October 2010

OCTOBER 2010

VOL 14 NO 6 COMPLIMENTARY

WOMAN lizi sukowatey Hitting Her Stride

ghost stories A Spirited Look At The Queen City

falling for foliage Celebrating NC’s Colorful Vistas

becoming a previvor Genetic Testing Creates A New Outlook On Breast Cancer

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4 eyes Trends In Glasses For Fall

office space Making A Home Office Work

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FALL. IN LOVE WITH FASHION. SOUTHPARK’S RUNWAY FASHION EVENT OCTOBER 22 & 23.

Up close and fashionable! A new season of change arrives at SouthPark with spectacular runway fashion shows, the latest cosmetic and accessories trends, and extraordinary special offers. Join us Friday, October 22 for Trends & Friends Night, a fun night of pampering and sampling with fashion, cocktails, and bites, plus prize giveaways. The fun continues Saturday with more runway fashion shows, prize giveaways, interactive beauty demonstrations, and an appearance by style expert Bobbie Thomas. You’ve seen her on the red carpet and on your favorite national morning show. Now, Bobbie joins Simon Fashion Now to give you the straightforward style advice she’s famous for. Visit simon.com or find us on Facebook for details.

Belk ❘ Dillard’s ❘ Macy’s ❘ Neiman Marcus ❘ Aéropostale ❘ Banana Republic ❘ BCBGMAXAZRIA ❘ bebe ❘ Brooks Brothers ❘ Caché ❘ Carmen! Carmen! Prestige Salon & Spa Chico’s ❘ Cole Haan ❘ Francesca’s Collections ❘ Gap ❘ GapKids ❘ GUESS ❘ Gymboree ❘ Janie and Jack ❘ J. Jill ❘ Jessica McClintock ❘ The Limited ❘ Lucky Brand ❘ Montblanc Nine West ❘ Poppy Pia ❘ Pure ❘ Sedona Boutique ❘ Sephora ❘ Solstice ❘ Tommy Bahama ❘ True Religion Brand Jeans ❘ Tumi ❘ White House | Black Market

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ThE NEw FaLL FaShioNS arEN’T ThE oNLy ThiNg gETTiNg you a SECoNd Look Before

After

Before

After

Trust your face to M. Sean Freeman, MD, specializing in facial plastic surgery since 1988.

www.onlyfaces.com 704.543.1110

The Forum at Ballantyne Commons 11220 Elm Lane, Suite 101 Charlotte, NC 28277

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Live fully, love deeply, laugh loudly...

and smiLe more!

M e e t O u r N e w D O c tO r s : dr. david Lesansky University Dental Associates is pleased to announce its association with Dr. David Lesansky at the convenient University Place practice. Dr. Lesansky comes to us from sunny southwest Florida where he was in private practice for 10 years. He has chosen Charlotte for its beautiful weather, dynamic culture and magnificent scenery. As an alumnus of the University of Florida, Dr. Lesansky brings a strong educational background to the University area, which he has expanded upon with numerous intensive continuing education seminars. He prides himself on strong communication skills with his patients, learning from them what their concerns and desires for treatment are. Only in this way can he offer his patients the highest level of care and compassion. We invite you to make an appointment with Dr. Lesansky today to experience quality dental care.

dr. david Lesansky, dr. david Woolston & dr. greg griffin

oPen house Meet the New Doctors from University Dental Associates

thursday, october 7th, 2010 6:00 - 8:00 pm ~HOSTED BY ~ dean & deluca Wine room at Phillips Place meet, mingle & enjoy wine & hors d’oeuvres!

dr. david WooLston Dr. David Woolston graduated from the UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 1993. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for three years with the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune. He is currently a Navy Reservist with the rank of Commander and serves one weekend a month at the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Throughout his career, Dr. Woolston has had the privilege of practicing dentistry around the world, including locations such as Japan, Spain and proudly served on a humanitarian mission to Thailand. In 1999, he earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He has been a member of the Academy of General Dentistry since 1993 and in 2006 distinguished himself as a Fellow in the Academy. Dr. Woolston enjoys long-distance running and photography. dr. greg griffin Dr. Greg Griffin is a native of Union County, N.C. He received his DDS degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1987 and then spent 21 years in solo private practice. Dr. Griffin has many hobbies. He is a private pilot, enjoys motorcycles, an avid fisherman and boater. He recently spent two years living and traveling on his boat along the coast of the U.S., Mexico and Central America. He brings to UDA many years of clinical experience in direct patient care and practice management.

Call us today to schedule your next visit or service with us.

We look forward to serving you and your family!

W W W. u da d e n t i s t r y. C o m

new hours at our southPark location beginning october 5th: tuesdays & Wednesdays till 7pm s e rv i n g 4 C h a r L ot t e L o Cat i o n s ! southPark 2901 Coltsgate Rd. Suite 201, Charlotte 704.362.1211

generaL dentistry

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mallard Creek 10320 Mallard Creek Rd. Suite 160, Charlotte 704.494.7394

•

Crown Point 2300 Sardis Rd. North Suite G, Charlotte 704.846.3755

CosmetiC dentistry

•

university Place 8401 University Executive Pkwy.

Suite 110, Charlotte 704.547.1970

PeriodontiCs

•

imPLants

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Contents October 2010

56

68 60

58

68

49 Departments 12 From The Publisher Live With It

14 Girl Time

20 Queen City Jewels

60 At Home Getting Down To Business

Happenings You Don’t Want To Miss

In Your Home Office

Banking In The Pink

Wellenreiter Dentistry At Blakeney Is All Smiles

26 On The Move

Charlotte Women Making Strides

27 Work Notes

Climbing The Food Pyramid From Your Desk

56 Fashion

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67 Meet Our Advertisers

68 Health Flash

What You Need To Know To Stay Well

72 Meet Our Advertisers

University Dental Associates, Putting Patients First

Glasses Half Full New Looks In Eyewear T o d a y ’ s

Where There’s Smoke ...

Tips, Trends, And Fancies

24 Money Talks

6

58 Beauty

74 Tomorrow’s Charlotte Woman Charlotte’s Future Fabulous Females

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Where Charlotte finds its style.

New Fall Styles Arriving Daily!

Blakeney 704.542.8865

Historic South End 704.523.4480

Concord Mills 704.979.0365

Matthews 704.844.8358

Northlake -Perimeter Parkway 704.596.9507

www.offbroadwayshoes.com Join us on OB779_Todays_Woman_Charlotte-Fall.indd 1

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Facebook.com/offbroadwayshoesinc & follow us on

Twitter@OBSW 7/30/10 12:34 PM

9/17/10 4:04 PM

28

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Volume XIV, Number 6 October 2010

PUBLISHER

Belva Greenage ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Fern Howerin Editor

Michelle Young Hubacher Assistant Editor

Karsen Price ART DIRECTor

Anita O’Hara SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Cara Gracie Craver

pROFILEs

Sales Executive

28 The New Face Of Survival A Local “Previvor” Shares Her Story Of Dealing With The Possibility

Of Breast Cancer

Barbara Herd

30

32 Going The Distance Lizi Sukowatey Celebrates 40 With 40 Races

54

36 Stamp Of Approval Philatelist Esper Hayes Shares Her Love Of Stamp Collecting

FEATUREs 40 The Conference Convenes North Carolina Governor’s Conference Kicks Off In Raleigh Next Month

32

44 Boo! Charlotte Author Tells The Stories That Haunt The Queen City

48 Tripping On Fall Foliage Where To Go To See The Leaves Change 54 Orange You Glad You Know Pumpkin Facts And Figures

54

OnTheCover Lizi sukowatey, founder of the forty 4 forty project.

Business Manager

Nikki Wilson WEb Designer

Cliff McNamara CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Bradford-Epstein Fiona Harmon Melinda Johnston Courtney McLaughlin Karsen Price Lee Rhodes Renee Roberson Diane Silcox-Jarrett CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Augusto Photography James Brown Scott Stiles 5200 Park Road, Suite 111 Charlotte, NC 28209 704/521-6872 www.todayscharlottewoman.com Today’s Charlotte Woman is published by Today’s Woman Inc., and is distributed on a complimentary basis throughout the greater Charlotte area.

Subscription rate is $20 per year for 11 issues plus the TCW Resource Guide.

Copyright ©2010 Today’s Woman, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

Today’s Charlotte Woman and Today’s Woman Inc. do not necessarily endorse the views and perceptions of contributors or advertisers.

Photo By scott stiles.

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Peaceful sleeper?

The REVITA-Medic Sleep Secret...

It’s NOT your mattress.

The key to a peaceful & rejuvenating sleep does not lie in your mattress.

As women mature, they don’t sleep as restfully as they once did. The reasons are straightforward and could be related to your hormone levels.

With a simple blood test, physicians at REVITA can offer you natural supplementation, which is custom blended for your body’s specific needs and will bring your levels to optimal. This will enable you to sleep and feel better than you have in years...likely decades! Rediscover you at REVITA Medical!

REVITA Natural Wellness Physicians can also help you increase energy, decrease body fat, improve libido, eliminate brain fog, stop hot flashes and much more.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy • hCG Diet • Thyroid refreshment • Adrenal fatigue treatment

Call now for a FREE medical consultation!

704-319-5530 ::

www.REVITAMedical.com

7810 Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28277

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visit us on facebook!

Find testimonials that could be your story!

9/23/10 10:22 AM

todayscharlottewoman.com Contest

Recipes

The Eyes Have It

Homemade Holidays

Keep Those Peepers Peppy If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then you should take good care of them. Visit our Web site for tips on safely using eye cosmetics, and while you’re online, take a trip to our Facebook page and enter our contest to win Sephora’s Bronze Smoky Eye Beauty in a Box kit. Send us a Facebook message complete with your e-mail, and we will enter you in the drawing to win. Contest runs Oct. 1 through 29.

Bake Up Pumpkin Pizzazz October and pumpkins are practically synonymous. And while it’s always fun to carve one

Lifestyle

Race Rundown October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and with that comes two of the biggest races of the year, the Komen Charlotte Race For The Cure — Oct. 2 (visit komencharlotte.org) — and the Avon Walk For Breast Cancer — Oct. 23 through 24 (visit walk.avonfoundation.org). For a list of walks and runs through fall, including the CROP Walk For Hunger and the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, visit todayscharlottewoman.com.

Decorating

— or three — pumpkins are even better for you to consume. Loaded with vitamin A and

Fall Fashionably At Home

antioxidant carotenoids, plus minerals such

Top-10 Autumn Décor Trends

from pies to bread to muffins to soup. Welcome

With temperatures reaching record highs

pumpkin treats, such as pumpkin cranberry

throughout the United States this year,

bread, mini pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin

thoughts of fall have seemed but a woeful

soup. Recipes can be found at todayscharlotte-

wish. Finally, it’s here (we think!). Autumn

woman.com.

as magnesium and potassium, pumpkins are the perfect way to mix business with pleasure when it comes to getting your nutrients. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh pumpkin goodies, fall by the gourd-full by whipping up fresh

evokes thoughts of home and hearth, and with that comes the desire to update your home’s décor with designs that will impress — and

Follow Us

help decompress — impend-

Get Connected

Infuse décor

Social media outlets enhance relationships, make information gathering easier, and keep us in the loop with just a click. Want to be in the loop with us? Find Today’s Charlotte Woman on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

sensibility that

ing company. with an autumn exudes comfort and warmth by incorporating some of the top-10 home design trends for fall.

To learn more, visit our Web site.

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www.chschildrensurgentcare.org

When bad things happen to good evenings.

The region’s first Urgent Care for children only.

An urgent care center devoted solely to the care of children is now open for life’s little mishaps. Noon until midnight, seven days a week. So, for fevers, cuts, scrapes and infections, you can receive immediate care if your pediatrician is unavailable.

Our primary goal is your child’s health. And that’s good news when bad things happen.

231 S. Sharon Amity Road (across from Cotswold Village Shops) Charlotte, NC 28211 704-304-6400 Noon - Midnight, 7 days a week No appointment necessary Proudly affiliated with

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PHOTO BY AUGUSTO PHOTOGRAPHY

FromThePublisher

Live With It

I

remember when what are now minor events in my life popped up — like a broken heart, or acne right before class pictures, or not having that fancy dress for the prom — that my mother would matter-of-factly say to me, “Oh, just live with it.” I typically managed to take her advice in stride (is there really any other choice with Mom?). Well, I never dreamed that the phrase “Live with it” would mean what it does to me today. When my oncologist informed me that I would be living with cancer for the rest of my life, well, those prophetic words took on new meaning, and, honestly, they took quite awhile to settle into my psyche.

I experienced what are considered the normal phases when faced with difficult news: denial, anger, and, finally, acceptance. It took me more than a year to realize that acceptance meant being in treatment for the rest of my life and living with the chance of recurrence at any given moment. I had to learn what it meant to live with a killer and not let that fact consume me. I had to change my life and my perspective to focus on living rather than dying.

I had to believe I could be a victor and not a victim.

And God showed the way, and continues to guide me as I nurture a complete and child-like faith in His promises and His will for my life.

Somehow, no matter what you face, you have to find peace in it all. This month, you’ll meet Emily who, through genetic testing, discovered that her genes showed a BRCA2 mutation, which puts her at an increased risk for developing breast cancer in her lifetime. The decision to be tested is a difficult one, but she decided to know and then live with it.

She has done what she needs to do to change her life — what she eats, ensuring that exercise is part of her physical regimen, and limiting her alcohol intake.

She regularly pursues testing that includes MRIs and ultrasounds and still wonders if this is enough.

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And that is all part of “living with it,” making the changes while constantly evaluating if you are doing enough.

You’ll also meet Lizi Sukowatey in our pages this month. She has been living with type 1 diabetes since age 18, and now, at age 40, has created the “Forty 4 Forty” project to raise awareness and funds for the cause. Lizi says, “You can be bitter or better.” And “better” to her means meeting a goal of participating in 40 (yes, 40!) races to celebrate her 40th birthday.

I find great comfort in the stories of these women, and for me the mantra is, “I can live with cancer or die with cancer. I choose to live.” We have all decided to embrace the situation we have been handed with positivity and with proactive measures to improve our quality of life and to help others similarly situated.

To that end, I have launched the Belva Wallace Greenage Cancer Foundation to raise awareness and funds to help cancer patients integrate holistic therapies into their traditional cancer treatments.

The benefits are important to quality of life, as you choose to live. To learn more about the key tenets of the organization and current fundraising efforts, please visit belvascancerfoundation.org.

In the meantime, no matter the situation you face, remember that your response is a choice. You can choose to embrace positivity, change your risk posture, and decide to help others who need your help. Decide to live through the situation on purpose, and let others see your determined spirit and inspired choices.

In love with life,

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Smile created by Dr. Ross W. Nash Photo by Shane Greene

C

M

Y

CM

MY

Rachel Lee Carter

Mrs. North Carolina United States 2009

CY

CMY

K

Of the nearly 8000 American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry members worldwide, there are only 45 who have achieved the exclusive level of Accredited Fellow. In all of North and South Carolina, only one dentist has earned this elite status by illustrating the required level of excellence in the area of cosmetic dentistry: Accredited Fellow Ross W. Nash, DDS.

Cosmetic Dentistry of the

Carolinas

Ross W. Nash, DDS A Full Service General Practice

Accepting New Patients for General & Cosmetic Dental Care

in Southpark at the Nash Institute

6302 Fairview Rd. • Suite102 • Charlotte NC 28210 Appointments: (704)

364-5272

in Huntersville

403 Gilead Road • Suite E • Huntersville NC 28078 Appointments: (704)

895-7660

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GirlTime t i p s ,

t r e n d s ,

a n d

f a n c i e s

COMPILED BY MICHELLE YOUNG HUBACHER

In The Pink Supporting Breast Cancer Research

Pink is, as always, hot for fall — especially in October. In support of breast cancer awareness, makers of products ranging from beauty to household to technology jump on the pink bandwagon with items that support various cancer research organizations. Here are a few of our favorite offerings this year:

Squeaky Clean And Ready To Help

I

n honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Eco Clean has partnered with Cancer101 in that organization’s unique mission to empower breast cancer patients and their caregivers to get organized and informed to fight cancer. During October, 30 percent of the proceeds from purchases of the Eco Clean All Purpose Cleaner will be donated to C101. Since the cleaner is made of plant and sugar-based surfactants, no toxic gases or fumes are released upon contact with water. It is available for $3.99 at Alice.com.

Visit CANCER101.org for information on C101.

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This Otter Help Smartphone Cases Dial In

O

tterBox™, the creator of protective cases for BlackBerry® smartphones, is premiering a pretty pink and white case to benefit Avon’s breast cancer awareness efforts. When you purchase the OtterBox Commuter Series “Strength” case for BlackBerry Curve™ 8520 & 8530 (at $34.95), 10 percent of the purchase price will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

The limited-edition cases are composed of a shock-absorbing silicone skin that wraps around the device, followed by a hard polycarbonate shell that fits over the silicone to provide extra protection and allows the device to slide in and out of a purse or pocket easily. According to OtterBox, all BlackBerry smartphone features remain fully func-

tional through the case.

Visit otterbox.com/strength to find out how you can support the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

For more information or free printable breast cancer information, visit avonfoundation.org.

For information about participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer events, visit avonwalk.org.

Hair Nails Facials Waxing Spa Packages Massage Therapy Gift Cards available Wedding parties welcome SOUTHPARK 704/644-4500 • NORTHLAKE 704/598-3151

Comprehensive

Dental Care

All You Need Is Love

DeDiCateD to your health

Bracelet Of Strength

Restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures. Our promise is to provide you with exceptional care as we enhance the natural beauty of your smile.

Brighton has introduced its 2010 Power of Pink bracelet to support breast cancer research. This year’s design features a small plaque inscribed with the sentiment, “All you need is love.” It comes with one mini-bead, and space to add more mini-beads to personalize the bracelet. A dangling pink ribbon charm displays the commitment to empower those who are challenged by breast cancer.

Brighton will donate $10 for each $50 bracelet sold at company-owned Brighton Collectibles stores from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31 to breast cancer awareness organizations. Brighton will also donate $5 from each bracelet sold at specialty stores, and is encouraging independent retailers to match the company’s donation. Visit brighton.com to find a participating retailer and to find out more about the program. >

Dr. Gwyn Davis, Dr. Tiky Swain, Dr. Kimberly Anderson

Call today to see how we can completely transform your smile with LUMINEERS® and INVISALIGN™ 8420 University Executive Park Suite 805

www.daslingdentistry.com

704 594-9250

O C T O b e r

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GirlTime

Be Pretty In Pink

Pucker Up

The Big Kiss Off

You Have The Tools!

B

eauty powerhouse Sephora unveils its Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Collection this month. One dollar from each item sold will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization that funds clinical and translational breast cancer prevention and research. This year, Sephora is offering the Sephora Collection Pop Up Hair Brush (available for $8 at Sephora stores or sephora.com), a handy, pink, on-the-go beauty essential that is both mirror and hair brush in a slim case.

Other beauty tools in the grouping include the Sephora Collection Pink Eyelash Curler ($16) and the Sephora Collection Compact Mirror ($18), a pink rhinestonestudded mirror in a protective organza pouch; and the Sephora Collection Brush Set ($60), a 10-piece set of brushes for face, eyes, and lips, with a pink travel case.

Also part of the collection, Sephora is offering its Color-to-Go Palette ($15), eight eyeshadows, four lip glosses, and a blush to match any skin tone.

For information on The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, visit bcrfcure.org.

Kimara Ahnert, the posh cosmetic maker and New York-based makeup artist, has introduced Pucker Pink Ribbon Lipstick to her collection of rich lip hues. Each Pink Ribbon Lipstick purchase results in 15 percent of proceeds going to the Libby Ross Foundation to help fund programs for prevention, support, and research. The Foundation is hosting a yoga retreat Oct. 31 through Nov. 2, at Wild Dunes in South Carolina.

For information on the Libby Ross Foundation, the retreat, or other support programs, visit thelibbyrossfoundation.com. The Kimara Ahnert Pink Ribbon Lipstick is available for $24 at Kimara.com.

Urology Specialists of the Carolinas:

The best place to go to relieve incontinence.

Pineville 704-541-8207 ConCord 704-707-2200 UniverSity 704-547-1495

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MatthewS 704-841-8877 hUnterSville 704-892-2949 ballantyne 704-334-4824

Charlotte Queens Rd 704-372-5180 E Third St 704-370-2076

urologyspecialistsnc.com

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Here’s The Key Beauty And Substance A portion of the proceeds from Jane Basch’s unique key pendant goes to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Each necklace features a pendant inscribed with the eponymous pink ribbon in 14-kt gold, and hangs on a 24-inch bead chain. The necklace has a suggested retail price of $225, and may be purchased at janebasch.com. Visit nationalbreastcancer.org for information and to get involved with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

The New Face of Remarkable Women’s Care

Providence OB/GYN welcomes Dr. Lisa Wilson

to our remarkable team of physicians. She earned her medical degree at the University of Cincinnati and completed her residency in ob/gyn at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Dr. Wilson specializes in: • Routine and high-risk obstetrics • Adolescent care • Contraception • Menopause

Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wilson or one of our other remarkable physicians.

As a child, Dr. Wilson idolized her hometown physician. “He was such a combination of charm, humor, and compassion.”

As she grew up, she realized that she had aptitude for science, but definitely wanted a career that interacted with people. For Dr. Wilson, medicine married those things together. She then gravitated to ob/gyn so that she could care for women in all phases of their lives.

“I like the wide range of patients that I get to treat as an ob/gyn—from the 15-year-old coming in for her first visit, to the pregnant 30-year-old, to the 50-year-old dealing with menopausal issues. It is really a blessing to be able to take care of women throughout their lives.”

704-372-4000 1718 East Fourth St. Suite 907 Charlotte, NC 28204

If The Shoe Fits Buy It, And Support The Cause

F

ootwear maker Cape Clogs has introduced two clog designs to support awareness of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. These adorable shoes are available adorned in pink ribbons to support The Ellie Fund’s innovative Care for the Caregiver program, as well as in a butterfly design to support the charity Girlygirl P.A.R.T.S. (Pre-screening Awareness Required To Silence …

Ovarian Cancer!).

The Swedish-made clogs, which are lightweight and con-

structed of Alder wood and Italian leather, are eco-friendly and traditionally good for posture. They’re available in women’s sizes 5 to 11 for $85, at capeclogs.com and at local retailers.

For information on the Clogs for a Cure series, which is offered for fundraising opportunities at wholesale costs, visit capeclogs.com/cancer. For information on The Ellie Fund’s Care for the Caregiver program, visit elliefund.org. For information on Girlygirl P.A.R.T.S., visit girlygirlparts.com. >

Remarkable People. Remarkable Medicine.

Nora Arronte, MD; Demetria Gordon, MD; Philip DeHoff, MD; Christopher Morris, MD; Lisa Wilson, MD

Poppin’

for the Cure

During the month of October, $1.00 from the sale of every Pink Ribbon JewelPop will be donated to the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Distinctively D i ff e re n t J ewe l r y & G i f t s

Pink Ribbon JewelPop Compact Case

Promenade on Providence • Beside Ann Taylor Loft 5341 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy Charlotte, NC 28277 • 704-845-5466

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Fore The Cure

The Little Things

Shedding Light On The Subject

Taking A Swing For A Cause

Streamlight is hoping to help light the way to a cure with the introduction of its diminutive pink Nano Light. Just under 1 1/2 inches long, this handy flashlight doubles as a keychain or hooks easily on your purse. Best of all, for every pink Nano Light sold, $1 goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For information, visit streamlight.com or bcrfcure.org.

G

olf supplier Lady Classic has introduced a line of golf goodies to benefit breast cancer awareness initiatives. From gloves to towels to club head covers, you can support the cause while you hit the course. PUBLICATION: Charlotte the City Magazine DAT The Pink Ribbon CollectionE: August 2006 ARTICLE: Eat, Drink includes golf gloves (both full and half styles) constructed with a leather palm and solar tan technology that provides SPF 10 protection on the back of your gloved hand.

A portion of the proceeds is donated to breast cancer awareness programs. Items in the collection range from $9.95 to $29.95. Visit ladyclassic.com for information. TCW

THAI ORCHID Fine Thai Dining

Experienced Urology Care Technology and experience are key factors in both the diagnosis and treatment of urologic disorders. Lake Norman Urology offers an abundance of both. From the latest medical options for all urologic conditions to minimally invasive surgery, our urologists provide comprehensive treatment of:

We offer brunch from 11-3 on Saturday and Sunday.

Whether you dine indoors or al fresco, it’s a true taste of Tuscany that’s as close as SouthPark.

• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) • Infertility • Impotence • Incontinence • Bladder Dysfunction

Lunch & Dinner Corporate Lunches Private Parties Luncheon Specials Seafood & Vegetarian Saturday Dinner Only Closed on Sundays

Huntersville – Exit 23 off I-77

The Park, 9735 Kincey Avenue, Suite 302, Huntersville, NC 28078 Mooresville – Exit 33 off I-77 137 Professional Park Dr., Suite D, Mooresville, NC 28117

704-660-3322 18

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Fairview Rd

Thai Orchid

• Kidney Stones • Urologic Cancers • Prostate • Bladder • Kidney • Testes

Providence Rd

Adult & Adolescent Urologic Disorders:

Sardis Rd

Strawberry Hill Shopping Center

704.571.4214

(704) 364-1134

4720 PiedmonT RoW dR. PiedmonT ToWn CenTeR

Near the intersection of Providence & Fairview

www.thaiorchidcharlotte.com

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Forgetting something?

Annual mammograms save lives.

Nothing is more important than remembering to get your yearly digital mammogram at a Presbyterian Breast Center.

The crystal-clear images can help save your life. And all of our digital mammograms are performed exclusively by highly trained female technologists.

Make a mental note. Schedule your mammogram today at one of our seven convenient locations.

Call 1-888-844-0080 or visit www.presbyterian.org/mammogram to make an appointment.

seven convenient Breast Center locations.

CHARLOTTE 1718 East 4th Street Charlotte

HunTERsviLLE 10030 Gilead Road Huntersville

EAsTOvER 2900 Randolph Road Charlotte

BALLAnTynE 14215 Ballantyne Corporate Place Charlotte

MATTHEws 1500 Matthews Township Parkway Matthews

univERsiTy 8401 Medical Plaza Drive Charlotte

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MOnROE 2000 Wellness Boulevard Monroe

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Q u e e n H a p p enings

v C i t y Y ou

D on ’ t

J e w e l s W ant

T o

M iss

Time For ‘Tique-ing’ Antiques Fall Festival

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collectibles. The Fall Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is $2, with children under 12 free.

he inaugural Southern Comforts Antiques & Fall Festival will be held Oct. 16 and 17 at the Rowan County Fairgrounds in Salisbury, featuring regional antique vendors, handcrafted items, fresh produce, flowers, and other locally made goods for sale.

Southern Comforts Antiques is an independently owned antique shop located in Concord that features 20 dealers and consignors with an eclectic selection of antiques and

WantToGo?

PHOTOS courtesy of wing haven

Rowan County Fairgrounds is located at 1560 Julian Road, Salisbury. For information about the festival, call Southern Comforts Antiques at 704/788-0505, or visit facebook.com/pages/Southern-ComfortsAntiques/287842971653.

Wing Haven’s Class Act Plant Seminars To Highlight Fall’s Bountiful Offerings

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ing Haven is hosting two events for plant lovers this fall, including: The Fall Plant Sale: Wed., Oct. 6, and Sat., Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn something new, and shop for beautiful specimens to add to your garden.

The sale features free programs each day at 10:30, including Color in the Garden, TussieMussies, Attracting Birds to Your Garden, and Flowering Trees and Shrubs. No registration is necessary for this event.

Piedmont Rockery Bowl Workshop: Thu., Oct. 14, or Sat., Oct. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Register for the event, which costs $50, and you will get 20 QCJ1010.indd 20

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everything you need to create an 18-inch bowl of succulent plants, bulbs, and pebbles to decorate your patio or front steps through the fall and winter months. Your finished Piedmont Rockery Bowl will blend the flora of European mountain slopes with a hint of the American Southwest while prospering in Charlotte’s climate. Registration is required.

WantToGo? Wing Haven is located at 248 Ridgewood Avenue. Visit winghavengardens.com or call 704/331-0664.

Cultural Connection Mentoring Across Differences The Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange is offering a chance to explore the impact race, gender, and culture have on mentoring with “Bridging the Chasm: Mentoring Across Differences.” The event, Tue., Oct. 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Johnson C. Smith University’s Grimes Lounge, features two keynote speakers — Emily Zimmern, CEO and president of Levine Museum of the New South, and Marilyn Johnson, vice president of market development for IBM Worldwide — in addition to other presenters.

The Women’s Inter-Cultural Exchange was founded in 2005 to help build social capital among women of diverse cultures, and to foster cross-cultural awareness.

WantToGo? Visit wi-ce.org to register for the event, and to see a complete list of speakers.

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9/18/10 4:38 PM

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QueenCityJewels

Spectacularly Spooky

Wine And Trees Wine Drinkers And Tree Lovers Unite For A Good Pairing

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PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS

his fall, Sequoia Grove Winery is working with national restaurant chain Firebirds Wood Fired Grill to present “Buy a Bottle, Save a Tree,” an initiative created to raise awareness of the need to protect the future of giant sequoias.

Through Oct. 31, visit Firebirds and enjoy a bottle of Sequoia Grove’s 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — selected as the No. 9 Most Popular Cabernet Sauvignon in top restaurants, according to Wine & Spirits’ heralded Restaurant Poll — and 10 percent of sales will go toward the Se-

Working Women Unite 9 To 5 Comes To Ovens

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orking women won’t want to miss 9 to 5: The Musical, a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era, based on the book

by Patricia Resnick, co-writer of the original screenplay. Direct from Broadway, the musical tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do. Outrageous, and even a little romantic, the show is about teaming up and taking care of business. Based on the hit movie, it features Dolly Parton’s original title song, along with her new Tony® Award and Grammy®-nominated score.

WantToGo? Visit Blumenthal.org or call 704/372-1000 for tickets.

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quoia Grove Winery Save a Tree Campaign, benefiting the Sequoia Parks Foundation.

In addition, guests of Firebirds can indulge in special wine and food pairings and learn more about Sequoia Grove Winery and its Sequoia tree preservation campaign at dinner events at the Charlotte Firebirds locations on Oct. 11.

With Phantom Of The Organ Get in the Halloween spirit with “Phantom of the Organ,” a special program presented by Charlotte Concerts Fri., Oct. 29, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. The event features renowned organists Dr. Robert E. Frazier and Stephen M. Distad, three vocalists, and four brass players performing selections from Phantom of the Opera, Star Wars, Lion King, and Titanic, among others. The family-friendly event includes costumes and special effects.

WantToGo? In Charlotte, Firebirds is located at StoneCrest, 7716 Rea Road, and at 3920 Sharon Road. To learn more about the Sequoia Grove Winery, Save a Tree Campaign, visit sequoiagrove.com.

WantToGo? Seating is limited, and donations are appreciated.

Visit CharlotteConcerts.org for information.

It’s My Turn Now Queens Conducts Workshops For Caregivers Of Aging Parents Queens University of Charlotte is offering an October workshop series designed to help adult children care for aging parents. “It’s My Turn Now: Caring for an Aging Parent” will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in October, starting Oct. 9, plus Sun., Oct. 31. The program seeks to provide answers and support for this rapidly growing population of caregivers.

“Our goal is to empower caregivers to make good decisions and feel confident that they’re handling the care of their loved ones well,” says organizer Heather Roberts, an instructor in Queens’ Center for Lifelong Learning. “So many people are facing hard choices, and because of the state of the economy, fewer people are able to afford to place their loved ones in private facilities.”

The workshops include practical skills training, such as how to safely transfer an elderly person from a bed to a wheelchair, and how to assist with bathing, dressing, and eating. Other topics include communicating with health care providers; lists of family/caregiver resources; detailed Medicare/Medicaid information; and much more. TCW

WantToGo? Queens University of Charlotte is located at 1900 Selwyn Ave. To register or for more information, visit www.queens.edu/continuing-education, and go to Nursing & Health Programs.

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MoneyTalks

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O n W o m e n

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Job Changes/Promotions The Littlejohn Group, a full service consultancy for residential real estate projects and developers, has added Jennifer Sedlak as account director.

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Candace Khashman has opened Yoga Palace at Kenilworth Commons at 1247 East Blvd., Suite 250.

Kathy Rowan has launched Rowan Communications, a boutique public relations firm, at 9439 Tresanton Drive.

Samantha Busse has joined Pea Organizing Services as an organizing consultant.

Veteran radio personality Robin Marshall has joined the 107.9 WLNK-FM weekend onair lineup.

Dr. Andrea M. Rinn, D.O., was named medical director for United Sleep Medicine.

Michele Boisvert, CMP, has joined TIAACREF/Cushman & Wakefield as national event management coordinator.

Litsa Kapantais has joined Revita Antiaging Center as community relations manager.

Stephanie Wick has opened Learning Charms at 31 Lillington Ave.; the company offers individual and group tutoring for children from 5 months to fifth grade, with emphasis on occupational and speech therapy.

Sara Hall and Elizabeth Webb have opened Hall & Webb Event Designs, a fullservice wedding and event design company, at 800 E. Worthington Ave. Rita Meeks and Kathy Pressly, of Simply Skin Face and Body Spa, have completed certification in oncology esthetics to serve individuals with, or recovering from, cancer.

e

Awards/Installations New Business/Changes Janice LaVore-Fletcher has opened Christian Coach Institute, a global life coach training and certification organization, headquartered at Ballantyne Commons East, 1510-D John J. Delaney Drive.

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Linda Bain McKinney, CPC, CTS, president of McKinney Personnel Inc., is the recipient of the North Carolina Association of Staffing Professionals Hall of Fame Award for 2010.

Angela Cummings, of Littler Mendelson, P.C., was recently elected an American Bar Foundation Fellow.

s t o r i e s

Charlotte Chamber Music has added the following to their board of directors: Jon Gauthier, chairperson; Carolyn Felton and Jeff Smith, co-vice chairs; Michael Curtis, treasurer; and Susan Bednar, secretary.

The International Association of Business Communicators has elected Dianne Chase, threetime past president of the Charlotte-chapter of the IABC, to serve on the IABC Southern Region board of directors as vice president of regional growth and development.

Dr. Ann Hoscheit, owner of Summit Eye Associates in Gastonia, has been named one of Vision Monday’s 2010 Most Influential Women in Optical.

The Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners has appointed its board of directors for 2010-2011: Marguerite Rupar, president; Memuna Williams, president-elect; Kim Marks, treasurer; Emily Knudson, secretary; Ellen Linares, community relations director; Mary Germani, Chapter expansion director; Karen Ponischil, member services director; Sara Garces Roselli, public policy director; Toby Hamilton, director of electronic communications; Wendy Shanahan, marketing director; Jamie Lee Carmichael, special events director; Moira LoCascio, director of education.

Se n d

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On The Move editor@todayscharlottewoman.com Today’s Charlotte Woman 5200 Park Road, Suite 111, Charlotte, NC 28209

W o m a n

9/22/10 3:40 PM

worknotes

Get Your Life back! try a new approach to feelinG and lookinG Great

Making Lunch Work Beefing Up Your Midday Meal

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By Michelle Young Hubacher

here’s no doubt carrying your lunch to work saves both money and calories, but packing a lunch every day gets boring.

When noon rolls around, the thought of a soggy tuna sandwich is enough to send you zipping through the drivethrough lane for a “No. 4” from the value menu. Maybe changing the way you think about your midday meal will motivate you to make brown-bagging it a priority.

The first step is checking out the food pyramid — the old graphic standby, created by the USDA in 1988 to provide guidelines to convey the main themes of variety, proportionality, and moderation when it comes to what we consume. Although there has been confusion about the use of the pyramid since its inception, its three tenets are worth revisiting. And the latest incarnation of the food pyramid is handy indeed, not to mention the resources the USDA’s Web site (MyPyramid.gov) provides. It might give you a nudge in the right direction when it comes to adding lots of color to that brown-bag lunch.

The best thing about the new food pyramid is the ability to personalize your eating plan. For instance, the USDA recommends women ages 31 to 50 should consume 2 ½ cups of vegetables a day and 1 ½ cups of fruit. Without taking a bite out of that requirement

at lunch, that becomes a tall order. But including fresh fruit in your midday meal is easy and puts you that much closer to meeting your daily requirements. A salad loaded up with leafy greens, nuts, veggies, and even beans will give you energy to make it through those tough afternoon work hours.

Here are some easy, creative options for packing a healthy lunch and getting your daily dose: • Bean salad made with canned kidney beans, canned garbanzo beans, fresh green beans, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

• Cottage cheese with fresh fruit.

• Leftover brown rice (set some aside from dinner) with vegetables.

• Hummus (there are several storebrand varieties available) with whole grain crackers, celery, red peppers, and carrots.

• Dried fruit tossed into salads, rice, and couscous is a great way to add fiber and boost your fruit serving.

• Switch out your whole-wheat bread for wheat tortillas, flat breads, or pitas to add a little twist to your sandwiches.

• Add a couple of thin slices of avocado to your sandwich instead of mayo — it’ll save calories, incorporate a healthy fat, and add flavor. TCW

ToLearnMore For tips on creating healthier lunches — that follow food pyramid guidelines — log on to foodnetwork.com. For information on the USDA’s food pyramid, visit MyPyramid.gov.

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“Previvor” Becoming A

Genetic Counseling Adds A New Dimension To The Fight Against Cancer

By Melinda Johnston • photos by augusto photoGraphy

Through genetic testing, Emily, who lives in southwest Charlotte, discovered that she has a high risk of developing cancer. So far, she’s only confided in her closest family and friends, but she graciously agreed to share her story with Today’s Charlotte Woman readers in hopes of contributing to the dialogue regarding genetic testing. Her last name is being withheld at her request, to protect her privacy.

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wenty-seven-year-old Emily doesn’t have cancer … but she knows the diagnosis is likely to come.

She’s known as a “previvor,” or pre-survivor — an individual who hasn’t developed cancer, but is at an increased risk for the disease either due to precancerous cells or a

genetic mutation that makes cancer much more likely to occur.

“Previvor” may sound like a catchy new part of the lexicon of cancer — even making Time magazine’s “Top 10 Buzzwords” list in 2007 — but having your name attached to the term, Emily attests, is somewhat daunting.

Previvor numbers are growing, as researchers continue to make advances in the field of genetics. In the past few years, a number of genes have been identified as viable for testing for mutations, and patients can find out if they are at increased risk not just for cancer, but also for an array of diseases.

Family Ties Emily’s mother, Mary, chose to pursue genetic testing after her own mother died of ovarian cancer at age 59, and a first cousin died of breast cancer. Both cancers were found to be genetically linked. When Mary’s tests indi-

cated a mutation, Emily and her younger sister, Alice, chose to be tested as well.

Alice’s test came back normal; Emily’s did not. Emily’s genes, just like her mother’s, showed a BRCA2 mutation. According to the National Cancer Institute, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class known as tumor suppressors. Mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A woman’s risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

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with reconstruction to effectively eliminate any chance of cancer in those organs. Statistically, she’s now at the same risk for other cancers as the general population.

Difficult Choices

after finding out she is, indeed, at increased risk for breast cancer, Emily, here with her dog uchi, is maintaining a proactive approach to living her life fully and healthfully.

to recognize a genetic mistake and fix it before it turns into a cancer,” explains Dr. Matt McDonald, a gynecologic oncologist with Presbyterian Gynecologic Oncology. “When you inherit an abnormal gene from your mom or dad, it stops the gene from working properly, increasing the patient’s risk of developing cancer.”

Emily’s genetic tests showed her at a greatly elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancer. According to Christen Csuy, certified genetics counselor at Presbyterian Cancer Center, statistically Emily has an 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer and a 40 30 Emily 1010.indd 30

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percent chance of developing ovarian cancer during her lifetime. In the general population, that risk, says Csuy, is 12 percent for breast cancer and 1 to 2 percent for ovarian cancer.

Emily’s mother was 50 years old when she received the results of her genetic testing and took an aggressive approach, deciding not to wait for a possible cancer diagnosis. In December 2007, one month after receiving her test results, Mary opted for a hysterectomy/oophorectomy, which means she had her uterus and ovaries removed. In February 2008, she elected to undergo a double prophylactic mastectomy

For a lot of women — even those with a family history of cancer — making the decision just to be tested is tough. For Emily, it was a necessity.

“A lot of people don’t want to know,” Emily says. “But there was no way I could live without knowing. This way, there were things I could control.” Almost two years ago, she made an appointment with Csuy, of Presbyterian Cancer Center. Csuy explains how she guides patients through the process of genetics testing.

“We review family history, discuss the likelihood of finding a mutation, and outline the types of cancer, screening, and surgery,” Csuy says. “We talk about the test results and the benefits and limitations. The goal is to make sure the person is ready to hear the information and then help them deal with the results. It’s tough to hear the information, but to be able to do something about it is also incredibly powerful.”

When her results came back, Emily met with Csuy again, this time to process the findings that would change the way she lived her life moving forward.

Now, Emily is struggling with some of the same issues and choices as her mother — although at age 27, it’s a completely different scenario. She is fairly certain at this point in her life that she does not want to have children.

She’s careful about what she eats (cooking is one of her hobbies), she exercises regularly, and she monitors her alcohol intake. She undergoes regular breast MRIs and trans-vaginal ultrasounds. But even with a proactive approach to her health, she sometimes wonders if she’s doing all she can to keep cancer at bay.

An Uncertain Future “I don’t worry about it all the time,” she says thoughtfully. “But sometimes, in the middle of the day, my mind floats away and I start thinking, Should I talk to more doctors?

Am I doing all the right things? Sometimes I think that I’m overreacting, and sometimes I think that I’m under-reacting. I really don’t know how I’m supposed to be.”

In fact, that’s part of the emotional charge that exists around genetic testing and what

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others may perceive as a radical approach to finding out a mutation or higher risk for cancer is present. Csuy says the desire to pursue genetic counseling and the reaction to the results is an intensely personal thing. “Every woman is different, and with the screening for breast cancer being so good, it has a lot to do with personality and family history. The data says that 50 percent will do surgery and 50 percent will elect to do screenings [after finding out a mutation is present].”

Dr. McDonald says that with a BRCA2 mutation, age plays a factor, because the elevated risk of breast cancer starts at age 25, and the increased risk of ovarian cancer begins at age 35. “My recommendation to patients [with a BRCA2 mutation] is that if you want children, you need to start working on it. At age 35, those ovaries start worrying me, and you need to take them out by age 40.”

Insurance is also a concern for many women. Some fear that if they get tested and are found to have a BRCA mutation, they will have a difficult time obtaining health coverage. But Csuy says recent passage of GINA (Genetics Information Non-discrimination Act) means that health insurance companies cannot use genetic testing to determine insurance eligibility or premiums, and employers can’t use the information to hire or fire someone.

Emily says her employer and insurance company have been very supportive and she’s confident they will continue to support her, whatever decision

she makes.

She uses Internet resources, connecting with people in her same situation, including Claudia Quinn Gilmore, who has created a blog for previvors (http://previve.com/). Emily has also tied into FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered), a nonprofit designed for women and their families whose family history and genetic status puts them at high risk for ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer.

For now, she’s at peace with the way she’s handling the situation. “Where I stand right now, I will more than likely have a double prophylactic mastectomy, but who knows?” Emily says. “Sometimes I’m anxious, and wouldn’t mind having the surgery tomorrow, but then I know the cancer’s not guaranteed to kick in and there may be a better fix just down the road.

“I don’t think about it every single day,” she adds, “although I’m actually surprised that I don’t.

I just do what I need to do until something else comes along.”

Dr. McDonald says Emily is taking all the necessary precautions, and he hopes other women will follow her lead. “If your family history indicates that you’re at an elevated risk, go get tested,” he advises. “If we know, then there are a lot of things we can do to help you not get cancer — ever. Or, we can catch it very early when it’s curable and the invasiveness of treatment is so much less. Knowledge is power — if we know about it, then there’s a lot we can do to help.” TCW

After The Referral...

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he relationship between you and your dentist is a special one. Your dentist may be the first to observe a change in your health. When a periodontal change is noted, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

Left untreated, periodontitis may lead to tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, respiratory issues, and complications with diabetes and pregnancy.

Dr. Kiya Green Dixie, of Matthews Peridontics, is board certified and the only practicing female periodontist in the Charlotte area.

Dr. Kiya Green Dixie Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology Before

After

Matthews Periodontics offers patients: • A soft touch in a caring atmosphere.

• The only laser FDA approved to treat periodontitis, which means therapy without cutting, sutures, or pain.

• Treatment of non-disease periodontal issues, such as frenectomies, gum grafting, correcting gummy smiles, and implant therapy.

• Different levels of sedation, if necessary, including IV sedation, oral sedation, and laughing gas.

• Periodontic care for pediatric and orthodontic patients.

1320 Matthews Township Pkwy., Suite 101, Matthews, NC 28105

(704) 847-5657 • www.matthewsperio.com

a wee halloween!

Wee Forest Folk

by Annette Peterson

ToLearnMore For information on genetic counseling, visit www.presbyterian.org/cancer and click on “Genetic Counseling.” You’ll have access to a video that explains counseling, as well as other services and resources. Also check out facingourrisk.org.

Handpainted Figurines • Collect Them All! Colony Place

•

7741 Colony Road

Charlotte, NC 28226

704-543-9969

www.moleholecharlotte.com

The Mole Hole O C T O B E R

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PHOTO by scott stiles

Entering A New

Cycle Of Life

By Renee Roberson

L i z i S u k o w a t e y R u n s , Sw i m s , A n d C y c l e s T h r o u g h T h e B i g 4 - 0

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n celebration of her 40th birthday, Charlotte resident Elizabeth “Lizi” Sukowatey wanted

“Are you sure you don’t just want to take a cruise?” her friend joked.

to do something monumental. Brainstorm-

Sukowatey was sure. She stuck to her original

ing ideas with her husband and a close

plan and, beginning with her birthday in March

friend last November, she brought up the idea

2010, she now has 24 races under her belt and is

of competing in 40 races within the time frame

moving steadily toward her goal of competing 40

of one year.

races for 40 years of life by March 2011.

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PHOTO courtesy of lizi sukowatey

her glucose levels several times on any given day and administers the proper amount of insulin with the help of an insulin pump that sits just underneath her skin.

She first became ill at the age of 18 while attending college in Colorado.

After months of being sick, she received an official diagnosis of type 1 diabetes and attended her first support group meeting. She was shocked, she says, by how ill many of the attendees were. She made the decision then and there to take a proactive stance regarding her future with diabetes.

“You can be bitter or better,” Sukowatey says.

PHOTO courtesy of lizi sukowatey

PHOTO by scott stiles

Participating in 40 triathlons, road races, and cycling events would be a daunting task for the most avid and prepared athlete. But for this athlete, it requires even more thought and planning, because Sukowatey has been living with type 1 diabetes for the past 22 years. As part of her “Forty 4 Forty” project, she hopes to raise awareness and funds to support diabetes research and education. By mid-September, she had already raised $3,000 on her own.

“We were thrilled when Lizi came to the American Diabetes Association with a unique idea for raising funds and awareness for diabetes,” says Lauren Scharf, manager of fundrais-

Lizi Sukowatey has dedicated her races to diabetes research and education.

ing and special events for the Charlotte chapter of the American Diabetes Association. “It’s been really fun to see her project come to life and be able to share her story with others. Forty 4 Forty is truly inspiring.”

Running On Positivity With type 1 diabetes (formerly known as juvenile diabetes) the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, a hormone needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches, and other food into energy needed to function adequately on a daily basis. According to the American Diabetes Association, only 5 to 10 percent of people with diabetes have type 1. Sukowatey monitors

Megan Hovis, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer with UpGrade Lifestyle in Huntersville, says Sukowatey’s cheerful attitude often inspires others as groups meet for training.

“I love the days she joins my run class, because she motivates the rest of the group,” Hovis says. “They all wind up laughing by the end. With all of her own medical issues to deal with, I have never once heard her complain.

She will be the first to congratulate any of her fellow teammates on a race or event that took place over the weekend.

She even makes time to check in on her UpGrade coaches and see how our races turned out.” >

o c t o B E R

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PHOTO courtesy of lizi sukowatey

PHOTO courtesy of lizi sukowatey

PHOTO BY Scott stiles

as part of her personal commitment to participate in 40 races to celebrate her 40th birthday, lizi sukowatey has logged many miles biking, running, and swimming. her events have included 5K, 8k, and 10k runs, a “2 miler,” a 40-mile bike ride, sprint triathlons, and swimming races. she blogs about each event online at forty4forty.shutterfly.com/blog.

Staying active hasn’t always been easy for Sukowatey. She stopped running for several years after having knee surgery, and exercising regularly proved to be a struggle. Then she attended what she calls a “life-changing” diabetes training camp for adult diabetics a few years ago, and she was able to work with a team of specialists who helped her learn how to adjust her insulin levels and gave her tips for having more control over her blood sugars during exercise. While at that camp, she first toyed with the idea of training for 34

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a triathlon.

For training, Sukowatey typically works out one to three hours a day, four days a week, with a variety of swimming, running, and cycling exercises. And she admits to being a little superstitious about needing her favorite pre-race meal, the Fuji Apple Chicken Salad from Panera Bread.

She takes in stride the challenges that come from training with diabetes, and loves to cheer on fellow athletes. She admits it can be difficult to train with other

people because she often has to stop and check her blood sugar levels, but has found supportive local cycling groups, such as one with Cool Breeze Cyclery. She also attends regular boot-camp sessions with other athletes and trainers from UpGrade Lifestyle, and recognizes that she’s not going to race a personal best each time she competes.

“This is for me,” she says. “I do the best that I can. When you are doing 40 races, you can’t do your best at all of them.”

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Cycle Of Care Training and competing in events requires that Sukowatey pay special attention to her insulin levels, and she depends on the help of an insulin pump. She also must stay equipped with emergency medical supplies during each race, which she refers to as her “bag of life.”

Her husband, David, often brings the bag, which is filled with fruit chewies, glucose tabs, PowerBars, a glucometer, and an inhaler (she developed asthma this year) to different points of her races for blood sugar checks. But on one particular trail race in McAlpine Creek Park, she had to carry her own bag.

“I accosted a man in McAlpine Creek walking his dog during a race,” she says. “I asked him to hold the bag. I asked him if he would pass out at the sight of blood, and he said no. Afterward, when I thanked him, he said, ‘That’s OK, I’m a diabetic, too.’ ” Sukowatey says her family and friends have been supportive of her project, and she’s already raised more money than she originally imagined at the start of Forty 4 Forty. Along the way, she’s been able to raise more awareness of type 1 diabetes, as well.

“It’s opened up a dialogue about the two different types of diabetes,” she says. With type 2 diabetes, the more common form of the two, a person’s body does produce insulin, but the body is unable to use the insulin adequately.

Sukowatey is quick to point out that she views diabetes as her partner in life.

“I did this [Forty 4 Forty] to celebrate my 22 years of having diabetes,” she says, adding that she’s met so many people through her project and traveled to several places she would never have visited if they weren’t race locations.

Sukowatey started a race blog (forty4forty.shutterfly.com) and says her favorite race so far has been Racefest 2010 in Charlotte, where she completed the 10K. Her appreciation for life can best be summed up in the “About Me” section of her blog: I have some great New Balance running shoes, a swimsuit that keeps me covered, a simple sports watch, and a very old Cannondale road bike that desperately needs to be replaced by a new one that doesn’t have the weight of a local boulder.

I am not doing this for any record breaking craziness, just doing it for the fun of it and for a good cause that is close to my heart. TCW o c t o B E R

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Stamp

Of Approval Esper Hayes Takes A Philatelist Approach

By Melinda Johnston • PHOTOS BY SCOTT STILES

F

or most folks, postage stamps are a necessary nuisance if bills are to be paid on time. And, for some, stamps are becoming a thing of the past, as more and more people handle almost all correspondence and most of their finances online.

But for 75-year-old Esper G. Hayes, stamps remain priceless.

“Stamps are some of my best friends, because they are always there,” Hayes says. “And they

have opened more doors for me than I could have ever imagined.”

Through the study and collecting of stamps, Hayes has shaken the hand of Olympic track and field legend Jesse Owens, and been honored by New York City officials. She’s made friends around the globe, and has a worldwide society named after her. She’s helped young people find an alternative to violence, and opened their eyes to worlds they never dreamed existed.

Lifelong Love Philately is the official term used to describe the study of stamps and postal history, but a philatelist may not necessarily collect. For Hayes, collecting is a big part of the fun.

“Most people call stamp collectors nerds because we look at a stamp for its value, the image, the number of blocks it has on it, where it’s been cancelled — there’s a lot to it,” Hayes explains.

“Once you fall in love with stamp collecting, you’re hooked,” she adds.

Hayes’ love affair with stamp collecting began when she was 9 years old. The Farmville native’s interest was piqued when she spotted particular stamps at a neighbor’s house. “They had birds on them, and they were so pretty,” Hayes recalls. “I decided I wanted to start collecting them. I went to the neighbors and asked that when they got their mail, to please

save the envelopes with stamps for me. I was really lucky, because one of my neighbors worked for Norfolk’s Virginian-Pilot, so he got mail from all over the world!”

She would carefully soak the envelopes in water until the stamps released from their envelopes. Then, she would dry them flat and mount them in her album. As she grew older, her interest in stamps intensified, and, of course, her collection grew.

“Every Sunday after church, I’d work with my stamps — looking to see what I could find, what was new, and who I needed to contact,” Hayes says. “It was my way of relaxing.”

Her hobby followed her through two bachelor’s degrees, a career in social work, and then on to graduate school in Manhattan. In 1971, during her studies there, she attended a stamp show in the New York Coliseum and > O C T O B E R

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stood in line for hours to meet Owens, who was autographing first day covers (a stamp’s first run). Hayes says she and Owens were the only two African-Americans at the show.

“When I got to the front of the line, he stood up and told me how proud he was that I was there, and that he was glad to see me,” Hayes says. “Then he said, ‘Would you make me a promise? Would you do something to get our people and our children interested in collecting stamps and building pride in our race?’ He was such a handsome gentleman, I couldn’t say no!”

Hayes says she didn’t seriously consider the promise until, a few years later, she read his obituary in the newspaper. “I realized I had made a promise to him, and I wanted to keep it, but I had no idea what to do,” she says. “I finally decided to start a stamp club — that would be easy.”

Sealed With A Stamp What started with 35 members in 1988 has now grown to over 400 worldwide.

ESPER (Ebony Society of Philatelic Events and Reflections) has chapters in 13 states and many foreign countries. ESPER publishes a quarterly newspaper, Reflections, holds an annual convention, and works to spark an interest in stamp collecting in the AfricanAmerican community.

The group also helps promote Black History Month, particularly with the AfricanAmerican series of stamps, the longest running series in postal history. At the invitation of Laura Bush, one ESPER member exhibited his stamp collection at the White House for Black History Month during George W. Bush’s presidency. Another ESPER member sits on the Citizen’s Stamp Advisory Committee in Washington, D.C., an organization that determines what images will appear on new stamps.

While living in New York City, Manhatten burrow president Virginia C. Fields declared Oct. 25, 2003 ESPER Day, to honor Hayes for her work with the city’s children.

Of her effort to get children involved in a love for and interest in stamps, Hayes says, “I gave them a hobby that they could do instead of staying in front of the computer all the time or fighting each other.”

She retired from a career in teaching and 38

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Esper Hayes has enjoyed collecting and studying stamps since she was 9 years old. she has since worked to promote the hobby within the african-american community.

social work in 1998, and though still an active member in ESPER, she has turned the day-today operation over to a board of directors.

“I don’t give them much input anymore,” she says. “It’s so big and so wide, with so many young ideas … I just let them go in and do their thing. It’s fantastic!”

Hayes now lives with her daughter in Charlotte, and has helped her granddaughter start a stamp-collecting club in the neighborhood. She says the hobby is especially appealing to children. “There are really no rules. You collect the way you want to collect and only the stamps that you want to collect.

That’s what makes the hobby so interesting,” Hayes says.

It is also a hobby that encourages children — and adults — to explore the world around them.

“Stamp collecting is not boring,” Hayes says. “You can learn about history, and learn

about other people and other countries. People are surprised, because they don’t realize how much they are connected with stamps.”

And that connection is what keeps handwritten notes and letters an important part of Hayes’ respect for the stamp. “I know what I want to say, and I don’t trust the computer to say it for me,” she says. She still maintains ties with friends around the world through regular correspondence — two letters a day, in fact … written in longhand. TCW

ToLearnMore October is National Stamp Collecting Month. To find out more about ESPER, visit esperstamps.org.

For information about stamp collecting, check out the American Philatelic Society at stamps.org or the United States Postal Service at USPS.com.

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N . C . C o nf e r e nc e

I n v i t e s Enli g h t e n m e n t , D e b a t e , R e s o l u t i o n

W

hat began as an informal conversation about women

and their significant role in society has evolved into a

powerful conference that beckons women from across

our state. The North Carolina Governor’s Conference for

Women, launched in 2006 to energize and empower women through dialogue, networking, and information sharing, provides a platform for North Carolina women to immerse themselves in topics on and developments of issues that are of value to us all.

The overwhelming success of the inaugural conference, then called the North Carolina Conference for Women and held in Charlotte, turned it into an annual event. This year, the Conference moves to the state’s capital Nov. 9 at the Raleigh Convention Center, with an anticipated 1,500 women participating.

Forward Women Looking

By Lee Rhodes

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Power In Numbers “It’s important to the women of our state in many ways,” explains Mary Tribble, one of the Conference founders whose initial conversations led to this unique event. “The attending women benefit from hearing speakers from across the globe talk about issues that are important to women, which inspires them to act for positive change in their communities, their families, and their organizations.”

Tribble established Tribble Creative Group — which is handling marketing, management, and production of the Conference — in 1985, to help organizations communicate to their audiences through strategic event marketing and management. She cites the fact that North Carolina benefits from the Conference via women inspiring action on behalf of other women.

The other Conference founders include Shannon McFayden and Gwynn T. Swinson.

McFayden has been named one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking by U.S. Banker, based on her work at Wachovia Corporation, where she served as senior executive vice president and head of human resources and corporate relations, among other positions. Swinson has worked for the Department of Justice, served as Secretary of Administration under former Gov. Michael Easley, and worked as associate dean of admissions for her alma mater, Duke University School of Law. The Conference has evolved since its inception, particularly when Gov. Bev Perdue adopted it as the Governor’s Conference. “That brought us to a whole new level,” Tribble says.

“We are focusing this year on matters involving policy and are able to attract more topnotch thought-leaders to discuss issues on our panels. We always have some fun and surprises in store, whether it’s interactive activities in the general session or unexpected things on the exhibit floor,” she adds.

Another new element this year is the Conference’s adoption of an official charity. Dress

for Success, whose mission it is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life, is the Conference’s first choice as a partner. “We feel that by supporting the three North Carolina chapters of Dress for Success, we can help raise awareness for this important organization,” Tribble says.

Presenting A Global View The charity may be new, but one of the perennial standbys — and a strength of this year’s Conference — is the panel of dynamic speakers. A highlight of this year’s panel is the inclusion of Sheryl WuDunn, a Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist and author. Her coverage of China’s Tiananmen Square protests, while serving as a foreign correspondent and editor for The New York Times, alongside her husband Nicholas D. Kristof, an op-ed columnist for the same paper, earned the couple the distinction of being the first married couple to win a Pulitzer Prize for journalism. WuDunn was also the first Asian-American to win a Pulitzer.

WuDunn, who has reported from other harsh regions in the world, including Myanmar and North Korea, holds an undergraduate degree from Cornell, an MBA from Harvard, and an MPA from Princeton. Fluent in several languages, the author used her experiences journeying across Asia to write a book with her husband, who pulled ideas from his own reporting experiences. Their collaboration led to the publication of Half the Sky: From Oppression to Opportunity for Women Worldwide, which focuses on the treatment and suffering of women around the world.

“Sheryl’s book, Half the Sky, chronicles the journeys she and her husband have taken all across the world, reporting on inequities against women, whether related to justice, health, or economic sustainability,” Tribble says. “Sheryl >

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photos courtesy of tribble creative group

Sheryl WuDunn (far right) will speak at the N.C. Governor’s Conference for Women in Raleigh about her book, “Half the Sky.” Mary Tribble (center) is one of the event organizers.

will bring [to the Conference] her message that investing in women and girls has been proven an effective tool to end poverty and extremism.”

Indeed, the book argues that countries cannot emerge from poverty as long as only a percentage of women participate in the labor force.

But because of oppression in many parts of the world, this often seems an impossibility.

WuDunn and her husband, Kristof, cite many heartbreaking examples of women, from the Middle East to Africa and beyond, who have been gang raped, sold into brothels, beaten, and even stoned to death. The authors hone in on three major tragedies: sex trafficking/forced

prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality. Ultimately, there is hope, for these same women are also starting revolutions, transforming their communities, and emancipating themselves. Meanwhile, WuDunn and Kristof are bringing about change, and not just through their book. They recently launched a project for women in Cambodia that focuses on building schools and keeping girls in school.

As the Chinese proverb tells us, “Women hold up half the sky,” and WuDunn’s comments during the conference will support this and her global perspective, to be followed by breakout sessions that deal with the same issues

on a state-wide basis.

“The committee and board work hard to create a conference that takes a thoughtful approach to selecting themes and speakers,” Tribble says. “While we always have nationally known speakers, we select them based on their content rather celebrity.” TCW

WantToGo? The North Carolina Governor’s Conference for Women is Nov. 9 at the Raleigh Convention Center. For ticket prices and registration information, visit ncwomensconference.com or call 704/376-1943.

Multi-Cultural Women’s Conference

Bridging the Chasm:

Mentoring Across Difference Session Keynote Speaker:

TER REGISAY D TO rg wi-ce.o

Tuesday, October 12, 2010 Time: 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Johnson C. Smith University Grimes Lounge, Johnson C. Smith University

Emily Zimmern CEO & President Levine Museum of the New South

Join us to explore the impact of race, gender and culture on the practice of mentoring.

Luncheon Keynote Speaker:

Moderator: Sterlin Benson Webber Speakers include:

• Willie Ratchford, Charlotte’s Community Relations Committee • Hilton Kelly, Davidson College

• Rosie Molinary, Author, Speaker and Teacher

Marilyn Johnson

VP Market Development IBM Worldwide

• Cathy Sheafor, Charlotte Community School for Girls

• Lisa Shporer, Child Care Resources • Diana Bing, Enterprise Learning with IBM • Fabi Preslar, SPARK Publications • Chia-Li Chien, Chien Associates LLC • Ted Elias, TIAA CREF

To register: www.wi-ce.org. For information on sponsorship opportunities and tables: Laura Everett at laura.everett@wi-ce.org.

wi-ce.org for more details.

Visit www.

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photo BY SCOTT STILES

To the things that go bump in the night And the people who tell other people about them. — Foreword, by Stephanie Burt Williams, Ghost Stories of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County

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Boo! A

Spirited

Look

At

The

Queen

City’s

G h o s t ly

History

By Karsen Price

A female figure crosses the threshold of a doorway and disappears into a wall …

The strong scent of cigar smoke fills a building in which no one has smoked for decades …

A cold, unwelcoming feeling settles upon patrons standing in an 80-year-old theater …

Ghosts. Whether you believe in

set out to become “the ghost lady”

them or not, they are part and parcel

when she conceived the idea of a

of October and all that the season of

nonfiction book on Charlotte-area

Halloween conjures. You might be

ghosts. However, the subject has

surprised to learn that The Queen

always fascinated Williams. She grew

City — the city of commerce, the

up in the University City area, read-

city that bulldozes its history, the city

ing everything she could get her

that perpetually looks forward — is

hands on about the supernatural,

host to a collection of ghost stories

including books by the late Nancy

that may rival those of ghost meccas

Roberts, who is known as the “First

Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga.

Lady of American Folklore.” Remark-

Stephanie Burt Williams, a

ably, even though Roberts wrote

fourth-generation Charlottean and

more than 24 books — including

author of Ghost Stories of Charlotte

The Haunted South and North Caro-

& Mecklenburg County: Remnants

lina Ghosts and Legends — none

of the Past in a New South, didn’t

focused solely on Charlotte’s history. >

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T o

A

photo BY SCOTT STILES

C l u e s

H a u n t i n g

Boo Who? In horror movies, there is a code, of sorts, that lets viewers know the boogie man is on the move. Likewise, Stephanie Burt Williams says that ghosts follow a certain code of conduct. Here are a handful of ghosts’ favorite habits, from “the ghost lady” herself:

• Unlike vampires, ghosts love their reflections. Ghosts are often seen in mirrors, window panes, and in the reflection from a TV screen or pool of water.

• According to Williams, a “weak ghost” can’t completely manifest. Instead of appearing visually, a weak ghost often uses the sense of smell to make itself known. (Such as the cigar-smoking ghost in Williams’ book, Ghost Stories of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County. ) • A low-level haunting can also include the use of sound. Williams says, “I have experienced a huge crashing sound at a bed and breakfast. It sounded like there was a head-on collision outside of the building, but when I ran to look out the window, there was nothing there. When I asked other guests if they heard it, they said no.”

• In addition to being attracted to places, ghosts can be attached to people, as well. Buildings that have no past history of being haunted may suddenly become hotbeds of paranormal activity after a new set of people move in.

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photo COURTESY OF Carolina theatre

photo COURTESY OF Carolina theatre

• Ghosts also love electronics. TVs tend to go snowy; radios will change channels; CDs skip to “meaningful” songs. Some experts say the energy drain caused by a ghost in the room affects electronics.

photo COURTESY OF Carolina theatre

• Ghosts love water. They are prone to turn on faucets and flush toilets to make their presence known.

Stephanie Burt Williams, at the famously haunted Latta Plantation (top), describes ghost sightings at locations around Charlotte, including Carolina Theatre (pictured bottom row), where a gentleman takes his seat in the balcony ... despite the fact there hasn’t been a showing there for years.

A Storied City “Most people are unaware that Charlotte has any ghost stories,” Williams says. “We joke that Charlotte knocks down its history, but the fact remains that Charlotte — which hails from pre-Revolutionary War times — has a history. Being from Charlotte, I already knew a few of the area’s ghost stories.”

Williams was an adjunct professor of American Studies at UNC Charlotte, and an advocate for historic preservation. Both interests put her in perfect positions to learn about ghost stories in the area. So, she decided to fill the niche and quickly procured a publisher. She spent a year researching and writing Ghost Stories of Charlotte & Mecklen-

burg County, which was published in 2003 by Bandit Books. She has since written Haunted Hills: Ghosts and Legends of Highlands and Cashiers, North Carolina, and Wicked Charlotte: The Sordid Side of the Queen City. Currently, she is a full-time freelance writer located in Charleston.

According to Williams, ghost stories often exhibit common themes. For instance, many people have heard the narrative about driving across a bridge one misty night, and being stopped by a young woman in a prom dress, who promptly disappears. This story, she says, tends to pop up in various cities and towns. But Williams didn’t want to include classic, urban legends in her book; she want-

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ghost story to tell, it quickly spiraled from there. Soon, she had numerous stories from which to choose.

There are 20 distinct ghost stories in the book, including a story about “the lady in

ed the true ghost stories that belonged solely to Charlotte. And so she put into place several guidelines when it came to whether a story was included in her book. She insisted on garnering first-hand experiences. She refused to embellish. Lastly, she needed to believe that the story resonated from a place of truth.

“I came at this book in a very journalistic manner,” she says. “I didn’t have to believe the story, but I did have to believe that the person telling the story believed it. I had to believe that they experienced something.”

known routinely through the pervading scent of cigar smoke.

Williams admits that she has experienced paranormal activity herself around the country, and likewise, she understands the appeal of ghost stories from a personal and objective perspective. “Ghost stories elicit an emotional response within people, which makes them interactive histories,” she says. “The stories create an emotional charge. People like to have a sense of connection to a place. Ghost stories create that sense of connection.”

Even those who claim to hate history lessons are fascinated by ghost stories, she notes. “People who say history is boring still like ghost stories,” she says. “Ghost stories are simply a personal history of the city’s past.” TCW

“I didn’t have to believe the story, but I did have to believe that the person telling the story believed it. I had to believe that they experienced something.”

— Stephanie Burt Williams

Getting The Ghost gray,” who materializes right after dusk in the Magic Maze costume shop on East Boulevard.

Another story details the friendly spirit of James Latta, who watches over the improvements on the grounds at Latta Plantation.

Williams’ favorite story is the last chapter of the book, “Fire Station No. 4: Where There’s Smoke,” which details the haunting of a former fire station by Pruitt Black, a fireman who died in 1934, and who makes his presence

She began her research with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission Web site, and before long she visited Rosedale Plantation, home to one of the area’s best-known ghost tales — a story about Jeff, a faithful servant who opens a shaving cabinet on the front porch each morning. From there, Williams began cold calling people, which, she says, was “an odd experience.” After she made contact with a person who had a solid

ToLearnMore Ghost Stories of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County is available at Park Road Books and amazon.com.

For information about spooky events this month at Latta Plantation, visit lattaplantation.org.

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O C T O b e r

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photo courtesy of Chimney rock State park

One of the state’s most celebrated views is from Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, near Lake Lure.

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FALLING

FALL FOR

W h e r e T o F i n d T h e S e a s o n ’ s M o s t C o l o r f u l V i s ta s

By Diane Silcox-Jarrett

S

haking off this year’s summer heat is as easy as a drive toward the North Carolina mountains, in search of the gorgeous wave of color that sweeps the region during autumn. Now is the time, in fact, to take advantage of some of the most striking scenery the state has to offer. And with so much to see and do along the way, it’s not hard to come up with a plan to view the show of brilliant fall foliage.

What makes for the best fall foliage? Accord-

mer has only been slightly dryer than normal.”

ing to meteorologist Katie Virtue, with WSOC-

The mountain weather at the end of August and

TV’s Severe Weather Team, just the right amount

early September also plays a part. Virtue says

of rainfall throughout the year is one of the main

nice warm days paired with cool crisp nights

contributors to a brilliant showing in fall. “If it is

are what make the magic happen when it comes

too wet or not wet enough, this can cause less

to fall color. “This contrast signals trees to shut

vivid colors,” Virtue says. “A dryer than normal

down for the season and start producing the col-

August and September makes leaves start chang-

ors. If it stays warmer, then the trees don’t get the

ing earlier.” With that said, she notes, “This sum-

signal and colors are not as bright,” she adds. >

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photo courtesy of Biltmore

photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

photo courtesy of Great Smokey mountain Fish Camp and safaris

photo BY Hugh Morton, courtesy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

photo BY Hugh Morton, courtesy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

Chasing The Change If catching a glimpse of the brilliant blanket that is now unfolding across North Carolina’s mountains sounds like a nice way to spend a day or a weekend, your options are as varied as the colors you’re sure to see. A good place to start is Stecoah Valley, near Robbinsville.

Not only are you going to catch views of majestic mountains in full color, but there are many treasures around the area. Make a point to stop at Robbinsville’s Bee Global, a place where beeswax is turned into artwork. Crim and Jeff Bassett have been making candles, bee glow lanterns, and ornaments from beeswax since 1996. Many of the lanterns have larkspurs, cosmos, and other flowers from their garden pressed into them. “We have also started making our own honey,” Crim says.

Asheville and the Blue Ridge

Parkway are a sure bet for foliage fans, as well. A stop at the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination and Visitor Center, at milepost 384 near Asheville, can help you map hiking trails that suit your abilities or select spots along the way that the whole family will enjoy. For longer trips in the area, there are an abundance of inns near and in Asheville, including At Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn. This inn offers a quiet retreat near the vibrant downtown of Asheville.

Big fluffy pillows, breakfasts that are just about as good to look at as to eat, and a relaxing atmosphere are a small sampling of what is offered at the inn. Step into the backyard at the end of a day full of sightseeing and unwind to the sound of small waterfalls while sipping a cup of hot chocolate.

A drive to Lake Lure will take you to a part of the North >

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Here are a handful of spots that will make your fall foliage exploration that much more colorful: At Cumberland Falls Bed And Breakfast Inn 888/743-2557 cumberlandfalls.com Bee Global 828/479-8284 Beeglow.com

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The Chalet Club 828/625-9315; 800/336-3309 Chaletclub.com Chimney Rock chimneyrockpark.com

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The splendor of fall in the North Carolina Mountains (clockwise from top left): overlooking the Blue Ridge Parkway; spectacular color on Grandfather Mountain; sunset over Brawcroft Farm in Franklin; the vast view from Biltmore; a burst of red in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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photo courtesy of Chimney rock State park

photo courtesy of Great Smokey mountain Fish Camp and safaris

photo courtesy of Chimney rock State park

Carolina mountains that makes serenity seem possible. Located near Hickory Nut Gorge and Chimney Rock, the area provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beauty of fall.

The Chalet Club, located at Lake Lure, has been run by the same family since 1934. A stay there not only provides time to relax, but also an opportunity for boating, skiing, and hiking.

The mountain air will make you hungry, but the meals offered at the inn will satisfy.

If you want to enjoy the fall color from a different view than your car or by foot, a canoe ride on the Little Tennessee River awaits just outside of Franklin at the Great Smokey Mountain Fish Camp and Safaris.

Paddle through one of the most picturesque areas in the state and gaze up at the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. For an extra treat, owner Jerry Anselmo can cook up one of his amazing lunches for your trip.

There is no shortage of spots to witness autumn’s beauty in the North Carolina mountains. But Virtue does have suggestions on the best times to visit particular areas. “Central North Carolina fall color typically peaks late October through November.

The higher elevations in western North Carolina peak in late September through early October. So,” she says, “there is much color to enjoy.” TCW North Carolina is rich in vistas that celebrate the beauty of fall. Clockwise from top: Chimney Rock’s breathtaking outlook; foliage as far as the eye can see; falling water in Chimney Rock.

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Pumpkin Facts And Lore

Orange You Glad You Knew?

Compiled By Fiona Harmon

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Pumpkins are native to North America and have been domestically grown here for 5,000 years.

•

Pumpkins are low in calories, fat, and sodium, and high in fiber. They are good sources of vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, protein, and iron.

•

Pumpkins require a long, hot growing season and loads of humus, manure, and water.

•

The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over 5 feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs, and took six hours to bake.

•

In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.

•

Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and healing snake bites.

•

The name pumpkin originated from pepon, the Greek word for “large melon.”

•

Colonists sliced off pumpkin tips; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie.

•

Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.

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fashion

The Eyes Have It Looking Good And Seeing Well Go Hand In Hand

By Fiona Harmon

For those of us who are unfortunate enough to require glasses to see adequately while driving, or reading, or simply functioning at all, there’s good news: Seeing clearly is getting more fashionable all the time. Every season sees a whole new crop of stylish frames hitting the marketplace — and at every price point. The Vision Council highlights three trends for fall and winter when it comes to making a spectacle of yourself.

56

D&G by Luxottica

Alain Mikli by Alain Mikli

Vera Wang by Kenmark

Ted Baker by Tura

Elizabeth Arden by Eyewear Designs Limited

Alain Mikli by Alain Mikli

Iris by ProDesign

Lafont Eames by Lafont

Jessica Simpson by Colors in Optics

Vera Bradley by McGee

Face a Face by Face a Face

Prada by Luxottica

Revenge Of The Nerds

Graphic Appeal

Vintage Vixens

This season, nerdy specs head straight to the in-crowd. Oversized plastic wayfarer or round glasses are popping up in clear, black, brown, or tortoise frames. Smaller versions of these styles emphasize this trend in bookworm fashion.

Think of eyewear as artwork, as anything graphic goes. Styles are angular and not for the faint of fashion heart, showing up in every geometric shape from squares to hexagons. Color is also in your face, with black accents on neutrals and brights.

Eyewear evocative of the ‘50s and ‘60s runs rampant. Small, classic square, oval, and cat-eye shapes in warm neutral hues and tortoise are seeing a resurgence. Oversized frames in bulbous square, Jackie O-round, and bug-eye shapes are key.

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Face Up To It

Miriam Haskell

Bakelight

Making Up With Your Glasses With today’s fashion-forward eyeglasses, making a statement has never been easier.

By choosing eyeglass frames that accentuate your best features, you can have great style and good vision. Once you have the perfect frames, complete the look with the right makeup. Follow these makeup tips, from the Vision Council, to look flawless in your specs: •

Apply makeup to the whole face; ignoring the lips or cheeks will create an imbalance.

•

Use a cream concealer and set with powder to disguise any under-eye circles or darkness.

•

Eyebrows should be well groomed, shaped properly, and softly defined.

Fill in obvious gaps with brow powder applied with a stiff, angled brush.

•

When wearing larger frames, apply blush on your cheekbones so it can be seen through the lenses.

•

Eye makeup and frames should not compete; the bolder the frame, the less eye makeup you need, and vice versa.

•

If you are nearsighted, keep eyes from appearing too small by using deep-colored eyeshadow and dark eyeliner on your top and lower eyelids.

•

If you are farsighted, keep eyes from appearing too large by dusting a neutral shadow on eyelids and applying minimal eyeliner in a soft tone.

•

Use a cream shadow instead of powder because it won’t flake onto lenses. TCW

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ToLearnMore For information on the fashion and lifestyle aspects of eyewear, as well as more on the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology, and advice from eyewear experts, visit the Vision Council at eyecessorize.com.

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beauty

Where There’s Smoke Creating Two-Alarm Eyes

By Fiona Harmon

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M

astering the smoky eye — that smoldering lid look that’s become a staple of fall style — is all about preparing the canvas. Primed properly, your eyelid becomes the base for makeup that can be as low-key lovely or as passionately pumped up as the occasion warrants.

Where it’s never too late to finish your education.

Creating The Smoky Eye 1. Apply a small amount of primer to your entire face, including a sweep across your eyelids.

2. Using your finger or a brush, blend a cream eyeshadow from your lash line up into the crease of your eyelid. A gray or taupe shadow is a good choice. Make sure you keep this deeper color below the crease in your lid.

3. With a brush, apply a layer of powder on top of the cream shadow, taking it up to your eyebrow. Use a light, shimmery shadow to lock the color into place and provide a bit of luminosity.

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4. Using an eye pencil in black, brown, or gray, line the upper lashes and the lower outer lashes with a thin line of color.

5. With a thin makeup sponge (some eyeliners have a sponge applicator on one end), smudge the liner beneath the lower lashes to create that smoky appearance. Applying a bit of powder eyeshadow on top of the liner to create an even more dramatic smudge takes the look to the next level.

Apply a volumizing mascara, using several coats.

7. Remember to keep a neutral lip when creating a smoky eye, to avoid a clownish appearance.

Send Today’s Charlotte Woman a message on Facebook, including your e-mail address, for a chance to win Sephora’s Beauty in a Box. It has all you need to create the perfect smoky eye! TCW

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AtHome

For architect Lindsay Daniel, natural light and a pretty view are key elements to her home office design.

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Office Space Creating A Bright, Organized Home Office

By Lee Rhodes • photos by scott stiles

I

f you have managed to escape cubicle dread (you know, the claustrophobia that sets in when you sit down each morning in a Dilbert-style office environment), and now work from home, you are most likely enjoying the fruits of working in a space that affords you creativity, inspiration, and supreme organization. Unless, of course, you are not … If your

home office is lacking in personalization and style, you are missing out on one of the supreme benefits of working from home: making your work space a space that works for you.

“You need your inspiration all around you,” says Lindsay Daniel, an architect and interior designer who works out of her home. “Ask yourself, ‘Is it color, is it light, is it artwork?’ ” Lauren Spahr, an organization expert with Rubbermaid, agrees. “Make the environment fun and personal,” she says. “If you are surrounded by things that you like, you’ll want to be in your office more.”

One way to liven up and personalize a space is to repurpose existing items and incorporate them into your office look and organizational scheme. Spahr purchased an old shutter from Metrolina Expo and hung it on her office wall to create an interesting focal point. She attaches important papers to it, using binder clips. Other creative folks reuse old muffin tins to house paper clips and rubber bands, while some personalize by decorating their offices with their kids’ artwork.

Let The Sun Shine In Daniel, who runs the full-service residential design firm Lindsay Daniel Architecture, encourages people to be in tune

with their working style, and to determine their best accoutrements based on this style. “My style no doubt comes from my architectural background, but I have got to have a view [in my office space], and I’ve got to have fabulous natural light,” she says.

Daniel, who recently relocated her home and office from the Eastover neighborhood to Dilworth, has well-placed, but not oversized, windows that afford her a view of greenery and blue sky. She supplements the sunshine with both decorative and ambient lighting in the form of overhead lights, tabletop lamps, and wall sconces.

In addition to determining what inspires you and incorporating it into your home office, Daniel recommends taking into consideration how your home office will work with the rest of your house. Specifically, determine whether you would benefit from an outdoor entrance. Bottom line, you may not want people crossing your private space to get to your office.

“It’s important to separate work life and home life,” Spahr says. “The last thing you want is to decide it’s quitting > o c t o b e r

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AtHome Creating a separate entrance to a home office , if it’s possible, helps define how you run your business in relation to the rest of your home.

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time, and have to sort through papers on the coffee table in order to enjoy your free time.”

Even if you are not in a position to knock a hole for an exterior door in your bedroom, there are alternatives to carving out space in your home. Spahr recommends a spare room as the ideal spot to create a home office, but says any area can work as long as both environments — home and office — function properly. That includes thinking about sound when choosing your space. If you are easily distracted, sound from other parts of the house may be a factor.

Daniel also advocates good tabletop space in the office itself. Other must-haves?

Adequate book space, a comfortable, or even ergonomically correct, chair and — this is key — a guest chair. Daniel, whose husband also works out of the couple’s home, says, “I often go to my husband’s office to talk to him, and it used to drive me crazy that he didn’t have a guest chair. So I got him one.”

Daniel incorporates strategically placed knickknacks to make the space fun and personal, but doesn’t suggest any ideal color schemes. “Color is too personal and unique,” she says. White or neutral colors are always safe bets, and paintings add splashes of color.

Unique flooring can also contribute pizzazz. In Daniel’s office, she incorporated 12-inch linoleum tiles in a checkerboard pattern. Natural linoleum has the added bonus of being a green product, and desk chairs roll easily on it.

Good Things In Small Packages If your home office space is small, you can still incorporate big ideas. Small spaces are not necessarily bad, points out Daniel, whose own office is on the diminutive side. “You need to remember that you don’t need all the storage there in the office with you,” she says. “People often make the mistake of trying to make everything work in one little room when it doesn’t have to.”

In her case, Daniel utilized a nearby walkup attic to house books and catalogs that she doesn’t need at arm’s reach. She had the attic space conditioned to preserve her materials, and says retrieving those materials offers her an opportunity to get up from her desk once in a while.

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AtHome

Factors that make a home office work include plenty of tabletop space, an ergonomically correct chair, an extra chair for guests, and various vertical and horizontal storage options.

a daily basis, and maximize your space. “You might consider going vertical, and use the entire space up the wall instead of going across,” she says. “Vertical storage systems are ideal for such a layout, allowing some items to sit up high.”

Control the clutter, particularly in small spaces, by setting up systems to manage both paperwork and desk drawers. For paperwork, avoid flat files, as they make it hard to find items and to assess what needs immediate attention. A nicely labeled vertical file system running up a wall can designate a necessary flow, and is ideal for workers processing invoices; paperwork can flow down as it moves through the process.

“Use colored file folders for different types of projects, and use a label maker. It makes it easy to grab the right files right away,” Spahr says. > 64

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AtHome Organize Thyself Make sure desk drawers are working efficiently. If your drawer is a dumping ground for pens, memory sticks, and more, use simple drawer organizers or gadget trays to help you find what you need, when you need it.

“At Rubbermaid we like to say, ‘Organization is not a one-time event. It’s continual,’ ” Spahr says. In fact, Rubbermaid is rolling out a new home organizing program in Charlotte, a service geared at defining the functions of each room, including home offices. This includes assistance with streamlining possessions, maximizing storage, and improving access and retrieval of household items, including papers.

Spahr suggests having a bin in the room for things that belong outside your office, so you remember to take them out at the end of the day. Gather up coffee mugs or glasses and take them to the kitchen so your office welcomes you back the next day.

Striving for esthetic perfection should take a backseat to efficiency when it comes to spiffing up your home office. “Let go of the expectation that the home office area has to be Martha Stewart-beautiful or pristine,” Spahr says. “There is a balance between functionality and style. The primary purpose is that you can do your work in an efficient, healthy manner.” TCW

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MeetOurAdvertisers

A Smile Is In Your Future

bio-identical

hormone replacement

Wellenreiter Dentistry Creates A Family Of Care

therapy

BY Courtney McLaughlin

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photo CO

URTESY

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r. Darren Wellenreiter is doing what he’s always wanted to do, and it shows. As a child, while his classmates were considering futures in teaching, firefighting, or stamp collecting, Dr. Wellenreiter dreamed of becoming a dentist. As an adult, he happily pursued that path, first graduating from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1993, and then opening his own dental practice in Indianapolis. “When you love what you’re doing, you want to be the best,” Dr. Wellenreiter says.

For 13 years, Dr. Wellenreiter grew a successful practice in Indianapolis, built on providing excellent dental Dr. Darre n Wellenr eiter offer at his Bla care and fostering long-term relations a full ra keney pra nge of den ctice. tal servic ships. In 2008, after a search to find es the perfect place to raise his family, Dr. Wellenreiter moved to Charlotte with his says. “You get to wife and three young sons in tow. In less than know the whole family. two years, he’s earned a reputation for putting That’s what’s fun about this business.”

He and his team of professionals make every clients at ease and providing personal service that keeps people coming back. “Great qual- office visit as pleasant as possible — both in and out of the chair. Patients can take a virtual tour ity and service make all the difference in the of his office on his Web site, darrenwellenreiterworld,” Dr. Wellenreiter says.

His south Charlotte practice, Wellenre- dentistry.com, and during appointments, they are treated to TV or music to calm their nerves. iter Dentistry at Blakeney, offers a full range of dental services including checkups, dental In fact, formerly “terrified” patients have told exams, and cleanings, plus tooth whitening, Dr. Wellenreiter that he is the only dentist they lumineers, dental implants, children’s den- will see. He makes dental visits easier for clients tistry, help for migraines and headaches, and by utilizing paperless technology so he can send cosmetic dentistry. With every appointment, X-rays and other documents digitally. “Everything is on computer,” he says. “If we refer you Dr. Wellenreiter and his staff provide patients with the highest level of care. “You’re always to a specialist, we can e-mail an X-ray. If you lose going to see the same people,” he says. “I want something, we can resend it.”

Dr. Wellenreiter is accepting new patients. to make sure I give the highest quality service.”

Dr. Wellenreiter keeps his practice small so His dental practice is a participating PPO prohe can personally ensure each patient receives vider for Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, and Delta a quality experience. “My favorite people are Dental, and he accepts most other insurance the ones you get to know over the years,” he plans. TCW

ToLearnMore Wellenreiter Dentistry at Blakeney is located at 8832 Blakeney Professional Drive, Suite 201. For information, visit darrenwellenreiterdentistry.com or call 704/341-5770.

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O C T O B E R

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Back To Health Oh, My Aching Back

B

ack pain is a debilitating condition that can drastically affect a person’s quality of life. Women, in particular, experience back ailments due to unique triggers, including menstrual periods, pregnancy, and osteoporosis. However, the most common risk factors of back pain are found around the home — vacuuming, gardening, laundry, and picking up children, all of which include some form of bending, lifting, standing, and twisting, and all of which engage the oftentimes unconditioned lumbar region of the lower back.

According to Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D., author of Strong Women, Strong Backs, women are more likely to suffer from back strain and will heal more slowly because we tend to have weaker back muscles than men. In addition, women tend to sit all day at work, and in our precious little gym time we usually focus on our legs and butt rather than our lower backs, thus leaving the lumbar in limbo.

That said, as long as you don’t neglect your back during workouts, it won’t turn its back on you. In her book, Dr. Nelson outlines simple and easy stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and strength, even if you currently suffer with back pain.

Visit strongwomen.com for information. >

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Concerned About Your Hormonal Health?

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Join us tHe 3Rd tueSdAy oF eveRy MoNtH At 7PM for a seminar on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement therapy for Men and Women Go to www.stanleyrx.com for more information and to register, or call 704-370-6612.

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Smile Satisfaction News from Dr. Chris Bowman

Could a New Smile Be Your ‘Fountain of Youth’?

Veneers, Invisalign, Even Dentures Offer Solutions For Aging Smiles Let’s face it...over time, everything wears out.

Your car, your clothes, and even your smile. Your front and back teeth all get darker and wear down as the years pass, and so does your older dental work. In fact, perhaps the most visible sign of aging is your changing smile.

It’s not just your smile that changes. Your entire facial appearance is influenced by the shape, height and position of your teeth and jaws.

As your teeth age and wear, the space between your upper and lower jaws gets smaller and your chin gets closer to your nose. As a result, the lower third of your face can look “squished” together:

- Your lips could look thinner and sunken in - Unattractive wrinkles can form in your skin - You could actually look older than you are - If any teeth are missing, it all gets worse

Now For The GOOD NEWS!

If you look in the mirror and see any of the above, then you’re likely a good candidate for one of the many “Smile Solutions” we offer at my dental office, Advanced Dentistry of Charlotte.

From complete Smile Makeovers to Invisalign to “Facelift” Cosmetic Dentures (with or without dental implants), we’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of Charlotteans look younger and more beautiful, chew comfortably, and feel their best for over 16 years.

We may be able to do the same for you!

Using the latest materials and technology, it’s easier than ever to have the smile you’ve always wanted. Flexible financial options make it affordable too.

I’ve reserved a limited amount of appointments in my schedule for FREE, personal consultations with me and my outstanding dental team.

Contact us today to explore the possibilities for you and your smile.

Call 704-337-8070 or visit our website: SmileSatisfaction.com Dr. Chris Bowman is a Charlotte general dentist with advanced training in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry, sedation dentistry, Invisalign and 6 Month Smiles orthodontics, and obstructive sleep apnea treatment.

Come & see what your smile has been missing.

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www.SmileSatisfaction.com O C T O B E R

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HealthFlash Pattern, color and texture... where it belongs.

A Clean Slate A Closer Look At Cleaning Toxins

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new study published in Journal of Environmental Health, a publication by the National Environmental Health Association, has the scientific and cleaning professions talking.

According to Julia Brody, Ph.D. and executive director of the Silent Spring Institute, women who regularly used air fresheners and certain cleaning products, such as mold and mildew removers, were twice as likely to have breast cancer as other healthy women. But the way the data was collected is suspect to some. Around 1,500 women were interviewed via phone, and of those, approximately half had been diagnosed with breast cancer. They were then asked about their household chemical and pesticide use over the previous year. However, fellow scientists claim that relying solely on the memories of subjects does not produce interpretable results. Environmental groups have long expressed concern over the link between cer-

tain medical conditions and the ingredients in household cleaners, and these researchers agree that chemicals such as phthalates and alkylphenolic surfactants can be toxic to our health.

Although more research is needed, all women should review the levels of potentially hazardous chemicals in the products they use, and consider reverting back to simpler, more natural products for cleaning (think baking soda and vinegar).

Caffeine And Acetaminophen

A Toxic Duo? ..

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Researchers from the University of Washington warned in an issue of Chemical Research in Toxicology that when our bodies synthesize high doses of caffeine and acetaminophen, liver damage can occur. This same type of liver toxicity has been well documented in relation to mixing alcohol with acetaminophen. What’s more, this combo not only occurs when taking the painkiller while drinking a caffeinated beverage, but also from ingesting large doses of painkillers that contain both caffeine and acetaminophen. These types of drugs are typically used to treat migraines, menstrual discomfort, and arthritis.

While some individuals may be more susceptible to this interaction than others, most people don’t need to worry about washing down a couple of Tylenol with a Pepsi. One possible exception is those who suffer from alcoholism and hepatitis. According to lead researcher Dr. Sid Nelson, “The bottom line is that you don’t have to stop taking acetaminophen or stop taking caffeine products, but you do need to monitor your intake more carefully when taking them together.”

Preferred provider for most insurances.

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9/17/10 3:43 PM

How Sweet It Is

Fruit Findings Are Delicious

Charlotte Women’s P Av i l i O n , P l l c Health care for life

A few of our favorite fruits have just joined the fight against breast cancer.

A recent study from Texas A&M University revealed that fruits, such as the Rich Lady peach and Black Splendor plum, were shown to kill even the most aggressive type of breast cancer cells while causing no damage to surrounding normal cells. The key is phenols. Particularly high in stone fruits, organic phenols are strong antioxidants that contribute to the taste, color, and aroma of certain foods.

Researchers are hopeful about the findings, and plans are to continue testing the potential preventive and/or therapeutic properties of this natural compound. For more information, visit myfruitmybody.com.

comprehensive care For All Of Your Obstetric & Gynecologic needs u Pregnancy & Delivery u Fibroid Tumors u Ovarian cysts u cryotherapy u lEEP & laser Treatment u Menopause & PostMenopause Management u infertility Assessment & Treatment u Gynecologic Surgery

Hablamos Espanol! now Accepting new Patients Fay Anikwue, Office Manager

Breast Cancer And Supplements

704.332.3308 u 704.332.3358 (Fax) u Open Mon-Fri 9-5 1928 Randolph Road, Suite 206 u Across from the Orthopedic Hospital

An Eye On Benefits Of Fish Oil Fish oil supplements may lower your risk of breast cancer by up to 32 percent, according to a newly published study from the researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The results of a six-year study of over 35,000 women and their use of nonvitamin, nonmineral specialty supplements were analyzed, and researchers found that of the 880 participants who developed breast cancer over that time, the ones who used fish oil supplements had a 32 percent reduced chance of developing invasive ductal breast cancer, the most common type of the disease.

Exactly how fish oil may affect breast cancer risk is not fully understood, but may be related to the strong anti-inflammatory properties

of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in much higher quantities in supplements than you would typically get from a daily diet.

Now that fish oil is believed to have benefits not only against cardiovascular disease but cancer as well, scientists are excited, albeit cautious, about its potential protective effect on our health. Study researcher and epidemiologist Emily White cautions that the evidence is not conclusive and does not recommend that women start taking fish oil supplements specifically to prevent breast cancer just yet. But stay tuned, because Harvard researchers are gearing up for a study to assess the impact of fish oil supplements and vitamin D on cancer, heart disease, and stroke. TCW O C T O B E R

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MeetOurAdvertisers

Top Tooth Technology University Dental Associates Offers Expertise And Care

By Courtney McLaughlin

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of Ambulatory Health Care has recognized the experience and education of UDA’s dentists.

One example is Dr. David Lesansky, a new addition to the UDA team. He joined the University office in June, after working in private practice for 10 years in southwest Florida. Wanting a change in weather, he now calls Charlotte home. He says he and his fellow dentists at UDA know learning the expectations of patients and having open communication is a key to success.

“The biggest thing is listening to what they have to tell me,” says Dr. Lesansky. “I find that if you take the time to talk with patients and listen, they are more open to what you have to say.”

The Florida native also enjoys learning about the latest technology, tools, and procedures in dentistry. With every new skill he learns, Dr. Lesansky says he and his colleagues can offer patients more treatment options, increased dental health, and better ways to a fantastic smile. “It’s one of the

photo by

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niversity Dental Associates of Charlotte has you and your good dental health surrounded! With 12 locations in North Carolina, the friendly dental experts at UDA are right around the corner, right where you live and work.

“We offer general dental services in all of our practices, including cosmetic dentistry (shaping and contouring, bonding, veneers, tooth whitening), restorative dentistry (fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges), as well as cleanings and treatment of gum and bone disease,” says Silvestre Gonzalez, director of operations for UDA. Additionally, UDA’s Raleigh office offers prosthodontics, periodontics, and implantology. In Winston Salem, patients can find experts in orthodontics, periodontics, implantology, and oral surgery. Periodontics and implantology services are available at the Charlotte office.

UDA is steeped in a tradition of academia and research. The practice evolved from Wake Forest University’s Department of Dentistry, and its dentists continue to teach and perform research. “Our patients have peace of mind, knowing that our dentists are up to date on the latest procedures that have been clinically proven and time tested,” says Gonzalez. He says dentistry has experienced a rapid evolution in the last 10 to 15 years, and UDA patients benefit from the latest practices and research.

“Our roots are in academia, and we feel that sets us apart from other dental practices,” he adds.

UDA currently has over 30 dentists, and each comes with years of real-world experience. “Our patients can rest assured that when they’re a patient at UDA, they’re in experienced hands,” he adds. “Most of our dentists have either practiced previously or have a post-graduate residency,” he says. In fact, the Accreditation Association

things that drew me to dentistry,” he says. “I love trying new procedures. I take a lot of continuing education classes and learn about the new techniques. Dentistry is not a dull field,” he says, laughing.

With all of the collective education of UDA’s staff, Gonzalez acknowledges the most important skill, when it comes to working with patients, is listening. “We know that everyone’s concerns are different and that there’s no cookie-cutter approach to making a perfect smile,” says Gonzalez.

“We take the time to get to know you and what your concerns are.” Only then do the dental experts at UDA create a customized plan that addresses each patient’s needs and desired outcome. TCW

ToLearnMore Visit udadentistry.com for information and office locations for University Dental Associates.

W o m a n

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Sat & Sun Noon - 3:00 pm Dinner Mon-Sun 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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Nikki Iacopetti

Doing A World Of Good

Future International Executive

By Michelle Young Hubacher • Photo BY JAMES BROWN

F

or many teens, an impending 16th birthday conjures dreams of a car or an MTVinspired bash. For Charlotte teenager Nikki Iacopetti, her birthday wish was a little different. “I asked to be tutored in Mandarin,” Nikki says, with a slight giggle. “It was what I really wanted.”

Already fluent in Spanish and Cantonese, Nikki, now 18 and a freshman at Harvard, continues her study of Mandarin today, calling it “the future language of business.” Her very wide view of the world comes naturally. “My father was born in Orange, Calif., and my mother was born and raised in Hong Kong,” she explains. “So I belong to both the Eastern and Western cultures.” She has lived in a handful of locales throughout her childhood — from Indonesia to Indiana — and travels regularly to China and California. Nikki continues to seek a path that spans the globe in terms of possibilities.

This past summer, after graduating second in her class of 643 at Myers Park High School, Nikki was one of six students chosen to travel to Rwanda as an ambassador to The Echo Foundation’s Echo Abroad: Footsteps in Rwanda program.

Once in the East African country, the students worked with over 1,000 elementary school children and inaugurated The Echo Children’s Library of Nkondo Primary School.

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Nikki, along with her fellow ambassadors, labeled and shelved 1,500 books that were collected in North Carolina and shipped to furnish the library.

“The experience was life changing, truly,” Nikki says of her two weeks in the tiny Rwandan village of Rwinkwavu. “What is amazing is the basic connection you can have with people, especially with children, halfway around the world — a connection without sharing the language.”

Walking to the school and library, the teens attracted followers. “We had a little parade behind us each day,” Nikki says.

“It’s that contact we had with the people of Rwanda that made the experience real, and feel impactful.”

The desire to have a positive impact on those around her and the world at large is what has motivated Nikki to consider a career in international business. In her first year as a Harvard student, she will be encouraged, she says, to explore various majors, not settling on one until she is further into her education.

In addition to studying languages, Nikki also continues to practice her mastery of the violin. “Violin will always be a piece of my heart,” she says. “The music is always there for you. Picking up the instrument feels the same even if you’ve been away from it for a while.”

And with an eye on world travel and a global future, “being away” is something with which Nikki feels quite at home. TCW

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4521 Sharon Road, Charlotte NC 28211 • 704.532.9041 or 888.400.4447 (Located across from SouthPark Mall) Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-7:00, Saturday 10:00-6:00 www.DiamondsDirectSouthpark.com Diamonds Direct Birmingham | Mountain Brook, AL | 205-201-7400 • Diamonds Direct Crabtree | Raleigh, NC | 919-571-2881 DiamondsDirectBC1010.indd 76

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