home away from home for the next few days. As the staff came out to greet me by name, I couldn’t help but think I had accidentally stepped right into an episode of Downton Abbey. About an hour and a half outside of Dublin, Ballyfin is located in County Laois at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. The 614-acre private estate built by Lady Caroline and Sir Charles Coote operated as a boarding school during much of the 20th century. It was converted to a 20-room luxury hotel that opened in 2011.


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Ballyfin is a throwback to a bygone era, when the pace of life was much slower. The art throughout the hotel is from the 1800s or earlier, and many paintings, found at auction or estate sales, feature members of the Coote family. Known for its beauty and impeccable service and dining, the 5-star hotel has earned the No. 1 spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the Top 10 Resort Hotels in the United Kingdom and Ireland for three years running. It’s been a choice for some notable celebs, too. Kim and Kanye honeymooned here in 2014. In April, George and Amal Clooney spent the Easter holiday here with family. It didn’t take long for me to understand the appeal. Upon my arrival, staff members introduced themselves and offered me a complimentary glass of champagne — never mind the fact that it was barely 7:00 a.m. Glass in hand, I was directed toward check-in — a spot I would soon learn was called The Whispering Room: The curved design of the ceiling allows two people standing in opposite corners to hear one another’s faintest conversations. My luggage was waiting for me when I arrived at my room, which was situated above the library with a view of a fountain and the lake. Named for Henry VIII’s daughter Mary, the Maryborough room featured a grand bed that I didn’t want to leave and a marble bathroom with a walk-in shower, fireplace and a large tub for soaking. All 20 guest rooms — 120

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each are decorated in a different style — also offer modern-day amenities, including a coveted Dyson hairdryer. After a brief rest, I was famished and headed downstairs to the dining room for lunch. While I was admiring the view of the cascading waterfall feature, a man with twinkly eyes and lovely Irish accent approached my table and asked if he could join me. As we talked, I learned that my lunch companion was Jim Reynolds, the landscape designer (and a shareholder of Ballyfin) who oversaw the nearly 10-year restoration of the property, including the waterfall I had been admiring moments ago. The estate is owned by Fred Krehbiel, an American businessman whose family once owned a Chicago electronics manufacturing company, and his Irish-born wife, Kay. During my stay, I had the opportunity to enjoy the grounds Jim had painstakingly designed on daily walks and bike rides around the manmade lake. But my favorite way to explore the estate was via horse-drawn carriage. Lionel Chadwick, head butler and coachman, took my group on a tour of the grounds in a carriage led by Ben and Kit, two of the estate’s horses, where

we saw blooming bluebells, a 400-year-old tree and relics of the property’s different iterations, such as a grotto from the 1700s and a tower built in the 1860s that visitors can still climb. Back at the hotel, dining at the Ballyfin is a foodie’s dream. Chef Sam Moody incorporates fresh ingredients from the gardens and works with local butchers, organic farms and fishermen to develop his seasonal menus. Eggs are sourced from hens right on the estate, and honey is produced from on-site bee hives. If you don’t want to miss a minute of exploring the grounds, Moody and his team will prepare a picnic of sandwiches, housemade chips and canapés for you to enjoy at the grotto, by the lake or at other locations throughout the property. One of the most memorable experiences I had during my stay at the Ballyfin was a falconry session, where I was introduced to owls and a peregrine falcon — but the true star was Maeve, a beautiful hawk and treated us to one of her signature tricks. When released by Tom, a professional falconer, she came barreling toward me and landed on my arm with the weight of a feather. As my stay was coming to an end, I was in for one last treat. At our farewell dinner, the members of my

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group got to dress up in gowns and accessories that had been purchased from the Lyric Opera of Chicago. For about $65, plus an additional fee for optional photography, guests can choose from 40 different period costumes to wear for an evening. I selected a dress that made me feel like a heroine from a Jane Austen novel. Our dresses rustling with every step, we headed to the Gold Room for a glass of champagne before a dinner that felt straight out of a period drama. While we were enjoying our drinks, our favorite head butler, Lionel Chadwick, turned up dressed as Ross Poldark, the title character from the BBC period drama series based on novels written by Winston Graham. The next morning, after I put my Austen-esque dress away and prepared to return to real life, I took one last walk around the grounds and one more look around the house. “Goodbye, Miss Erin,” I heard as I approached my waiting car. Impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, delicious food, memorable excursions and views that truly showcase the inspiration for the Johnny Cash song “40 Shades of Green.” The Ballyfin was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. SP

GETTING THERE: Direct flights from Charlotte to Dublin are available at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. From Dublin Airport, you can either call a car or a cab, or arrange for a car service with the Ballyfin.

EAT AND DRINK: There is an endless supply

of fresh-made cookies and soda bread throughout the main part of the house, along with coffee and champagne. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room or privately in your guest room. For an alternative setting, take your tea or coffee in the glass-enclosed conservatory just off the library.

DO: Sign up for the sporting clays, archery,

falconry or fishing to enjoy the grounds and the beautiful scenery. The Ballyfin spa offers a gym, an indoor pool and a full menu of spa treatments.

SEE: Peruse the first-edition books in the library,

or explore the rolling hills of the property. Or visit the gardens at Ballyfin, including where fresh vegetables and herbs are grown. SP

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swirl A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

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he Arts Empowerment Project was started in 2011 by local attorney Natalie Frazier Allen, far right, to provide access to arts and enrichment programs for abused and at-risk kids. This year, more than 1,000 children will benefit from programs supported by The Arts Empowerment Project. The 5th annual New Day Luncheon, a fundraiser with a silent auction, was held Oct. 3 at Mint Museum Uptown. Corey Mitchell, far left, and Ashley Anderson, center, served as event emcees.

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A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

The Ultimate Power Lunch A benefit for Dress for Success Charlotte Fillmore Charlotte September 24

Carolyn and Paul Silas

Alex Wallace and Reggie Willis

Kara Schlageter and Tori Stevens

Tim and Madia Barber

This year’s Ultimate Power Lunch was attended by Miss USA Cheslie Kryst, who has long been an advocate for the Dress for Success program. Kryst, former board chair Colletta Bryce and others spoke at the organization’s signature fundraiser. The event also honored Tim and Madia Barber for their philanthropy in the Charlotte area.

Brent Fatticci, Jay Everette and Edie Fletcher

Mary Lou Babb and Ann Caulkins

David Head and Erin Lentz

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Maureen O’Boyle and Cheslie Kryst

Linda Lockman-Brooks, Joan Zimmerman and Catherine Nason Zimmerman

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL COSTON

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A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Allegro’s 10th Annual Golf Invitational benefiting the Allegro Foundation The Golf Club at Ballantyne September 9 The Allegro Foundation celebrated 10 years on the links with its annual golf tournament. Allegro founder and President Pat Farmer and tournament chair Jason Schugel welcomed those that braved the early September heat to experience a fun day at The Golf Club at Ballantyne. Attendees enjoyed a special presentation by the children of Allegro, and the event also honored Gary Babcock for helping start the annual tourney a decade ago.

Nick Trivisonno

Allegro Kid George and Jason Schugel start the tournament

Kim Henderson and Donna de Molina

Jason Schugel with first place winners

Pat Farmer and Gary Babcock

The children of Allegro

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL COSTON

Pat Farmer, Tim Black, Donnell Woolford William Wilson, Michael Utt, Donnell Woolford


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A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

BBQ & Blue Jeans A benefit for Pat’s Place September 6

Catinna Sideris and Julie Jackson

Heather Johnson and Emily Tamilin

Whitney Whitlock, Karen Perry and Kelly Ridinger

Valerie Williams and Sheila Little

Kelly Navarro, Jenny and Jason Cianciolo

Music for the evening was provided by Mike Orlando and Friends.

Stephen and Parker Shuford

Heidi Kirschner

Kelli Wood and Lori Avery

Darron Meares and Nichole Desko

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL COSTON

Angie and Bill Zimmern

BBQ & Blue Jeans has become one of the signs that the fall social season is in full swing. For 15 years, patrons have enjoyed music, food and drink, and a silent auction, all while raising money for Pat’s Place, which advocates for children impacted by abuse. This year’s event was held at a private home in south Charlotte.


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A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

New Day Luncheon A benefit for the Arts Empowerment Project Mint Museum Uptown October 3

Shane Manier and Jah Smalls

Vickie and Tom Gabbard and Natalie Frazier Allen

Samantha McCall, Todd Herman and Ann Tarwater

Karen Parker

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Isabella Villanueva sings

Natalie Frazier Allen and Ashley Anderson

Roman Harper and Heather Haukaas Harper

Valecia McDowell

Family members of Anjali Maria Arnold, who was awarded posthumously

Valerie Lupold, center, accepts her award

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL COSTON

Rubie Britt-Height, Todd Herman and Nellie Ashford

Corey Mitchell and Jeep Bryant

The Arts Empowerment Project’s 5th annual luncheon honored several local artists and organizations for their community efforts, including Valecia McDowell of Moore & Van Allen, Karen Parker of SafeAlliance, Valerie Lupold, Shane Manier & Jah Smalls of Guerilla Poets, and the late Anjali Maria Arnold. The arts empowerment project provides access to arts programs for abused and at-risk kids.


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A monthly guide to Charlotte’s parties and galas

Best of Open Mic Night Blumenthal Performing Arts McGlohon Theater at Spirit Square August 30 Every year, Blumenthal honors those that shine the brightest at its monthly Open Mic shows. Selected by audience members, this year’s Open Mic celebration featured singing, dancing, comedy and more. The evening was capped off by Jay Rogers Bluesman laying down the blues while the Carolina Classic Cloggers danced along.

Jay Rogers Bluesman and the Carolina Classic Cloggers

Tara Brown

Maegan Bellassai

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Evan Brezicki

Landon Bryson and Ralph Beck

Queen City Groove

Connor Graeber

Frances Hall

Allison Reid

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LONGLEY PHTOTOGRAPHY

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SNAPSHOT

Coming clean

PROJECT OUTPOUR’S LAUREEN JENKINS PROMOTES HEALTH AND DIGNITY FOR OUR CITY’S MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS.

aureen Jenkins is showering people with kindness — literally. Jenkins, 38, is the founder of Project Outpour, which provides access to showers for homeless people. Traveling with her customized mobile shower trailer, Jenkins — a native of upstate New York who moved to Charlotte when she was 16 — and her volunteers set up each week outside of Spintastic Laundromat and The Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, allowing homeless guests access to a warm shower. Her compassionate spirit, along with a longstanding passion for helping others, is reflected in her work, which seeks to elevate humanity and dignity in everyone, regardless of their circumstances. Comments were edited for brevity and clarity. Where did this idea come from? In 2015, I was working in Dallas for a nonprofit that helped people living in poverty and dealing with homelessness. One day, I was chatting with a homeless man. It was a hot and gross day, and I found out that he hadn’t taken a shower in two weeks. I remember thinking about how there are so many good things like shelters and food pantries, but we never think about people needing to shower. I was disgusted that so many people were missing a basic human need. I saw a food truck and that’s when God planted the seed in me: If we can put food on a truck, why not showers? When did you take your idea to the next level? After I moved back to Charlotte in 2016, I had fleeting ideas about it. Then in the summer of 2017, I had lunch with 136

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my mom and I said, “Remember that shower idea? I’ve actually been doing research on it and this is a thing.” I had no idea that other places had identified this as a need and were doing it, and it was working. I said, “We’re doing this!” Are there any rules for the people who use your showers? We do have a set of basic expectations. It’s really just a simple code of conduct. We ask people not to smoke in the bathrooms. We ask them to be mindful of the 20-minute time limit. Of course, no harassing anyone. You also provide useful items to those you serve. I don’t like pre-assembled hygiene kits. It’s well-intentioned, but I think they can be wasteful and remove an opportunity for people to make decisions for themselves. We let people choose up to four items. We have combs, lip balm, deodorant and more. We want people to choose what they need, rather than giving them things they don’t need and won’t use. What’s next for Project Outpour? I want to go to more locations, hopefully Freedom Drive and uptown. I’m exploring other community partnerships, such as partnering with laundromats. The idea is that we would give people some kind of laundry card they could use to pay for doing their laundry. That would be another way to foster personal responsibility and accountability. While I’m not going to wash or fold your clothes for you, I will cover the cost. To learn more about Project Outpour, visit projectoutpour.org.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PROJECT OUTPOUR

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